Favorite sewing machine for quilters
07-17-2011, 06:20 AM
#123
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
If I had it to do over again I would buy a cheap workhorse for piecing but it would have to have the needle down feature.
Then a second machine with a very large hoop area so I can quilt blocks with embroidery. It would have to have a stitch regulator also.
All the different brands have a following so thats not so important.
Im curious about bobbin areas. I have only used top loading and like them very much, the bottom loaders seem to be a pain to work with. Who has both and what is your take on them?
Then a second machine with a very large hoop area so I can quilt blocks with embroidery. It would have to have a stitch regulator also.
All the different brands have a following so thats not so important.
Im curious about bobbin areas. I have only used top loading and like them very much, the bottom loaders seem to be a pain to work with. Who has both and what is your take on them?
07-17-2011, 09:34 AM
#126
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 117
I started off sewing with a Singer treadle which I stil have, then bought a Singer Graduate (back in the 70's). That was a total workhorse- made lots of garments. Really put it thru its paces and it's still humming along. Eventually, I wanted a machine with more bells and whistles so I bought a Brother NX400 which is a great machine and then bought a Brother Laura Ashley last year at a quilt expo and got a good price. I got alot of bang for my buck with the Laura Ashley- needle up and down, differential feed, auto threader and thread cutter, and the list of features goes on and on. I love the Laura Ashley and it is probably more machine than I'll ever compeltely need. I also love my NX400 which is the one I take to class or outside to the deck to sew. I also have a smaller less expensive Brother machine for small embroidery which suits my purposes fine. I also have 2 Singer 201's which are workhorses also. One of them belonged to my mother and she had an alteration business where it was in constant use. I love my Brothers!!!!
07-17-2011, 10:22 AM
#127
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Dillard, GA
Posts: 179
I love my Horizon (7700) for piecing and free motion quilting. The 11" harp, scissors, built in walking foot, single hole needle plate and I could on with all the neat features. You need to buy a brand that's sold by a good dealer near you.
07-17-2011, 10:52 AM
#129
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
[from Rose Marie]
Im curious about bobbin areas. I have only used top loading and like them very much, the bottom loaders seem to be a pain to work with. Who has both and what is your take on them?[/quote]
I have both types and like the bottom loading bobbin type better.
The machines that load the bobbin from the bottom are much better for doing FM quilting than the drop-in bobbins in my experience. Most of the modern machines use a plastic bobbin, they tend to jump around more in the drop-in bobbin type when its getting empty. The thread path is less direct with the drop-in than it is with the other type.
The machines with the removable bobbin case aren't that much harder to work with, you just need to learn how to insert it properly.
Sharon W.
Im curious about bobbin areas. I have only used top loading and like them very much, the bottom loaders seem to be a pain to work with. Who has both and what is your take on them?[/quote]
I have both types and like the bottom loading bobbin type better.
The machines that load the bobbin from the bottom are much better for doing FM quilting than the drop-in bobbins in my experience. Most of the modern machines use a plastic bobbin, they tend to jump around more in the drop-in bobbin type when its getting empty. The thread path is less direct with the drop-in than it is with the other type.
The machines with the removable bobbin case aren't that much harder to work with, you just need to learn how to insert it properly.
Sharon W.
07-17-2011, 01:36 PM
#130
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Daytona Beach Shores, FL
Posts: 2,352
Originally Posted by MelodyWB
I'm currently looking also..but will tell you what I won't buy again "VIKING" 6 years ago I wanted a new machine and had always wanted a Viking..so 2,500.00 later..I took it home (Viking Lilly 555) I hate it..use my old Singer and a 200.00 Brother from Wal-mart with less issues..so there's my imput..it's just a personal opinion and I have a friend who won't buy anything but Viking..in my quilt group the Janome seems to be the favorite !! Good Luck !!
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