Yes, I was looking at the machine today...very nice!

One of the features on some of the built-in stitches was tapering, described as:

Decorative tapering
– Turn decorative stitches into extraordinary embellishments.
The tapering feature on the SAPPHIRE™ 875 Quilt machine automatically reduces the stitch width, stitch by stitch, to create
precise corners. You can taper 27 decorative stitches to
sew unique embellishments.

I don't understand and, sadly, the person demoing did not seem to either. I'm wondering if any of you can tell me exactly what this does? I'm also wondering if the Viking Topaz 30 has this feature.

Thanks in advance.

{edited} I'm also wondering if you find your 875 noisy. Thanks.

I have a Topaz 30. Let me check. I know my Diamond has it. Okay, just checked the manual. There is a tapering satin stitch with the Topaz 30. I don't see it for any of the other designs. I think with the Diamond you can do it with any of the designs, although I have never tried it. Hope this helps.

Sorry, you wanted to know what it does. Here is what the manual says.
1. Place the fabric inposition under the presser foot.
2.Start sewing. The machine will sew the tapered point and then continue with a satin stitch at the selected stitch width. A reverse icon is shown on the Graphic Display indicating that you need to press the Reverse button to step to the next part of the stitch. When the satin stitch is as long as desired, press the Reverse button. This will start the tapering of the end. When the tapering is completed the machine stops automatically.
3 To repeat the stitch with the same size, press the STOP button. Reposition your fabric, then step on the foot control to sew again. The machine will stop automatically when the stitch is completed.

I hope this helps you.

I have an 875 Q also - I finally used the taper stitch feature - keep in mind I have never had a class - this is my first computerized machine - I have owned it for less than a year. Ok - if you are doing decorative stitches (for instance I did some satin stitches on applique) the taper can be adjusted to 30, 45 or 60 degrees so when you come to an inside corner or outside - it will bring the stitches down so you don't have this big gobs of stitches overlapping each other. You set it on your machine then when you need it you hit a button (I think the reverse button - I don't remember) and it automatically takes care of it.
Ok - mine does not make loud sounds - except when I don't have it threaded right - then I know instantly what is wrong. Hope this helps. Play with your machine it does many things.

I have the 875Q and it is not noisy at all, I have not used the tapering feature, but they did demo it in the class, I don't really remember how to use it. I love my machine tho, it's wonderful, especially the thread cutter, the pressure foot that hovers and the walking foot with the 1/4" guide and stitch in the ditch attachments

Thank you all for the responses. Grann's instructions Otis' descriptions help me to understand what it does.

The first time I used the machine at the dealer, it was quiet and smooth. Then I did "something" to the bobbin that they fixed, but after that it wasn't as quiet. Sounded a little rough.

What a beautiful machine!! It's calling my name...

Hi again, just want to let you know that your instructions were very helpful. I went to a dealer and they couldn't show me tapering. Armed with your info, I was able to do it and understand now what it does.

Thanks again.