The Innov-is VQ2 is the sewing machine you need. It is described by Brother as a long arm sewing and quilting machine and it doesn’t disappoint. The other Brother sewing machines in our range have a work space (gap between the needle and the inside of the sewing machine)of between 7.3 and 8.3 inches (18.5 and 21cm), the Innov-is VQ2 has 14.25 inches (36.1cm). That extra room makes handling large projects like curtains or quilts so much easier to handle. Just think when you’re trying to shove multi-pieced bags through your machine what that length would give you- don’t under estimate the impact that extra space will have on your sewing.
At first glance the large touch screen looks daunting, it makes the whole machine look like more of a technical gadget than the standard sewing machine that we’re all used to- don’t be worried, it is designed to be simple to use. Even Jane (who still can’t work out how to change channels with the TV remote…) says that this is super easy to use. You turn on the machine and press the picture of the stitch you want to sew. That’s it.
This machine has a lot of extras built in. As well as having hundreds of stitches you can even make your own, there’s an option on the machine for a pivot function- when you finish your stitching you can set it that it leaves the needle in the fabric and lifts the foot a little so as you can turn your work easily, it has a knee lift- meaning you can lift the foot without taking your hands off your work and much, much more but we’ll take you through all of that step by step. Don’t be put off by a screen- it doesn’t mean it’s over technical or super computerised- you’ll be fine.
As always we like to give you the benefit of our experience when buying a new machine and as much as this machine already has a considerable price tag at £2299 there are three Brother accessories which we really do recommend to take this machine to the next level. The first is an adjustable zipper and piping foot. The Innov-is VQ2 comes with a standard zip foot, and you will use that but far more often we use the adjustable zipper and piping foot with all our machines- the ability to move part of the foot so as its exactly right for your chosen project is awesome. The second is a wide table (£106). With all that space to the right of the needle we tend to use a wide table to give us the same the other side, it makes sliding and balancing your work way simpler and a wide table is always a great idea if you’re wanting to do any free motion work- loads of room to move. Finally, but probably our top tip is you are going to want a dual feed foot. It costs £265 but trust us, odds are you are going to want it so we like to warn you up front. Since it came out we haven’t sold one without it- it truly is a game changer and takes the Innov-is VQ2 to a whole new level. The machine comes with a walking foot, if you are upgrading to an Innov-is VQ2 chances are you already have one or have used one just like it. They are great at helping with handling of bulky quilted materials or for fine and sheer ones too. The dual feed foot is head and shoulders above a standard walking foot. We’ve had customers buy the Innov-is VQ2 just so as they could use the foot- it’s that impressive. With a normal foot the action of your needle going up and down moves little feed dog like teeth in the top of the foot to help feed the fabric through. The dual feed foot actually plugs into your machine, it has its own motor and wow- it’s just something else. It makes handling fabrics just so, so easy (can you tell we like it?!).
Oh, and did we mention that the threader on the Innov-is VQ2 works at the push of a button? We seriously love this machine. If you’re looking for the machine, the one that is going to easily handle everything you want from it not just now, but everything you want in the future too. This is it.