BQTC #5 Sewing Machines and Attachments
17/09/08 01:18 Filed in: BQTC #5
First let me tell you
that most quilters have different opinions about what
kind of machine is needed to start quilting. Some
will suggest that any sewing machine will do well
others can’t live without all the bells and whistles
that come on most of the newer machines on the market
today. Here is my experience with sewing machines
followed by a break down of some of the features you
may want to consider when choosing a machine for
quilting.
When I learned to sew, I used an older Pfaff of my Mom's. It was about 25 years old but the machine was a work horse! You would never guess that it had so much experience, as it still ran so well. Eventually the day came when I wanted for more. Of course it didn't help that my Mother had the top of the line Janome with every possible feature a quilter could ever dream of.
Not only that, but she would constantly remind me of how much she loved her machine. You'd think she was on commission or something! I took a good week to shop around and check out very single store in my area. I researched many different brands, considered computerized vs manual, and went home to think about it all. I spent another day on the computer reading reviews and feedback from sewers and quilters.
Then my hubby and I talked about the options. I had resigned myself to purchasing an affordable, practical manual Janome. It was top of the line for manual machines, and came with a quilter's package which was a big bonus for me. Then Matty asked me if would really be happy with that machine. Was it the machine that I REALLY wanted? I answered that no, I'd really prefer the computerized Janome like my Mom's ( which just happened to be on sale... at half price!) because it had EVERYTHING under the sun and would probably last me much much longer. Well wouldn't you know it? That lovely husband of mine went out and bought me the big machine and the rolling case to boot! I must say that I am one lucky quilter.
Now that I have had the machine for a while, there are definitely features that I couldn't live without. Some advantages for quilter's are: needle threader, thread cutter, stitch in place function, separate bobbin winder, knee lifter, extension table, and decorative stitches. Attachments that I could not live without: 1/4 inch presser foot, clear see through applique foot, walking foot, and hopping foot. These are all quilting presser feet for sewing machines and may or may not be included with the machine. I know that Janome and Pfaff both offer quilter's toolbox kits which can be purchased separately if your machine did not come with them.
So now that I've bragged about all these fabulous features, I'll tell you a little about each one. This will allow you to decide what you need and don't need, plus it gives you some fancy lingo to throw around when you visit the sewing machine shop!
1) Needle Threader: This is a tiny wee hook which will poke through the needle to catch your thread and pull it through the eye. It is more a convenience than necessity unless you have weak eyes or wear glasses.
2) Thread cutter: The blade of the cutter is built into the machine and can be activated by pressing a button. The blade will cut the bobbin and top thread nice and short, which really saves on thread and time. However if you own scissors, it is just as easy to quickly snip your threads which makes this feature a convenience.
3) Stitch in Place Function: If you do not like to backstitch, this feature is for you. On my Janome, this function will take 3 stitches without advancing the fabric. This secures the beginning and ending of your seams with out the puckering that comes with back stitching.
4) Separate Bobbin Winder : A great feature which allows you to continue sewing while your bobbins are winding. However if you plan ahead, you could easily wind several bobbins worth of thread and not even have to worry about the bobbin refills.
5) Knee Lifter : This is a hands free way to lift the presser foot, which allows you to keep your hands on the fabic at all times. It is one function I would highly recommend unless you have weak knees or hips. In which case you could find the rotating movement to strenuous on your joints.
6) Extension Table: This sturdy table extends the bed of the sewing machine to a space that measures about 18 inches by 24 inches. It allows you to easily maneuver your quilts and keep all your piecing close at hand.
7) Decorative Stitches: A variety of stitches is great to have, but consider how often you will actually use them. If you also make a lot of garments, or linens, then having hundreds of stitches will be beneficial for you. However most sewers can get by with a simple straight stitch, zig zag, and button hole options.
8) 1/4 inch Presser Foot: This is the one attachment that is a MUST. For accurate piecing and seam allowances, this presser foot foot will keep you right on track. Before I had one, I tried many different ways of measuring and guiding the fabric to keep my 1/4 inch seam allowance. None were as successful as this wonderful invention. I consider this one to be a necessity.
9) Clear See Through Applique Foot: Being able to see through the presser foot is important for applique, as you need to see the edge of the fabric for accuracy. The opening is extra wide for the side to side motion of most applique stitches. If you plan to a lot of machine applique, this one is a must for you.
10) Walking Foot: A big clunky presser which feeds the fabric on top, working along with the feed dogs under the fabric. This keeps the fabric moving evenly which is very important when quilting several layers of fabric with batting stuffed between. If you plan to do a lot of machine quilting (vs. sending your quilts out to be done on a long arm machine) then a walking foot will be very helpful for you.
11)Hopping Foot: Also know as Darning Foot. This foot maintains no pressure on the fabric and can be used while the feed dogs are disengaged. In quilting this foot is used for free motion quilting to allow you to move your fabric freely in any direction you choose. The stitches are not regulated by the feed dogs so care must be taken to sew and move fabric at a consistent speed. Free motion quilting is great fun, and I highly recommend having this foot for your machine.
Having this information should make your search for the ideal quilting/ sewing machine a little bit easier. When it comes time to purchase your machine, buy from a reputable dealer who offers some sort of service warranty. Many dealers even sell second hand machines that have been serviced and will also come with a warranty and/ or lessons. Contact your local machine sales shop to find out more details, and be sure to take your time and do lots of research. Be sure that you find the machine that is best for you, rather than spontaneously purchasing the first great one you see.
As always, feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns, I am always happy to help!}
When I learned to sew, I used an older Pfaff of my Mom's. It was about 25 years old but the machine was a work horse! You would never guess that it had so much experience, as it still ran so well. Eventually the day came when I wanted for more. Of course it didn't help that my Mother had the top of the line Janome with every possible feature a quilter could ever dream of.
Not only that, but she would constantly remind me of how much she loved her machine. You'd think she was on commission or something! I took a good week to shop around and check out very single store in my area. I researched many different brands, considered computerized vs manual, and went home to think about it all. I spent another day on the computer reading reviews and feedback from sewers and quilters.
Then my hubby and I talked about the options. I had resigned myself to purchasing an affordable, practical manual Janome. It was top of the line for manual machines, and came with a quilter's package which was a big bonus for me. Then Matty asked me if would really be happy with that machine. Was it the machine that I REALLY wanted? I answered that no, I'd really prefer the computerized Janome like my Mom's ( which just happened to be on sale... at half price!) because it had EVERYTHING under the sun and would probably last me much much longer. Well wouldn't you know it? That lovely husband of mine went out and bought me the big machine and the rolling case to boot! I must say that I am one lucky quilter.
Now that I have had the machine for a while, there are definitely features that I couldn't live without. Some advantages for quilter's are: needle threader, thread cutter, stitch in place function, separate bobbin winder, knee lifter, extension table, and decorative stitches. Attachments that I could not live without: 1/4 inch presser foot, clear see through applique foot, walking foot, and hopping foot. These are all quilting presser feet for sewing machines and may or may not be included with the machine. I know that Janome and Pfaff both offer quilter's toolbox kits which can be purchased separately if your machine did not come with them.
So now that I've bragged about all these fabulous features, I'll tell you a little about each one. This will allow you to decide what you need and don't need, plus it gives you some fancy lingo to throw around when you visit the sewing machine shop!
The Bells and Whistles
1) Needle Threader: This is a tiny wee hook which will poke through the needle to catch your thread and pull it through the eye. It is more a convenience than necessity unless you have weak eyes or wear glasses.
2) Thread cutter: The blade of the cutter is built into the machine and can be activated by pressing a button. The blade will cut the bobbin and top thread nice and short, which really saves on thread and time. However if you own scissors, it is just as easy to quickly snip your threads which makes this feature a convenience.
3) Stitch in Place Function: If you do not like to backstitch, this feature is for you. On my Janome, this function will take 3 stitches without advancing the fabric. This secures the beginning and ending of your seams with out the puckering that comes with back stitching.
4) Separate Bobbin Winder : A great feature which allows you to continue sewing while your bobbins are winding. However if you plan ahead, you could easily wind several bobbins worth of thread and not even have to worry about the bobbin refills.
5) Knee Lifter : This is a hands free way to lift the presser foot, which allows you to keep your hands on the fabic at all times. It is one function I would highly recommend unless you have weak knees or hips. In which case you could find the rotating movement to strenuous on your joints.
6) Extension Table: This sturdy table extends the bed of the sewing machine to a space that measures about 18 inches by 24 inches. It allows you to easily maneuver your quilts and keep all your piecing close at hand.
7) Decorative Stitches: A variety of stitches is great to have, but consider how often you will actually use them. If you also make a lot of garments, or linens, then having hundreds of stitches will be beneficial for you. However most sewers can get by with a simple straight stitch, zig zag, and button hole options.
8) 1/4 inch Presser Foot: This is the one attachment that is a MUST. For accurate piecing and seam allowances, this presser foot foot will keep you right on track. Before I had one, I tried many different ways of measuring and guiding the fabric to keep my 1/4 inch seam allowance. None were as successful as this wonderful invention. I consider this one to be a necessity.
9) Clear See Through Applique Foot: Being able to see through the presser foot is important for applique, as you need to see the edge of the fabric for accuracy. The opening is extra wide for the side to side motion of most applique stitches. If you plan to a lot of machine applique, this one is a must for you.
10) Walking Foot: A big clunky presser which feeds the fabric on top, working along with the feed dogs under the fabric. This keeps the fabric moving evenly which is very important when quilting several layers of fabric with batting stuffed between. If you plan to do a lot of machine quilting (vs. sending your quilts out to be done on a long arm machine) then a walking foot will be very helpful for you.
11)Hopping Foot: Also know as Darning Foot. This foot maintains no pressure on the fabric and can be used while the feed dogs are disengaged. In quilting this foot is used for free motion quilting to allow you to move your fabric freely in any direction you choose. The stitches are not regulated by the feed dogs so care must be taken to sew and move fabric at a consistent speed. Free motion quilting is great fun, and I highly recommend having this foot for your machine.
Having this information should make your search for the ideal quilting/ sewing machine a little bit easier. When it comes time to purchase your machine, buy from a reputable dealer who offers some sort of service warranty. Many dealers even sell second hand machines that have been serviced and will also come with a warranty and/ or lessons. Contact your local machine sales shop to find out more details, and be sure to take your time and do lots of research. Be sure that you find the machine that is best for you, rather than spontaneously purchasing the first great one you see.
As always, feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns, I am always happy to help!}
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