Embroidery machine for overall design quilting
 

I'm considering purchasing an embroidery machine strictly for quilting - simple, edge to edge (overall / panto type designs) for baby to lap/twin size quilts. Looking for recommendations (or cautions) on machines with a large throat space, large hoop size and a small learning curve!!

I wouldn't look at any of the cheaper machines, as they mostly only have a 4 or 5" embroidery field, and once you're used to quilting with it you will invariably become more adventurous and want to do 'bigger and better' things. So I think you should look at the bigger machines. You will want to quilt square blocks as well so will want a larger embroidery area, at least 6 x 6'.

I have Brother machines, and a Pfaff, which were top of the range at one time. Have always found the Brothers so user-friendly - the Pfaff just sits waiting, as I am self-taught and this one takes so much time to work out, and then later I forget what I did. However, all machines except one Brother were bought pre-loved for a third of the new price, and have not had problems with any. You could try your closest machine shops, they will often have or know of someone selling a machine to upgrade.

I would look at the Janome MC500e. It has 4 hoops the largest being an 8x11" quilting hoop. Very easy to learn, large color screen, excellent editing capabilities and IMO, more user friendly than Brother machines.

Cari

I went down this path a few years ago. I specifically bought a Janome MC12000 to be able to quilt an E2E pattern. It is doable. And the stitching is wonderful.
A few things to consider: Rehooping. On an average size quilt it can take as many as 60 rehoops. It isn't as easy as hooping a crossstitch project. The sandwich is thick. It's difficult to do with the quilt under the throat. It takes a lot of hand strength also. It's that or remove the quilt from the machine each and every time.

I was interested in the meander that is provided with the machine. It is very dense. Much tighter than I expected and there's no way to alter it without editing software.

There is a program out there by Amelie Scott that incorporates lots of designs that are great. I did several of those on baby quilts. Attempting a full size bed quilt would be aggravating.

I'm not trying to kill your joy but wanted you to consider some of the issues involved. I'm not into embroidery at all. So that part of a very expensive machine sits idle.

I know many folks do it, but I was never successful. Re hooping, aligning the designs from one hooping to the next was not fun or easy to me and I had been using the embroidery machine for 5 years before I started to quilt. I also had an issue supporting the quilt so it didn't catch on anything. I had to stand there and hold part of the sandwich the whole time. I did use it for QAYG type throws where you quilt the blocks individually then join and also did a couple of outer borders using an endless hoop, but not the center.

I would get a decent size hoop because there is a lot of hooping and the bigger the less hooping involved

I was watching a video just a couple days ago about quilting with the embroidery machine on u tube. The one lady had a babylock machine that had the neatest hoop. It had a knob you turned to tighten it into place very easily. You might want to check out u tube to see that. You could also use a memory stick to get your designs from on line.
I bought a magna hoop that is magnetized I plan on trying out soon. I will let you know just how that works out.

I chose the H Viking T50 embroidery machine and have had success quilting with it. I posted my first attempt, http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t271909.html

Best wishes with your search

I love my Brother machines...
Just a quick tip for quilting using the embroidery machines...
Use a large table if you can or use the machine on the floor to pool the quilt around the machine to avoid pulling and shifting.
Kirsten