I have been looking for a new sewing machine does anyone have this singer and do you like it ? pros and cons ? Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Quilter Sewing Machine the reviews look good

Do a search here using the search feature above. There have probably been threads about it.

Just remember that the quality of the Singer machines is not the same as it used to be. If I were buying a new machine, I would certainly compare to other brands on the market and check out their reviews and prices.

Saw a pretty good review at Pattern Review.

A lot of those so called "review" sites are really advertorials. If anyone knows of a "real" review site, please let me know!

Check out the reviews on Amazon. I have found the negative reviews often provide the best information. Here is a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Singer-9960-Qu...owViewpoints=1

I personally would not buy a Singer because its reputation for current machines is pretty bad. Also, in just skimming the top negative review of this particular machine, the fact that it struggles with layers of denim indicates to me the motor is not strong. Also, I would never in a million years use 600 stitches! For me, reliability and stamina would be worth 400 stitches or so.

From what I have read, Sears Kenmore machines (which are made by Janome) deliver the greatest bang for the buck. Janome has a good reputation too.

Go for Kenmore!

Totally agree, unfortunately Singer has not got it right with their modern machines, shame but.......... Would definitely look at other makes, like Bernina and Janome IMO

I just switched from my Kenmore machine that was a year old, it was one that is supposed to be used for quilting. The reason is it will not go through layers very well, its fine for just straight stitching but not going over seams. I ruined so much fabric that I just gave up. I'd wait to go into my class at the LQS where I could sew on the Bernina. I bought it because it was cheap but then comes the saying "you get what you pay for".

Wow! That's disappointing to hear! What model was it? Was it a Kenmore made by Janome?

Its a Kenmore Model 350 don't know if that helps don't think its part of the Janome name.

I love my Viking

:( I'm sorry to hear the Kenmore let you down. I bought one for my daughter 10 years ago and it still sews well. Think about a Brother - they are reasonable and you can get one at Wal-Mart.

My Kenmore 19606 is a computerized machine, made by Janome and I wouldn't give it up for anything. It even has a lifter feature to get exceptionally thick layers under the foot. I have had it for about 8 yrs. now and wouldn't part with it.

The best place to get a review that is honest is PatternReview.com, they are all put there by the members of that group. Although I do not own a Singer I sure hate to hear folks cutting Singer down. And yes probably their quality is not like it was 30years go, but... you never know unless you try.

I have a Kenmore / Janome 19233 that I love. I bought it off Craigs list about 5mos ago. It is a fantastic machine. In fact I am buying a new Babylock, well a floor model, and I am still wondering about keeping my Kenmore. I wanted a machine with a bigger harp opening, is the only reason I am replacing it.

Also alot of good machines are being traded in at the moment because of the newer machines that just came out. You might check your local dealer for a good used one. There are also some good buys on floor models.

I currently use the Singer9940. It is serving me well. I don't like making buttonholes with it but I used it to FMQ a king sized t shirt quilt without problems. Singers are a bit persnickety . as long as you read the manual and keep it clean it should be fine. I am so very tired of the Singer bashing. It has taken on urban legend proportions.

Singer truly has gone by wayside. Too bad. I have the last machine they made with metal gears - Singer Touch n' Sew. Someone told me never to get rid of it and I haven't. I don't use it much because at the moment my foot pedal is missing. DD has it packed away somewhere because she's moving and she had been storing it for me. I currently use an Elna Quilter's Pro which I love. Unfortunately, they are out of business.

My hubby fixes sewing machines and he says Singers are throw aways. Pfaff is a pretty good product, while Bernina is good, but high dollar for the machine and the accessories and parts.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd go vintage! ALL metal gears, and built to last. JMOHO. :)

Wouldn't buy any Singer dated after 1965. Our local repair man says they aren't worth the powder it takes to blow them up.
Ann in TN

I have a Singer Stylist II and I think it is amazing, for garment sewing, but I haven't had alot of luck piecing with it. It jumps on the seams . I haven't been able to FMQ with it either. I bought a Janome 8070 a couple of years ago and it does the job just fine. It didn't cost as much as my stylist but it can FMQ like a dream.

Do you have a control that would let you put more pressure on the needle bar for thicker fabrics? Most machines have a pressure control for thick or thin fabrics. If your Kenmore isn't feeding the fabrics it may need more pressure applied. Hope this makes sense.

Good Luck

Suzy

I bought the singer confidence quilter last year and I love it. Have had no problems. Use it to fmq on a large queen quilt and it worked great.

I recently purchased the Husquevera Viking Saphire 875, quilters edition and I love it. When you stop stitching the presser foot raises slightly, and with needle down this is just the most fantastic time saver...it also has the thread cutter. I am afraid I could not go back to the conventional machine now, I have become spoiled! I think they are having a special on that machine right now and throwing in a quilt package, which I did not get with mine. It does not have the knee lift, but with the presser foot feature, you don't miss that. That always got in my way, anyway. Good luck on your quest!
Michelle

I hate my newer Singer. The thing is a piece of crap that DH (bless his heart, he thought he was doing something great by getting it for me as a surprise) paid over $300 for.

I have 3 Brother machines and I love them .. one is an embroidery machine and all 3 are worth their weight in gold as far as I am concerned. I had a kenmore that gave out 6 years ago that was 25 years old, and that is when I started buying Brother machines. I have the original one from 6 years ago that I use for sewing heavy garments and then I have my electronic one I bought 4 years ago, that I use for sewing and quilting and then my Embroidery machine that I received at Christmas last year!
I loved my Kenmore as it made more clothes and quilts than I can remember ! I looked for another like it (paid 99.00 for it and that was expensive back then and it was on sale!)
but they don't make that style anymore I was told. So that is when I went to a sewing machine store and they told me to buy a good brand:Brother, Janome, White, Pfaff. So I did !LOL

I have a Singer Quantum XL1000 sewing/embroidery machine. Have had it about 10 yrs. and never a problem. In fact I have had several Singer machines over the years and have yet to have a problem with any of them. Keep them clean and treat them right and they will serve you well.

I have a Singer Perfect Finish that I bought in March...I just can't say enough great things about it! I absolutely love, love, love the built in stitch regulator! It took me from being an average FMQ-er to a confident, ready to go quilter! I love the speed adjustment and that I don't need to use the foot pedal! I have never taken my pedal out of the wrapper it came in...it was a lot easier to get used to than I thought..and I don't have any back or neck pain anymore..the "auto pilot" allows me to sit at a much more comfortable, natural position!
And...I had a great experience with their customer service tech line...I had been quilting for hours the night before and everything was fine..I shut the machine off as usual...when I went to quilt the next day, I turned the machine on, and the needle just vibrated and it made a horrible noise! I was heartbroken...none of my buttons did anything and turning it off and on didn't help...I thought I had fried my computer...so I called...reluctantly...expecting the worst,but I got a very nice (English as a first language) lady...I held the phone to the machine so she could hear it...she told me to unscrew my FMQ foot, re-attach, rotate my handwheel till the needle was high, and turn the machine on again...and it was fixed! It has only done that once...user error...I shut the machine off with the needle in it's lowest position...so...like anything else, I guess it has it's quirks, but it has not dampened my love for this machine!
I have seen a brother machine at Walmart for just over a hundred dollars with the built in stitch regulator, too...and Singer has a cheaper model, but I don't know anything about them.
Good luck...and Happy quilting whatever machine you get!

I have found that doing a search for consumer review sites is helpful when I am considering a purchase. They generally give you both sides ( have & love) and give some pretty good reasons and stuff to think about. I just typed sewing machine consumer review in my google and came up with the ones I usually use. Good luck.

I love my Vikings also. They are older models and made in Sweden. I would not buy a Viking made in China. I think the quality has suffered alot since they started making them there. I will probably always buy used anyway so it shouldn't be hard to find a Swedish model!

I would buy the Pfaff that was for sale on this site a few days ago.

I have a Pfaff 2140 updated to a 2170 for sale if anyone is interested. Just PM me! I have 2 Pfaffs and they are both excellent machines, but I switched to a Baby Lock Ellisimo and I just love it! Just selling my Pfaff 2140 and keeping the 1475!

My sewing machine mechanic highly recommends JANOME!! Says the company stands by their reputation! Wouldn't touch Singer with a bargepole and Berninas trade on their Swiss reputation but they are all made in Taiwan!! I have Husqvarna 870 and he's not too impressed with that!!! However I have just bought a Singer Featherweight 1956 and he has fallen in love with that!!!! Says I got the bargain of the Century!!! Hope this helps!!!

For the price I would give it a go especially with that sale!!! Bought the Quilter friendly EQ (machine #3 and all Singers) and wish I had saved the money for something bigger vbecause it has not many more stitches than the last one I bought. Good luck but the PRICE IS RIGHT!!!!!

It really depends on what you want to do with it. I have a new Singer I bought HSN. I love it for binding & strip piecing. I also have old dressmaker that piece on.

Sent you a PM. I have one....:-)

Sigh...more misinformation being passed on about Bernina. LOL.

Bernettes and lower-end Berninas are made in Asia, but higher-end Berninas (above the Aurora line) are still made in Switzerland.

Berninas made in Switzerland will have a "Made in Switzerland" logo on the machine.

Yes and Taiwan is not Thailand. Quite different countries the last time I looked!

I wouldn't own anything but a Bernina and I actually bought a new one yesterday. The 440's are on sale right now and you can not beat that price for any other machine. Check it out before you buy a machine.

I just bought that machine a few months ago and I really like it. Have not tried all of the stiching, but nice machine.