What's the best type of sewing machine to get for quilting?
08-06-2011, 08:41 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central Square NY
Posts: 823
I am fairly new to all of this but bought a Singer computerized at Sams Club back in 05. Just got it out of the box in 2010. Just love it and not a big fancy machine but it has 120 stitches and bought it on sale for $300. It even came with the table that goes around it, if u know what I mean. Just try them and b sure.
08-06-2011, 10:32 PM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
First check your budget.
Yes, there are a lot of machines out there. Sample them all by going for a test sew at LQS's. Find which brand you bond with the most and has the largest throat area for your quilting.
If your budget is a bit tight, know that many quilters trade up and you can find great used machines if you look.
Also, if you are going to be taking this on retreats, sew-ins, or classes, you might opt for a machine that is easy for you to transport.
I have a Pfaff Creative Vision but that stays put at home. No traveling for that machine! It cost too much. I had tried a Baby Lock machine that also embroidered but it was no thanks to that machine ... waaayyy to heavy to even lift. No traveling for that machine! I have a Pfaff 2046 and a Featherweight. I take one of these for anything not at home. If I take a class and want to use my CV then I only do a small sampler for class and then a quilt at home.
I also use only one machine for each project. Whatever machine I start on ... that is the one I finish on. Seam allowances aren't the same with different machines [or rulers.]
Good luck with your choice.
ali
Yes, there are a lot of machines out there. Sample them all by going for a test sew at LQS's. Find which brand you bond with the most and has the largest throat area for your quilting.
If your budget is a bit tight, know that many quilters trade up and you can find great used machines if you look.
Also, if you are going to be taking this on retreats, sew-ins, or classes, you might opt for a machine that is easy for you to transport.
I have a Pfaff Creative Vision but that stays put at home. No traveling for that machine! It cost too much. I had tried a Baby Lock machine that also embroidered but it was no thanks to that machine ... waaayyy to heavy to even lift. No traveling for that machine! I have a Pfaff 2046 and a Featherweight. I take one of these for anything not at home. If I take a class and want to use my CV then I only do a small sampler for class and then a quilt at home.
I also use only one machine for each project. Whatever machine I start on ... that is the one I finish on. Seam allowances aren't the same with different machines [or rulers.]
Good luck with your choice.
ali
08-06-2011, 10:51 PM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: South Puget Sound, Wa. State
Posts: 2,462
I also use only one machine for each project. Whatever machine I start on ... that is the one I finish on. Seam allowances aren't the same with different machines [or rulers.]
Very Good advice...that's why mine never make it to be serviced...:(
Kirsten
Very Good advice...that's why mine never make it to be serviced...:(
Kirsten
08-07-2011, 02:44 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
the best machine for quilting is the one that works well for you with a good even stitch. you do not need something fancy or expensive to quilt beautiful quilts- you only need a machine in good repair-which stitches a nice even straight stitch---and lots of practice
08-07-2011, 07:34 AM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: 339 High st Burlington NJ 08016
Posts: 191
Originally Posted by cawsings
I bought my first "real" machine in April (before that I had an inexpensive machine that gave me fits). I say real because I spent nearly $400 for it after researching a ton. I went with the Janome DC2010. I actually decided on the brand first and emailed a "local" (45 min away) shop regarding a certain model. The shop owner sent me an email back and explained that she felt that there was a better option (the DC2010) for me in the same price range. The fact that she emailed me back quickly made me know that I was making the right decision. However, I knew it was a great deal when she mentioned that she offers free classes on how to use the machine for life. She was starting up the classes again soon after I bought my machine and we are almost finished with the course.
I had NO sewing experience before taking these classes...everything I had done was just by using my old machine (which wasn't much). I cannot tell you how much I have learned since taking the classes. I never would have thought that I could do so much.
So, I don't know anything about the machine that you list (though it looks like it has good reviews) but I would definitely shop around and see if you can get one that comes with free (or inexpensive) lessons from a local quilt shop.
Good luck! Hope this helps.
I had NO sewing experience before taking these classes...everything I had done was just by using my old machine (which wasn't much). I cannot tell you how much I have learned since taking the classes. I never would have thought that I could do so much.
So, I don't know anything about the machine that you list (though it looks like it has good reviews) but I would definitely shop around and see if you can get one that comes with free (or inexpensive) lessons from a local quilt shop.
Good luck! Hope this helps.
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