What sewing machine would you recommend
11-11-2013, 07:35 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
I'm way too practical, finally. I start with budget and agree with myself to look at good used machines. I make my needs list and a wants list. Over the years I find I really don't need all those fancy stitches that I thought I would one day use.
Then try them all out. Which one do you bond with is the key. For me it was the Pfaff because of the dual feed feature. You might not need that though.
Then try them all out. Which one do you bond with is the key. For me it was the Pfaff because of the dual feed feature. You might not need that though.
11-11-2013, 07:50 AM
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
WOW. I love my Bernina and I really couldn't think of going from that line of sewing machine. Janome sure got a lot of nice reviews. I don't drive so I don't get out often so I have never seen one. Great reviews....
11-11-2013, 08:28 AM
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Kansas
Posts: 82
ManiacQuilter, what model Bernina do you have? The nearest Janome dealer to me is a three hour drive one-way. We have a Bernina dealer here in our small town. The cost of the bigger Bernina's is just prohibitive though. I am researching the Janome's based on all of your opinions. As one poster said, all of the research can make you crazy!
11-11-2013, 08:30 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
I have a sit down FMQ machine. The decorative stitches are all in my head <LOL> Check out www.Sunshine16.com. The machines are 100% made in the USA. You can get a portable or one with a table. And if you decide at some point to get a regular long arm machine, they sell the frame and handles to change the machine.
11-20-2013, 11:07 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SW Minnesota
Posts: 1,120
I have sewn for years, am making my first quilt. I have a Bernina 220 which is fantastic for piecing and regular sewing, however, it's too light-weight to quilt on. Stuffing the bulky quilt through the small throat is driving me crazy, plus the feed dogs don't seem strong enough to push the quilt layers through the machine evenly and decorative stitches are skipping or bunching up in knots. My husband offered the idea of a heavy duty machine, but I do want decorative stitches. I have a 2000.00 budget. What make and model would you recommend? I'm fine with a used machine too. Thank you!
Jackie
Jackie
I have a Bernina 430 which is heavy duty and you can sometimes find the Bernina 430 or Bernina 440 on ebay for less than $2000. However, this summer I bought a Pfaff Ambition Essential and I love it. It has a built in walking foot and it has a bigger throat space than my Bernina. So you might want to take a look at the Pfaff sewing machines if you are concerned with having a large throat size.
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