HQ Sweet Sixteen
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 101
HQ Sweet Sixteen
I'm thinking about buying a Sweet 16 machine. I spend so much time on this board that I thought what a fabulous place to get great advice. Does anyone have one and what are your good and bad thoughts. Is it user friendly? Also where is a good place to look for a used or refurbished machine?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 923
I have had my S16 for a couple of years now. I really, really like it! I tried long arms, but I missed the feel of fabric under my hands. The S16 will do big quilts, but is more hands-on, which I like. There is a learning curve if you are only used to modern electronic machines. The HQ is more like a vintage machine that takes a big of fussing with to use lots of different threads, but I have used everything from metallics to 30 weight cotton to multiple 40 weight polyesters and cottons. You just have to plan on some get-acquainted time with it.
Pam
Pam
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: at the foot of the Ouichita Mountains, SE Oklahoma
Posts: 273
I wanted a Sweet 16...and looked at it for a long time. But I read about the Baily which is significantly cheaper and decided to get it instead. I'm not sorry I did. From what I've read most of the quilting machines have their issues that you learn to deal with. The Baily is like that as well. But after learning what threads it likes, I've had not problems.
The only down side that I've had with the Baily is the extremely long wait time to receive anything you've ordered from them. I read many reviews of the Baily owners and they raved about the service. I have not had that experience. Each time I've ordered from them I have to call and keep reminding them that my order has not yet arrived which is aggravating. To be fair, it is a very small mom-pop business which seems to do a large business which might be the reason for delays and forgotten orders.
However, once my machine did arrive and I got my kinks worked out, I'm very happy. I got a very good machine for a very low price. I use a sit-down table, like the Sweet 16, but can put it on a frame if I so choose, because all of the items needed to use on a frame come with it.
The only down side that I've had with the Baily is the extremely long wait time to receive anything you've ordered from them. I read many reviews of the Baily owners and they raved about the service. I have not had that experience. Each time I've ordered from them I have to call and keep reminding them that my order has not yet arrived which is aggravating. To be fair, it is a very small mom-pop business which seems to do a large business which might be the reason for delays and forgotten orders.
However, once my machine did arrive and I got my kinks worked out, I'm very happy. I got a very good machine for a very low price. I use a sit-down table, like the Sweet 16, but can put it on a frame if I so choose, because all of the items needed to use on a frame come with it.
#7
I bought one a few months ago and am loving it. First, find a local dealer if you can and go there to test drive. They may have a demo machine that will sell for a good discount. That's what I did, and it turns out a longarm quilter just a couple of miles from me sells them from her studio. She gave me a good price and good service. Start on the HQ website http://www.handiquilter.com/ to find a dealer. Also on that site, go to forum http://www.handiquilter.com/forum/ where folks discuss their machine and put up used ones for sale. Another discussion forum is in Yahoo groups http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/H...tions/messages You can find used ones there and lots of info.
HQ is very responsive to questions, etc. and I LOVE my Sweetie. The newest model just came out within a year or so, and if you want the stitch regulator gismo that rides under the quilt to keep stitches even you can get that, but not everyone likes it. I've tried it and preferred not to spend the extra $$ for it. Take your time, but do check it out!
HQ is very responsive to questions, etc. and I LOVE my Sweetie. The newest model just came out within a year or so, and if you want the stitch regulator gismo that rides under the quilt to keep stitches even you can get that, but not everyone likes it. I've tried it and preferred not to spend the extra $$ for it. Take your time, but do check it out!
#8
I'm thinking about buying a Sweet 16 machine. I spend so much time on this board that I thought what a fabulous place to get great advice. Does anyone have one and what are your good and bad thoughts. Is it user friendly? Also where is a good place to look for a used or refurbished machine?
#9
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,070
The Sweet 16 is absolutely the best thing I have ever bought. It has been great with every thread I have tried: Coats and Clark included. You do have to be willing to adjust the tension but I have not found it to be difficult at all. I was trained properly by my dealer and know to really crank that tension knob a lot.
HandiQuilt has lots of videos and written instructions. There is a great Yahoo group dedicated to this machine. Every once in a while there are used machines listed but they go FAST. If you find an used machine don't hesitate - it will be gone!
P.S. Don't forget that the Babylock Tiera is the exact same machine.
HandiQuilt has lots of videos and written instructions. There is a great Yahoo group dedicated to this machine. Every once in a while there are used machines listed but they go FAST. If you find an used machine don't hesitate - it will be gone!
P.S. Don't forget that the Babylock Tiera is the exact same machine.
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 101
Thank you everyone for all your help. I greatly appreciate all the wonderful advice. This is such a wonderful board with great advice. I don't know anyone on here but I feel you are all apart of my family in someway or another. Thanks everyone.
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02-14-2011 01:49 AM