Looking for the best sewing machine for quilting you can get? Then you are in the right place. Let us introduce you to our review of 21 quality quilting machine for home use. But as we all know, just a simple list of models is not nearly enough to make the rightest choice, so we will present you with our buying guide, which will look into the basic features of quilting machines you will need to account for. Make yourself comfortable, so we can get started with our review of the best sewing machines for quilting.
Why should you quilt at home?
Quilting is a very popular hobby today. This popularity has made several people around the world try to join to this tendency, however, it is not as easy as it seems because there are different factors we have to consider. Besides, before starting to sew the quilt is necessary to follow some steps to get a finished quilt perfect and beautiful.
Also, quilting is not only about techniques, tricks, and materials because it is also necessary to buy some equipment like sewing machines, quilting machines, long arm quilting frames, and more, and all the variety of machines and accessories can be complex to a beginner. Besides, we do not have to lead only for the name of a brand because there are a few brands of sewing and quilting machines that are cheaper than others and offer the same quality and functions.
Consider all the factors, elements, and steps that all beginners have to follow to have success and create as quilt projects as they want, we give you a simple guide to start to quilting without having too many troubles in the process. Quilting is about creating something new and has fun after all. For this reason, our main goal is to reduce the stress that begins a complicated and new activity implicate.
Image | Product | Price |
---|---|---|
Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
SINGER | Confidence 7469Q Computerized & Quilting Sewing Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
SINGER – 7285Q | Patchwork | Buy On Amazon | |
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
EverSewn Charlotte Professional Quilting Sewing Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
Janome 2030QDC-B Computerized Quilting and Sewing Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
Janome NQM2016 National Quilting Museum Sewing Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, DZ3000 | Buy On Amazon | |
Janome 4300QDC-B Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
SINGER S16 Studio Industrial-Grade Portable Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
JUKI TL-2010Q High Speed Sewing & Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon | |
Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine | Buy On Amazon |
Best Quilting Sewing Machine Reviews Under $500
A good quality home-use quilting machine price ranges at $200 – $5000. Here we have presented top-rated quilting sewing machines(SL no 1 to 9) under 500 dollar. Without saying a lot, let’s have a look.
1. Brother PQ1500S High-Speed Quilting and Sewing Machine.
Specification:
- SPM: 1500
- Dimension: 7.9 x 12.6 x 19.3″
- Weight: 29.8 pounds
- Led Light: Yes
- Automatic Thread Cutter: Yes
Details:
PQ1500S by Brother Sewing’s, this heavy-duty machine is greatly suitable for sewing, quilting, and crafting. And working on your projects is so easy and convenient with this machine.
Before the work, the automatic needle threader will do the job for you and save your time, which is especially useful if you have multiple projects. During sewing, the auto needle positioner will ensure the proper positioning of the presser foot so you don’t damage your fabric or get undesired results. And once you are done, the push-button auto thread trimmers will eliminate the need for manually cutting the needle and bobbin threads. Add to this the speed of 1500 stitches per minute, and you get a machine that does everything possible to save your time.
We almost forgot that you can manually adjust the presser foot and the feed dog with a 4-color-coded lever. And how could we leave out the ergonomic knee lever?
You can attach the expansion table to increase your work surface. Don’t think that it will complicate the access to the bobbin loading system as the table has a bobbin case opening.
To help you make your projects more versatile, PC1500S comes with 7 standard feet. Besides, you can get the newer PQ1500SL with LCD light.
2. EverSewn Charlotte 80-Stitch Computerized, Professional Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- No of Stitch Pattern: 70
- Max Stitch Width: 7 mm
- SPM: 850
- Dimension: 15.5 x 7 x 11″
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader: Yes
Details:
To continue with the top sewing machine for quilting, we want to introduce you to another best sewing machine for quilting under $500. With all the cost of the materials, we have to save a little bit of money on the sewing machine to use them in other important things.
This cheap computerized sewing machine for quilting is from EverSewn Charlotte which cost is comparatively low, with a package of 70 stitches and a LED stitch panel to follow every stitch and make a perfect quilt. Thinking in the quilting functions, the designers make this sewing machine with 6.5-inch-wide sewing space with feed dog drop to the quilt move without problems.
On the other way, this professional sewing machine lets you adjust the velocity to keep control of the details of your quilt when you are sewing. Also, it is the perfect machine for beginners in quilting for its precision and its automatic needle threader. Besides, it has an incredible system of the drop-in bobbin with a transparent cover to see when the bobbin needs more thread.
3. Janome 2030QDC-B Computerized Quilting and Sewing Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 30
- Led Light: Yes
- Lcd Display: Yes
- SPM: 820
- Dimension: 18.8 x 11.5 x 14.8″
- Weight: 12.34 pounds
Details:
The next sewing machine in our top is the Janome 2030QDC-B which with a cost of under 500$ is the best affordable sewing machine for quilting. This Janome model offers us 30 built-in stitches and 3 one-step buttonholes to you can use different styles while you make a quilt or a sewing project.
Unlike other brands of the sewing machine, this model has a manual thread tension control to avoid the tension of the thread cut it and ruin your work because some sewing machines with automatic thread tension control do not work right and deliver what they promise. To add more power to the tough projects as a quilt, this sewing machine has a Superior Plus feed system with a 7-piece feed dog, a free arm, and a drop feed that gives the freedom and mobility you need at the time to make a quilt.
Incredibly, this sewing machine only weighs 12 pounds (5.44 kg) which makes it portable. Besides, it counts with some accessories to make your quilting projects easier as the seam ripper, buttonhole opener, and a lint brush to avoid the lint got stuck in the sewing machine.
4. Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- SPM: 700
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 16 x 11.75 x 7″
- Weight: 12.3 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader: Yes
Details:
Up next, under 500$ is the best cheap sewing machine for quilting is HZL-LB5100 by Juki which offers a lot of functions to the customers. It has 100 stitches patterns you can watch on the LCD screen. Besides, it also includes an auto needle threader with a 7-point feed dog system and speed makes every stitch uniform and clear.
These computerized quilting machines for home use has a lot of useful features to the creation of quilts this machine has is the free arm with a drop-in style to when you create your quilt, it can move without any problem through the sewing machine. Also, with the buy of this sewing machine, you can get incredible accessories as standard Zig Zag foot, Spool seat Multi-function, satin stitch foot, and more.
5. Janome NQM2016 National Quilting Museum Sewing Machine.
Specification:
- Built in Stitches: 60
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 14.8 x 11 x 6.6″
- Weight: 18.2 pounds
- Automatic Thread Cutter: Yes
Details:
NQM2016 is the best Janome sewing machine for quilting on our list. It has 60 built-in stitches including 6 one-step buttonholes for a more variety for your sewing needs. The needle with up/down positions will allow you to be more flexible with your fabrics.
As with other models on the list, NQM2016 has such convenient features as automatic thread cutter and a built-in needle threader. What the previous machines didn’t have is the start/stop function, which allows you to unplug the foot controls and regulate the sewing speed via the speed control slider.
The top-drop bobbin will allow you to easily set up the machine for your works. Additionally, NQM2016 has such features as reverse, foot pressure adjustment, manual thread tension regulation, backlit LCD display, and generally most of the things you would find on a modern machine.
This model comes with accessory feet, needle set, spool holder, bobbins, and a little bit more.
While this machine offers some nice flexibility, it probably won’t be as good with quilting as the previous machines. Otherwise, NQM2016 is a nice choice if you need a good range of stitches and won’t be doing too much quilting.
6. SINGER 7469Q Confidence Quilter Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 98
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 17 x 8 x 12.5″
- Weight: 16.25 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader: Yes
Now, let’s look into 7469Q by Singer, another high-performance quilting and sewing machine. It has 90 built-in stitches including 7 fully automatic one-step buttonholes. A nice feature you won’t find in the majority of regular sewing machines is that 7469Q has adjustable stitch length and width. Now that’s what will make your quilting more diverse.
As with the majority of modern machines, this model has an auto needle threader. Just install the top-drop bobbin, and you are ready to go. The programmable up/down needle will allow you to stop it in the lower position for your appliqueing, quilting, or pivoting. After you are done, you can easily lock the stitch with the automatic reverse.
The included extension table plus two bright LED lights will help you take full control over your actions. If you are a fan of quilting, the bonus quilting accessories such as darning & embroidery foot, ¼-inch foot, open-toe foot, and even feed foot make 7469Q one of the best sewing machines for quilting you can get.
7. Singer Patchwork 7285Q Sewing & Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 98
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 17 x 8 x 12.5″
- Weight: 16.25 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader: Yes
Details:
Yet another beautiful model by Singer sewing machines for quilting, the 7285Q. It has a huge set of 100 built-in stitches, which, most importantly, include 15 quilting stitches. But how well does this machine do its job?
Excellent time-savers, the convenient top-load bobbin system, and auto needle threader will help you with jumping right into sewing and quilting. No hassle with the preparation of the machine.
If you are not fond of sewing with the foot controller, you can unplug it and use the start/stop feature in pair with the speed controls to do your sewing and quilting jobs.
Worried about accessories? Singer’s 7285Q comes with a wide set of feet (including quilting), needles, bobbins, spool caps, an extension table, and more.
8. Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 185
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 19.2 x 12.5 x 15.2″
- Weight: 10.14 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader: Yes
Details:
HC1850 by brother computerized sewing and quilting machine, another nice pick for those who want a more versatile machine.
Firstly, HC1850 has 130 built-in stitches including, what will surely attract lovers of quilting, 14 quilting stitches. Besides, it has a sewing font for basic monogramming. This machine is great for decorative stitching, quilting, heirloom sewing, and basic sewing.
With this brother sewing and quilting machine, you will have to only load the top-drop bobbin, wait for it to wind up, and easily thread the needle with the auto threader. Adjustable sewing speed will allow you to take more control over the process of sewing. In the end, just lock the stitch with the reverse function, and you are good to start other projects!
HC1850 comes with a set of quilting accessories, including a quilting foot and an extension table. Besides, you will get a number of feet, 3 bobbins, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 3 spool caps, and much more.
9. Brother Designio Series DZ3000 Computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 185
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 19.2 x 12.5 x 15.2″
- Weight: 10.14 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader: Yes
Details:
The next model on our list of best sewing machines for quilting is DZ3000 by Brother Sewing, a great choice for those who want more quilting capabilities.
But this machine works with sewing as well thanks to its 240 built-in stitches, including 8 styles of one-step buttonholes. The backlit LCD display won’t allow you to get lost in the huge variety of sewing stitches. Besides, the onboard diagram can help you with the selection of the proper stitch.
14 sewing feet will give you all the creative freedom necessary for the creation of your personalized projects. This is one of the reasons for making DZ3000 a good choice for quilting.
Another thing contributing to the quilting quality of this machine is the full set of designer accessories plus an extra-wide table ideal for larger pieces of fabric. You can take the table off to get a convenient free arm! DZ3000 also includes a set of feet, protective case, needle set, spool caps, bobbins, and more.
As for the other features, DZ3000 has a top-drop jam-resistant quick-set bobbin, illuminated work area, start/stop feature to work without the foot controls, and auto needle threading system.
Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Under $1000
In this review, we have presented at the best value for money quilting machines for you under $1000. If you don’t want to pay high for a quilting machine; below models(SL no 10 to 12) are the best choice for you.
10. JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 106
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 17.5 x 8.3 x 11.4″
- Weight: 25 pounds
Details:
Quilting is known as a very expensive hobby for all the supplies needed. Besides, people think that making a quilt is necessary to buy a quilting machine. However, to make a perfect and beautiful quilt you just have to use a good sewing machine like the ones we present you today.
The first sewing machine under 1000$ you can use to make a quilt is the JUKI HZL-F300 for all the features that let you have both sewing and quilting projects. This sewing machine includes 106 stitch patterns to you chose the favorite combination to make your quilt. One of its more remarkable features is its box feed because it gives to the sewing machine enough power to sew all the capes of cloth without any problem.
This incredible sewing machine counts with a LED light to never lose the sight of your quilt. Besides, it has an electronic sensor that increases the precision of your projects. With all these amazing features, you maybe think this sewing machine is very expensive for all the benefits that offer you, however, it costs below 1000$.
11. Janome 4300QDC-B Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 300
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 7.2 x 16 x 17.7″
- Weight: 22.4 pounds
Details:
The next sewing machine in our top is the Janome 4300QDC-B which is perfect to create more complex quilting projects without having to buy a special machine to do it. This sewing machine counts with a computerized system easy to handle, and it makes simpler the use of the sewing machine.
It is the best sewing machine for quilting beginners because all the things and features that offer to everybody at a very good price. Under 1000$ investment, you can buy this sewing machine in which auto needle threader and quick-set bobbin are simple to use to your comfort. One of the best features of this sewing machine is its capacity to make 300 built-in stitches, besides, also it has the American alphabet.
Its LCD screen lets you navigate easily and quickly through all the options this sewing machine has for you. Besides, also Janome increases the power and potency of this sewing machine to your projects adding a 7-piece feed dog and a foot pressure adjustment. This is very important at the time of choosing a sewing machine for quilting because almost all the quilting projects are very heavy and need enough power to sew all the capes to create the quilt.
12. SINGER S16 Studio Industrial-Grade True Straight Stitch Only Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- Built-in Stitches: 400+
- Lcd Screen: Yes
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 20 x 9 x 14″
- Weight: 26 pounds
Details:
Starting with S16, an industrial-level sewing and quilting machine by Singer. This machine has all that’s necessary for the majority of quilting tasks, and let us explain why.
S16 is a straight-stitch model, which means that is specifically designed to deliver perfectly straight stitches. This machine doesn’t have dozens of built-in stitches, but that isn’t what quilting machines are built for, is it?
As with the majority of modern sewing and quilting machines, this model has auto needle threader to help you with saving your time and not bothering with manual threading. After that, you can adjust the thread tension to ensure stable stitch quality regardless of the fabric type.
The features of the presser foot of S16 are particularly interesting. This machine has a presser foot sensor, which makes sure that it is in a proper position before you start working. Besides, with overall convenience, the presser foot has no problems as S16 has a hands-free knee lifter, which allows you to raise and lower the presser foot without interrupting your work. The programmable needle can be stopped at various heights to help you prepare the machine for any of your quilting tasks.
Although this machine’s bobbin loading system is side-load, you won’t have any issues with it as installing the bobbin is extremely easy. The independent bobbin winding system will allow you to continue sewing while you fill the bobbin.
Among other useful features of S16 are auto reverse/stitch locking, auto thread trimmer, its huge set of accessories including feet (all-purpose, quarter-inch, free-motion, etc.), needles, bobbins, a bottle of sewing machine oil, and much more.
Best High-End Quilting Sewing Machine
13. JUKI TL-2010Q High-Speed Sewing & Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- SPM: 1500
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 17.75 x 9 x 8.5″
- Weight: 25.4 pounds
Details:
The JUKI TL-2010Q is a good sewing machine for quilting if you have a high budget of over 1000$. It offers a lot of benefits if you want to start with the quilting projects. The first feature that people love about this sewing and quilting machine is its automatic thread trimmer because they can use it for Quilting, Apparel, Home Decor, and Tailoring projects. In this way, it is a very versatile machine with which you can let your creativity fly and do everything you think.
This model of JUKI sewing and quilting machine works with a single needle lockstitch system. With this sewing machine, you can start the project you want from tailoring to home decorations. Another feature that gives you a versatility that other sewing and quilting machines do not have is their built-in carrying handle that makes it portable. It does not matter where you are because you are going to be able to take your sewing machine everywhere.
All these features make this model of JUKI one of the best sewing machine for quilting. Besides, it also has the classic sewing area extension to the quilting projects that need more space to work.
14. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- SPM: 900
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 14 x 23 x 16″
- Weight: 33.4 pounds
Details:
Now, this is what you could say is a nice combination of sewing and quilting machines. And you will see what we mean by that very soon!
First, HZL-F600 comes with 225 built-in stitches including 16 types of buttonholes. You can easily adjust the cutting width of the 3-step buttonholes. The built-in display will allow you to easily switch to the necessary stitch while the direct select mode will let you choose frequently used patterns with a push of a button.
With convenience and time-saving, HZL-F600 has no issues! You get such wonderful features as auto thread trimming with foot controls, auto needle threading, and the knee lever plus presser foot pressure regulator to adjust the presser foot on the go.
Instead of a traditional feed mechanism, this machine has the new box feed technology. It moves the feed dog in a box motion, which eliminates material shrinking and shifting. If you are looking for a precise machine, look into HZL-F600!
This model is capable of dealing with light and heavy fabrics exceptionally easily! With the included extension table, you will be capable of working on larger fabrics with more comfort.
The wide set of accessories nicely completes HZL-F600 and includes 10 presser feet, hard case, 4 bobbins, spool caps, twin needles, and others!
15. Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine.
Specification:
- No of Stitches: 170
- Led Light: Yes
- Dimension: 20.3 x 11.8 x 8.6″
- Weight: 24.25 pounds
Details:
Always to beginners, there are a lot of tips for quilting on a regular sewing machine, however, there is some high-end quilting sewing machine both beginners and experts can use as the Janome MC6650. This model of sewing machine that Janome offers us have a metal seamless flatbed of 10” to give the customers most space to work in their designs.
Besides, it counts with 2 alphabets and 170 stitches to you can use a big variety of stitches and your creativity does not have any limit. This sewing and quilting machine can reach a speed of 1000 SPM. To you can watch better all the stitches, it includes 6 LEDs in three different positions. To buy this incredible sewing machine you only have to invest nearly 1600$ and you are going to add a great quality product.
Quilting Machine Buying Guide
Now that we are done with presenting you with the best sewing machines for quilting, let’s move on to the next important issue. That is, how do you look for a sewing machine for quilting?
Types of Quilting
There are three general types of sewing machines – mechanical and electronic/computerized. Mechanical machines come with the most basic features. They usually don’t have hundreds of built-in stitches and auto threading/trimming functions. While they may be less comfortable than electronic/computerized machines, they can provide you with more than enough level of performance if you don’t need all that fancy stuff.
As for electronic/computerized sewing machines, they are pretty much the same. They offer more features for convenience and time-saving. They have much more built-in stitches. Some of the models even allow you to create your own designs or upload them from your computer. They are both high-performance and versatile but at the same time much more expensive. Thanks to their auto features, electronic/computerized sewing machines would be more suitable if you have high-volume works and want high speed and less time spent in between your projects.
But you haven’t come for the general types of sewing machines, did you? Let’s look into quilting machines. A regular quilting machine doesn’t have built-in stitches or has very few of them. Quilting machines typically have only one stitch style, that is, straight. And that isn’t a problem if you don’t need more. What is much more important with quilting machines is the ways you can customize your single stitch with.
Usually, sewing machines don’t have adjustable stitch length and width, a feature, which is invaluable for quilting. Programmable up/down needles are crucial as well as with them, you can work with fabrics of different thicknesses. And they have more features, so let’s now examine them more in-depth.
So what is so special about quilting machines and what you should look for?
- Built-in stitches. If you only need quilting capabilities, you probably won’t have to buy a quilting machine with built-in stitches. You can get one, but you may sacrifice the quality of quilting for a feature that might turn out unnecessary. The point is that you shouldn’t go for big numbers unless you precisely know that you need them. But before you know what to look for, you have to find out if you really need dozens and hundreds of stitches with your sewing machine. Think twice before making the final choice.
- Adjustable thread tension. You may not need this, but with adjustable tension, you can take more control over how your stitches will look in the end and how quality they will be. Stitching evenly is crucial for the durability of your seams. Keep in mind that thread tension adjustment may be difficult for you if you are inexperienced.
- Adjustable thread length/width. Straight stitch-only machines do not have width adjustment as the stitches do not open to the sides. As for zigzag and regular or decorative stitches, with some models of sewing and quilting machines, you can choose how close/open you want your stitches to be. The longer and wider the stitch, the looser it is.
- Speed of sewing. Usually, the speed of sewing is indicated by the term stitches per minute (spm). If you are looking for fast sewing or quilting machine, look for a model with higher spm.
- Programmable up/down presser foot. This will be especially useful if you will be quilting fabrics of different thicknesses. Some models have presser foot sensors that automatically adjust the height of the foot to properly place it before starting the work. Besides, quilting machines may come with a knee lifter, which will allow you to lower and raise the presser foot without interrupting your work.
- Quilting feet. You can quilt with some of the general-purpose feet, but why not do the same with specialized quilting feet? Here are the general types of such feet:
- ¼-inch feet, which comes with many quilting machines. This foot ensures that the distance from the needle to the edge of the foot is ¼ inches, hence its name. These feet are suitable for the most quilting applications.
- Walking feet keep the bottom fabric feeding at the same speed as the top fabric, which makes sure you get even stitches. A walking foot would be helpful in binding as well as it prevents the puckering of the multiple layers of fabric.
- Free motion or darning feet are especially useful if your machine doesn’t support free motion quilting.
- Open-toe machine feet. These feet have an open or transparent center so quilters can see what they are stitching.
- Quilting needles. The type of needle is especially important as it will determine what fabrics it will be capable of sewing. With quilting, it is not an exception. Quilting needles have slightly rounded points. They come in different sizes, which is important to account for as well. If you use a small-eye needle with thick thread, the latter will get damaged during quilting. If the eye is too big (=the needle is too thick/large), the holes in the fabric won’t get filled with the thread. So be careful with the quilting needles and threads you choose.
- Extension table. Extension tables are especially useful for quilting. They provide you with a larger work surface, which is quite a good alternative for quilting frames. There are models with both fixed and detachable tables.
- Quilting frame. If you remember, one of the machines on our review came with a quilting frame, among everything else. A quilting frame can be a great convenient item as it will free your hands from holding multiple layers of fabric and let you concentrate on the stitches.
That’s generally it for the features of quilting machines. You should really look into them. Why is it important? Because you don’t want to get a $1000 quilting machine features of which you don’t need. That’s applicable to not only the price but the accessories and features as well. Don’t buy a machine with 500 stitches if you will only need one. To avoid issues with your choice, you should pick the best machine for your requirements.
How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine?
All the information from above will be useless if you don’t know what machine to buy. While we cannot tell you which machine would be the best for your case, you can do that by knowing what you want. But how do you know if you need 200 stitches or only one straight stitch? What kind of accessories will you need to look for?
And these questions can be answered simply. Find out what fabrics you will be sewing with your future machine. What is their thickness, their material? Do you need a quick machine with automatic features for more convenience or a simple mechanical model will be enough? Do you need to have computer connectivity or a machine with custom design creation? Write your needs down so you can shortlist the best picks out there, which will make your search quicker and easier.
But what may be much more important for you is the budget? How much can you afford to spend? Pair the answer to this question with your requirements, and you will know what kind of a machine to look for.
Best Quilting Sewing Machine Prices
Quilting machines are typically much more expensive compared to regular sewing machines. That’s somewhat because they are more durable as quilting is usually a time-intensive task. For more or less skilled quilters, a reliable machine would be necessary, even if such a model would cost hundreds and thousands of dollars.
Quilting-only models are typically priced around and above $1000. Two-in-one quilting and sewing machines can be bought for $200-$500 or more. What would be best for you? A $2000 industrial-grade machine or a simpler $300 model? And giving an answer to that question is up to you. Remember what we said about choosing the right sewing machine? Know what you want, and you will find the most beneficial deal.
Well-Known Brand for the Quilting Machine
There are a lot of sewing machine brands that are well-known, however, not every sewing machine is good for quilting projects. For this reason, it is important to know the best sewing machine for quilting of different well-known brands you can buy according to your budget.
The price of a sewing machine does not determine the functionality to quilt. In this way, you do not be seduced by the popular belief that more expensive is better because there are well-known brands about sewing machines for quilting very cheap and very good.
One of the favorite brands between people is Bernina, which is a Switzerland brand of high quality, technology, and services. It counts with very good warranty conditions to protect the customers and offer them the best sewing machine for quilting.
Another well-known brand is Juki from Japan which offers to the customers the most innovative designs of the sewing machine. Its sewing machine has a lot of functions to make it easy for the quilting process.
The last well-known brand is Jenome which was one of the first brands to introduce to the market the computerized sewing machines. It offers to the customers very technological sewing machines with the ability to adjust the quilting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of sewing machine is best for quilting?
The best type of sewing machine for quilting is the electronic sewing machine because it has manual functions as the manual sewing machine, but the manual sewing machine cannot do the electronic functions as creating built-in stitch patterns.
2. Can any sewing machine be used for quilting?
Every sewing machine cannot be used for quilting. Because to create quilting with the sewing machine needs a large throat space so-that the fabrics do not get stuck. Besides, the sewing machine also must have enough power to the needle to make the stitches through all the fabric layers.
3. How to care for your quilting machine?
Care your quilting machine is not as difficult as it seems. As a regular sewing machine, you have to add oil to the mechanical pieces to avoid friction and overheating. Also, you should change the needle regularly because it can break and get stuck into the quilting machine. Besides, the quilt releases a lot of fluff that can accumulate and change the normal functioning of the quilting machine.
4. What foot should I use for free-motion quilting?
The free motion quilting foot is important to create a quilt because it gives to the fabrics more freedom to move. However, there are different types of free motion quilting foot: low shank, high shank, spring formed, Non-hopping spring, open toe, and Closed Toe. Every one of them has its benefits, but it does not work in the same way as everyone.
For this reason, you can try with the high shank free motion quilting foot to start to give you extra visibility, and if you are a beginner, this can be useful. Then, you can change to other free motion quilting foot to have other benefits.
5. What is the best home quilting machine?
Find the best sewing machine for quilting can be hard, but there is some sewing machine that has the best functions and technology to make the best quilts at home. The Juki Exceed F600 Quilt & Pro Special is going to let you make quilts with a professional finished since the comfort of your home, and for a good price.
6. Can you quilt with a regular sewing machine?
You can quilt on a regular sewing machine, but you have to make sure the sewing machine counts with feed dogs able to disengage and a free motion quilting foot because these are essential features to quilt. Besides, the sewing machine needs power to the needle through the fabric, and enough throat spaces to work. If your regular sewing machine has these features, you can quilt with it. However, quilting on a regular sewing machine is not recommended for professional work.
7. What’s the difference between a quilting sewing machine and a regular sewing machine?
Despite you can use some sewing machine to quilt, there are quilting machines you can use to create quilts. However, there are some differences between these two machines. The quilting machines have more workspace to can the 3 layers of the quilt can move without a problem and do not get stuck on the machine.
To add more workspace, the quilting machines, count with extension tables to maximize the work surface. The foot of the quilting machine also is different and can be a quarter-inch foot or free motion quilting foot to visualize better the stitches. The quilting machines are faster than sewing machines, it means quilting machines have more stitches per minute than the sewing machines.
8. What kind of sewing machine do I need for quilting?
There are two basic kinds of sewing machines you can use for quilting: straight line quilting machine and free motion quilting machine. According to your likes, you can choose one or another. The straight-line machine that is a special design to the different layers of the quilt does not move. Otherwise, the free motion machines give you more freedom to move the fabrics in the way you want and make not only straight lines if not curves stitches.
9. What size sewing machine needle is best for quilting?
It is important to choose wisely the size of the sewing machine needle because it can change the quality of the stitches and even tear the cloth. The sewing machine needles for quilting have a rounded tip, and the most recommended size is 90/14 because they let you use different sizes of threads.
10. What stitch length for machine quilting?
The length of the stitch for the quilting machine is going to depend on the kind of thread you are using to make your quilt. Despite there is a standard stitch length of 2.5 to 3.0 approximately or 8-12 stitches per inch, you have to adjust the length of the stitches. If you are using a shining thread, the shinning beauties of the thread can be a notice in the quilt, and to get that it is necessary to make the length of the stitches longer. Otherwise, if the thread is too much thick, you cannot make the stitches too short because the stitches are going to seem sloppy.
11. Can you use hand quilting thread in a sewing machine?
You cannot use the hand quilting thread in a sewing machine because this kind of thread has a special cover of wax to make the thread slides easily through the layers of the quilt while the person makes a hand quilt. However, this cover is terrible to the sewing machine because it sticks to the different pieces of the sewing machine, ruins the stitches, and can cause serious damage to your sewing machine.
12. Can I use polyester thread for machine quilting?
You can use polyester thread for your quilting machine without a problem. The only requirement is that the tread does not have a wax cover and go through the eye of the needle. In other times, people do not like the polyester thread for things of elegancy, but it is better than cotton thread because do not leave fluffs for all the sewing machine that can damage it.
13. Can you make a quilt without a sewing machine?
It is possible to make a hand quilt without using a sewing machine. However, a hand quilt takes more time than making with a sewing machine, the finished is not so tidy, and the work is harder.
Recap
So all the great quilting machine models presented here can be confidently considered the best sewing machines for quilting out there. Hopefully, our little list will help you with finding the best quilting machine for your needs. Maybe you even choose one of the aforementioned models. But what should you do if none of them grabbed your attention?
Continue your searches. Combine your efforts with basic knowledge of sewing machines, and you will get there much faster. Speaking of data on different types of machines, information will be useless if you don’t know how to apply it, simply put, if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why you need to know your requirements so you don’t end up buying a $1000 model instead of a $300 machine, which would be both useful and not overkill. So grab a pen and write down what you will be needing from your quilting machine.
Final Words
We hope that we provided you with everything you will need in your searches for the best sewing machine for quilting. We would like to repeat once more that you HAVE to know what you need. Don’t just jump into the store and pick the first model you see. Conduct research, and you will find the best choice. Good luck!