Handiquilter vs Babylock vs Viking Mid and Long Arm
 

Today I had the opportunity to sit thru a demo for the Viking sit down 16" mid arm. I am on the verge of purchasing either a sit down or 18-24" long arm. I would love to hear the opinions of whoever owns one as I respect the talent on this forum. I was told all 3 are made by the same manufacturer in Utah. It appears the 16" are all very similar. I'm leaning towards the Handiquilter as they have been around the longest. I also will most likely purchase from the dealer that I usually buy all my machines from who I feel has the most experience in repairs. I already have a Viking Mega Quilter with a frame and stitch regulator, but I only use it for piecing. Today's dealer is offering the Viking for $5999 with the table, mat, stitch regulator and 4 yrs financing. They will also give a full 1 yr trade in to upgrade to a long arm. The reason why I ask is in case I come across a used machine and have to make a quick decision. TIA.

handiquilter sweet 16 and babylock tiara are the same machine, not sure about the other

I have the tiara and love it. I don't like the stitch regulator as you have to hold it under the fabric while you quilt, so just use it without and keep my stitches pretty even.

I think that if Viking's sit down is 5999 that's a good price. I love my Viking, including my mega quilter. I'm eventually going to get the sit down because my back won't let me stand too long. You might also check out using a bar stool on wheels so that you aren't standing as much. I've seen LA frames with a seat attached but not sure how much that would cost. Normally Viking's financing is interest free.

I have the HandiQuilter Avante and am totally pleased with the machine. I had the HQ 16 and upgraded this winter. Using a sit down machine you still need to make your quilt sandwich...with the Avante ...no more sandwiching. By using a quick load system on the Avante ....quilt is loaded in 5 - 10 minutes at the most. Good Luck with your decision.

Everyone is going to tell you their machine is the very best. But that isn't going to answer your questions. When I was deciding I tried both sit down and long arm. I found that it is more natural to "draw" designs with stitches when you are moving the "pencil" - needle than when you are moving the "paper" - fabric. Only you know which is better for you. As far as size get the largest machine you have room for and can afford so you don't regret it later.

I have an HQ 16, and I do love it! It is a great machine. I have not had any issues with it. Easier for me physically to load a quilt on it, rather than having to horse a bunch of fabric and batting around to squeeze under a needle.
Do check out machines, ask questions, and demo if you can. :)

I have the HQ Sweet Sixteen and love it (Babylock Tiara is the same machine, and I suspect the Viking sit down that you looked at is also made by Handiquilter. I haven't confirmed it, but I've seen it at a couple shows now and it looks identical to the HQSS). I did by my HQSS without the stitch regulator and have not regretted that decision.

I prefer moving the quilt under the needle to driving the machine over the quilt. (Though I would love to be able to skip the basting).

Cheers, K

I have the Babylock Tiara, made by Handiquilter, it is a dream to use,
almost no learning curve.

Thank you all for your comments. I will be visiting MQX next week and hopefully I can test drive all of them. I can't wait to get one.