My wife is planning to do some quilting. She has done a couple of quilts many years ago and has some wonderful ideas about a quilt for our grown daughter. She asked if I would help her pick a sewing machine that would be good for quilting and I know absolutely nothing about the topic so I was hoping that someone here might help out in picking a machine. I really want to be sure that she gets a machine that will help her do what she wants to do. Budget is between $200-300 though if more is needed we could extend that a bit. She has some experience with sewing machines years ago but is not a pro by a long shot.

What would you suggest?

Many thanks.

mr tom

Can I ask a question? Is she going to to using it for piecing a quilt top then hand quilting it? Or is she going to use it for piecing the quilt top and then machine quilting with the new sewing machine?

If it is just for piecing you can get some nice machines in your price range. One that comes to mind is the Janome Magnolia. Just do a google search. If she is also going to quilt with it maybe someone here on the board can suggest one for you. Most of all, your wife should go and test drive the machine before purchasing.

Kanoelani

Hi Thomas - you picked a great place to ask your question! welcome!

several years ago i paid about $350 for a mid-range Janome and it really has been a great machine. i've progressed into machine quilting with it and i'm still really thrilled to have it. i got it at sears. it has lots of stitches and the snap-on foot, which is very versatile if she'll want to add presser feet to her collection down the road. i don't think they (sears) carry janome anymore, but you might see what they do have. they have pretty good sales (my machine was a $500 machine, on sale for the $350). i also have a 25+ year old Kenmore that i just love!

you do want to try to find something for her that has an even feed foot (for straight-line quilting). machines that are classified as 'quilting' machines have them.

have fun! one word of advice - get her more than she thinks she'll use 'cause she'll love it so much she'll expand her skills!

I bought my Kenmore a year ago in December, and it's a Janome, with 50 stitches (they count as 100 because it has double needle ability). It was advertised as an all purpose machine for quilting, heirloom sewing, and clothing construction. I got a good sale price, then paid extra for quilting accessories, and came home with under $250 spent, and a gift card they gave me because I had to wait more than 15 minutes in the pickup area.

Be sure to ask if you can get a refund if it goes on sale within 90 days, since Nov-Dec is when the sales run. If you go for a real jazzy machine, like an embroiderer, you may want to ask about free lessons. I imagine with the economy like it is, you can negotiate a lot.

When you compare prices, also compare attachments, as the ones that are included vary with brands and models. As well as the even-feed walking foot already mentioned, a 1/4" foot and ditch quilting foot are desirable. Additional table extenders are nice, but a bit out of my price range, so someone else can vouch for them.

Happy shopping!

I agree with Moonpi, I have a Janome and it is wonderful.
And I too learned that Kenmores are made by Janome at a much better price, so that sounds like the ticket to me..

And the 1/4 inch foot and walking foot are essential.

You can get a nice Elna in that price range, it won't be top of the line but they are good machines.

Definately negotiate this time of year--if you aren't opposed to used machines, many stores offer great deals on machines people "thought" they wanted but never used or learned how to use. A quilt store that also deals in machines can really be helpful and guide you to the right machine for the RIGHT price. Some now cost more than my first car!!! and I'm only 40. :shock:

For quilting, I agree w/ the 1/4 foot, walking foot, open toe foot--all necessary.

How serious is your wife? If she's not really sure, I would not invest a great deal in a new machine until she has a few "under her belt" and makes sure it's something she really wants to do. Then, the sky's the limit with what you want.

I would suggest Janome machine too, However, service is also an important part of this. Go to a reputable dealer who knows about there machines. If you buy at a dept store such as Sears or Walmart or any of those you are not going to get personnel service as many of those people know nothing about machines. Dealers also have display models that have been used in the store for sale. That way you can get a better machine at a lower price. Good luck in your search. Definitely need an even feed foot also called a walking foot. but try them out at the store. You can even take fabric with you to see how it sews.

You might want to include a few embroidery stitches too, even if she thinks she won't use them. You just never know--as her skills grow, she'll want to do more!

One thing that was important to me when I got mine is the classes that go along with it. They do so many things now I really wanted to know how to use them.