briardlady

I'm looking for a new sewing machine for my quilting addiction. What are your favorite machines and why? I'm using a really inexpensive (cheap, cheap, cheap) brother that needs very badly to be replaced.

thanks in advance for any info......

mic-pa

Hi, Go to your nearest sewing machine dealer and try out several machines. There are many many options out there. Make a list of what you would like on a sewing machine as to what you want it to do. Also talk to a quilting friend (if possible) Find a reputable dealer who will service the machine. I have 3 Janome machines and they all are excellant workhorses for quilting, emb, etc. good Luck Marge

Quilting Aggi

I have a Husqvarna Platinum 750 and I love love love it!!! its a dream to sew and machine quilt with. very quiet, and can handle many layers.

Dodie

I have 2 pfaffs and a bernina with the stitch regulator but for most quilting especially in the ditch the pfaff can't be beat a built in walking foot that is wonderful by far my favorite machine
Dodie

Cathe

Here's an article from my website, with things to consider when shopping for a new sewing machine for quiltmaking. It's not about a specific machine so much as a list of good features.

http://www.gloryquilts.com/sewing_machine.htm

quiltingchic

I bought my Janome 6600p in Sept and just love it but Cathe is right I looked for a year before i decided. There is so much pick from so write down what features you really want and than go from there and go try them out.
Dawn

blahel

Only tips i can give you is what i learned when i bought mine.
I have a bernina 180 artista which i like BUT i bought mine secondhand and did not get any lessons included so cannot use my machine yet to its fullest potential. Lesson one get lessons so you can use your machine and your potential creativity to its fullest and buy new if you can afford it.
Lesson two look at top end machines and try them out to see what features they have and then look at middle and bottom end ones and try them out to see which features you like. Go home and work out what features you need and dont need. Ie stitch regulator might be a good idea if you are thinking of stippling etc Do you want the bobbin thread case on the side or top...thread cutter etc..electronic or not
Lesson three check out the machine throat as some machines have a really big throat so you can fit your whole quilt under there without having to fight it the whole time you are quilting.
Lesson four check what feet your machine comes with and what you can get thrown in for free BEFORE you have told salesperson you are going to buy..
Lesson four buy your machine from a dealer that is reasonably close to where you live for ease of repairs and advice and bits and pieces.
Lesson five buy from a dealer that you like and is helpful right from the start..Ask how much to service the machine..electronic ones can be expensive..
Thats all i can think of..happy sewing machine hunting! Let me know how you go

briardlady

thank you all for your helpful suggestions.... now I get to do the fun homework!!