Sewing machine frequently asked questions New post

I just added the text to a new page on my site as well:

Thank you also Beverly, for posting it, and Joanne, for finding it. Juno

Thanks Ron & Beverly for having this info! Barbara in SC

I was surprised to see the thoughts at 'which features are essential/nice' for quilters. The walking foot for each of my SMs has never been out of the box. A large bed is a little bit nice but quilters manage just fine with the usual arc. A seam allowance guide? Quilters usually make their own. The 3 features for quilters that are wonderful are: needle down, knee lift and ¼" foot. The ability to drop the feed dogs easily is important too. Just my 2¢. Polly

Polly,

I've never had a knee lift but I do agree about the needle up/down and the 1/4 inch foot. I've quilted up to a queen sized bedspread with the regular harp of my regular sized machines.

I have used the walking feet with a few of my machines but not for quilting. I find the way you hold your quilt sandwich is much more important than a walking foot but to each his own. The walking foot just seems cumbersome to me.

My newest machine is a Kenmore made by Janome with the needle up/down, speed control, can easily drop the feed dogs, and sews like a dream. It was less than $200 at Sears. (Where you can test drive the machines, usually all you need to do is ask.) This new machine even has a stop start button that's good for those who can't quite reach the pedal yet.

Just my 2 cents

Judie

Hi Polly,

My machine had no seam allowance guide, so I got DH to engrave it on the stitch plate - it definitely helps me. No needle down available for my machine, nor a knee lift and I have no 1/4" foot.

My walking foot I absolutely love and use it almost all the time, except when I need a more specialist foot or when it is too bulky.

I have now got my machine in a Horn cabinet, effectively giving me a bigger bed - again it is a big help for anything that doesn't need the free arm.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

As long as we all enjoy the sewing, it is all good.

Lizzy

I agree, although I have the walking foot built in, and never sew without it!