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Sewing machine features - advice pls


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I have a very basic sewing machine.  It has become a bit frustrating to piece on and especially to sew binding onto when I've used minkee as the backing.  The machine was bought before I started piecing quilt tops.  I'm asking for your advice on what features you love about your machine, which ones you would not live without, and which ones you thought you needed but don't use.  I'd also love to know the make and model of your machine.  Thanks in advance for any and all thoughts.

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The things I couldn't live without.  Automatic needle up or down when stopping.  Knee lifter, so hands free to raise the presser foot.  I have a Janome 10000, and love it.  Does embroidery, but I mostly use that for making quilt labels.  I think the biggest thing you're going to want is support after the sale.  Classes will show you things that you didn't know your machine could do, or that you didn't think you needed it to do.

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I have three machines...a Pfaff 1475 CD (circa 1990ish) a Pfaff Creative Vision 5.0 (circa early 2000's)and a Singer 301 (circa 1957). I love the IDET (dual feed) feature of my Pfaff's and the 1475, which we bought new, has been bullet proof and still has a lot of available stitches to choose from...the newer Pfaff does nice embroidery work, and has more bells and whistles, but essentially does basic sewing tasks no better (or worse) than the 1475. The Singer 301 is my traveling machine (we own an RV) and it is bullet proof too and very straightforward to use and service and it all fits in an easy to carry case...soooo... How does this help you...well the dual feed would likely help you, but I find I do a lot less embroidery/fancy stitching than I thought I would...so something basic with a dual feed option (maybe a walking foot) might be helpful...I also thought that Pfaff's patent on the dual feed technology had expired... So maybe it will be showing up elsewhere. Regarding the knee lift (mentioned above, I have it on the newer Pfaff) ...I am getting used to it...and it seems like it will be good...old habits are hard to break though!

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You can not beat Janome for it's incredible stitch.  My favorite thing is the thread cutter feature.  Also has needle down stopping which is great for when you want to go around a corner, but keep your place.  The walking foot makes sewing bindings a breeze.  I have the Janome 11000 and it was rather expensive when I bought it, but it's an embroidery machine too and I use that a lot.  So many features.  I've only owned Janome since the 70's because they are such workhorses.  I also own a Janome 3160 QDC to take to classes, etc.  Price wise it was a very good deal and sews beautifully.  It sounds as though I sell Janome...lol.  The best thing you can do for yourself is get a machine with local service and teaching. 

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Viking Designer 1 USB  I've had Vikings since 1978

 

Needle up/down,  auto pressure when starting to sew... no lever for putting it up/down.

I love the cut threads feature.. a button can be pushed to sew, or use the pressure foot.

Embroidery is terrific and I have most sizes including what I call the forever frame..for like around a

tablecloth edge.  The embr unit advances rather than remove it from the machine. (I think that's right

been so long since I used the embr. unit and due to meds a bad memeory, I'm not positive.

It stitches beautifully, an authorized dealer/mechanic etc can be found in most area's.

 

I also have a Burnette H40 or H 70, again, I forgot which.. It was made by Janome for Bernina.

Beautiful stitches, decorative stitches, light weight.  Pretty much a great basic machine and great

for classes, guild meets and retreats or just travel.

 

Himself got a Bernette something a couple years ago, or last year for Christmas and compared to mine

it is a piece of junk. It is now made by Bernina, has horrible stitching, needing constant adjustments,

hard to get a good straight stitch. Hate to say that but first hand knowledge says it's true.  I really wish we had

gone up to Ye Olde Forest Quilt Shop in Greensboro and bought a Janome.

 

Make sure you have a dealer close that teaches and has an authorized mechanic. 

I do go on, don't I?  Shall close.

 

God Bless all

 

third row, chanced foot to frame which it should have been.

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I have too many machines  :)  The machine I use the most for piecing and applying binding is my Bernina 630....It has needle up/down, a knee lift, great adjustable stitch length and width, and a good straight stitch.....I do put on the walking foot for stitching long seams and applying binding as it works better with that....It also has a wonderful blanket stitch that I use for applique...it is reversible and easy to adjust the stitch length and width on that.... I also have a Viking D1 and SE both top of the line in their day...I also love them for quilting....features I like in both of these are the needle up/down and the auto lift of the pressure foot....love that feature so I use them when doing curved applique...can't beat that feature for these....the stitch length and width can also be easily changed but not in the smaller increments the Bernina can....the Vikings also have a cut feature that the Bernina does not....The Bernina 630 and Viking D1 have the narrower feed dogs and stitch width of 5.5 mm rather than the wider feed dogs of the SE...some folks feel that the narrow feed dogs give a nicer straight stitch and I have to agree with that...as I think the fabric is fed straighter and more securely.   The reason I use the Bernina for quilting mainly and not the Vikings is simple....I have embroidery arms for the Vikings and also use them for embroidery and the Bernina lives in my quilting cabinet so I don't have to change them out....all the above machines also have a ton of decorative stitches which I seldom use....oh, I have walking feet for the Vikings too and do use them at times and actually...I now just put on the walking foot whenever I apply binding or do long seams or am sewing through multiple layers like when making drapes...I have a little Pfaff Passport 2.0 with idt which I use to take to retreats as it has the needle down/up  (That is one feature I would find difficult to live without) and the IDT...it stitches fine...but it is not as heavy duty as the others nor is it as heavy as the others at 13 pounds....main reason I got it....Take samples to store...try out the machines doing piecing...think about what else you want it for and go with it.....several folks that follow Bonnie Hunter....like the vintage Singers...especially the 301's...but they do need more oiling than the ones I have...the Vikings don't need any oiling and the Bernina only the hook....but periodic servicing is recommended as there are parts inside that need to be cleaned out and lubricated somehow...but needs to be done by a dealer or warranty s' are toast....good Luck...the new machines out there are overwhelming when trying to select one.....Lin

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I just purchased a Janome 12000 ... I wanted the walking foot with a 1/4" piecing foot and the embroidery option for quilt labels, needle up and down, automatic cutter and to be able to sew through lots of layers of denim. Be sure and take some items with you that you want to sew (just like you do at home) and go to a store and sew on the machines you are interested in ... take some piecing to do, maybe a short piece of binding, etc. Sew and get comfortable before you purchase, get to know your dealer and find out what classes are offered with your machine ... And wait to purchase until the machine is on sale!!!

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I have a Pfaff from 2000, the quilter model I think, I love it!  What I use most on it is the dual fabric feed option, the needle down option, bobbin low indicated, and the ability to move the needle over to make a "scant" 1/4 seam.  I started quilting on that machine using a darning foot which led me to long arming, never had any problems with it and it sews perfectly.   I also have a featherweight which I love to take to retreats because it is so light, but my go to machine is still the Pfaff.

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I have a davis vertical feed treadle. Straight stitch only. This is one of the original walking foot sewing machines. Only thing  that could make it better would be if I could find the same machine with a hand crank or motor. Love this machine for all piecing. All servicing is done by me, it is simple and does not need anything done but oiling and cleaning.

Debbie

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I would encourage the Pfaff machines also.  The IDT (dual feed) has been on all my Pfaffs (3).  With those I have pieced multiple quilts, mended jeans (even over the bulky pockets and seams to the single layer next to them) made wedding dresses for 4 daughters, flower girl dresses, bridesmaid dresses (satin, chiffon, tulle, linings,), They have been great with minkee, sweatshirt fleece, cottons, silky, I don't know a fabric or situation that doesn't work well with my machines.  I like the slim, out of the way design of the IDT.  Needle up/down, needle position, automatic tension, bobbin indicator are all great. 

 

Good luck on your search.  Be sure to find a dealer that you enjoy and will do service for you, take your own fabrics and use the trial machines yourself.  I had the opportunity to bring a Bernina home for a few days and try it out, and then tried out at Pfaff at home for a day.  I kept a checklist of my pros/cons on both and went with the Pfaff because of my list and have never been disappointed in my choice.  I have had the 7530, 7560, 2140/2170 (upgraded) and the Creative Sensation.

 

My Creative Sensation has a removable piece in the front that allows me to see where the threads get caught and need rethreading when the thread snags and breaks.  Love it.

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I have a Janome 6600..........thread cutter, needle up/down....knee lift....walking foot.   It has a lot of decorative stitiches which I use now and then, but mostly just straight stitch or zig zag     I also have a small Janome 3150 (?) that I take to quilt group.  I chose the Janome for two reasons..........others had them and loved them.........local dealer (30 miles away) sells and services them.   That's important to me.  Same reason I chose the APQS - we are 60 miles from Des Moines and not much farther from Carroll where the factory is.

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Thank you all.  I tried to like another post and it says I've reached my quota for the day.  Please keep the advice coming.  It's so hard to decide.  I saw a Bernina 640 on craigslist for $2000.  I want to go look but what a big step and there would be no dealer to turn to.  I know of several in the area but have not talked with any as of yet.

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Hi Connie

 

I have an early Bernina 440 that I have bonded with and do mainly piecing and things like tote bags etc, some garment sewing. I do have a like-new Janome 8900 for sale, if you are interested :-). I'm having intermittent vision problems, so need to thin the herd.  

 

My daughter was married this past June, so made her two veils and other projects for the wedding on the Bernina. I did some piecing and quilting with the Janome last fall and used it for making colorguard flags

(nylon fabric) with no problem. It was interesting to compare between the two brands. No big problems with either of them, just different features.

 

I really use the knee-lift and the needle-up down features when piecing.  I use the foot pedal for my left foot and the

knee lift on my right knee. Took a while, but it works well now. I never use a thread cutter. Bobbin indicator would be nice,

but on my Bernina, I can tell by the sound when the bobbin is getting low. The Janome has a big harp which is nice and

the LED lights which are great.

 

I like a good walking foot that doesn't block your view and in general I want it easy to maintain/clean. Clearly labelled (not

confusing) controls and markings on things like the foot plate and feet. 

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Connie, the Bernina 640 has the 9 mm stitch width. Do be sure to test out some machines with the 4.5 mm stitch width and the 9 mm stitch width and see if you have a personal preference. With the Pfaff, I can sew with a 9 mm stitch width just fine, but I'm not sure if I would like it on the Bernina. I tend to be super picky about some things so it could just be my own delicacies speaking here! LOL

 

EDITED to say I have a Bernina 630 with a 4.5 mm stitch width and didn't like the 640.

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I have 2 berninas.

440 & 153 - both great machines.

Must have...Knee lift, needle up/down, single & 1/2 stitch on foot pedal, 1/4" foot, & walking foot.

Don't use... BSR foot.

When buying a machine, it's important to have a good service person closeby.

All machines, no matter how well made, eventually need service.

So, keep that in mind while you decide.

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