...when looking at a sewing machine?

First thing I look at is the throat size. Why can't any one make them larger like on the vintage machines? That would be worth an extra $100.00 to me!!!

If it's vintage I look at the decals.
Glad you put that pic as your avatar. I remember
when you posted it and it's so adorable!!! :D:D

I always look for the 'who'. Who made it, what kind.

Now that I have more quilting experience (15 years) the first thing I look for in a machine, old or new, is the throat size, too. Like so many machines, a 5" or 6" isn't nearly big enough for quilting. Who designs these machines, anyway?? Although I don't quilt my own large quilts I still like lots of room to maneuver a piece through without having to shove or tug. Last year I bought a Brother 1500 and love it. It has a 9 1/2" throat and a perfect 1/4" stitch.

One that would take a spool or a cone of thread for the bobbin would be heaven.

I first check if it works. I haven't purchase e new machine in years, but even if I am not buying and see one at Goodwill, I need to know if it works.

I agree. If they can build these machines to do so much, why can't they modernize the bobbin area too?

I look at the throat size, too. If I were to get another one....a scissor button is a must. I have an older viking, a designer 1, and a feather weight. My favorite is the designer 1...because of the scissor button.

Or put a presser foot lifter lever right smack on the front! Wide throat is why I'm getting my Pfaff Expressions

I look at the embroidery stitches and the throat size.

throat size is very important for me.

I like to see how heavy it is and wonder if it would be good for taking to a class or workshop.

i'm also interested in the throat size. I also make window treatments and some upholstery/slipcovers - some of the newer machines have a throat size so teeny tiny...

I agree with you, I love my 1500 for quilting. I use my FW for piecing. That 9.5 throat and the drop feed dogs with it's incredible speed make it a real keeper and auto cut to boot.

I borrowed my sisters machine last summer and her bobbin case was "front" loading. I didn't care for it. So, I made sure my new one has a "top" loading one. This way I can drop it in and see thru the plastic cover and see how much thread is left on bobbin.

I keep looking for one that has volume and tuning knobs. Haven't found one yet but am still going to keep looking.

I got spoiled with my Janome Mc6600.
Throat size, cutting thread feature, workhorse capability.
No sense getting a machine if it can't handle the jobs of heaving quilting. Love, Love, Love my machine.

I also look for the throat size and since I sew clothing sometimes I also look for the buttonhole making feature.

The price. If I can't afford it, I'd rather not know anything about it.

Me too I love my new Pfaff. I don't use the knee lift as I am not used to it. But I love the larger throat. I am hoping to finish some UFO's and do some of my own FMQ. I send big stuff out to be quilted. I have a wonderful gal who does heirloom quality quilting. It is always gorgeous when it comes back. Jan

Me too!

I think throat size is important, too, but how do you measure? Thanks! You are all so great!

Marketing, if could have light weight, large throat size, can do heavy duty, auto cut, easy bobbin, holds a large spool, embroidery, all the plus items, we wouldn't have any reason to have more than one. :) If bits and pieced offered, we then have more than one, 1 home quilting, 1 class, 1 embroidery, etc. from what I've noticed reading old posts, many have many :) Oh, and if ask I plead the 5th. LOL

Gads, so many choices.


I agree with size of the sewing area is first. Price is ALWAYS a consideration. Then the next most is if I can 'bond' with it.

My mother has an old Bernina but i couldn't bond with it and knew I would dial the wrong stitches when one of my kids would interrupt me. As the kids are older I am surprised by how often I am now interrupted by other things/people.

If price were the main consideration then I would also know which stitches I for sure wanted: triple stitch, blanket stitch, and the old standby zigzag stitch.

ali

Ease of use, reliability, good stitches, flexibility with regard to different fabric choices (will it handle light weight, heavy weight)...and all the others listed above. Often times I hear folks say they can't sew a straight seam. I think that anyone can on a good machine. Some machines I've tried to use in the past, were horrible when trying to sew straight seams. So it must be a machine that makes sewing fun.

Yea the throat size too but I can tell you that mine is too small.

Throat size....my new Viking has the 10" and I love it.

I'm hoping someone, someday will make a bobbin that feeds off a spool the same as the top stitch does so when I'm looking at machines that's my first question.

I SO agree with this! That is a "must have" for any machine I seriously consider.

I SO agree with this! That is a "must have" for any machine I seriously consider.

Funny, I prefer the front load bobbin because I can change it without having to remove my quilt or embroidery hoop! I can tell from the noise when I'm getting near the end.

A larger harp is probably what I'd notice first. My "dream list" would be a large harp, stitch regulator, large bobbin, dual feed... well, something like the Bernina 8 series but without the high price tag!

make and model then throat size

make and model then throat size

My Bernina 830, which I love, has a GIGANTIC bobbin. It tells you on the screen when you are about to run out, but I wish it would beep. When I'm machine quilting I don't look at the screen....

Oh I agree... the throat size! I want as much room as I can have on a standard machine to make quilting easier.

Some of this Singers etc have such a tiny throat all I can think is that they are only good for making blocks, piecing but definitely not for actual quilting. Maybe good for kids to learn to sew.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

I much prefer a machine that has a removable bobbin case like the Berninas,vintage Singers and Pfaffs. I do machine quilting and the drop in bobbin machines don't seem to do free motion quilting as easily. I love my old Berninas, but the small throat space makes quilting difficult.
Sharon W.

Which Viking do you have? I have a Sapphire 875. I love, love it!! Now if it only had a front loading bobbin like the Berninas and Pfaff I have.

weight, and all the perks...thread cutter, threader, bobbin empty stopage, and most of all Sensor foot which is only made by Husqvarna....privot heaven...foot lifts automatically when you lift your foot off the pedal

I love the Sensor foot,although it took me a while to get used to it. When I use one of the other machines in my herd, I forget
they don't have that feature. :lol:

I look for:
* throat size
* knee bar to lift the foot
* self threader
* extra spool holder