Should I upgrade my machine?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 171
I just started doing fmq, and I am using my Viking #1+ machine. It is a little tight, it is only 7 1/2" throat space. I have been reading alot and searching alot of machines and I am confused. I am wondering if 1 1/2" would make enough of a difference to spend the money on a new machine? I would really appreciate your opinions. Should I keep the Viking and get either a Janome 1600P or Juki 98Q or 2010Q? Or should I sell my Viking and get a Janome 6600P? I like the looks of the Janome 7700 but it is out of my price range. Also I quilt on a table, not a frame. But I thought maybe down the road a gracie frame, don't know, I only have a 10x11 sewing room and it is packed. I do have a Singer 201 that I can do piecing on also. Any input you can give would be really helpful.
Linda
Linda
#2
I did a queen on a DSM with 7 inches of throat space. I thought about upgrading to a larger machine but decided against it. I can make do. I know how my machine works and it works well. I don't make enough quilts to justify the cost.
I guess it depends on how often you quilt and how big your quilts are... is it worth the trouble and expense?
I guess it depends on how often you quilt and how big your quilts are... is it worth the trouble and expense?
#4
I have a Gran Quilter by Pfaff with a 9" throat and 6" tall. It works great for quilting. My other fancier Paff on has a 6.5 throat and 4.5 high. I use to quilt on it but it was really hard maneuvering the quilt
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,355
I do FMQ on my dinky Brother mechanical which isn't very big at all. I once wrestled a king size through it but that was SITD. If I start in the middle and work out I can do a pretty big one. For me, I have found that "puddling" works better than rolling. Just my preference.
#6
Originally Posted by Stitchnripper
I do FMQ on my dinky Brother mechanical which isn't very big at all. I once wrestled a king size through it but that was SITD. If I start in the middle and work out I can do a pretty big one. For me, I have found that "puddling" works better than rolling. Just my preference.
I have a brother cs6000i and not much throat space either....and I also puddle.....is way easier to maneuver than a big roll
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 171
Can you tell me how far or how long can you quilt with l bobbin? My machine has a concave bobbin and it only holds enough thread to do a 12 x 14 practice quilt. I went to a class on fmq and there were 2 other woman there, I had to change bobbins 5 times to their one bobbin. It was a real pain. That is one of the main reasons I am thinking of upgrading, otherwise I have never had a problem with my machine. Viking definitely screw up with the bobbin on the #1+.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 317
If you have conquered FMQ on your Viking on smaller pieces, can you try to make it easier to quilt with it before buying a new machine? When I took the time to make a workable extension covered with slippery vinyl for my sewing cabinet, I had much less struggle with the quilt. I tried both my vintage Bernina 830 Record and Singer 15-91 this way, and ended up preferring the Bernina because it has easier bobbin access.
If I end up buying a new machine for quilting I think I would go with a straight stitch machine like the Babylock Jane or a Juki 2010Q so I could get better lighting, needle down, and thread cutting.
If I end up buying a new machine for quilting I think I would go with a straight stitch machine like the Babylock Jane or a Juki 2010Q so I could get better lighting, needle down, and thread cutting.
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