Best Sewing Machine for Quilting

Shopping for a new sewing machine is very exciting. However, with all the machines on the market, it could be overwhelming, especially for those new to sewing. So how do you decide? This is where we can help.

We have reviewed the top best quilting sewing machines on the market. Consider making a list of requirements that you want from a machine. As you read through the list, note the machines that meet your requirements. You and your new machine will be making beautiful projects in no time.

Brother CS 6000i – Beginner Friendly

Are you new to quilting? Then this machine may be the one. Not only is this machine beginner-friendly, but practical too. It will help you meet all your quilting and satisfy everyday sewing requirements.

Like most machines today, it is computerized. What does this mean? Well, a lot of tasks that sewers used to do by hand are now done automatically. For example, this machine has an automatic needle threader.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 – A Machine for All Quilters

Are you ready to create? This computerized machine is simple enough for a beginner. Its features and accessories will keep an advanced sewer happy for a long period of time.

The machine is made of heavy steel. Why is this important? A durable machine will not move around when sewing. This helps to prevents stitch skipping.

This machine is a time-saver. How you ask? At 850 stitches per minute, you can finish projects in top speed. Both the top and the bottom threads get cut by only one push on the thread trimmer button. This will definitely get you to the finish line faster.

Brother HC1850 – Budget Friendly

Is it beginner friendly? It is easy to use, so yes, it is beginner friendly. It is considered a multipurpose machine that can do both quilting and general sewing.

This machine has 130 built-in stitches. Not bad for a featherweight right? The stitches include eight buttonhole styles and several decorative stitches.

A removable table, several presser feet, a 25-year warranty on parts and technical support for the life of the machine are included.

Juki TL – 2000Qi – Sturdy, Fast, Efficient

This machine is made for speed. How fast is it you ask? 1500 stitches per minute. If you are concerned about the vibration caused by the speed, don’t be. The machine has an aluminum die cast arm and bed, which resolves that issue.

The one stitch machine has a large, well-lit workspace that will knock out those heavy quilts in no time. It is a true workhorse.

Does it need attention? This workhorse does need some TLC to keep it at its best. It does need to be oiled on a regular basis. The bobbin area needs to be cleaned out once in a while from the small pieces of threads that the thread cutter leaves behind.

Brother XR3774 – Entry Level Machine

Are you a beginner quilter? Looking for a fully-featured quilting sewing machine? Want a great value? If your answers to those questions are yes, keep reading.

The machine comes with a wide table that is necessary for making quilts. Though, the machine is not really equipped to handle really large quilts.

Easy to use features such as the built-in needle threader, the brightly lit work space and the top drop-in bobbin add to the value of this machine.

Juki HZL-F600 – Never Misses a Beat

It is easy to choose popular stitches through the touch panel. Want something different? There are 225 stitches and patterns that can be selected on the LCD screen.

The Juki long feature list includes an exclusive bobbin winder, an immediate needle stop, a one finger needle threader and a sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute. The list of accessories is just as impressive.

Brother XR9500PRW – Project Runway Limited Edition Machine

Ready for your creations to hit the runway? This machine has 100 built-in unique stitches to help embellish and create wonderful projects.

This machine is beginner-friendly. The bright LCD allows easy stitch selection. The automatic features, such as an automatic needle threader, can get you sewing faster.

Brother PQ 1500SL – High Speed Machine

Speed is not the only thing that this machine has going for it. Managing heavier fabrics and larger projects, like quilts, is easier thanks to the extended table and knee lifter.

The machine requires a small amount of maintenance and comes packed with a lot of accessories. However, this is not an out of the box ready to use machine. Adjustments need to be made before it can be up and running.

Singer 7469Q – Excellent Teaching Machine

This machine is perfect for teaching others or for teaching yourself the craft of quilting.

One overlooked feature of this machine is that it secures its own stitches. Say what? Yes, it will sew a few stitches to get started and then it goes back over them to secure them.

Brother CX155LA – Laura Ashley Limited Edition Machine – For a Home Decorator

It also comes packed with all the needed accessories to create amazing projects. These accessories include an accessory bag for the 11 feet, a foot controller, a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, four bobbins and much more.

The speed of the machine is adjustable, which is an important feature, especially for beginner sewers. The instructional DVD can help to get the machine up and running.

Quilting Features to Consider in a Sewing Machine: Video

What is a Quilting Machine? Do I Really Need One?

Why can't my regular machine handle the job? There is no doubt that your regular machine can quilt to some extent. However, when performing a certain task, it's always best to have the right tool for the job. In this case, that tool is a quilting machine. Quilting machines have features that are unique to them. Some of those features include:

• Workspace. Quilting can take up a lot of space. Quilting machines come with wider tables to accommodate that need. Most tables are detachable. Also, quilting machines have a tendency to have more throat space for moving material around.
• Customization. Quilting machines come with a variety of stitching options. Most machines offer different stitch widths. They can also offer fonts, fancy stitches and embroidery stitches. These options allow the creativity to flow.
• Tension. This is very important when it comes to quilting. When you are sewing through four layers of material, you do not want your thread to break. The best quilting machines can tackle the layers of material without causing the needle to break or the motor to start smoking.

Are There Different Types of Quilting Machines?

Just like there are different types of regular machines, there are different types of quilting oness. There are machines that are geared for a beginner and are ready to be used out of the box. There are machines that require some experience. There are machines that are speed demons and can sew 1500 stitches per minute and there are machines that are a lot slower. There are quilting machines that only sew straight stitches and machines with a lot of built-in stitch options.

Many quilting machines can be used for standard sewing. Some quilting machines have embroidery options. Some machines allow you to save your own patterns. Some machines will even allow you to customize each stitch within a pattern. Options for creativity are endless.

Can I Purchase Just Any Quilting Machine?

Of course, you can purchase any machine that you like. However, there are advantages to purchasing the top-rated machines. For instance, a top-rated machine will allow you to make great quilts quickly while giving the impression that they were created by hand (Technically, sewing is still handmade. Just saying).

The top-rated machines provide stitch options. There will be options for adjusting stitch lengths and widths. You can create long stitches or keep them tight. The options help you to get into your creative groove.

Most machines will have some features that help you get to the sewing part faster. This includes an automatic threading system, a top drop-in bobbin, needle locking and more.

Do I Need to Drain my Bank Account?

The simple answer to that question is no. The average price is around $500. Though do not fret if that is still a little too much. There are several great quilting machines that come in around $200. There are also some great machines that hit the $1000 range. If you are just starting out, there is no need to mortgage the house. There are several machines on the top ten list that are budget-friendly. You will not be sacrificing anything with those machines. The real powerhouse machines tend to be more expensive. A cheaper machine does not mean that the quality of your projects will suffer.

It is also important to look to your future as a quilter. Are you planning on perfecting your craft and taking it as far as you can? Are you thrilled to be making quilts for family and friends? Is quilting just a hobby or are you looking to expand? Are you the absolute beginner that wants a machine that will grow with you? All these things need to be taken into consideration when deciding what to buy.

Technology

Technology has been wonderful for quilting sewing machines. Things like touch screens and automatic threaders and cutters have helped to introduce quilting to a whole new generation. As technology continues to bring advancements, sewing machines will continue to be more user friendly while offering many options. Will we see voice activated machines? Only time can tell. 

Final Thoughts

When we think of quilting, we think of the quilts that we received as wedding presents. Or the quilt that was made for a baby. However, with the advancement of technology, computerized machines make it easier for everyone to learn quilting. The key is to find the machine that if perfect for you at this time. It is fine to get a machine to learn from and grow into. However, don't get a machine that is levels above you. This could cause frustration and the last thing that we want is for you to stop making beautiful quilts.

Author: Maryna Laas

My name is Maryna Laas. I am the muse, main author and owner of this site. As a child, I loved to sew dresses for dolls, and when I turned 16 I decided to learn sewing and design. I'm a psychologist. But my vocation through all my life has been designing clothes. I discovered a lot of secret techniques which I am eager to share with you.