I would like to buy a second sewing machine to set up to do nothing but FMQ. I just hate changing all of the settings on my machine and would like to be able to go back and forth on different projects......but of course money is an issue. Can the vintage Singer machines do FMQ? I see them on ebay all of the time for $100 to $200. Those machines have a bigger throat than my current machine. or any other suggestions?

Yes, though getting one that can drop the feed dogs rather than using a plate or something is better.... Quilters love the 301's though the throat space isn't huge.

Juki and brothers have straight stitch machines that run about 500-600 that people really love
Brother PQ1500S
Juki TL98 QE

Pfaff Grandquilter is in that category too but I don't know the price on used machines for that. It has a cover plate.

My singer 301 does a great job. You can still get one in your price range, though they are going up. Look for a machine with a vertical bobbin rather than a lay in bobbin.

My Singer 301 does great!
I think the 201's will do good also. Just make sure that the feed dogs drop, or can be covered.
The older Singer machines are also metal-no plastic parts to bother you~

i love my Juki TL98 QE. it has enough room to use it on the frame. my last quilt was a king.

The Singer 15s drop the feed dogs and have a big throat area. Many on the VSMS love that machine for FMQ. Also, they are among the most inexpensive of the vintage Singers because they are readily found.

I have one for straight one with walking foot. One with quilting foot. 2 I only pd $25 for!! That's in cabinets! Too bad ur not close have extra downstairs!! Lol

Candace love ur location!!

I just bought a Singer 403a from ebay. The feed dogs don't drop, but you can raise the plate cover over the feeddogs which gives you the same effect.

I had to purchase a darning foot compatiable with the 403, and it does beautiful fmq. I had to play with the tension a bit to get the back perfect, but once it was set, the plan was to use that machine strictly for fmq.

Get a Singer 301

;>

I couldn't FM very well with my new machine but I have a 301 and 301a and all of sudden I do better in FM...Not an expert but I'm practicing...It does a much better job then the newer machines.

I have a Singer 15 that I love and it is my FM machine. I have another to piece! HeHe! They are the most awesome, can find them for little of nothing.

I agree much better than the newer machines. I tried on the newer one, so much better on the vintage.

I have a 1935 Singer 15-91 that is the bomb in FMQ. My 4yr old Pfaff is pretty good, but if you are looking for a vintage machine, I say 15-91.
Another thing, the old vintage machines are all metal and HEAVY so they won't move while you are shifting your quilt around.

Anyone know how to adjust foot pressure on the 15-91?