I want to buy a new sewing machine for quilting. I've been searching and reading for days!! I don't do any appliquing right now-exclusively quilt. What brand is the best one to buy? I do want to do free motion and fun stitches though.
What do you guys use that work really good? Help!!!

Hmmmm...depends on lots of things. What you want to "grow up" to be...do you want a "starter" machine or something you can grow into? What is your price range? Do you want to embroider also?? The list goes on...

I have a Bernina and a couple of Singers. Love them all.

I would recommend that you go directly to the dealers stores...spend lots of time sitting and trying out lots of machines to find the one that "fits" you the best. Have fun!!

Yes I want one that I can grow into. I don't want to spend 10,000 though. We don't have a dealer around my area at all-that's what makes this decision sooooo much harder. I don't think I'll need one that does embroidery. Price range, I'm not sure 2,000 or less I suppose.

Whatever brand you buy, I would only buy one from a local dealer so you can get service, support, accessories and classes.

I have a Bernina and love it, I have had it since 1983, so starting to look at new machines, although I will keep my Bernina, but it is as heavy as a boat anchor.

There are some other really reasonable priced machines, specifically for quilting. Find a dealer that deals in Baby lock and Janome, go try them both. They are great machines, I have tried both. the Janome is a little more expensive than the Baby lock for quilting. I am leaning toward the Baby lock. They have been represented at the last couple of quilt shows I have been to. Quilters are really happy with both.

I have a elna Quilter's Dream, it has lots of different stitches and a good size bed. I bought it used for $900, I think it would be in your price range, but like others, I strongly recommend test driving or at least buy from a dealer and not a department store.

thank you ladies for all your advice. this will help me out alot!! at least i've narrowed down the search some :D :D

I have had a TOL Bernina and now own a Kenmore. The nice thing about a company like Bernina is you can start low and upgrade. The nice thing on Kenmore you can buy high at a low price. I have less trouble with my Kenmore but it is a sewing only machine not a duel machine. Kenmore last. With the Bernina you get free classes at many stores and service to a certain time.

I sold my Bernina years ago for it was way more than I needed and many other things were included in the reason. I just bought my Kenmore because one I could afford it and it had just enough to grown on without being too much. Also there was no close bernina store.

What I would suggest is get on the manufacture website to see who sell near you. Bernina, Janome, Elna, Viking,Singer ect all have site that will show you local dealer. Then you can go to the store and test run the machines. One thing to remember the store you buy from is just as important as the sewing machine.

I totally agree with Cathe about buying from a local dealer.
I have a Husqvarna Viking Quilt Designer, I've had it for at least 7 years and I love it. Not one problem. I think they stopped making that model but have replaced it with one similar.

Have had my Bernina for 20 + years and love it. But I know others here have evey machine under the sun and love theirs also. Test drive some even if you have to travel to do it.