Quilting machines can often pose problems for people who work with them as they require a lot of space – the long arm of a quilting machine isn’t tiny, and many people look for alternatives to quilt with. In this regard, many sewing machines have adapted to the process of quilting, and they’re just as good at quilting as actual quilting machines.
In this article, we’ll be looking for the best sewing machines that can be used for quilting to determine which device suits you best and what will fit your needs best.
Let’s get started!
Brother CS7000i Sewing and Quilting Machine – Best Overall
If you’re looking for the absolute best for quilting, you just found it.
What’s going to impress you is the speed of this sewing and quilting machine. It can stitch at a rate of 850 stitches per minute – it’s going to be enough for any needs your quilting may have. It’s a viral entry on many lists, and that’s not without reason – it’s been a best-seller on Amazon for a few years.
It’s also impressive that it’s not even that expensive – and even at that price, it’s still packed with features and accessories that usually only come with more expensive machines. It’s also very intuitive and a good learning machine – it’s a good fit even if you’re a beginner, as it’s easy to learn on this machine.
The fact that it’s inexpensive is a significant asset if you’re a beginner, as you won’t have to invest a lot of money in it.
This machine has 70 unique built-in stitches: The Brother CS7000i comes with 70 built-in sewing stitches, including utility, quilting, decorative, heirloom stitches, and seven auto-size buttonholes. This should be more than enough to cover all your needs.
The automatic needle threader and the drop-in top bobbin are other impressive features. This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.
The table included with the sewing machine is beneficial, making it much easier when creating your quilt. Thanks to the walking foot and the handy quilting guide, you won’t have any trouble working with thicker quilts – this will space out your stitching evenly.
Interestingly, this machine is also easily computerized. If you sign up for a sewing or a quilting class, you’ll soon learn that this machine is often used in lessons. Once again, it’s easy for beginners, as they have a breeze using it, and it’s fun to use, easy to learn, and reliable.
This sewing machine has many accessories: the CS7000i includes a hard protective case, a wide table, ten sewing feet, an instruction manual, and more. It also has an LCD screen, allowing you to make and view your stitch selections easily.
It also has impressive support, as the CS7000i quilting and sewing machine comes with a support option at your side, offering free technical support via online, live chat, or phone for the life of your device.
Pros:
- a lot of great features and additions that usually have to be bought separately
- it’s great for both beginners and advanced quilters
- the auto-threading needle is handy, as you can do a lot of work without actually having to be present
- it’s not expensive at all, and anyone can afford this machine, which makes it perfect for beginners
- it’s an excellent machine for beginners – often used in sewing classes
- it’s light and portable – no problems with storage
- the LCD screen is handy, and it shows a whole spectrum of information
- impressive speed
Cons:
- since it’s so light, it could tip if working on huge quilts
If you’re interested in the Brother CS7000i, please follow this link.
Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine – Budget Pick
Don’t think you’re out of options if your budget is tight. For example, we have this machine as a definition of affordable and valuable.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a quilting expert. This machine is going to take care of all your needs. Let’s take a look at it!
This machine is very easily operable, and it comes at a relatively low price for the level of quality it possesses. It’s intended to be as accessible as possible, using an LCD screen (similar to the one in our previous example). That LCD panel will display which stitch you are currently on, and you can use the LCD screen to choose the stitch of your choice, all at a push of a button.
A few suppliers only sell this machine, so it’s somewhat rare. This machine makes it easy to enjoy creating clothing and accessories. This machine is designed to help you get started quickly with its many automatic features – these features are somewhat stealing the show, as they make the engine more accessible to its users.
It’s easy to add decorative stitches to a sleeve, create a neat row of buttonholes on a jacket, sew a zipper on a custom-fitted skirt, and create virtually invisible seams with the included blind stitch foot. This machine makes it very easy to make your creative ideas a reality.
Easy threading is an excellent feature of this machine – follow the numbered diagram printed on the device, and you’ll have your machine threaded in no time! Accompany that to adjustable sewing speed – the stitch speed slider gives you control over how fast or slows you want to sew.
Do you have trouble threading the needle? That problem is solved with this machine! Just touch the lever on the side of the device, and the CS6000i automatically pushes the thread right through the needle.
The oversized table of this sewing machine is designed for quilts and other larger projects, and the big table gives you the extra space you need to maneuver your project while you work.
The sewing area is brightly lit, so you can work with even bad lighting without missing it. A diagram is printed on the CS6000i machine, showing you exactly where to place the thread, so you’re entirely sure with easy bobbin winding.
A free arm that’s built-in for sewing cuffs and sleeves is here to make it easy for you to sew sleeves. It’s perfect for sewing sleeves, pant legs on children’s clothing, and other smaller cylindrical items.
There are quite a few accessories included with this machine – a hard protective case comes for free to protect your device when it is not in use. You also get eight sewing and quilting feet: walking foot, spring action quilting foot, overcasting foot, monogramming foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, buttonhole foot, and a button sewing foot.
This sewing machine is perfect for all your DIY projects. The oversized table makes it easy to maneuver larger quilting projects, the walking foot allows for smoother feeding of multiple layers, the quilting foot allows for more accurate placement of your quilting stitches, and the quilting guide helps you sew evenly spaced rows of quilting stitches. With all these features, you’ll soon discover how easy it is to create beautiful quilts for your home, family, and friends!
Pros:
- this machine has 60 built-in stitches, including quilting stitches
- it’s an excellent option for beginners, advanced quilters, and experts
- it’s sold at a reasonably small price, so you’re not going to have to break the bank for it
- walking foot and quilting foot make it easy to work with a machine
- automatic thread cutting and automatic needle threading make it easy to start and end
- it’s very easy for bobbin winding
- the free arm is beneficial with sleeves and cuffs
- the extra-large quilting table is handy
Cons:
- thicker fabrics (leather, for example) can cause problems
- the automatic backlit LCD panel won’t let you adjust the light
If you’re interested in this machine, follow this link.
Singer S16 Studio Industrial
This is another great machine for quilting. The singer is a worldwide brand that’s famous for its high-quality machines.
This machine, in particular, is powerful – it provides you with the power of an industrial-strength sewing machine for a fraction of the cost. It can genuinely stitch up to 1,600 stitches per minute, you will whip through projects in no time, and the independent bobbin winding system allows you to wind a bobbin while sewing simultaneously!
Similar to our previous entry, this machine has an automatic needle threader to help you with the beginning of the job. It also has eased threading – follow the diagrams on the machine, while the automatic needle threader is sewing’s biggest timesaver.
The presser foot sensor ensures the presser foot is in the proper position for an easy start. At the same time, the hands-free knee lifter that’s included allows for hands-free raising and lowering of the presser foot.
This machine also features a side-loading vertical full-rotary bobbin system, allowing easy bobbin insertion. The vertical full-rotary bobbin system means you get a precise straight stitch every time!
You’re also ensured to stitch precisely – the needle bar is locked in perfect alignment, eliminating ‘wobbly-looking stitches.’ The specially designed needle plate is ideal for sewing all fabric types, including delicates, without distortion.
The up/down feature of the needle is also handy – it’s vital for quilters when piecing together patchworks. Select to have the needle stop in the down position when appliquéing, quilting, or pivoting fabric. The needle must be raised to the highest position when removing the material from the machine.
You can also adjust the tension of the thread – this ensures stable stitch quality regardless of fabric type. Turn the dial on the front of the machine for even stitches.
Here’s a list of all the features included with this sewing machine: True Straight Stitch Machine, Knee Lifter Included, Industrial Strength Sewing Speed, Side-Loading Vertical Full-Rotary Bobbin System, Extra-Large Sewing Space, Dual Spool Pins with Retractable Guide, Easy Threading with Automatic Needle Threader, Presser Foot Sensor, Programmable Needle Up / Down, Independent Bobbin Winding System, Complete Stitch Control, Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure, Extra-High Presser Foot Lifter, Automatic Thread Trimmer, Automatic Reverse, 2 Built-In Sewing Space Lights, Adjustable Thread Tension, Adjustable Stitch Length, Variable Speed Control, Included Presser Feet, All-Purpose Foot for most of your sewing
Quarter Inch Foot is perfect for quilting ¼” seam allowances. The Quarter Inch Foot Piecing can be used for small projects with narrow seam allowances like baby and doll clothes. Free-Motion Foot & Darning Plate allow you to create stippling, unique thread painting, designs, basting stitches, and more! Narrow Rolled Hem Foot is used to sew a narrow-rolled hem, providing a professional edge finish of 1/8 inch. The slightly rolled hem adds a perfect decorative finish to lightweight or sheer fabrics like those on scarves and blouses.
Pros:
- heavy-duty sewing machine works with any material
- a great speed of 1600 stitches per minute
- an easy threading system
- an automatic threading needle
- programmable needle
- dozens of additions and features that can come in handy to both beginner and advanced quilters
Cons:
- it’s not cheap
If you’re interested in this sewing machine, please follow this link.
Janome MC-6300P
Another heavy-duty sewing machine that can easily be used for quilting, while it’s also computerized.
This machine’s best feature is that it can withstand a heavy workload without getting tired.
It has 66 stitches, four buttonholes, a knee lift, and drops feed control. The fact that it’s computerized makes it easy for this sewing machine to handle various tasks easily.
The automatic thread cutter with a memorized up/down needle feature helps make quilts. It can sew very quickly and is a workhorse among sewing machines. The speed of 1 100 stitches per minute is awe-inspiring.
The automatic bobbin winding and thread tension controller are impressive features. The automatic thread cutter that I’ve already mentioned comes with memorizing, and that feature tells the quilting machine when and where the thread needs to be cut.
The easily viewable LCD screen shows all the necessary notifications, and it also comes with buttons that adjust the length and width of the stitch. It’s as simple as pressing the “-“ or “+” buttons to change your stitching.
The knee lifter helps with raising feet up/down without using hands – this allows you to work on your quilt without interruptions, so you don’t have to rush with your job.
Pros:
- the great sewing speed of 1 100 stitches per minute
- 66 stitches available with four buttonholes
- a usable LED display
- a 9 -inch sewing space for a comfortable sewing experience
- automatic threader and automatic thread cutter
- an easy-to-use speed controller
Cons:
- pricey
- no free-arm option
If you’re interested in this sewing machine, follow this link.
Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing And Quilting Machine
This sewing and quilting machine will impress you with its number of stitches! It offers an astonishing 185 unique built-in stitches: the HC1850 includes 130 sewing stitches, including eight styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches.
It’s a step up from the Brother XR9500PRW sewing machine, with more advanced features (which automatically affect the price).
It’s also taking full advantage of the advanced needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. This sewing and quilting machine includes an advanced needle threading function that quickly pushes thread through the needle with the press of a lever and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. This way, you won’t have to bother with the struggle of threading the needle.
The wide table (detachable) included with this machine is heavy enough to handle all your quilts, and the LCD display is another nice feature that will definitely be of much use to you. With this display, you can easily select your stitches with the touch of a button and view your selections.
This makes the HC1850 perfect for sewing, quilting, and basic monogramming! It has one built-in monogramming sewing font, ideal for basic monogramming. There’s also a built-in flip chart in the front that’s perfect for all the different stitches you’ll need – but you also get a DVD with a manual, so you can quickly learn how to use this sewing machine on your own.
What’s impressive is that despite its price, you get a lot of features and accessories that would be much more expensive with other sewing machines – that makes this machine a definite bargain and you should not sleep on it!
Its sewing speed may be a little slow compared to other machines on this list, as it’s only 850 stitches per minute – but that should be more than enough for your work.
The throat space is 5.75 inches wide, with the machine weighing 10 pounds – this makes it light enough to store easily, and it’s definitely considered a lightweight machine.
With eight presser feet, it’s more than enough for you to have complete control over it and enough power.
The final perfect addition to this machine is the 25-year warranty you get when you buy it, ensuring that you can replace it if it breaks. Add that to the free customer support with the machine, and you definitely get a product worth investing in!
Pros:
- lightweight and easy to store
- a huge (185) number of built-in stitches for you to work with, more than most other machines
- the detachable wide table is usually handy
- 25-year warranty and support service
- working LCD for your choice of stitches
Cons:
- very light, so it’s easy to tip over
Please follow this link if you’re interested in this sewing machine and would like to learn more.
JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine
This machine is a good choice, especially if you have poor eyesight!
The thing that makes this machine stand out is its LCD, which is 3.3 x 6.6 cm in size. This makes it more significant than other LCDs and ideal for people with poor eyesight. Combining this with the automatic needle threader leaves your eyes to rest, ensuring no trouble with the most common problem with sewing.
The LCD is there with various important information, as well as your choice of stitching pattern.
This is a plus, as this sewing machine has over 100 patterns for you to choose from, and these automatic features make stitching a breeze. It has decorative, applique, and quilting patterns, leaving the sky the only limit of your creativity.
An exciting feature of this machine is the random stitch selector – this feature should be an exciting one for quilters, as it lets the machine automatically and randomly select the width of specific quilting stitch function patterns – this will give your project a beautiful look without the strain of having to adjust your quilting pattern manually.
There’s also a mode called Direct Select, which allows you to select stitch patterns that you use frequently – this makes the selection process quicker and saves a lot of time.
A few more exciting features will make your life easier – this machine has LED lights to illuminate your working area. This can be helpful (once again, especially if you have poor eyesight).
It’s also straightforward to wind the bobbin. The independent motor on the machine will wind the bobbin pin thread – the built-in guide makes it easy to prepare the bobbin. You won’t have to worry about pulling up the bobbin thread anymore!
You can also adjust the pressure of the foot presser based on the material you’re using. This will come in handy as the HZL-F300 allows you to work with a wide range of materials, from very light to weighty materials – so you don’t have to be afraid of working on leather and other similar materials.
The underarm that’s wider than some other sewing machines will give you more room to work on big projects – quilting or making collars, for example. The free motion sewing function is also an additional feature for you to play with, and it will let you enjoy stable thread tensions.
Lastly, the knee-lifting lever deserves mention – it’s a handy tool if both of your hands are tied up – you can use it to lift the presser foot and lower it!
Pros:
- this machine is helpful for sewing, quilting, and embroidery
- great for people with poor eyesight – it has a large LCD screen with all the essential information on it, an automatic-threading option, as well as LED illumination of the working area
- it offers over 100 stitching patterns, as well as a random stitch selector that lets you play around with different stitches
- bobbin winding is also very easy
- works with lightweight and heavyweight materials
- has a knee-lifting lever that can often come in handy
Cons:
- an extra-wide extension table is not included, and it’s usually a regular part of most sewing and quilting machines
If you’re interested in this sewing machine or want to learn more, follow this link.
How to Ensure Your Machine is Working Well?
One of the most important things is ensuring your machine is always well-oiled. This is important for every machine, not just sewing machines, as any mechanical device with metal parts will need lubrication if you don’t want it to rust.
There are many moving parts in a sewing and quilting machine, and you want to ensure that they’re not moving against one another and damaging one another.
Make sure you’ve selected the right quilting machine foot – choosing between a darning foot, a hopping foot, and a free motion foot is a crucial choice. Installation of these can be complicated, but having the proper equipment is essential before you start working.
Always ensure your machine is working correctly, and if it starts making any weird noises or behaves erratically – take it to the shop.
