emmy

I have the Babylock Quest Plus with the built in dual feed (like Pfaff), great lighting and a 9" harp. I have a few other machines including a Viking SE with a walking foot. I much prefer dual feed over a walking foot. I'm a new quilter and I never get a pucker. I would buy it again. It came with numerous feet & a set of quilting feet, so there was no added expence.

MimiBug123

I am just hooked on Janomes. I also have an old Kenmore that was made by Janome and the stitch quality on it is phenomenal!

Wine Woman

There have been other threads started with the same question. A lot of good replys. Try searching the topic and read what the others have posted. I'm with Dunster on what people would say.

I think the best thing to do is go and test drive. You will definitely see which one you will take a liking too! I personally like my Bernina and Featherweight.

rush88888

you need to try some out at the sewing machine store. there are also so many just on the shelves of some stores that you can't try out before you take it home. decide what you want to spend and go from there.

vickig626

This is one item I wish Babylock would make. I've checked with them a few times over the years and still no plan to make them. Don't see why not -- quilters would love this optional plate.

captlynhall

I machine piece, and have a Brother Runway model that I bought on sale at my local quilt shop. Think I paid less than $400 for it. For what I do it sews like a dream. It is light weight to carry to quilting classes and easy to put up and away when it isn't being used. It does have a bunch of fancy stitches which seems like fun when you buy, but I think most people never use more than one or two of them, if that. I am not an accomplished sewer, a straight stitch is about all I can do, so it works for me.

Suze9395

I own several machines, basic to high-tech, my Juki TL-98E is my go to piecing machine. It's a straight stitch only work horse that just keeps going.

romanojg

Asking this question is like asking what is the best thread to use or the prettiest quilt; it depends on the person giving the answer. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and so is the opinions of us with our machines. You have to find out what works for you. go to shops and try out the ones you've ben thinking about and can afford. Make sure you get good support from store if it's a high end machine. Check if classes are offered, if needed. Decide what YOU like for you. Some like a machine because they've had good luck with it; some don't like a machine because they didn't have good luck or heard bad things about it. Decide for your self. .

I love my Viking Ruby, I also love my Kenmore/Janome bought for a couple of hundred $'s from Sears and I have a couple of other Vikings that I will stand behind. This is what works for me.

txstitcher

I bought a used Janome 6500 from the local sewing dealer a few years ago. I just love this machine. It just purrs.

fmacashley

...and I am a Janome lover for past 12 years. I have a great dealer with great service, repair or whatever my needs may be and I think that is very important.