mercer63

I learned FMQ on my Janome and found that if I used good quality thread it made all the difference. I had bought a Guttemann for the class and it didn't work well at all but when I changed and used a Mettler it worked splendidly!

purplefiend

Ashley,
Try a vintage machine that doesn't have a drop-in type bobbin, for me FMQ works better on a machine that has a class 15 type bobbin case. Its either in front or on the side of the machine. $100 for a new machine won't be a very good machine, I sell new machines; you need to spend at least $300-500 for a decent machine. A Singer 15-91 is awesome for machine quilting.

Eyelets

I have an old Pfaff 1222E, a recent ELna 2100 (bottom line) and an inexpensive Janome 8050 from Hancock's. All of these machines will do nice FMQ if you work with the tension - correcting a bit at a time - and if you use good thread. You can't really use the heavier cottons in the bobbin on any of these machines except the Pfaff - it will take even the heavier C&C variegated cottons. I use Masterpiece in the bobbin and King Tut or C&C on top on my Janome 8050 and got the tension to work very very well indeed. Use a topstitch needle - I love size 14, but some use 12, and then if you buy the Janome low tension bobbin case, it is even easier to regulate tension to a lower number on top. I do think almost any machine can do FM with some work and the right combo of threads. I've done lots of small projects between these several machines over a couple of decades before I decided to actually do a whole quilt.

AshleyR

Mm, ok, everyone has talked me out of it. I need to fix my sick machines and get back to quilting. I don't want to fudge with my Janome too much. I have 2 vintage machines in addition to my 2 main ones. I don't like the Singer at all, and the Necchi is locked up. I haven't figured out why, but I haven't spent a lot of time with her either. I think I'd like her, because she's a little bigger, and she takes the same feet I already have. Singer doesn't. The Janome is the only one I have with a drop in bobbin, which is another reason I like to keep her around for sewing, instead of quilting

Thanks all!

newbiequilter

Do you have the option of renting time on a long arm? Perhaps a LQS would have that available. Is there a quilting buddy who can loan you a machine to finish your projects?

jkwynn

I have this one (Brother cs6000i) and use it for FMQ with no problems. It gets great reviews on amazon if you want to read over them, and comes with all the right feet/attachments, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Afford.../dp/B000JQM1DE

Edit: Sorry, just saw that you had changed your mind. Disregard my post, lol.

AshleyR

That's ok! It's out of my budget anyway!

newestnana

I had a lol (a LOT) of problems with my Janome skipping stitches, and not just when FMQing. I finally broke down and got it serviced, and was relieved that the problem was not operator error (I hate when that happens). Turns out there was something significantly wrong and the guy had to do a bunch of work from under the machine. Anyway, it now sews like a dream. Whew!

Be sure you're using the right needle (a topstitch needle in size 12 or 14, depending on thickness of thread), and try various settings of your tension.

My Janome really likes fine poly thread (like Bottom Line) in the bobbin. If the machine is happy, so am I. I sometimes use it in the top too.

Having said that, service on your Janome could well cost $100, but you should end up with a machine that is hard to beat. It's unlikely that a cheap machine would do a better job.

Or you could look for a good used machine...but even then I doubt you'd get one for $100 unless you're lucky.

Good luck!

AshleyR

Well, this Janome is a $200 one, and I got it used for $40, so I didn't expect too much from it! It's not worth putting any more money into. But it's fine for what it is! My Pfaff is the one I'd get fixed if I could afford it!

SewExtremeSeams

You started out by saying you don't like vintage machines and that you were on a tight budget. You might consider looking at this http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...ml#post5340842 and scroll to post #725. I purchased 2 of these machines for $100 and $75. They are metal parts which is by far better than any $100 plastic parts machines you can buy new. JMHO But, post #725 is worth looking at.