Need advice on good sewing machine for quilters

[jkp464]

I need help! My 19 year old daughter would like to take up quilting and has asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. I know absolutely NOTHING about sewing machines and sewing -- not my forte! I want to get her a nice sewing machine that will work for quilting without spending tons of money. I'd like it to be something she can learn and grow on. I've tried a few google searches and end up with the recommendation to go to a shop and try the machines out. That doesn't work for me as I don't sew. Thanks for your help.

 

[joyah]

berninas are the top of the line but cost and arm and a leg. I've inherited my MIL's OLD Bernina and wow what a difference from my singer. The biggest thing I can tell you is to make sure that the presser foot ( where the fabric goes under) is a 1 piece unit and not a snap on. the snap ons wiggle and you can't get real straight seems. Also if she's growing into it get one that the feed dogs ( little pricky things on the bottem that go under the fabric) can lower so she can do machine quilting. and go to a local quilt shop and sign her up for a class to go with the machine she'll learn so much. I've quilted for years and got out of it when the boys were born now that the youngest is 7 mom's been dragging me to classes with her and I had forgoten how much fun it is.
Good luck

 

[logan&tylersmama]

i have a viking and i do alot of quilting and craft sewing. The sewing feet on a viking snap on and I have never had a problem with it. Here in CT alot of the Joann's stores sell the vikings in their stores and they give lessons on how to use the machine. I suggest if she is serious about sewing that you invest in the highest price that you can afford - stay away from some of the basic machines that you get at walmart etc. because nothing is more discouraging than trying to learn to sew or quilt on a machine that is not giving you nice consistant quilaity stiches.
if you have any more questions you can PM me.
every sewer is different. in my family we have 10 quilters and we all have different machines and swear by each of them. its a personal preferance.maybe your daughter can go shopping with you to try them out before you buy. then take it home - wrap it and put it under the tree
Jennifer

 

[lewdyan1]

I moved this over to the Arts and Crafts board, where I know we have some quilters.

 

[Jen117]

I have been a die hard Bernina user since I was young. Check out your local quilt shops that also sell machines. Sometimes they have used models that people trade in for a higher model. That is common this time of the year.