which machine is betterQ
 

I am looking at purchasing a sewing/quilting machine. I am new to quilting, but in love with it. Have been doing some looking. Viking Sapphire 965Q, Janome 9400/Elna Excellence 980, or Brother VQ 3000.

Which machine would you recommend and why. Which have the best features and bang for buck?

i know it's not on your list, but i love my Juki Exceed http://www.jukihome.com/products/exceed_f600.html
it does everything i need it to do

I have the Viking and love it. I do also have a Janome 8200 (previous model to the 9400 without all the extra fancy stitches) Between the two, they are different in free motion but both are excellent. I will say with the Viking you definitely need the extra extra table that is available if you do not have the ability to put it in a cabinet.

I have Viking Sapphire and love it. It is about 10 years old. At the time it had the largest throat space on the market. I bought it after a quilting show. One of the local sewing shops had it out for display and then sold the model at the end of the show. I got quite a discount and they offered me a guarantee with it.

Thank you QuiltnNan. I have heard good things about Juki, but never looked at one. I will definitely ad to my list.

Thank you snaggs for your input.

Thanks Sally J. Can you tell me how they are different in free motion ? This is a skill I am working on learning and it takes alot of practice. Do you favor one machine more than the other and why?

I just bought a Juki TL2010Q and LOVE it! However, it's straight stitch only. I bought it for free motion quilting. I have a Bernina that has all the bells and whistles. I didn't need them on another machine. I just needed a good machine for FMQ.

Thanks Susie QOH. So many good machines, and alot to consider as far as features and what you want to do with the machine. New at quilting and still so much to learn, but loving it.