Hi,

I used to sew many years ago and am thinking about getting into quilting and NEED a new machine, my Singer is old and tired. I would like to keep the cost under $2500 and have been researching Janome, Pfaff, and Bernina models. Any strong opinions about any of these brands and suggestions on models to buy? Is it better to go used or new?

thanks in advance!

My strong opinon is the janome 7700 just my own personal opinion I am getting mine in april show specials going on. I like the features it has everything I have wanted all in one!

You should look at the Husqvarna Viking models as well. I have one and wouldn't trade it for anything.

I bought the Janome 7700,(Horizon) 3 months ago and love it. It was around $2500 at that time.

I bought my Pfaff in 1997 and love it. I did just have it at the Pfaff repair shop for a once over and it runs just like new. That is the only time it was looked at in over 14 years. I don't know how true this is, but the repairman told me that his father started the business in the mid fifties and always sold Pfaffs. But now the son closed the dealership part of the business because of the poor quality of the Pfaff machines since Viking bought them out and they are no longer made in Germany and that it is very hard for the dealers to do business with the company. When I asked for a recommendation for a new embroidery machine I was told Janome. He specifically told me more than once and quite emphatically to never get rid of my machine because it is one of the better ones made in Germany. I was also told by a Viking dealer that the Pfaffs aren't made as well as they used to be made in Germany. So anyway, you may want to do some research on the Pfaffs before chosing that brand. I am so glad I bought mine when I did. Good luck to you. Again, I don't know how true that is but wanted you to be aware of it.

If I were buying a new machine in that price range, the JANOME 6600P would be the dream machine!!!! I work at a Store she handles Janome, Viking/Huskavarna, Brother, in fact I have seriously considered trading my Brother embroidery mach back for one, but can't bring myself to do that, my mom bought the embroidery machine for me the year before she passed away.... so it has certain sentimental attachment as well.

hope about Juki? it only does straight stitching but has long arm.

Just bought a Mega Quilter today never owned a Viking, picked it because it was nearly industrial and thats what I need.

only does straight stitch and you could free motion quilting on this.

Janome is absolutely wonderful brand for reliability. Pfaff is my second choice for a quilting machine if you want the IDT. (Don't like Janome's dual feed at all!)

Well, I am a Bernina girl. But you might have to go used to stay in budget. My 640 was a steal at 5000 with the BSR, embroidery unit and walking foot. I am not a fan of drop-in bobbins, but some here can't stand the front-load bobbins. You just need to try all of them you can and get what you really feel most comfortable with. Have fun shopping!

Thank you all for the information - this is a lot to digest! I did hear from a friend who has a Viking Diamond that people who have the newer Janome's are not happy.

She also suggested looking at a Baby Lock - any opinions on them?

thanks again!

Janome would be my choice, however your diealer is important, for help and reliability. Try several brands out to see what you wuld like best.

I think the Aurora 440 comes with BSR or is an option and is around 3k - a bit more than I wanted to spend but certainly not out of the question.... thanks!

Lovin my new Janome 7700!!

I have a Mega Quilter on a frame and am not too crazy about it. Wouldn't mind selling it.

I'm very pleased with my Babylock Quest Plus, and the Pfaff Smarter C1100 Pro, Janome 6600, and Elna 7300 Quilting Queen are all similar for $1000-1500. Also consider the Brother Laura Ashley NX-2000 if you can do without the built-in dual feed. It comes with many accessories. The Horizon has a lot of fans on this board, too. Read reviews on patternreview.com and post about the machines her on QB. Test drive them with you own samples!!!! Only buy from a dealer who you feel confident would resolve any problems you might have.

can I ask why? I was looking into this machine just for that. I own Pfaffs/Viking

This is just my opinion: I own 7570 (1999) & 2027 (2005) Pfaff, ones that were made in Germany. Nothing against China, I myself am Korean. But I feel there is a big difference in the workmanship now. I love both my machines, not a single problem with my 7570, I've only taken it in once for cleaning. I was lucky to find the 2027 brand new still sealed just this past weekend which I'll use for classes and traveling. Piecing is a breeze with the Pfaff's IDT foot (comparible to a walking foot, but not so bulky), it can sew multiple layers and any thicknesses without hesitation. I also have a Viking Mega Quilter, I bought the Viking 18x8 and everyone raved about how they had upgraded from the Viking MQ and kept it for piecing. I like that it has a longer arm than my 7570 but I'm not impressed with the piecing, so I only use it for my bindings. Then I have a Bernina 180 (2000), I bought that just for my embroidery machine, which has done a great job and have yet to take it in. I haven't given it far shot for sewing/piecing because it's set up just for embroidery. I did have to use it while my 7570 was in for cleaning and I wasn't disappointed. Good luck with your machine hunt!

I have a 16 year old Viking. Would't take a farm in
Texas for it. It is a computer machine. Never had
a problem with it. I use it on nearly a daily basis.
Yes I love sewing. One of its best features is the
ability to move the needle left and right. You are
able to get that scant quarter inch seam with accuracy.
I have friends who have come over for lessons. They
just love it to. Brenda from Wadesville In

I have a 16 year old Viking. Would't take a farm in
Texas for it. It is a computer machine. Never had
a problem with it. I use it on nearly a daily basis.
Yes I love sewing. One of its best features is the
ability to move the needle left and right. You are
able to get that scant quarter inch seam with accuracy.
I have friends who have come over for lessons. They
just love it to. Brenda from Wadesville In

I love my Pfaff's.

However, if I were buying again, I would list my wants and needs then compare it to the machines and see which 'fit' my list best for the price ... and which I bonded with the most.

Personally, the bonding is more important to me.

ali

I have two--one for the city, one for the country house. I love them both. And I bought the second one for a good deal as it was used.

Laurie

I have 2 Janome's and LOVE them. I wouldn't own any other machine brand. Last year I won a Bernina and it's a nice machine, but it's not a Janome. I have the 9000 and a 10000, and believe me, when I can do it - I will head to my local Janome dealer and buy another one.
I have friends who have Bernina's and Viking's. I have heard too many times the grumbling of the Viking owners. Bernina's are a nice machine, but when you go to purchase new feet - take your banker with. I can't believe how much the feet are for those machines.
You will hear as many different opinions as there are different people on this board. The best thing you can do is take a few days, do a road trip to as many different dealers as you can and give them all a try. Remember to check on the prices of accessories. That may be a factor also, and one that is hardly ever mentioned.
Have fun and don't rush your decision.

I bought a used Pfaff at a Baby Lock dealer. The price was great. I loved the dealer so I would probably go back there to buy a new one. My suggestion would be to choose the machine and the shop where you can feel free to ask questions and get repairs quickly.

Thank you all for you input and wisdom - really this is just like buying car! I am going with the Baby Lock Symphony for $2200 - it is very much like my old Athena 2000 (yes I know that dates me :)) I am now looking for a good price on a small cabinet to sew on.....