Irishrose2

Amazon has the Juki for $649. That would be my choice if I were in the market for a new FMQ machine. I paid around $100 for each of my vintage Singer 301s on ebay.

rryder

Either the Juki straight stitchers (2000, 2010, etc.) or the Brother PQ1500s are a joy to FMQ on. The Jukis can be had new for under $1000 and the Brother is $700-$800 new.

I got my PQ1500s used for $350 which is about the going rate for one that's used. Not sure what the going rate a used Juki straight stitcher. There's not much to go wrong with either the Juki or the Brother as they are mechanical machines. Both have nice sized throat space to right of needle and the throat is higher than other domestic machines which is great for visibility while FMQ.

Rob

mjpEncinitas

Thanks everyone. You confirmed what I thought. I have a brother PQ1500 as my backup machine and I will lend her that so she can try it out. Then if she likes it, she can buy that or the Juki or singer straight stitch machine. I think a used one will be in her budget.

Jingle

I have a JUki bought in 2008 and a Babylock Jane Bought in 2010, both straight stitch only machines. They FMQ and sew as long as I want to. My Daughter has a Brother 1500, it does as well as my two above machines. The Brother was cheaper than mine.

Mdegenhart

I bought my Janome MC6600P at a sewing machine store used for $350-it had just been traded in. I got really lucky.

lindaschipper

I would look around for a used Janome 1600P...this is a fabulous machine. I did purchase mine new on line and have not had problems other than operator error when learning. This machine is the love of my quilting life.

Karamarie

Mdegenhart, you got a great machine for an awesome price. I FMG all sizes with mine, even kings.