Searching for a New Sewing Machine

Hi. I did the same thing when searching for a machine. My previous machine had a bobbin sensor, and once you have that, you won’t want to be without it. Machines either beep or put up a message on a screen or stop or some combination of the above, when the bobbin is either close to the end or empty. I also love the built-in walking foot;IIt makes all the difference for accurate piecing, which is the majority of what I do. The automatic needle threader is great, even though I can easily thread the needle at my advanced age 😊; the one that I got is fully automatic, so the thread goes into a guide, and then the machine puts the thread through the needle. It’s just really convenient. I bought my first Pfaff over 20 years ago, and can’t imagine buying a different brand of machine in the future. I recently upgraded to the top of the line machine, and am completely and entirely satisfied with it. If you have not yet tried a Pfaff, please do. As another Deborah suggested above, take a project with which you are already familiar, try machines, and see how easily you can figure out how to do what you need to do without asking anyone or looking in a manual. Using a machine that you can figure out intuitively is a huge advantage.

I just purchased a new sewing machine – and it was very, very difficult for me, too. I absolutely HAD to have the largest throat possible (I never send my quilts out & have no desire to own a longarm). There had to be a nice variety of stitches to reinforce seams also look attractive on the quilt, as well. I ended up buying a Babylock Jazz II, which has a 12" throat and 28 stitches. I tried out the machine at a local sewing place, and ended up buying online because the price was SO much better, much better warranty (local store says NO warranty) and the customer service was superb (the owner of the sewing place was absolutely awful). I ended up calling to check supply (as it showed there were none left due to a sale from $1399 to $799) and he actually had several left. I am totally happy with this machine. I piece on my Featherweight (circa 1938, same year my mother was born), have a back up Janome that is a quilters dream for SMALL projects (8.5" throat), but only straight stitching. I have a Bernina for fancy work, but honestly I don’t like to use it. It’s a terrific machine (I could have purchased a car for what I paid for it about 20 years ago), will do embroidery, smocking, etc. But at this point in my life (68, retired) I ONLY wanted the new machine to quilt. Works fantastic. I ordered the extended table and they threw in a bunch of extra needles, a few bobbins (I ordered lots more, of course), and am very glad I got it. Yes, quality isn’t what the Janome or the Bernina is, but for what I want it’s exactly what I want. We recently bought some appliances, and instead of buying what we always had (50 years marriage here) we wanted SIMPLE, long term warranty and great reviews. We paid a fraction of what other appliances were and are totally happy with what we got. My advise – check reviews like crazy and ONLY get what you want, and go the warranty route. Nothing is built like it used to be. A different world nowadays!

I’ve read your post and the comments with interest, as I have a 20 year old 6500, which continues to serve me well. I always keep in the back of my mind what I would update to if necessary and had thought the 6700 would be ideal. It was interesting to read about the 9480, which I didn’t know anything about. It sounds like a great compromise between the two machines you are considering and one I will keep in the back of my mind. Good luck with your final choice.

I went to a quilt show in this summer and looked at a new Janome machine.
I brought the 6600p in 2008 and have always loved it.
My intention was to buy the 6700 for easier change of needle plates. I had a hard time with the screws on the 6600 and the 6700 had the one button pop up plate.
Came home with the 9480 Janome because of price. Love the lights on it. Loved the needle threader. I haven’t threaded a needle since 2008.
I am 70 and it has taken me awhile to get use to the computerized things
Mine came with the ASR which I have not used much yet
This machine has a button to set up the perfect 1/4 seam for piecing. Love that
Has lots of quilting features and ideas. Since I was upgrading thought now was the time to learn this computerized version . Learning new things takes me a bit longer these days. I have no regrets for buying this model. Love Janome and think their prices are more reasonable than some. Their accessories are as well.
I believe you can get your best price at a quilt show
God Bless.

I did a lot of research and checked every machine available in machine shops. Although I was very temoted to buy Janome M7, being the latest ‘marvel’ at the time, it was way more machine (in size, features, weight and huge cost!). So, I’m very pleased to say I bought 6700P (on sale) and I couldn’t be happier with it. As you already have 6600, you know your way around it and what a great workhorse it is. To me, it’s a no-brainer. Does everything I need (and much more) at a reasonable price. The larger throat, 9mm needle position, extra lighting, stitch options, speed…and the list goes on & on. Best value for money…IMHO!! Good luck on your purchase. Please let us know!

Great list! My Janome 7700 has been such a workhorse and absolutely no problems and I know the machine so I’d probably go with the highest end Janome I could afford!

I have to say, I love my Husqvarna Sapphire 870 quilt machine. It’s almost 20 years old and sews like a dream, still. Has most if not all on your non-negotiable and your wish list. The newer machines probably have everything you want.

I was still a very new quilter when I purchased an M7 though had been sewing garments and bags for years on a smaller Singer, and then Janome HD3000. I found one that was lightly used (less than 15 hours, probably less than that even) during a random drop in of a quilting shop and didn’t hesitate. The previous owner was the wife of their repair person, so I knew it was a solid deal. I don’t use all the bells and whistles it has (yet) but love the touchscreen and all the features you mention above. Plus, it has a foot presser thread cutter, and a knee bar, if either of those are of interest to you. I can’t recommend it highly enough, and have been sewing with it for about 2 years now with no issues. If you can find an M8 lightly used (shop demo maybe?) it is a steal for all the features!

I have a Pfaff Performance Icon and I love it!! It’s a beast, and has all the features you’re looking for. I also have a Juki TL series straight stitch that I love for piecing. I love the Pfaff too – great for piecing and free motion quilting. Great support for both machines.

I could write a thesis based on all of my sewing machines from the first new to me purchase in 1976 while in college to my most current purchase. I sew a lot and often. I’ve sewn the usual items and everything in between foundation garments, prom dresses, drapes, deck canopies and masquerade costumes. No machine is worth it if it doesn’t perform efficiently, effectively, flawlessly and feel right for how you need it to work for you. And no dealership is worth spending money at if the service is not there. Test them until you are satisfied. Create a list of must have and nice to have features. Take small examples of your work to the store. Sew as you would at home. If the machine is in a cabinet, ask them to take it out and attach the extension table so that you can recreate your own workflow. Take a 15” square quilt sample and quilt it there. Sew strips, patchwork, chain piece, etc. Document your experiences. Compare machines. Then decide. As you are already aware, if it’s in the repair shop, it’s not a good work day for you. I’m referencing my own experience in my quilting business. I sold back two expensive longarm machines, at a loss, because they didn’t function correctly and the dealer wouldn’t support his product. I’m looking forward to hearing about your new machine.

I have a Bernina 790 and it will be my last machine. a machine that has a 9mm stitch width ability, unless it also has a dual feed system, I think is more difficult to get an accurate 1/4’ seam when quilting. I had an Artista 200 without dual feed and it was horrible, I ended up buying a Pfaff, which I loved for many years. Good luck with your decision.

I have the 6700 and I love, love, love it. I’ve quilted huge quilts in it, no problem. It is a workhorse and sews so beautifully. The even feed foot is a dream to use and the HP foot and plate are awesome. There is not a thing about it that I would change!

I recently retired my MC6500 and bought the 9480. I looked at the M8, but it looked like too much machine for me. I am still learning how to use the new machine but I cannot imagine ever needing more than this. I got the stitch regulator also. I do love Janome but I also have a very nice BabyLock that does embroidery. Choosing a machine is difficult and I don’t think the top of the line is really necessary.

The feature that I cannot do without is the even feed type of adjustment, I know Pfaff and Bernina have that…may be others…haven’t bought a machine in quite a while but it is a game changer for accurate piecing.

You should look at all the Jukis It’s important to have a wonderful straight stitch machine with a single needle plate No snarls You don’t have to chain piece I love my Juki & I am going to buy another one cause I need 2