dunster

I don't understand why you have to pin even small pieces. I have a Bernina 440 and don't have that problem, but I'm not familiar with the 350. Is it possible your presser foot tension is wrong, causing the fabrics not to move at the same rate??

littledentist

Yes, I use a 1.5 stitch length now. That paired with open seam pressing has definitely made a little difference!

Iceblossom

I've only recently been doing things with threads, sewed with Dual Duty for most of the last 40 years but started getting better results with different thread combinations. I've found I really prefer having different thread weights when I'm quilting, with a lighter bobbin thread. In many ways I prefer piecing with a lighter weight bobbin thread as well, but philosophically I'm thinking it should be equal on both sides, even if I get a better seam in terms of preciseness with the lighter weight.

With that small stitch, I'm also using a small needle, prefer a 10 for piecing but also use 12s. I really like the Microtex Sharps but also get universals. I typically quilt with a 14, so when I'm looking at needles I often get the packs with 3 assorted sizes if they are on sale.

edit: I go through a lot of needles, at least one per project. So each new top gets at least one needle, then a new one for quilting. They seem expensive but really, whats a couple of bucks in comparison with the cost of fabric. If you ever hear a pooka-pooka sound as you are sewing that means your needle is beyond dull and is punching holes in your fabric instead of cleverly slipping in-between the weave.

sewingpup

umm...I think the 350 is a 5.5 mm feed dog machine and the 570 is a 9 mm machine....I have the 570 and I have to be frank...overall, I am finding it much easier to piecing with a 5.5 mm feed dog machine....especially if you are doing triangles....the wider feed dogs makes it harder for me to stitch a good quarter inch seam and the points are a lot easier to suck down into the machine even with an single hole plate on....and if you have a single hole plate on, one reason is that if you look at how the piece is placed while piecing with a quarter inch seam, the feed dog to the right is not all the way under the fabric which I believe causes the left side of the fabric to feed at slightly faster pace. I had a Bernina 630 which I traded in for my 570 and I am missing it for piecing....there is many wonderful things the 570 does....but it's strong point is not piecing....actually now as I knocked the timing off of 570 while trying to stitch over a way to fat seam making a microwave bowl, I am piecing on my ancient Viking D1 which pieces beautifully ….sigh...but alas it is a computerized machine, with computer boards no longer available...so when it dies....it will need a proper burial....for piecing you just need a machine that has a good straight stitch...my Viking mega quilter is one that had a wonderful stitch....I gave it to my brother as they wanted one that could go through canvas easily. I did buy a Bernina red machine.....which is a simple machine...but I honestly have to say, I miss some of the features that are present on the 570..sighhh....I just think it is way easier if you have several machines as I find each of my six machines excels at something that others don't.....

littledentist

There are no presser foot adjustments on the 350, because of course. I also have a Brother 1500 as that was my first ever machine, and that does have an adjustment. The 350 isn't terrible, although I will also say that I find that I can't seem to get the tension right because no matter what, I can always see the upper thread on the bottom. It doesn't bother me bc it's only for piecing and is fine enough. Alas, I was really hoping the dual feed would be the answer to my prayers but I'm not so sure.

Cam's gram

I am watching this discussion closely because I am thinking about buying the Bernina 590. I have the 440qe, love it and will kept it to use at the cottage. Also have a Handi Quilter longarm so I don't need anything bigger than the 590. The 590 has better lighting, the bigger bobbin, auto thread cutter, etc.

Rhonda K

I am going to give you a very different point of view about justifying your machine purchase. Why do you need to justify it? If you are struggling with the current machine certainly invest in one that will do the job for you. This is your hobby and your enjoyment so why be frustrated.

Do your research and test drive the model you like with the features you want. Why do we feel that a machine purchase has to be justified? You don't need to answer that but just think about it for a little bit.

I like to grow into my machines so do purchase above my skill level. This is my hobby and I do stitch every single day. Every single day. In my world, there is no justification. Bills are paid and food is in the house. I am of a certain age after giving to everyone else along the way. So now it's time to get what you want. I know this is a different point of view but just wanted to share. PS: My DH never justified a car...boat... or other hobbies so I'm not either. LOL!

Good luck on your decision!

zozee

Get a new machine. Try out different brands when this is over. I would not enjoy sewing if I didn’t like my machine . I happen to have a Janome 8200 which I have loved every day since I bought it 5 years ago. It is exactly what I wanted and was worth the price to me. I encourage you to make a list of your must-haves, your preferences and what you can live without. Then shop accordingly, with an open mind toward different brands. You will know when you have found your sewing soulmate!

jmoore

I’m in the same boat as SusieQOH, I love my 770QE. I also own a fabulous Janome machine. They are apples and oranges so you have to decide which machine is right for you. Good luck.

wesing

You didn’t ask about other machines, but you might consider looking at Pfaff. The IDT is their claim to fame, and most if not all of their machines have it. I only pin when I have a long piece like a border, and I get good accuracy. Having a dealer nearby for support is important, but you should make sure the machine is equipped to do what you need it to do. Now that I’ve been quilting for a while, I have an idea of what I would like in a higher end machine. As much as I love our Pfaffs and our dealer, I would also look at some other brands.