While any sewing machine may be used for quilting, there’s no disputing that a machine made with quilting in mind will provide a quilter with some useful extra capabilities. These are just a few of the factors to take into consideration when selecting from the finest sewing machines for quilting.
It’s important to look for a specialized sewing machine that can offer a bigger work space, such as long arm sewing machines or zigzag sewing machines, because stitching quilts can need working on quite huge quantities of cloth. Selecting a machine with excellent feed dogs and the right feet will help your quilting go through the many layers of material that must pass through the machine simultaneously while quilting. Because the top sewing machines can hold an astounding amount of stitch designs, your creative possibilities are virtually limitless. These machines are also typically computerized.
My top five sewing machines for quilting are listed below. There is a sewing machine to fit every requirement and budget, whether you’re an expert quilter or a beginner searching for your first machine. See my guide to the finest sewing machines if you’re in need of a more versatile device. I also have a guide on the best sewing machines for beginners if you’re new to sewing. See our ‘How we test craft and sewing machines’ guide for more information about our review method.
Sewing machines for quilting: Available now
01. Brother CS700X
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.65 x 16.26 x 12.21 inches
Weight: 6.3 kg
Stitches: 70 stitches, including utility, decorative, heirloom and quilting stitch functions
Extras: A wide table, 10 sewing feet plus a quilt guide, protective hard case
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REASONS TO BUY
+ Easy to use and lightweight design
+ Automatic reinforcement stitching
+ Comes with 10 foot attachments
REASONS TO AVOID
- Could use more built-in stitches
If you’re a beginner quilter seeking to purchase your first machine, the Brother CS700X is the finest choice. At a great price, this sewing machine comes with everything you need to get started.
In addition to what is included in the price, the ease of use and portability of this sewing machine makes it an excellent choice for a first machine. One of the many helpful features for quilters I was shocked to see included for this price is the extension table, which is one of the numerous features that make the Brother CS700X portable enough to bring to a class.
Among the many advantages of this sewing machine are its excellent foot selection, which includes the crucial walking foot for sewing through several layers. The machine’s automated reinforcement stitching and needle stop position adjustment are nice features that help quilters stitch more quickly and easily.
02. Singer Patchwork 7285Q
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 15 x 17.7 x 13.8 inches
Weight: 6.8 kg
Stitches: 98 stitches, including 6 automatic one-step buttonholes and an automatic four-step buttonhole
Extras: Canvas cover with extension table pocket, 4 quilting feet
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REASONS TO BUY
+ Will last you a long time
+ Well-priced for its features
+ Lots of stitches and quality extras
REASONS TO AVOID
- A little heavier than my No.1
The Singer Patchwork 7285, as its name implies, was created with quilters in mind, but it’s still a fantastic sewing machine for other purposes. Along with several useful additions, it has an extension table pocket for secure storage and a high-quality canvas cover.
Considering the budget, I was amazed by how many helpful features were provided for quilters, like the speed adjustment, needle up/down button, and 98 built-in stitches. A pleasant surprise was also the wide range of feet that the machine has to offer, including darning, walking, and ¼-inch feet—all of which are useful for quilting.
There’s much here to keep intermediate quilters occupied, thrilled, and sewing with ease, but the Singer Patchwork 7285Q is a terrific machine for novices and rookies to quilting on a sewing machine because it’s simple to set up and operate.
Also Read: Top 5 Sewing Machines for Beginners
03. Bernette 38
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
Weight: 9.8 kg
Stitches: 394 stitches, including a stretch stitch for elastic fabric
Extras: Hard plastic cover, extension table, 8 Presser Feet
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REASONS TO BUY
+ Huge number of stitches
+ The tough cover is welcome
+ Control both speed and pressure
REASONS TO AVOID
- A heavy sewing machine
It’s understandable why beginner and intermediate quilters continue to favor the Bernette B38. If you’re searching for a durable, well-made machine, this is one of the best sewing machines for quilting.
The spacious extension table that comes with the Bernette B38 makes for an excellent workspace, even if the machine is small enough to be carried to a quilting club or class. I appreciate the abundant and unambiguous plate markings as well as the convenient scissor button for cutting your threads.
The many built-in stitches, which include a variety of useful stitches in addition to more ornamental and alphabetical alternatives, make it simple to choose your stitch. Sewing machine perfect for quilting, the Bernette B38 allows you to adjust the pressure on your work as well as your speed.
04. Janome Memory Craft 6650
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 9 x 20 x 12 inches
Weight: 10.9 kg
Stitches: 170 stitches, including 2 alphabets
Extras: 5 foot attachments and supports free motion quilting
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REASONS TO BUY
+ Has every feature a quilter needs
+ Incredibly fast and well made
+ Uses the 7-point feeding system
REASONS TO AVOID
- It’s an expensive investment
If you’re searching for a sewing machine that can do it all quickly and is built to last—not just in terms of its mechanical longevity but also in terms of your ability—the Janome Memory Craft 6650 is the finest option for quilters. It will grow better with practice.
In addition to offering plenty of room for free-motion embroidery, the machine’s 10-inch all-metal flatbed serves as a reliable support when stitching at a speed of 1,000 stitches per minute. The 170 built-in stitches may never be used, but this machine offers quilters many additional advantages, like a 7-point feeding system that increases touch with your work.
I really appreciate that the pressure foot has an extra high lift that makes it easy to fit a quilt underneath it and that you can change the amount of pressure that holds your item in place. Although the Janome 6650 is an expensive piece of equipment, it should be a wise purchase because its mechanical parts are covered by a 25-year warranty.
05. Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 12.25 x 19.5 x 9.5 inches
Weight: 13.6 kg
Stitches: 170 stitches, 9mm wide, including 3 alphabets, 10 one-step buttonholes
Extras: Large 11-inch sewing area to the right of the needle, knee lift, extra high presser foot lift
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REASONS TO BUY
+ Bright lamps light up your stitch area
+ Large space to the right of the needle
+ A fast and quite quiet machine
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not for beginners
Dedicated quilter? Then, although it is an investment, the Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition is the machine for you. You may also be prepared to shell out a significant amount of money for a feature-rich dream machine if you anticipate devoting many hours to your passion.
The amazing light and space that the Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition offers for all of your quilting jobs is why I adore it. You can easily see your work because to the five ultrabright LED lighting, and working on larger quilts is made easier by the astonishing 11-inch of space to the right of the needle.
It’s a quick and simple machine to use, with a high-resolution LSD touch screen that makes programming the 170 built-in stitches a pleasure. You can adjust the speed control up to 1,000 stitches per minute.
Final Thoughts
As a novice quilter, selecting an appropriate sewing machine is an essential first step. The best quilting machines for novices include a range of accessories, dependable performance, and user-friendly features in one package.
You can easily locate the ideal partner for your quilting adventure by being aware of your alternatives and taking into account the aspects that are most important to you.
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