I would like to buy a new sewing machine. I want something that's not too complicated as far as the computer aspect goes. I also would like to be more successful with free-motion quilting. Maybe a Bernina Stitch Regulator or the equivalent would be good. Plenty of space for larger quilts (to the right of the needle) would be nice, too. What do you recommend and why? Thanks everybody!!!!

I love my 20 year old Bernina and would buy another one if this one ever gave up the ghost.

I own two Bernina's - the newest one has the stitch regulator, and I love it! I do most of my own quilting on smaller items, but still send out my larger quilts (bed size). If I could afford one, I would buy the newest Bernina with the larger "arm" and all the new features, but I am really satisfied with my 440.

jerimac

What is the estimated cost of the Bernina 440?

I am a Janome girl..lol
I think we are mostly brand loyal here..
Janome 6600, 9" harp

I've had mine for several years, but think it ran about $2,000. Their newest one with all the bells and whistles runs mega-thousands, so if you can find a 440 you might be better off. Perhaps someone has traded in their 440 for the new one - check with your Bernina dealer.

jerimac

i thought the 440 was more around $2500.00
and i was told, but don't know for sure, that Bernia dealers won't take in used bernias for trade in? Are the extras like feet and other options costly?
i will have to ask my quilter pal about her bernia, although i am not sure which model she has..

I bought a bernina 440 about a year ago and it cost $3,100.
I really like it. I bought it to get the stitch regulator. I just couldn't seem to fm well with my elna.It doesn't have the embrobiery module. It would have been another 300 and I didn't think I wanted it.

If I would buy a new machine, I would check out the Janome 6600. Hear nothing but good things about it.

I was a die-hard Janome gal until I took a class last year where a LQS provided Bernina 440 machines. We did FMQ in class. Oh my goodness, what beautiful stitches Bernina does! I checked with the store after class to see if they offer used machines at a discount and they did, but only $200 off their price of $3,300. This was in Burlington, VT.

I LOVE my Janome Memory Craft 9000 sewing machine for everything but FMQ. I get loops on the back on that machine. I know sometimes loops are user error or the tension needing adjusting, but I didn't have to adjust a single thing on the Bernina machine and the stitches were beautiful.

Check out Rachelcb80's thread. She did great research on machines and there are 5 pages of comments on machines. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-33831-1.htm

Good luck on your search!