Machine Suggestions
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 1
Machine Suggestions
I've only been quilting about six months. I own a Brother Digital Sewing Machine with Sew Steady Quilting Table, Kenmore Serger, and Janome Cover Stitch Machine. I'm looking to purchase a machine with larger throat space for quilting. I've looked at Brother 1500 and Juki 2000. I'd appreciate suggestions from experienced quilters as features to consider in a new machine to be used mostly for quilting and features that you feel are must haves. So far I've only done a little free motion quilting as I can't seem to get consistent stitch length. Thoughts on using a stitch regulator? Thanks so much!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Wis
Posts: 5,928
I like my stitch regulator. Before I had it, my stitches were ok but once in a while they’d go big or teeny weeny. I don’t think I’d like a machine that didn’t have the knee lift or the needleup/down. A larger throat space is so much nicer for FMQ. I have only Berninas which are pricey. There are cheaper options I’m sure.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Va.
Posts: 5,753
I have a Brother PQ1500 that I used for several years as my main quilter before I got the HQSweet16. The PQ1500 is a straight stitch only machine. I still use it for piecing as it gives me an excellent scant quarter inch seam using the quarter inch foot that comes with it. It was a great FMQ machine as well. No stitch regulator, but if you practice enough, you'll probably find you don't need one. The only stitch regulators that I've tried for sit down machines and domestics are the ones that are available on Bernina domestics, Bernina sit down long arm and the Innova sit down long arm. I didn't like any of those- just didn't notice that they made much difference in the quality of my stitches.
Rob
Rob
Rob
Rob
#7
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,489
Couldn't do without my knee-lifter, needle up/down, thread cutter, and the ability to move the needle to adjust the seam allowances. I use Brother sewing/embroidery machines and have quilted a QS before purchasing my Tin Lizzie, the only machine I have with a specific stitch regulator. That was a bit cramped when quilting the centre but it got done.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,414
Hi and welcome from North Carolina! Sorry I can't help you with making your choice of machine. I had terrible luck with the fancy ones and am back to a standard mechanical Singer and loving it. You've come to the right place because others here know about all kinds of fancy stuff.
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