I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

[Sheila5705]

I decided that I am not a quilter.......I am a quilt top maker! I am ready to finish my stack of UFOs. I would like to get a sewing machine capable of Free Motion Quilting. I have only straight quilted my smaller projects and now I am ready to learn FMQ. I have looked at Pfaff Ambition machines (no auto thread cutter), Singer C440Q (seemed weak), Husqvarna Opal (seemed complicated), and Juki DX-2000qvp (loved it). I really can't spend more than $1000. Any recommendations are welcome.
Thank you!

[Star lover]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Sorry, can't help you, I'm a hand quilter. I'm sure someone here will be able to help.
But hello, and welcome to the forum from Michigan!

[Georgie Girl]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Don't have it but I hear a lot about the Jazz Baby Lock. Check on line or maybe someone here has one/ And I agree I'm also a quilt top quilter, having 2 buckets of quilt tops.

[kgirlmom]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

I don't FMQ but my understanding is you can do it on any machine that you can drop the feed dogs on.

[cv quilter]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Don't have it but I hear a lot about the Jazz Baby Lock. Check on line or maybe someone here has one/ And I agree I'm also a quilt top quilter, having 2 buckets of quilt tops.

I think Jean has a Jazz. I know that Jenny Doan uses one in her videos and I've heard good things about them.

[quiltsRfun]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Sounds like you're leaning towards the Juki. Have you test driven all of them?

[Annababy]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

I have the Juki 2010q. It is a dream machine for fmq. I find it many places for 999. I waited and watched and was able to purchase mine new for 899. My LQS is bringing one in on trade this week. I don't know where you live, but if you are anywhere near central Arkansas it is worth checking out. The Crafty Gemini and Leah Day both have a thorough review of this machine on YouTube.

[Georgie Girl]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Sounds like you're leaning towards the Juki. Have you test driven all of them?

Looked at this one on line and the throat seems small compared to the Jazz to fit the quilt through when rolled up. Don't have it so just my observation.

[grammaterry]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

You can fmq on the machine you have. Use it and practice on those ufos. Drop your feed dogs set the stitch lenth to 0 and get a hopping foot. eBay has some for as little as $20

[Swedish leo]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

I have PFAFF quilt expression 4.0 and I love it.

Here is a thorough info about the machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNHBEUtkUkI

Here are some more choices

8 Best Quilting Machines 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdrs6DYE4zw

[Swedish leo]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRVubwWdaPU

How to Buy a Sewing Machine - 10 Tips with Leah Day!

this is good to

[K. McEuen]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Jenny sews with a Babylock Jane.
Jean has a Singer S16, as do I.
Sheri has a Jazz.
The Jane and S16 are straight stitch only, high speed machines. You can do FMQ with a different needle plate, but the feed dogs don't drop.

[amartin24]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

I also have the Singer S16 and highly recommend it. I purchased it for only $400 last year from the Singer website. Unfortunately, it isn't sold on there anymore (no idea why) and it can be purchased through Amazon, currently for $799.

[DeniseSm]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Just to give another view point, there is nothing wrong with sending your quilts out to be quilted by a long arm quilter. If I had the money that is what I would do.

I do send my very pieces out for long arm quilting.

[shermur]

Re: I want to upgrade to a Free Motion machine......any suggestions, input, recommendations?

Yes...Sherri (shermur) has a Jazz! And it was worth the money (under $1000 .00)!!!!

Baby Jazz (800x513).jpg

Dot to Dot practice 1 (800x559).jpg

At least go test drive one! The Jazz may not have all the digital fancy stitches or the automation that higher dollar machines have, but......it has everything it needs and the 12" throat alone makes learning FMQ much easier!

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