How fast do you sew? After a year of quilting, I recently slowed down the speed of my machine and have found it is easier to sew straighter. I like speed, but the results are better a little slower.
Does anyone else like to speed while sewing?

Oh yeah, I like to sew on the highest speed.

If I'm just doing a long straight seam, I go full blast.
But, if I'm piecing, I slide the speed control down to just over medium. That way no matter how I push down on the pedal, it doesn't go TOO fast to keep in control.
On my quilt frame, I have the speed set at med-high. Any higher and I get broken threads.

I like to sew fast too! I think because I was in the sewing industry for a long time making clothing. I have just recently started quilting and everyone tells me to slow down!

I've also slowed down ... I think I can sew straighter going a little slower.

Yeah, slowing down a tad helps when piecing. I have to set the "speed control" on my machine at about 2/3 or I tend to go too fast.

I sew fast. Sometimes out of necessity if I'm on a dead line making a sample for the store. The faster I get it done the faster I get paid.

I put the pedal to the metal.. Isn't that what the foot feed is for?? I do peice a little slower. When I FMQ I go as fast as the machine will go. I find I get much better stitching.

I have "accidently" sewn fast after winding a bobbin and forgetting to turn the speed down. Scares me every time my machine takes off like a bat out of *%@#! I sew at a medium speed. Too fast and I can't sew straight. I now go real slow over bulky seams. I got tired of broken needles or thread from sewing so fast.

I sew at a medium speed. If I go too fast it gets out of hand.

You get use to the industrial machines that sew at least twice or more than the speed of domestic machines. I loved sewing on the industrial machines but since being out of the industry, I like my domestic better...I feel more relaxed.

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I used to sew "pedal to the metal", but, I am trying to slow down... I now sew at low-medium mark...yes, medium. I find I am more relaxed at this speed and my machine isn't as loud. I am attempting to enjoy the quilting as opposed to racing threw it. I enjoy the challenge of creating the pattern, selecting the fabrics and watching the quilt top grow. Then I get in the "hurry up and get it done" mood and this is another reason I slowed down my machine.

For piecing, I set the maximum speed to medium, but rarely sew even that fast. For quilting, I sew very slowly, because the stitches, at least on my machine, are not as uniform when I sew at a faster speed.

i learned many years ago sometimes you have to slow down in order to speed up. when i sew slower i make fewer mistakes, less (un-sewing) and my projects come together alot faster than when i am trying to sew with the foot pedal floored...it takes lot more time to repair mistakes than it does to just slow down and do it right.

I piece at a medium to slow pace but when it comes to quilting I really slow down. I feel I have more control over my stitches that way.

I adjusted my machine to sew medium speed also.
I do much better that way.

I've never been a speeder, I learned that it is easier to just take my time and (try to) do it right the first time! Besides, every time I get in a hurry I make so many mistakes it takes me twice as long anyway! Slow and steady definitely wins the race for me when it comes to quilting...but I sew like a bat out of hell when it comes to sewing anything else! :-D

Nadine, I just bought a 503 Tue, Is that is what your avatar is? I only checked it out but it is so quiet.. Mine is in the cabinet so I still have it in the living room. Hope to be able to find a place in my studio to set it up. Beth

I sew like the dickens when FMQ, then I am trying to slow it down a little for piecing.

It depends on my level of concentration...I find myself zoning out and realizing that I'm zooming along. Other times I notice I'm taking it easy and concentrating really hard...I must say I do like those zoom zoom sessions. =D

My GF complains about how slow I sew but it is the only way I get it straight. I usually run at abut half speed. I guess that applies in life as well as sewing.

I guess it depends on what I am sewing and my mood. Sometimes I just want a nice "casual" pace. Other times the machine just is not fast enough.

No mine is a 301, I think.
I only use it as a back up. It was my mother's and it sews great. I don't have a cabinet unfortunately. When my father bought it, it came with a table that has an opening for it to sit in.
Congratulations on your buy! I love older machines. I'll never get rid of mine.

Geeze, I should have recognized it I have one exactly like it.

:D :D

I guess I sew "medium" and feel like that gives me the most control.