If you have a Costco nearby, they sell a wonderful Brother machine for quilters. It has needle up/down, and a bobbin that drops in and you don't have to bring the thread up to the top before you start. I love that feature. It has 180 decorative stitches AND it only weighs 10 lbs. I bought this to carry to classes, sew-ins, etc. It's only $180!

IMHO, you do not need a computerized machine. Many here quilt with a Featherweight which my grandmother and yours (or even your great grandma) would have used.

For me - my driving force for an upgraded machine over my old mechanical Viking was an ability to change needle position and the ability to reverse a stitch. My current machine is a computerized Pfaff 2054 which I purchased off of Craigslist. Love it as it has a "dual feed" which Pfaff calls and IDT. I would now die if I had to give it up!

Are you comfortable with your machine? If not what might you want in a new machine? I also have a Brother CS6000i which is computerized and light. I, however, would not want to sew on it 24/7. It stitches well and is very light weight - great to schlep to classes. The "harp" ( the size between the needle and the body) is VERY small and difficult to handle for me. Computerized is not always better.

It is a personal and financial decision that you will have to make. My last three machines were used and all purchased off of craigslist - in addition to the 2054 and the 6000i I also own a used Pfaff 2170 Embroidery machine. You can get some good buys on used machines if you look.

The answer is no. But if you decide you want and definitely need the features then look in quilting magazines for sale or Craig list . Some rich quilters update frequently and sell their old machine. Some dealers also buy these machines and sell with good deals. It takes time patience and luck.

Have you tried looking at used machines from a dealer? Of course, they will try to convince you to go new. I love my Berninas (have 2). They stand test of time and used should certainly be an option. Pay only for the features you will use. If a dealer knows what you are looking for they might call you when they get one in.

I totally agree on this one!!!
And when you've never had a computerized machine you don't miss the extra's as you are used working without them.
Sure I would like to have that scant seam and the needle stopping down in the fabric too, but hey: I'm sewing for more than 40 years now without them and I'm still alive and making beautiful quilts!!! (I think hihihi)
So look how much you can affort to pay and when a computerized machine is within reach go for it, if not, don't feel bad about buying a mechanical one, new or used!!!!

A few years ago I was in the same position as you. I knew how to sew, but had never pieced a quilt until 2004. I began my quilting journey on a Singer Genie I bought in 1972 and upgraded in 2006 to a computerized Singer model I bought used. It was a piece of junk compared to my old Singer so I donated it to the Arts Council because it was too horrible to sell to anyone. Then I started trying to figure out what kind of machine I really needed and what features I wanted. I bought a non-computerized Pfaff Grand Quilter because I wanted a wide throat and needle up/down, but didn't want to embroider. My machine is a straight stitch only and a workhorse. The feature I can't live without is the thread cutter. It is the biggest time saver ever! I still have and use my Singer Genie to put on bindings, but stitching is done on the Pfaff. I researched machines until I was crazy, picked out the one I thought I wanted and placed a wanted ad on Craigs List. The previous owner of the Pfaff called me as she was trading up. The cost savings was monumental and the machine is one I hope to use for years.

I would have to say no. Older machines last longer. And you can clean and service them your self. Which to me is a important thing since I sew a lot.

I have 4 machines but use my computerized Sapphire exclusively. It does require a yearly servicing but its worth it for all the extras that make quilting easier. My other machines make good backups if I need to do repairs on my Viking. So far none needed and its over 5 yrs old.

Keep your work horse mechanical and get a basic computer machine for decorative stitching, if that's the draw. The needle up/down and thread cutter doesn't warrant the $ for me. PS. I have 20 machines Love the domestic japan and earlier singers. I also have Bernina mechanical 830, 801sport, 802 sport plus a newer computer along with a pfaff 1221e , viking and janome. I repair and sell machines.

I have two machines , one computerized the other a vintage machine. The vintage has its limits, but is an amazing work horse. The newer computerized machine has one distinct advantage over the vintage... that is the specialized feet I can buy and use. More than the extra stiches that I don't use that often... I do use the special feet ALOT on my computerized machine.