According to a report, the global sewing machine market is expected to grow by more than $11 billion between 2018 and 2022. So, this is the reason why we have put a lot of effort into doing a detailed review of quilting sewing machines after visiting ten garment factories, interviewing half-a-dozen tailors, and reading many online reviews. We prepared a list of the 25 top sewing machine for quilting on the market. At that juncture, we had two options in front of us.
Either we leave you with all those models, or we recommend you the best choice sewing machines out of them.
We chose the latter option. That means comparing all those models on the basis of a pre-determined criterion – which included calculating their stitching rate (SPM), checking whether they offer built-in needle threader and auto thread trimmer or not, and testing their free-arm capability and top-loading bobbin.
The basic difference between a normal sewing machine and a sewing machine for quilting is the amount workspace they provide. Quilting machines provides larger workspace than the former. However, manufacturers these days making them as a single machine.
What did we get from all this effort? A list of ten best sewing machines for quilting recommendation. All these machines are suitable for the beginners too.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
- 1.1 Juki TL-2010Q Lockstitch Sewing and Quilting Machine
- 1.2 Brother XR3774 Quilting Machine – Best for Beginners
- 1.3 SINGER 7469Q Computerized Sewing And Quilting Machine
- 1.4 JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
- 1.5 Brother HC 1850 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine – Best Under $500
- 1.6 Brother XR9550PRW Computerized Sewing Machine
- 1.7 Singer Quantum Stylist 9980 Sewing Machine
- 1.8 Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
- 1.9 SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine – Best Free Motion Model
- 1.10 Janome 8050 Sewing And Quilting Machine
- 2 How to Choose the Sewing Machine for Quilting?
- 3 How to maintain a quilting machine?
- 4 FAQs
- 5 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
Juki TL-2010Q Lockstitch Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Weight: 4lbs
- Dimensions: 75(W) x 9(H) x 8.5(D)
- Speed: 1500 Stitches Per Minute
- Max stitch length: 6mm
- Built-in stitches: 1
- Warranty: 25-year
The Juki TL-2010Q is equipped with advanced thread trimming to let you trip both the top as well as the bottom threads effortlessly and without wasting much time. It offers a thread trimming button sewing using which you can trim both trimming heads on the needle as well as the sewing end simultaneously.
To make sure no quivers and twists ruin your sewing, this model comes with an automatic thread tension feature. Consequently, regardless of how light or heavy the thread is, the sewing machine adjusts itself without requiring any input.
Furthermore, with its speed control mechanism, you can quickly stitch not only the single-layered but also the multi-layered quilts. All you have to do is to slow down its speed when dealing with layers of fabric – before increasing it back again when relatively straightforward fabrics come under the needle.
You can lock the stitches by using the reverse lever.
Lastly, the comfort of its user is one area where this sewing machine has invested a lot in terms of its features. Apart from providing an auxiliary sewing table to let you stitch bigger clothes with ease, it offers single pedal foot control plus a generous throat space to make the whole process of sewing as effortless as possible. Not to forget, this machine allows free motion sewing.
Unlike other sewing machines for quilting, the Juki TL-2010Q keeps itself minimal with less no of attachments.
This is the most lightweight model in our list.
- Automatic tension adjustment
- Speed-control mechanism
- Automatic thread cutting
- Single pedal operation
- Might need some time to get used to the automatic thread trimmer
Brother XR3774 Quilting Machine – Best for Beginners
- Weight: 12.3 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 12.0 x 5.8 x 15.3
- Speed: 800 Stitches Per Minute
- Max Stich width: 5mm
- Built-in stitches: 37
- Warranty: 1/5/25 yrs
Brother brand is quite popular in making sewing machines. In contrast to other sewing machines for quilting in this review, the Brother XR3774 doesn’t offer a one-size-meets-all warranty. Instead, it gives you options. Those of you who want to pay less can considered it as the best sewing machine for quilting and beginner friendly. Conversely, if you want ultimate peace of mind, the 25-year warranty suits you.
This model is minimal and easy to use, hence suitable for the beginners.
To help manage larger projects, it includes a wide table in its package, which you can easily attach to the existing system. Also provided in the shape of a lever is an automatic needle threader which won’t bother you by pushing the thread through the needle on its own. This reduces the chances of eye strain.
Then there is its jam-resistant drop-in bobbin whose top-loading characteristic means you won’t encounter many problems replacing it. Equally useful is the one-step buttonholer using which you can create custom-sized buttonholes to differentiate your work from the rest.
Including the blind-hem, decorative stitches and stay stitch, there are 37 different quilting stitches which accompany this model to your doorstep. That’s a huge step up from the above-mentioned Juki-TL, which comes with one stitch. Its display, meanwhile, is a dream come true for a minimalistic as it only includes those menus which you are going to need the most in your everyday tasks.
- Stitch selector dial
- Easy to replace the spool
- User-friendly display
- Provides 37 quilting stitches
- Perfect for beginners
- Noisy
SINGER 7469Q Computerized Sewing And Quilting Machine
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Dimensions (inches): 17 x 8 x 12.5
- Speed: 650 Stitches Per Minute
- Stitch width: 7mm
- Built-in stitches: 98
- Warranty: 1/5/25year
Like the Brother model that we reviewed above this Singer Quilter also comes with different stitches. You can use its display to not only learn sewing via inserting the supplied instructional DVD, but it lets you customize the length and width of the stitch. Though that’s far from being the last advantage that the display provides.
When stitching oversized buttons, all you’d have to do is to select the “infinite” bartack option from the list of menus – and you can extend the buttonhole’s length as much as you want. This feature especially comes handy if you’re dealing with hand-carry bags or decorate button closures.
Other than that, you get eight built-in presser feet alongside this model. To demonstrate how useful they are, one of them lets you adjust the height of the needle which helps tailors piecing patch work together, whereas the other deals with extra-thick layers of fabric.
Furthermore, the presence of LED lights on both sides of the needle provides a clear view of the sewing area to the user. For free motion operation, the feed teeth can be lowered.
What impresses quilters the most about this sewing machine is its even-feed foot. Assuming you’re dealing with a bulky clothes, activating this feature will apply feed dog to the fabric’s upper side – thereby making sure that the thickness of the materials doesn’t prevent it from moving seamlessly under the needle.
Still in doubt about Drop Feed Feature? Check out the video below
- Has a programmable needle
- Open-toe foot for better visibility
- Drop & Sew bobbin system for easy setup
- Cannot adjust its speed
JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
- Weight: 25.4 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 17.75(W) x 9(H) x 8.5(D)
- Speed: 1500 Stitches Per Minute
- Max stitch length: 6mm
- Built-in stitches: 1
- Warranty: 1/5/25year
Much to the delight of quilters, the Juki TL 2000Qi offers lower feed dog settings that bow down to remove any creases which arise when you’re dealing with a thick clothes. It supports any standard bobbins so you won’t need to search for a replacement and has a detachable extension table to increase your working area.
To let you finish projects in no time, it offers a sewing speed of 1500 SPM, which fast no matters how you look at it. Compare this with any other quilting machine in this review, and you’d see that the speed offered by the Juki TL2000Qi is the fastest on the market. With the free motion foot (darning foot/ hopping foot), the free-motion quilting becomes easier.
The presence of LED lights over your work area means you won’t have the excuse of a poorly-lit workstation when explaining multiple misaligned stitches. You also get a knee lifter lever, which lets your hands hold onto the fabric by allowing you to drop or lift the presser foot hands-free.
What’s more, when ending seams or turning corners, the presence of the needle up-and-down control means you won’t have to manually drop or lift the needle. You can also control the length of your stitch using the stitch control dial which offers settings ranging from 1-6, with 1mm being the shortest.
- Automatic needle cutter
- High performance
- Extendable work area
- Movable feed dogs
- free motion operation
- knee lift lever
- Presser foot pressure
- Aluminum die cast arm
- Offers only one stitch
Brother HC 1850 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine – Best Under $500
- Weight: 13.2 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 12.5 x 19.2 x 15.25
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Max Stitch length: 5mm
- Built-in stitches: 130
- Warranty: 25year
Disappointed by the 1 stitch of the above mentioned Juki model? Don’t worry as the Brother HC1850 has 130 of them. Among them are at least 42 garment construction stitch function, with another 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles are the best thing about these stitches.
Feeding your cloth into the quilting machine is a huge factor in whether the whole project turns out to be a success or a failure. Luckily, with its sleek build and guides on either side of the quilting machine, the feeding system of the HC 1850 ensures that the material goes in seamlessly and provides you an excellent quilting experience.
To let you make fixes or quick adjustments, the drop feed ability of this quilting machine allows you to drop the feed dog out of the fabric’s reach. It also lets you adjust its sewing speed to complement the thickness of the fabric and has a stitch chart to let you choose the perfect stitch for every task.
Lastly, to finish things off, the automatic needle threading system of this sewing machine deserves a quick mention. All you’ve to do is just to manoeuvre the lever, and the thread would automatically be inserted into the needle’s eye. That means that you don’t need to squint your eyes or lick the thread to feed it in.
This is another quilting machine for the beginners which you can take as an alternative to the XR33774 model.
- Offers multiple accessories
- Provides 130 built-in quilting stitches
- Has adjustable sewing speed
- Equipped with quick-set bobbin
- Pricey
Brother XR9550PRW Computerized Sewing Machine
- Weight: 10.14 lbs
- Dimensions(Inches): 12.48 x 16.26 x 7.01
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Max stitch length: 5mm
- Built-in stitches: 110
- Warranty: 25year
Though it falls just behind the Brother HC1850 when it comes to the number of its stitches, with its 100+ built-in stitch functions which you can use for utility, decorative stitch, applique and heirloom purposes, the Brother XR9550PRW is also a feature-packed quilting machine.
It offers a backlit LCD touch screen to let you quickly select the best stitch for every purpose and provides the maximum sewing speed of up to 850 SPM. Along with it there is drop feed for free motion quilting which is an add-on.
What is more, since it offers automatic built-in needle threading feature, all you’d have to do to push the thread through the needle is just to press the lever located on the side of the quilting machine. Also provided are eight styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes, which make creating buttonholes simple, quick, and accurate.
Need some best embroidery designs out of this sewing machine?
Well, the option is right here. Though the embroidery machines are outrageous in price, we are here to provide you with some quilting tips. For best embroidery designs all you need is embroidery hoop, zigzag foot pressure option or any other foot options according to your design and a sewing machine obviously.
Unlike most other quilting machines in this review – which provide a detachable table for quilting, the built-in table of this sewing machine is wide enough for all your tasks. Its excellent feed system moves the fabric smoothly through the system, thereby making it easier for you to position your stitches.
Lastly, adjustability is one of the strongest points of this quilting machine. Apart from giving you the option of selecting from the different speed settings on offer, it lets you adjust the table’s height, pattern selection, the brightness of its LED light and the way you want to organize your stitches also depends on your choice.
- Highly adjustable
- Incredibly easy to use
- Excellent feed system
- User-friendly LED display
- Have to buy quilting feet separately
Singer Quantum Stylist 9980 Sewing Machine
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 17.5 x 8.2 x 11.8
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Maximum stitch length: Not given
- Built-in stitches: 820
- Warranty: 1/5/25year
Sometimes, we only need the basics to get the job done. Singer, however, doesn’t believe in this maxim – which is why it equipped the Quantum Stylish 9980 with 820 specialty stitch function. From decorative to stretch and buttonholes to alphabets, every stitch which name can be found in this unit’s package.
Along with an automatic needle threader and thread cutter, this sewing quilting machine provides a drop-in bobbin system to let you easily monitor its thread. Also, while the length and width of all its stitches are pre-determined, you can override the settings if you don’t find them helpful.
Moreover, the Quantum Stylist provides a built-in sewing assistant, which helps you in your sewing projects. Then comes the backlit LCD, which gives you the information about the tension level of the stitch, its length, and width, as well as the stitch you’re using for the task.
On the list of features that you’d use in this machine, its needle control ranks fairly high. It includes a needle up/down button and has 25 needle positions to let you choose the one which is most helpful for topstitching, cords, zipper foot, and other tasks.
- Stitch-memory feature
- Automatic cutter and threader
- Built-in sewing assistant
- Needle control system
- Mirror imaging
- You might not be able to use all the features on offer
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 11.4 x 6.7 x 16.1
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Max Stitch length: 5mm
- Built-in stitches: 60
- Warranty: 25year
Repeat after me: not all good quilting machines have to blow a hole in your pocket. Need proof to believe in this claim? The Brother CS6000i is a visible sign that even in a budget, you can get a machine offering a respectable range of quilting and sewing features with a pleasant quilting experience.
Apart from including 60 built-in stitches, the CS6000i comes with seven different styles of one-step buttonholes. They might not rival the Singer Stylist 9980 in number, but with its nine types of presser feet, including overcasting, monogramming, the stitches do rival the Singer’s model in utility.
Brother, ships this sewing quilting machine for in a hard carrying case, which prevents it from damage. You also get a wide detachable table for your more significant quilting projects. After all, it also provides an automatic needle threader, which you can use just by pushing the lever located on the side of the quilting sewing machine.
Furthermore, while its stitching speed of 850 SPM is nothing to gloat about, the presence of a built-in free arm does more than compensate. You can put into use the free-arm capability to sewing sleeves, pant legs, and other cylindrical items with this sewing quilting machine. Oh, and it comes with a 25 year limited warranty too.
Finally, the CS6000i has an automatic bobbin winding function built-in, so you don’t have to purchase a separate bobbin winder.
- Adjustable speed
- Built-in free arm
- Has a wide table
- Easy bobbin winding feature.
- Sometimes shows E6 error
SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine – Best Free Motion Model
- Weight: 14.6 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 15.5 x 6.25 x 12
- Speed: 1100 Stitches Per Minute
- Max Stitch Length: 4mm
- Built-in stitches: 23
- Warranty: 90day/2yr/24yr
One glance at the Singer Heavy-Duty 4423 sewing machine, and you’d agree with our assessment that this quilter isn’t messing around. Its rugged metal quilting frame build tells you it can handle anything, its stitching speed of up to 1,100 SPM means it would do so very quickly and suitable for large projects. It’s only possible due to its powerful motor.
Apart from six basic stitches, the Singer 4423 gives you twelve decorative stitches, four stretch stitches, and one style of buttonhole. It forces you to change the length and width of the stitch manually, but the presence of dial controls for the same purpose means you won’t have to expend much time or effort.
Luckily, like most of the other sewing machine which you see in this review, the Singer 4423 comes with a sewing light, an automatic thread cutter, needle threader and drop feed for free motion quilting. Its soft case protects this quilting sewing machine from excessive dust, and you also get three extra sewing feet alongside this model.
On top of everything else, it provides snap-on presser feet to let you change the presser foot immediately. However, its automatic reverse lever mechanism means you can reinforce your stitches, whereas the presence of a foot control pedal lets you regulate the speed of sewing and acts as a stitch regulator.
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Has three needle positions
- Powerful motor
- Only has 23 stitch embroidery machine patterns.
- Though it’s a heavy duty model, consider not to sew denim.
Janome 8050 Sewing And Quilting Machine
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Dimensions (Inches): 21.8 x 18.2 x 12.6
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Max stitch length: 5mm
- Built-in stitches: 50
- Warranty: 25year
While it might not be as fast as the Singer Heavy Duty 4423, with its three styles of one-step buttonholes and 50 different stitch functions, the Janome 8050 has everything you need for basic sewing tasks. Therefore, it has listed all the stitches on the front of the quilting sewing machine. So all you have to do to initiate one is to enter their number on its large LCD display.
As you do that, you’d notice that the sewing machine would automatically change its sewing settings. However, if you want, you can manually change things like length, width, and tension. It follows the lead of other sewing machine for quilting in this review by offering a top-loading bobbin so you won’t have problems loading it up. Well, it is provided with drop feed for free motion quilting which gives a new visualization to your fabrics.
Of the plethora of nifty function buttons that you’d see on this model, our favorite is the needle placement button using which you can order the needle to go to its highest/lowest point. Once you release the paddle, the needle automatically stops moving, thereby preventing what is known as over-stitching.
Lastly, just because their sheer number makes them hard to ignore, the quilting accessories accompanying the Janome 8050 deserve your attention. Apart from the usual culprits like a lint brush, a softcover, and a seam ripper, you also get more advanced items like its three extra sewing feet.
- Provides a lot of accessories
- User-intuitive design
- Easy threading
- Multiple colors available.
- Doesn’t have an extension table
- High durability
How to Choose the Sewing Machine for Quilting?
All of the above sewing machines for quilting whose reviews you read above have one thing in common: the below-mentioned features. As that’s the criterion which we used to sift the best quilting sewing machines from the riffraff.
First of all, get to know the Anatomy of a Sewing Machine.
Stitches per Minute
The rate of stitching or SPM of your quilting sewing machine determines how quickly (or otherwise) it will get the job done. You shouldn’t think of it as a random feature that deserves no consideration.
Instead, if your work involves large sewing pieces of a quilt, you might want your model to put in more stitches per minute in comparison to a beginner who is just learning the ropes of sewing.
Auto Needle Threader
Even if you do feel that you have no problem with manual needle threading, you must still be aware of the benefits of this feature before deciding against it.
Apart from taking less than manual needle threading, an auto-needle threader would also save you from squinting – thereby saving you from the tricky process of threading the needle manually.
Top-loading, drop-in bobbin
Sewing machines for quilting that offer top-loading drop in-bobbins provide three specific benefits over their bottom-loading counterparts – with the first being that they can carry more thread to be more useful for bigger tasks.
Second, these bobbins let you see how much thread is remaining so you would never be caught off guard. And finally, changing these bobbins is a cinch – as you slide open their panel and insert the bobbin in.
Free-Arm Capability
If your work involves curved surfaces, then this feature might be a godsend for you. Such machines come with a plate which offers more area to sew curved surfaces such as collars and cuffs.
They also have a plate that snaps on/off to provide a complementing surface for straight stitch. Some of them are equipped with a custom plate to let you extend their width and provide a wider arm length.
Also, it helps to sew hems and micro crafts having narrow spaces.
Walking Foot
Hate uneven stitches? Then you’d look for the walking foot feature. It guarantees even stitches by feeding both the top and bottom fabric into the quilting sewing machine at the same rate.
Furthermore, on sewing, the binding on the edge of your quilt, having a walking foot would let you move all the layers together – thereby preventing puckering.
Quilting Bar
Who doesn’t love evenly spaced lines on their quilt? Provided you do, you should select a sewing machine for quilting that doesn’t offer this feature in its package. Though that’s not the only benefit, a quilting bar provides.
Since it attaches itself to the presser foot’s backside, it makes sure that you get evenly spaced lines on the quilt. Or, if you want, you can tinker with it to adjust the width between the lines as well.
Weight
As we know things with higher weight provides higher stability. A quilting machine with a minimum of 8 lbs weight needed for the required stability. With a greater stability you’ll face minimum vibration and your quilting will be seamless.
Finally, most of these are portable sewing machines for quilting, so you don’t need to think about the portability.
How to maintain a quilting machine?
Follow the following tips to increase the shelf life of your quilting machine, sewing machine or a serger. Not much maintenance required but can’t ignore the little maintenance needed.
- Change Needles Regularly: Due to their incessant usage, needles can become dull over time – giving way to skipped stitches, looped threads, and pulls in the fabric. Hence the reason why we recommend that you change your needle on the completion of every project.
- Keep It Covered: Dust is the 2nd worst enemy of your sewing machine. To keep it away, cover your sewing machine the moment you’re done with it. Also, never use old and low-quality thread for sewing.
- Remove Lint By Compressed Air: It might sound a little fancy way of going about things, but compressed air helps increase the shelf-life of your quilting machine by removing lint from not only the feed dog but also the bobbin area as well as tension discs.
- Oil the Sewing machine: Like other sewing machines that you might handle, sewing machine last longer if you oil their moving parts from time to time. Before you add a few drops of sewing oil (yes, no need to pour the whole bottle at once!) – clean out the quilting sewing machine to prevent oil from mixing with dirt.
- Tighten Screws and Parts: Always check parts if they’re loose. Sometimes, due to the vibration, screws get loosen. This can make the sewing parts fall and create noise. So, tighten them.
However, in case you still got some damages, locate the nearest authorized repair shop for repairs. Remember, repairing by self can void the warranties.
FAQs
Following are some of the questions which people frequently have about quilting machines:
How to clean a sewing machine?
Turn the machine’s power off and remove the needle as well as the presser foot. Detach the stitch plate and clean the entire area using a lint brush. If you have some time on your hands, you can remove the bobbin case and clean out the area underneath it.
Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?
Either the needle is blunt, or it may be bent. It might also be the case that you haven’t inserted the needle correct. Or you might be applying inadequate pressure on the foot.
What are the best threads for sewing & quilting machines?
Put, cotton thread is the best for both sewing and quilting machines. Apart from withstanding an incredible amount of heat, cotton threads are versatile enough to work brilliantly on both delicate as well as thick fabrics.
Conclusion
Lastly, it all depends upon your quilting skills. A great machine can be useless without proper skills. Like everything else in this universe, this article also has to come to an end. Rest assured that it has everything which you might ever need to select one of the best sewing machines for quilting in the market. Still, if you feel that we have missed out on a potentially great, please feel free to let us know.
Leave a Reply