Hi everyone,

I am fairly new to quilting and recently bought a kit to do an applique quilt. I'm excited to get started but have discovered that my current machine doesn't have the correct stitch for applique. So - I'll be needing a new machine and I'm wondering what I should buy. I don't want to spend too much in case I don't stick with it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Maureen,
Ontario, Canada

You might stop by your local sewing machine store and test drive what is in your price range. There are so many available. I good used machine may be the way to go. Welcome to the quilting board from Louisiana:)

You only need a simple zig zag stitch to applique. Set the stitch length very short and it will be fine. Unless you are pretty committed to sewing, buying even a cheap machine can be a waste of money.

Welcome from a fellow Canuck! No one can tell you what machine is best for you. It's best to go and test drive a few and find what you like. What dealers are near you? Most machine dealers will have some used machines that people have traded in for newer models, and they're often a great deal.

Decide how much you can afford to spend and look for something in that price range. If you buy the cheapest new machine you can find, it's not going to be enough machine if you get hooked on quilting and end up making a lot of quilts.

Good luck in your search!

Thats good advice to consider a good used machie rather than a cheap new one.

Someone is advertising a used one locally. It's a Janome Excell II 5024.

Good idea to buy used at the stores too - I hadn't thought of that. Thanks everyone for the quick replies!

Janome make excellent machines. Here's a website that might help you. There are reviews of all makes of machines. You might have to join the site to read the older reviews, but it's free.

http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Reviews

I agree, if you machine does a simple zig zag then you don't need a new machine. If you are looking for a more economical machine I do recommend overstock.com. Got my brother xl-3500 from there and it works great. If it doesn't work they are good about sending you another one when you get it. If you want something higher end, it is best to go test drive at your dealership. I recommend the brothers and babylocks, just love them

Hi and welcome to the board from Iowa. I have an older straight stitch with a couple of zig zags and it works well for what I current do.

Welcome waving from central Indiana, USA

have fun looking for another sewing machine and test drive them

Welcome to the board from Southern California!