10 Best Sewing Machines for Quilting
I’m sure you’ve tried a search for “best sewing machine for quilting” on Google, and if you have, you saw that it’s impossible to get a definitive answer. After all, there are so many different opinions about which brands, models, and features are the best out there. But don’t worry. We’ve tested the top products and offer our recommendations.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, teacher, or someone who just loves to start a project and finish it (rather than leaving it unfinished), crafting beautiful stitches rarely leaves your mind daily. Of course, when making such detailed and intricate designs, you need a high-quality best sewing machine for quilting to keep up with you. Find out which ones have all the right features for quilting projects.
Now that we have looked at the advantages of best sewing machine for quilting and the potential pitfalls, we will be better equipped to make our own decision.
It’s safe to say that most men don’t think much of quilts, even when married to a professional quilter. That’s okay. They can stay in their man cave and watch TV while you sew by the fireplace, sewing a quilt bigger than him. Just make sure you pick the right sewing machine for your projects.
If you are looking for a best sewing machine perfect for quilting, these 10 have been tested and approved by our experts.
Our Top Picks
- SINGER | 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit
- Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine
- Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Poolin Sewing Machine with Reverse Stitch and 27 Stitch Applications
- JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
SINGER | 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty best sewing machine for quilting features a large sewing space to allow you to sew larger projects comfortably. Whether a beginner or an experienced seamstress, the automatic needle threader makes it easy to craft projects like fashions and quilts. The 23 built-in stitches include basic, stretch, and decorative stitches for various projects. The 60% Stronger Motor delivers greater punching power, so it can easily handle thicker seams on heavy-weight fabrics.
This machine is a heavy-duty sewing machine that has a strong metal frame. The machine has many accessories to make it easier to sew different fabrics and materials. You can use it for home, garments and so on. This machine has many accessories, including an adjustable, cone-shaped foot for attaching buttons; a scalloped foot to make buttonholes on the edge of the fabric; an automatic button best sewing machine for quilting that makes either blind or shank-type sewing easier.
Additionally, there is also an anti-static brush included. It also includes a quilting guide and needles as well as bobbins.
I’ve had many Singer models over the years, and this doesn’t disappoint. I do a lot of craft projects and have been using my father’s old machines, which were in good shape but needed oiling after every use. This is a really great machine for the price. It has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a sewing machine. It’s very simple to use, has a very smooth operation, and is quiet. I recommend this to anyone who wants to sew anything from craft
SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit
The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 portable best sewing machine for quilting is a great option to help you make your creative ideas come to life. This computerized sewing machine is designed with 600 built-in stitches and 13 built-in 1-step buttonholes with an exclusive toggle buttonhole underplate. Create beautiful dresses, ruffles, children’s clothes—anything you need!
The automatic needle threader makes it even easier – simply lift the lever, place thread through the eye of a needle,e and pull down the bar. You’re ready to sew! Automatic needle threading makes it easy to change colors quickly during projects, creating a more cohesive look.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit have everything you need to start sewing. This high-speed sewing machine has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute, which makes projects go faster. It comes with a variety of presser feet for all types of sewing.
Plus, there are twenty-one decorative stitches for adding embellishments like appliques and embroidery designs to your projects. It has more than forty utility and decorative stitches, including stretch stitches, to make sewing knits easier. Input your designs easily using the Quilt Design Software included in this sewing machine’s kit.
Dimensions: 8.25″D x 17.25″W x 12″H | Weight: 20 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot with underplate, zipper foot, button sewing foot, stitch foot, open toe foot, blind hem foot, satin overcasting foot, rolled hem foot, darning and embroidery foot, straight stitch/quilting foot, cording foot | Power Source: Electric
I have had this machine for about a month, and I am still learning new features. It can do so much. I haven’t tried them all yet, but I have enjoyed the stitches that I have tried. The one thing that I did not realize was that it is a computerized machine and will only accept the size of the thread that is programmed into the machine. This means you cannot just use any thread, you must buy Singer brand thread, or it won’t work properly.
Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine brings speed, style, and precision to your sewing room. The powerful motor provides the power to easily sew through multiple layers of fabric and materials or quilt with ease. With 165 stitches and 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, you’re sure to find a stitch that fits your needs. Easy needle threading means you can get started sewing faster than ever before. At the same time, an automatic locking stitch button lets you sew continuously without needing locking mechanisms or foot pressure adjustments. This computerized machine includes a drop-in top loading bobbin and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches.
The Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine is a dream companion for your most ambitious projects. This workhorse has the power to tackle big projects and meets the challenge with ease. The compact, lightweight design allows you to take your machine anywhere and get the job done on time and with ease. This beautiful machine also comes with the assurance of Brother at your side, offering free technical support online to help you start and keep sewing.
Dimensions: 13.5″D x 20″W x 17.9″H | Weight: 10.14 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: protective hard cover, 8 sewing, and quilting feet, wide table, instructional DVD | Power Source: Electric
Fantastic machine! I bought this machine over a year ago and am so glad I did. It’s easy to use, has all the stitch options that I need for quilting and sewing, and is a snap to change from one function to another. The manual that comes with it is very helpful if you need more guidance than what’s available on the DVD included, but you can also figure out most things just by playing with the machine. Great product!
SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine
The SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing and Quilting Machine is a fully-loaded machine that gives you the power of 25 built-in stitches to choose from, including 7 one-step buttonholes. With its automatic needle threader, drop feed feature, and top loading bobbin — you will be sewing easily in no time!
The SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine is easy to use and offers maximum versatility to help you create beautiful projects. With push-button stitch selection and optimum settings for length, width, and tension, you can easily tailor your stitches to suit your sewing project. The 7258 sewing machine’s auto-threader will make creating buttonholes a breeze, while the free arm lets you easily sew sleeves in children’s clothing.
Dimensions: 7.5″D x 14.5″W x 12″H | Weight: 18.7 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot | Power Source: Electric
I have been using this machine for over a month now and I am so in love with it. It is so easy to use, even for beginners like me, and the stitches are beautiful. One of the major advantages of this machine is the start/stop button, which allows you to stop sewing without having to pull out the plug or turn off at the wall! This is SO helpful when you need to stop sewing in the middle of a project.
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Sewing is fun with the Brother HC1850 sewing machine. With 185 stitches, the many features of this machine ensure that you’ll be able to create a number of projects – from basic monograms and decorative stitching to quilting and buttonholes. The built-in stitch reference flip-chart will come in handy when choosing the perfect stitch and allows you to see how it looks from all sides. The push-button switching system makes changing between stitches easy as pie!
The Brother HC1850 sewing machine features 185 built-in stitches, including 55 alphanumeric ones that provide the versatility you need to create personalized projects. With 8 one-step buttonholes and 8 presser feet, it’s easy to finish your work without hassle.
The HC1850 offers incredible flexibility with an adjustable sewing speed from 0 to 850 stitches per minute and a push-button stitch selector for easier use. It also has an automatic threading system, making it exceptional at stitching on almost any fabric.
Other great features include a detachable foot controller, push-button stitch selection lever, jam-resistant drop-in bobbin (to hold your thread), and a wide table for quilting projects. The lightweight design means you can take it with your home or to class!
Dimensions: 12.5″D x 19.2″W x 15.2″H | Weight: 10.14 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: wide table, 8 feet, manual, instructional DVD and more | Power Source: Electric
With a wide table for larger projects and 100 built-in stitches, this machine is ideal for novices. Two push-button stitch selections allow you to create both basic and decorative stitches, including an automatic buttonhole. And if you want to learn about advanced embroidery techniques, the speed controller allows you to control the speed of your stitching.
Poolin Sewing Machine with Reverse Stitch and 27 Stitch Applications
Stitch out beautiful quilts, pillows, garments, and accessories on the Poolin EOC565 sewing machine. Complete with 27 built-in stitch applications, including overlocking, blind, and decorative stitches, the versatility of this machine makes it ideal for both beginner and experienced sewers. The machine’s reverse stitch feature and automatic bobbin winding system make it an excellent choice for many sewing projects.
This Poolin EOC565 mechanical sewing machine is a durable, high quality, and powerful small best sewing machine for quilting. Its rugged, heavy-duty metal frame ensures it will continue functioning properly even under harsh conditions. The infinitely variable speed range allows you to switch between different levels of speed easily at your will.
This portable and economic sewing machine comes with multiple attachments that can be used for hemming, buttonhole creation, quilting, and more, and is ideal for both beginner and professional seamstresses alike.
Dimensions: 5.98″D x 13.58″W x 10.63″H | Weight: 11 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: buttonholing presser foot, blind stitch foot, zipper foot, 3 needles, hemmer foot, seam Ripper w lint brush, all-purpose foot, 2 bobbins, 4 spools sewing thread & spool pin disc | Power Source: Electric
This machine was incredibly easy to use, especially for someone like me who has no idea what I’m doing. Any question I had was spelled out with the guidebook mine came with. I would recommend it! This machine is very good for beginners as well as intermediate sewers. It’s super easy to assemble, and everything seems on hand. I love how compact it is and lightweight—something that I always wanted. I’m not a professional sewer, but I do small regular tasks with it, so I use it almost daily, and it’s working well. It’s not noisy, so that’s a plus point for me. This machine is gonna be very useful for me, that is for sure. Overall, it’s an excellent buy!
JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine
For all you hand-sewers who want to turn up the heat, we bring you the Juki HZL-F300. This handy machine is perfect for quilting, home décor, and garment construction—it’s an industrial-strength sewing tool with a sleek design that’s easy to operate. The Exceed series is JUKI’s flagship full-size sewing machine. This powerful best sewing machine for quilting incorporates years of industrial-grade stitching into one sleek design.
The box feed allows you to sew with various fabrics, producing perfect stitches every time. Sixteen automatic buttonholes are included and controlled by the electronic sensor for accuracy and a wide range of adjustments.
So get the look you desire and create great projects with ease using this home best sewing machine for quilting. The HZL-F300 has 106 stitches and three lettering fonts, allowing you to sew through heavy-duty fabrics such as denim, upholstery materials, and more! With an automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin system, this home machine is perfect for clothing, quilting, handbag making, and much more.
Dimensions: 8.3″D x 17.5″W x 11.4″H | Weight: 25 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: standard presser foot, blind stitch presser foot, overcasting presser foot, buttonhole presser foot, zipper presser foot, 4 bobbins, hard case, foot controller, manual buttonhole presser foot, seam ripper, needle set | Power Source: Electric
I recently upgraded from a Brother CE-5000PRW to the Juki MO-735. I’ve had my Brother machine for over ten years and am absolutely in love with my new Juki! My new machine is so easy to operate, and its automatic needle threader makes top stitching my quilts a breeze! The table space on this machine is enormous, and it will feed thick material through without problems. The stitch quality is superb, and I love that I can set it to automatically backstitch before cutting my threads. It’s a great machine at an affordable price!
Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
The PQ1500SL is the ultimate best sewing machine for quilting for anyone who takes quilting or sewing seriously. It has 12 different presser feet, an automatic needle threader, a knee lifter, and a table extension for quilting. This machine sews up to 1,500 SPM with a maximum stitch length of 5mm (13 stitches per inch). With hemming stitch capability, you can create decorative hems on quilts and other projects.
Quilters and sewing enthusiasts can enjoy easy, smooth sewing with this powerful (250 built-in stitches) machine. Designed with user convenience in mind, the HZL-F 300 has a built-in automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin that makes changing threads effortless. It also features an advanced needle feeding system for precision fabric feeding, and it comes loaded with included accessories, including a long arm table for enhanced comfort. You’ll also love its removable knee-lifter to save time on those long seams.
Dimensions: 7.9″D x 12.6″W x 19.3″H | Weight: 29.76 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: 7 sewing feet, wide table,knee-lifter, instruction manual | Power Source: Electric
This sewing machine is great for sewing bags and purses as well as clothing. What I like about it is that I can set the machine to sew a light summer top or a heavy winter coat. I’ve used it to make bags and purses out of vinyl, waterproof canvas, and leather with no problems. The only drawback is that there aren’t many resources to help change the settings; you just have to experiment with what works best for you. Overall, I love this machine and would recommend it to anyone who wants more than a basic machine but doesn’t want to invest in an industrial model.
Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is an excellent machine for those who want to learn advanced techniques and create amazing projects. The amazing features like one push needle plate conversion, an electronic error detection system, a free-motion quilting holder, and a full rotary hook bobbin ONLY add to the value of this incredible machine.
Bring professional power into the project maker’s home. It features a 10″ All-Metal Seamless Flatbed with an included magnetic strip to hold your sewing tools and accessories, making it easier to manage your fabrics as you work. The LCD screen provides fingertip control of stitch speed and width when precision is critical. And with a button press, you can go from sewing straight lines to decorative stitching for added flair in seconds.
The MC6650 from Janome is a great sewing machine for quilters and sewers who want an all-in-one machine for projects of all sizes. The MC6650 features 170 stitches, including 2 alphabets, with a maximum speed of 1,000SPM. It has a full rotary hook bobbin and a top-loading bobbin system. Threading is easier thanks to the superior needle threader and 6 LEDs in 3 locations. The SFS (Superior Feed System) allows you to sew faster while maintaining accuracy and ease of feeding fabric.
Dimensions: 9″ D x 20″W x 12″H | Weight: 24.25 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: blind hem foot g, open toe satin stitch foot satin stitch foot, darning foot, buttonhole foot, zig-zag foot | Power Source: Electric
This sewing machine is a powerhouse with a variety of features. I was looking for a machine that could handle four layers of material and a stabilizer when I make cloth clutch bags, but often the fabrics are more like eight layers thick. This machine handles most of my sewing projects without trouble—even without the walking foot attachment (which was an extra purchase). I’ve only had it for about a week and a half, but I am thrilled with my purchase. The machine has made every sewing task easier for me.
Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
This machine delivers the power, precision, and convenience you need to realize your creative potential. With a heavy-duty design, stable feeding mechanism, and 120 stitches, you can count on the 4120QDC to keep working when you do. The Janome 4120QDC is also equipped with twin-needle functionality, superior editing, 5mm stitch width adjustment, and mirror stitching features to help you get the job done flawlessly every time.
Your possibilities are endless with 120 built-in stitches! From sewing quilt labels and more to the built-in alphabet, creating is a fun time with this machine. To use the needle threader, pull down the lever and slide your thread into the hook. When you’re done pulling back on it, enjoy easy-to-read control panels with LCD displays. The Jam proof top-loading bobbin system makes it easy to change your bobbin. A handy function button cuts both top and bottom threads when pressed, and the reverse stitch button creates reinforcement stitching on your projects.
Dimensions: 12″D x 19.8″W x 16″H | Weight: 22.4 pounds | Included Stitches: ?? | Accessories: hardcover, zig-zag “a” sewing foot, extension table, zipper “e” sewing foot, overedge „c“ sewing foot, blind hem “g” sewing foot, satin stitch “f” sewing foot | Power Source: Electric
This sewing machine is a powerhouse with a variety of features. I was looking for a machine that could handle four layers of material and a stabilizer when I make cloth clutch bags, but often the fabrics are more like eight layers thick. This machine handles most of my sewing projects without trouble—even without the walking foot attachment (which was an extra purchase). I’ve only had it for about a week and a half, but I am thrilled with my purchase. The machine has made every sewing task easier for me.
What should you look for in a best sewing machine when quilting?
Price
Suzy Williams, the owner of Suzy Quilts, knows that when it comes to buying a best sewing machine for quilting, price is an important consideration. „If you’re not sure quilting is for you,“ she says,“a used or borrowed machine might be the best option.“ Before taking on a more expensive option, try out a cheaper one to see if you like it.
Once you have developed your sewing skills, you can begin to look at more expensive and advanced models. Williams recommends visiting a best sewing machine for quilting dealer for advice about important purchases like this one.
There are plenty of machines available to suit any budget. Baker knows it may seem tempting to purchase a cheap option from a big box store, but he recommends that first-timers invest in something better quality—even if they’re paying more for it initially. However, if you’re planning on doing lots of embroidery projects, it makes sense to invest in a more expensive machine. She recommends starting your search around the $500 mark,“ she says.
In her craft blog, writer Carole Carter says that spending more on a best sewing machine for quilting will improve your experience as you learn to quilt. „Be prepared to invest in the right machine, feet, and accessories if you’re going to enjoy sewing as an activity,“ she says. „It’s worth it not to be frustrated with a throat size too small or feet that don’t work well.“
Features and Accessories
The two main features that Carter recommends looking for in a domestic sewing machine—even if you’re just learning to quilt—are the machine’s throat size (how far down it can pull the fabric through) and its ability to drop feed dogs, so your hand isn’t always needed. Trudy does warn, however, that not all machines are well-suited for free motion sewing.
„Curved lines can sometimes result in laddering on the backside of your project,“ she advises.
Also, look for an automatic thread cutter—it will save you time. The faster your stitch speed, the sooner you can complete a project. Beginners may also want to consider machines with many included stitches (to increase testing and learning).
Other things you should look for when purchasing a computer include: whether or not it comes with its own carrying case, the specifications for portability (i.e., how heavy/large is it?), and whether or not the machine itself is computerized.
Skill Level
Do not try to use a best sewing machine for quilting that is too advanced for your skill level. Instead, look for one with basic features such as a 1/4-inch seam foot and walking foot—the perfect tools to learn! As you advance your skills, you can upgrade to a more complex machine with computerized stitching capabilities.