Maggiemay

Here is a link to a discussion we had about this same thing the other day
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/qb_demo.jsp

I have the Janome 1600P & I love it- single stitch & does FMQ. I was in the same boat as you- had a machine that I loved w/all of the fancy stitches & really just wanted something with a bigger throat space for quilting.

Lacelady

I have an HQ sweet 16 Sit down. It is set in a table 30in x 36in so it's level with the table. There is 16in between needle and pillar, and I think it't 9in from table to underside of machine. Yes, it only stitches straight stitches and no feed dogs. When I want to stitch in the ditch, I have a small ruler that is a quarter inch thick (can't use regular quilting rulers as the thin ones aren't safe against the foot). I line up the ruler so that my needle will go along the ditch, and move ruler and quilt through, under the needle together. Voila, straight seams!

BRGranma

Thanks for the input. It's definitely something to consider.

Rose Marie

Ive been checking in on a set up that is the same as a long arm but smaller. You can get one for around $1500 but you can only do up to a lap size.
They use only the straight stitch Juki, Elna, Brother,Janomi 6600,and the Viking mega quilter if you want a stitch regulator.The table is a Gracie and you can get extensions for up to king size. Tables are around $600.

It is just like a long arm since you move the machine.

Shelbie

My 201 Singer has just as much room or even slightly more than my Janome 6500. The Janome tapers off while the 201 has a more rectangular harp. I just finished FM quilting my first full size quilt on the 201 and I had no trouble stuffing it through. The machine is more powerful than my Janome 6500 and does not balk, growl or jam or veer off seam intersections. Its largest stitch is longer than the one on my Janome 6500 and the feed dogs drop easily. Overall it is a more powerful machine and I had no trouble buying a walking foot and FM/darning foot for it.

Dolphyngyrl

brother PQ1500s has 9 inches and is 500 dollars online

Charlee

The largest I've done is a full size, and had no issues, wouldn't hesitate to try a queen.

Mary L Booth

I have a BLQC it is 9 inch arm space. The machine is great to piece and quilt on. I just replaced it with a Bailey for quilting on a frame. I would like to sell it if you could email me I could tell you more about the machine and send you pictures.
[email protected]

JSNOMORE

The Jenome 1600P has a nine in harp and you can use a walking foot with it. It is a straight stitch only machine . I used mine for 3 yrs on a home made quilting fram but you don't have to put it in a frame. I just sold it because I bought a TinLizzie sit down. I quilt better moving the quilt thn I do moving the machine.

debcavan

You need to spend at least $1000 to get a decent mechanism in the machine. Buy a second hand machine.