Hi, just wondering if any of you have a stitch regulator on your sewing machine and if you find FMQ a lot easier with it. I don't have one on my machine but I can get one to attach on to it. It's pretty pricey though, about $500.00. Thanks

I wish, but my machine is too old to have a stitch regulator, but my dream machine has one!

I have a BSR and use it constantly.

There is a learning curve to using it just like there is a learning curve to doing FMQ. I got really frustrated with it yesterday and yanked it out to do a particular piece I wanted done. It will skip stitches and I have yet to determine what I need to do to stop that skipping. But, I did a king size quilt with it two weeks ago and had no problems. The skipping is due to user of course - -LOL

I am not trying to talk you out of it, but just want you to know it is not the magic wand for FMQ that some think it is.

i have one- never turn it on- hate it---just me i'm sure- but it just drives me crazy---have a friend who comes over to quilt though- she always uses it- and wouldn't consider working without it- guess it's just --- what different people like.

can you use a stitch regulator on a machine that is not on a frame?

I have done fmq on mu juki for years table top. I just bought the grace start frame and juki combo. The first week I quilted 2 quilts with it then everyone said get the stitch regulator and it would be much easier. So, I dropped the $500 and when it arrived hooked it up. I don't know if the same on all models but I did not like the fact that I lost the thread cutrter button using the stitch regulator. As far as ease I guess I find it hte same either way. I think if you are used to doing fmq a long time without it you've kinda gotten used to controlling your stitches yourself so I think it works the same with or without. Over time maybe it will make it easier as I'll get used to the machine doing the controlling instead of me.

I have the BSR and never use it. I begged my DH to get me a Bernina with the BSR so my FMQing would improve. He did, but my quilting was worse. I couldn't stand the thing. Now, it probably would work better if I got it updated (it is 5yrs old) but I don't think I would use it, so why bother?

I would say it you are looking to buy one, take a real quilt sandwich and your favorite quilting thread to the shop and try it out. That way you can see if it does starts and stops in a way that pleases you. That was my biggest gripe with the BSR.

i have a quilters cruise control on my Juki. i was practicing with it today. the stitches are great. it's my motions that i need to work on. i love that the control will stop the sewing while i decide where to go next.

Bernina is the only DSM (as far as I know) with a true stitch regulator. I have the BSR and love it, although I don't use it very often since I now have a longarm with a stitch regulator. With any tool, there can be a learning curve. You still have to be somewhat consistent when starting and stopping, but overall your stitches will be much more regular. If you have already learned to free motion without a stitch regulator, then you may find it harder to get used to one than someone who has never done free motion.