What machine to buy?

SuesQuilts · Post by **SuesQuilts** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:47 am

I am starting to do some research on which machine to buy. I wish I could afford a longarm but will have to wait and save for that one. Can anyone give me some advice on which machines are good that aren't too expensive.

grammiequilts · Post by **grammiequilts** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 4:17 pm

You really need to go to the shops and try out different machines they have such a wide range of prices If you want all the fancy gadgets it will cost you more. Computers and embroidery stitch regulators and walking feet. You really need to take your budget to the stores I have a designer and It is not new but I love it, My friends at guild all have janome and swear by them. others like bernina. You can start with a basic machine for a couple hundred. And go to htousands. My sister makes her quilts on a 169.00 machine and LAQ on a 7000.00 Tin Lizzie18 LAQ machine

gmaann · Post by **gmaann** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:40 am

grammiequilts gives good advice! Think about what you really want - just for piecing? Or more fancy stitches? Now that I have some features, I sort of feel I can't live without them - needle down, auto threading (great for these old eyes!), adjustable needle position. You for sure want a machine that comes with, or you can purchase separately, a 1/4" foot, a walking foot. A single needle hole plate is also nice to have for piecing.

Good luck and have FUN looking at different machines and trying them out! Take some of your own fabric to practice on. What they usually use to demonstrate is not really typical for what we do!

SuesQuilts · Post by **SuesQuilts** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:48 pm

My husband actually bought me a Baby Lock Quest. I am very excited. I wasn't really looking to purchase on that expensive since I am a stary at home mom. But my little girl will be starting school this August and will need something that can handle alot more since I think I will be filling my spare time with quilting. So needless to say I am very excited about the purchase. The place where we purchased it is giving my a lesson for how ever long it takes till I feel comfortable. Thanks again for you info.

terry2 · Post by **terry2** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:08 pm

My Sister-in-law has a Viking quilting machine and she is not happy with it. She is looking to buy a long arm machine. Can you give us some insight on which ones are the best?

Post by **purrfect-lady** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:19 am

I have a Viking Meqa Quilter and, after fighting it for two years, feel it's time to move on. I am interested in a LAQ, but don't know a single soul who has one. I would like to hear comments, opinions, advice, etc from anyone who has any brand - I want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. I will talk to dealers, but I also want to gather info from folks who actually use these machines in the real world. I do my piecing on my 20 yr old Bernina and would love to find that kind of quality in a LAQ. Thx.

Post by **purrfect-lady** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:21 am

I have a second question. Is an 18-inch throat large enough to accomodate a nearly completed quilt and still be able to do a full 12-inch quilting pattern on the last row of the quilt? I usually use Warm and Natural batting of something of similiar weight and thickness. Thx.

calicopuzzle · Post by **calicopuzzle** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:35 am

I love my Juki. Can do a large queen size quilt on it--straight stitch machine only and I usually do free motion quilting or the walking foot anyway. Has a large enough bed to make it just right. It is a good solid machine brand. I have had mine for 10 years. I have a smaller machine for fancy stitching on small projects, but never use fancy stitches for a large quilt.

1quiltinnana · Post by **1quiltinnana** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:52 am

I hear Janome is great and the Baby Lock does good. The HQ16 LA has a good review also. Try them out at shops and Quilt shows. You'll find one that is just right for what you are needing ....

Irishgram · Post by **Irishgram** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:59 am

I was at our local JoAnn Fabrics and walked through the machines and then started talking to the salesman....They sell Viking, sure looked good to me and then he said, that machine started at $2100...No wonder it looked good!
I told him, I just want a nice, easy to operate machine that will enable me to do free motion quilting....I don't need all the bells and whistles but he had nothing like that...And as I was walking away, he said, we can finance for you....
Right now I have 2 Kenmores. The 1 I love is 50 years old and is in need of a new motor.....
But, where do I find a simple machine to do free motion without mortgaging the house....

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