New machine
06-30-2025, 05:54 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 584
@wesing I am currently looking for a new machine. I primarily quilt. I have a Brother PQ1500 SL, which is what I use mostly for piecing, and a Pfaff Performance 5.2 that I have never clicked with. I spend more time fighting with that machine than sewing, and FMQing has always been abysmal on that machine (my Brother straight stitch machine handles that MUCH better). I do some applique, so do need more than straight stitch. I have a longarm, but I still FMQ on my domestics at times (smaller projects). I will admit to being spoiled by 10-11" harp space because of that. I have no sewing centers closer than almost 2 hours from me (outside of Babylock, which has not interested me). I am considering the NX7, primarily because of the throat space (I think feature wise, the DX7 would probably be more than enough). My first machine was a Janome, so am familiar with their machines. I demo'd their M7 machine in a store a few years ago, was impressed. I'd love it if I could keep my purchase 2500 or less, but I seem to be looking at 3500-4000 machines! I was wondering how you like your NX7 after having it for several months now? Any issues? Anything you don't care for?
06-30-2025, 10:09 PM
#33
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: East TN
Posts: 2,863
@DawnFurlong I have had the machine for a few months but haven’t done a ton of sewing with it, so keep that in mind.
I love the large throat space, the lighting, the “needle down, foot up” stop option, the extra table space, and the auto threader. These are all features my older Pfaff doesn’t have. It sews very smoothly and it quiet.
One of the reasons I was willing to look at the Juki instead of another Pfaff was that this machine has a feature very similar to Pfaff’s IDT. Now that I’ve gotten used to that feature I rely on it for accuracy. Unfortunately I have not been able to utilize that feature. But in Juki’s defense, I haven’t called the shop to see what I’m doing wrong. On my Pfaff machines the IDT works without any fiddling at all. I’m disappointed that I can’t seem to get it to work on the Juki. It may be a simple fix, so I hesitate to mention it, but I want to offer full disclosure.
Other than the IDT, I really like his machine, but it is different from my Pfaffs. I’m still learning about it and I knew that would be something to adjust to.
My wife found this machine at a dealer in middle TN as an open box deal. It was a fantastic deal, possibly because they have another model that looks like it will supersede this one. In hindsight I wish I had been able to test drive the machine for an hour or so before buying. That is a lesson learned.
I hope you find the perfect machine for your jobs.
I love the large throat space, the lighting, the “needle down, foot up” stop option, the extra table space, and the auto threader. These are all features my older Pfaff doesn’t have. It sews very smoothly and it quiet.
One of the reasons I was willing to look at the Juki instead of another Pfaff was that this machine has a feature very similar to Pfaff’s IDT. Now that I’ve gotten used to that feature I rely on it for accuracy. Unfortunately I have not been able to utilize that feature. But in Juki’s defense, I haven’t called the shop to see what I’m doing wrong. On my Pfaff machines the IDT works without any fiddling at all. I’m disappointed that I can’t seem to get it to work on the Juki. It may be a simple fix, so I hesitate to mention it, but I want to offer full disclosure.
Other than the IDT, I really like his machine, but it is different from my Pfaffs. I’m still learning about it and I knew that would be something to adjust to.
My wife found this machine at a dealer in middle TN as an open box deal. It was a fantastic deal, possibly because they have another model that looks like it will supersede this one. In hindsight I wish I had been able to test drive the machine for an hour or so before buying. That is a lesson learned.
I hope you find the perfect machine for your jobs.
07-02-2025, 12:39 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 584
@wesing I was watching some more videos on the Juki machines. It looked like I would need to change out my feed dogs to use the straight stitch plate. I am not sure if I would like that (perhaps it is just because it is different from what I am used to). I do like the auto pivot/hover function. But I also love my knee lifts on current machines, so feel pretty proficient in using that to achieve the same thing (when doing applique). The biggest drawback for me is that there is not a Juki dealer anywhere near me, so I have no way to try out their machines. At this price point, I don't think I can do that. Which makes me sad to perhaps eliminate a machine that I might love with so many wonderful features (plus the large harp space). I think I have turned my attention to a Janome machine at this point, probably the 6700. While the nearest dealer is 1.5 hours away from me, I do have the ability to try out various machines (it will be a nice day trip!). I hope you figure out all the little tricks on your new machine and grow to love it as you do your Pfaffs! I have a Pfaff Performance 5.2 that I have never bonded with. I am tired of trying to love that machine. I just don't. :-(
