Quilting is one of the most popular niches in the sewing world. Quilts are an opportunity to showcase your personality and creativity, but you’ll need the tools for the job. Any quilter will tell you that the right machine makes all the difference, and that’s what we’ll be checking out today. We’ll look at the best sewing machine for quilting and help you decide which is best for you.
OUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Brother HC1850
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2. Juki TL-2010
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3. Janome 3160QDC-T
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Product Reviews
Brother HC1850
Product Overview
This Brother sewing machine has just about everything you’d want in a quality quilting machine – right down to the attractive price point. If you’re not sure what makes a sewing machine ideal for quilting, we’ll walk you through it as we go.
We don’t need to tell you that quilts are big. As such, they require a large working area – like the one found on this sewing machine. It includes a detachable expansion table that increases the size of the workspace, giving you more room to lay out the quilt and comfortably sew across its surface.
Quilters also want a wealth of stitch options. Because quilt design is such a personal choice, more stitches give you more opportunities to express your creativity. This machine has 185 built-in stitch patterns, which range from standard to complex to decorative. You can use the intuitive LCD to change stitch patterns and the physical flip-chart as a handy reference.
Additionally, quilters want a machine that is easy to use and works with a wide variety of fabrics. The HC1850 has plenty of features that lend to ease of use, including a quick-set bobbin system, adjustable sewing speed, auto-threading, and more. The feed system is especially handy and can be adjusted to suit different types of quilt fabric. The drop-feed system makes it possible to pull off advanced free-motion quilting projects. It also comes with eight feet to suit your style.
Aside from all this, quilters want a high-quality sewing machine that just works, and this is why we recommend trusted brands like Brother.
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Bottom Line
For such an affordable machine, this machine is packed with features that quilters love. You can find more advanced machines (such as some machines we’ll look at below), but it’s hard to find a better value than this. For the price, it’s hard to beat this offering from Brother.
Best Premium – Juki TL-2010
Product Overview
The Juki TL-2010 represents what you can expect from a more premium sewing machine (although it’s far from the most premium on the market). This Juki sewing machine has many features that make it very suited to quilting.
First up, it’s got a big workspace, and it comes with a huge extension table. The extension table is quite a bit larger than we’ve seen on most home sewing machines. Additionally, it’s got ample throat space, measuring in at 8.5”, which is ideal if you’re working with bulkier materials. If the workspace is your primary concern, this is the best product on our list.
It’s got everything you’d want from a modern sewing machine, including auto-threading, auto-thread-trimming, etc.
It also comes packaged with several feet, many of which are ideal for different types of quilting. There are two free-motion quilting feet, a walking presser foot, a regular presser foot, a zipper foot, and more. It’s also got extra bobbins, extra needles, a lint brush, and a screwdriver.
Above all, it’s speedy and stable. This machine is one that you have to feel to understand the hype. It glides along effortlessly through different types of fabric, and the stitching is smooth and consistent. “Like butter” is an ample description for this machine, offering superior control for your next quilting project.
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The Bottom Line
Ideal for quilters, this machine has a big workspace, and it’s smooth and consistent for any type of work. Big, sturdy, and reliable, it’s not hard to see why this machine is the choice of many quilters everywhere.
Janome 3160QDC-T
Product Overview
Here’s another quality pick from one of our favorite brands – Janome. It’s another good mid-tier option that we think has everything you need for most quilting projects.
Once again, we can’t talk about a quilting sewing machine without mentioning the size of the workspace. This one comes with an extension table that is easy to attach and detach, giving you a wide-open space to put together your creations.
Many quality-of-life improvements make this machine easy to use, including a jam-proof bobbin loading system, an automatic thread cutter button, a lock stitch button (for finishing a stitch), a reverse stitch button, and a needle up/down button. None of this is particularly revolutionary, but it’s nice that each feature gets its dedicated button.
There are 60 built-in stitches, which is a little on the low side. However, we’ve always found that we never use more than a select few, so some quilters may enjoy the simplicity for their new sewing project. You can adjust the stitches with the LCD.
As usual, what’s most important is that the machine feels good, and this one does. It’s smooth, consistent, and quiet. It’s not quite as fast as other machines, but it is precise and controlled. It’s also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to transport from place to place.
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Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that sits in-between entry-level and premium, this is a quality choice. Works well, has high functionality, and reliable performance from a trusted brand.
Singer Quantum Stylist
Product Overview
Singer has been a trusted name in sewing for decades, and the Quantum Stylist is one of their best sewing machines for quilting. This computerized sewing machine is geared toward portability, which makes it ideal for the quilter on the go.
As has been a running theme, a quality quilter requires a big workspace. This one has a detachable expansion table that has you covered in this regard.
And as with most Singer machines, this one is geared to making your life easy. The automatic needle threader is a breeze, and the needle up/down feature is ideal for free-motion quilting and more. It also comes with a variety of accessories and feet for any project.
This machine has a whopping 600 decorative stitches, giving you complete creative freedom over your quilt’s stitch patterns. The front panel displays the stitches, and they are changeable via the machine’s LCD.
Another cool feature is that Singer built its interior metal frame to provide ample weight balancing to the machine. So while it is still highly portable, it’s balanced so that it doesn’t shift while you’re working.
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Bottom Line
Like many of Singer’s machines, this one is ideal for the beginner/intermediate quilter or anyone looking for a portable machine. It impresses with a huge array of stitch patterns, allowing you to create your masterpiece!
Juki TL 2000QI
Product Overview
Let’s end our list with another one of the top brands in sewing – Juki. Our goal with this list was to give you a wide array of options so that you can pick the one best for you. Juki brings to the table some unique features that you won’t find anywhere else.
First of all, the expansion table is huge. Combined with the wide throat, you’ll have a massive work area for big quilting projects.
The heavy duty sewing machine is smooth, consistent, and has a very stable feel overall, in part thanks to its aluminum die-cast arm and bed, which lowers vibration and gives you more control over your quilting. This machine has a lightning-quick top speed of 1500SPM, making it ideal for advanced quilters who work fast.
Juki packs in all the features you’d expect from a modern machine while maintaining a classic look and a classic feel. There’s no digital display, and it’s all operated manually. We prefer this type of machine, but it will depend on your preference.
The Juki is suitable for beginner to advanced quilters, and we think the price is a bargain for what it offers.
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Bottom Line
This Juki machine has a classic look with a modern feel. It’s got all the bells and whistles, and sewing feels effortless and controlled. It’s built to last and offers great value for the money. Just be aware of the relatively steep learning curve if you’re a beginner.
Buyer’s Guide
As you can tell from our list, there are many options available. To help you choose among these options, we’ll end our list with a comprehensive buyer’s guide. Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about the best sewing machine, but the best sewing machine for you. Consider these factors to make the right choice:
Skill Level
As we noted throughout our list, some sewing machines are more or less adept for beginners, and some for advanced quilters. You’re best to match the machine with your skill level. Advanced quilters might require many more features and a machine capable of a higher SPM for added efficiency. Beginners might want to avoid spending money on these extra features that they won’t use. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s worth considering!
Stitch Patterns
Stitch patterns are worth consideration in any sewing machine but hold special importance for quilting. We’d say the more the better, but some users may get overwhelmed with too many. Either way, added stitch patterns mean more opportunities to show off your creativity with more intricate quilt designs.
Ease-of-Use Functionality
Modern sewing machines have all sorts of quality-of-life improvements. From auto-threaders to auto thread-cutters to advanced feed dogs, and the list goes on and on. We highlighted many of these features in our list above, and you’ll want to consider which features are most important to your quilting preferences.
Overall Feel
We’ve included this factor last, but it’s perhaps the most important. The overall feel of a sewing machine might end up being what gives it the most lasting appeal. You want a machine that is smooth, consistent, and precise, a machine that glides along effortlessly, making pinpoint threading patterns and offering you ample control. We know that you can’t always test a machine before buying, which is why we took special effort in our product reviews to highlight the overall feel.
Conclusion
Thanks for checking out our guide to the best sewing machines for quilting. Ultimately, you want to consider our reviews and your personal preferences, and we’re confident you can make the best choice for yourself, whether you’re quilting, sewing, or anything in between, you need the tools that work with your work style to achieve ultimate results.
