Julienm1

Thinking about a sit down quilting machine similar to Sweet 16. Would like a stitch regulator built in, not add on. If such a machine is only available in my dreams, also looking for recommendations for a beginner.

QuiltingVagabond

Handiquilter Capri is built in I believe. Also the Bernina sit down and perhaps others

BonnieJP

I have had my Juki Miyabi J-350QVP S Sit Down since January 2020. I LOVE this machine.

It has the Smart Stitch Regulator built right into the machine, on either side of the needle where you're actually sewing. Some of the other sit down longarms, use a puck like attachment that you have to keep relocating on your quilt.

Juki's stitch functions include: precise, cruise, manual, and baste.

It's throat space is 18" long and 10" high providing plenty of room for larger projects.

You can set the needle to stop up or stop down when you stop moving the quilt.

It has a direct drive Servo motor, which is the same type of motor used in commercial machines that are used 80 hours/week. The ONLY thing I EVER have to oil is the hook, and the machine allows me to do that from the bobbin area or from a tiny opening on top of the footplate so I don't have to bend over or reach under the table. Since the bearings are sealed, no annual maintenance is needed.

It also has a second handwheel on the side of the machine so I don't have to stand up and reach all the way to the back if I want to move the handwheel.

I can use the automatic thread cutter/lock or manually cut the thread by pressing on the eye level screen or by using the foot pedal.

It uses standard longarm needles and the large Class M bobbins that hold a LOT of thread. It also has a built-in bobbin winder.

The basic table is about 35" wide, but I got the fold down side extensions that would bring it up to 50". The table has a very heavy duty frame that doesn't wobble.

If I ever decided to switch the machine to a longarm frame, I could add Juki's automated quilting software.

The machine is manufactured in Japan, NOT China.


Last but not least, my Juki dealer provides AWESOME service, not only for this Juki, but also for repairs on my vintage domestic machines.

Everything about this machine is top of the line. I just LOVE it! (As if you couldn't already tell from this post!)

Julienm1

Bonnie does your husband, if you are married, know you are in love with this machine so he has competition?

sewingsuz

Sounds like a great machine, thanks for all the great information.

rryder

Handiquilter now has a table with the stitch regulation built in for the Sweet Sixteen. It’s called the insight table and I think thatks what they are now shipping with the Sweet Sixteens. It’s identical to the one they ship with the Capris, but sized to fit the Sweet Sixteen.


Rob

mkc

I believe Innova was the first to put the stitch regulator sensors in the table for a sit down. They have since discontinued that model (gone exclusively to stand-up frame machines), but if you can find one used it will have that system.

BonnieJP

Julie he hasn't said anything. Besides, I suspect he has a serious crush on his John Deere tractor.

Suz

I have the Bernina Q20 and love it. When I purchased, I selected the table that I can raise or lower. I can sit or stand. The added benefit is the size of the table which becomes a work station. I have a medium-sized cutting mat on it with plenty of room to hold tools and fabric.

The Q20 has a built-in stitch regulator, easy adjustable tension, stitch length, easy threading, huge bobbins, and many screen messages, particularly the one on low bobbin. Bernina offers payments over four years at no interest which could be a selling/buying point. — My Q20 was used from the dealer. The former owner was moving up to a big long arm.

Good luck in finding a machine to suit your needs.

juliasb

Reading this tells me this might be the way for me to go for a quilting machine. Good information.