Mid-Arm Sit Down Quilting Machines
 

I have done a ton of research on mid-arm sit down quilting machines and I finally made my decision to “rip the band-aid off” and buy one. After 6 months of research I finally chose the Grace Q’nique 15SD. It is on order through my local sewing machine store and should arrive in a week. When I first started looking to buy I went to my dealer who mostly sells Brother, Baby Lock, and Janome brands, however they were looking to expand into Viking too. I asked about the Q’nique and they didn’t know too much about it. My dealer recently went to a convention and had the opportunity to review the machine and came back with rave reviews for me and are now featuring the Grace machines in their store. They gave me and excellent competitive price along with a 3 year extended warranty with their store to do any repairs right there if needed and classes on how to use the machine and and extra bobbins, needles, and an extra bobbin case. I’m very excited to get this machine. The reasons I wanted a sit-down model is space, configuration, ease of use, no stress on my back or legs from standing up and mostly I like the tactile feel of free motion by moving the quilt instead of a machine.

Question: Does anyone else have comments on their experience with a sit-down model?

Congratulations! I don't have any experience with a mid-arm sit down machine but am eager to learn more about the options available so I will follow this thread :) I hope you enjoy your new toy and look forward to seeing what you produce with her!

Christine

Congrats on your new machine. I think it would be great to have a machine set up for quilting only. If I ever venture into it, I would get a sit down also. Let us know how it works out, sounds like you will have great service.

I absolutely love my HQ Sweet 16. After working on a high king sized quilt on a domestic machine with 8.5 - 9 in. Throat space, my sweet 16 is a joy! I’m sure you will love your machine, too. If you have been using a domestic machine there won’t be much learning curve for the new one.

congrats on your new machine

Congratulations on your new machine. I just purchased a used Sweet Sixteen sit down and love it. No real learnibg curve since I’ve been fmq on domesti machines for years.


Rob

I really like my Bernina Q20. It's still kind of a pain for really big quilts because There are still times where there's a lot coming off the table in the front, on my lap. But for lap size quilts, it's fantastic. The large throat space and great tension make it a pleasure to finish my quilts.

My problem with sit-down machines would be that you still have to make the quilt sandwich. I simply cannot satisfactorily put a quilt sandwich together. I have ripples, pleats on the back and everything shifts at least a little. I am not asking for advice. I have tried every suggestion over the past 5+ years and I am just not happy with the results of anything over a small lap quilt. I have decided I am a topper more than a finisher. My LA'er is retiring this summer. Guess I am going to go to QAYG.

Sounds like you have a great dealer. Can't wait to hear how you like your new machine. A sit down machine would be my choice, too, if I ever decide to "rip the bandage off". I do FMQ on my sewing machine and even though it has a pretty fair throat space, I usually reach a point in the quilting where I think I just have to get a different type of machine. Once I'm done, I kind of forget about it again.

Congrats you can sit with a longarm though it does take up more space because I was toying between the 2 a few years ago. I use a saddle stool with my longarm just incase you decide at a later date you want one