Brother PQ 1500s - does anyone have this machine?
 

I tried to do a search but got way too many hits, so thought I'd start a new thread. If there is an existing thread, would you point me to it? I just acquired a Brother PQ1500s machine for a song and a dance ($150.00) and wondered if anyone has one and would like to chat about it. I got it from a person who had purchased it at auction so she knew nothing about the machine. It appears to have all the accessories and was packed in the original box. I haven't even threaded mine yet, but was surprised that the needle is turned to the side like the vintage machines -- haven't seen that in 35 years or more. The instruction book is woefully inadequate from a quilting standpoint. So... before I start the engines, does anyone have any hints or advice on the machine? I plan to oil the machine and set it up this afternoon.

Two questions right off the bat. I couldn't find any info on bobbin type in the instructions and the official Brother bobbins are over $1.00 each on Amazon. Are there generic bobbins available that are cheaper? Also the instructions state to only use feet the came with the machine due to the pin feed. Is there a 1/4" quilting foot with a guide that is made for this machine? I much prefer to use one with the guide. Thanks in advance for any pointers you might have.

I'm interested in buying this machine/model also, and will be interested to read reviews on this thread, and your impressions when you try it, Belfrybat. :)

Thanks!

I have a Brother 1500 that I have had for about 8 years.....It is my "go-to" work horse---use it for all my piecing--used to have it on a hinterberg frame and machine quilted with it.....it is a wonderful no frill machine---no electronics
to go out.....you can manually adjust tension if needed---needle threads from the side as that is where the needle threader is. The walking foot that comes with it is the best I have ever used...easy to clean---easy to maintain--I have
sewed thru thick jeans and even leather. You will love this machine.

If you have ever had trouble with your machine grabbing the leading edge of fabric when starting a seam and going down into the hole----you will not have that problem with this one

i have the juki tl98q which is a 'twin' to this machine. the needle is 'sideways' because of the position of the bobbin. i use cardboard prewounds in my machine [and i use mine on a frame]. hope that helps a little

I have the Brother Nouvelle 1500S. I'm think they are just about the same if not totall the same.

Mine uses bobbin 55623s. It came with 150 bobbins when I bought it, so I've never bought more. Here is a link to Allbrands that shows the bobbin. http://www.allbrands.com/search?search=bobbin+55623s

Mine came with several feet. It has a 1/4" foot but not the type with a guide bar. I've never used that kinds so I've never looked for it. I will say I have put other feet on it that didn't come with the machine and have had no problems.

I bought the Brother Nouvelle 15000S a few months ago to use on a quilting frame. I have to admit that I still am using my older Brother machine for all of my sewing needs. I just can't seem to get use to this new one. I love the feature it has of cutting both threads but I miss being able to SEE when the bobbin thread is getting low. I ended up packing it up in the pretty purple case that it came with. I plan to get it out again sometime and try and use it more often...but I really love my older machine even more.

Here was my set up when I first bought it.

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My Daughter has the machine you are talking about. She loves it and pieces and quilts with it. It does need to be oiled. It is a straight stitch only and that is what both of us do. I would snatch it up in a heartbeat.

I have had the Brother 1500 for several years. Keep it cleaned and oiled and it will be a workhorse for you. Be sure to thread it properly. I have miss threaded mine on occasion and it has problems with that. I use mine for piecing and quilting and it is wonderful! Sounds like you got a great deal. It has a 1/4 inch foot, but no guide bar on it. I use a sticky note on the machine for that. As for the bobbins, I'm not sure of the cost.

I have a Brother Nouvelle 1500s, the same machine as nygal pictured. Of the six machines I own, it is by far my favorite. It is an absolute workhorse. On my machine, the pin for the pin feed is removable. My machine came with a 1/4" foot and has markings on the plate for 1/4", 1/2", and 5/8" seam allowances. I've used paper-sided bobbins in this machine with success. I've also purchased metal bobbins in bulk from a friend who runs a quilting supply business out of her home, they are the basic L bobbins you can purchase anywhere.

For $150, you got a great deal!

I have that machine and I love it. At 1500 st per minute, it really goes! I bought it with a frame similar to the one pictured above, but found the quilting area to be painfully small, especially once you start rolling the quilt. My machine repair man said it needs a drop of oil every four bobbin changes, and I do that religiously, on account of the high speed at which it can be run at.

I use it mainly for piecing now, and it truly is a work horse. It does not have a 1/4" foot, but a tip I learned from Bonnie Hunter was to tape an old key card from a motel room out a 1/4 inch and this provides a nice edge to work against.

Enjoy your new machine!