I have a new Bernina quilt frame (a nice metal frame made by grace) I am in LOVE and my quilt assembling is going so well! :D

The only issue is my sewing machine (Viking sapphire) is not compatible with the Grace speed control. (or the Grace stitch regulator) .... so i need a new machine. Also, I would like to avoid switching the machine on and off the frame if i have a choice.

I test drove the Janome 1600p at Quilt Odyssey. Sturdy metal construction, 1600 stitches per minute. I love it and it is available locally for $1000. (web price is $800) The Brother is also available locally, but special order so there is no test drive. Juki is available web only, AFAIK.

My needs: fast, large throat, sturdy & reliable. I believe these are all 9" throat machines, my Viking is a 10"-er.

Any opinions?Happy users?

I have a Brother 1500, love it. Have upgraded but still use the Brother for attaching bindings and using the walking foot. Mine must be about 10 years old now, still love it:)

I just got a Brother PQ1500s, love it!

I have the Juki... and it does just fine on my frame. I have the pinnacle from Grace Co with the Juki machine. Love the regulator. that is why I purchase the set up because it had a regulator.

I beleive the PQ1500 does not have an auto thread cutter?

How ironic..... I am debating between the same 3 machines! I will definitely be watching this thread. I have not test drove any of the machines.


From the specs that I have read ---
---- The Juki throat is 8.5 inches. I believe the other 2 have 9 inch throats.

---- Brother does have a thread cutter.<response to 1000projects post)

You press a button to have it cut the thread, I don't have mine on a frame, I use a drop in table.

Here is a pic of my Brother PQ1500s
The two buttons located under thread length dial are
Left - thread cutter, right - needle up and down.

bluegrass gurl ... do you have a frame? let me know what you get. :-)

Ok, that makes 3of us wandering the same thing. I also have a grace frame that I use with my brother 1250d embroidery machine. I am stuck on brother machines, absolutely LOVE them, and can get one locally here for about 800. bUT was wandering is that extra inch and a half really worth 800 dollars?