Best machine to quilt my finished quilt tops?
10-02-2020, 03:11 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 4,362
If you are able to try out a variety of quilting machines, it's worth it. However, with the pandemic, that may not be possible. I was able to attend a Sewing/Quilt Expo several years ago and try out both long-arm and sit-down machines. A couple of years later, I located a lightly used Sweet 16 sit-down machine with hydraulic lift table. Love it and have never doubted my decision! Best of luck on whichever way to go.
10-02-2020, 05:07 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,832
If you are happy with the Bernina for your other sewing needs and are planning on keeping it, then I would look a sit down mid arms and also the straight stitch only machines like the Brother PQ1500s and the Juki 2010.
I have the HQ Sweet Sixteen sit down and love it. I got a great deal on it used. Before I bought it I spent a couple of years going to quilt shows and trying out all the sit downs that were available. I found that I liked them all and would have been happy with any, but I did have some favorites- My three top choices, in no particular order were: the Juki like Sewbiz’s machine, the HQ Sweet Sixteen and the Innova sit down. My budget wouldn’t accomodate purchasing one of these new, so once I’d decided to take the leap, it became a matter of keeping an eye out for a used machine in my price range.
Before buying the Sweet Sixteen I Used my Brother PQ1500s (also purchased used) for quilting, it’s similar to the Juki 2010 that SusiQOH mentioned. The Brother PQ1500s or the Juki2010 (there’s a newer model of this one out there) are widely available both used and new for under $1,000 (Used PQs run around $350, not sure about the price for a used juki2010). They both are workhorses when it comes to quilting and have better visibility under the needle than the Janome 6600. If your budget And space allow, then the sit down mid-arms would be a good option.
There are lots of good choices out there, it just depends on your budget, space and personal preferences which would work best for you.
Rob
I have the HQ Sweet Sixteen sit down and love it. I got a great deal on it used. Before I bought it I spent a couple of years going to quilt shows and trying out all the sit downs that were available. I found that I liked them all and would have been happy with any, but I did have some favorites- My three top choices, in no particular order were: the Juki like Sewbiz’s machine, the HQ Sweet Sixteen and the Innova sit down. My budget wouldn’t accomodate purchasing one of these new, so once I’d decided to take the leap, it became a matter of keeping an eye out for a used machine in my price range.
Before buying the Sweet Sixteen I Used my Brother PQ1500s (also purchased used) for quilting, it’s similar to the Juki 2010 that SusiQOH mentioned. The Brother PQ1500s or the Juki2010 (there’s a newer model of this one out there) are widely available both used and new for under $1,000 (Used PQs run around $350, not sure about the price for a used juki2010). They both are workhorses when it comes to quilting and have better visibility under the needle than the Janome 6600. If your budget And space allow, then the sit down mid-arms would be a good option.
There are lots of good choices out there, it just depends on your budget, space and personal preferences which would work best for you.
Rob
10-02-2020, 01:13 PM
#14
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Canon City,CO
Posts: 52
Suggestions for finding a machine:
Local craigslist, demo/trade ins from dealers (a lot have other makes/models than what they are dealers for. For instance Accomplish Quilting is an Innova dealer but they sell many different kinds.), longarm university has a for sale section that you could keep an eye on.
Local craigslist, demo/trade ins from dealers (a lot have other makes/models than what they are dealers for. For instance Accomplish Quilting is an Innova dealer but they sell many different kinds.), longarm university has a for sale section that you could keep an eye on.
10-02-2020, 03:38 PM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: in the sticks of PA
Posts: 2,310
Be careful when purchasing from anyone that is not reputable, I had a company try to sell me a floor model that they were giving me such a great price on and it was 10 years old. Come to find out that for a couple hundred dollars more I could buy the newest one.
