Which Sewing Machine Is Best For Quilting? | Best 6 Sewing Machines To Create Timeless Quilts

With so many different types of sewing machines available today, it can very difficult to make the decision of which one to purchase. Here you will find a breakdown of the different types of sewing machines that will still allow you to do your quilting as well.

What Exactly is Quilting?

A little bit a background in quilting will help to explain why different machines work for different types of projects. A quilt is made of three main pieces: the quilt top, the batting and the backing.

A quilt top can be sewn together on any machine. There is no reason at all to use a fancy machine because the quilt top is basically just shapes sewn together to form blocks. The blocks are then sewn together to form strips, and the strips are sewn together to form the whole quilt top.

Then the batting and the backing are added. The three pieces are sewn together to create what we call a quilt sandwich. This is where the actual quilting occurs.

How Do You Keep the Quilt Sandwich Together?

They can be sewn together in a variety of ways. They can be hand-stitched, tied with embroidery floss or machine quilted. What kind of machine you need depends on a few things.

The thickness of the batting definitely plays into the decision. If you use a thinner batting, it will be easier to roll the quilt as you go to keep the parts you are not working on out of your way.

The size of the quilt top matters as well. A king-sized quilt can be tricky to do in regular machine because there is so much to be rolled up. Some machines do have extra space for this as noted below.

Is There a Simpler Project to Start With?

You can be a quilter and never make a quilt for a bed. The term “quilt” generally refers to a bed covering, but there are many projects that can be quilted that are much smaller.

Table runners, placemats, mug rugs, jackets, purses, tote bags, baskets and wall hangings are just a few of the other items that you can quilt. The best part is that every single one of those can be quilted on a regular sewing machine. They are also great projects to get started with to help you learn the quilting process.

The Different Types of Machines

If you are just starting out with quilting, a regular sewing machine will absolutely work for you to do basic quilting. You can do straight line quilting, free motion quilting and even some stenciled for smaller quilts on a regular machine.

Read: Can You Make A Quilt With A Regular Sewing Machine?

There are also machines that are considered sewing and quilting machines in one. Those often have both “sewing” and “quilting” in their title. The advantage to using these machines is that they often come with an extension table, have more stitches and have more space to roll the quilt up in between the needle and the arm of the machine.

That said, it is almost difficult to find a “regular” sewing machine these days that does not come with quite a few stitches. Some also have the extension table and added space for rolling, so it is definitely worth looking into them.

If you decide that you want to do super fancy quilting later on or take on a huge King-sized quilt, then you may want to invest in a machine that is specifically made for quilting. These will be discussed more in another article.

Which Machine Should You Buy?

Below you will find a list of recommended machines. Some will be regular sewing machines and some will be those sewing/quilting machines mentioned above. Any of them will be perfect for getting you started in quilting.

Each machine has features listed here that may appeal to you, but be sure to click the links to learn more about each machine. Below the list of machines you will find a list of things to look for in a sewing machine that you also want to use for quilting.

Janome MOD-200

This Janome won a 2020 Women’s Choice Award. This award shows that nine out of ten customers recommend this machine. It also comes with a twenty-five year limited warranty.

This machine has an impressive two-hundred built-in stitches. It also includes a block alphabet which is awesome to use for “signing” your quilt or to add someone’s name to a gift you are making for them. You could also personalize things like bibs or burp cloths.

Threading is so easy with this machine that you can do it with one hand. There is also a drop-in bobbin system, which is much easier to use than a front-loading bobbin system.

Finally, this machine has all of the automatic features that you would expect in a high-end machine. It has an easy to use start/stop button, a reverse button, a needle up/down button and a locking stitch button. You cannot go wrong with this machine.

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Singer Talent 3322

This machine has a heavy duty metal frame so you will never have to worry about it tipping. It comes with 23 built-in stitches and a plethora of accessories. It has everything that you need to get started.

It also has an automatic needle threader as well as an automatic reverse button. There is an automatic bobbin winder and a drop-in bobbin compartment. The tension on the bobbin is automatic as well, so you never have to worry about changing that.

One feature that is especially nice for quilters is the high presser foot lifter. This allows you have the presser foot in a higher position when sewing through multiple layers of fabric.

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Singer Confidence Quilter

Though “Quilter” is in the name of this machine, it is the size of regular sewing machine. This makes it nice if you are going to be taking it anywhere. It also keeps the price range lower than the long-arm machines.

Do not be fooled by its size because it has amazing features! With ninety-eight built-in stitches, you have lots of options for your quilting style.

Simply choose the number of the desired stitch and then move the levers of the stitch length and stitch width until the green lights come on. The green lights let you know that the length and width are compatible for that stitch.

This machine has an automatic needle threader, automatic reverse button and automatic button-hole settings. There is also an extension table and four bonus quilting feet.

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Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine

This machine comes with so many great features. The sixty built-in stitches certainly make it stand out as well as the six automatic button-hole settings.

This machine has a jam-proof bobbin system to alleviate possible bobbin issues. It also automatically threads and loads the bobbin.

One really nice feature that this machine has that is not seen on a lot of the regular sewing machines is the thread cutter. While they all have some sort of thread cutter, this one cuts the top and bottom thread together with the touch of a button rather than pulling the threads down over a blade.

Finally, this machine comes with tons of extras from different feet to an extension table. If you want a regular sewing machine that is considered high-end, then this is a great machine for you.

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Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine HC1850

This machine has an amazing one-hundred and eighty-five built-in stitches. With all of those stitches, you could do straight line quilting and it would look amazing using the different stitches. You could even do each line of quilting in a different stitch for a great Boho look.

The metal frame is sturdy and it includes an extension that is perfect for quilting. There are also eight different feet included.

As an added bonus, this machine also performs as a serger for finishing off ends of blankets or clothing. Free technical support is also included.

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Janome 4300QDC-B Sewing and Quilting Machine with Bonus Quilt Kit

This machine will blow you away with its three-hundred built-in stitches. It also has the American alphabet pre-programmed for monogramming or labeling.

With the bonus quilt kit, you will receive an extra one-hundred stitches. You will also get a hard cover case and an instructional DVD. This bonus kit makes this machine a serious contender.

There is an extension table to make quilting easier as well. It also has an LCD screen for easy stitch selection. All of the automatic features that you would hope for are included as well.

There are nine feet among the long list of accessories that are included. In addition to those are thread holders, a seam ripper and bobbins to name just a few.

Features to Look for in a Sewing Machine Used for Quilting

1. Stitches – The number of stitches is not as important as having stitches that you know you will use. Having hundreds is fantastic, but for some people it is overwhelming. Look at the stitches and then decide.

2. Bobbin holder – A drop-in bobbin is much easier to use than a front-loading bobbin. It is less likely to get tangled up, and has automatic tension.

3. Feet – Some machines only come with a few feet with the option of purchasing more. Be sure that the feet you need are either included or factor in the cost if you have to purchase them separately. Tip: a darning foot can be use for free-motion quilting.

4. Frame – A metal frame is sturdier and will last longer than a plastic frame.

5. Extension Table – This is a fantastic feature even just for regular sewing. It helps hold the weight of the fabric up so it does not pull on your needle. It also makes it easier to guide the fabric along.

6. Automatic Needle Threader – This may not make a difference for some people, but it will make a world of difference if you have arthritis or have difficulty seeing the small hole.

Quilting is so enjoyable, and having the right sewing machine can really make it downright fun. When you are not frustrated with your sewing machine, you can take time to learn your craft rather than figuring out what is not working right.

Take some time to really review all of the features that mean the most to you and be sure that the machine that you choose has them all. You should be able to find everything you need in a variety of price ranges to suit your budget.

Most of all, do not stress when you get your machine. Most machines include an instructional DVD. If you do not get one with your machine, then visit the company’s website or search online for tutorials.

As much as you are going to want to dive right in, be sure to watch those tutorials first so you know exactly what you are doing. You will thank yourself later when you are completing projects with ease.

Finally, have fun with it! Try new things and enjoy the process.

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