Help choosing a quilter's sewing machine?

Question

I want to purchase a new sewing machine. I have looked at many different models on the web and read about the various features. I will use the machine primarily for making quilts, both piecing and machine quilting. I would also like to have some extra stitches, such as basting, zigzag, appliqué, and the stitching that resembles hand quilting. Basically I just want quilting stitches, but others are okay to have too. I also need to be able to drop the feed dogs and a darning or walking foot will be needed. I do not need to do embroidery. I also need a machine that runs quietly, because hubby works nights, and I sew during the day while he’s sleeping. I am not stuck on any particular brand and am open to all suggestions. This will be my first purchase of a brand new machine, so please keep the comments to personal knowledge you have had with the machine you recommend. I thought it might be a good time to buy with Mother’s Day coming up, there might be some sales. I would like to spend less than $800, but if the machine you recommend is more than that, its ok too. I would consider a reconditioned or slightly used model.

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. There were so many good ideas, it was difficult to choose a best answer. I loved the Bernina, but it was way out of my price range. I like the Pfaff and the Janome MC6600 as well, but again, both were out of my price range. I didn't want to settle for a used machine because there would be no warranty if it stopped working next week. So I ended up purchasing a Husqvarna Viking Platinum 750 Quilter's machine. It is exactly the same as the new 755, only the faceplate is a different color. I got it new, with a warranty and a few freebies too, like a stippling foot, extra bobbins, etc. and had money left. I got free classes to use the machine. It has a good trade-in policy (full price during 1st year, then book price thereafter), and the maintenance and repair work is done by the shop owners. Here is a link if anyone is interested in seeing the machine I chose.
http://www.quiltersreview.com/article.asp?article=/review/product/030915_a.asp

Answer 1

Buying A Sewing Machine
For A Quilter


Here are some things for you to consider if you are shopping for a new sewing machine:

Accurate 1/4 inch seam allowance:
Take a few strips of fabric along with you and a ruler to measure for an accurate 1/4 inch. Some machines have a better 1/4 inch than others.

Single-hole Throat plate:
The single hole prevents fabric from being pushed into the throat plate while stitching, especially those pesky little corners on triangles when you are feeding them under the presser foot. A single-hole throat plate also results in more uniform tension and better looking stitches on the back of your quilt.

Foot Control:
The machine should be able to sew at a consistent, uniform speed, whether fast or slow, and be comfortable for you to operate.

Extension Bed/Table:
A removable table that surrounds the machine's sewing surface makes a smooth, level area for easier piecing and machine quilting. Most quilters edition machines will come with this. There is also a big, clear, acrylic extension table you can buy to fit your machine, but this is an after-market product and costs extra.

Needle Up/ Needle Down:
This is probably one of my most favorite features on a sewing machine. There are many models available now with this. You can control the needle position every time the machine comes to a stop. Sometimes you want the needle down each time, especially when doing applique', etc.

Feed Dogs:
Retractable feed dogs are a must. Lowering the feed dogs into the bed of the machine keeps their movement from interfering with free-motion quilting.
Length of opening to the right of the needle:
The more space the better for fitting quilts under the arm for machine quilting.

Needle Positions:
Another must-have feature. The ability to adjust the needle position is helpful for 1/4 inch seams, as well as for machine quilting, etc. You won't realize how valuable this feature is until you have tried it.

Variable Speed Control:
Look for an adjustable speed control, so you won't go too fast when you don't mean to. Older machines have a mechanical foot pedal and you have to vary the speed with how much you push on it. Newer machines should have an electric foot pedal that you can set at the speed you wish.

Presser foot lifter:
A few machines now have a knee lever that raises the presser foot. Both you hands are then free to work with the quilt. Once you have tried this feature, you will wonder how you ever got along without it!

Darning/Free Motion foot:
Indispensable for free-motion quilting. Most quilters edition machines come with this foot. If not, there are many generic ones to pick from, but you will pay extra.

Walking or Even Feed Foot:
It moves the quilt top along at the same rate the feed dogs move the quilt backing, and prevent puckers when machine quilting.

Any good sewing machine dealer will be happy to go over this list of items with you to ensure that you get the machine to fit all of your quilting needs. However, you need to realize most sewing machine dealers know ZERO about quilters and their needs. We are rather a select group. So, look out for your own needs.
Also check out their financing terms. Some manufacturers are offering no interest & no payments for a year.
Also, free classes are a must. You will need to attend several classes to learn how to use and get the most out of your machine. I would stay away from a dealer not offering free classes when purchasing a new machine.

Many dealers also offer a free service when your machine is one year old, this is quite common.
You will help your sewing machine dealer by asking questions. The purchase of a new sewing machine is a significant event. You will live with the decision for many years, so take the time to find your DREAM MACHINE.

This is a list of items that I have compiled over the years that are to be considered if you are in the market for a new sewing machine. Just thought you might like to have this for reference.

LuAnn

Answer 2

I own the Bernina 440QEE. I bought it for the stitch regulator and because it had so many different quilting stitches. I love the stitch regulator. It has helped my free motion quilting alot. I just start moving the fabric and the machine keeps the stitches even. It does take some time to get used to but with a little practice my quilting looks alot better than it ever did with out it. Different types of feet come with the model and I really enjoy the knee lift.
This machine runs fairly quiet and I have used it during the night when the family is sleeping. I also picked up the embroidery unit at a later time and I am enjoying adding little designs to my quilts.
I know the Bernina can be a pricey machine but it is well worth every penny. I bought the machine at a quilt store and the owner's husband is a certified repair technician. That was one of the factors when I bought my machine was that it could be serviced locally and not have to worry about shipping it to who knows where or how long it would be gone. Most of the time he has them back in under a week.
Classes were also a feature that I looked at when I bought my machine. I wanted to be able to sit and learn how to use it and how to clean it. The dealer has a certified teacher on staff and she taught us the basics over a couple of weeks and then she has advanced classes that you can take if you want to. (Basic classes were free.)
I have let a few friends try out my machine and a couple have gone and purchased them. One of them got free financing for her machine and another got one used through the dealer. A great bargain for what she wanted and what she could afford.

Answer 3

I'm not a pro or anything, but I do sew and quilt often.
thought I would put in my little bit of knowledge for you... from someone NOT a pro
The lady from Oregon seemed to have the best suggestions on what you're looking for for a machine that will quilt with you.
I figure with everyone dropping names and such, I thought I would share what I found and have enjoyed so far from day I got it home.
I bought the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 122...
It is a simple machine that seems to work hard and is perfect for what I needed and I did take about a month researching to find the machine I wanted...
On my 122 - I specifically like
- the extended "lift"
- the lack of noise the machine makes sewing - it is soo quiet.
- the feed dogs go down and up real easy
It has only 5 needle positions, but very easy to figure out which one I want to use... and I kinda like not having all the choices in the world.
- the 1/4 inch foot and the walking foot were extra, but with a trade in at the local JoAnns All Brands, that Emerald cost me only $500.00 and my pfaff lost it's computer screen which was somewhat of a shock when it happened... it just died one day - so I went looking for another machine....
This Emerald is not a computer
**wihch has become quite important to me now**
it is considered a "basic machine" which means less to break and less to get repaired. Another one of the selling points for me... I got the "one year free service" and bought the additional couple years for only another hundred or so...
For less than the original cost of the machine which I think was 800 ish, I got a large clear table, the set of quilting feet -that 4 years of free service on the machine, free classes and and a neat little machine that so far (2 months now) will handle everything I want it to do. I love it.
I just wanted to let you know what I did with my $
hope some part of this information becomes of some value to you...

Answer 4

My Favorite machine is an older Bernina. I love the 1260 so much I own 3 of them. The 1080 is also a great machine, but these are all 16 or more years old.

I teach free motion quilting, & thread play. I've dealt with all sorts of machines. Pfaff are good for piecing & straight line quilting, but not so much for free motion.

Bernina, Elna, Brother, & Husqvarna are good for free motion work. The little Husky Star is a nice little (relatively inexpensive machine for free motion, but doesn't have much space under the head.

I didn't like the Bernina 154, but the 180 was a nice machine, & I've heard good things about the 440s. I'd probably go for the 440QE if I were getting a new machine, but they aren't cheep!

Answer 5

I am a quilter myself, and design a lot of my own pieces. For my time and money, I would buy nothing but a Janome.
For $800, I could get a brand-new computerized sewing machine, with all the features you listed, plus extra bobbins and still have money left over for fabric, needles, and thread.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to shop around with a list of features you HAVE to have, WANT to have and WISH to have. List pricing, after the sale services (including training so you know how to properly use your machine), trade-up policy (so you can slowly trade-up to the latest and greatest model out there), and any other free things the dealer might throw in. ALSO, stick with the independent dealers and stay away from the big box stores. I know they have great prices on seemingly good machines, but you get what you pay for (and no help after the sale).

So, in my personal opinion (sewing for more than 20 years), I would highly recommend a Janome machine. They are the easiest to use and they all have a needle threader!

Take a look at:

DC3050 has 50 stitches, full machine, computerized, speed control, needle up/down, and more.
Jem Platinum 660 has 60 stitches in a 3/4 sized frame (smaller size, still full power), computerized, speed control, and more.
QC6260 computerized, full machine, 60 stitches, speed control, and more.

Answer 6

With what you have to spend you can pretty much get any machine you want.Some of the features you want are to have a 1/4" food, a walking food and some decorative stitches.I also have a needle down feature which I love. I have a Janome now and love it. I also had a Viking and liked it but the repair person was not very helpful and very expensive for repairs so when I needed a new machine I went with someone I felt I could deal with. Having free lessons helps too.
I do machine piecing and limited machine quilting on my machine but it can do quilting. I just don't have the space to machine quilt.

Answer 7

My recommendation is probably more than you want to spend, but I'll pass it on anyhow for your consideration. I purchased a Janome Model 6600 about a year ago and am extremely pleased. With some discounts at my local dealer I paid $1399. The most important feature (for me) is the wide bed (9")...largest in the industry. It comes with the dual-feed system (walking foot) and free motion foot. It's not an embroidery machine. For all the details and a listing what's included check it out at www.janome.com. The model 6500 is almost equal so check it out also. The wide bed makes it much easier to quilt larger items. Good luck in your search. hls

Answer 8

I am a sewing machine technician with a shop in a quilting store. I can tell you that Bernina is the best machine for what you want. Of course they are priced high but they do not lose their value over the years. Most quilters dream of having the Berninas. You don't necessarily need a new one and for 800.00 you may find a nice used electronic Bernina for what you want to do. Though they are hard to find you can find them on eBay. You just need to figure in having it checked out and serviced by a tech in your area, (for peace of mind) usually about 75.00.
Good luck to you.

Answer 9

Please look at any of the Pfaff machines that have IDT (built in walking foot that is calibrated with the needle mechanism as well as the feed dogs) You won't be sorry with Pfaff! I have sewn on a Pfaff for over 25 years and I won't change because of the IDT. Other makers say that there is no difference with it built in, but there is a significant difference, and, you can flip it on or off in a second. There should be a wonderful machine in your price range. SOC

Answer 10

Any machine with a walking foot, ability to handle thick layers, and a wide bed will work for you. You have a nice sized budget, so spring for a heavy duty machine that will run lots of hours for you. I happen to like my Pfaff, but there are many good machines.