Other Considerations About a Quilting Machine
J: So Linda, what other things should I consider when looking for a quilting machine ?
L: A couple other things to think about Joan.
decisions! decisions!
Joan, the first thing to decide is what type of quilting machine you need. There are two basic types of quilters’ machines available:
- straight stitch only machine
- all-purpose machine
staying on the straight and narrow
The straight stitch only machine is a mechanical machine that only does a straight stitch.
The main benefits of a straight stitch machine are
- excellent stitch quality
- high speed – around 1500-1600 stitches per minute
- wide bedspace – approx 9"
It’s worth noting that a machine that is designed to do one stitch will do it better than a machine that is designed to do many stitches.
So if you are looking for the highest quality stitch for your surface quilting, then a straight stitch machine is the best option.
staying on the straight and narrow
If you want your machine to offer more than a just a straight stitch, there are quilters’ machines, usually electronic machines, that will still offer very good quality straight stitching, plus the added benefits of other quilting and decorative stitches as well as all the other features we mentioned previously.
show me the money
As with any major purchase, always spend as much as you can afford to get the most important features for your dollar.
Those features will depend on exactly what type of quilting and/or sewing you intend to do.
deciding what’s important
Your next steps are to
- make a list of the features that are important to you
- decide on a budget
- research (online is easiest) the different machines that are available within your budget
- decide which of these machines fall within these guidelines
- visit your local dealers and take them for a test drive
lean on me
Most people don’t stop to think about dealer support when buying a new sewing machine.
Price should not necessarily always be your first consideration, particularly if you are preparing to spend a good deal of money.
With deals being offered all over the internet, it’s easy to think you’re getting a bargain until you have a problem with your machine or it comes time for your machine to be serviced.
When buying over the internet, sometimes you’ll find that the fine print requires you to return the machine to point of purchase for servicing or repair. So buyer beware – this could end up being more expensive than purchasing from your local dealer.
And your local dealer normally offers classes and instruction with a new purchase, so at the end of the day you really are getting a bargain.
J: Linda, that’s a lot of good information, but where do I start looking for a machine?
L: Look this way Joan …
I'm Linda Matthews and welcome to my website. My current passion is creating digital collage and then printing my artwork onto fabric. You'll find lots of information here about printing on fabric as well as other textile and art quilting techniques. Enjoy!
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