Readers Respond: What features make a sewing machine an excellent tool?

Responses: 298

By Janet Wickell, About.com Guide

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I am making my quilts on a 3 year old Singer machine that was advertised as made for high school home ec classes. It is a GREAT machine, all gear driven with no electronics. BUT, if I could afford my dream machine it would have ALL of the features the other posters have noted. It just seems that the "CONS" of most of the dream machines is the PRICE. I do wish that a good machine manufacturer would look at the general quilting public and manufacture a machine geared to them that does not cost many thousands of dollars. Example is the new Bernina, with a list price of $12,000. How nuts is that?? My husband and I still, even with the devastated economy, make a really good living, but I could no more buy a 12K sewing machine, or even a 5K sewing machine, than I could spend 10K on a tummy tuck. All manufacturers MUST bring their prices down to reasonable levels.
—davis2se

I love my Bernina QE440 - The needle down - the threader - knee lift - stitch regulator and embroidery stitches - the adaptable extras that fit my machine, and as a member of the Bernina Club - all the updated info that keep us on top of everything. Rhonda Joy
—MaxysMum

There are several things that I definitely must have in a sewing machine: 1. knee lift so that I have more control with my hands to pivot, etc. 2. great lighting with no shadows 3. easily controlled speed 4. tension flexibility of the bobbin, which is great for decorative stitches, etc. 5. heavy duty machine with all metal parts
—Guest Jac Kilgo

Singer with a knee lift. It is easy to use and it sews fast. My mother taught me to sew on that machine.
—Guest marlene57

I think the needle down button is an excellent tool for quilterss sewing machines.
—Guest Maria Grazia

I have sewn on a Bernina since 1983 after using Singer since 1951. Sit and test drive all the machines and go with the one you are most confortable with (and fits you budget). I could not be without the kneelift and needle down features. I currently sew on a Bernina 440QE and am quite happy with it. This is my fourth Bernina and two previous machines reside with my two daughters. I design Art Quilts and do machine embellishment and machine quilting.
—answerperson

Favorites: needle up/down, needle positioner, speed control, easy tension adjustments, feed dog drop, zig-zag, reverse, good assortment of feet including walking foot, free arm
—Guest Linda

Absolutely agree #1 Knee Lift! Since I bought a Bernina 1030 I have become so used to "it" that I will always have a machine with one. My Granddaughter learned to sew on the 1030 and she loves it too.
—Guest Mary-Ann

I couldn't do without the automatic thread cutter and the separate bobbin winder on my Janome 6600! This machine has enough bells and whistles to last me a lifetime plus. It's a workhorse!
—Guest JoAnne

I like the needle down position particularly. I also like the automatic needle threader as I get older. I generally use the 1/4 inch with guide foot which helps to keep my seams accurate. The walking foot and the free motion quilting foot are the only other feet that I use while quilting. My machine has an automated speed that I can adjust and do not have to use the foot pedal. That is a really nice feature. I only wish I had a stitch regulator as well, but on my current machine, I do not have that feature.
—Guest Gayle E

For me, the first and foremost feature I sought out in a sewing machine was a long "arm" under which I could fit my rolled up queen-size quilts. I've taken classes with other women who've bought new machines, only to realize the "arm" is much too short, and they must have their quilts finished on a long-arm machine at the quilting shop.
—Guest E. Deputy

A must for me is needle-down ability. i love my Janome P6600. It has all the features you mentioned and is VERY user friendly. The SRP of under $2400.oo is a real plus also.
—Guest Carrol Dickerson

I have the Bernina Artista which is great for embroidery but in MHO not so great for piecing. The feeddogs are too wide to do a good 1/4" seam. I can't do without my Pfaff with its dual feed feature. I can sew two pieces of silk together flawlessly.
—Guest Judy

I have had many machines over the years, some very expensive and some not so. My all time favorite is the Singer Inspiration, it is especially for quilters and comes with all the bells and whistles. It sews like a dream - I also have the embroidery/sewing machine by Singer.
—jminnear

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Janet Wickell
Quilting Guide