Mechanical vs. computerized

[soul60s]

Do you prefer mechanical or computerized sewing machines and why? I am going to get a machine and really the only thing as far as bells and whistles I really need is needle down. But I am open to any machine. So, the good and the bad???

[Auntpiggylpn]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have a computerized Janome but when I go to get a new machine I am getting the Juki 2010q. TL-2010Q Extended Bed. I don't have a thread cutter on my current machine and that is something I really want. I have a gazillion stitches but guess what? I use less than 5 of them. I like the Juki because it is a straight stitch only machine, larger harp, thread cutter and needle down feature.

[bubba]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

The next machine I get will also be the Juki 2010i, for the same reasons listed above. I have a machine with all sorts of fancy stitches, and I may have used five of them in the two and a half years I've had it. I like the needle down option, which I have now, along w/the thread cutter, which my present machine does not have.

[soul60s]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have a computerized Janome but when I go to get a new machine I am getting the Juki 2010q. TL-2010Q Extended Bed. I don't have a thread cutter on my current machine and that is something I really want. I have a gazillion stitches but guess what? I use less than 5 of them. I like the Juki because it is a straight stitch only machine, larger harp, thread cutter and needle down feature.

I am starting to think that a straight stitch machine is a great second machine but I really need needle down. I have found tons of straight stitch machines on craigslist but they are all treadle.

[soul60s]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

The next machine I get will also be the Juki 2010i, for the same reasons listed above. I have a machine with all sorts of fancy stitches, and I may have used five of them in the two and a half years I've had it. I like the needle down option, which I have now, along w/the thread cutter, which my present machine does not have.

I take it that the needle down option is only on computerized machines, huh? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[buckeyequilter]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have both manual and computerized....I think the manual machines do a much better straight stitch for piecing. I don't know why that is but the stitches just look so much nicer.

But I like my computerized machine for other things, when I made my pillowcases I didn't want to have to drag my serger out and started looking through the manual and there was an overedge foot...woohoo worked like a charm and actually looks much nicer than what the serger does.

[Bubby]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I'm a computerized machine quilter. I do use many of the decorative stitches on my machine and I have the needle down feature. The thread cutter is not important to me. I haven't been impressed with many of the comments about it here on the forum. I have Featherweight machines for classes and for when I do paper piecing and straight only stitching. The one thing I do wish is that I had a stand-alone embroidery machine. Right now all I have is the embroidery module in my main sewing machine. It does great embroidery but I like the idea of having them as separate machines.

[GinnyKNC]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have both. I use the computerized one more though. I agree that for straight stitching the manual one does a nicer job.

[easyquilts]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have a computerized Janome but when I go to get a new machine I am getting the Juki 2010q. TL-2010Q Extended Bed. I don't have a thread cutter on my current machine and that is something I really want. I have a gazillion stitches but guess what? I use less than 5 of them. I like the Juki because it is a straight stitch only machine, larger harp, thread cutter and needle down feature.

What price range is that machine in?

[bubba]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I take it that the needle down option is only on computerized machines, huh? Correct me if I'm wrong.

I can't say for certain, but I believe this statement is correct. By all means, you can stop w/the needle down on a mechanical machine, but that is up to the operator. It's what we used to do before we had these fancy machines!!

[bubba]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

What price range is that machine in?

The lowest I have seen this machine is $749. I normally see it for between $800 - $900. If you have a quilting frame, you could easily use it on there. That was my plan until I got Matilda. Now I need to find another reason to get it It is nice for paper piecing though w/the thread cutter!

[lhayes1976]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have a Brother PQ1500S which I love, it is mechanical and it just purrs for me. My FMQ has improved so much on this machine. It has both the thread cutter and the needle down feature. I have computerized also, but I mainly use those when sewing clothing/embroidery/decorative stitching my binding.

[GrammaBabs]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I have a Janome 1600 and it is NOT computerized.. (which I like)... it hums at about 1200 rpms... and has NEEDLE UP/DOWN,, no thread cutter.. which I don't like.. I'm faster doing it myself!... I think there is a manual Juki that perhaps is a bit newer and has the same options and maybe more... I love strip piecing and just stitching scraps and things together.. quickly... this was on my quilt frame until I got my Bailey... I may have mentioned, but Allbrands.com has a huge inventory of machines for sale and I use it a lot just to research a machine.. B

[Cathy F]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

I like the conveniences on my computerized machines. Love the needle down, thread cutter, and especially the auto threader.

[Netter]

Re: Mechanical vs. computerized

No, the Juki 2010q default is needley down. I bought this machine about 5 months ago and I love it. It sews great and also make FMQ easy. I hardly ever use my Janome anymore except for blanket stitch or zig zag once in a while. Well worth the investment.

I take it that the needle down option is only on computerized machines, huh? Correct me if I'm wrong.