New machine suggestions/advice?
09-12-2013, 05:58 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,148
I have a singer Quilter that does Zigzag if I want to use it. The price was $300 at joanns and it also does a nice job of straight stitching/piecing. I really have no complaints about it. I also have a Brothers 1500s which is straight stitch only and that is the machine I use all the time.($600 from Amazon) it also has a larger throat for machine quilting. All that said- It it almost impossible to get a machine with out all the fancy stitches. Most are stitches that you may nover use. I would sugest that you check Craig list to see if you can find a reasonable used machine. Many sewers want to upgrade and so sell their old machines. Check amazon for machine. They have free shipping and it is easy to return machine thru them and they pay the return shipping if you do not like it. I would keep your Kenmore for everyday sewing/quilting and get a cheaper model for moving needle and zigzag. I like my simple singer.
09-12-2013, 07:01 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Birmingham, Sweet Home Alabama
Posts: 473
I would also recommend checking out used machines, but if you don't have a local dealer, that could be difficult. Sewing machines are like cars, they depreciate a lot as soon as you take them home and take them out of the box. You could a lot more bang for your buck buying a good used machine from a reputable dealer.
Also you can order a custom extension table for just about any machine. I ordered one for my Baby Lock because the one that came with it was not as large as I wanted. There are a number of sources online where you can just give them the model of your machine and you can usually choose the size for the extension.
Welcome and good luck!
Also you can order a custom extension table for just about any machine. I ordered one for my Baby Lock because the one that came with it was not as large as I wanted. There are a number of sources online where you can just give them the model of your machine and you can usually choose the size for the extension.
Welcome and good luck!
09-13-2013, 03:34 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio
Posts: 2,351
Hancock Fabrics carries a Brother 9500 that is a good machine in your price range. In addition to being able to change the needle position it has variable speed, needle down, and built in monogram. Lots of stitches including stretch stitches. I love all my Brothers and this one looks very good.
09-13-2013, 03:53 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 674
I'm pretty new to this board, but am loving all that I'm learning from reading through the posts. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share. I have been sewing for 28 years, quilting for the last 10 or so. (For some reason, I'm not able to "enter" down to a new paragraph - sorry if this looks like a giant run on!) I was given a great Kenmore 17 years ago, which has served me very well. I've never had one problem with the machine, sews like a dream and can handle everything I've thrown at it. BUT - I'd like to upgrade! I'd like a machine that has better lighting than the one I currently own, and I'd also like a machine that I can adjust the needle position. As well, I'd like the addition of a quilters extension attachment. I don't need much more than a straight stitch & a zigzag - so a machine with a million stitch functions is wasted on me. I'd also like to stay under $400 - that's about all I can afford right now. Where I live, there is no local sewing shop that carries machines, but I've been looking on line. Costco, Walmart, etc. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the different brands, ones that I thought were good, I'm reading reviews saying the machines are actually not good after all. Any suggestions?
09-13-2013, 04:10 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 2,103
I just purchased a great Janome 2012 for $449 last spring. It was a floor model, but has been a wonderful machine. I am like you and have no need for all the fancy stitches. As far as lighting, my vintage Singers have much better lighting than many of the modern machines I have seen!
Welcome to the board!
Welcome to the board!
09-13-2013, 04:38 AM
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 169
I had bought a top of the line bells and whistle quilting sewing machine. Nothing but tension woes quilting. After a year and a half repair adjustments, sold it and use a trio of Singer 301s for the best free motion quilting and piecing. I will take this over needle down, etc. All metal gear driven, flawless stitching. I run from plastic.
09-13-2013, 05:05 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,148
A big questiuon to ask yourself is how often will you yse the fancy stitches?. personally I do not use any stitch but straight, zigzag , hemming stitch so I use my Brothers for the straight and my Singer singer for the other 2. If you issue is lighting then you can buy clip on lights that will probable give you better lightging than the machine . also if you are looking for an extension then check out this homemade extension on u-tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14govA4pIM, My husband made this for my machine for about $30 and it is great. It really give you more room than an extension would. Aslo he took a table and cut down the lages so the height of the machine is good for me.
09-13-2013, 06:15 AM
#28
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 10
I bought a Singer Quantum 9960 that is in your price range. It has needle position, needle down, thread cutter, various stitches and feet. Once I decided on the machine to get, I started searching the entire internet for the best deal and Amazon.com had the cheapest price. I'm happy with the machine and happy with Amazon, so there are a couple more suggestions for you. Have fun shopping!
09-13-2013, 06:52 AM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tallmadge, OH
Posts: 5,120
If you've been looking at Walmart, the Brothers they have are a pretty good buy. I understand their Brother Project Runway machines are very good. I have the SQ9000 to take to classes or on trips because my Bernina is too expensive and too heavy for me. The throat space is not all that great but many quilters do well with it.
09-13-2013, 07:37 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pe Ell, Washington
Posts: 2,512
Sewing Machines are like buying a car. A huge investment that needs to last and be reliable for a long time. You know what you are looking for so find some shops and try the machines out. Take a small project with you so you can really get the feel of the machine. Right now if I had the money I would get a Bernina. They tend to hold their value better there is lots of education available for them and the Hands free sewing is a really great feature as well as the BSR (Bernina stitch regulator) for free motion sewing. Sometimes you can get a better machine by buying a trade in as well. So start test driving and see what fits you best.
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