I have a question about the Brother PQ1500S sewing machine.

I know there are quite a few here who do not use their machines on a frame; you're the folks I have a question for! Do any of you use the Grace Speed Control with your machine? It's my understanding (from reading stuff on the 'net) that the Grace control subsitutes for the Start/Stop button, as well as regulating the machine's speed, because it's a replacement for the foot pedal.

I'm used to FMQ with the Start/Stop button only (could never get my hands and feet to coordinate FMQ using the foot pedal). I'm thinking of purchasing the PQ1500S and the Grace control so that I could have all of that nice extra room for FMQ, and I would also use it for piecing. This would be as a regular sewing machine, NOT on a frame.

Any and all responses welcomed!!

I have this machine and it does not have a start/stop button, just the foot pedal. I will be watching this though as I would like to get some kind of speed control on my machine too.

This can be done, provided you have the Grace Speed Control specific for that machine. The Grace Speed Control is specific to each brand and sometimes model of machine. They are not all the same. For instance, a Grace Speed Control for a Viking MegaQuilter might not work for a Brother PQ1500S or even a different Viking model. The major difference being the plug configuration.

Thank you! I understand about the different controls. I've been looking at the Allbrands website, and they are very clear about which controls work with specific machines (each one has a list). So, that's the easy part! I was also wondering if anyone actually uses the machine in this way or had tried it.

Donna,
I am considering buying the Brother PQ1500S and was wondering what your opinion is of the machine?

I have the exact set-up you are considering.... (machine & Grace speed control) but have not tried it yet. I have been sewing with the machine just to get use to it.... playing with tension... etc... before I begin quilting. I have 3 quilt tops ready to go and am anxious to get started. I am, however, starting with a simple lap size quilt so that I can practice. My husband built me a custom table frame (with moving platform). Hopefully, I will get to try it all out this weekend. I'll keep you posted.

Donna and Tigger,
I have used a Brother PQ-1500S for years and love it. I have sold a new Janome 6600 because I couldn't stand the feed on fine fabrics and use my 1500 almost exclusively with the exception of buttonholes and wide stitches. (I use one of my cheap Brothers from WalMart for those things. (I have those to teach sewing) I love the 1500 so much, I got another used one from my dealer. The second one I put on a mid-range Grace frame with the stitch regulator.

The stitch regulator I'm pretty sure will not work without the frame and carriage set-up. It has sensors coming from the X- and Y-axis wheels on the carriage so it can detect the speed/direction of the hand-controlled movement. That is how it slows and speeds up the machine to make fairly regular stitches so matter the direction. There is not a similar way to get that input from moving fabric on the flatbed of a machine at a table. I'm not an expert, but that's how I see it from setting it up and using it for quite some time. Attached is a close-up photo with part of the sensor and wires to help visualize this.

If you hear of anyone wanting to sell their 1500, please let me know. I am always in the market. And I would love to buy another one for use in classes and possibly one to donate for humanitarian aid volunteer sewing work in our church.

BTW, I would probably sell the Grace frame, sure stitch, and quick-zip system, fourth rail, etc. I'm in Idaho.

Good luck to you all.

--Charlene

I have a Brother 1500 I want to sell. Asking $350 plus shipping from zip 79904. Might not be worth it with shipping, not sure. Michelle Guadarrama

I have the Grace Speed Control for the Brother 1500 and it's still in the box. The machine is so good I have learned to be pretty good using the pedal. I keep thinking I need to try it out. The box explains a lot: don't know why it posted twice.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=492824&stc=1http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=492825&stc=1

I tried it this morning. Works great on my Brother 1500 no frame. The back panel has the settings for the other brand of machines. It's easy to see what you need to set it too from the diagram in the instruction sheet. The cord plugs into the machine where the foot pedal plug goes. That's it. Took me about 10 seconds to install.

I know this is a very old thread, but I wondered if those using the Brother PQ 1500 with the stitch regulator would come back and tell me how it works when not on a frame? How does the regulator know how fast you are moving the fabric? I just can't visualize this.
Another related question is if I decide to put mine on a frame, what kind is the best as in the easiest for a newbie with no place local to learn? It would all need to be by video or internet sites. I definitely want a stitch regulator to go with it. I don't know enough to even ask decent questions right now.

I have the same exact speed control in the above pix. Speed control and stitch regulator are 2 different things. I use mine with my Elna 7100, which is basically the same as the Brother 1500--is same as Janome 1600 (made by Janome)..I have my speed control taped to the table in front & to right of my machine. As noted, one button just does like one stitch at a time and can be used for drawing up bobbin thread. There's an on off switch, and the speed control button. I started very slowly, but soon increased speed. The only thing I dislike is taking my hand from the quilt to reach the shut off button. Several more stitches are made during that time. I do not have on-button on the machine..just foot pedal, and some days I prefer using that. I do a lot of meandering on charity quilts--if I were doing intricate patterns, then the foot control would be my preference. I bought my Gracie speed control new on ebay for $50 and very pleased with it. OH, and I think it was free shipping, but my memory is a year old, sooooo.......

Ah, thanks. I mixed up the two. I put several layers of cardboard in my foot controller to slow it down and get more control, so I guess that acts as a stitch control for me. I'm looking for a stitch regulator as my stitching is still not even enough. I either need more practice or just bite the bullet and get a frame and regulator.

I also have a brother 1500s which i love, love, love, and i am considering buying a speed control for it also in order to keep the speed at a steady pace for free motion quilting. I was just wondering how it works, i understand that you push a button to start and stop the machine, and how does that work when you are sewing and have to lift your hand to push the button. Seems to me it would be awkward. Any advice from an experienced user. thanks.

I recommend the Yahoo group for that machine. There are a lot of experienced users and resources (such as the service manual) on the site.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PQ1500/info