Computerized Quilting Machines
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 Brother Computerized Sewing Quilting Machine CS 80  US $134.99
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 Brother Computerized Crafts and Quilting Sewing Machine XR4040 US $109.99
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 Computerized machine quilting twin top tops US $25.00
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computerized quilting machines
HFJ-26B COMPUTERIZED QUILTING MACHINE
In the area of $1000 to $1500, what is the best sewing machine to purchase?
I am looking for a computerized machine, with multi-stitches. It should be good for quilting, and it should have a self-threading option! Thanks in advance for your answers!
In that range, you have a lot of options. I recommend that you buy from a local dealer - check your phone book. That way you have someone nearby who can service the machine when you have problems (and you invariably will). And by going to a local dealer you can test drive the machines. If you have the opportunity, look for large quilt expos in your area. Besides being full of incredible quilts, the major sewing machines manufacturers are there with machines for you to try out. They often have 'show specials' where you can buy the machines for less - sometime a lot less.
I quilt, but I do not use the multitude of stitches available on my machine so I can't comment on that side of it. For quilting, however, you want to find a machine with the following things (if you've been quilting for long, you probably already know this, but just in case):
1. Needle down - the ability to set the machine so it always stops with the needle in the fabric, rather than at the top position. This is super-important for quilters.
2. A quarter inch foot - special foot that helps you to maintain a 'perfect' quarter inch seam.
3. A free motion or darning foot - used for quilting the quilt - free motion movement of the fabric under the needle
4. The ability to drop or cover the feed dogs - for free motion quilting
5. A walking foot attachment - helps you to keep two layers of fabric moving through without one pulling ahead of the other. Especially good when quilting.
5. A good arm space - the more space under the arm, the more quilt you can stuff under it when quilting.
6. Easy threading, including the bobbin - This isn't just putting the thread through the eye of the needle - if it's hard to thread the entire machine, you'll hate working with it.
Brands to check out:
Pfaff (I have one) - generally more expensive because of the Integrated Dual Feed (IDT - don't ask me why T, that's what they call it). This is a built in walking foot, which is great because it moves at the exactly the same speed as your feed dogs. Unfortunately, it adds a lot of cost.
Bernina - their newer models feature a 'stitch regulator' which helps your stitching to remain even when doing free motion work.
Brother - my mom has this, and loves it. Hers was around $600, I think, and includes nearly 300 stitches, has an automatic needle threader, needle up/down, and an option to start/stop the machine with the press of a button, rather than a foot feed. The bobbin is very easy to change, too.
Janome - We have an industrial style Janome that does just one stitch, but very (very!) fast. It's heavy duty, well constructed, and very difficult to thread. The bobbin is a challenge to get to as well. However, the upscale models are much nicer.
Husqvarna Viking - another very well respected brand. I haven't worked with it, but I've heard many good things.
Elna - another good brand, popular with quilters.
computerized quilting machines
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Adjustable Top Stitch and Seam Guide $9.95 Perfect seams, Top stitching and Quilt blocks. 2 Heights. 3 Guide Edges. Fits any machine with standard screw hole attachment. Nonmagnetic Great for computerized machines. Pivots to 3 positions on a single slot. Rounded end for neck lines. Holds fabric in line when stopped. Saves Time. Easier sewing.... |