Sweet 16
 

I am considering the purchase of a H Q Sweet 16 and would like some feedback from current users both pros and cons.

There a quite a number of older posts on the board that you might find helpful. However...
I have one and absolutely love it. I have just come back from a weeks retreat with it. FAB!

Cons: It took me awhile to get to grips with setting the tension. It is expensive considering it only does one thing... freemotion (well ruler work too). The table is heavy. Maintenance can be troublesome if you don't have a technician nearby. When mine is due for servicing, I have to pack it up it it's original box and packing and have it shipped off. That means breaking down the machine etc. It is hard work if you don't have help. And the price of a courier adds to the cost. I have it serviced once a year regardless. Software upgrades are Not free. You cannot see the bobbin when sitting at the table without bending over to look underneath, so you have to learn it by touch. And after each bobbin you need to clean out the fluff and oil it. I have to sit on the floor to do it.

Pros: Lots of throat space. I can fmq a baby quilt in a simple all over pattern in less than 20 minutes which is great as I do a number of Linus and charity quilts. I love not having the weight of the quilt in my lap or the majority of it dragging on the floor or catching on the table.

Options: I have the TruStitch but rarely use it as it is a pain when doing ruler work. And I have added a strip of LED lights along the underside of the throat space because I need Lots of light. I purchased the table overlay, which is useful and for additional "slide", I use a silicone ovenliner because it is so much cheaper than the supreme slider.

Like any new tool/equipment, you have to put in the time learning how to use it.

Hope this helps.

HettyB

love mine...dont' have problems with tension but I use the same brand of thread all the time (weight and type)

My table isn't heavy -- and i luckily found a local technician who services all brands (mine is out of warranty)

i wouldn't trade and it has helped save the life of my domestic since I had been doing FMQ on it (there was NO learning curve since it was still moving the fabric rather than the machine)

i would buy it again tomorrow.

I agree with HettyB. Although I don't have the sweet 16, I have a platinum 16. Pretty much same machine put out by Huskqvarna/viking. Fortunately I don't have to ship mine off to be serviced. I bought the sure foot for the sweet 16 and installed on the machine to do ruler work. Pricey but worth it. My biggest issue is tension although I am getting that worked out. My machine came with the true stitch, but really don't use it that much. Purchased this machine as it was on sale and also came with the true stitch regulator. Also have the table overlay.

Luvspaper.... Which table do you have... mine is the one by HQ and it weighs in at 60 lbs and that is without side extensions!

No regrets on having purchased the sweet 16. It has worked like a charm and I have no problem working on any of the quilts that I have made (largest is 98 inches so far) and it fits into my sewing room.
It took a while to get used to setting the tension but I love to use decorative threads and I'm always trying something new. It has worked just fine on everything from very fine silk thread to 12 weight cotton and metallic. I bought the couching foot as well and have had fun with that. I always keep a practice sandwich beside my machine and stitch a bit before I move on to the quilt with something new.
I also sit down on the floor to oil my machine. I do not think my machine needs to go in for maintenance once a year(my self oiling sewing machines do) so I clean what I can myself and oil it as per manual. It is very basic so I have never even thought of updating any software.
I got the true stitch and never use it. I can stitch almost as well without it(that took practice)
I got the ruler foot, overlay and the echo feet and use them all.
I have a very bright light overhead because the machine is not that bright.
I tried some others and was happiest sewing on the sweet 16.I felt like I was stitching more consistently and it was not as loud. One of the bigger sit down machines actually gave me a headache it was so loud.
Is there some feature that you are hesitating on?

The true stitch has been something I was not sure of. I have a pretty steady foot and usually stitch somewhat slow anyway as I do a lot of micro quilting. I appreciate all the comments. I use a lot of silk thread myself. Ruler work is my latest journey.

I love, love, love mine! I got the whole enchilada, machine, stitch regulator (seldom use, but nice to have on hand), table extensions, etc. I am absolutely enamored with HQ's extensive online tutorials for their long-arm quilters generally (stand-up and sit down have many things in common, notwithstanding that with stand-up you move the machine; with Sweet 16, you move the fabric). They have their short, 1-2 minute tips which they add to regularly, but the best, best is the HQ live that they do on the 2nd Thursday of each month - an hour long instruction on various features, uses of the machine. I have learned so much and it adds regularly to my enjoyment.

I opted for the Sweet 16 as I am unable to stand for extended periods of time. Summarily: You'll love it too.

I have one too and love it. I've found it to be quite "user friendly." I did have a learning curve with getting the tension set correctly, but that wasn't bad. I purchased my machine and hydraulic lift table used and have never regretted it.

I also have the Viking version and never wanted the stitch regulator. I love it!! I am fortunate to have a local dealer that comes to the house if I need it. I didn't but the overlay and found I didn't need it, and I do do a lot of ruler work. What I did need was the system to hold the quilt up off the table like Patsy Thompson uses (Jennoop System)- my husband built one for me and it works fantastic!!