When you purchase your machine, ask when it was manufactured. I purchased a Husquvarna (great machine!) but the dealer I purchased from said, "Wait until next week - we have some NEW mid range priced machines coming in then. I waited and purchased what I thought was a new, state of the art machine. When I needed to replace a part, I call Husquvarna directly and found out that my machine had been manufactured in 1990 and had been sitting on warehouse shelves since then. They released them to dealers in 2005 as a "special purchase", which is when I purchased mine. Husquvarna was not to blame (although they were not very helpful) - it was the dealer who "led me astray". I paid a lot of $$ for 15 year old technology thinking I was getting a state of the art machine. My first clue should have been that it did not have a needle threader on it. I thought it was odd that they would leave that off of a new model, but didn't ask enough questions.
Good luck, and make sure you are working with a reputable dealer! Let us know which machine you decide on! I need to upgrade! :)

Bernina gets my vote.
There are great used machines available.
I love the dependability
The knee lift
5 needle positions
Can't think of anything I don't like about my Berninas
(180E and 150 Quilters Edition)

1.) I have a Bernina 440 QE (without the emb unit, it was alot more and I didn't think I would ever use it and I probably would never have)

2.) Everything. It purrs like a kitten, when I first got it, I was amazed how it just seemed to sew so effortlessly, the fabric just slid in. I don't know how else to describe it and it still does it for me.

3.) The BSR, the many feet that are soooo easy to change. The new stitch in the ditch foot for the walking foot.

4.) I paid 2500 five years ago. It was a special sale that my dealer was running. They had a no interest program running through Bernina that I used.

I would look for a good used machine, try Craigslist, try all the dealers you can drive to, they all have used machines to sell that have been given the once over.

Good luck and remember, nothing sews like a Bernina, nothing.

My only machine is a Bernina Auroro 440 QE and I LOVE IT! I have had only wonderful results with it. My LQS is great, they have new user classes for free and you can take them over and over. I get it tuned up each year (have had it for almost 5 years). My LQS runs frequent promotions and sales. Don't remember what I paid - it was expensive - but well worth the investment. As the slogan goes, "Nothing Sews Like a Bernina." And I agree. You may want to look at "gently used" Berninas at your dealer.

I have a few :) machines. My queens of sewing room are my Baby Lock Quest Plus and Bernina 440 QE. I don't know that I could choose between them. The BLQP has a 9" harp, Pfaff-esque IDT (PRICELESS!), plenty if light, super markings on the throat plate and bed, good lighting, a large thread stand with a thread guide like a serger for two cones, and many gorgeous stitches. I've found it super quiet, easy/intuitive to use, and trouble free except the occasional thread tangle when starting seams, likely due to operator error. The stitches are 8mm wide max. The needle thread doesn't always work on the first try, and a few more, well-placed, manual thread cutters would be nice. I paid $1300 new with some extras and a cheapo trade-in. The 440 is lighter but still solid, powerful, precise. The feet are engineering masterpieces. Easy to change and so useful. They do so much of the work of sewing for me. The foot control is precise and responsive, no extra stitches. It has 4 manual thread cutters right where you need 'em. The throat plate changes without any screws :)! Turning tight curves is easy with 5.5mm feed dogs. Needle threader a but better. Love the accessories box. It's a little less intuitive to learn, for me, but then I haven't taken a class yet. I paid $1900 used :). Both machines have the indespensible knee lift, sewing w/o the foot control, programmable needle up/down, and gorgeous stitches. I'd higly recommend either, and as the new Babylock Serenade and Bernina 5 series come out, used machines should be available as bargains. Good luck!

Hi,
I'm a retired Home Ec. teacher and have used MANY machines. I highly recommend either knowing how to fix your machines or having a respected dealer close by. Something always goes wrong when you most need that machine.
I have a Janome Quilting machine 4900 and a wonderful Featherweight Singer #221 that I bought on ebay. I love them both. I do not do machine embroidery or many fancy stitches, zigzag is about all I use. The 221 has a small needle hole and the fabric of small pieces do not get lost in there.
Check out Threads magazine for machine reviews. Threads #35 and #102 have some good articles. Good Luck! Margo

I have the Pfaff Creative Vision 5.0 with the 5.5 software update. Have had it since it came out. I love my CV. I love the IDT (built in walking foot) that you use for most sewing. I love the all the different needle positions. I love the Grand Dream Hoop for embroidery (360 x 350 mm). I really love the beauty of the straight stitch. I love all the 9 mm stitches. I love the ability to design your own stitches on the machine. Also the ability to resize, move, adjust every which way, add to, etc. embroidery designs on the screen. It really is a great machine. They all have their little quirks, but mine works beautifully. What I paid for this machine is not relevant because I teach classes there 1 day a week and she gave it to me for 10% over her price.
I really feel that the most important thing about buying a machine is your dealer. Figure out the machine you think you want and then really check out the dealer. Do they offer free classes to learn the machine? Do they do in-house repairs or do they have to send it away? Are they really knowledgeable about the machine? Are they close enough so that you won't be inconvenienced if you do have to take it in? If the answer to any of these questions is maybe or no, I would pick another machine and then check out that dealer.
Have fun!

I have a Bernina 730E and I love it. It is easy to set up and use, you have unlimited feet, the walking foot is wonderful and it does excellent FMQ as well as embroidery. It is a workhorse sewing machine, and I love the stitch regulator -- gives you perfect, even stitching no matter how fast or slow you sew. The Free Hand System, with the knee lever, allows you to raise and lower the presser foot without using your hands, which is helpful when you're trying to hold a quilt in place. I bought mine 6-7 years ago, and I think I paid between $5000-6000. Bernina has great financing plans like 24 months, no interest, for example (I don't know what they are offering now). If you need a really wide throat, I would suggest the 830, which I think is running about $10K, if you are a heavy user. This is not a machine for the occasional sewer. Service is easy to get on Berninas, and I've never had issues with service -- the technicians are all well schooled and know how to get you back in business quickly.

I have a Bernina 150 Quilter's Edition. Got it in 2000 for 1800.00 new. New Berninas are now a lot higher but people get good used ones. They are solid machines.
11 years later I have never had a problem with it. Bernina is a fabulous machine. BUT it's the only good machine I've ever had so I can't compare it to others. I sewed on a really basic Kenmore for 25 years before I got my dream Bernina!
I have to say my old Singers are treasures too!!!! You can quilt with them but I'm just stepping into those waters lol
Be sure to let us know what you get!! :D:D

I have the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0.

I love the IDT which is the dual feed. This is my second Pfaff and love them. The automatic thread cutter, needle threader, automatic up down of the presser foot and needle are great. I don't embroidery so don't have that machine. This one also has the larger bed which is great for machine quilting.

I don't like the fact that it is very sensitive to thread weight. The importance of a quality dealer near by is very important as one needs to learn how to use this machine. I paid $2000 for this machine.

1.) What machine you have: Janome 11000

2.) What you love about it: It does it all, embroidery, quilting, sewing and without an extra add on. Has a built-in robotic arm
3.) What you don't love about it: nothing. I've had this machine for almost 4 years and it's still my favourite of the several that I own. I've had good luck with Janome and it's always been good value for the money.
4.) How much you paid for it (I know this may be a rude question, but I just really need to know what a "good deal"is on these machines... I walk into a dealer and feel like I'm a sitting duck!!!): not a rude question, but I had a trade it, so didn't pay full price. I'm not really sure, but it is their TOL machine, so it's pricey. I paid 4300 several years ago with a good trade in.

Do consider adding Janomes to your list of possibilities if you had a good dealer near you. The dealer is almost as important as the machine in some cases. I've had no problems with my Janomes at all.

I have a Janome and also an Elna. I love them both and they both are easy to sew with and do a nice job. The Elna is much more quiet than the Janome. Those are both embroidery/regular machines. If I am doing embroidery, then I also have a Brother and a Singer set up all the time. The Singer is always set up with dark thread and the Brother with light thread. Those I piece quilts with and do emergency clothes fixes. Often times I have 3 machines going at once.

This is the machine I sew with now. The Juki has the strongest motor in the market - -it's like the Industrial sewing machines in power. I've owned just about every machine mentioned. I'm mad at vsm corp, when they put Viking, Singer, and Pfaff under the same ownership. I bought the Pfaff CV for $7,000 and never had a moments peace with it, they replaced it finally, I sold it, bought the Viking Diamond and didn't care for that one either. The motors are too darned weak on these machines. You give them something unusual to sew and you get constant motor shut down - my friends Diamond is aging her - lol. She finally bought the Juki and is a happy camper. I have the f-600 and the 98qtl - wonderful, strong, and reasonable machines. Yes, I do wish it had a low bobbin sensor, but that's small potoatoes.
Judi in Ohio










1.) What machine you have

Juki F600

2.) What you love about it

the beautiful stitch, the throat size is 9 inches, the 200+ decorative stitches, the fonts for quilt labels, the large extension table, the numerous applique stitches, the quilting stitches, the needle up/down, the knee lift, the thread cutter, and the fact that i never have a tension problem or any type of machine problem.

3.) What you don't love about it

if i designed the machine i would have made a low bobbin sensor. but aside from that its perfect.


4.) How much you paid for it

$700 - also what i like about the machine, a great bang for the buck.[/quote]

I also love my Juki, sews a very straight stitch, runs fast and has a good work area. I know it's heavier but not that bad. I just feel it's a good running machine, I have many miles on it, as I told my friend and her reply was," And most of it was over the speed limit."

I worked in a sewing machine store for a while and was told that the reason the old machines stitched so nicely was because they only had the one stitch. So I had rather have a Juki than a feather weight any day. Of course there are other machines on the market that are straight stitch as well. I guess if you're nostalgic you need a feather wieght, but if I had one, I'd still be on my Juki.

I have a Pfaff Creative 4.0. I bought it last summer for close to $4000. I had been saving for a new machine for some time.

I love this machine. I don't have the embroidery unit becuase I barely have time to quilt let alone doe the embroidery. I can add that unit later if I want.

Things I love about this machine
It is a work horse.
I love the IDT. Wouldn't sew without it.
It has the 10.5 inch throat.
Hundreds of stitches.
Fantastic FMQ. I don't need a stitch regulator.
Love Love Love the thread cutter.
When the needle is in the down posistion and you stop the presser foot comes up slightly so it is very easy to chain piece.

I haven't had this machine for a long time so there is a lot I haven't learned about it. The only thing I don't like about it is how much it weighs. It is not easy to take it to classes and such. I have been looking into a small piecing machine for that.
But other than that this machine is my dream machine.

I have a Topaz 30 which I believe replaced the Viking SE. I LOVE it for a lot of the same reasons as below. Love the fact the sensor foot lifts the foot. So convenient - don't know if I could sew without it lifting automatically. You do have the option of it not lifting.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

I have a Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0 and love it.

Features I love: IDT, needle up/needle down, low bobbin alert, 200 plus decorative stitches, beautiful straight stitches, feed dogs drop, foot "hovers" in needle down position. Additional feet have all cost me under $30 each (have heard that some brands are much higher). I don't use the knee lift at this time as I have never tried it. I love the space for quilting.

What I don't like--mainly the service that I have locally. The dealer is sweet as can be, but not the best communicator and I'm not confident in her knowledge of the specific machines. I have heard that they can be picky about threads but I just experiment with needle types, tension and such and so far have had no problems.

I was a sitting duck and paid about $2500. I know that they have sold for about $1500 since but not sure of current price.

There are so many good options out there that it can make a shopper crazed, but sounds like you are doing your homework. At some point we all have to bite the bullet and make a decision and I think that most of us always have a little "buyers remorse" after buying. I just know what features I had to have and didn't waver on that, which were
needle up/needle down, IDT, feed dogs drop, plenty of
throat space for quilting and am happy with those features.

Good luck!

For quilting I use a Pfaff Expression 2.0. I LOVE the 9" throat, the IDT, and the smooth stitching. It also has an adjustable lock for the pressure foot down position for FMQ. I wish it had a low bobbin sensor; they did a visible drop in bobbin. Paid about $1400 on year end close out. Pfaff makes an Expression 3.0and 4.0 with more features than I have (thread cutter and knee lift) plus more stitches. I have a Pfaff 7530 that I use for every day sewing. They both sit ready to go at all times, and they get regular workouts. I always have a quilt going, and make a lot of clothes for my 2 year old grand daughter.

The only buyer's remorse I've had is that I didn't bite the bullet and get a 4.0 at the time. Prices have come down since then (2 yrs).

I agree with this, find out where the local dealer is. The Viking guy I went to stopped being where he was, I had to go maybe another half hour to a guy, who knew about the old guy I bought from.

I bought a Viking/Husqvarna 630 back in the mid 80's for $800. I suppose it could have been high for that era, but I bought it because my Singer, which I bought new in 1979, wore out. Seems I used it so much the plastic in it wore out, so I bought something that was all metal

I have always been very happy with it, it does a few fancy stitiches, but the basics it does well, and that's what I like. I like anything I do to show MY technique and talent, I just wanted a machine that wouldn't fail me on the basics

[quote=Mkotch]"Test drive" all machines available and choose the one that seems to fit your sewing style. Consider service, too, because if something goes wrong you won't want to drive miles and miles to take it in/pick it up. quote]

I agree with this, find out where the local dealer is. The Viking guy I went to stopped being where he was, I had to go maybe another half hour to a guy, who knew about the old guy I bought from.

I bought a Viking/Husqvarna 630 back in the mid 80's for $800. I suppose it could have been high for that era, but I bought it because my Singer, which I bought new in 1979, wore out. Seems I used it so much the plastic in it wore out, so I bought something that was all metal

I have always been very happy with it, it does a few fancy stitiches, but the basics it does well, and that's what I like. I like anything I do to show MY technique and talent, I just wanted a machine that wouldn't fail me on the basics

Although it wasn't on your list, I have a Janome Quilters Delight machine. I found it on Craigslist for half price. It was advertised as being used twice and looked new. It is not an electronic machine, but I've been very pleased with it. The only thing I really miss from an electronic machine is the needle-up/needle-down option.

I couldn't afford any of those machines. I have a Kenmore 19005 and love it. I can embroidery and quilt with it.

I couldn't afford any of those machines. I have a Kenmore 19005 and love it. I can embroidery and quilt with it.

I agree with this, find out where the local dealer is. The Viking guy I went to stopped being where he was, I had to go maybe another half hour to a guy, who knew about the old guy I bought from.

I bought a Viking/Husqvarna 630 back in the mid 80's for $800. I suppose it could have been high for that era, but I bought it because my Singer, which I bought new in 1979, wore out. Seems I used it so much the plastic in it wore out, so I bought something that was all metal

I have always been very happy with it, it does a few fancy stitiches, but the basics it does well, and that's what I like. I like anything I do to show MY technique and talent, I just wanted a machine that wouldn't fail me on the basics

I think everyone you ask will have different opinion about machines. So ask yourself these questions.
How much am I willing to spend? Do I want to take a chance on getting a good used one? I think what is really important who will service or fix your machine where you live?
I live where there is Bernina, Viking, Babylock/Pfaff dealers.
So for me I would choose one of them. I have had 3 Vikings because I have been happy with them for what I need which is quilting and all my feet fit my newest machine.

1.) What machine you have

Bernina Aurora 440QE

2.) What you love about it

it never gives me any problems. It has many helpful feet. It has a stitch regulator, which is very helpful for FMQ. It has an embroidery module that can be added. I like that for making quilt labels. It just works very well for my needs.

3.) What you don't love about it

Parts are expensive, but they are all metal.


4.) How much you paid for it

$1800--it was a shop demo. I was thrilled to get it for that price.

I have a phaff expressions 4.0.

I love the IDT, The reason I bought a Phaff, (this is my second)
I love the large harp too

I have had some issues with it and the wonderful dealer that I have has replaced many parts. It is working better now

Things I don't like, it's heavy, it's shimmys and shakes, and it's won't sew multiple layers. I recently had to sew something, and wasn't even that heavy and it overloaded on me, had to dig out my our chaff. I was also trying to quilt a baby quilt and it kept skipping stitches, took it to the dealer and he said my batting was too thick, it was just poly/cotton blend

Hi! I have Brother machines. But my favorite for quilting is my Quattro. It has an camera underneath so you can see right wear the needle is going next, and it also has target stickers that you can place on a project and push a button, and the machine will find the target sticker. That is where it will drop the needle. It has an extra large space in between the needle and the machine so when you are working on your quilt, you can roll up the quilt and you are not cramming it under and trying to keep it from getting sewn into the area your are working on. (I don't know if that made sense...) The lighting is fantastic. Decorative stitches...OMG!!! And it is also an embroidery machine that can embroider up to a 7" x 10" hoop. It also came with a hefty price tag, but I saved up and then put the rest on a payment plan. I have never regretted it. I have owned 7 Brother machines. I would never even consider another brand. Very dependable and reasonably priced. Even if you are just looking for a sewing machine with no embroidery features, the Laura Ashley Brother sewing machine is fabulous. Hope this helps.

Hi, I have a Bernina 830. LOVE the embroidery module, which I didn't think I would use much, and the wide throat and stitch regulator. I paid about $10k.-ouch..... but worth it....

I just bought a Viking Sapphire 875 and I love it. I doesn't do embrodiery but it is a great machine. It is my third viking. I also sew on a 30 year old Janome that is a real workhorse.

I love love love my Bernina 440QE I was always a Pfaff person before I got this machine and since I do all of my quilting on my home mahine I bought it for the stitch regulator which is absolutely wonderful for FMQ and thread painting I very seldom use the Pfaff anymore as the stitches are so nice on this machine I even bought the second one for my daughter expensive yes but well worth it
3000.00 dollars

I have a Janome 6600P and I love it. Price was right and it does have the longer harp area as I quilt all my own quilts.
I think you should decide if you are going to quilt on the machine you decide to purchase, you should think about getting one with a larger harp area. If you plan on having a long arm quilter quilt your quilts you would not need the extra space.
Judy

I also have the Pfaff 2170 and I do indeed use it mostly for embroidery since I have two old mechanical Pfaffs, a 262 and a 130 for regular sewing and actually they have a harp one inch larger (8") and the 2170 has a 7" harp. I have never done a full size quilt on the 2170 and really don't plan to since I have the other two machines which I also prefer when it comes to FMQ. I love the 2170 for all of its features and the lighter weight for taking to classes. I bought it brand new of eBay after the Pfaff Creative Vision had come out, so I paid about $3200 for it two years ago. Signed up for Embroidery Club and Sewing Club at LQS which is where I learned how to use it.

LQS is under new ownership and has phased out selling Pfaffs and Janome. Their two are Brothers and Husqvarna Viking. I am totally impressed by the Viking and if I were upgrading I think it will be the way to go. Had sewing club just last night and before class visited with manager; Viking is coming out soon with a new machine that will have the IDT feature like Pfaffs.

My LQS now sells Viking; Singer, Pfaff and Viking are all owned by one company, but Pfaff and Singer made in China, but Viking still in Sweden.

I have a Babylock Symphony, I know it is not on your list but this machine is geared towards quilters. It came with a few freemotion quilting feet, it has a larger throat, and a really cool circular sewing thingy, plus alot of other goodies. What I love about this machine is its easy to use. I believe it was 1800.00. Go to the Babylock website and take a peek. I am no way affiliated the the company I just love my Symphony. Good luck in your search.

1.) What machine you have--I have a Bernina 1530, It is about 15 yrs old and I love it!

2.) What you love about it--It is a very sturty machine. It slide off the table at a class awhile back and nothing was broken or settings changed. It feels good sewing with it. It was bought mainly for clothe making as I was not really quilting aqt the time. I just recently bought a Brothers to take to classes because it is much lighter in weight and in using it it does not have the positive feelings of the Bernina. I switched back to the Bernina and will use the Brothers for class only.

3.) What you don't love about it--It does what you want it to do.

4.) How much you paid for it (I know this may be a rude question, but I just really need to know what a "good deal"is on these machines... I walk into a dealer and feel like I'm a sitting duck!!!)--15 yrs ago I bought it on sale for around $2500. Recently bought a walking foot for it at $150.

Are you near San Antonio or Austin?

I also have an SE and I really like it!

check out babylock i own bernina and would not own anything else

I have Pfaff 7550, a great machine, like the dual feed. Plan to buy Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0-they fixed any problems had with first intro of this machine. Also have Brother 8500 for embroidery--does that well. My friend went from Bernina to Janome and loves her machine and their customer support. Sometimes you can find a great used machine from a local dealer, that's how I got my 7550, almost new. Test drive, check out how they do buttonholes & deco stitches, I found that revealing. I believe in buying from local dealer that offers lessons with purchase, available for questions, sells parts & extra feet, plus does annual maintenance. Make a list of what you want your machine to do so it serves you.