Want to buy a sewing machine.. any advice ?
#1
Want to buy a sewing machine.. any advice ?
Hello,
I am looking to buy a new or used sewing machine... I have no idea what I want or anything about the newer machines.. I started out on a brother which I totally hated and I have been using an old white cabinet sewing machine for years and years now... but it's just giving me fits and thought it was time for a new one. I quilt my own quilts on a different machine that I have set up but if I could find one that has a longer arm I would like to have one like that if wouldn't break the bank... I just have no idea as to what I 'm looking for and thought some of you folks could help me out... Thanks
I am looking to buy a new or used sewing machine... I have no idea what I want or anything about the newer machines.. I started out on a brother which I totally hated and I have been using an old white cabinet sewing machine for years and years now... but it's just giving me fits and thought it was time for a new one. I quilt my own quilts on a different machine that I have set up but if I could find one that has a longer arm I would like to have one like that if wouldn't break the bank... I just have no idea as to what I 'm looking for and thought some of you folks could help me out... Thanks
#2
Several years ago, I bought a vintage Bernina 830 Record on eBay for the specific purpose of free-motion quilting (one of my quilting friends suggested it). I LOVE it! It doesn't have a long arm, but I've done queen sized quilts on it with no problem. It has several built-in stitches and came with extra feet and a knee lever that raises the foot for pivoting on corners. I paid about $400 for it.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
About the only feature I was adamant about when I was looking was the needle up/down feature. I don't machine quilt so harp size wasn't a factor. I also do home dec and the odd piece of garment sewing. I ended up with a mid-range Viking and am a very happy camper. Have not had a lick of trouble with it. It has an auto tension feature as well witch was a bonus. I would suggest making a list of features you need vs want and then look at which machines have them. If you're looking for a basic, straight stitch only machine, a vintage singer would be my choice.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
Look through some older threads on this board as there is LOTS of info/advice on machines. When I asked the same question, some of the best recommended going to a quilting show and 'test driving' lots of machines from vendors to figure out what I liked. Or you can do the same at your local sewing machine and quilt shop stores. I ultimately decided on a Juki TL 2010Q as I wanted a straight stitch work-horse machine with the largest harp I could afford and I love it. I also really need the speed regulator for consistent sewing, and love the automatic thread cutting feature and the 'hands free' knee level to raise/lower the pressure foot. It is a big investment so just do some shopping around and take your time until you find what you like based upon your budget.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,657
I'm a janome gal also. I have the 8900QCP. It's got the larger harp, needle up and down, needle threader and cutter, plus lots more features. Haven't had a bit of trouble with it. Quilts like a champ. It's an all around great machine. I love it.
#7
So what do you all think about the Janome 2007le ? A lady has offered to sell me one but I can't find out much about them online.... I would go to a shop to test drive some but the closest shop is about 75 miles from me...
#9
I'm going to second the Juki. If you want more than a straight stitch, Juki came out with a line of machines - the f-300 thru 600 - that has as many stitch choices as the big names, at 60% less $. Juki's will go thru anything. So many of the big names have sissy motors that bog down when the going gets tough. I bought mine off the internet, just thru reviews and I love it.
#10
I just bought a Janome Horizon 8200. It has an 11 inch throat, one of the biggest available on domestic machines. I just love it. It has needle up/down, start/stop button, automatic tension, knee lift for presser foot and a large amount of stitches. I paid $2500.00 for it, not sure if that is considered "breaking the bank" or not, guess that depends on each person's circumstances.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Althea
QB Help Center
1
01-24-2014 02:52 PM