irishrose

If you already own a machine with zigzag capabilities, a straight stitch only machine is a good choice. Mine is 1956 Singer 301, but I know Janome makes a new one. If not that, then make sure the one chosen has a changeable plate so you can use one with a small hole. The machine doesn't eat corners that way. A straight stitch only machine like the 301 or FW stitches a straighter seam than a machine that zigzags, but the difference isn't very large.

Candace

Go to your nearest dealer and skip ebay for a new machine. You need warranty support and perhaps classes and instruction. I would never buy a new, expensive machine on ebay or the internet. It's worth an extra few bucks to have professional warranty support. Because you may need it. Also, dealers will have used trade-ins that they'll likely offer to you with a store warranty. Support your local store.

Pieces2

Bernina- a good quality machine. I won't sew on anything else.
You need to decide what you want in a machine-Embroidery?
Research 3/4 machines, sew on these machines. Theres always that "one" that you just fall in love with.
A good quality used machine is always better than a cheap new machine.

bdschafer

Hi, I am also looking for a machine. I just want it to do free motion quilting, as my old Singer doesn't like to do it!?!?! A friend suggested Brother PQ1500 and I see some on e-bay for $600. But none of you ladies talk about Brother machine. Are they not good machines?? Sure would like some input on this.

NJ Quilter

When I was looking for a new machine several years ago I started by making a list (spreadsheet actually since I am the 'spreadsheet queen') of all the features that I wanted and/or needed and listed them in those categories. I then looked online at the various manufacturers and listed the makes/models and which of my desired features they had or didn't. Lastly I looked at price. Sounds silly to look at price last but then I could truly make the deterination if the feature was really a 'want' or a 'need'. I found that having it in spreadsheet format allowed me to look at an overall picture very quickly as to which machine had the most of what I wanted. If it was out of my price range I could move on to the next and so on and so on. Just my 2 cents.

bdschafer

That's a good idea. I'm not looking for alot of stitches, so that takes out alot of machines.

Dolphyngyrl

for 500 if you already have a regular machine I would go with the straight stitch machines with bigger harps like the brother PQ1500s , the Juki 2000Qi, or Juki T-98Q people really like these machines they get good reviews

bdschafer

Well after much thinking and talking to people, I decided to go with the Brother PQ1500s. I ordered it from ebay. It was 599 with free shipping and no tax, which the stores in town were higher and had tax!! I've never done this before, but I'm sure excited!!!