mea12

I have a sudden urge to buy a jem gold while they are still available. Price was $199 for last 10 years until after first of the year and they're now $239-$269! I found a semi-good deal on one but wanted to ask owners how it does on 1/4" seams since needle is stationary? I've enjoyed combing internet for reviews and so many people still own and love this machine. Welcome all comments from those who are familiar with the gold's piecing ability.

newbee3

I have a jem gold and it is good I/4

KalamaQuilts

the machine 1/4" is more how the stitcher puts the fabric thorough. I use a clear open foot and the fabric has to align with the foot, not a thread or two outside or inside

mea12

Thank you for answering. Are both feed-dogs covered and is it the open-toe foot that you use or the clear-view 1/4" foot?

KalamaQuilts

it is the foot designed for zigzag and other pretty stitches. I think I cut something out in the middle for better visibility.
Over the years I've made about 50 or more 9 patch blocks testing my 1/4" ability

If they are cut 1.5" with precision, then if the block doesn't measure 3.5" when finished the problem is between me and whatever foot I'm using at the time.

Good luck. If it were easy everyone would do it, right?

ah, re: feeddogs. I don't think so on the machine I'm using for the current project, it does 9.0 wide fancy stitches. When I use my vintage machine, straight stitch, then the feed dogs are covered.

Do you ask because your patch gets pulled into the feeddogs? The quickest fix for that is pull out a little thread from the bobbin and top and hold it when you start to stitch. The more fun way is cut your self a bunch of squares in your favorite size (I'm currently using 1.5" squares) and make twosies every time you take your project fabric out of the machine, before you do run 2 blocks in and leave them until your project is going back under the needle. I could show you in about 30 seconds what I mean (leaders and enders)

bonnie explains it more clearly here http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...-and-hows.html

My friend Joan has the Jem for classes and loves it.

Annaquilts

Yes the 1/4 inch is right on.

Onebyone

I have a very old model of the Jem Gold. It doesn't have wide feed dogs. There are several models of the Jem, each have different features. The 1/4" foot does a great job on mine. Brother feet fit the Jem.

mea12

I'm hoping the new jem gold models are the same (quality-wise) as the "very old" models. These machines have been out for 15 yrs or so!! Currently it is just the original gold and the platinum 760 that are still being made even though dealers don't stock them (they order). One dealer I spoke to said the mechanical model is built to last. I think with the 5mm stitch width, dogs will prob be covered and if not, well, too many quilters using (and loving) these machines for them not to piece well. I like the leaders and enders technique and will try that ...you essentially making 2 quilts at once! Thank you everyone for your input.

jdiane318

I have a gold and a Platinum, both are great for what you need. I use mine for small spaces but the 1/4" seam is fine. Of course you need to check it as well as on other machines, too.

peaceandjoy

I had a Jem Gold, did not care for it at all. "Upgraded" to the Platinum, and didn't like it, either. I was looking for something more portable than my Bernina. The Platinum has been sitting in a carrier, untouched, for years. Not even sure it works any more.