Buying a new machine as “Advanced Beginner”
03-07-2025, 04:26 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 304
I have an Elna with a large throat space and lots of bells and whistles. No stitch regulator, of course, because it's older. I have quilted up to queen sized quilts but find as I age, I just can't maneuver the quilt as easily as before. I have a small space for quilting. If you have the room, set a table behind your sewing table to avoid dragging. I don't have that capability, so I have reverted back to quilting in sections or "quilting by check" with a long armer.
03-08-2025, 05:17 AM
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2025
Posts: 11
Thanks for suggestions!
Thank you to everyone who responded. I will look up some of the terms you used, and talk to my dealer. I have already committed $300 for a lightweight machine, but I tried it (as suggested) in dealer’s shop, and it won’t work. I doubt I’ll do piecing or embroidery in the foreseeable future, but continue to make simpler (and smaller) quilts and quilted objects. Most of the machines with speed control, accufeed, adjustable pressure, and stitch regulator seem to have too many stitches!
03-08-2025, 08:15 AM
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,722
Originally Posted by [email protected]
Thank you to everyone who responded. I will look up some of the terms you used, and talk to my dealer. I have already committed $300 for a lightweight machine, but I tried it (as suggested) in dealer’s shop, and it won’t work. I doubt I’ll do piecing or embroidery in the foreseeable future, but continue to make simpler (and smaller) quilts and quilted objects. Most of the machines with speed control, accufeed, adjustable pressure, and stitch regulator seem to have too many stitches!
03-08-2025, 10:42 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 9,384
I have a Juki TI200 Qi, I personally think it would be perfect for a beginner. It has a straight stitch,, no bells and whistles. just a basic machine.
https://www.amazon.com/JUKI-TL-2000Q...KIKX0DER&gQT=2
https://www.amazon.com/JUKI-TL-2000Q...KIKX0DER&gQT=2
Last edited by Chasing Hawk; 03-08-2025 at 10:44 AM.
03-09-2025, 05:53 AM
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2025
Posts: 11
May not need new machine
With all of you help, I decided to try new thread and needles on my Singer 4432. It worked! I’m hoping to finish the baby rag quilt and hope to finish without spending more money. A new machine (even 11 or 13 inches) won’t make it likely that I’ll machine quilt my king quilt. Too hard to handle. So, is there a place to sell unopened machines that I bought but can’t return? Thanks
