This is the new Singer we have been waiting for... a dedicated machine just for quilters. The new 8500q has a huge work area, thread cutter, Swiftsmart threading system and over 200 stitches. It’s going to be loved by many a quilting enthusiast.
We now get the change to appreciate the latest version Singer 8500q Modern Quilter. One of the first things you notice is the long sewing bed, plus with the addition of the included extension table, it gives a massive 25" sewing space, enough to handle even the largest quilts. 6 LED lights give good lighting to the needle area and under the 8 ¼" arm to the right of the needle. The pull-off flatbed unit has two areas to store sewing feet and accessories.
The list of useful quilting features reads like a book...
- Fast automatic needle threading, plus swift threading system.
- Start/ Stop button.
- Needle Up/Down button.
- Tacking stitch button to tie off thread ends at the start and end of a seam automatically.
- Top loading bobbin with a see-through cover.
- Quick bobbin threading with thread end cutter, which cuts bobbin thread to the correct length ready to start stitching. That means no more doing one stitch by hand to bring the bobbin thread up and above the needle plate.
- Touch of a button top and lower thread cutter.
- Maximum speed control slider, which is great when doing free-motion embroidery to limit your stitching speed.
- Bobbin winder has it’s own motor, so as soon as you have pushed the empty bobbin in place you're ready to start winding thread on.
Other things we haven’t mentioned yet, the Singer 8500Q Modern Quilter has built-in memory so lettering and some of the decorative stitches can be memorised to build slogans and names.
17 individual quilting stitches including the authentic hand-look quilt stitch, blanket, feather stitches and more. Circular stitching can be sewn up to 15" diameter. The knee lifter can be used instead of lifting the presser foot by hand, which is easier whilst sewing larger stippled areas.
Singer 8500Q is computerised so each stitch is pre-programmed to suit 95% of the sewing tasks, however, these settings can quickly be overridden if required. You can sew using the electronic foot control or via the start-stop button and use the speed setting to adjust your stitches-per-minute.
Yes, it can be used for regular dressmaking as well, in fact, it has a range of great household or dressmaking stitches e.g. blind hemming, overlocking, satin, stretch stitches, triple straight and multiple zigzag stitching. Keyhole, round top and regular buttonholes are sewn in one step automatically.
As well as a twin needle program, accessories included are tailored to the quilt maker. There's a walking foot, ¼” seam foot, patchwork bar and free motion embroidery foot...not much else one would need to get started as soon as the box is opened!
Full list of accessories included:
All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot with Underplate, Blind Hem Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Spare Needles, Bobbins, Thread Spool Caps, Thread Spool Nets, Auxiliary Spool Pin, Spool Pin Felt, Screwdrivers, Seam Ripper, Lint Brush, Circular Sewing Pin, Knee Lifter, Instruction Manual with Stitch Card, Power Lead, Electronic Foot Controller.
Also included for larger quilts is the extension table which is 22.5" length by 14.5" deep.