Light Weight Machines for Quilting????
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Hi there. I am new to this board and to quilting. I have made patchwork quilts from old clothes and used worn out blankets for batting just as my grandmother did but I have never tackled something like a dresden plate design or anything that required some quilting knowledge & expertise. I would like to get a small machine that I can take with me to classes and have noticed that many quilters have old Singer Featherweights that are reputed to have fantastic straight stitch capability. Are there any of the new lightweight machines on the market that have a comparable straight stitch quality? Thanks in advance for your input.
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Camarillo, California
Posts: 35,242
Welcome to the board from southern California.
may sewing machine makers make a smaller more portable machine. I know Bernina has their "Bernette. I think Janome makes a little machine, a friend of mine has a little Brother machine. etc
may sewing machine makers make a smaller more portable machine. I know Bernina has their "Bernette. I think Janome makes a little machine, a friend of mine has a little Brother machine. etc
#3
Janome makes great portable lightweight machines called Gems. Several different types of Gems too. Be sure and look at the Kenmore machines. They are made the same as Janome, Sears here sells Janome along side the Kenmores.
If you happen to find a Singer 301, it is really a better machine then the Featherweight as far as having more umph and it's a great quilting machine. It's lightweight enough to carry to classes.
If you happen to find a Singer 301, it is really a better machine then the Featherweight as far as having more umph and it's a great quilting machine. It's lightweight enough to carry to classes.
#5
Hi, Was in Sears yesterday buying a freezer. Ours went out while we were on vacation. While DH was paying, i was looking at sewing machines. The salesperson told me that Kenmore machines were made by Panasonic!. FYI!
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Can't thank you all enough for your replies, but has anyone had any experience with newer lightweight machines other than the old Singer Featherweights?
Found it very interesting that Panasonic makes machines for Sears.
Argue not with dragons, for thou art crunchy and go well with brie.
Found it very interesting that Panasonic makes machines for Sears.
Argue not with dragons, for thou art crunchy and go well with brie.
#7
I have an email from Sears stating the better Kenmore machines are made by White which makes Janome and other brands. Some Sears sell Singers, and I've seen low end machines in some
Sears stores the same as WalMart. These days you have to be a very informed customer and do research on any major purchase no matter where you buy it.
Sears stores the same as WalMart. These days you have to be a very informed customer and do research on any major purchase no matter where you buy it.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I've heard the Janome Gem is a good lightweight machine for taking to classes.
Another option, if you have dealerships nearby, is to stop in and ask about small portable used machines. Some of the older (not so old as Singer featherweights, though) machines were quite good.
I picked up a delightful 70s machine (can tell it was the 70s because of the colors and flowers on it!) that is small and lightweight in its own carrying case for something like $20 at a local thrift shop. It would be perfect for taking to classes (something I don't do much anymore).
I also have a featherweight and a 301. The 301 is really too bulky and too heavy for me to want to take to quilt classes, although it is a wonderful heavy-duty machine.
Another option, if you have dealerships nearby, is to stop in and ask about small portable used machines. Some of the older (not so old as Singer featherweights, though) machines were quite good.
I picked up a delightful 70s machine (can tell it was the 70s because of the colors and flowers on it!) that is small and lightweight in its own carrying case for something like $20 at a local thrift shop. It would be perfect for taking to classes (something I don't do much anymore).
I also have a featherweight and a 301. The 301 is really too bulky and too heavy for me to want to take to quilt classes, although it is a wonderful heavy-duty machine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SingerSewer
Main
10
06-22-2013 06:24 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
46
10-15-2010 06:00 PM