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.

kanoelani - Thanks for your response. I think she is hoping to use the machine for both the pieces and in what you call "machine quilting" which I assume means stitching the pieces together into a quilt.. Are there machines in that price range that can do that?

Machine quilting is where you sew the 3 layers together.
I have two singers, and both handle the quilt layers well. I'd look at the reviews, or have your wife look at reviews of products. Go to www.patternreview.com and you might be able to get a better idea.

I have a Kenmore and love it. My DH bought me all the presser feet that go with my machine. When I got mine, it was advertised as a great quilting machine. My "dream" is to get a Babylock or a Pfaff!! :mrgreen:

That big of a surpise ....I would take her to the place you are getting your machine and let her pick it out....after all she is the one who will use it.....just my thought...good luck

Many thanks to everyone for your great responses.

fabricluvr, Moonpi, jstitch, mic-pa - Thanks for the Janome recommendation. It seems that the Kenwood (Sears) are made by Janome. Would you recommend getting the Kenwood or would the Janome be a better bet?

pocoellie - Thanks for the idea of the Elna. That gives me one more name to have a look into.

quiltwoman - I loved your idea of a quilt store and hadn't even thought of that. I searched and it seems there is one that is not far from where we live. Here is the url. any thoughts on how this store looks? Might it be a good place for me to go and visit? Me in a quilt store? lol http://www.capitalquilts.com/

I can't thank you all enough for your willingness to help me out!

Hi Thomas
There are many good machines out there.The best thing to do is have your DW go try some so she can pick out the one she likes. She will be sewing with it. I have a Viking Freesia that I got around that price range.

When I really started quilting, I didn't want a huge investment until I understood exactly what I would want later from the actual experience. So, I went to Hancock fabrics not far from me,and they were about to close this store. Found a Janome 3200 for $399 and talked it down another 100. I about cried all the way home for I thought this seemed like such a big amount of money for something to just have fun on:)) I not only pieced but quilted on this machine. It still is my work horse. It doesn't have all that fancy stuff but, I did a huge and heavy quilt on it quilting...after that I decided I needed something with more throat space I have purchased the Janome 6600. It sews like butter!:))You can go direct to the Janome site and check out all the different machines and options. I don't regret starting out on a simple start at all...I still use it to piece, loan out and/or take to class. I hug my 6600 almost everyday:))Good luck and keep us posted on your decision. There are many choices! Tour her to other shops and let her sew on demos if she doesnt know what she wants...:))Skeat

I bought a Pfaff. My favorite feature, the integrated dual feel (IDT). It acts like an even-feed foot that I can use all the time (perfect for piecing and machine quilting that isn't free-motion and sewing binding on). At last check, the cheapest ones with this feature were in the $500 range.

I bought a higher end model and the thing is an absolute work horse. It has gone through layers of seat belt strapping (sewed a messenger bag for my cousin out of high end fabric that were water-resistent and seat belt strapping was used for the shoulder strap).

Love this machine!!

Thomas,
Did you check out the Class Pass your quilting store is offering?? For $100, you can take as many classes as you'd like in the quarter. You, of course, have to supply the fabrics, etc but the instructor fee is waived. Might be a nice gift?? :wink:

Be prepared to spend a long time at the store and really take your/her time sewing on all the machines. Don't forget used too if sticker shock hits you.

The store in your area carries Pfaff--I have a Bernina and 2 Brother machines so I"m not a good person to comment on those machines. I'd go and see what you can find. Perhaps someone here has a Pfaff??

I think some of those classes would be fantastic for her to dabble in quilting.

See some I'd love to take!

Thomas, you might want to take a peek at the Sears website. most of the machines there have ratings. more than likely they'll have some of the same machines in the store. i see five star ratings on several of their machines. i would love to have the Kenmore computerized with 215 stitch functions! it has 49 ratings with an overall of 5 stars! i'm getting ready to make a crazy quilt and i'll be limited on the number of decorative stitches i have, even with two different sewing machines.

i suspected Kenmore was made by Janome but i wasn't certain until reading it here. while mine isn't a Kenmore, the price i paid for it at Sears was WAAAYYYY less than the sewing machine store down the street for equivalent features (my neighbor bought one similar and paid $200 more for it). they are willing to service it for me, even though their nose gets a little out of joint when they see it is a model from Sears. a long-winded way to answer your question about Kenmore vs. Janome. :D

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10...&gobutton=find

Thank you all again.

The latest chapter in this saga is that I called the quilt store and was told that $600-700 was the lowest price they would recommend for a basic machine. It went up from there, and I do mean UP! :mrgreen: I was a little dissappointed since I felt the quilt store would have offered a brick and mortar address that might be helpful with the zillion questions that are likely to come up.

From what I have read here I am tempted to go back to Sears and buy the Kenwood (Janome?) machine that is on sale for $199 <Mfr. model #16231>

Link to sears site

My wife has been reading your responses with me and feels a pull towards the Janome Magnolia. There seems to be different models of he magnolia and a large price spread. I think she would also seem happy with the idea of the machine linked above.

Any feedback will be very much appreciated. Thank you all.

i still really believe in kenmore. one huge difference i see between the one you've chosen (on sale for $199) and the $254.99 one is 9 month full vs. 25 year limited warranty. granted, the $254.99 machine is computerized.

i did notice that neither of them include the even feed (walking) foot for quilting. but you can purchase that separately ($19.99). your wife will want that for even the basic straight-line quilting.

looks like the throat on the $254.99 one may be a little larger (could make a difference when she really gets going with quilting when trying to maneuver a piece through).

just to stir the pot! have fun!

Mine is Sears model# 19110 and it has done everything I could ask, quietly, efficiently, and without complaint. I do notice that all the machines in their line had gone up by $50 this year - guess I bought at the right time. Good luck with it!

My first machine was a Kenmore that I paid around $200 for 8 years ago. It had a presser foot that could be adjusted for extra thickness which is great for quilting. Then my DH got me a Viking Designer 2 with the all the bells and whistles, embrodery etc. Wonderful machine and probably cost as much as a small car. I still use my Kenmore alot too, great little work horse. Just letting you know what you are in for when she gets more experience! Ha! Good luck, I think you are on the right trail.

Well Thomas you are probably pretty confused by now, huh? Don't be overwhelmed, stay with your budget...I had heard the Kenmore was a Janome and that is good...I have a few Janomes...LOVE them. One of my Janomes looks alot like the Kenmore for 254.00 I would check that one out...25 years ago my ex-husband....surprised me with a sewing machine, it was a New Home (now known as the Janome) and I loved that machine it was my baby....and I did alot of sewing on it. IMHO you don't have to start out big....But to me a beautiful stitch is important...There have been alot of woman that have made beautiful quilts on simple machines.....Believe me, she will love the machine you buy her, but someday she will want another :D

A frined of mine--driving*me*buggy on here--just bought a Janome Magnolia and loves it! I'll send her here to leave a comment. :D

Good luck! It can get overwhelming to search. I just bought a new one and test driving them really made a difference. I prioritized my wants before I shopped. Having a bigger throat area--the distance beteeen the base and the needle is very important to me. That 1/4" inch foot is VERY important.

Have fun!! Let us know what you get. :D

I had a Kenmore for years and years & loved it with no trouble. The only reason I don't still have it is the movers dropped it on one of our cross country moves.

I vote for the Janome Magnolia 7318

I have had mine for a few weeks and love it!!! It is a little workhorse and very easy to use. Here is where I got mine
http://www.icanhelpsew.com/janome_magnolia7318.html

I added a walking foot for $29

This also looked like a nice one for a little more $$ I wanted simple simpe simple though lol

http://www.icanhelpsew.com/janome_magnolia7330.html

A link to my post when I was looking

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/12389.page

And when my new machine arrived
http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/12605.page

hope this helps :)

I've been quilting since 1990 and own two Pfaff sewing machines. I would not buy any other brand since mine have stood the test of time. Other than cleaning and oiling I have never had one in the shop for repairs. One of mine is 18 years old, the other 12.
Unique to Pfaff machines is that they have an integrated built in dual feed.
A real plus when it comes to machine quilting and sewing on bindings. (Not all low end Pfaffs have this, ask for it)

Regardless of what brand you choose I can suggest some features that I would not want to be without. A needle threader, needle up-needle down
button, (this setting allows for machine to stop with the needle always down or always up, no hand turning of wheel to always reposition needle to begin again), an adjustable buttonhole stitch for machine applique (also referred to as a blanket stitch), the ability to drop your feed dogs for darning or free motion machine quilting. And last but not least the ability to change your needle position to the left or right of center and still do straight stitching. I would want these basic and helpful features before
a mess of decorative stitches. They are the backbone of quilting.
If a machine does not have a built in walking foot ask the dealer to throw in an attachable one. Not a generic but one that is made for the brand you are buying. Also a darning and open toe foot. Hope this is a help to you. These features may be pricier than you had expected but if your wife gets bit by the quilt bug she will want them. If not, these features will make the resale of her machine much easier without a great loss to your original investment.

Thank you all very much. I went ahead and bought the Kenwood for $254. You all have been great in helping me narrow down the best possibilities and I think for the price this machine will suit us for a while. My wife is excited as am I.

I don't remember if I told you about her idea for a quilt. I think it is such a great idea I wanted to share it with you. She has gotten together multiple scraps of material she has used over the last 30 years on various projects around the house and will be making a quilt for my 26 y.o. daughter out of that material. I know my daughter will love and cherish it. I know she will be able to remember what each of the different fabrics did around the house as she was growing up. What a nice piece to have in her own family. I have a smart and loving wife!

I do appreciate the care and concern you have all offered to me and I wanted to give something back if I could. I have some expertise when it comes to men and boys and how they process emotions differently from women and girls. I give workshops around the country on this topic for mental health professionals. I have a short video online that summarizes some of this material if you have any interest in the topic. You can find it here.

http://webhealing.com/ws.html

Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see a little flash video. Just click play. The material is important since a man's way of healing and responding to stress is very different from women's. This difference, if unrealized, can create big problems in relationships. If you have any questions just let me kow on this thread and I will do what I can.

Thank you all again.

Tom

Tom - that's a great site/video! my husband (Gary Golden) was watching over my shoulder and chuckled a lot!

Congrats!!!!!! We can hear the hummmm of the new machine all over the states:))Yahoo!! We are so happy for your wife!! (You too for if the wife is happy then we know you are!)May you have many quilts coming your way to keep you warm!! Skeat

Very informative video Tom not only for men but for ladies also.

Capital quilts seems to have the Pfaff machines. Get her the one with the built in walking foot if at all possible. She will love it.

I have a Bernina 440QE. It was pricey, but they have good lessons that you can repeat later if you wish. This is important for any machine to be able to use all its accessories. I wanted to have this and a Little Gracie frame, but now I hesitate on the frame. I'm afraid the opening between the needle and the motor is now big enough to handle the roll. So I'm stuck there for now. But I do love the machine.

Kenmore is a great choice. I'm sewing on a Kenmore that I received as a graduation (high school) in 1970!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It sat untouched for many years until I discovered that I really liked piecing quilts! I took it to a shop to be cleaned and checked out. I was told it was in excellent condition to be that old. Good luck with yours! May it last as long as mine has!!!

I see a typo. I'm afraid the opening is not big enough.

My machines are all from Sears, they have various ones for different needs and price ranges.

I had a singer ( just a cheap one to get back into learning to sew) and then got hooked on quilting so bought a White Quilter Star 1780. Was in love with it for about 5 mos. then the auto. threader broke, (which was a bummer but could live with out it) then the whole thing started to act up after only 8 mos. called JoAnns where I bought it and they said to bring it to them ( I live 50 miles away) and then when I got there they said I had to pay $90.00 to ship it back to Ohio and I said "No way" Finally found a man in a small town 2 hours away who fixed it for me for $90.00 and it has worked ever since and that was 3 years ago. Don't know if I had a lemon or what. I did 6 mos of research and thought for $350.00 (which is all I could afford) was a reasonable piece of machinary. I do know that if I have to buy another one I will make sure I try one out. I do like the feature of needle down and a lever for speed control.