trennag

I dont know anything about that Brother machine but I used a Brother SQ9000 for years. I made several quilts and lots of other projects and never had a problem. I still have it and use it as a back up when my other machine is in the shop.

meldmac

I got a brother sq9050 for my birthday about a month ago and really love it, it's very user friendly. It does have a small harp though but think it would be ok for smaller quits.

tate_elliott

I think this question has been overlooked. Teresa, most people start machine quilting by using either stitch in the ditch (SITD) or straight line crosshatching. To be clear, SITD means to stitch along the blocks' seams in your quilt. Crosshatching is going diagonally in straight lines across your quilt. To quilt intricate designs with a machine, you will need to learn free motion quilting (FMQ).

If you're sewing full-sized quilts, you'll need a machine with a decent sized throat or harp. For STID and crosshatching, you'll want a walking foot. For FMQ, you'll need a hopping or darning foot.

I've never FMQed. Even though I mainly crosshatch, there are variations you can quilt with a walking foot. I've recently finished my first all-curves quilting with a walking foot and I'm very happy with it. It's very gentle curves, but hey, you walk before you run.

Tate

sewgull

I quilt with my Pfaff 7570 and 2140 No problems with either.

nananurse

I would go to a local sewing center and test drive what they have then see if you can find the one you like online. I did that and got my Brother a hundred dollars cheaper online than in the store.

sept97

I have a janome 6260. The feed dogs drop and I use the darning foot so I can machine quilt. It works like a dream.

quilterlaurie

Personally I would buy from a dealer. I sold Vikings for awhile and the best deal is to talk to someone who really knows the different machine models in your brand of choice. These people can guide you to the machine that best fits your needs. Classes on your machine are free also and if you have any problems they can be taken care of locally.

just my thoughts---good luck

SandySews

If you have a Sewing Machine dealer in your area I would suggest going and taking the time to test drive different models. See what you like about different machines and ask about their service department. I have Bernina machines and love them, but you will have to see what fits your needs and what you are comfortable with. Good Luck..

homebody323

For simple piecing, my recomendation is to go to a dealer and look at their used trade ins for something like a phaff, elna, I have an elna I bought before my second child was born - she is 42 and it is my favorite machine for piecing.
The electronic ones take an extra stitch when you try to get them to stop. I don't like that. I have 3 other machines. That are newer. Take the machines for a test drive. If you can get a good satin stitch and good straight stitch you got it made. I also have a Viking 1100 that I use for sewing leather. A D-1 for embroidery work and everyday stuff but my best piecing machine is the elna. A good used machine is better than a plastic new machine, in my opinion.

JoyceRowell

the machine I use came from Walmart and I love it. It sews really nice and it is light weight so if you go to a class there is no struggle to take it along. Brother 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Alphabet Font-SQ9050.
I have used this machine for 2 years now and have never even skipped a stitch with it.