Long neck sewing machines
 

I have been looking on the internet at sewing machines with long necks. I don't need a sewing machine that is really fancy. Is there any simple machines that have a long neck? Also what are some on your favorite machines with long necks.

I think you will find that the longer the opening, the more bells and whistles that come with it!

Being that you have been already looking on the internet, check the specs for each of the machines and you will find out the harp size (width and height) along with the other features, to help you make your decision.

I had a Brother SE400 that was a great machine but the opening was only 6". It made it difficult to FMQ. I ended up buying a TOL Brother Dreamweaver XE that is a combo embroidery/sewing/quilting. I've had it about six weeks and have barely scratched the surface of what it can do. To get the wide opening you pay the price and get a machine that practically walks and talks by itself. I love my new machine and have no regrets of buying it.

I have done some research on this subject because I am looking at a straight stitch high speed machine for piecing and quilting. Check out these machines on their respective websites, Brother PQ-1500S, Babylock Jane and Pfaff Grandquilter. By looking at their specs they are all very similar, the main difference will be in price. Does anyone have any comment on any of these 3 machines?

Is long neck the same as a larger throat? I like the Janome because of a larger throat.

yep, large throat space is what is needed. now the Janome I have is only six inches. sigh!

Don't forget to check out Juki. I have the Juki TL 98Q and love it. The newer model is the TL 2010Q. It's fast, powerful, will handle a King sized quilt and retails around $1000. It's a lot of machine for a reasonable price. I love the thread cutting buttons, a huge one on the foot pedal and one on the body of the machine, needle up, needle down and the longer stitch length (up to 7 mm). I paid over twice as much for my Janome 6500 and my Juki sews rings around it.

Try this one TL-98P PERFECTION I have one large throat , backwards forwards goes like a monster . It is very heavy but quilts a top in no time. I love it.

Get the Jane. I've had 2 (because I work at a quilt store & they needed a "used" model to sell LOL). It's superfast, beautiful tension, not picky about thread, comes with great attachments & are only sold by dealers who can support your purchase later on. The brother is pretty much the same except you don't always get dealer support, especially if you buy on-line. The pfaff is just annoying. the feed dogs don't drop (you cover them) and I have personally broken a tension spring & seen other do it, too. plus, it's way more sensitive to timing issues & doesn't come with the same variety of attachments as the Jane. Also, FYI, I also own a couple "fancy" machines, but for pure piecing & free-motion power sewing, Jane is my girl. Happy quilting.

A vintage singer 201 or 15 won't cost you more than $100 or so and they have fairly large throats.