clcoats

I just finished my first FMQ with my Janome 2011. My first try with a Universal needle was terrible. It skipped stitches. I then tried a Microtex Sharp Needle 90/14 and I had no more skipping.

quiltmom04

What I like a out theBrother machines ( I would imagine other machines have this, but I am not familiar with them) is that you can run the machine without pushing the foot pedal. You take out the foot pedal plug from the machine and push the button to do embroidery and it runs. It s a nice, even speed, so if you are FMQing, it helps that you don't have to worry about how fast you are going or control the speed yourself. It takes some practice, like anything with FMQing, but I think it's a nice feature of the machines .

delma_paulk

I have been using a Brother CS-60001 for several years now. Found it at Walmart on sale for $129, marked down from $249. It has been a workhouse, cheap price, yes, good machine? You Betcha! Have not done FMQ on it but my classmates have.

I also have a Phfaff that is a mid arm and it has been to repair twice since I've had it and my Brother has ne ver been to repair.
So I would say buy what you can afford, treat it well, and enjoy.

delma

Maire

The best thing to prevent skipped stitches with FMQ on any machine is to use a size 14 Stretch needle, the longer scarf help prevent the thread from jumping. This was from a Brother tech years ago & I can't FMQ without a stretch needle, makes it goes fast & easy.
So I suggest that before you buy a new machine try a new pack of needles.
Personally I don't think you find a machine good for FMQ in your price range. But I do love the inexpensive Brothers to take to class, travel, back up machine but use a sturdier machine for FMQ.
The Brother 1500 staight stitch only machine is wonderful for FMQ, I think they go for about $750 new, you might get lucky & find a used one, they have been on the market for approx. 10 yrs.
Maire

irishrose

My 1940s Necchi did a good job of FMQ when my Singer 301 was experiencing a problem with the cord. Tear the machine down as far as you can and oil it well. It may be just dry or have some thread jammed in the bobbin area. Which Singer do you have? Some like to FMQ, some don't.

AshleyR

the Singer is a 206k and I don't have a quilting foot for it. I may take the Necchi apart tonight or tomorrow and see. I just got it last week and it's really purdy but I'm not happy with it yet!!

Pollytink

[QUOTE=jkwynn;5343156]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.

Not sure I'm doing this right but here goes! I'm glad to hear the positive things about this model! I have several vintage machines, esp a Necchi Supernova with cams, but none that do a blanket stitch for applique. So I got the Brother cs6000i last year. Tried it out to check the stitches but haven't gotten back to it yet. Seems like life keeps interfering with my sewing plans! Have big plans for some applique and my sample stitches look like it will do what I want. I read the review on Amazon and then got it at Walmart. As I remember it was about $160. It has some neat features that I like, as someone mentioned not having to use the foot pedal esp. Mine came with a walking foot and embroidery foot too. Used my Christmas gift card at Connecting Threads to get some strips to make a 1600 type child's quilt and put some applique on it. Good to hear it does well with FM quilting too!

I love Sindy R's site, http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/ for applique, and Wendy Shepherd's Ivory Spring blog at http://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/ . She does beautiful applique....on a Bernina, which I can't aspire to but she sure is inspirational....and has tutorials there too.

P.S. I tried to upload an avatar, clicked on Save chgs, got msg Upload failed. What happened? Thanks!

Polly

Pollytink

Well, I guess the avatar thing worked since Tinkerbell is there! Polly

Painiacs

I have a project runway, good for piecing but i agree cheap machine. It sits in the closet as ba c k up machine!! Can u save I p for an older machine? Ive used my 15-91 and oolder singer, havent done a lot of fmq though.

barbo117

I agree with Bellaboo, I love the Singer 301 for FMQ and machine piecing. It is a vintage machine and it sure is a honey!! I have a Janome and a Brother but my little old Singer can run stitches around them all, no fancy stitches but I use my other machines for those. You may be able to get one for a little over a hundred dollars and it would be worth the extra to get it. Good luck!