The Best Sewing Machines for Quilting of 2023
As sewing gurus, we have been quilting for a long, long time. On this list, we have assembled the best sewing machines for quilting on the market today. We’re always keeping this up to date! Let’s get into it! 🙂
Our Top List
Last update on 2023-03-25 at 00:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
Singer’s quilting sewing machine is a computerized model that comes loaded with dozens of pre-set functions and features that allow you to tackle a huge range of projects. There are 600 built-in stitches, 13 one-step buttonholes, mirror imaging, buttonhole underplate, and stitch elongation that help provide you more flexibility to take on your quilting projects. It’s a lightweight and compact model that is easy to set up and use.
There is a maximum speed setting on this machine that allows you to fly through 850 stitches per minute. It comes with several accessories, including the button sewing foot, buttonhole foot with underplate, blind hem foot, open toe foot, satin stitch foot, oversating foot, embroidery and overcasting foot, cording foot, rolled hem foot, even feed foot, cording foot, and a straight stitch or quilting foot. The small LED display allows you to pick whichever pattern you want to sew, and it comes in four different styles to match your needs.
Features
- Built-In Stitches – Yes
- Computer Operated – Yes with a user-friendly design
- High Speed Mode – Yes, up to 850 stitches per minute
Pros
- Comes with dozens of accessories
- Has pre-set patterns and functions
- Can sew up to 850 stitches per minute
- Available in four different styles
Cons
- Can’t use the quilting bar with the walking foot
2. Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing & Quilting Machine
The aluminum die-cast arm on this machine gives you a very low vibration when you use it, and this ensures that you’re able to stay on track while ending up with neat and clean stitches. You’ll get a newly updated design that includes LED lighting and a one pedal operation that is more user-friendly, and the bright LEDs make it easy to work on small and large projects in any lighting conditions. You’ll enjoy a compact design that sits neatly on your sewing table.
The automatic needle threader on this machine removes a lot of the frustration and time that comes with switching out the thread when you work on your project, and you get an extension table included in each purchase that widens your work area for larger quilts. It can put up a maximum of 1,500 stitches per minute, and this is excellent for helping move your projects along to help you finish them quicker.
Features
- Built-In Stitches – No
- Computer Operated – No
- High Speed Mode – &es with up to 1,500 SPM
Pros
- Puts out low vibrations to keep you on track
- LED lighting allows for work in dim environments
- Extension table included to widen your work surface
Cons
- Not a very sturdy design
3. Juki HZL-F600
This is a very compact machine from Juki that incorporates box feed technology with a wide sewing space that allows you to take on small or large projects without a problem, and it allows you to perform free sewing quickly and easily. This computerized machine has dozens of patterns set that you can easily incorporate into your projects, and it’s very easy to set them with a touch of a button. The LED screen shows you which patterns you picked at a glance.
You can use thick or lightweight material with this machine, and this is nice as you start to layer your quilt together and finish up your project. There is a smaller storage drawer on the bottom on this machine that allows you to keep your accessories close when you work, and this is a very user-friendly design that works well for professional and beginner quilters. It’s also very sturdy, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your sewing room.
Features
- Built-In Stitches – Yes
- Computer Operated – Yes
- High Speed Mode – No
Pros
- Comes with an extended sewing table
- Very compact and sturdy design
- Dozens of patters available
Cons
- Plastic covering over the bobbin can come loose
4. EverSewn Sparrow25
This lightweight machine by EverSewn is a very user-friendly model that beginners can use to learn how to quilt, and it is a computerized model that comes with 197 stitches and the alphabet pre-loaded and ready to use. The bright LED display lets you cycle through the different stitches and alphabet settings while showing you your progress at a glance. There is a simple stop and start operation that is conveniently located by the needle.
The electrical foot control makes it easy and quick to control your pace to keep your project looking neat and clean, and there are seven presser feet or soles included in each purchase. The small drawer holds your bobbins and needles, and there is a small ruler graphic on the side to help you get the perfect measurement. It has twin needle capabilities, and there is an automatic bobbin winder with an automatic securing function included.
Features
- Built-In Stitches – Yes, 197 including 18 quilting stitches
- Computer Operated – Yes
- High Speed Mode – No
Pros
- Has 197 stitches included
- Dust cover keeps everything clean between uses
- Comes with the alphabet
Cons
- Decorative stitches and lettering is smaller
5. Singer Heavy Duty 4452
This heavy duty machine has a large range of features that can help you create beautiful garments, quilts, blankets, and more quickly and easily, and it comes with 32 built-in stitches, including 7 stretch, 6 basic, 1 fully automatic buttonhole, and 18 decorative stitches. The automatic needle threader will remove the time and frustration you feel when you need to swap out your thread, and all you have to do is follow the threading path to re-thread the needle.
This is a high-speed machine that will put out a maximum of 1,100 stitches per minute to allow you to complete your projects quickly, and this product comes with a 60% stronger motor to help you tackle thicker projects with ease. You get an even feed walking foot for fabric layers, non-stick foot for leather, a zipper foot, all-purpose foot, button sewing foot, lint brush, seam ripper, needles, quilting guide, bobbins, auxiliary spool bin, screwdriver, spool pin felt, and an extra spool pin.
Features
- Built-In Stitches – Yes, 32 options
- Computer Operated – No
- High Speed Mode – Yes, up to 1,100 stitches per minute
Pros
- Has a huge range of accessories included
- Storage drawer helps to keep you organized
- 60% stronger motor for bigger projects
Cons
- No speed control on the machine
6. Juki HZL-F300
The final sewing machine for quilting on our list comes from Juki, and this is a full-sized machine that works well for both large and small quilting and sewing projects. It comes loaded with 106 stitch patterns and three fonts that allow you to create customized quilts or projects, and the free arm gives you a greater level of flexibility when you work that is useful for unique sewing experiences.
You get automatic needle threading capabilities with an automatic thread cutting mechanism that ensures you can work quickly through quilting without having to take time to re-thread your needles. There are 16 automatic sensor-controlled buttonholes included, and you can choose to get a wider workstation, so you’re not constantly moving your projects around as you sew along. The small screen allows you to see which stitches you chose at a glance, and the automatic sensors will adjust the machine to get the perfect depth for your different buttons.
Features
- Built-In Stitches – Yes, 106 with 16 buttonholes
- Computer Operated – Yes
- High Speed Mode – No
Pros
- Automatic sensors help adjust for different buttons
- Table expansion included for bigger projects
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter included
Cons
- Thread guide can be flimsy
Verdict & Review
- Comes with dozens of accessories
- Has pre-set patterns and functions
- Can sew up to 850 stitches per minute
- Available in four different styles
- Can't use the quilting bar with the walking foot
We liked that you got a host of accessories included in each purchase, and it flew through 850 stitches each minute to help move your projects along. Finally, this sewing machine for quilting has a bright LED display that allows you to see, pick, and adjust your stitches as you work.
Buying Guide
Since this can be a big investment, you want to take your time, look through multiple products, use reputable brands, and know what features are important. We understand that this is time-consuming and overwhelming, especially for beginners. This is why we created this comprehensive buying guide, and you can use it to help you compare the six best sewing machines for quilting we list above.
Why You Should Purchase a Sewing Machine for Quilting
Do you really need a specialized machine to help you tackle your quilting projects? Truthfully, you can get away with using a traditional sewing machine for some parts of your quilting projects, but they have very tight limits on what they can and can’t do. If you plan to expand your quilting projects, are considering different fabric types, or you want to create multiple quilts, you’ll want to purchase a specialized machine to remove these restricts and limits.
A standard machine will only help you cover standard projects, but a specialized sewing machine for quilting comes with features to make your life easier, like better threading procedures, customizable options, wider tables, and specialized stitches. The more dedicated your machine is to quilting, the better it’ll be able to handle things like different fabric types, widths, or lengths, and any special stitches you want to incorporate. If you want to ensure you get consistent stitching and a neat finished product, you’ll need a quilting sewing machine.
The Basics
If you’re just starting out with this type of sewing machine, it can be slightly intimidating to know where to start. Our quick tips below will help to ensure you get off to a strong start, and we’ll help you avoid a lot of frustration right out of the gate.
- Make a point to oil your machine when you get it to help ensure it performs smoothly from start to finish.
- When you first start, lower your stitches-per-minute until you get a feel for the machine. This will help you get a higher quality on your finished project.
- Put your new machine on a flat and stable surface where you have enough room to comfortably maneuver around from the start to the end of your quilting project.
- You’ll have to pick out the correct foot for quilting. The quilting foot will help the machine deal with the thicker fabric you use.
- Set your machine to decrease your stitch length. Smaller stitches are nice in quilting because it holds onto the fabric better while looking neater.
- Remember to lower your feed dog before you start working. The lowered feed dog will grip the material better to give you a neater look.
- Set up your stop down needle because this will stop your machine’s progress while keeping the needle stuck in the quilt. You can then safely turn it without losing your place.
- Before you start, shut off your thread cutter. Trim the threads when you finish working.
- Pick out a one-hole stitch plate for quilting because you’ll use a single needle.
- Switch off the fix switch before you work because you won’t need it to quilt. This can also cause unnecessary knots in your thread.
- Make a point to keep an eye on your foot pressure and work it to match your cloth’s density.
Buying Considerations
Now that you know how to start your new machine when you get it set up, you’ll want to know what to look for when you shop and compare products. This will help you tailor your choice to fit your needs, and you’ll be able to complete different projects using the same machine.
Table Size
Quilting projects require you to have a bigger work area to move through the quilt from one end to the other, so you want to have a machine with a bigger table length and a wider arm area. The bigger your area is, the more room you have to let you fabric slip through to make your crafting process much smoother and more natural. Several machines have an extension table that slides in and out as you need it, and this gives you a great degree of flexibility.
Stitch Rate
Your stitch rate is the SPM or stitches-per-minute, and this rate can vary between machines. It’ll dictate how quickly you can complete the project, but you may want to move slower if you’re just starting to quilt because you’re learning how to work with different fabrics and stitches. One of the higher rates are 1,500 SPM, but the average rate is around 850 SPM. A lot of this will fall to your personal preferences and comfort levels because more intricate stitches will take a slower pace while basic stitches can go much quicker.
Stitch Types
The average machine will come with over 100 different stitch types with more variations pre-set into the features, but you want to pay close attention to stitch width and length. A computerized machine can take on more types of stitches than a non-computerized model, and it’s nice to have a bigger flexibility because it’ll let you try out more projects and styles using one machine.
Automatic Threading
Having a machine that will automatically thread the needle when you need it can make your projects go much faster while reducing your overall frustration levels. It can also reduce the amount of eyestrain you suffer from each project, and your entire project can run much smoother from start to finish. While this feature won’t make or break you, it’s nice to have it available if you decide you need it in the middle of an extensive quilting project.
Machine Weight and Size
How large the area is where you place your sewing machine will play a significant role in the device you pick out. If you need a wider arm length or an extension table, you’ll need a bigger area to work around and maneuver through your project. The weight of the machine will also dictate the surface you set it on, but most of the options we reviewed are lightweight and relatively compact.
Feet and Arms
You want a setup that has a larger arm attached to it because your quilting projects can be larger than traditional sewing ones, and this larger arm will give you a bigger working space. You should pick out a machine that comes with a variety of feet, including free motion, darning, walking, quarter-inch, and more. The feet you end up using will depend largely on the project you tackle, but it’s always a good idea to have more than you need instead of not enough.
Warranty
A lot of quilting machines are a more expensive purchase, so it’s a good idea to get one that has a decent warranty on it to protect you from defects or damage. They come in limited or full warranty options that range from a few months to a few years, and you want to double-check to see what it does and doesn’t cover. The warranty should cover the machine itself and any parts that could wear out or break as you use it.
Memory Functions
Computerized machines usually have memory functions that will recall the last setting you had pulled up when you worked, and this can be helpful when you’re working on a large quilt and don’t finish it in one sitting. Check and see if your machine offers a memory function because you’ll find yourself resetting it each time you want to take a break and pick it up again.
Computerized or Not
These machines come in computerized and non-computerized designs, and the one you choose will fall to your personal preferences. A computerized model will usually come with more stitches pre-set into it, but a non-computerized model can be more user-friendly to beginners. The computerized ones also have a small LCD screen that allows you to flip between stitches and settings as your project advances.
Noise Levels
Some machines run very loud, and this can be an unwanted distraction throughout your project. Most of the models we reviewed claimed to run much quieter than others, and computerized models claim to run even quieter. Consider the area where you work, other people in the house, and how long you typically sit for your projects when you consider how quiet you need your machine to run.
Vibration Levels
A strong vibration can cause you to accidentally lose your place, get knots in your thread, and end up with a project that doesn’t look as nice as it should. Ideally, any machine you pick out will have a low vibration level attached to it to give you a much nicer sewing experience.
FAQ
Yes and no. You can technically use any sewing machine you want to take on your quilting projects, but a traditional machine will come with a lot of limitations that can interfere with how well your project turns out. A quilting-specific machine can handle the thicker fabric, and they usually have longer arms or an extension table that allows bigger projects to pass through.
They are usually safe for kids to use because they slots are too narrow to get their fingers in, but you should never leave your child unsupervised because they’ll have a sharp, bladed edge when they finish using it.
For straight stitching, you want to set the stitch length to 2.5 to 3.0 to give you between 8 or 12 stitches per inch of fabric. This short-range works very well for most of your machine quilting projects, but there are exceptions you should know about. For example, you’ll need a slightly longer stitch length if you choose to use thread that shines or sparkles, so they show.
For most quilting projects on your machine, you should use a 40-weight cotton thread. This thread is slightly heavier than the popular 50-weight cotton thread, and this makes it show up easier on the quilt itself at the end of the project.
Yes. The walking foot is the one piece of equipment you must have if you want to take on quilting projects because it makes the feed dogs work as a single unit that evenly grabs and pull your fabric layers through the machine. If you don’t use it, the typical pressure foot will push your quilt’s top layer forward because it’s multiple layers of fabric, and this can cause it to bunch.
There are several solid brands that produce high-end quilting machines. Some of the better-known brands include Juki, Singer, Brother, Janome, EverSewn, and Bernina. Some brands are more high-end and expensive than others, but many of the brands produce nice entry and mid-level machines.
I’m a true sewing enthusiast and have spent almost the entirety of my adult life practicing this age old art. Sewing genuinely has a special place in my heart and I’m glad to be able to share all of my experiences with each of you.