I need advice on new sewing machine
#1
Hi, I am looking to buy a new sewing machine that does straight sewing, free motion quilting, and decorative stitches. I now have an older Vicking, that is OK for the straight sewing and a Brother that is always breaking down. I am hoping to find an nice reliable workhorse to the straight sewing, free motion quilting and decorative stitches (as many as possible). I am not looking for embroidery.
My problem is I can not afford an expensive machine, so I am asking for all your adivice on what to look for. Please tell me what I should look for.
Thanks, in advance,
Kate01
My problem is I can not afford an expensive machine, so I am asking for all your adivice on what to look for. Please tell me what I should look for.
Thanks, in advance,
Kate01
#2
Are you willing to buy a used machine? I purchased a used Janome 6500 for $500 and it was fantastic. I then upgraded to a Janome 6600 and went for a used machine again for $300 more. If you have a number of dealers around you, you may want to stop in and see what they've got in a used machine with a warranty. It can be a great way to get a quality machine that you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 375
Janome 6600. Lots of people love these, and I think they're pretty reasonable right now from what I've read on this board. I have the Elna 7300 Pro Quilting Queen, which is very similar, and I love her! She has over 100 decorative stitches, plus Accufeed, which is a wonderful feature. Plus all the quilter must-haves: needle up/down, thread cutter, etc, etc.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
if your viking is ok for straight stitching -why is it not ok for your free motion quilting? really that is all you need to free motion quilt is a machine that has a nice-even straight stitch-
no machine will just do it for you- you have to practice- and learn how=
many (big-name, famous) quilters use a regular domestic sewing machine to do all of their quilting.
no machine will just do it for you- you have to practice- and learn how=
many (big-name, famous) quilters use a regular domestic sewing machine to do all of their quilting.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 2,671
What's your budget? I'm a Bernina convert, but I know many find them too expensive. Janome seems to have a lot of features for the price, and a reputation for quality. That said, my Baby Lock Quest Plus is a quilter's dream: perfect straight feed, easy to acheive perfect 1/4", hundreds of gorgeous stitches, large extension table included, comes with 15 feet and the straight stitch plate, thread stand with antenna for two cones. It's been replaced by the Serenade, so the most recent price I've seen is $999, but you could haggle :).
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