Bring me the best sewing machine and I will not consider it. Why? Because it’s not the best sewing machine for quilting! So what is the best sewing machine for quilting? That’s something you need to understand first and then buy.
Contents
Presenting the Best Sewing Machines for Quilting
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You can buy the best only after comparing the contenders. Read more about distinction bias and know how buying what’s right in front of you is a bad decision. You’re more likely to settle for something you didn’t want to buy!
The following products are QUALIFIED, RELIABLE, and WELL-BUILT. They will motivate you to sew better and make every stitch count.
sewing Machine Name | Our Rating | Throat Space | stitches per minute |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 Editor’s Choice | 9 inches | 1,500 | |
#2 | 6 inches | Adjustable Speed Settings | |
#3 | 9 inches | 1,500 | |
#4 | 6-5 inches | Adjustable Speed Settings | |
#5 | 6 inches | Adjustable Speed Settings |
* All links above will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com or you can read our sewing machine reviews below.
1 Brother Quilting and Sewing Machine PQ1500SL - Editor’s Choice
Consider the Brother PQ1500SL an upgrade from a basic sewing machine. What you get from this best sewing machine is hard to compete with. There’s stability, power, and accuracy.
What there’s more of is also tension control. This product gives you an adjustable stick platform. It has a unique 4-step system in place. This system allows you to maneuver most quilt types and textures.
It comes with a knee lifter, board extension, and push-button control. The presser foot is color-coded with its own feed dog height. Such adjustment is necessary for quilting.
An outstanding feature of this machine is the up-down automatic needle. You can rotate the needle with a simple touch of a button. It’s obvious that nothing about the Brother Quilting Machine feels ordinary!
Is the thread tension a bit weak? It may be because you’re threading the needle incorrectly. Make sure the bobbin is in its right place. Make fewer adjustments to the tension. If you make extreme adjustments, the tension is bound to lag behind.
If you pay attention to details, you will find the power cord short. This was an issue for me too. I had to drag my workspace to the nearest switch point.
Pros
Cons
Brother PQ1500SL Demonstration by Ken's Sewing Center in Muscle Shoals
2 Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich - Best Sewing Machine for Small Quilts
Buying a new sewing machine for quilting is all about change. It’s about buying yourself something that doesn’t ruin your expensive quilts. If you have a small-sized and thick quilt, buy this sewing machine.
It is not only an entry-level sewing machine, but it’s also manual. This means you control the speed of the machine. And for a beginner, having such control over performance is mandatory.
There are many features that make this product phenomenal. For starters, the quick push-button for variable speed control. It does take away the foot presser. But since when did change become bad?
The LCD display is one for keeps. You can select your stitch designs, adjust the size of each stitch, and so much more. It is a fair and reliable sewing machine for the price.
Quilting and embroidering don’t get along very well. That’s because of lack of proper features. With this product, you get an open-toe darning foot. It means you can learn to do minor but beautiful embroidery in no time!
As with anything, a professional sewing machine has its drawbacks. For this one, it is the thread tension. Tuning the thread tension for thick quilts can be difficult. But it’s not something a little practice won’t fix.
Pros
Cons
Brother CS6000i Feature Rich Sewing Machine
3 JUKI TL-2000Qi - Best Sewing Machine for Large Quilts
I can’t even express how incredible this sewing machine is for quilting. It battles through multiple layers and has the widest workspace. Equipped with LED lights and automated features, the JUKI TL-2000Qi is my one-of-a-kind pick on the list.
This best sewing machine may not be the fastest. But it’s certainly the best at what it does. And that is to sew quilts without breaking the needle or ruining the fabric. Each stitch is accurate and strong to hold.
It even takes the vibration out of the housing. Until now, this had been a serious concern of mine. The constant rattling sound and feel were annoying. But the aluminum die cast arm and bed fix everything. No part of the machine vibrates and I’m satisfied.
Given the wide workspace of this machine, you can do lots with it. For example, if you have quilting frames for the machine, you can use those. And if you’d like to make quilts by hand, you can do that too.
There’s a debate about whether having an automatic needle thread. But this sewing machine makes a weak case for it. The needle threader is a bit tricky to use.
Pros
Cons
4 Janome Magnolia 7318 - Best Sewing Machine for Everyday Use
Let just say that this sewing machine for quilting is exceptional. Even though it costs a lot of money, it is worth every penny. The Janome Magnolia 7318 comes with all brand-new accessories.
So if you’re excited for this best sewing machine to arrive. You’re getting way more than expected. It has multiple needle positions to choose from. The feed dog is wide, spacious, and comfortable to use.
I didn’t, for even a second, doubt this machine’s performance. It’s smooth, speedy, and consistent. It isn’t computerized which makes application different yet enlightening. What more could anyone ask for in a packaged sewing machine?
The needle points front and forward. This makes it easy on you to thread it. You don’t have to strain your eyes or crane your neck. On top of it all, if you wear glasses, you can thread the needle without them too. It’s that easy!
The only downside to this sewing machine is durability. But it’s nothing something you can’t take care of. Make sure you oil the components well for consistent use.
Pros
Cons
Janome Magnolia 7318 Beginner Sewing Machine
5 Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 - Best Portable Sewing Machine for Quilting
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 compares favorably with the other models on the market. It comes with unique and advanced features. Such as the touchscreen display, speed control, and quiet performance.
This computerized sewing machine has the features of a heavy-duty model. But it has the body of a lightweight machine. Making it the best portable sewing machine on the market! With a few exceptions for travelers, you can take this beast anywhere.
Going to the countryside for the holidays? You can take this sewing machine with you. The foot pedal and one-touch operation are for keeps. Plus, all you need to do is slide the speed control knob to two. When you want to take things up a notch!
The needle points front and forward. This makes it easy on you to thread it. You don’t have to strain your eyes or crane your neck. On top of it all, if you wear glasses, you can thread the needle without them too. It’s that easy!
What’s not so great about this portable model is the automatic threader. It lags a bit from time to time. But this happens more often than not if you have the wrong needle size.
Pros
Cons
SINGER QUANTUM STYLIST 9960 - Complete Video
What is the Best Sewing Machine for Quilting? (Best Features)
Everybody wants to learn things quickly. Or at least have the option to. But would you sacrifice the best features for comfort? I don’t think so! If you agree with me, you’ll read what’s below.
Want to know what is the best sewing machine for quilting? This might help.
Harp Space
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What is harp space? As the name suggests, it’s the total space given to you to sew quilts. Quilts are thick-skinned materials. And you need plenty of room to sew without difficulty.
The harp space lies between the needle and the main housing of the sewing machine. It is also known as the ‘throat space.’ This part of the sewing machine is an important factor to consider. It dictates how much space you have to sew adult-sized quilts and baby quilts.
The best reason to buy a new sewing machine for quilting is when you do not have a large harp space. The most comfortable harp space measurement is 6-inches and above.
Even though such sewing machines are costlier than standard models! They’re of great help for long-term use.
Thread Cutter
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A good, automatic thread cutter can do many things for you. It can speed up the sewing process and avoid accidental cuts. What you do know about a thread cutter is that it saves the thread. But what you don’t know is that it’s good for edge sewing.
Edge sewing is when you reach the corner of the quilt. You have to keep a pair of scissors in handy to cut off the extras. But if you’re a beginner, things don’t go as planned. You end up wasting too much thread and time! Nobody wants that. So opt for an automatic thread cutter for an upgrade.
Speed
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When you want to know what is the best sewing machine for quilting, speed is necessary. Speed is an important factor for the best sewing machine for quilting. But this depends on the type of sewing machine you want to buy. When you look at a free-motion sewing machine, it’s FASTER than the rest of them.
In a free-motion sewing machine, you get a free-motion foot. This foot press gives you complete control over speed which is essential. An automatic speed setting will ruin your quilt. Plus, they can be complicated to tune when you’re a consistent user.
Needle Adjustability
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What I refer to here is the ability to move the needle up and down. A good way to look at this is to know when to stop. For example, when you pause sewing, do you want the needle to stay in place? Or do you want the needle to go up a few inches?
The best sewing machines for quilting come with a needle down feature. It improves precision and stability in speed. A more advanced option is when the needle’s default position is up. But it also has a needle down setting to adjust to. Such models make a huge difference in ease of use.
Foot Pressure
A sewing machine for quilting is not that same as other models. It needs more strength, stability, and speed. Strength to sew the quilt. Stability to hold the quilt in place. And speed to maintain consistency. A foot presser is an exceptional tool for improving stability. It helps keep the quilt in place.
A sturdy foot presser squeezes the quilt which holds it in place. You can adjust the tension of the foot presser based on the thickness of the quilt.
For specific tasks, such as patchwork piecing, you need less pressure even on quilts. So having adjustability in foot pressure is necessary!
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the ideal budget for the best sewing machine for quilting?
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A good way to answer – what is the best sewing machine for quilting – you need to start with a price. Your ideal budget depends on the following considerations:
IF YOU WANT A LOW-END MODEL:
You have to think about your purpose of purchase. In a lower-priced sewing machine, you’ll get basic capabilities. Expect simple stitching features and lightweight foot pressure. If you have a thin, baby quilt to sew, this should be good for you.
IF YOU WANT A HIGH-END MODEL:
The purpose of purchase doesn’t matter when you have the best versatile model on the market. You can do all types of patchwork piecing. Whether it’s a one, two, or three-layer quilt! If you want better performance and results, go for a high-end sewing machine. This should answer your question – what is the best sewing machine for quilting?
2
Why do I need a separate sewing machine for quilting?
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If you want to know if standard models can do quilting, the answer is not that simple. Some models with high-end features can take on quilting. These features are unique and advanced. Not many basic sewing machines boast of such performance. These features are as follows:
Final Impression
My Choice: Brother PQ1500SL Quilting and Sewing Machine
What you don’t know will eventually catch up to you. So if you want an immediate answer to – what is the best sewing machine for quilting? – read the guide. You should upgrade to a model that’s easier to thread, faster, and durable. You want to get the job done without having to break any more needles. That’s why serious consideration is key when choosing the best of the best products.
So what is the best sewing machine for quilting? It’s the Brother PQ1500SL Quilting and Sewing Machine. Hands down!
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