Help choosing a sewing machine for quilting...newbie
11-18-2008, 02:44 PM
#91
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Douglas County, GA
Posts: 1,722
Hi. I have several sewing machines. They are quality machines and work very well. Since I cannot get what they are worth on a trade-in, I just keep them whenever I upgrade. I am a big fan of Pfaff and Janome machines and also a strong believer in buying from a reputable dealer if possible. He/she can help you find the machine that meets your needs.
For quilt-piecing and quilting, there are many important features to look for, several already mentioned in other responses to your question. One of my favorite features is the auto. needle up/down. Another important feature for me is that the needle position can be changed from center to left or right.
If you have the luxury of a local reputable dealer, previously owned machines are well worth checking out. They are traded in for various reasons and very often have nothing wrong with them. A good dealer will give used machines thorough maintenance before putting them up for sale. It's possible to get a fairly high-end used machine for about the same cost as a new basic machine and often comes with "extras" that the former owner has bought in addition to the standard accessories.
Best of luck! Weezie
For quilt-piecing and quilting, there are many important features to look for, several already mentioned in other responses to your question. One of my favorite features is the auto. needle up/down. Another important feature for me is that the needle position can be changed from center to left or right.
If you have the luxury of a local reputable dealer, previously owned machines are well worth checking out. They are traded in for various reasons and very often have nothing wrong with them. A good dealer will give used machines thorough maintenance before putting them up for sale. It's possible to get a fairly high-end used machine for about the same cost as a new basic machine and often comes with "extras" that the former owner has bought in addition to the standard accessories.
Best of luck! Weezie
11-18-2008, 03:04 PM
#93
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 6
I have had 3 machines in my sewing life, of 30 yrs. I have seen a Bernina in action, and wish I had the budget for one. But if like me, you are on a budget don't rule out a Brother. I'm not going by history, other then for myself. I had a basic Brother for several years, then 3 yrs ago I bought the CS 6000. And I have been totally pleased with it. I've had it in the shop 1 time. And it's because I sew just about everyday. I truly give my machine a work out. I bought it at Walmart and I payed close to 300.00 for it. It had all the features I wanted and a booklet, that is very easy to follow. Several different feet, incl/ free-motion ft, as well as several others. Push button stitch width and length control. I have been very happy.I'm an avid applique quilter, as well as design my own quilts. So I just wanted to add my imput.
I passed my basic Brother on to alittle girl, that wanted a sewing machine of her own, and it's still working.
I passed my basic Brother on to alittle girl, that wanted a sewing machine of her own, and it's still working.
11-18-2008, 03:05 PM
#94
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4
I am a quilter.....just finished 4 quilted wall hangings and a quilted purse. I use a "Quilters Classic" sewing machine made by Simplicity. Best sewing machine I have ever had. Bought it at Walmart a couple of years ago....it is still working great.
11-18-2008, 03:05 PM
#95
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 5
HI-- I use a Kenmore sewing machine. It has many decorative stitches-alphabet and numbers and easy to use-I have done some quilting and I find it very easy to move the fabric along. Also, the attachments are great.
I also had a white sewing machine I used for about 30 years-I dropped it and could not get it fixed. That machine was great, too. It did not have a lot of stitiches but it did what I wanted to do.
Time to get sewing!!!
I also had a white sewing machine I used for about 30 years-I dropped it and could not get it fixed. That machine was great, too. It did not have a lot of stitiches but it did what I wanted to do.
Time to get sewing!!!
11-18-2008, 03:19 PM
#97
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
Dean Newbie,
Sewing machines are personal choices and are very dependent on the user. I suggest a gift card stating an amount to be used for a new sewing machine.
I presonally prefer my Pfaff due to hand problems and dual feed technology.
Big hints: What is in your area as far as service? Will the store you purchase the machine offer easily accessible classes for learning the machine? Can you go there or call whenever there are questions?
How costly are the different feet for the machine? Do you wan t only a sewing machine or a machine that also does embroidery?
Be prepared to shop around. Have fun with this journey.
Good luck,
alice
Sewing machines are personal choices and are very dependent on the user. I suggest a gift card stating an amount to be used for a new sewing machine.
I presonally prefer my Pfaff due to hand problems and dual feed technology.
Big hints: What is in your area as far as service? Will the store you purchase the machine offer easily accessible classes for learning the machine? Can you go there or call whenever there are questions?
How costly are the different feet for the machine? Do you wan t only a sewing machine or a machine that also does embroidery?
Be prepared to shop around. Have fun with this journey.
Good luck,
alice
11-18-2008, 03:20 PM
#98
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2
Hi,
The machine that I use almost exclusively for piecing is a vintage Singer 201. It is heavy duty, accurate, simple and reliable. It is 50+ years old and will last at least that much longer. It can be purchased for under a $100. It would be difficult to find a more durable machine and certainly none in the price range. I really thing the old "pre plastic parts" machines are more desirable than a new one...even the high end ones...unless you want to do fancy embroidery , etc.
Now , I do own a Viking which has the bells and whistles but I never use it so all those extras were a waste for me. I like to piece quilts and quilt them on my APQS longarm machine so a good reliable straight stitcher is all I need.
NinjaQuilter
The machine that I use almost exclusively for piecing is a vintage Singer 201. It is heavy duty, accurate, simple and reliable. It is 50+ years old and will last at least that much longer. It can be purchased for under a $100. It would be difficult to find a more durable machine and certainly none in the price range. I really thing the old "pre plastic parts" machines are more desirable than a new one...even the high end ones...unless you want to do fancy embroidery , etc.
Now , I do own a Viking which has the bells and whistles but I never use it so all those extras were a waste for me. I like to piece quilts and quilt them on my APQS longarm machine so a good reliable straight stitcher is all I need.
NinjaQuilter
11-18-2008, 03:45 PM
#99
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 32,855
Originally Posted by Lady Diana
I HAVE PURCHASED 5 MACHINES OVER A 6 YEAR PERIOD AS GIFTS ETC.,FROM THESE FOLKS AND THEY ARE VERY DEPENDABLE. THEY HAVE THE JANOME MAGNOLIA FOR $349
THE "sTART/STOP" FEATURE IS GREAT!
fREE SHIPPING AND YOU RECEIVE IT IN 2-3 DAYS.
YOU PAY NO SALES TAX!
yOU CAN GO TO A LOCAL DEALER AND TELL THEM THAT YOU CAN GET THIS MACHINE FOR THIS PRICE AND NO SALES TAX AND SEE IF THEY WILL MATCH IT IF YOU PREFER, BUT ALLBRANDS IS A REPUTABLE COMPANY.
I DON'T WORK FOR THIS COMPANY: ALLBRANDS.COM
Janome 7330 Magnolia 30 Stitch Computer Sewing Machine, 6 Buttonholes, START/STOP, Memory Needle Up Down, Speed Control, Threader - 20/5Yr Ext. Wnty
Magnolia 7330 is the only Janome computer on the internet with Start/Stop button without foot pedal(also incl).
Price:
$349.00
THE "sTART/STOP" FEATURE IS GREAT!
fREE SHIPPING AND YOU RECEIVE IT IN 2-3 DAYS.
YOU PAY NO SALES TAX!
yOU CAN GO TO A LOCAL DEALER AND TELL THEM THAT YOU CAN GET THIS MACHINE FOR THIS PRICE AND NO SALES TAX AND SEE IF THEY WILL MATCH IT IF YOU PREFER, BUT ALLBRANDS IS A REPUTABLE COMPANY.
I DON'T WORK FOR THIS COMPANY: ALLBRANDS.COM
Janome 7330 Magnolia 30 Stitch Computer Sewing Machine, 6 Buttonholes, START/STOP, Memory Needle Up Down, Speed Control, Threader - 20/5Yr Ext. Wnty
Magnolia 7330 is the only Janome computer on the internet with Start/Stop button without foot pedal(also incl).
Price:
$349.00
11-18-2008, 03:46 PM
#100
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1
I also have a Janome 6600 Professional machine. I have had many machines in my lifetime and this one is the greatest.
It has a long neck for machine quilting, A built in walking foot
A scissors (built in) to cut threads on the top and bottom. The best needle threader that does work, and a locking stitch to tie your sewing. Up and down needle in & out.
Before I had the 6600 I had the 9000 Janome embroidery machine which I still use. And for classes I have the Janome 760 Gem .
I love them all. I have been sewing and quilting 25 years. Good Luck in picking a machine.
Gert in MA
It has a long neck for machine quilting, A built in walking foot
A scissors (built in) to cut threads on the top and bottom. The best needle threader that does work, and a locking stitch to tie your sewing. Up and down needle in & out.
Before I had the 6600 I had the 9000 Janome embroidery machine which I still use. And for classes I have the Janome 760 Gem .
I love them all. I have been sewing and quilting 25 years. Good Luck in picking a machine.
Gert in MA
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