Karen Tries Quilting

What Bernina or ??? Sewing machine would you suggest for a fairly new quilter? I want something that I would be happy with for many years. I would want to use to it quilt and do sewing projects. Thank you for suggestions, comments on my search. Karen Tries Quilting 😊

Onebyone

The features I want on a new expensive machine are auto threading, auto thread cutting, needle up/down, variable needle positions, separate bobbin winder, auto lock stitch start and stop, and knee lift. I don't care what brand it is. I have Bernina, Brother, Janome, vintage and new Singers. They all sew just fine. I want the features.

Tartan

Make a list of what features you want in a machine. I wanted good harp space for machine quilting, good buttonhole stitch for machine appliqué, needle up/down feature, a few fancy stitches and the Bernina Stitch Regulator for machine quilting. My Bernina 440 was about $3000 a few years ago. Your wants will be different so check out all good brands within your price range.

ManiacQuilter2

The best suggestion that I can give you is to go to a major quilt show in your area. There will be dealers with many sewing machines on display to actually test drive. Start making a list of any options you would prefer and what you can afford. I bought my Bernina 1530 in the late 90's and I am still quilting on it. Buying a sewing machine is just like buying a car. You have to go out and test drive them to see what fits your needs. Have fun!

cashs_mom

When I was choosing a new machine, I went to the three machines I was most interested in after doing some research on all of them. I spent some time with each one and did lots of samples on my own fabrics. Then I went home and sat on my back porch and looked at all of them before deciding. I eventually bought a Bernina and am now on my second one. Don't get too hung up on "it has the be exactly right and I have use it forever". It puts too much pressure on the decision. If you decide after a few years that you want something else, that's okay. You can trade in the machine you've got a get another. If you budget is tight, most dealers have refurbished machines for sale that are considerably cheaper and just as good as a new one. Sometimes it's better to buy that way because you can get a better machine than what you could buy new. Sort of like cars or houses.

quiltingcandy

Those are all great suggestions. My Janome dealer is also the largest fabric store in the county. It was on sale and when I sent to the store to check it out I told the sales lady that I was a quilter, that I did not make clothes anymore and my concern was being able to quilt on the machine. So she didn't waste my time showing me the embroidery/sewing machine. But she did say that I wanted a machine above what I have now so that I can grow. And she explained why I wanted the bells and whistles Onebyone talks about and how they become so necessary while quilting. (I don't care about the knee lift - never got used to it, but know a lot of people love it.)

Also the suggestion to go to a major show with all the different vendors is one place is also good, but my create a long delay and all the sales are going on now.

Just don't feel pressured to buy anything while checking them out.

One additional item I would suggest you get, if possible, is the sewing table so that your machine sets into it. My Janome came with it. My old Singer is in a cabinet so was used to having the flat surface. Two of my machines have the acrylic tables and those just aren't the same. I got the SewEz table for my Husqvarna, you order it based on the machine you have. I also got the piece to put in when the machine is out of it to close the hole.

Have fun shopping. Let us know what you decide.

MadQuilter

A lot depends on your budget. I am a Baby Lock fan.

Dolphyngyrl

My brother dreamweaver has been nothing but a dream, I recommend demoing many machines to find the features you prefer. Every brand has a nice model worth looking at

Prism99

What is your budget? If it's under $500 the suggestions will be different than if it's $1,000 or more.

lyndaj

I am also looking for a new machine. Like others said above, write a list of must haves and then figure out which machines fit your list. Then go and test drive.