I am in the market for a new sewing machine
 

Ok I am thinking about getting a new sewing machine. I only quilt, I do not sew clothes.....my issues with my current machine is that it does not easily go over thick seams......I get these LONG stitches.....I do switch out my needle to a 16 Jeans when I am needing to go over thick seams. I am looking for input from you guys and what type of machines you have and such.
Thanks!

Machines vary so much in price - from $99 to $9,000! What is your budget?

Sorry I forgot to say.....anywhere up to $3,500. I have been looking at the Bernina 650 but it is just so hard to pay that much money. I have a Brother innovis 650q but it does not do well over thicker seams at all.

I love my IDT built into my Pfaff for thick seams. I haven't found anything it will nor sew. If I were you, I would shop the dealer in your area and test a machine your self. It is like buying a car, some people like a Ford and some like a Chevrolet. You have to find the one right for you. A good dealer can mean all the difference in getting the most for your money and learning how to use your machine to the fullest.

I love my Juki 2010Q, $1,000.00. It's a work horse that has made two denim quilts. But it is a straight stitch only machine. If it's your only machine, you may need something else for decorative stitches.

What would be best is for you to go to a quilt show that is large enough to draw dealerships of an assortment of DSM. Then you could actually test drive and see what model works best for yourself.

I am in the same position. What I did was write a wish list of items that I could not live without on a new machine. Then I compared my list to the manufacturer's websites and determined which machines fit my wish list best. Then it was off to the shop to try them out.

Are you sure you want to buy NEW?

Here are some relatively recent discussions we have had that might give you more information, but, as the previous posters said, it really is a good idea to "eyeball" the machines and give them a test with the things you are now having problems with. What works for one might necessarily work for someone else. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t272153.html

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...a-t271602.html

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t269676.html

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t271152.html

I was new to quilting when I bought my Janome 6600 three years ago. I bought it because it was sold and serviced locally and was highly recommended by one of the sales staff (she owned one) for a moderately priced machine ($1,500) with lots of bells and whistles. I couldn't be happier with it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a budget in that amount.