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 Hi,
I am a new quilter, have been simultaneous working on a handsewn sampler
and also machine assembling a larger quilt of patches that were given to me
for my wedding. I donīt have my own sewing machine and would like to find
one that will be adequate for my quilting needs (without being too fancy or
expensive). I donīt know exactly what i need to look for in a machine. I saw
a used Bernina 1008 offered for sale and wondered about it, as the brand is
highly spoken of in my quilting store (I live in Spain). Would that machine do?
What are the specific features I should be asking about? Thanks so much.
Answer Hi Anna,
Congratulations on starting to quilt. I hope you will love it and have many years of enjoyment.
Up front let me say that the Bernina Mechanical is a terrific machine and if it is in good working order (and likely will be since Berninas are well made and their owners often have good instruction from the manufacturers in maintaining their machine.
If you're still curious about other options, read on...
One of the keys to making years of sewing enjoyment happen is to have equipment that works well, can be counted on to be reliable and do at least what you ask of it. Many people make the sad mistake of choosing a cheap, or elderly machine because they are just going to "try" sewing. HUGE mistake.
A nice used mechanical machine will be a good purchase and you will enjoy it for years and years.
If you miss the purchase of this one I suggest you contact a Bernina, Viking or Pfaff Dealer (my top three picks) and ask them what is a reasonable machine to get you started. Most of them are very knowledgeable and will give you honest information and even training on your machine. You should also be able to try before you buy, a real plus.
Best of luck with your new hobby and have a wonderful time!
