Quilting Sewing Machine Recomendations
 

Hi! So 15 years ago I took a sewing class and ended up buying a used Janome SL2022 machine. Very heavy and great with the basics. Over the years I have spent 95% of my time making quilts and 5% on 2 sun dresses and a few Halloween costumes.

The timing is starting to need adjusting more and more frequently and I am thinking instead of sending it in again that I should get a new machine. I feel my top thread is usually looking straight but the back thread isn't. I want a solid good machine but I don't have the budget for a really, really good machine.

So, I've started the research and I need some help and guidance. Since I have had just the one machine some of my questions will be very basic, and maybe even stupid.

First -- I'm thinking of $400 as the top of my budget. I want a machine mainly for quilting, so wide opening and the little table. I want a good solid metal construction. I want the needle up/down feature (I don't have that now). I don't use a lot of stitches and I would prefer my funds go towards a solid machine instead of a computer for a pile of stitches I won't use. Or is the computer just a basic part of sewing machines now?

Second -- it would be nice if the extra feet I bought for my Janome would work on my new machine. Are they universal or does each machine brand make different feet?

And, I do have a sewing machine shop in town. I haven't looked at new machines there since they have all the big expensive ones. I should check with them to see what selection they have. It's the place where I bought my used one and they are super nice, but I would like to be more informed before going in.

So any suggestions or advice and what you like and has worked for you. Thanks in advance for the help!

I get what you're saying.

Unless you're super lucky your feet from 15 years ago won't fit. Heck I can't get mine to fit when it's been less than 15 years.

Your budget I don't think is large enough to get a machine with a large throat area, up/down needle/ and extra feet. I think computerized is a standard now.

I just purchased a machine. I have large throat, up/down, and more feet than an octopus needs. The stitch choice on the machine is amazing. It was expensive. I also purchased a table to put it on as the table I currently have won't fit the machine.

Look at Janome's and Bernina's. Stay away, far away from Singer.

I will tell you that a narrow throat and less stitches is less expensive. As far as feet go that depends on the model you choose as to what comes with it. My last machine I had to buy a 1/4" foot and a walking foot. This machine has those feet plus more that came with it.

Have fun shopping! Try them out. You could also ask if the store you're working with will sell their floor model.

I bought a Juki TL2010Q for less than 900.00, which is probably more than you want to spend but it's a great, solid, mechanical straight stitch only machine. It has a large throat, 3 thread cutters, speed control, and a great table. I love this machine. Oh and it's metal. More features that I'm forgetting.
I have a Bernina with all the bells and whistles, computerized, but the Juki is my FMQ machine. I love it!

Since you have a limited budget I would recommend that you ask around for demo models or trade-ins. The kind of machine you want is the kind I just bought myself. It is pretty much a no frills model and the kind that lots of people I would imagine might trade in because they want more options. Your local quilt guilds and fabric stores are also good sources of information on who has one to sell. Sure hope you find what you want. After 15 years you deserve it.

Have 2 Vikings. Have 2 Janomes, one with the wid(er) throat. Have an Eversewn Sparrow. And, to fill out the stable, a 1917 Singer 66. If you want a brand new machine for about $400, you won’t get the wider throat, probably not the extension table, don’t know about needle up/down or thread cutter. If it has been 15 years since you shopped for a sewing machine, be prepared for sticker shock. A top of the line Bernina will out you back the orice of a small car. But you can try some of these ideas.

—get an eversewn sparrow. Great little machine, but no wide throat
—look on craigslist for a used machine that fits your criteria.
— see if your sewing machine dealer has a used Janome 1600, Brother 1500, or Juki 2000/2010 taken in trade for a reasonable price.
—see you can get last year’s model of any of the above machines, which will bring the, closer to your budget. Try to get the dealer to throw in some extras.

Good luck.

I purchased my Brother Nouvelle 1500s used for $400. It has a 9" harp space, is straight-stitch only, mechanical (not computerized, so no boards to replace), knee lift, thread cutter, needle threader, needle up/down. I own 7 machines and this one is my favorite. Retail price is $800-$900, although sometimes you can find it for $599 or $699. I haven't checked prices in a couple of years, so it's possible my info is out of date.

Janome makes a very similar machine, the 1600P. It has all the same features as the Brother I listed above, only you can't lower the feed dogs. I have to put a special plate on it if I want to quilt.

To be honest, I think you'd be very, very lucky to find such a machine with a table for $400. I bought mine from a friend who was upgrading.

I think your best bet is a used mechanical machine such as one of these. Put the word out to your local guilds, quilt shops, and dealers that this is what you're looking for. Watch Craigslist and other social media outlets that allow you to search by local, such as NextDoor.

I'd look at the Juki 2000! It's the same as the Juki 2010 straight stitcher except without the speed control and you can find it on Amazon for less than $700. Has a very large throat, very heavy and sturdy, excellent stitch quality. The mechanical straight stitchers on always on my local craigslist, perhaps that's something you could look at? The Brother 1500s is another good machine that is usually less than $700, also on Amazon.

I agree with looking for a used Brother 1500 or comparable Juki or Janome. I lucked into my Brother PQ 1500 Nouvelle used. It has all the features you are looking for. I couldn't be happier with it. Even new on Amazon they are less expensive than the others. They are simplemechanical machines that don't need a lot of service. They use high shank feet so guessing yours won't work. Good luck on finding something.

I may get kicked off this site for what I'm going to say here, but ... I have a high priced, fancy sewing machine. It's sitting on the floor of a closet. A few years ago I bought a standard, manual heavy duty SINGER for $99 from WALMART of all places to be a back-up for the fancy one, just in case. And, guess what? The fancy one stays in the closet and the cheapy Singer is used all the time! I'm really old. I don't even have a cell phone!

Please let me stay here. I love y'all!


My advise - Hang onto your old one --- for a 'back-up.'

Why would we kick you off for saying that? That's just silly, SillySusan. :p :D

Just wondering, did you replace the bobbin? It could be that it is shot and not your machine.

Thanks so much for all the advice and good information! RedGarnet -- good idea about the bobbin, I'll have to try that tomorrow. But I can tell I'm getting antsy about some of the features that I would really like (the needle stopping up or down, I am sooooo tired of stopping and having to manually crank it).

The advice on some of the brands had me looking at the Juki on sewingmachinesplus. They had a couple machines under $700 with monthly payments with no interest. I could swing that. We have two in college right now so it's hard for hunks of money to leave the house, but smaller amounts are ok. (I know makes no sense since it is the same outcome, but it works for me) I'll have to look at the other brands there when I have some more time, as well as where the official dealers are for repairs, etc. I think I have a lot of research to do! And I know two dealers near by that I can check for used machines, obviously that's what I did before - I just had the hankering for shiny and new, but maybe I can compromise. Thanks for helping me start in the right direction!

And SillySusan, your input wasn't silly! I'm glad you spoke your mind. I want to know how people like their machines in ALL price categories. That's why I asked for advice - Thank you.

I don't know if you'll find a large harp for the price range you said, but I have a Brother Simplicity that I got for a trade-in plus $250 that has the needle up/down, a built-in 1/4" seam (that's pretty accurate), lock stitch and drop-in bobbin. Its lightweight and is my travel machine. It does not have the large harp, but does have a smaller table.

I was just joooookinnnnng...... :shock: my comment about SillySusan was lighthearted, hence the smiley faces....

I've never taken my Brother 1500 to the dealer for anything. I clean and oil it myself, I've never thrown off the timing or had any other kind of incident. I told my husband I should just sell my other machines, because if something ever happened to this one, I'd buy another 1500 in a heartbeat.

When you talk with your dealer you may find out they have a similar payment option of Sewing Machines Plus. The advantage of going local (even if it is a few payments more) is having a local provider to service the warranty and lessons. I know many of the new machines have YouTube videos to help you but I liked having the one to one assistance when I bought my Viking.

Thank you, Peckish. I guess I feel a little overwhelmed by y'all. You're such a talented bunch . I'm just a little old lady making quilts that have no future in shows -- or even be remembered by anyone. OK, maybe a kid or two. I make 'em mostly for baby charities. Linus, CPC's ... etc.

SillySusan, I'm not that talented!! I just love quilting and this board :)

I love my Eversewn Sparrow!!!! It's a workhorse and fills all MY needs - needle up/down, adjustable speed, needle threader and metal, but light enough for sewing classes and retreats. So happy with this little gem. You can buy them on Amazon, too.

There is the Janome HD 1000 that Leah Day highly recommends, she has an informative video on Youtube. The Janome HD 1000 is in your price range. It's a mechanical machine that Leah likens to the old Bernina 830 Record. Or look into the Sparrow Evergreen models, they have been getting good reviews.

I think yourbest bet is a used machine. I like Viking, but I also like Juki. I would decide what I wanted and then shop Ebay. I have had good luck there.

I think your best bet is a used machine. I like Viking, but I also like Juki. I would decide what I wanted and then shop Ebay. I have had good luck there.

Agree too with checking out local sewing machine stores, that is where I found my Pfaff Quilting Expression for $400.

Contact Amy Smith at Brubakerssewing.com. I purchase all my machines from them, even it they are 1500 miles away. Best prices, great used machines, always available for tech questions or issues, however never had an issue with any of their Janome machines. I obviously don't work for them....probably a good thing. Ha! Ask her about her used or quilt show specials.

I have had my brother pq1500 for 3 yrs. love it. Never had to take it to the shop I can clean and oil myself. 9" throat while not large is sufficient. I have mine mounted on Grace SR2 frame and it works great. Tension is never a problem and it will work with any thread. You get a good variety of feet with it and a very large quilting bed included as well. I would highly recommend it. Also has a port to use with a speed controller if you want that option as well as a stitch regulator for use with a frame. You should be able to find it for $500-$600. The knee bar lift is also included which is a nice feature if you quilt.

Ken's has a Janome DC2013 on sale! $449....was $699. free shipping perhaps no sales tax.....and a bonus package.
https://www.kenssewingcenter.com/jan...e-p-33285.html

it has a up down button, but not a thread cutter.

If you aren't wanting to buy one really soon, you might keep your eye on the estate sales in your area. I'm an estate sale addict, but rarely buy anything, I just like looking. I have seen several really nice machines and they are always well under your budget. But like I said you have to be patient and keep checking all the sales.

I personally love my Janome 7700 and if you could find one of those at an estate sale grab it. You won't be sorry.

Good luck, I hope you find the perfect machine for you.

A Pfaff Quilt Expressions, a Pfaff Performance 5.2, are possibilities but look for traded in models, like a Pfaff Performance 5.0 someone might have traded up for the 5.2. Nice thing about Pfaff, don't need to buy walking feet; Pfaff's have IDT, so when you stitch in the ditch or even piece, you just pull that lever down to hold the fabrics evenly, top and bottom.

I would make sure there is a dealer close and a good repair | maintenance option available.