Stitch Regulator
 

I suppose my machine needs to be computerized for a stitch regulator? Please tell me I'm wrong. It's a Brother 1500s. TIA, Karen

And the stitch regulator has to be compatible with your brand AND model of machine.

What do you mean by a stitch regulator? Something that regulates the stitich length? or something that regulates how fast you can stitch?

I found this link that says a stitch regulator is available for PD1500S but only a Grace frame.

http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewin...=06012008.html

Unless another brand has come up with one very recently, the Bernina is the only DSM with a true stitch regulator.

Though other brands do have their versions of it!!! Sorry, I don;t know what the names are

the only addon I have seen and that was quite some time ago was something called Quilters Cruise Control. You can try googling it and see if they are still around and get the specifics. I don't think it was cheap and quite possiblly will be more than your machine was. But things change - I would still check it out.

Trustitch has one for babylock and brother now. I think I have even seen one out for pfaff, but I dont think the 1500 can use it, but they are available for DSM other than bernina

This is for regulating the stitches. I guess I'll just stick to straight line stitching. I have absolutely zero patience to keep practicing FMQ. Makes one wonder how I have the patience to piece a bunch of small pieces together doesn't it?

Trustitch is for sit-down longarms, not for DSM's.

My Baby Lock Jane is set up with a stitch regulator but I had the shop that I bought it from set it all up on a long arm table. Would never try to do a setup on my own. Lots of wires to contend with. It is a pain to use this kind of setup.
Just to thread the machine you need to move it to the end of the table. To bring the bobbin thread to the top is difficult as you need to be able to hold the thread as you pull up the bobbin thread.
Don't use it much and am hoping to be able to afford at least an 18 in throat machine someday.

I have a Bernina 440 QE with a BSR, but I never use it. I found that I can set the speed control where I want it, and no matter how hard I press the foot pedal, the speed stays the same. Then, it's just a matter of moving my hands smoothly and steadily. Since my problem was always coordinating my foot and hands (I found out a long time ago that I would never be a drummer or an organist), using the speed control feature eliminates that problem.

Check with your Babylock or Brother dealer. There is a stitch regulator for domestic sewing machines in their lines (nor just for their quilting machines). They are around $400.00 dollars or so.

Are you looking for a stitch regulator to be used on a longarm? (They have the wheeled sensors that ride on the quilt frame track and the stitch is regulated by the speed in which you move the machine) . Or are you looking for a speed control for your machine being used for regular sewing or piecing? I had a Juki on a frame (not Grace) using a Quilters Cruise Control. Had to be used only with a Juki 98Q, worked very well but expensive. This machine is very similar to your Brother so I think one could be purchased for it. But I've taken the Juki off the frame and now want a speed control for FMQ. None of these are computerized machines.

I, too, have a Bernina with a BSR and never have used it. I have done a little quilting and am just like you. I set the speed at a good setting and it works fine for me, also. I don't even know how to hook up the stitch regulator. I need to go to my dealer and have him show me how.

One of the reasons I bought my Bernina 830 was for the stitch regulator. Just like doing FMQ w/o one, it takes practice to use well. I've practiced FMQ'ing w/o it long enough that to relearn how to use it just wasn't worth the time involved. I love the idea, but there is a definite learning curve.

Just practice. I have a BSR with my Bernina 440. I used it at first but now find I do better just on my own.