ILoveToQuilt

I'm looking to possibly upgrade. I currently have a Janome "Heart" machine (like a Gem?). I am finding that the area from the right side of the needle to the right "arm" of the machine is too small (a bit shy of 5"). [Does this make any sense?]

I am currently looking at: Brother PQ1500SL or Juki TL2000Qi. Both have areas from needle to the right side of machine of 9" and come with an extension table. Both are in the $600-700 range (which is my absolute maximum to spend). I have not seen these machines in person yet, only on the computer.

Does anyone own these machines? What can you tell me about them? Are there other machines that I may want to consider?

Thanks in advance!

sandy l

I have the Brother PQ1500SL, have had it for almost 10 years, and have never had problem with it, a great machine.

Onebyone

I have the Brother 1500. I have been very happy with it. I do all my machine quilting on this machine.

Patricia Drew

They're both great machines. Lots of quilters here on the Board use them. I have the Juki TL2010Q. Got it 5 years ago. I've done a lot of quilts on it. Never a problem.

maudeflanagan

I have a Juki TL-2200 QVP mini. It's the latest in the TL series, and I love it. It's a workhorse and I wouldn't trade it for any other machine. One difference between mine and the 2000 is the pre-tensioner which I'm not sure if it's a deal breaker between the 2000 and the 2010/2200. I think it's pretty unanimous that people who own a machine from this line absolutely love it. I can't recall anyone saying bad things about them. I picked up my machine used on eBay for $600+shipping. There were some feet that were missing and it had only been used for about 3 months.

I don't have experience with the Brother machine, but I think it's loved as well. The major difference besides price is the Brother doesn't have a speed adjustment. Everything is done with the foot pedal. The Juki has a speed slider and I can set it to low and no matter how much I press the pedal, it will only go slow. To me, this was an important feature. The Juki extension table is also larger.

You may want to look into these machines used as well. I feel like any of the Juki TL or Brother 1500 series will suit what you need.

TheMerkleFamily

I think in the $600-$700 price range you can't beat the Juki (or Brother) for an excellent straight-stitch only machine with a generous throat space that will FMQ beautifully! As already mentioned, I haven't heard a negative comment on either of these machines as they seem to perform wonderfully.

I suggest you test drive both to see how they feel to you but I can't imagine you'll be disappointed with either. Before I bought my Juki I had played around on both and they are very, very similar but the Juki is the one that followed me home. Primarily, because I decided to pay a bit more for the TL2200QVP mini that came with several add'l feet.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

SusieQOH

Anita, I don't know about the Juki TLQi but I have the TL2010Q and it's a great machine. My FMQ has improved a lot since I bought it I paid 874.00 for mine.

ILoveToQuilt

Thanks! Sounds like I will now need to test drive both machines. Not purchasing just yet (unless there is a super, duper fabulous $$$$$ off deal) as this is a large purchase and I still need to save up some more pennies. I am researching now and hope to own a new machine by July or so.

Thanks again!

CurliQ

I have the Baby Lock Jane. It has a very big throat space. It's only straight stitch. I have quilted full to almost queen on it with no problem.

rryder

The Baby Lock Jane is the same as the Brother PQ1500s. They are excellent machines and can be found used for $350 to $500.

Rob