HQ Sweet Sixteen
 

I have been checking out the "HQ Sweet Sixteen" quilting machine with table. I just want this so badly and they have a payment plan, does anyone have one, if so do you think it is worth the money and is it easy to learn how to use it? This one place I found http://www.sewingmachineplus.com/handiquilter has it for $5,195.00 and payments are $108.23 per month, which would take me about 3 yrs. to pay off. Just wondering if it is worth all these yrs.to pay off, and I don't have that kind of cash, so it would have to be a payment plan unless I hit the lottery here in N.C., which I don't see happening anytime soon. Any advice is welcome. Tk. U. Hope the website URL works.

could you find a used machine for less? i got an 18" long arm for $1000 but that was a real blessing those dont come around every day. maybe look in house of hansen they have used long arm classifiedes.

Me too!! Me too!! I keep trying to break down the DH!! Well see....I saw that too!! Gonna be a couple years for me but good luck!!

Don't believe I have ever heard of "house of hansen" is it in the North Carolina? I have been searching the Internet for cheaper price and payment plan as I am not rich. Tk. U for your suggestion.

It looks like a wonderful set up and price. I would love to have one with a sit down table. Good luck if you can get it. I boght a machine from them and I got it very fast.

I was a rank beginner and took a class on the HQ sit down machine. We had practice sets of fabric, backing and batting. First we did just scroll around on plain fabric. Then he gave us polka dot fabric to practice moving the machine around dots to get a meander. Lastly, we got to quilt a large floral design and add thread work. It was fun and easy to do.

As with any machine, it will take practice but was nice to be able to sit down and it was easy to use. I also took a hands on class on the Gammill machines and while fun, it was not as enjoyable to have to stand and with my new knee issues, it would no longer be possible so it is a good thing I did not get any stand up machine.

I love my Sweet 16. I tried a long arm, and I just don't like it. I really like touching the fabric while I quilt. I had done a few baby quilts on my domestic machine, but it was just too much grief. It does take some time to get a consistent stitch, and you need to get comfortable adjusting tensions. Both of those can be learned though.

Pam

I've been hoping to get this machine for a while and they have just announced that you can now get a stitch regulator for it. It's called True Stitch and it's interesting to see how it works. It will be more interesting to try it out. It is supposed to be available June 1 and will be approximately $1,000.

I'll be interested to hear your feeback on the machine if you do get it; I'll be happy to let you know if I get it and what I think.

try quiltropolis.com they have a classified site that might be useful to you....

I'm busy trying to get out of debt, so I wouldn't buy it on a payment plan. If you put $108.23 away each month, how long would it take to save the money since you wouldn't have to pay interest?

I would start a fund and start putting the money away for a quilting system and then start looking for a good buy. The good buys do come along.

I know that your question was whether the HQ Sweet Sixteen was worth the money. I am thinking about buying the HQ for my quilting frame (I like the frame more than sitting at the table). There is an HQ 16 table model forum in yahoo groups. The group is for people who own the machine or who are thinking about buying it. You could request membership in the group and just read the people's comments about any problems that they are having with the machine.

I got it and I LOVE this machine. It's kind of expensive I guess, but it depends on how bad you want it. It was worth it to me. I have no issues or problems with this machine and the people at sewingmachinesplus couldn't be nicer. If you can afford it, I would say go for it. I think it's great.

Shop around...gently used or floor models become available for a lot less. I paid $3900 for mine with table & delivery/set-up at my house, bobbin winder, free 1 year service, 12 cones of quilting thread & a pack of needles. I love the machine!

Tks. for all your ideas and suggestions. Kathyj would take about 4 yrs. I am in my early 70's now and lot older in 4 yrs. have to think and do more research on Internet for other places that might sell for less. Tk. u

:-)
I've seen a few good deals on Craigslist. You might want to check them out. I've heard that the HQ 16 is a good machine but I haven't had a chance to try one out.

I got an HQ Sixteen a last fall from a Craigslist ad. It is a slightly older model, and didn't come with the sitdown table, but it did come complete with handles and wheels so it can be mounted on a quilting frame if I so desire. I paid $1550 and was skipping happily all the way home! I just couldn't see my way clear to buy a new one, but at this price, I couldn't pass it up. I've done a couple of queen size quilts on it and that extra harp space is INCREDIBLE!

I have a sweet sixteen and love it. I waited till our daughter was out of college and it was my graduation present to me. It was worth the wait. I am still practicing with it but have done several quilts including a queen size one. Good luck.

Sherry

You could sit around and dream for three years and be no better than you are now, or you could start your own kitty for it. Set aside that 100.00 each month faithfully and in three years, pay cash. I would not recommend going into debt for it.

Does this machine have a large capacity bobbin?Just askin.I have a friend who has an apqs,and it has the bobbin size of a domestic machine.She buys pre-wound bobbins and uses bottom line thread so she isn't constantly winding and changing bobbins.I have a gammill,large bobbin.What was someone thinking putting a small bobbin on a professional machine.Is the dealer close enough to take it to?I can have mine to the dealership in 1 hour 15 min..If I need to.These things don't seem important,but think about both.

I have looked and dreamed about the HQ 16, I'm saving for it.

I think I would just try to save the money, and this would give you more time to research, and possibly come across a great deal.

I love my HQ Fusion, I can use any thread I put on it .I had the first HQ that came out . Then I got a A-1 had it for
4 years , went back to HQ.I think you will love it. :)

I love love love mine. I bought from a "local" dealer. The machine was shipped to them they checked it over, delivered it and set up in my home. Spent the morning with me giving me hints & instructions. They will be my go to dealer when it needs servicing. I paid $4195 for my Sweet 16 but that was a couple years ago.

here is a hq sweet 16 video to watch. i am also thinking about one also looking at the tin lizzie 18 sit down. planning and saving for this large purchase sounds like a good idea instead of acquiring a 3 yr debt but it's all how one looks at it.

there are several threads on this board about this machine and comments from those who have one. do your research while you're waiting.:)

What an idea - hadn't thought about polka-dot material to practice meandering. Some of the most interesting (and sometimes simple) things spring up on this board.

Marysewfun

Jeez, this machine looks awesome... Thanks a lot, now I want one! I am a new quilter, I am currently quilting my very first quilt. I bought my mom a new Husqvarna Sapphire 875 Quilt for her 60th birthday, and then I had to buy myself one too. It is super nice, I love all the stitches it has, but it is kinda hard to get all the quilt in there to quilt it, and my quilt I am working on is just a full size. And I'm a beginner too so I am sure I will learn how to do it better. But... that sweet 16 looks like it would be so awesome!!

I have an HQ 16, and I love it! Definitely worth the $$$. Have not had any issues with the machine-just my learning curve! ;)

here is another board thread for this machine. http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ot-t85673.html

lots of interest or owners of this machine.

HQ has just come out with their TruStitch regulator for the Sweet 16: http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/hq...-regulator.php

Shari

Tks. eveyone, I am thinking and searching on the Internet and going to give it time before I jump in, it is a dream of mine to have one.

Hi, Just to let you know, if you are interested in the sweet 16 sitdown, my local quilt shop sells it for around $4500-4600. You could call to get the exact price. It is called Heart to Heart Quilt Shop in Trussville, Alabama. 205-661-0537. I know you can finance it through Handi Quilter. Hope that helps with some price comparisons.
Wenda

I have a Sweet Sixteen and love it. I have just quilted a king size quilt for my sons 21st birthday and did it all on the 16. I view the machine as an investment as I quilt all my own quilts and save money there. The design of the machine is great as you can easily see what you are doing and the table supports the weight. They have now bought out a stitch regulator to use with the machine.

My local shop sells it for $4300 or $4400, I can't remember. They have 6-months, same as cash and I believe I saw on a flyer they have free shipping on this brand. I don't know what their website is, but their facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Discou...68042966546138 . Ask for Ruby and tell her Ashley sent you!

I have the HQ Sweet 16 and I love it. It's very easy to learn - just takes practice as with anything else.

I think what makes this deal so tempting is the 0% interest. I'm thinking about one myself - or the stand up one. I can't decide. I've worked on both and like both.

Oh and that is 0% for 48 months, so using their money is a real deal.

heres what you need to do-
FIRST thing is- find out where your machine will be serviced, i havent needed mine serviced much, BUT-
SECOND is- How far away is it, and how do I transport it? - keep the box it comes in, as they are not cheap.
Third- how many times will it be serviced, and AM i buying someone elses problem?
if you cant see it in person, you are taking a risk- go to quilt shows and see the features you like on it, if you have done your research, then, by all means, buy it. I bought my HQ16 in April of 05, love it love it!!
but if i need it serviced, i am sending it to Arizona where they are made, the phone # there is 1 800 HANDI QUILTER
they are always so knowledgeable there, about needles, what size for what weight thread you like to use, the educators there are just amazing!! best of luck
katz

I have been interested in this machine myself. Maybe I will start a secret savings. Can't do one in the immediate - but if I just start setting aside a set amount of money each month - I think it would eventually be possible! I tried one briefly in a local sewing machine store. Love all of the space, makes it much easier to maneuver a quilt.

There is a Yahoo forum called SewItsForSale (I think that is the name of it). All things sewing offered for sale (and people post what they are in search of as well).

I bought my Avante from sewingmachinesplus.com on the 48 months no interest plan. I paid it off in a year. I did not have the cash to pay for it all at once. It's over 2 years old. The price is over a $1000 more now for the same set up. I live in a very rural area with no dealer nearby. I have a 200 mile drive to get to a dealer. Sewing Machines Plus were super to work with and so was Handi Quilter when I had any questions. I haven't mastered FMQ on it yet nor panto. But I sure can do those Groovy Boards.