I have the brother 1500 as well and I've been loving it for FMQ! I agree with experimenting with needles/thread and adjusting tension. I always have to do a little practice when I get going to make sure it's adjusted correctly. Even if I'm working on the same project, every time I start for the day I do a test. I also just got a cone of superior 'omni' thread and it seems to really work nicely on this machine. :)

Thread breaking and stitch skipping sounds like a problem with the tension disks. My singer 15 was doing this until I took the tensioner apart and cleaned 75 years worth of lint out of it. My Brother embroidery machine was breaking thread every few stitches. Turns out Brother was using a problematic arm assembly that burred easily (plastic). My local repairman replaced that part with an all metal part and it works great now. As far as going over seams, if that is a recent problem then replacing the arm assembly may correct that also. If you really want a quilting machine, have the space, and can afford one, look into the Babylock Tiara II or the HandiQuilter 16. These are quilting machines only as they have no feed dogs and the presser feet do not lower for general sewing. Pfaff makes some wonderful machines that do not have embroidery attachments. I have a Pfaff Quilt Expression that is my champion for piecing, and I used it for fmq (it has an 11" harp) until DH bought me the Babylock for Christmas. If you want a machine with the very best price and absolutely no fancy stitches that will sew through multiple layers of denim seams, look for an old Singer machine.

I had this problem with thick seams. After trying changing needles & thread several times, still same trouble with thick seams. In frustration I lengthened my stitch length. I use a stich regulator, usually set at 3 I went to 5, guess that's stitch length. It seems to me that adjusted my hopping foot.

I just got a Baby Lock Crescendo, no embroidery module. Sews great over everything I've tried it on. 11" harp space is wonderful (it's a great place to keep your pin container when you're not quilting). I think it's going to be a great all-purpose machine for me. That laser light, which I thought was a little gimmicky, is so useful for all kinds of things. Saves a bunch of time not having to mark.

I have the Brother 1500 and I don't baby it. It sews like a champ. I don't use the three hole bar at top for anything but one hole for a thread guide. Those holes will mess up tension in a heartbeat and break thread everytime. Don't use it.

I've been told that new Pfaffs aren't nearly as good as old ones. The ones made in Germany were wonderful - my 7570 was the last model made in Germany before they were bought out. My present mechanic recommends the Brother and Baby Lock as the most reliable being made now. I also have 2 Brothers which I love, a CS6000i, and a SQ9185. They both are great.

I agree--changing up to a larger needle will help with both skipped stitches and thread breaking. also, maybe slow down some?

Juki makes your Brother 1500s machine. I think it is a fantastic quilting machine. Perhaps you need to check whether you have threaded it correctly and make sure the needle is put in sideways and not front - on to you? If you do all of that and it still causes a problem perhaps a service is needed. It has an excellent stitch and I use mine far more than the computerised one. Give it an oil every now and again as well. Good luck with it.

I too am looking for a sewing machine that will be used for piecing quilt tops among other things. I am seriously considering the baby lock. Am waiting for a sale at Jackmans. I want to appliqué on it and the baby lock has the automatic needle down and then raising the foot so you can turn the project. It's not cheap but I don't want to embroider on the machine.

I think you should measure that machine again.