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I'm going on Thursday to test drive an HQ 16
Can anyone give me some input, insight, opinions?
with our big tax it's close to 5K = a lot of money.

new or used? What size?
I have an HQ16 that I bought used and for a long time it was just fine. But the past year or so it has been giving me fits. I'd like to get an 18" but need to sell mine first and we just don't have the money right now anyway...

● ● ● Sandie, are you looking for a table or frame setup? I was playing with their table model at AQS. It is now on my list and the price is not too bad. Don't know the pricing with the frames. Your tax check should cover it if you don't go for the stitch regulator. Personally, I don't care for the stitch regulator. With practice you won't need it.

Here is a sample of me using the HQ. All the blue was done on the HQ, the other colors were done at home on my Sapphire.

... new, sale price as it will be for Road to California, shipping is paid .. except for the trouble you hae now - did you love it? Were you glad you got it? What is a right price for used if I start looking for used? Budget MATTERS ..
but with my arthritis and fibromyalgia I'd like something easier to manage - my wonnerful Kenmore just isn't big enough ..

...Oh Jayardi - that is beautiful ... just a table - I'm not able to stand for long periods and the shoulder work would kill me! I don't think I need the stitch regulator at $995 either! YIKES ... and the guy at the store siad the 3 he's sold he thought they got them because they were a novelety! ... Your quilting on your home machine is striking .. did you like the way the HQ handles being the front facing you?
............that practice piece looks like it could be the label for your mask ./ just put a date on the bottom right

This message has been edited. Last edited by: City/Sandie,

● ● ● Yes, I loved it. It has a touch screen that allows you to control the speed and I don't remember what else. Visibility was great and bright. The only issue I had was there wasn't much room in front of the needle, only about six inches. Dan can probably build an extension, so it's not a problem for me,

... thanks for pointing that out - it would probably matter to me - seems like there wouldn't be quite enough room to have the stuff you are working on in front of you ... I think iwill do a bit more practice here before I try out the HQ16. ..

● ● ● Truthfully, it may be more, but I thought it was short (for me). Test drive it before you decide. Maybe, if they get enough comments, they'll enlarge the table.

Sandie, when I was looking the price for the Handi-Quilter was about the same as George from APQS. The George will be the same position of you and the needle as your Kenny. It also is designed for you (or good friend) to be able to fix/repair/replace components if needed. Will APQS be at Road, too? If so, they have good show deals too.

George also comes with a table model now that is able to be taken to retreats,classes, etc. What is the weight of the HQ compared to others?

I have been very pleased with my George. Good luck with your search.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: quilting wifey,

We sell Handi Quilters, but we're a little far away.
Richard at Quilters' Cocoon is closer to you & he'll treat you right.
You can add table extensions & get 6 feet of workspace. You'll love the Sweet 16!
Whoever you go to, make sure you get lessons & set up in your home.
Set up & training are included in your HQ purchase price, so make sure you take advantage.
If you have any questions, you can call our shop & talk to my DH Richard.

... thank you for the help and suggestions ... budget is a consideration of course, and will certainly take in to account the information you all have shared. I can't over extend my ability to include COF PA.... THAT IS MY PRIORITY ... but now that I'm thinking about a sit down machine - I need to start looking at these things - it's so nice to have a 'family' of helpers.

I love my HQ16, but I don't have the Sweet 16 that you sit at, mine is set up on the frame. A few years ago I was able to purchase the pro-stitcher for mine also and I'm so glad I did.

Try out lots before you decide. Hope you get a good deal on whatever you buy. Have fun!

I loved my HQ16 and if it had not been a necessity to sell it I never would have. I had -0- problems with mine and made very good $ with her. I would recommend HQ's to anyone. Not sure if the company has changed but my machine was STUPENDOUS!

I have one of the sit down quilting machines and I love it! I was itching to buy one of the Janome 7700's but after browsing the NQA show in Columbus I realized I could buy a large machine for not much more. I bought the Tin Lizzie floor model in a really great table (they don't come with this table), unfortunately, because I think the table might be even more important than the machine.

I like that it sews just like a regular machine. I think I would have trouble with the HQ that is oriented "front to back" as I push the quilt away from me as I quilt. I would be pushing it right into the machine with the HQ. Just something to think about.

I will add, since buying this machine 2 years ago, I have no unquilted tops, because it's so much fun to use.

.... gosh Annon, I like that orientation .. and it's the way i quilt on my home machine ... love your set up .. I never thought of looking at floor models that might provide that option as a show convenience - I better go early to Road!!!

Since these are off-frame, why not take some placemats you'd like to quilt. Last month my DD wanted to learn to quilt so we took some coordinating fq's and sandwiched them. I drew some patterns on some and on others we drew on paper first then quilted the patterns. She now had a lovely set of placemats that she uses daily plus they remind her of a variety of quilting designs she learned. She also got lots of binding practice.

Sandie, I don't have one of those fine looking machines but I did some searching on Google & found lots of info (including videos/you tubes) that show a lot about them. I'm sure you've done a lot of research on these since you are considering getting one. I bet you will love it if you decide to buy.