Best sewing machine?
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
#12
Vanna, there are great deals to be had out there. You can save a lot of money and find great deals for any budget in a variety of machine styles for a larger harp size, just keep your eyes open. Good luck searching.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,828
Have you considered a vintage sewing machine? They usually have a larger harp space, are inexpensive, last forever and are easy to find. The downside is they are heavy. A Singer 15-91 is said to be an excellent FMQ machine. It has something to do with the way the bobbin sits that is supposed to make it work so well at FMQ. There are Japanese made models from that era that should work well, too and they would usually be less expensive.
bkay
This one is a really nice example: (Note where the tension is. The similar Japanese models would have the tension in the same place.)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]607019[/ATTACH]
bkay
This one is a really nice example: (Note where the tension is. The similar Japanese models would have the tension in the same place.)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]607019[/ATTACH]
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 134
I had a older version of that machine. I called it Dobbin (named after my grandfather's Clydesdale). That machine was a workhorse. I did quilt large queen size quilts on it. It wasn't easy and I had arm muscles develop from maneuvering the quilts through the throat area.lol. Hope yours works as long as mine. If you definitely want one for FMQ, I'd suggest a 1500Q. I have one. I don't like that the bobbin is on the side.....it's hard to get at when machine is set in a table..... but it's a great machine for quilting.
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,214
I also have the Brother PQ1500 and I set it in an Arrow table. I start around the center and work out so there is less and less under the harp. I just did a queen size no issues. I think amazon has them on line for about $500. They don’t require much in the way of service if you maintain them
#16
Have you considered a vintage sewing machine? They usually have a larger harp space, are inexpensive, last forever and are easy to find. The downside is they are heavy. A Singer 15-91 is said to be an excellent FMQ machine. It has something to do with the way the bobbin sits that is supposed to make it work so well at FMQ. There are Japanese made models from that era that should work well, too and they would usually be less expensive.
bkay
This one is a really nice example: (Note where the tension is. The similar Japanese models would have the tension in the same place.)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]607019[/ATTACH]
bkay
This one is a really nice example: (Note where the tension is. The similar Japanese models would have the tension in the same place.)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]607019[/ATTACH]
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 2,496
I don't have that machine, but I do have a Singer HD 110. It came from Fleet Farm! That machine is a workhorse. Every quilt, wall hanging, bag, alteration etc. has been done on that machine. I don't do quilt as you go. What I do, what works for me, is when I quilt, I start in the middle, and work outward. I roll my quilt and it's only "tight" for a few blocks, or rows. By maneuvering it top to bottom, side to side, I can make it work. Keeping the bulk of the quilt to my left and supported by the table it helps too. I mostly do SITD, echo, cross-hatch, or meandering. I find I have to take it a little slower. Sometimes that's hard for a quilter!
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
I have the Brother 1500, straight stitch only and fairly large throat area. They cost about $600 -$700 new. Comes with ext table, walking foot, and 1/4 foot. Will last a lifetime, all mechanical. Nothing wrong with the cheaper machines at Walmart. Sew the devil out of one until it breaks. No need for repairs, just buy another one.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
I have two vintage Singers, my own first machine (bought used) and much loved little 99K, and a 15-91 that belonged to my stepmother. I haven't tried FMQ on either but the comments here have persuaded me to try it on the 15.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
QuiltE
Blocks of the Month and Week
210
01-27-2015 06:36 AM
pinkCastleDH
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
8
10-07-2012 10:20 AM
QuiltE
Blocks of the Month and Week
38
02-05-2012 08:08 PM
hunters grammy
Main
2
01-26-2012 07:32 PM