I just started quilting and my old machine quit, so I need a new one and am unsure if a computerized machine is the way to go. Any help would be helpful
Thanks

It all depends on your budget, how much you wish to spend, and what all you want the machine to be able to do. Do you want a new machine or used? Shop around with different dealers, models, etc. test drive them and decide what you like best, and which features appeal to you. Then make your decision. Personally, I really like the older machines, as there is not nearly as much to go wrong with them.

Welcome from Ireland. I have a Pfaff straight sticch so no help to you.

I loved my Brother and Janome has some great machines. I have a Pfaff now ( so does my son) and love it. I started on a lower end Brother and that baby can sew. I say try some out and find one that feels right to you. Hello and welcome from SW Iowa. Glad to have you here.

I have two Brother machines both with computers. I have never had problems with either of them. Brother has a wide price range and mos dealers have used machines also. I do know that there is quite a good Brother incentive sale going on here right now and I bet it is all across the country. Check it out. I have also had Janome machines and they are quite good. I still have a Janome 4800 that has never given me a lick of trouble. It's my back-up machine now.

I have computerized ones and love them.

I would suggest going to different dealers and trying them out.

Buy what you can afford!

Have fun!

Not much different than running the microwaves.

Hmmm really good question.

When I bought my really good machine - it contained more features than I really needed. Since that time, my use of it has changed (from sewing clothes, into quilting) and I have used more of those features now. (Even today - 20 years on - I still don't use all it's features).

If I was buying again I would sit down and work out what exactly I wanted the machine to do (I'd want dual purpose). So things like; straight stitch, zig-zag, memory button hole, stitch regulator, walking foot, 1/4" foot, etc. Then I would check out what modules are out there that would suit my requirements.

I prefer the more "manual" type models rather than computerized. No logical reason - they just seem more stable.

I have a Janome 8077...no great shakes, but it is computerized, does straight, zigzag, overcast, buttonholes...love it...

However. I use my vintage machines more...my Singer treadle, Singer 201-2, and my Kenmore 158.840... I really only use the Janome for buttonholes...

I use to have an electronic (in otherwords - manual). I absolutely love the freedom I have with it. Very easy to manipulate. Cannot explain to the full extent the difference, maybe like a Mercedes to a Toyota. Has made all the difference in the world!! :D

GOOD PLAN - Make a list on what you would LIKE to have - what features you MUST have - and sew any type of machine you can with those features that are within or just above your budget. Maybe they'll work with you on the price - if you're talking CASH! Seems like all business are willing to wheel and deal to move stock.

My Brother is computerized and like others I have NOT used all the features...probably won't either. IF I were to have to buy a machine again I would look for these features: MUST; needle threader (harder to see nowadays), thread cutter (wonderful -have it now), dual feed (I think that's the name of it - don't have now), knee lift would be interesting to use especially as I get more and more into quilting time...and definately a wider table from needle to the right so that quilt things will go under easier.

Good luck!

I have a computerized, but low end Brother. I like the stitches, but I don't really use it much, and it's so damn light it jumps.

My Juki is a straight stitch machine, and I love it to death. For me, piecing and quilting are the things I want most to do. So the fancy stuff is wasted on me. I just bought an older Atlas as a backup, and will probably use the Brother even less.

I have friends, however, that love the fancy stitches and things their computerized machines do. So really, you need to think about what you want.

If you want a great workhorse machine, think about buying an older one. Lostn51 (Billy) is a great resource, and helped me pick which one to bid on. They run forever, and are easy to fix and lubricate yourself. Positive things in this economy.

Good luck.

When I got my old machine I never thought about quilting. It was for making clothes and home decor. Its a good little workhorse, but it never did accommodate quilting quilts! Only a 5-6" throat on it. I think this is why I got into handquilting! Even though I love to handquilt, it really is not the quickest method when you need to get something done. I love all of the stitches that my machine comes with and can see doing a crazy quilt, etc. with it.

I've always sewed clothes, so having the overcast and overlocking stitches, plus all the additional decorative stitches is really a wonderful treat. My old machine had overcasting, but not the overlocking and what a difference it has made.

This is from someone who learned it the hard way. Try to get as much as you can afford. Down the road, you'll probably find uses for your machine that you never dreamed of, it'll give you room for growth.

I really like the needle up/down, needle threader (eyes getting worse), thread cutter, accu-feed system (this is wonderful), feed dogs up/down, knee lifter, built in walking foot and the ability to resize my stitches with just a touch of a button. These features have made my life sooooo much easier and my sewing experience much more enjoyable!!

Good Luck!!! Hard decision ahead!! :-D

Some of us a sewing machine addicts and have serveral we love our gadgets from antique to the Top of The Line so try them out at a dealer don't let them pressure you thought a good nite sleep on it always makes it clear how much you need that special machine . Good luck and enjoy the hunt

AB-so-TIVELY!

Are you wanting one to use for piecing or the actual quilting?

I'm not on a budget but I would never buy a computerized machine. Too many things can go wrong and the repairs take too long.
Good luck finding what you really want tho.
Happy sewing, Kutnso

Welcome to our group. When I started quilting my machine was 20+ years old and promptly died. I purchased a Janome 3018 based on my previous sewing (clothing, home dec). Now 2 1/2 years later and doing more quilting than anything else I wish I'd have picked a machine with a few more stitches. I could have got a 3050 (50 stitches as opposed to 18) for about $50 more. I think it would have been a good investment. I love my Janome and the way it sews...it is a work horse.

When I look at the new machines I always make it clear about the features I am looking for. I am not impressed with those that have a gillion decorative stitches built in and make it clear. When I looked at the Horiziton this week the dealer new that my main concern was space under the arm, overall sewing area (larger attachable table with it) sewing straight and the even feed system. I was suprised and delighted that this one comes with knee lift as well which is good for free motion quilting. Unfortunately I would have to take the 245 built in stitches along with the rest.

I love my Bernina Quilter's Edition but I still haven't gotten into machine quilting b/c I am so bad at it! But it is a wonderful machine.

I had a regular Singer that I used for quite some time. Once I used a friends' computerized, I was sold. They run so much smoother. I bought a brand new Viking #1+ many years ago. I never have had a problem with it. I then bought a Viking Quilt Designer used from a Viking dealer and have never had any problems with it either. The Quilt Designer has the needle up/down feature that the #1 didn't have.

I would check with a dealer in your area to see what kind of machines they have that may have been trade ins. Usually the machines are checked over before they put the out for sale. That is a good way of getting a little better machine.

I have had several different sewing machines and I purchased a Craft and Quilt Pfaff a few years ago. We had Pfaff sewing lessons once a month and that gave me more information about my machine and the confidence to use my machine without hesitation. I now own a Janome 10001 and find that very user friendly. The instructions in the book that comes with the machine is very helpful and easy to follow. They just came out with a new Craft and Quilt one and I am considering purchasing this one also because my 10001 is also an embroidery machine. I found that free motion quilting is so easy to do on my Janome rather than on my Pfaff. Good Luck on your next machine.

the best bet is to try some machines but just get a very simple "Cheep" one for now to learn and work on while you are testing out the different models. I got a Janome second hand this weekend and have just had a ball with it. I had a singer that had to go in for repairs, would only sew in reverse. (Made a bag that way and wanted to cry it was sooooo hard.)
Just get a temporary one till you know that you really like quilting and then when you have done a lot of looking around and saved lots of money, you can get a really good one. I am saving up to get a small longarm.
It is up to you what to do and but I would suggest getting a temporary one on sale or second hand till you have a good chance to look around and try them out. And sometimes all the gidgets and gazmoes are not worth it if you don't know how or what to use them for.

No I have a computerized machine and have wished I didn't
Like there is so much you can't use on one like you can't use
walking foot that makes quilting easier.Nothing that has a
magnet in it. I have the brother it works good really dose but since
I have been quilting wish I had not got it. I would really like to have a singer.

Why can't you use a walking foot on your brother? Depending on the model you purchased, it should be able to add the walking foot. Also in mentioning magnets around computer machines the claim is the magnets you would want to use such as in embroidery hoops etc.aren't strong enough to cause any problems with the machines. Talk to your dealer or check on line to see if there isn't a walking foot for your machine. good Luck

Suzy

I had a perfectly good Janome but found I really needed the needle down option - was doing a lot of channel stitching! Bought the Janome 6600 and would not trade it for anything else.

I like my solid old Pfaff 1196 except that it cannot take a walking foot. (Believe me I've tried them all!) It's very solid and reliable. I also have a Brother XR-7700 from W'mart that does have a walking foot but a very short throat. Good for borders though. Thought I would like having a start/stop button and other buttons to operate things like stitch length. BUT when I'm doing a tricky seam I dislike having to take my right hand off the fabric in order to press the stop button! (Went back to using a treadle.) And whereas I can dial immediately to any stitch length, even 0 for locking a seam with the Pfaff, I have to repeatedly press a button to decrease the length on the Brother or sew in reverse (not a fan). Same with setting the needle off-center; with the Pfaff I can set it to any degree I want, right or left but with the Brother that is it, Right or Left. Also will never know why with the Brother the needle position when turning on the machine is "needle left".?

So, both have benefits - I like the Brother for applique and any time I can use the Walking Foot and I like the Pfaff for plain, vanilla sewing which I do a lot!

There are very simple computerized machines. Really a basic computerized machine will just preset the stitch length and tension. You can override the settings if you want - it just makes it user-friendly. A lot of times people think a computerozed machine is going to be complicated, but it really does make it easier!

I would recommend you buy your dealer! If you have quilt shops close, go visit, shop the people and the machines they have - many have used machines they've taken in on trade.

No machine features will equal what a good dealer can do for you. When I bought a new machine a couple of years ago, I thought I wanted it only for garments and home dec - then I got into embroidery and quilting. Fortunately for me, my dealer has a good trade in program.

You might also ask if they do repairs in house or have to send them out. I called my LQS today with a question about my machine, got the answer over the phone. That's a whole lot better than having to take it to the shop.

Good luck, have fun!

I have a computerized machine and it's very nice but I use my Singer 301 for piecing and quilting more then any machine I have.

I agree. Your budget is the main concern. Then try them all and see which ones you can bond with. It really is a very personal choice.

If your budget is really tight contact local sewing/quilting guilds. Their members often have good used machines. Or you can try your LQS.

I have a computorized kenmore that I bought at Sears. I love mine.

Lots of good advice here. I have a Husqvarna, and so highly recommend getting a computerized machine. The fabric store that sold me mine also gives lots of classes in quilting. Too bad they are more than an hour away. They sell "previously loved" machines, too. I traded in the older model I had first bought, one month later, for a none with all the bells and whistles. It has tons of embroidery designs that come installed, and is a wonderful thing.

Bobbie

I would love a machine with more bells and whistals. I can dream. God bless. Penny

Gads - of course I meant "for ONE with all the bells and whistles..."
Bobbie