Jem Gold make accurate 1/4" seam?
 

I have a sudden urge to buy a jem gold while they are still available. Price was $199 for last 10 years until after first of the year and they're now $239-$269! I found a semi-good deal on one but wanted to ask owners how it does on 1/4" seams since needle is stationary? I've enjoyed combing internet for reviews and so many people still own and love this machine. Welcome all comments from those who are familiar with the gold's piecing ability.

I have a jem gold and it is good I/4

the machine 1/4" is more how the stitcher puts the fabric thorough. I use a clear open foot and the fabric has to align with the foot, not a thread or two outside or inside :)

Thank you for answering. Are both feed-dogs covered and is it the open-toe foot that you use or the clear-view 1/4" foot?

it is the foot designed for zigzag and other pretty stitches. I think I cut something out in the middle for better visibility.
Over the years I've made about 50 or more 9 patch blocks testing my 1/4" ability :)

If they are cut 1.5" with precision, then if the block doesn't measure 3.5" when finished the problem is between me and whatever foot I'm using at the time.

Good luck. If it were easy everyone would do it, right?

ah, re: feeddogs. I don't think so on the machine I'm using for the current project, it does 9.0 wide fancy stitches. When I use my vintage machine, straight stitch, then the feed dogs are covered.

Do you ask because your patch gets pulled into the feeddogs? The quickest fix for that is pull out a little thread from the bobbin and top and hold it when you start to stitch. The more fun way is cut your self a bunch of squares in your favorite size (I'm currently using 1.5" squares) and make twosies every time you take your project fabric out of the machine, before you do run 2 blocks in and leave them until your project is going back under the needle. I could show you in about 30 seconds what I mean (leaders and enders)

bonnie explains it more clearly here :) http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...-and-hows.html

My friend Joan has the Jem for classes and loves it.

Yes the 1/4 inch is right on.

I have a very old model of the Jem Gold. It doesn't have wide feed dogs. There are several models of the Jem, each have different features. The 1/4" foot does a great job on mine. Brother feet fit the Jem.

I'm hoping the new jem gold models are the same (quality-wise) as the "very old" models. These machines have been out for 15 yrs or so!! Currently it is just the original gold and the platinum 760 that are still being made even though dealers don't stock them (they order). One dealer I spoke to said the mechanical model is built to last. I think with the 5mm stitch width, dogs will prob be covered and if not, well, too many quilters using (and loving) these machines for them not to piece well. I like the leaders and enders technique and will try that ...you essentially making 2 quilts at once! Thank you everyone for your input.

I have a gold and a Platinum, both are great for what you need. I use mine for small spaces but the 1/4" seam is fine. Of course you need to check it as well as on other machines, too.

I had a Jem Gold, did not care for it at all. "Upgraded" to the Platinum, and didn't like it, either. I was looking for something more portable than my Bernina. The Platinum has been sitting in a carrier, untouched, for years. Not even sure it works any more. :(

Peaceandjoy, if you are used to a bernina, the jems probably seem under-powered? or absence of knee lift?? I won't be relying on the jem except for classes and if I need a beefier machine for a class, I have one I could haul in. i do like to sew outside and now and then for projects at daughter's home. I'd have gone with the 720 except not for $500. Kind of funny - Janome has a new machine - "Mod 50" - for $225 that has an amazing array of features over the jem gold and platinums too. It is light also, but bigger. i really can't understand the pricing! it SHOULD be a no-brainer to choose the mod 50 for same cost and get 10x more. But, for a full-featured machine, I don't want light and small so I guess i'll be ok.

I had the Jem Gold and loved it for small pieces -- the points of the HSTs never got caught. I used the zig-zag foot and marked the 1/4" line on it because I sew better with an open toe (I used a lined index card to determine the location of the line).

Can you free motion quilt on a Jem Gold? I have an older one and was wondering

Its not well-suited for FM due to its light weight and small harp, but you can do it if you have a very small project and cover the feed-dogs (they do not drop). Also it might help if you had it in a cabinet so it would not scoot. I have read of owners who have successfully used it for machine quilting both FM and with a walking foot but its probably not an easy task.

I love both my Janome Gem Platinum 750 (lightweight for retreats) and my larger 6600 for home. All the parts are interchangeable. That said, I would not buy a machine that does not allow you to move the needle. I say: keep looking for exactly what you want. Costco often has good deals, too. My friend loves her smaller brother machine she bought a really good price and she figures if it breaks she hasn't lost much. I know she has had it for about 4 years now.