Is there any point in upgrading?
 

Hi everyone. I have been considering upgrading my quilting experience. I piece on a small Bernina 350 and quilt on a Brother 1500. Short of going to a midarm, does anyone think there is any point in upgrading to a Bernina 770? The harp space is the same but it has a regulator and may make the quilting experience more fun or easier. I could just sit tight and practice more on my 1500 but I wonder if it’s just the space that limits my enjoyment or also the quality of the machine. Any input or thoughts welcome. Thank you-

Have you practiced on other machines? If so how did they feel to you, or are you just dreaming about an upgrade. Testing should tell you. Take something you normally sew and not use the fabric the dealer demos with.

I was given a modern Bernina 820 from my friend who replaced it with a different Bernina (which might be the 770...).

I did a series of three baby quilts earlier this year, in one I used the built in walking foot, in one I used the BSR (bernina stitch regulator) and one I just did with the regular foot. In all three cases, the method I used was easy, they all worked well and were easy to use/switch. The huge throat space and bright lighting were wonderful. Obviously, no one method of stitching is appropriate for all quilting designs.

Keep in mind, however, that I am very accustomed to machine quilting on a vintage sewing machine with the feed dogs engaged. I've also been using a friend's long arm for the last couple of years.

At least for me there is a very big difference between what I can do by moving the sewing machine around as with the long arm and what I can do moving the fabric around with the DSM (domestic sewing machine). The motions are not at all the same, and while I imagine I will get better I don't really want to! I'm starting to look for long arm options.

Well Ive only quilted really on my 1500. I'd like to try another machine for sure. I have a big quilt I can use to try out other machines. I think I could really use a stitch regulator!

I have a Brother 1500 and recently got a used Juki. I prefer the Juki. Nothing wrong with the Brother 1500 and it served me well. I am now going to upgrade to this: https://jukiquilting.com/products/j-150qvp.html I test sewed on many different models for machine quilting and nothing came close to the Juki in my opinon. Not even the Bernina. I have an older Bernina and it is a fine machine. I have two Janomes and they are great machines. I also have Brother embroidery and a Brother 420. I know the differences from sewing on all of them over the years.

You have to test sew on them all and then the one that feels right is the one to buy.

That's interesting. I was looking at the Juki 2200, also a mid arm. I'll have to find a dealer to test drive. Leah Day was talking about her Qnique and I was really interested in the fact that you can use it from the front or the side. What a fabulous feature...

I just bought the Bernina 770 and it is fantastic! I have zero regrets buying this baby.

I love using my midarm. As it's not too heavy, l can use it on a frame, or take it off and set it in my dropin in sewing couter. Bailey home quilter 15" ( they also make 17" & 20"). Stitch regulators (BSRs) can wear out...a friend has gone thru 2 already, and they're not cheap.

I just am at a point where I want to really up my skills and have a good quilting machine for the long term. I feel like my 9” harp space kinda...cramps my style. 🤪 Basically I’m looking for a long term relationship with a quilting machine. I’d like to think the person makes the quilt, not the machine. But I can’t even see how you quilt big queens on a domestic without feeling like you’re wrestling with an alligator. Or maybe I’m trying to justify and upgrade. 🤦🏼*♀️

when it comes to the quilting phase, bigger is always better.

i did a super-king t-shirt quilt (more than 10x10) on janome MC6600 (9" throat.)
like wrestling an alligator that was fighting with a python! lol
still ... it got the job done.

here are the only questions that matter.
do you want to upgrade?
can you afford to upgrade?
do you have the space for something bigger?

if it's yes, yes and yes then your only problem will be picking the right machine.
the selection is mind-boggling.
i wish you good luck and lots of fun looking and using. :)

LittleDentist ... you have been given some good food for thought already.
The questions from PatriceJ are important ones to ask yourself, in coming to your decision.

Another question ... which I think you have already answered ....
* Do your current machine(s) do everything you want, except for the alligator/python fight?

If your answer is yes .... you may want to consider a HandiQuilter Sweet Sixteen
(or one of it's re-branded machines).

Why? ... from personal experience ... a bigger throat does not give you higher space.
You are still wrestling the alligator, but with a little ease but not a lot easier.
Gaining the height, of an S16 etc. makes a huge difference.
(IOW consider the total opening, not just the width)

Which takes you right back to PatriceJ's questions ..... :)

Take your time, do your research, a bunch of test drives and then choose what is right for you!!

Exactly. I feel like I need (want/need) a midarm. I can’t imagine how even with hours/days/months of practicing how my alligator wrestling (with a python!!) can improve under current conditions. 😳 I wonder how others do it. I feel like a lot of my patterns won’t work with QAYG, but maybe I should explore that too.

I've been feeling the same about an upgrade for over a year now. I really want one, but do not have the funds for even a second hand longarm/midarm set up at this point of our lives. But, I remember Leah Day once saying in one of her podcasts, when you start to feel like you need a longarm to do the quilts you want to, then it probably is time for an upgrade.

I so agree with QuiltE. Height of harp is so important. Some machines will have 12 in. width, but barely 5 in. high. So still a struggle to handle a large quilt. A low harp also impairs visibility.

Price really seems to increase when you combine a wide harp + a high harp!

It might boil down to what you can afford ... I've had my eye on the APQS George for a while ... but can't afford it. So I'm making do with my Juki TL2010Q. It's a great machine. I've had mine for 6 years now, with never a problem. For large quilts, I do them in sections.

I still dream of George though ... LOL

I have a brother pq1500 also and I got a grace sr2 queen frame with the grace stitch regulator. It works very well but you are limited to a queen size quilt. But for the money invested it is well with it. No more basting and you can do ruler work and any fmq you want. The 9" harp just means you have to roll more often. Sure I'd love to have a 18" but not sure I could justify the expense

If you are constantly feeling held back in your creativity and productivity, if you're frustrated with the alligator fight, I'll go out on a limb and say it's the space of harp, not a stitch regulator. I don't hear much about the stitch regulator being a big factor in decisions to upgrade, but a vast majority of people want the bigger harp. You'll never regret getting more space if you are thinking about it with every quilt you make now (or not making because of the frustration you feel).

before deciding on a specific machine it sounds like you need to do some exploring on new, larger harp with SR domestic vs. midarm vs. long arm (a good used one may be priced not a whole lot more than that new fancy domestic) vs. a sitdown. Once you've gotten a idea how they work differently, then you can start your search for one that fits your needs and budget.
A friend that is an educator for a major machine company and teaches using rulers on your domestic (plus she long arms too) said in a guild presentation that she thinks paying the expense for a stitch regulator on your domestic doesn't make sense since you are moving the quilt with your hands if you are FMQ anyway, so You are the SR!

I have Bernina 880 with embroidery module and just had the store up grade it to a Plus to keep it up to date. On my deathbed that machine will be clutched in my dying hands and will be buried with it and the last quilt I worked on!

I just bought the Qnique 15R and it is wonderful! I had never used a longarm and I will never go back. I also have the Flynn Multiquilter system. While it does have a learning curve, I found it easier than free motion quilting on my machine bed.