Need reviews on the Handi Quilter with the BSR
 

I do free motion on very large quilts with my domestic machines. The Handi Quilter with the 16 inch throat caught my eye and I understand it has an additional option of a BSR. Has anyone used this machine? Would appreciate your feedback. Cost with the BSR will be around $5500 which, although less than a long arm, is still a little costly and I wonder if it is worth the expense. Thanks for your input.

I don't have the HQ16 but I do have the HQ Avante 18 and I love it - for me it was totally worth it - It's nice to take your time and do your own quilts on your own time - and it doesn't tie up my sewing machine. I love mine and use the stitch regulator all the time.

It doesn't have a BSR, only Bernina has that. It may have a stitch regulator.

If you think you want to do frame quilting instead of sit-down, consider a Voyager/Hinty setup which is around $4,000 from http://www.hinterberg.com . I love being able to move the machine so for me this is a better use of money. Of course, you do need space to leave the frame up.

I think you mean tru stitch regulator, BSR is for berninas only. Have you tried yahoo groups for handiquilter. I am sure they would have a lot of information

Perhaps you are talking about the Sweet 16 by HandiQuilter?
This is the sit down model, and not one you operate on a frame.

I have test driven the machine a few times and have been quite impressed.
Honestly, I did not like their stitch regulator ... it is bulky and awkward.
Plus the noise of it was off-turning.
I felt I was getting as good of results with out the stitch regulator ... perhaps even better.

You can buy the machine without the stitch regulator ... and if you want it later, just purchase it then.

If you use the search function, you will find many previous threads here on teh QB about the machine.

I have a plain old HQ16, no bells and whistles. Started as a sit down and eventually wound up on a frame. I bought the whole kit and kaboodle used. I use the frame with a pcquilter. I have had no problems with the set up, unless you count operator (me) error! I'm very satisafied with it.

My husband just bought a new HandiQuilter Avante' 18 w/10ft frame for me from our dealer. We paid $7599. They are local, came and set it up, showed me how to use it and provided an individual class on it for me. I am over the moon..... did I die and go to heaven and I still don't know I'm missing?

Thanks, everyone ! I'm still in the "thinking" stage. I'll end up with something but just not sure "what" yet. Again, thanks for your comments.

I bought my Sweet Sixteen in March and really like it. I wanted the additional harp space but not the frame so it works well for me. I did not purchase a Tru Stitch (the HQ Stitch Regulator). Since you are already free-motion quilting on a domestic machine, I assume without a stitch regulator, I don't know that you would need the Tru Stitch. To me it is training wheels - and I didn't want to spend $1,000 on something I would outgrow - I would rather learn to coordinate moving the quilt and quilting speed from the start.

Cheers, K