Recomended » Best Sewing Machine for Quilting To Buy [2019- Updated]

best sewing machine for quilting

Quilting is a challenging and fun activity and can also be an excellent way to make some extra money if you decide to turn it into a business. The best sewing machine for quilting, however, is usually of a commercial quality and can cost quite a bit of money.

Unless you are an experienced professional, then it may be better to get an all-purpose sewing machine with great quilting capabilities to start out.

Wow! A great list of quilting machine

Click to Tweet

How to Buy a Quilting Machine

The best sewing quilting machine will come with very specific features that are unique to the types of fabric and thickness generally used in most quilts. Having a machine that is easy to use and well set up for thick material can mean all the difference in whether the experience is a positive and productive one.

​Choosing the wrong sewing machine for your quilting projects can be time-consuming and frustrating, so doing some research and looking at reviews of various machines on the market is a great way to learn about what you might need.

Brown

What are the benefits of getting the best sewing machine for quilting?


  • You will get the most working space possible for larger projects
  • The unit will have design features to make sure you don't need to lift your hands off your work.
  • Quilting sewing machines come with accessories specific to working with different types of material.
  • The machine will have an extra wide throat, so your quilt doesn't bunch up.

Comparison Chart

Image

Name

Our Rating

Price

quilting machine reviews

Brother XR3774

best quilting machine

Brother PQ1500SL

singer 9960

best sewing machine for quilting 2015

Juki TL-2000Qi

home quilting machine reviews

Laura Ashley CX155LA

quilting machines reviews for home use

Brother HC1850

cheap quilting machines

Singer 7258

quilting sewing machine reviews 20185

Singer 7469Q

sewing machine for quilting

Janome 6500P

sewing machine quilting

Janome 8200 QCP

​What Do Our Reviews Have To Say?

sewing machines for quilting reviews

Editors Rating:

The Brother is a work-of-art itself with a lovely stencil of embroidery decorating the body of the unit. One of the features I highly recommend on the Brother is the extra-wide table that is specifically designed for quilting and embroidery projects.

For the price of this unit, it is a definite plus when looking for a good machine to learn how to quilt. The walking and quilting feet that come included with this sewing machine are great added features that make this an excellent buy for the price.

​The large manual knob on the side of the machine makes it easy to choose from one of the 74 stitch options the Brother comes with.

This unit also comes with a DVD to give step-by-step instructions on how to use each feature and tips on quilting.

Highlighted Features

  • check
    Amazing price for all the added quilting features
  • check
    Comes with an extra wide table for larger projects
  • check
    Very compact so it can easily be transported to jobs or class
  • check
    Over 70 stitch functions to choose from
  • check
    Easy to use features like needle threading
  • check
    Beautifully decorated machine gives inspiration for beginner quilters
best sewing machine for quilting and embroidery

Editors Rating:

One of the features on the Brother I really like is the knee lift. It allows you to position the presser foot and keeps your hands free at the same time, so you can continue to hold the material.

The large extended table that is included with this unit is great for those projects that need a little extra space as is the large throat. The Brother machine is a great machine for Kids & beginner because it comes with easy-to-use features like the automatic needle-threader and one-touch thread cutter. These options make learning to sew quilts fun and easy because there is no struggle with set up or completion.

Brother is known for quality and durability, and the PQ1500SL is no exception as it is made to last for years of new quilting projects.

Highlighted Features

  • check
    Unique knee lifter adjusts position of presser foot and keeps hands free for feeding
  • check
    Extension table included is accommodating for larger quilts
  • check
    Fast 1500 Stitches per Minute to complete jobs in record time
  • check
    Four dog settings to choose from for ultimate fabric control during feeding
  • check
    One-touch electronic selection for stitch options
  • check
    Special ‘pin-feed mechanism' is easy to access from beneath the machine
best inexpensive quilting sewing machine

Editors Rating:

As a sewist and a fashion designer, I am always striving to make the best outfits for my models. 

However, with such zeal, I felt inside me that the quilting machine I use wasn’t satiating. I wanted a quilting machine that would satiate my quilting needs and alas I saw the Singer 9960! It's all I wanted, and since then my clothes are in demand worldwide. If you don’t know what I’m saying, let me tell why I praise my Singer 9960.

This quilting machine is viral and easy to work with. It has six hundred built-in stitches with several features for crafting and quilting. It’s portable and undeniably incredible. It has gray and white tones giving it professionally and a sleek look.

It’s not petite and is very luring to purchase. All you want is simple to find with a speed button which helps in quick operations. The Sewing lights, manual controls as well as the in-drop bobbins are beautiful touches which makes life effortless. The Quantum accessories are inclusive of features that will drive you berserk. It is versatile.

If you want a quilting machine, then you should run for the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist. It’s very competitive, and in regards to its price, it is worth it. Newbies and experienced sewers should opt for it. Avid quilters like me will love this machinery. Get it now!

Here are some of the notable features onboard;

Highlighted Features

  • check
    The 600 Stitches are very attractive inclusive of 13 buttonholes that are fully automatic
  • check
    Free Arm
  • check
    Speed slider
  • check
    Stop-start button
  • check
    Extendable table, Drop in bobbin, Auto needle threader etc
best machine for quilting

Editors Rating:

One of the features I love on the Juki is the extra long arm that provides a workspace for even the largest of quilting projects.

This is also one of the lightest units in this category made as it is made with a die-cast aluminum which is durable and easy to carry. The pedal on the Juki doesn’t only act as the control for speed and movement but also allows you to cut the thread once the job is completed.

Instead of going forward, you would move your foot back to cut which is very handy when you want to keep your hands free to hold the material.

There is also a knee lifter to raise the presser foot so you can always hold onto your work.

Highlighted Features

  • check
    Extra long arm provides the most space for large projects
  • check
    Large wide throat gives you more working room for bulky materials
  • check
    Foot pedal provides easy access to thread cutting
  • check
    Knee lever allows you to lift the foot presser without letting go of the material
  • check
    Aluminum material makes this unit one of the lightest in this category
best home quilting machine

Editors Rating:

Laura Ashley CX155LA is sold under the Brother brand of sewing, quilting and embroidery machines.

This particular device, however, is outstanding enough to its own brand name and a range of equally revolutionary quilting features.

I call it the little Red Queen of quilting because of its characteristic conspicuous red band across the top part of the head. The major flaw with this machine is its small LCD screen. However, it doesn't disappoint when it comes to the salient quilting features onboard.

One of many things I find laudable on this machine is its ability to work without jamming. You won’t have to spend your time trying to remove a lodged clothing material in its parts. The wide range of speed control options gives users autonomy to control the rate of quilting.

I think this was an effort by Brother to come with a standalone quilting machine that could create its own legacy. It is capable of doing so with improvements. I think is a great starting machine for quilting starters.

Here are some of the notable features onboard;

Highlighted Features

  • check
    11 quilting feet
  • check
    Jam resistant
  • check
    The Quick-SetTM drop-in bobbin
  • check
    LED working area
  • check
    Variable speed controls
affordable quilting machine

Editors Rating:

Are you looking for a perfect yet cheap quilting machine for your home or commercial quilting projects?

Search no more! Brother HC1850 is the best quilting machine on the marketing today.

This is one of the fastest quilting machines on the market today. Other than an easy to handle and attractive design, Brother HC1850 comes out as an exceptional quilting machine for both the professionally experienced quilters and freelance newbies.

The feed system of Brother HC1850 is largely flawless so it will bring you zero stress when you’re trying to quickly complete quilting on your projects. I find the position and functions of the flip chart to be fit with most users’ quilting needs.

Although it comes both as sewing and quilting machine, I feel it works better as a quilting machine. I can easily recommend it to avid quilters who would love to create perfect quilts.

Here are some of the notable features onboard;

Highlighted Features

  • check
    Super easy to use bobbin winding system
  • check
    Convenient flip chart
  • check
    Exceptional feed system supporting a variety fabric
  • check
    Large Back-lit LCD
  • check
    Super bright LED lit working area
buying a sewing machine for quilting

Editors Rating:

You already know that Singer is synonymous with functional and awesome sewing, embroidery and quilting machines.

On that note, there is no quilting machine that rolls out of Singer assembly lines with disappointments. SINGER 7258 is one such admirable example.

One conspicuous feature that sets this machine apart is its green band on the left handle. It is also endowed with awesome features that make it a true game-changer in the world of the quilting world.

You are allowed to be to be more innovative and be as diverse as you want, thanks to the 12 quilting feet. Variable speed controls mean you can select the best quilting speed that fits your needs from. The fact that this machine is jam resistant makes me fall in love with it even more because it means fewer headaches when I’m working on my projects.

One of the most impressive quilting machines on the market today. What makes this machine recommendable for both professionals and beginners its ability to synch the easy to use features and ability to complete complex quilts.

Here are the salient features:

Highlighted Features

  • check
    12 quilting feet
  • check
    Jam resistant
  • check
    The Quick-SetTM drop-in bobbin
  • check
    LED working area
  • check
    Variable speed controls
best quilting sewing machine

Editors Rating:

The Singer Confidence Quilter is one of the top quilting sewing machines on the market today.

With features like special feet and drop feed, this unit is made specifically with all quilters in mind, from beginner to expert. There is an extra long table extension included with the Singer that makes working with extra large projects a breeze.

The up and down needle options is a vital feature whether you are sewing your first quilt or your 100th because it allows the user more control when putting together patches on a quilt. The unit is electronic which means it is easier to choose from a large number of stitching options and needle control.

This machine uses both electronic functions and a manual knob to choose stitch width and length.​

Highlighted Features

  • check
    Needle can be programmed for easy up and down motions
  • check
    Presser foot can be lifted high for bulkier materials
  • check
    Sewing space large enough for full sized quilts
  • check
    Wide throat to make it easier to work on thicker quilts
  • check
    One-touch electronic selection for stitch options
  • check
    Automatic threading makes setting up the machine quick and easy
best sewing machine for quilting

Editors Rating:

The Janome 6500p is one of the best sewing machines for quilting and for any other jobs that may pique your interest. With over 160 built-in stitching options, you will be able to expand your sewing skills and never feel that your unit is lacking. The digital memory on the machine will keep a record of up to 5 settings for your favorite projects so you will have the same quality every time.

With multiple feet options including the ability to lift the foot high, this sewing machine will give the beginner all the necessary features they need to learn and provide the more experienced quilter with plenty of extra options.

Highlighted Features

  • check
    Fast speed of 1000 stitches per minute makes quick projects a breeze
  • check
    Large throat for thicker quilts means smoother feed
  • check
    Sewing space large enough for full sized quilts
  • check
    Heavy-duty construction so it doesn't keep breaking down
  • check
    Automatic thread cutter makes set-up quick and easy
best sewing machine for quilting beginner

Editors Rating:

The Janome sewing Machine is a superstar amongst other quilters in the same category because of the amazing features and versatility. Janome 8200 QCP is a little expensive for the beginner quilter to learn on unless you are planning on making it a life's passion.

For the expert, however, you can't get any better than this without getting into the $6000 and above range. All of the features that make sewing quilts easier and faster are bigger and better on this unit.

The memory bank holds up to 20 patterns for easy access to your favorites, and there are plenty of other storage options to hold any additional accessories you need to keep handy.

The electronic display makes choosing your stitch, width, length and other choices easy with just the touch of a button.

Highlighted Features

  • check
    The width of the work-space is the largest of any other quilting sewing machine in this category
  • check
    Digital display makes it easy to choose options with just one touch
  • check
    Comes with a bonus package of 12 different feet options for any quilting project
  • check
    Digital memory holds up to 20 settings, so you will always have your favorites accessible
  • check
    Unique "Plus Feed System" makes this unit easy to operate

FINAL VERDICT: Best Quilting Machine

The sewing machine you decide to buy for quilting should have some specific features that will make the experience as enjoyable as possible.


If you are a beginner, then you may want to purchase a machine that is simple to use, but with the necessary features, you will need like a large throat and different types of walking feet. It is very important to know what kind of projects interest you the most and choose a machine that is suitable to your experience.


You want a unit that is advanced enough to provide you with challenges and keep things interesting, but not so complicated that you are unable to use it and end up getting frustrated.

Things to Consider Before Buying Best Sewing Machine for Quilting


#Size of Oening (Throad Width)

Quilts are usually made with the thicker material then clothing and often will have some sort of padding inside of them too. The best sewing machine for quilting and embroidery will have a large throat for feeding thick material.

The size of the opening that you are feeding the material through is important, because if it starts to bunch up, then you could end up mistakenly stitching one part of the quilt to another.

#Price

top rated sewing machines for quilting

If you are just starting out learning how to make quilts, then you are better off spending money on a simple-to-use machine that comes with useful features like multiple presser feet and a large throat.

If the price of the machine is higher because it comes with fancy digital options and extra features that you aren't going to use, you will be wasting your money.

#Presser Feet Options

best sewing quilting machine

The best machine for quilting will always come with a walking foot which allows you to feed the layers of your quilt evenly.

If the machine you are looking at doesn't have a walking foot, then you should make sure it is an optional accessory before purchasing. The walking foot is also used for "ditch quilting" or curved stitches

Different types of quilts will require different types of feet, so it is good to do some research on the types of quilts you interested in learning and which feet are appropriate.

#Dog Settings

It is very useful to have multiple dog settings on your sewing machine, especially if you are alternating between regular sewing and quilting. Walking feet will have dogs built in for easy feeding of bulky material.

Other things to consider when looking at the best quilting sewing machine are as follows;

  • check
    Needle Adjustment: The ability to move your needle up and down automatically and adjust how high you can lift it is very useful in quilting. On some machines, you will need to do this by hand, but some others have the option of using your knee or foot so you can keep your hands free.
  • check
    Brand name: As with any product, a quality manufacturer with experience in the item you are looking at can make all the difference in how well it works.
  • check
    Extended sewing surface: Most sewing machines with quilting capabilities will come with an extra- long table to extend the work surface.