What sewing machine to buy?
 

I am going to buy a new sewing machine. I have been looking around at different brands but cannot decide which to buy. I am a quilter and I sew other items such as stuffed dolls and animals, potholders, and decorated things. My current machine does not have any fancy stitches and this is what I want in a new machine, along with ease of sewing and ability to machine quilt. I'd like a long throat but machines with this feature seem very expensive. I will pay up to $1500 for a machine. Any suggestions as to brand and model??

Thanks ever so much for your advice.

My sweet husband bought me a Janome 6600P Memory Craft about 5 months ago & I LOVE it. It has a 9" inch throat & oh so many stitches & features. Go & try out different machines in your price range & find the one that has everything you what & need. :)

I second the recommendation of the Janome 6600. I also second the recommendation to go and try every machine you can possibly get your hands on.

Be sure and look at Juki's. I've owned every brand, Juki has the strongest motor, best stitch, dependable. Love them.

I have a janome 8900. Even though I paid more than $1500, with the new ones out the price might have come down considerably. Also, consider getting one after the quilt shows. I got my embroidery machine as a show machine for considerably less than one in the store.

Check out the Viking Husqvarna 875Q, it has a 10" throat and all the bells and whistles. See if your store has floor models. PM me if you like the 875Q. Also try the Pfaff 4.0 Quilt Expressions, great machine. 10" throat. Then try the Janome, and make sure you try all the tye off and cut features, auto foot lift after the tying off,. I don't remember if the Janome had it.

Most of the newest machines with all the features will cost more then $1500. I would buy two machines. A straight stitch machine like the Brother 1500. It has a big throat space. It cost about $600. And I would buy a machine with decorative stitches and extra features. There are many nice machines for $800 or less. Two machines are better the one!

I have a janome 6500 which is an older model than a 6600, but I still love it. The throat is large and has all the features of a quilter would ever want! I had always wanted a Bernina but now I'm very satisfied and would not pay the high price for their machines.

My wonderful DH just about me a Janome 6600P also. I love it. I haven't gotten a lot of free time to use it but what I have done so far has been simple to use and a great heavy duty machine. I would highly recommend trying one out. It is within your price range. I love all the different features (which I have never had before) like the thread cutter, built in walking foot for quilting, and all the different stitches including letters and numbers.

You will get many answers to your question - each expressing their fondness for their machine. The best advice I can give is to all the sewing machine dealers in your area and try out their machines and find out what services and classes they offer. Then buy the machine that best fits your needs, your pocketbook and your heart.

Alleyoop1 has the best advice. I am partial to brother machines and vintage singers but this may not be your choice.

I agree all major brands have great machines-but try as many as you can and see what features you love.

My daughter bought me a Janome 6600P. The person who sold it to me raved about it and wanted one for herself. It has been wonderful. Sometimes floor models go on sale. I would check with my local Janome dealer. I think you will be very happy.

I have a simple little Brother SQ9000, that my husband bought me three years ago. It has 80 stitches, walking foot, and all the other neat things we love, for only $199 before taxes. You could use the leftover $$ for more fabric. lol

Check out Juki. You get more machine for less money. I know many quilters are in love with their Janomes but my Janome 6500 was absolutely awful. You need to find a machine that will match what you want to do.

I agree this is very good advise!!!

Let me third the Juki recommendation. I did a lot of research and found for my budget I could get a used machine like a Janome or a new Juki 2010Q.

I love love love mine. Its everything I wanted in a machine and nothing I didn't really want or need.

My suggestion is to go to at least 3 different dealers and try out machines. That way you can figure out what features are MUST HAVE in your price range. Consider used models as well since others are always trading up.

I really like my Baby Lock. Bought from someone on this board almost 2 years ago. Love it.

I'm a Janome girl. I own a Model 344 Ltd. Edition (an inexpensive machine - under $100) and a Janome Heart. I use my 344 just about every day and I highly recommend Janome machines.

What ever you do, test drive each machine you are interested in. I can't stress this enough. Good luck with your choice.

Anita

traded up from Janome 6600 because I wanted a bigger throat to a Horizon. But love Janomes

I think it depends on what you want to use it for. I used to have a Janome 4900QC which I loved... until I sewed on a Juki 2000/10 and I fell in love and haven't looked back. I kept my Juki of course as a back up machine or for when I needed to do something other than a straight stitch.. but my Juki is awesome for me. She pieces quickly and beautifully. I'm not sure where you live but I know Ken's here in Alabama ships throughout the country. See if you can drive one first and then compare prices. It's a lot cheaper than your limit which of course you can use for supplies.... http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/juki...e-p-28479.html

I also agree for you to try as many different machines as you can. If you have a large quilt show coming to your area, that is a great way to be able to compare machines almost back to back. That's what I did when I bought my Tin Lizzie. I was able to try a bunch of machines all on the same day so I could jump from one dealer booth to the next and get a great hands on comparison...

don't forget that refurbished machines can be just a good at half the cost...make sure to get it from someone you trust - like a dealer who can provide servicing on it. I've done really well by purchasing this way, and also purchasing floor models at the time when new models are coming out.