ccthomas

I'm researching a new quilting | sewing machine that Santa can get me for Christmas. I located this site with a reader's survey on "best quilting machine based on various features." (not sure if this site is a disguised dealer) -- Scroll down for the survey

http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...-quilting.html

(While here, look at the left frame for the various quilting topics--good list)

SunlitenSmiles

Bernina if you are buying a new, today machine

love FM quilting on my Singer 301A from the 1950's

ccthomas

Thanks, I have never used either one. I am interested in a new machine at this point. I saw on the survey that the Bernina had the most percent. I was surprised how low the BabyLock was with Nancy, Fons and Porter using that one.

Big decision.

Do you like the 301A better than a featherweight? I haven't used one of those either.

Treasureit

I have an older Viking SE - that works fine, but I don't think I would buy a new one - checked new ones out and they were not as nice. From all the threads I have read here - Janome and Babylock seem to be highly rated.

Candace

You are going to get everyone's current choice of machine and like shoes, people have different preferences. I currently have about 15 machines and there's no "best" quilting machine. Do you want one for piecing or machine quilting? Stitch regulator? Price? You can get a cheapie or a quality machine and of course there will be some major differences in the machines. You really need to get yourself to a dealer and start your research on which brand and model suits you best. Good luck.

QuiltnLady1

There have been several threads about favorite machines and all of us have our favorites. I noticed that most of folks in the survey indicated it is an embroidery -- I have a separate embroidery machine.

I have a Janome 7700 for quilting -- it has a large harp (the area under the arm), great lighting and accufeed. It hits the most important items in the list and is very quiet.

azwendyg

When my daughter recently bought a machine for quilting, she traded in her Bernina for a Janome 6600P and she's happy as can be! It has lots of fancy stitches, can do lettering for labels and has a built in even-feed foot.

Pat Fox

If you google Quilter's review you will get to Sharon Darling's site. She has articles about sewing machines and quilting products and books that she has reviewed. I found her opinions to be unbiased just giving pros and cons and leaving the decision to you and the type of sewing that you do. Actually if you go to this page you get right to the list of sewing machines that she has checked out. Hope that this might be helpful information. pat

http://lovestoquilt.com/welcome.asp

Jackie Spencer

I have a Bernina, the reason I chose it was the BSR foot. Stitch Regulater. I dont care how fast or slow you go your stitches are always the same. I love it!!

nanbue

I have recently bought new machines. So I have tested lots of them.
I ended up with a Bernina 635EL and I am really happy with it. I got the BSR and the Embroidery module. If you do a
lot of FMQuilting the BSR is something to really consider. Though I can do it without, it makes it easier and more relaxing for me, because It helps me get more even results.
My machine is imo pretty, especially since I put my own skin on it. Fun. It is great for any kind of sewing.
I also loved the new 580 when I tried it out, and thought about trading in the 635 for it. Then I decided to wait and see what Bernina replaces their 730 model with next year.( another great machine is the 730) I like having the 9mm
stitches for certain things. I tried the 820, never the 830E. The 820 for me was too big, to much machine for me.
But if you want a huge harp space. then it is worth a look as is the Brother Duetta, and higher models. The new
Janome 7700 looks great, though I have never tried it out.

I also have a Pfaff Ex. 4.0 that ans. all my other needs. Like the auto pivot feature, for applique, the 9mm decorative
decorative stitches, larger harp space, auto knee lift, and auto thread cutters.
This machine is finicky. I have to warn you and sometimes wish I had not purchased it.

From all the machines I tested before making a decision.
(and it was not easy to decide, because there are lots of nice machines out there.)
In the Bernina line, I found the 215 nice for travel, but there are better, in my humble opinion, all around machines in the 600 to 1000 range.
in that there are a few more features that I think are really great to have. Like a knee lift.
I thought the Baby lock Elizabeth was my favorite under 1000 hands down. And at some point I hope to purchase this
machine for a traveler. It is smooth, fairly quiet, has a lot going for it, with a nice large snap in table, knee lift, and
thread cutters, which I love for thread drawing.
I also like the Pfaff Ambitions they are not finicky like the Expression 4.0 that I have.
All of the Berninas above 380 would make a wonderful machine for quilting or any other types of sewing.
The draw back if like to make larger works, is the harp space. (why I dont favor the 300 series for quilting, is no bsr capability) snap feet rather then the full sized Bernina feet that I really like) There other machines that have very good stitch quality and give you more features in that price range.
I also liked the Baby lock Symphony. I think that is a wonderful machine, and often wish I had gone for it rather then the Pfaff. But I personally liked the look of the Pfaff, and its Intergraded Duel Feed.
Plus it has a two year warranty and I like my dealer a lot.
That counts for something.
I liked the Viking Sapphire 875 very much too.
I dont know anything about Janome, except people who have them like them a lot and they are quiet.
A BIG Plus.
I found the Bernina 580 very quiet, had a beautiful stitch and lots of great features, but if you dont want embroidery you are out of luck because that is how it is packaged. I am waiting to see what they come out with to replace their 730 next year.
The 550QE is a great machine too, and comes with the BSR and Walking foot.
These machines all go over 2000 and some way over 2000.

There are also the discontinued Berninas, that you can find at very good prices the 430 and 440. If you are into embroidery I like the fact that you dont have to link your computer to the new 500's like you do with the older 430/40

Used machines, are also a great option.
Favored for me are the Bernina, computerized 1230 and 1260 or Pfaffs made in Germany.
Mechanicals the 930 (should be super smooth and quiet, this machine stitches much slower then new machines.)
1020, and 1030. All these have the auto basting feature, wonderful to have. are very smooth machines with all the
most important stitches.

Dont know much about Elna, or Janome, or Brothers, and Juki.
Best thing is bring lots of difficult fabrics and test out what ever you are interested in. Have fun and enjoy the process.
Machines for me are about performance, then looks, sounds and feel.
I think a lot of machines are wonderful for their own reasons. I do favor bernina, as I think they are the gold standard in stitch quality, machine quality and precision.