Originally Posted by retired2pa

Now that I have more quilting experience (15 years) the first thing I look for in a machine, old or new, is the throat size, too. Like so many machines, a 5" or 6" isn't nearly big enough for quilting. Who designs these machines, anyway?? Although I don't quilt my own large quilts I still like lots of room to maneuver a piece through without having to shove or tug. Last year I bought a Brother 1500 and love it. It has a 9 1/2" throat and a perfect 1/4" stitch.