Best Sewing Machine for Quilting: Reviews in 2023
If you have been quilting manually with your hands, you are surely gifted and skilled. Also, if you are a beginner in this special skill, I can tell you that you made the right choice of craft to start.
Quilting is unique, special and requires a lot of creativity. One thing I love about this skill is that you have the option to use your hand or you can use the best sewing machine for quilting.
We have you covered in this review. As you read down, you will discover the things to check on every brand before buying it. Secondly, we have ten of the best brands for you to consider. Finally, we have a brief tutorial on how to set the machine up and how to keep it clean for durability.
Invalid table id.Top 10 Best Sewing Machine for Quiltings
1. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i
If you want to produce clothes and accessories which will suit your style, then get the Brother CS6000i. This machine can give you a quick start. Moreover, it comes with many different automatic features. Furthermore, there are other advanced included which a beginner in the field can master in the long run.
Also, there is a blind stitching foot which was added to ensure that you can put on fancy stitches to your sleeve. Furthermore, it can help to create rows of buttonholes neatly on your jacket. You can also use it to sew your custom-made cloth zipper, and also produce invisible seams.
This Brother sewing and Quilting Machine is very easy to use with the help of its LCD that acts as a stitch selector. All you need to do is touch a button and choose your stitch. The next thing you will see is your selected stitch displayed on the LCD screen.
Furthermore, you will find the threading quite easy. The only thing you need to do is trace the diagram which is printed on your machine. Before you know it, your machine will be threaded.
The stitching speed of this machine is adjustable. As a result, the speed can slide through thus, giving you control on the slowness or fastness of your sewing.
Its needle threader is automatic. If you can touch the side lever of the machine, you will see the machine pushing the thread directly via the needle.
Highlighted Features:
- There is a free arm which is built-in for sewing sleeves and cuffs
- It also comes with a very simple bobbin winding to show the position of the thread.
- This machine comes with an oversized table for quilts and larger jobs.
- The work area is brightly lit for working in the dark
- Its speed is adjustable
2. Singer | Heavy-Duty 4423 Sewing Machine with 23 Built-in Stitches
This specific sewing machine is a workhorse. Moreover, it is designed with a powerful motor and metal frame that helps it perform heavy-duty functions. As a result, Singer 4423 can work on jobs from canvas to denim. Also, it carries additional high speed for sewing which ensures no lost time.
Furthermore, you can use the sewing assistant application from SINGER to produce original costumes. Also, you can use it to transform your house and sew your styles.
It also comes with an adjustable presser for foot control. This attribute will help you to sew heavy fabrics or lightweight materials conveniently. All you have to do is to adjust the foot presser pressure.
The stronger motor of this machine enables you to sew up to thousands of stitches in one minute. As a result, any project you are working on will be timely.
Moreover, the needle threader is built-in to prevent frustration or eye strain since you can easily thread the needle eye. There is also drop-in bobbin which is convenient, easy to remove or insert. Moreover, you can monitor the thread supply of the bobbin through the machine’s transparent cover.
Highlighted Features:
- It carries up to 23 built-in stitches for your home crafts, décor, quilts, and fashions.
- This machine is also an automatic needle threader
- The sewing speed is quite high to produce more than 1100 stitches in one minute.
- The frame is specifically designed to perform heavy-duty functions.
- Various accessories also came with this machine such as all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, etc.
- There is also a limited 25-year warranty provision for this particular SINGER machine.
3. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
This particular sewing machine is among the beginner’s model that is sold at a very good price. Although the price is low, it has a high-quality rating that will surprise you. Furthermore, it carries a mechanical design with four-step buttonhole and 12 built-in stitches.
Thus, you have many good options to choose from. Also, the length, the stitch width, and the selection for the dial pattern of this machine are adjustable. The reverse lever of Janome 2212 Sewing Machine is quite reachable. As a result, it is easy also to lock the stitches.
The machine comes with a free arm and the bobbin that is front loading which you can use easily. The adjustable dial for stitch selector makes the job easy especially since the dial for stitch selection is labelled.
Moreover, with the adjustable stitch length, you can conveniently customize the stitch width and length. As a result, the highest stitch width reaches 5mm, while the stitch length maximum is 4mm.
Highlighted Features:
- The dial pattern selection is very easy to turn
- The built-in stitches are up to 12 with 4 step buttonhole
- There is also a drop feed which enhances quilting and sewing
- Janome 2212 Sewing Machine power usage reaches up to 110-volts which makes only usable in the USA.
- Dial pattern speed selector reaches about 1000 SPM
4. SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
If you want the sewing machine that will allow you to actualize your creative aspirations, this is it. This machine can personalize every one of your stitches thanks to the five beautiful fonts it offers. This sewing making can allow you to combine lettering and stitches. As a result, you will get special stitch sequences that open up many possibilities.
Not minding that it is compact, the Singer Quantum Stylist comes with packages of easy to use attributes. It has vast stitches selection which includes decorative stitches and basic stitches.
Furthermore, you can use these stitches in your home décor sewing, quilting, crafting, and fashion sewing respectively. Moreover, in a situation where you need to personalize your jobs, you can benefit from the font selection of this machine.
Also, you can thread this Janome 2212 Sewing Machine very easily. It is as a result of its automatic needle threader. Due to its threading simplicity, you may even decide to thread the entire machine from its spool to its needle’s eye just in seconds. Thereby, alleviating the strain and frustration on your eyes
This specific machine can work very fast. In short, its sewing speed reaches up to 850 stitches in a minute. As a result, your projects will be finished in record time.
Furthermore, there are so many different sewing accessories that this machine offers. Such accessories like; the general purpose foot, buttonhole foot that carries underplate. There is also the zipper foot, button sewing, satin stitch, blind hem, toe feet.
You can also get overcasting, rolled hem, embroidery and darning, feed walking, straight quilting/ stitching, and cording foot respectively.
Highlighted Features:
- It comes with maximum power control
- There is also a snap-on presser foot
- This machine also has an automatic presser foot for pressure control.
- There are automatic tension and bobbin included also
- It also comes with an additional presser feet lifter which is extra-high.
5. JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Juki TL-2000Qi is your best option if you are searching for the real heavy duty machine that will deliver you with a straight stitch. Also, it is an affordable machine, and the mechanical construction is quite robust.
This sewing machine is quiet while working and delivers efficient, and the expected output. It is quite easy to use, and you will be enjoying yourself while working instead of suffering from frustration.
Furthermore, the stitch it produces is only straight. Also, it comes with a walking foot, quilting foot for free motion, and the regular foot. Moreover, there are also the screwdrivers and the bobbins for changing feet, needles and to open the machine for cleaning.
The JUKI TL-2000Qi carries a small oil container that comes in handy any time you want to perform heavy duty projects. Also, it comes with a convenient feed switch which you can use to lift the feed dogs to the front or drop them. Furthermore, this machine comes with two sized needles which are sizes 14 and 11 which enable easy threading. In short, this sewing machine can automatically thread itself.
Also included is a large table which is good for carrying out big jobs such as quilting. There is also an adjustable foot, knee release, pressure gauge for the foot, a knob for thread adjustment, tension knob respectively.
Highlighted Features:
- This machine is updated with a pedal operation and LED lights.
- It delivers straight stitches.
- The needle threader is automatic
- Its die casting arm is made from aluminium
- The bed also is specifically designed to accommodate low vibration tasks.
6. Singer | 7258 100- Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
This particular Singer Machine delivers great value. Moreover, it is versatile and comes with various free accessories. Furthermore, it offers up to 100 stitching options for you to choose from. As a result, you can embellish and create the stitches to produce home decors, fashions, and so many other designs. In short, you have the assurance of getting consistent results anytime you sew on a buttonhole.
This machine also comes with six different buttonhole styles for you to choose from such as; keyhole and a round end. Moreover, you can use these styles for outwears and menswear for a successful output. Furthermore, you can easily see and thread the upper drop-in bobbin.
As a result, it wouldn’t be easy to run out of your thread as you are still working. Anytime you choose a stitch, the maximum stitch width and length will be chosen for you thus, saving you much time.
Moreover, if you want to personalize your project, you can customize the stitches by adjusting their width and length. Also, you can view your adjustments through the LCD screen.
There is also the Speed Control Lever which you can use to determine how slow or fast your work will be. You can select slow for intricate jobs, and fast for duvets, curtains, or long seams. At least, you are sure of your optimum control over the sewing machine.
Highlighted Features:
- This machine comes with an accessible free arm to enable you to sew around the cuffs, trouser hems, and children’s clothes.
- There are push buttons for stitch selection
- It also has optimum width and length setting.
- There is an automatic setting for tensions
- It also comes with a limited warranty for 25 year
7. Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine HC1850, 130 Built-In Stitches
This specific machine is specifically built so that you can use it for your quilting, basic monogramming, and sewing projects conveniently.
Moreover, this machine is easy to use, and you can use it for multiple purposes. It comes packaged with so many features that help it produce up to 130 beautiful stitches. Such stitches like; eight different styles of 1-step buttonholes with 55 alphanumeric stitches for major programming.
Furthermore, this machine is specifically designed to offer ease of use and flexibility. Included also to this device are an easy built-in reference flip chart for stitches, push-button stitch selector, eight presser foot, adjustable speed, detachable feet controller, and automatic threading.
Also, it carries an outstanding feed system that enables for the sewing of about any fabric you may have.
Moreover, it comes equipped with varieties of quilting attributes such as; removable wide tables, capacity for free motion, and spring action quilting. Also, this Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine are portable and lightweight which makes it the best for training.
Highlighted Features:
- There is an ultra-bright LED light to lit up the work area
- The sewing speed is adjustable.
- Its feed system is exceptional which enables the sewing on multiple fabric ranges.
- Also included is an easy flip chart at the machine’s front for the showing of the built-in stitches.
- It carries an automatic threader needle, and the threading system is simple.
- The system for the bobbin winding is extremely easy.
- You can even operate this machine with or without the feet controller pedal.
- There is also a built-in handle to suit its portability.
- It also has an intelligent stitch selector push-button.
- Included also is 170 stitching function which you can use for constructing garments.
8. Brother XR3774 Full-Featured Sewing and Quilting Machine with 37 Stitches
This particular sewing machine is versatile, value-packed, and easy to use for your everyday sewing jobs. Moreover, it has a lightweight design with various user-friendly attributes. In short, this machine is perfect for beginners to train with and also good for advanced sewers.
The Brother XR3774 machine is versatile and expansive. Also, it has 37 built-in stitches such as; decorative stitches, blind helm, with quilting stitches. There is also the automatic 1-step buttonhole that produces excellent buttonholes. Also provided is a large faced table that comes in handy when you are doing large scale jobs.
Furthermore, this machine will allow you to enjoy working on pant legs, sleeves, and cuffs respectively. In short, this machine is specifically built to provide you with ease while working. It also has built-in needle threader that is easy to use. The bobbin winding method of this machine is automatic with a quick set for the upper bobbin.
There is also an instructional DVD in Spanish and English and a limited warranty for 25 years. Moreover, you will get to a bonus technical online and phone support for the entire lifetime of the machine.
Highlighted Features:
- This machine comes with a large table to accommodate the sewing of large-scale jobs like quilts.
- The built-in stitches are up to 37 in number including another 37 sets for decorative stitching.
- It carries eight sewing foot and one-step automatic size buttonholer.
- The optimum sewing speed reaches up to 800 stitches in a minute.
- There is also the needle threader which is built-into the machine.
- The work area is lit up brightly thanks to the LED light.
9. Eversewn – Sparrow 20 – 80 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
If are an ambitious sewer, this computerized Eversewn Sparrow 20 is definitely for you. It looks like a lightweight but in reality, performs heavy-duty projects.
Moreover, this machine comes with a stitching package that consists of 80 stitches. Also, it carries about 15 needle postures and the highest stitch width that reaches 7mm. The start and stop function is practical thus allowing control over the stitching process. As a result, there is no need again for a foot pedal.
Furthermore, the up and down function of the needle position allows for the specification of the position at the finishing row. This particular machine is made up of the Computerized Hook System with a rotary arm length that reaches 163mm maximum.
The EverSewn stitching speed for each minute reaches 850spm, and it also comes with a topside thread tension control. Also, a LED light is included in the make-up of this machine to brighten up the work area.
The up/ down threader needle positioning has the twin needle capacity for more productivity. There is also a 10-year warranty provision, one year for labour via brewer sewing, and one year for mechanical electronics.
Furthermore, this machine comes with servicing stitches such as; a darning stitch, forty-nine decorative stitches, stretch stitches, and ten 7mm stitches for quilting. Also, the maximum width of the stitches is 4.5mm.
Highlighted Features:
- It carries the drop-in hook mechanism and an LCD unit.
- The sewing area is brightly lit with an LED light
- This machine is computerized, and also, it comes with 80 stitches thus, providing you with many options.
- It comes with so many different accessories such as; a Zig zag feet, Zipper, feet sliding buttonhole, which is on the sewing machine.
- There is also a seven presser foot dust cover
- This machine also comes with an overlock blind foot hem, an appliqué feet button, and sewing feet bobbins.
10. Juki HZL –F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
This particular sewing machine offers versatility. Moreover, it is sturdy and can work on various thick fabrics flawlessly. Also, it can sew on light jerseys without any hitches. With its attributes, you can produce many different things.
Also, allows you to do garment sewing, household sewing, mending, and hemming respectively. Moreover, it will enable you to create beautiful drapes, curtains, and quilts conveniently. Furthermore, it can change from one specific function to the other very smoothly.
Moreover, among all the other base sewing machines available, the Juki HZL –F600 operates quietly. Furthermore, LED lights are used to brighten up the work area. One light is placed on top of the bed, while the other one is on top of the needle.
You can conveniently set up this machine since it is intuitive and can perform right out from the box. In short, you can rely greatly on this machine since it creates a qualitative stitch every time. The mechanism for the quilting foot operates in free motion with a perfect design.
To ensure that you have a larger working space for large projects, this machine comes with a bigger extension table.
Moreover, its bobbin winder is equipped with its specific motor. Also, there are other features included such as; one quarter inch foot, free motion feet, and one walking foot respectively. There is also a bigger LCD that consists of four fonts of 33mm x 66mm. What more could you ask of?
Highlighted Features:
- This machine comes with the Box feed mechanism
- It is versatile in its material usage since it can work on thick and light materials successfully.
- Sewing in free motion mode is possible with this machine
- The extended table for sewing provides a large working space.
- This particular machine offers various stitches and patterns including decorative ones.
Buying the Best Sewing Machine for Quilting: What To Look For?
If you must come home with a great sewing machine for quilting, you need to be prepared with the right information. Is it not always easy to identify the best you know? However, if you patiently check out the following factors, you will have a smooth sail in your shopping.
- The Harp Space
This is the distance between the machine needle and the other part of your quilting machine that holds the motor. This harp space is, in fact, the most important thing a quilter should consider. If you don’t have adequate space, you may find it hard to quilt.
Also, you cannot work on the large quilt if the space to hold it is not enough. What if you need to quilt the centre, what then? Therefore consider this space seriously.
- Speed control and Knee Lift
If you are a beginner in quilting, you need to get a sewing machine that has speed control. If you select any brand that you can be in charge of the speed, it will help you to be comfortable in your operation. Also, a knee lift is very necessary to have in the best sewing machine for quilting.
This feature will help to lift your presser foot when you want and also lowers it easily. One good thing about a knee lift is that it saves you lots of quilting time. At least with it present in your machine, you will have two free hands to position your quilt as you want.
- Needle up/down and thread cutter
If you want to get the best quilting machine, then you must look out for the one with a needle down default. Why you must do this is to ensure accuracy while quilting. If your needle stops down, it won’t wander off the stitch line.
Some machine needles stop way up, but this will be a problem unless of course, you can set it to be needle down if you choose. Then there won’t be an issue.
Also, if you get a machine that has a mechanism for cutting the thread automatically, you will save a lot of time as well. Apart from the time, you can use your thread efficiently and profitably.
- Cost
This may not have been a problem if not that a beginner may want to start on a low budget. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding your budget. If you want to spend less on your sewing machine for quilting, you may not get the type of result you are targeting.
A low-price machine will not have the capability to produce beautiful and even stitches. Also, they usually have tension problems that may give you horrible stitches on your quilt.
On the other hand, if you spend a little extra on buying your sewing machine for quilting, you can be sure of impressive results after using it on any quilt. Therefore, before you decide to go for a low-budget machine, think twice especially if you are a commercial quilter.
- Dealer
Many people may not want to pay attention to this factor, but it also matters greatly. Make sure that you buy from a dealer who can answer whatever question you have while you compare sewing machines. Also, the dealer should be the one responsible for repairing or servicing your machine when you notice any fault.
It is true that you opt for an online dealer, but there is no cause to worry if they will include these requirements in their service package. Some stores that sell sewing machines online go as far as offering you a satisfactory warranty on your purchases.
How to Set Sewing Machine for Quilting?
We all know that using a sewing machine on clothing materials may not require many settings. However, when it comes to quilting, you need to get the settings right. Therefore, follow these steps and get it right.
- Apply oil to the machine
To be sure of smooth operation, you need to apply a good oil to your machine to function properly. Depending on what the brand you have needs, you can pour the machine oil into a particular hole, or you will apply oil on every part of the machine. Whichever the case, oiling your sewing machine for quilting is necessary.
- Keep your machine in a suitable location
The best place to keep your quilting machine is at the corner of a room. Whether you are operating the machine by hand or by foot, place the machine where you will be comfortable.
- Lower the Stitches-Per-Minute
Another important thing is to set the SPM. Keep the rate at a low rate to get good denser stitches and good finishing.
- Select Foot
Install the hopping foot or darning foot as it is normally called since you are going to quilt on clothes that are thicker than normal materials. The reason for using a hopping foot is to synchronize the movement of the needle and the foot.
- Disengage the Feed Dog
This is necessary if you want the cloth to be in the right position and thereby improving the machine’s quilting performance. If your machine is old, use the cover to lower it but if it is new, use the leaver to lower the feed dogs.
- Reduce stitch length
You don’t need large stitches to get a good-looking quilt. Don’t forget that when you use large stitches, it doesn’t attach very well to your cloth. Therefore, when quilting, avoid using long stitches.
- Shut off the machine’s thread cutter
In quilting, you don’t need to use your thread cutter except on normal sewing. Therefore, to set the sewing machine for amazing quilting, stop the cutter from functioning.
- Select a suitable stitch plate.
The type of stitch plate necessary for quilting is the one with a single hole. The reason to select this plate is that you will be using one needle while quilting. Therefore, don’t start your work without taking care of the stitch plate.
- Stop down your needle
This step is also important because it will allow the needle to remain inside the quilt even as your machine stops.
- Reduce your foot pressure
If you select a suitable foot based on how thick the cloth is, you may not need to reduce the pressure any longer.
- Shut Down your Fix Stitch
Before quilting, make sure that you disable the machine’s fix stitch or you will be struggling with knots in your thread as you quilt.
How To Clean A Quilting Machine?
Your quilting machine is the most valued and trusty device. Moreover, when you continue working with it, you are likely to know everything about the machine. Although every machine is different, you will still know the tricks and the unhappy moments of your quilting machine.
There is one thing that is common to every machine. It is that they are aware of your deadlines and can feel your fears. You may ask yourself, why is it that you’re quilting machine seem to develop one problem or another at mid-projects?
Well, the answer may be that you are not taking proper care of your machine as you should. Moreover, the best way to ensure that your machine is running without a hitch is to keep it clean. Make sure that every dust, dirt, or lint that it has accumulated is cleaned out.
In case you are wondering when your machine is due for a cleaning, you should know this. If your machine is clean, it will be operating quietly. However, when your machine starts issuing out unlikely sounds and becomes noisy while operating, it is saying, “clean me”.
Furthermore, how many times you clean your quilting machine depends on its usage. If you use your machine more often, it is advisable to clean it more often as well.
A standard rule is that it is good to clean your quilting machine once or more after using it for 10 hours. Most of the quilters just clean the case of the bobbin after changing the bobbin two or three times.
However, if your quilting machine starts to misbehave, there is a need for you to look inside its bobbin case. If you do so, there is no doubt that you are likely to see lint, dirt, or dust that has started accumulating there. It is a sure sign that it is time for proper cleaning of your quilting machine.
Required Tools:
Before embarking on the task of cleaning your quilting machine, there are certain things you may need to get. Such things like;
- The machine’s manual
- A screwdriver that is shaped like a disc
- A small brush or cleaner brush for pipes
- Long tweezers, or cotton buds
- Machine oil
Cleaning Proper
- Gather the Necessary tools and the machine’s manual
Most of the tools come together with the machine.
Moreover, any of them that you can’t find, you can buy them cheaply at your local convenience store. Furthermore, if you cannot find the manual of the machine, you can always go online. If you log on to the manufacturer’s website, you can download the manual specific to your machine.
- The first place to clean is your machine’s bobbin area.
Before you do any cleaning on the machine, make sure that it is plugged out from the power source. This will ensure your safety. You can then follow the manual instructions to bring out the needle plate and presser foot.
Also, lower its feed teeth and lever off the screws holding the machine’s needle plate. Use your lint brush to clean the feed teeth and bring out the accumulated lint in the machine’s feed channels. If there are any lint or dust balls inside, carefully remove them with the tweezers or cotton buds. Make sure that you don’t push them more inside.
- The Next Step is to Clean Beneath the Bobbin
Before carrying on with this task, it is advisable to take a quick picture of its layout first. With the picture, you will be able to put it back together properly. Then proceed to remove the casing of the bobbin holder. Use your tweezers to remove any lint balls or dust.
Also, brush the entire area most especially the hook race area. That is that metal hook that holds the thread. If you want to clean all around it, you can gently shift the machine’s hand wheel. Any tiny vacuum attachment comes in handy here if you want to clean out everything.
Also, canned air can be helpful although it may administer moisture in your machine. Thus, blowing the lint back in but you can avoid it if you are very careful.
- Check the Machine’s Tension Discs for Broken thread Pieces, Lint, and Dust
Often, pieces of broken thread, lint, and dust hide between the machine’s tension discs. As a result, a gap opens up between the discs thereby causing low pressure on threads and thread loops beneath.
If you want to clean it off, you need to lever up its presser foot so that the discs can disengage. Proceed to run one length of dental floss or cotton thread that is quite thick along the discs. Move it thru and fro a few times on its thread channel. This process will clean out any residual lint.
Most quilting machine issues always stem from their thread tension. As a result, when you clean their bobbin and discs, the tension problems will be solved.
- Time for Reassembling
Carefully look at the picture you shot previously or the machine’s manual. It will help you to know the proper place for each component and replace it. First, of, all replace the casing of the bobbin. Make sure that it is lined up as it was formerly.
Proceed to slide in the stitch plate otherwise called throat or needle plate and put back the screws. Replace the presser foot and insert another needle. Make sure that you attach it properly. Firmly tighten up its thumb screw. Use your screwdriver only if the manual says so.
- Clean out the Machine’s Surface
After you are through with reassembling the components of the machine, you can now wipe it down. Use a soft or slightly wet cloth to clean out any thread, lint, or dust on the machine. Do not forget to squeeze the damp cloth firmly.
This will make sure that water or moisture will not get close to the machine’s mobile parts. Use a dry cloth to re-wipe the machine once again.
Conclusion
It is true that many people are using their hands to quilt, but if you get the best machine for quilting, you can enjoy a quicker turnaround. With this review you have just read, no manufacturer can confuse you with their marketing pitch no matter how interesting.
Already, you have the important factors you must consider in every brand. There are also ten of the best brands here. Check each of them out and pick the best one for you. Don’t forget to set your machine following our guide and also make sure that you clean it when necessary.
All these will help your best sewing machine for quilting to last very long.
Very informative article especially the photo idea for replacing the bobbin case.