Oc course I love my new 830 - but that is like the Cadillac of all. the other Bernina i really love is the 630 - it doesn't come with the BSR (Bernina stitch regulator / although you can purchase it) - but by the sounds of it, you are over the hump of the training wheels they provide.

This is going to sound like a dumb answer, but I would say any machine that likes doing it. I've met great machines of all brands that worked and equally ones that didn't of all persuasions. It can just be down the the timing being a bit looser on some machines that makes them skip stitches, but there are others that just don't seem to like the game.

Personally I use a Husqvarna Sapphire. I like the extra space it has and the finish on the bodywork helps the quilt move freely. I've also discovered I really like my free motion foot to float not hop. There are a few machines that do that and for me that would now be a must have, along the the thread cutting button. I had a lot of Brother machines and they all had this feature so I expect it to be there on every machine now.

Ferret

Whatever kind of domestic machine you decide to get for free-motion quilting, you will be able to do better quilting if you have the machine set down in some kind of a cabinet with lots of support around the needle for the weight of the quilt. It will put less strain on your body too!

I love my Janome 6600. It has a 9" harp space and many decorative stitches. I tend to free motion at a slower speed and you can easily regulate the speed with the machine. There is also a 3 piece FM foot you can buy that doesn't "hop" like most free motion feet. You can set it at whatever height your quilt is and it glides above the surface instead of hop. Also very user friendly!

I have used my Bernina 1630 for almost 15 years for MQ and sewing. I have taught MQ to sewers using many different brands of machines. I think the most important factor is using a machine that is regularly serviced and with which you are comfortable adjusting the tension settings.

For my machine, I have purchased a second bobbin case which is calibrated looser than the "factory setting". Some machines operate better using the same
weight thread top and bottom. If you're having problems with good-quality thread, you may have to use a lighter weight thread in the bobbin.

Renee

Which brand do all of you prefer for a good quality home machine to do free motion quilting on? I don't do embroidery so that is one option I do not need on a machine. I just want a good solid machine for piecing, the occasional simple decorative stitch maybe, and for quality stitches while doing free motion quilting which I love to do. Please let me know. Thanks.....NM Sue