NewQuilt25

Hello all! I am new to quilting or should I say sewing in general. Currently I am borrowing a machine while I was learning etc. But now that my projects are getting bigger I've been looking for a machine that I can quilt with. To be honest I don't know where to start. Between going to the stores and asking and reading different things online the all contradict eachother. My main use of the machine would be for making quilts and blankets, but my budget is not big at all bc I am going back to school and just can't put hundreds of dollars into a machine right now, even though I would love to. Well I figured if any one would know it would be here, so I appreciate any and all help for an economically friendly but workable machine! I am looking in secondhand stores as well but I just don't know what type of machines can handle heavy duty projects. Thanks for your help!!! This forum is great.

donnajean

Check with your local shops that sell machines. You may be able to pick up a used machine. Many people trade up just bacause they want something fancier & there is nothing really wrong with what they had. Just make sure that they offer some kind of warranty & that it has been serviced. You can use a mechanical vs. computerized machine. Just make sure you get a 1/4" foot for piecing & a "walking foot" for quilting. You can get "generic" feet to fit most any machine. Take a quilt sandwich with you & try quilting on the machine you consider purchasing to make sure it will do what you need it to do. Free motion quilting is something else. You need to be able to "drop the feed dogs" & you can't do this with all machines.

ckcowl

we used to have a small sewing school. i bought Brother machines from Walmart (price range from $89 - $149) they all were good machines, the kids loved using them they held up well. I own a Viking i paid big bucks for (over $5000) but at the school the students would fight over one of the brother's over using the viking. so for a beginner i recommend an inexpensive Brother. they are user friendly, readily available, reasonably priced and will hold up for a few years till you are ready to upgrade.

sewmuchmore

I agree I have a brother that came form Walmart and I still use it alot. I have a few commerce sewing machine in the shop but in my office I use my Brother sewing machine. Start out small and work your way up. :wink:

dkabasketlady

It sounds like you got some great advise on sewing machines. I want to say Hi & welcome you to this wonderful board from Lakeland, Florida!!

Lori B.

Welcome from Michigan.

MadQuilter

Greetings from CA. I find shopping for sewing machines a lot of fun and do a lot of research on the internet. One of my machines was a low-end Brother and I passed it on to a friend who loves it. Decide what is important as far as features go. I find needle up/down very important as well as good lighting. It needs to be relatively easy to thread and not too fickle. Test drive test drive test drive and see what you like. Wishing you luck!

mollymct

Hello from MS! What pretty dogs you have!

I am also new to quilting but learning so much here! I am using a very basic machine now, but if my interest holds (and I definitely think I'm hooked!) I will also be looking for a more quilting-friendly machine. Unfortunately, I don't have good advice for you. But you've come to the right spot for help!

Jim's Gem

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!

amma

Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D