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need help deciding between stand up and sit down models
Posted: June 5, 2008, 1:59 PM
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Hi there I've been quilting on my Bernina for years and am ready to buy an HQ quilting machine but don't know if I should go all out and get the stand up model with frame or the sit down with the small table. I have some back and knee problems but am basically healthy. How tiring is it standing? Do you end up leaning over the machine a lot because that could cause back strain. And if I went with the table model is it sufficiently better than working with my Bernina to be worth the expense? I'm tired of wrestling queen sized quilts under the head of my machine. I like the easy movement of the machine on the rails. Is there a similar feel to working on the table? I imagine space is also a consideration as the stand up frames seem to take up a lot of space. Are they adjustable (do they telescope down) or do you buy rails to fit your largest quilt and live with a huge frame? Any helpful advice/comments would be most appreciated! Carolyn |
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need help deciding between stand up and sit down models
Posted: June 5, 2008, 2:59 PM
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| Go to the nearest dealer and see if they will let you rent time on their machine. Then you can decide if it hurts you or not. Personally the stand up model is so easy once you get the hang of it and the HQ16 is so light and easier to move than pushing a quilt on a table. Plus you don't have to sandwich and baste your quilt......wonderful! The height is adjustable so you don't have to bend. Sometimes remembering to breath is a trial because it's easy to get into the quilting. Good Luck |
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need help deciding between stand up and sit down models
Posted: June 5, 2008, 7:19 PM
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I'm with you, Grandmapeg. Moving the machine head around is much easier than pushing all that fabric around under a machine--even if the machine has a big opening like th HQ 16 does. I have the adjustable table, and I don't know how low it will go but I think you could probably get a chair on wheels--like an office chair that would allow you to sit while you quilt if that really became a problem. I have some lower back problems but haven't had any trouble standing up at my HQ 16 and getting the job done without pain. I will admit, I sometimes sit a few minutes after stitching for a time, but I do a lot of quilting in between "breaks." The suggestion to test drive one somehow is a good one. Good luck. This is the greatest machine I own (and it is one of many.) Jean |
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need help deciding between stand up and sit down models
Posted: June 5, 2008, 9:03 PM
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I have working on both and I do prefer the "stand up" model but the set down model has some good traits too. You can adjust your table low and move the machine head from a chair, or get yourself a drafting stool. Sharon Schambers does most all of her work setting down. and now with the microhandles being available, that will make it even better. You can also find a different type of microhandle at www.hqmicrohandles.com Just depends on how much money you are willing to spend. |
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need help deciding between stand up and sit down models
Posted: June 6, 2008, 11:37 AM
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Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! This is the first time I've posted on the forum. I do plan to try out the models at a store this summer. It's a 6 or 7 hour drive away so I can't go until then. I'm trying to figure out in advance what I need to watch for and ask so I use my time wisely. I will be living in an upper apartment so have to worry about noise below too. Your comment about moving the machine head being easier than pushing the quilt around gives me hope! I'm really hoping for a way to avoid the frustration and difficulties that come with quilting on a domestic sewing machine. Your suggestions for the adjustable table with desk chair sound good - I'll ask about that. I'm glad to hear that someone with lower back problems can use the stand up models. What is special about these new microhandles? What is different from the old?? And what should I ask about when I go?? Any brilliant suggestions? thanks again CarolynM |
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need help deciding between stand up and sit down models
Posted: June 6, 2008, 1:00 PM
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I too have a stand up version after "outgrowing" machine quilting large quilts on my Bernina and wearing out my shoulders. I got the zippered leaders offered as an aftermarket item (not from HQ). These are long, separating zippers. One half is permanently attached to the three rails. The other half of each zipper you remove from the rail and can pin to the quilt back and top while sitting in a comfortable chair. Then you just zip them back on. You can even get several sets of the half that attachs to the quilt so you can switch between projects if you wanted. I haven't done that but pinning on the zippers while sitting down sure helps my back on larger projects. The microhandles are a new feature for HQ - just out. It is a duplicate set of handles that attach to the machine head just above the needle. They are supposed to make it easier to do really fine, close work like stippling or sewing around appliques. Maybe you can test them when you go for your demo. I would recommend that you take a sample quilt sandwich and try everything you can think of when you go. You won't get that chance again. |
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