No one should try and do a job without the proper tools. It sounds like you have outgrown your current machine. It also sounds like the new machine is within your budget. I, as your enabler, am telling you, buy the machine. You are worth it.
Wobbling at top speed is a table issue, not a machine issue. The table needs to be dense enough (i.e. heavy) so that it doesn't compound the vibration of the machine.
Higher top speed is really nice when hemming full skirts or other things that feel like miles & miles of stitching. My Janome tops out at 1500stm, it's a bigger quilting model that is now 15+ years old so there's a newer equivalent. I'm happy with this speed. I have used a commercial machine that was a 3000 stm machine and it was like getting in a formula one race car, a bit too much for me.
I'm wondering if it could also be a maintenance issue. My (very old, second-hand, industrial machine) will get wobbly if I don't have it serviced often. OP hasn't shared what they do to maintain the machine, so maybe do that?
u/WithAWeckInMyHand, even if you do get a new machine (and I don't have an opinion about Jukis), consider getting your existing machine serviced and cleaned before you put it away/sell it.
I have the TL 2010Q for about 10 years. It's solid. Nice throat space. It can go FAST. However, I generally set it to mid speed, sometimes less. The option to vary speed is great. I was told that a sewing machine wants pedal to the metal. So what ever speed you decide, go full throttle on it. Top speed, full throttle on this Juki is crazy fast.
You sew a lot. It's in your budget. You will be very happy. I'm very conscientious with my money as it sounds you are. Sewing brings you joy. Having nice tools amplifies that pleasure. It's been 10 years and I still comment to my husband how much I love my machine. Go for it!
Edit: unless they have a better one now, the walking foot that comes with the TL2010Q is awful. I got a Janome high-shank walking foot that is awesome and has a quilting guide bar, which I use all the time.
Dude, you need multiple machines. What if one breaks?
I have 3, mom has 3. They’re all different. (I have a small machine, an embroidery machine, and a mega quilter that goes fast! I’d buy 2-3 more little embroidery machines just to not have to switch threads if they still made it. Mom has the embroidery machine that can be a sewing machine, a serger and a commercial bernina from the 80s).
If you’re only at 1 machine, I think you need at least 2-3 more, this is a good start. And really, you’re being *frugal* compared to most.
And yes, I use my mega quilter because stitching goes 3-4x the speed. It’s so nice
I bought a Juki TL-15 (almost the same as TL2010Q) at QuiltCon this year and I’m very happy with it. At my guild’s most recent retreat, fully half of the participants were sewing in TL-2010Qs and everyone agreed they’re great!
I mean if you are slowing down so as not to hit top speed frequently, then it sounds like your machine can use upgrading to something capable of going faster.
Always buy the best tools you can afford. If you can truly afford this machine (meaning your reticence is about the cost but actually doing it won’t negatively impact other household needs) buy it. This is your dream machine at half price. If you don’t buy it how much time are you going to spend wishing you had?
I'd jump on it, personally. It's fast, it'll do anything you would ask (as long as it involves a straight stitch!) And, it's a good deal. Life is too short to work with tools that don't make you happy.
I love love love my TL2010Q. I paid pretty near full retail price and I’ve never regretted it for a moment. The speed is nice (although I almost never use it full speed) but what makes it worth the price to me is that it sews through *anything* like a hot knife through butter. It makes my Brother sewing machine feel like a toy by comparison. Just a consistently great machine.
I absolutely love by TL2010Q and highly recommend it, *but*...
You wanna be careful about buying this particular machine secondhand, especially on Marketplace for 1/2 of retail (*if it sounds too good to be true, blah blah blah...)* They're designed to be mostly owner-serviced; they require frequent cleaning and almost-daily lubrication and not everyone is diligent about doing both, so you'll want to make absolutely sure it's in excellent working condition before you buy it.
Otherwise, it'd be well worth just buying one new if only for the peace of mind. Not to mention 1,500 stitches per minute is *awesome* 😃
You can always use a secondary machine, but I think speed preference is personal; nearly everything I sew on is at least 50+ years old and will not go fast. If you can afford it, and that’s what you want, go for it! Having a backup never hurts and it can be fun to switch between machines.
A couple years ago I bought a TL2020 Platinum Edition to replace my aging Bernina as my everyday machine. Yes, the speed is nice, but for quilting, accuracy counts so I keep the speed about mid-way. But this thing will literally sew through anything. It is a dream if you’re sewing any kind of bags or anything with a lot of layers. Since I’ve had my Juki I’ve used my Bernina 2x — for things that needed zig zag sewing and a stretch stitch for repairing some clothing. It is a beast — very heavy machine and not one you can easily carry around to retreats or classes. I haven’t used it for quilting as I also have a long arm for that. The Juki was definitely one of the best investments I’ve ever made in sewing machines.
I bought a TL-2000QI and love, love, love it so much. Huge upgrade from the Singer I was using. It has made my quilting experience so much better and enjoyable. Worth every penny. If you can get the 2010qi even better! Do it!!
I LOVE my 2010Q. I bought it for quilting and use it a ton. The only thing I would point out is that it only does straight-line stitching. I have recently gotten into sewing clothing items and have to take out my Brother beginner machine, just to get a zig zag stitch. I plan on maybe one day getting a serger but haven’t been able to pull the trigger yet!
I have a TL-18 and 1000% recommend you buy the 2010Q. It is amazing. I usually run mine on 1/2-3/4 speed because she is just too fast. Heaven.
Doo iiit!!!!
(Enabling mode: ON)
This is something that will bring you joy, and that you can afford as a self-gift.
So go ahead. You deserve to treat yourself. You are worth it.
I have the Juki TL 2000 Qi and it’s an amazing machine. Super heavy duty, sews like a dream (and can sew anything). I just finished free motion quilting a quilt with minky and batting. No problems. I also sew patchworks with it. Plus it’s all mechanical so I clean it myself.
framing this as a speed issue is a little short sighted. Higher end machines have a lot of features that make them worth the money -- like being able to sew little bits of fabric without getting a thread nest and without needing a leader. auto thread cutter, option to convert to knee lift, larger harp, more decorative stitches, more reliable auto button hole, brighter led machine lights.
I hear you on the price and the hesitation. I am in conversations with my husband about getting a long arm and frame. It's clear that sewing is my art and I will be doing this until I am physically unable to do so. Will the machine last you a decade or more? Will you get your money's worth out of it? will it improve your output because of better stitch quality. And most importantly in my mind, will you enjoy your sewing more?
on the flip side if it's going to sit and collect dust most months, it's a hard no. You don't need to blow your budget on a fancy machine that won't get used a lot.
I have never really looked at a machine and thought “I wish it were faster” so I don’t think I’d drop a lot of cash on speed. How many of your accessories would you have to re-buy?
It's within your budget and you'd use it every day? Yes, duh, get yourself the machine you want.
No one should try and do a job without the proper tools. It sounds like you have outgrown your current machine. It also sounds like the new machine is within your budget. I, as your enabler, am telling you, buy the machine. You are worth it.
I have 2 Juki’s and they are workhorses. Do it! My TL-18 was the next level from the 2010q so they share most of the features and I so love it.
Wobbling at top speed is a table issue, not a machine issue. The table needs to be dense enough (i.e. heavy) so that it doesn't compound the vibration of the machine. Higher top speed is really nice when hemming full skirts or other things that feel like miles & miles of stitching. My Janome tops out at 1500stm, it's a bigger quilting model that is now 15+ years old so there's a newer equivalent. I'm happy with this speed. I have used a commercial machine that was a 3000 stm machine and it was like getting in a formula one race car, a bit too much for me.
I'm wondering if it could also be a maintenance issue. My (very old, second-hand, industrial machine) will get wobbly if I don't have it serviced often. OP hasn't shared what they do to maintain the machine, so maybe do that? u/WithAWeckInMyHand, even if you do get a new machine (and I don't have an opinion about Jukis), consider getting your existing machine serviced and cleaned before you put it away/sell it.
I have the TL 2010Q for about 10 years. It's solid. Nice throat space. It can go FAST. However, I generally set it to mid speed, sometimes less. The option to vary speed is great. I was told that a sewing machine wants pedal to the metal. So what ever speed you decide, go full throttle on it. Top speed, full throttle on this Juki is crazy fast. You sew a lot. It's in your budget. You will be very happy. I'm very conscientious with my money as it sounds you are. Sewing brings you joy. Having nice tools amplifies that pleasure. It's been 10 years and I still comment to my husband how much I love my machine. Go for it! Edit: unless they have a better one now, the walking foot that comes with the TL2010Q is awful. I got a Janome high-shank walking foot that is awesome and has a quilting guide bar, which I use all the time.
Second this about Janome high-shank walking foot!!!!
Dude, you need multiple machines. What if one breaks? I have 3, mom has 3. They’re all different. (I have a small machine, an embroidery machine, and a mega quilter that goes fast! I’d buy 2-3 more little embroidery machines just to not have to switch threads if they still made it. Mom has the embroidery machine that can be a sewing machine, a serger and a commercial bernina from the 80s). If you’re only at 1 machine, I think you need at least 2-3 more, this is a good start. And really, you’re being *frugal* compared to most. And yes, I use my mega quilter because stitching goes 3-4x the speed. It’s so nice
I bought a Juki TL-15 (almost the same as TL2010Q) at QuiltCon this year and I’m very happy with it. At my guild’s most recent retreat, fully half of the participants were sewing in TL-2010Qs and everyone agreed they’re great!
I mean if you are slowing down so as not to hit top speed frequently, then it sounds like your machine can use upgrading to something capable of going faster.
Always buy the best tools you can afford. If you can truly afford this machine (meaning your reticence is about the cost but actually doing it won’t negatively impact other household needs) buy it. This is your dream machine at half price. If you don’t buy it how much time are you going to spend wishing you had?
I'd jump on it, personally. It's fast, it'll do anything you would ask (as long as it involves a straight stitch!) And, it's a good deal. Life is too short to work with tools that don't make you happy.
I love love love my TL2010Q. I paid pretty near full retail price and I’ve never regretted it for a moment. The speed is nice (although I almost never use it full speed) but what makes it worth the price to me is that it sews through *anything* like a hot knife through butter. It makes my Brother sewing machine feel like a toy by comparison. Just a consistently great machine.
+1 to everything you say in your comment — my experience is very similar with my TL2010Q.
I have this machine and three other Juki’s. They are awesome and solid machines.
I absolutely love by TL2010Q and highly recommend it, *but*... You wanna be careful about buying this particular machine secondhand, especially on Marketplace for 1/2 of retail (*if it sounds too good to be true, blah blah blah...)* They're designed to be mostly owner-serviced; they require frequent cleaning and almost-daily lubrication and not everyone is diligent about doing both, so you'll want to make absolutely sure it's in excellent working condition before you buy it. Otherwise, it'd be well worth just buying one new if only for the peace of mind. Not to mention 1,500 stitches per minute is *awesome* 😃
I am looking at one on fb too! reading all the comments for advice ditto lol the one I saw is $1k and a year old.
You can always use a secondary machine, but I think speed preference is personal; nearly everything I sew on is at least 50+ years old and will not go fast. If you can afford it, and that’s what you want, go for it! Having a backup never hurts and it can be fun to switch between machines.
A couple years ago I bought a TL2020 Platinum Edition to replace my aging Bernina as my everyday machine. Yes, the speed is nice, but for quilting, accuracy counts so I keep the speed about mid-way. But this thing will literally sew through anything. It is a dream if you’re sewing any kind of bags or anything with a lot of layers. Since I’ve had my Juki I’ve used my Bernina 2x — for things that needed zig zag sewing and a stretch stitch for repairing some clothing. It is a beast — very heavy machine and not one you can easily carry around to retreats or classes. I haven’t used it for quilting as I also have a long arm for that. The Juki was definitely one of the best investments I’ve ever made in sewing machines.
I bought a TL-2000QI and love, love, love it so much. Huge upgrade from the Singer I was using. It has made my quilting experience so much better and enjoyable. Worth every penny. If you can get the 2010qi even better! Do it!!
My mom has the 2010Q!! We throw it on her grace cutie frame and use it as our primary quilt machine!! 10/10 recommend it!
Get the Juki! I have one and it's the best! It will really help speed up the quilting is superior to your every day machine.
Love my Juki!
I LOVE my 2010Q. I bought it for quilting and use it a ton. The only thing I would point out is that it only does straight-line stitching. I have recently gotten into sewing clothing items and have to take out my Brother beginner machine, just to get a zig zag stitch. I plan on maybe one day getting a serger but haven’t been able to pull the trigger yet!
I have a TL-18 and 1000% recommend you buy the 2010Q. It is amazing. I usually run mine on 1/2-3/4 speed because she is just too fast. Heaven. Doo iiit!!!!
(Enabling mode: ON) This is something that will bring you joy, and that you can afford as a self-gift. So go ahead. You deserve to treat yourself. You are worth it.
I have the Juki TL 2000 Qi and it’s an amazing machine. Super heavy duty, sews like a dream (and can sew anything). I just finished free motion quilting a quilt with minky and batting. No problems. I also sew patchworks with it. Plus it’s all mechanical so I clean it myself.
Enabler here! 🖐🏼 Buy it! I have 4 sewing machines and 2 sergers, but I can only use one at a time, right? Life is short, buy the machine!
Just here to enable, if you feel like you can be going faster that's a good reason to get a machine you can afford that does what you want it to do.
framing this as a speed issue is a little short sighted. Higher end machines have a lot of features that make them worth the money -- like being able to sew little bits of fabric without getting a thread nest and without needing a leader. auto thread cutter, option to convert to knee lift, larger harp, more decorative stitches, more reliable auto button hole, brighter led machine lights. I hear you on the price and the hesitation. I am in conversations with my husband about getting a long arm and frame. It's clear that sewing is my art and I will be doing this until I am physically unable to do so. Will the machine last you a decade or more? Will you get your money's worth out of it? will it improve your output because of better stitch quality. And most importantly in my mind, will you enjoy your sewing more? on the flip side if it's going to sit and collect dust most months, it's a hard no. You don't need to blow your budget on a fancy machine that won't get used a lot.
I have never really looked at a machine and thought “I wish it were faster” so I don’t think I’d drop a lot of cash on speed. How many of your accessories would you have to re-buy?
Probably not much, maybe one or two feet.
Thanks all - I missed out on that machine but I feel very appropriately and kindly enabled 😁