AboutPatricia Fountain Expertise I can answer questions about sewing machine for quilting, supplies, equipment, fabrics, and methods of piecing including applique, foundation piecing, machine quilting and hand quilting.
Experience 40 years of sewing expertise over 10 years quilting. I have experience making quilts for beds, garments, table items (placemats, runners, etc.) wall hangings, etc. I teach quilting and sewing at my home studio.
Organizations American Quilting Society
Education/Credentials NYS Certified Home Economics Teacher (FACS)
Home Serwing Association Trained Sewing Educator
Question What is the best machine offering free motion quilting: Bernina, Pfaaf, , etc? I
am not interested in the large machines now being pushed, but would like to do
a better job of free motion quilting on my regular machine. Thanks!
Answer I really can't answer that question like I suspect you would like. However, I understand the second part of your questions to be "Can I do free motion quilting with a less expensive machine?" The answer is an unqualified YES>
I can't claim experience with all makes and models but I do have one inexpensive machine that is just dynamite for piecing with straight stitch and using for free motion quilting, the Juki 98QE. You should be able to purchase this machine for $595, an big savings from the brands you mention.
What is needed in freemotion machine quilting is a machine capable of dropping the feed dogs. Some machines come with a separate needle plate which is smooth and not cut out for the feed dogs. I rarely use it, I just drop the dogs and sew on.
I have used my Bernina for most of my smaller projects and the only problem with it and any regular sewing machine is that the arm of the machine is shorter, usually about 7" and lower in height than a longarm machine like the Juki which has 9". This means you can fit more of your quilt rolled up under the arm.
Bear in mind that this low end machine is only a straight stitch machine, you can't do zig zag or other fancy work, but it is excellent for quilting with 1500 stitches per minute it is fast and accurate. It has a knee lift lever so you can keep quilting without stopping to lift the presser foot with your hand.
Janome also makes a similar model. I use my Juki only on my quilting frame but I have often said if I could have just one machine this would be it for quilting and basic garment construction as I use mostly the straight stitch.
Just another item, you need a darning foot for the free motion quilting. The Juki comes standard with this foot and with a walking foot for straight line quilting such as stitch-in-the ditch. It also has a thread cutter with a control on the foot pedal so you can stop in the middle of a pattern and start in another location. I find it an excellent value.
If you want to purchase one look on the inernet for dealers who will sell it for the $599 with free shipping. It is quite widely available.
