We all know that quilting is a very creative art that allows every individual to represent their imagination. Anyone can do the quilting. It doesn’t require you to have a degree or some level of experience. Any beginner or experienced sewer can do this.
More and more people are discovering this new creative activity. Still, quilting requires a particular sewing machine rather than any standard one.
In this list, we will share the top nine best sewing machines for quilting with you. Still, before that, you must know the difference between a standard sewing machine and a machine specifically for quilting.
You can quilt with your standard sewing machine, but do not expect it to give you the creative freedom and capabilities that a particular sewing machine for quilting will provide. Beginners in quilting tend to think that quilting is possible with any standard sewing machine. Advanced professionals know that a conventional machine will only allow for the most basic quilting tasks.
A specific quilting machine opens up your creative capabilities and options with features like broader tables, more customized options, more straightforward threading procedures, etc. It will also allow you to work on different fabrics with different thicknesses, lengths, widths, and other qualities.
You will need a larger space for quilting projects that standard machines may not provide enough of. Overall, if you are serious about quilting and you don’t want the process to become a hassle, then choose a particular sewing machine over a standard one.
This list consists of the nine best sewing machines and their detailed review, so you can choose the one that will provide you the best quilting experience. However, every one of these nine machines has different features, benefits, pros, and cons. So, you must know your needs, requirements, and expectations of these machines to choose the best one for yourself.
The following are some features and qualities in a selective sewing machine for quilting that you should know about in detail to make your final decision.
- The stitches per minute or also known as the speed of stitching is a crucial factor not only for quilting but in any sewing machine in general.
- Table surface size is one of those factors that have a direct impact on your quilting projects.
- The machine’s dimensions and weight are also something to take note of to choose the one you can store in your house or workplace or quickly move around.
- Make sure the machine you choose is made up of durable materials so that you can use it for a long time.
- Stability is also vital as many quilting projects require your machine to be sturdy and stable for you to do your job well.
- Every product on this list has some additional features that sometimes prove to be very helpful. These extra features may help you to make your final decision.
- Lastly, make sure you get a good warranty with a good deal.
1. Juki HZL-F600
The Juki HZL-F600 is from a renowned Japanese brand that has been in the sewing business since 1938 that’s over 82 years of heritage; no wonder they are one of the best sewing companies in the world that manufactures its products in over 170 countries. So it makes sense that they are well experienced in building reliable sewing and quilting machines.
As its branches are spread all over the world, Juki delivers its products very fast compared to other companies. The abundance of features provided in this model directly reflects the price tag.
This machine is heavily computerized, but no need to worry; a beginner with a decent IQ level will easily figure out how to operate this machine after some time. This sewing machine’s dimensions are 17.5″ x 11.4″ x 8.2,” and the weight is about 21.6 lbs, which is heavy, but it is made with industrial-grade materials that increase its reliability. So, you might want to make your mind on what is the best spot for this machine before you move it. The Juki HZL F600 was designed for heavy tasks and to be customizable. So, it is mostly made with keeping the professionals in mind. It’s a heavy-duty machine that stays in its place and gets the job done. So, it is not suitable for travelers or people who move around a lot.
The Juki HZL-F600 has ten stitches programmed into it that can be selected or changed with the help of a simple button push. This machine has an intuitive design that’s easy to learn but does take some effort. Still, once you get used to the control panel settings and figure out how to make small adjustments, it’s pretty simple. So, someone new to sewing might be a little overwhelmed at first.
With a stitching speed of 900 SPM, it’s swift, and it has a maximum programmable limit of 225 stitches, meaning you can save 225 custom stitches with a stitch width of 7mm. The large LCD (33mm x 66mm) makes it very easy to pick out the desired pattern. The display also lists the most recent used stitch, making it very convenient for the user.
Juki HZL-F600 comes with the latest box feed technology to provide beautiful seams and outstanding feed performance. The conventional feed mechanism is an elliptical motion that is a bit inaccurate. This method eliminates material shrinking and shifting, which provides superior stitch quality for a variety of light to heavyweight fabrics. It also features dual LEDs that light up the sewing and needle area. Due to the machine’s computerized nature, you can adjust the foot control, display contrast, and even the buzzer volume. Along with 16 types of buttonholes that take care of all your needs, it also comes with adjusting the cutting width of buttonholes in 3 steps.
Pros
- Box feed technology.
- Wider underarm space.
- There are 225 programmable stitches and random stitches.
- Adjust buttonhole width
- By pressing the foot controller’s heel side, you can trim both needle and bobbin threads automatically.
- Automatic needle threader.
Cons
- Heavy and large
- The warranty period is little, mechanical parts are covered for five years, electronic components for two years, and there’s a 90-day warranty covering defects in material or craftsmanship.
2. Juki TL-2000QI
Another great product by Juki, this one is for people who may not have a large budget but want to start quilting. It falls between a home sewing machine and an industrial-grade sewing machine. There are no delicate computerized buttons in this model, fully manual with great built quality.
It has a dimension of 17.8 x 8.6 x 13.8 inches and weighs about 25.4 lbs. It is heavy and bulky, definitely not a machine you can travel with, but that’s because the stitching speed is about 1500 SPM that will finish your project swiftly. More durable parts meant for industrial use make up the body.
The JUKI TL-2000QI is the best sewing machine for industrial quilting. This machine stitches very professionally; the arm and bed of Juki TL2000Qi are constructed of die-cast aluminum. The TL-2000Qi has the thread tension scale, which allows you to adjust the tension according to the thread used and the material selected with a precise stitch width of 6 mm. It is considered the best quilting machine by the experienced sewers in the current market.
The package comes with a few bobbins for those who want to start sewing out of the box and a set of presser foot darning/free motion foot, straight stitch foot, quilting foot, and a walking foot. You’ll also get a knee lever, which is very convenient and ensures a faster pace.
This model boasts a large work area and a wider handling area than conventional sewing machines. Extended arm and sewing bed for easy handling of large quilts, it also comes with a 13-inch expandable table for large bulky projects and automatic needle up and down controls. This machine is the superior choice among sewers, coming with a sturdy finish and with a five-year warranty, which is better than the HZL F-600 model.
Remember that multi-layered fabric and fabric types like weighted fabric require a powerful motor and good stitching speed for a smooth experience. And this machine is designed for that.
Pros
- It has a high stitching speed of 1500 SPM.
- Supplied with HA-type needles
- Automatic bobbin winder
- Advanced Thread Trimming:
- Thread Tension Scale
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Knee lever included
- Aluminum die-cast bed and arm reduce vibration.
Cons
- The company releases the limited design of this product.
- It is quite challenging to get hold of this product because the demand is very high in the market.
- No digital display.
- Heavier but justified, since it has lots of advanced features.
3. Brother CS6000i
The Brother CS6000i is a computerized sewing machine for quilting, which is one of the least expensive ones out there. Beginners, as well as experts, can set up and use this effortlessly because of the advanced technology put into this machine.
Among all the computerized models, this one requires little maintenance. The stitch selector switch allows you to change stitches fast. The included broad table allows for quilting large fabrics. Another pretty useful feature is the free arm that makes it simple to sew pant legs and sleeves.
For easy use, there is a numbered diagram on all the appropriate threading spots that allow you to thread the machine even if this is your first-time sewing. There is a feature that allows easy control of the sewing speed. You receive accessories like walking foot, quilting foot, quilting guide, quilting table attachments, and case9 presser foot.
It weighs in about 13 lbs and 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches in dimension, light, and compact. It comes with over 60 stitches incorporated into the memory, including 20 decorative stitches, twenty regular stitches, seven quilting stitches, six heirloom stitches, seven auto-buttonhole styles, and with a speed of 850 SPM, which is understandable at this price point with these many features. There is also no need to keep poking on the needle for 30 mins as there is an automatic needle threading system built-in that perfectly pushes the thread in every time.
This machine has a hard and protective case, which indicates the strong body and durability of the product, a large plastic base for large projects which is ideal for various types of sewing. Even with all these features, the company has not compromised on built quality.
Another noticeable point is that the machine is low maintenance, so you don’t need to worry about service costs that much. Even without oiling and cleaning, the machine will still run well to get all of your tasks done.
It comes with an LCD screen that allows you to choose among the 60 included stitches, and with the push of a button, you’ll be able to select stitch length and width. (comes with 7-mm stitch width) and the included foot pedal allows you to use your foot to control your sewing speed, but you can also adjust the speed with controls just beneath the digital display. This model is powerful enough to sew leather; all you need to do is change the needle to a stronger one as per the thickness of the leather.
Pros
- Start/stop button for no-pedal sewing.
- Speed controls to slow or speed up sewing.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Simple setup from threading to the bobbin.
- Warranty- 25 years limited.
- 60 built-in stitches
Cons
- This machine has only one con, that is, inconsistent line tension.
- Needles may not be that strong (better to use your own for thick material).
4. Juki HZL-F300
This model from Juki is the most affordable of the exceed series (F300, F400, F600) but still excellent in terms of features and build for its price. Customers describe it as the best buy at this price and sing praises about the tension adjuster and its ease of use. The easy-wind bobbin system in the F300 is convenient, to say the least because all you have to do is place the bobbin on the pin and wrap some thread around it, then simply start. Plus, the included automatic needle threader is a prominent feature as well.
The working area on this model is superb; it is simple to manage large fabrics while sewing.
Compared to other computerized models, the F300 is very easy to use/ Yet it only weighs in about 21.6 lbs and 8.25 inches x 18 inches x 11.5 inches in size with a stitch speed of 900 SPM, which could seem low to those who are in the sewing and decorative work field for a long time. There are 105 stitches with twenty-two decorative quilts, twenty-one practical, twenty decoratives, eighteen one-point, sixteen buttonholes, and ten direct select, each stitch width being 7 mm.
The digital screen makes it very easy to select stitches, and decorating work is made faster. It has the feature of speed control, an automatic needle threader for saving your time, speed of 6 presser feet included, and a built-in thread cutter. The reverse sewing button is located just along with the head of the machine, where you can also see the speed and the needle position.
It received positive feedback on its performance by almost all the beginners and experts who have used this machine. They love the automatic thread cutter as well as the single touch needle threader. The F300 comes with no less than sixteen buttonholes as standard, which is pretty useful in large decorative projects. The free arm access of the machine makes it more desirable and accessible when working with thicker material. Juki gives you a five years warranty against mechanical defects, two years warranty against electrical faults, and ninety days warranty for adjustments on material or craftsmanship defects, which is pretty good at this price.
Juki claims to be the sewing machine leader by placing all the knowledge, the experience, combination of comfort and peace, ensuring the perfect combination of features to include at a price, which practically makes it an industrial-grade sewing machine with the additional merit of an extension table to increase the width and allow more working space in making this product.
Pros
- Free-arm access.
- Detailed manual.
- Well-built machine, sturdy feel.
- Fairly easy to set up and to use.
- Quiet yet powerful operation.
- Great looking stitches, smooth sewing experience.
Cons
- The simplistic design makes the machine less attractive.
- Automatic needle threaders will sometimes get stuck.
- There have been some instances where the bobbin winder doesn’t work.
- No knee lift was included.
5. Ever Sewn Sparrow 30
Even Sewn is a Chicago-based company that focuses on creating interest among the new generation of artists while holding the attention of the old. Therefore, most of their designs are simple and easy to use.
Starting with the weight compared to the others on the list, this machine weighs 17 lbs with dimensions 5 x 6.5 x 11 inches. Very small and compact, perfect for travelers who want lots of features in a small package. It is, in a sense, expendable as the model does very well in both commercial use cases as well as industrial.
The Ever Sewn Sparrow 30 is equipped with jaw-dropping amounts of stitching patterns that give you the freedom to use any type of pattern for your material. With a more than an ample amount of 310 stitching patterns, of which are 84 decoratives, 32 utility, 2 full alphabets, you can experiment and customize a lot with it. The Sewn Sparrow 30 has a fantastic stitch memory feature that allows you to save stitch combinations on the go. The stitch width is 7 mm, and the speed is 850 spm; sewing speed is also adjustable.
An easy-to-read LCD is located on the front of the machine; the screen displays stitch information, including the stitch number, length, and width, which is very convenient. It’s very easy to adjust the thread tension with the turn of a dial. The default setting is “4” you can increase the tension by just turning the dial one number up, and to lower it, turn the dial one number down.
The adjustment dial makes it easy to adjust the tension according to your fabric, and the project and the stitch memory function is very useful as you don’t need to tune the settings for a similar project. Start and stop button, which you can use to easily control the machine without using the foot pedal. It also features 7 types of presser feet buttonhole, all-purpose, zipper, the overcast, the blind hem foot, button sewing foot, and the satin foot presser.
The list of features that comes with this machine is quite impressive, an automatic threader that makes threading the needle a breeze and saves you a lot of time, which means you can have the entire machine ready to go from spool to the needle thread in just seconds.
The drop-in bobbin, the clear cover plate, also allows you to see when the bobbin needs to be refilled. A free arm is also implemented into the design to sew those collars more easily.
After you reach the end of your fabric, the automatic thread cutter will conveniently cut all of your threads with the push of a button. This model can also be used for commercial purposes, the stitch memory function comes in handy. The computerized system takes care of all the micro-adjustments in the setting menu.
Pros
- Simple to use design with a good extension table.
- The LCD and the functions are easy to learn and use.
- Lightweight than other machines with similar features
- Variable sewing speed.
- Hundreds of stitches and memory features.
Cons
- Noisy than most.
- Tension adjustment is a little off.
- Some users reported issues with the bobbin.
6. Brother XL-3750
Brother is a well-known and respected electronics company that produces high-quality sewing machines currently available. The Brother XL-3750 is a great sewing machine for beginners and intermediates because of its ease of use and low price and is very popular, especially among newbies.
This machine weighs only 12 lbs lighter than the majority on this list and 15.4 x 6.7 x 11.5 inches, which is impressive and good news to those who want a portable sewing machine.
In terms of accessories, the model comes with an impressive amount of footers: the spring action quilting foot, general presser foot, buttonhole foot, narrow hemmer, buttonhole sewing foot, walking foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot.
And then the features, this machine does not disappoint as it comes with a lot of modern practical components, including an auto needle threader, quilting table, drop-in bobbin, auto bobbin winding, and electron stitch and width control, which is great at this price point.
With a stitching speed of 800 spm and 7mm stitch width, your work will be done with precision and speed. There are also 35 built-in stitches that you can use and also a built-in handle for easy portability.
Most of the users of this model praise its easy to use design, the simple bobbin refilling, and the automatic threader. At 12 lbs, it is very light, and therefore the users had no trouble finding the perfect place in the room to start sewing. Thicker materials like jeans are no problem for the Brother XL-3750.
The good thing about this machine is that it is well built, so the company offers a 25-year limited warranty. The user manual is also very easy to read and understand.
Pros
- The instruction manual is easy to follow.
- Value for money.
- Integrated handle
- Quiet and works well with heavy fabric.
Cons
- Issues with tension adjustment
- Plastic pedal.
7. Janome JW8100
There is no one in the sewing field that hasn’t heard of the Janome company; they have a reputation for building sewing, quilting, embroidery machines with high-quality material, and making it affordable for beginners.
Janome is among the lightest in the list at around 12.7 lbs and 16 x 7 x 12 inches in dimension. The machine is also good for people that like to carry their sewing machine to classes. The JW8100 is also very convenient as the button placements are designed for fast operation with zero confusion. It also comes with a lock stitch function that prevents accidentally threading, can never be too careful, right.
Janome J8100 comes with 100 stitches with 7 mm width and surprisingly 7 styles of buttonholes, which is rare at this price, but Janome JW8100 has it. It also comes with a presser foot, a removable arm, which becomes a small storage unit.
It is built with a heavy-duty metal frame so that the machine is stable during those fast stitching sessions. Speaking of speed, this model comes with a stitching speed of 1000 spm, which is impressive; this will make your work faster and easy in some cases. And it also comes with a memorized needle position feature.
Janome JW8100 has a computerized LCD back-lit screen, which makes it easier to work the settings and other functions, especially selecting the stitching.
Accessories that come with this model are well thought out, striking a balance between cost and customer satisfaction like the zipper foot, general purpose foot, even feed foot, buttonhole foot, and the seam foot. For a digital model, i am surprised that it comes with a warranty of 25-year
Pros
- Included hardcover and a lot of accessories.
- User friendly.
- Quiet and smooth operation.
- Evan fabric feed.
- Comes with over 100 stitches with a fast 1000 spm.
Cons
- Struggles with some heavy material
- Bobbin winder can be a bit slow
- No automatic thread cutter
- The sewing area light is dim
- Does not include quilting foot or free-motion foot
8. SINGER Heavy Duty 4452
The Singer Heavy Duty 4452, as it sounds, is made for heavy sewing fabrics such as canvas, vinyl, upholstery, and leather and lightweight fabric. It is manual, therefore highly durable but still comes with impressive features.
It weighs 14.6 lbs and has dimensions of 15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches; it has 32 built-in stitches, 6 basic, 7 stretches, 18 decoratives,1 automatic one-step buttonholes with 6 mm stitch width and a whopping 1100 spm. To work with such heavy fabric, they outfit this machine with a powerful motor that is 55% more powerful than the standard sewing machines.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 also comes with an automatic needle threader, top-loading bobbin with a convenient, transparent cover, adjustable stitch length, and width, LED lighting.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 sports an amazing design with no wasted modifications, every part of the model has a purpose. Because of that, it is meant for performance, so the 4452 model is louder than normal sewing machines.
Its list of accessories includes a general-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, quilting guide, bobbins, spool caps, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, screwdriver, seam ripper brush.
We also get accessories such as a soft dust cover and even a walking foot, a non-stick foot, a clearance plate, a pack of needles, and smaller items included in the accessory tray storage compartment.
Be careful when sewing as the model is fast and powerful, and this goes for all sewing machines. This machine is the perfect blend of speed and strength; it will get your job done quickly no matter how hard the material is. Also, 25 years of warranty is provided.
Pros
- Stitching speed of 1100 per minute with a powerful motor.
- Heavy-duty meant for huge workloads.
- Bonus accessories.
- Reverse Stitch lever
- Easy to set up for beginners as well as experts alike.
- Not very noisy for a heavy-duty machine, especially if you oil it well.
Cons
- When at maximum sewing speeds, the needle may break, so better to buy a stronger, durable needle if you plan to use heavy fabric for a long time.
- The thread tension is a little hard to adjust.
- The buttonhole feature isn’t that good compared to others.
9. Janome 2212
Are you looking for a machine that you can handle as a beginner?
Or are you the kind of person that is on the road for the majority of the time but still wants to start sewing?
Once again, a machine from Janome 2212, but this one is more budget-friendly and is marketed as an entry-level machine, which means that it is very easy to use and master. It’s reliable and durable with a 25-year warranty on non-electronic parts and 5 years on electronic ones.
It’s not digital but manual, that is why the brand provides a 25-year warranty because the manual is more durable than computerized models.
Although it may not be computerized, it has a very lightweight design at only 13 lbs and 17 x 9 x 13.5 inches in dimension. It offers 12 stitches and 1000 spm with a 5 mm stitch width, which can stitch in straight or zigzag. The foot pedal that you receive with the package is about 1 m long, and the softcover is also very handy, but you may want to buy a hardcover if you are planning to take it outside.
It features a dial pattern section that is easy to turn; you can also access a four-step buttonhole here as well as a reverse lock stitch function. There is also the free arm and drop feed along with a front-loading bobbin that means you don’t have to unthread the bobbin.
Another great thing about this model is that the accessory storage is located in the swingarm. The built-in thread cutter is a really good addition as it removes scissors from the equation.
Janome also comes with a built-in thread cutter, pull-push bobbin winder, and a folding carry handle. This sewing machine is not meant for professionals as they might feel like there are a lot of features that they want but are missing here. But for beginners, the manual is very easy to understand with detailed yet simple to follow instructions.
This model is compatible with fabrics like silk, velvet, wool, cotton, upholstery, knits, and all sorts of synthetic materials.
Overall it’s a very good first buy for people who are just getting into sewing and may be confused by the overwhelming amount of features that are available in modern sewing or quilting machines.
Pros
- Lightweight, easy to use, and affordable.
- Great for beginners
- Drip feed system
- Sturdy and well built, therefore, is very stable.
Cons
- Only 12 stitches are available.
- The power cord is short.
- Not meant for experts.
- Manual, not computerized
Why your standard sewing machine is not good enough for quilting.
Many people who have just started to learn sewing or quilting do not have enough experience telling the difference between the features that separate sewing machines from quilting. When using a standard sewing machine for quilting, you will eventually run into the machine’s limitations. It may not be fast enough, or the needle may not be able to penetrate thick fabrics. Standard sewing machines will not handle the heavy quilt, and some parts may become defective.
A quilting machine is designed for heavy fabrics; thus, it will be highly durable and reliable than a regular sewing machine. Besides, standard sewing can only introduce you to quilting; you will not work with high-quality material. Features like thread tension control, wider arm, an extended table, easy threading setup are only available in the quilting machine.
The models mentioned above have many of these features incorporated into them to make them expandable for quilting. You can be sure that even experts will be content with some of these feature combinations. So until the time comes when you have the confidence to buy a dedicated quilting machine, you can get some fantastic results with the above listed. If you have gone through it, we will give you some pointers and tips for sewing and quilting.
Quilting advice from the experienced
- Before starting a big project, always change your needle. It will save you time.
- And try to have a clear picture of the pattern you are about to quilt; probably best to draw it on a piece of paper before starting.
- A quilt is enormous compared to regular sewing materials, so you should make sure that your workspace is clear, and you have enough space to move the quilt around.
- Starting practicing on quilts daily until you learn to handle the material better.
- Find your sitting position as quilting takes a lot of time you need to get comfortable.
- Prepare the quilt, make sure every layer is smooth and flat.
- Learn to use your lead foot to control and pace yourself
- You should use the same color for the top and bobbin.
- Make sure you use the correct needle for the material and do a simple search to find the needle and thread size.
Tips to get your machine ready before quilting
- First, position your machine where you have plenty of space to work with the materials and easy to move around.
- Whether you are quilting or sewing, you should always start with oiling your machine first. This will make the machine less likely to have problems down the line.
- A sewing machine usually comes with a high spm. Adjust it to low at first so you can make stitches smooth.
- You should probably know this but lower the dog feed before starting.
- Small stitches look better on quilts so try to make the stitches small without losing the overall smoothness.
- When quilting, turn off the fix stitch as it will create knots in the thread and mess up your flow.
- Be mindful of the amount of foot pressure you apply; it should always be according to the material thickness.
- Use a one-hole stitch plate for quilting.
- For turning the material while working, use the stop-down needle; it will hold it in place.
- Shut off the thread cutter as it will cut the thread during quilting; only turn it on after you have finished.
- And finally, the most crucial step, start quilting. People tend to hesitate and put it off.
Features to look for in a sewing machine for quilting
By now, you know that sewing and quilting machines mainly differ in their features and build quality. We have selected the above machines with the perfect combination of the best features in the category. Now let’s go in deep about the features.
Build quality
A good quality sewing machine will feel sturdy and will not shake under maximum sewing speed with thick materials. Vibrations will ruin your design, and it will become annoying over some time. You will be surprised to hear how many companies build their machine with cheap materials and market it as the best. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 is built with the industrial quality to handle any workload thrown at it. It is the perfect balance between weight and build quality.
Workspace
Quilting requires a larger area as the material is heavy and large as well. It is harder to hand and move. If you have a small area to work on, quilting will become harder and uncomfortable. And to answer that issue, good quilting machines come with an extended table. Most of the above listed also come with an additional table among that the best is Juki HZL-F300, it has multiple options to choose from so you can get the best one that meets your needs.
Stitches
The main attraction of any quilling machine is the stitches; stitches per minute indicates how fast you can get your work done. Even though it is important, you may not require high rate stitches in crafting work, so don’t let that discourage you from choosing certain models, but you need them for intensive quality work; otherwise, the work will be painstakingly slow, and you will not be able to finish your work on time. That being said, the best sewing machine with the highest spm in our list is the JUKI TL-2000Qi.
On the matter of stitches, these above-mentioned machines also come with built-in stitches, and the number of stitches will depend on your preference and workflow. Any average sewing machine will have at least 100 stitches, those without will have some sort of additional features like right stitch length and width control features.
JUKI TL-2000Qi starts with 1 stitch, then the highest end model goes up to an impressive 310 stitches from the Ever Sewn Sparrow 30.
Automatic threading
This feature is equally desired among both sewing and quilting because, let’s be honest, no one wants to spend 20 mins trying to thread that needle. And it kills the mood if you start your work with frustration. It also reduces the time you need to set up the machine before starting. Over time you will start to appreciate this feature.
Portability
Nowadays, the sewing machines come with an extension table with the size and weight of the machine itself being small. This allows for more flexibility in terms of movement, and the wider arm length really helps. The best one that fits these parameters from the reviewed products is the lightweight Brother XL-3750 weighing in at a mouth, dropping 12 lbs.
Mechanical or electronic
A computerized sewing machine is very convenient as it becomes effortless to change stitching speed, stitch width, and length. The system automatically adjusts its settings according to the material thickness.
Noise
Most of the sewing machines have speed and versatility, but they sacrifice their operating noise for that. Usually, only at high price points do you see the combination of performance and working experience. But all the sewing machines above are reasonably quiet and will assure you with a good session. Computerized models are better optimized for emitting less noise as they continuously adjust themselves.
Features you may overlook
These features do not directly affect the performance or experience but are essential when choosing a sewing machine.
Lighting
It may not seem like a concerning feature, but when working with complicated patterns, it is a must. You should take a second look at the lighting position, the brightness and color as well because some swing machine comes with incandescent light bulbs.
The warranty
Some of the reviewed machines are quite expensive because they come with a 25-year warranty, so not only are u\you buying the sewing machine itself but also the service the company provides. So by making that initially high cost, you avoid problems down the road. This will alleviate some pressure off you if a part becomes defective. Models like the Brother CS6000i, Brother XL-3750, Janome JW8100, and SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 come with a 25-year limited warranty.
Servicing
Some companies also provide servicing, which will keep your sewing machine in tiptop condition. Regular servicing will do wonders for your sewing machine, so if your company doesn’t provide you with it, hire a professional yourself.
Stable hoops
Stable hoops keep your material in place, preventing it from flexing while the needle moves up and down. This is an advanced feature which not many manufacturers think of.You want your material to be as secure as possible. Rectangle hoops secure your material from all four sides, but still, the fabric slips.
To solve this, some manufacturers have tried to modify the rectangular hoop to be more elliptical, but that hasn’t really solved the problem. What you really should really look for is a hoop with magnetic clips that hold the sides.
Accessories
Another important point to keep in mind when buying a new sewing machine is the accessories it comes with. You don’t want to buy an expensive machine and then realize that it didn’t come with an accessor you needed.
Some accessories to keep an eye out for are the extension table, carrying case, needles, and tool kits.
Free motion quality
It is basically the smoothness with which the material moves with the feed dogs down while stitching.
Computerized models have built-in settings that automatically adjust with the motion of the fabric; it is a very pleasant experience as you feel that the sewing machine is responding to your every action.
FAQ
Q.What is an affordable sewing machine for commercial grade quilting?
After reviewing each sewing machine, our recommendation goes to none other than JUKI TL-2000Qi. You can work on larger projects because of the wider arm and sewing area, which gives you space to handle the large quilts. It’s faster at 1500 spm and can be used by professionals or experienced quilters.
Q.How often should I have my sewing machine cleaned and serviced?
It depends on how often the sewing machine is used and the type of work done on the machine. Cotton fabrics and thread tend to create more lint buildup on your machine. Servicing and cleaning your machine allows the machine to operate smoothly. Also, a machine that has been in storage for some time will require servicing as the lubricants can dry up over time.
Q.Why doesn’t the sewing machine feed properly?
The drop-feed knob is improperly adjusted, the pressure on the foot is insufficient, or the stitch length knob is set too close to zero. The feed dogs could also be worn out or clogged.
Q.Why does the fabric pucker?
The upper thread tension is too tight, the bobbin thread tension is too tight, or the fabric may be too sheer or too soft. It is caused while sewing with too much tension, thereby causing a stretch in the thread. After sewing, the tension on the thread is lifted. It starts to gather up the seam as the thread tries to regain its original length, which is only noticeable after some time.
Q.Why does my sewing machine make loose stitches or loops?
When the tension is not tight enough, the stitches become loose, and the looping of stitches in rare cases is caused by misplacing the bobbin in the case. The solution is very simple as all you need to do, is check the manual where you will find the correct directions on how to insert the bobbin. There is also the possibility that some thread or dirt might be stuck between tension discs.
Conclusion
We hope that our reviews of these sewing machines were satisfactory and provided you with an idea of the features you should look for and the best selection for you. We also hope that you have understood the different features required for quilting and sewing, as most people are mostly confused in this regard.
Our top pick, and Editors choice, is the Juki HZL-F600, it is fast, reliable, and comes with good built quality, and it has the most customizable option out of all; therefore, it will offer you a completely personal experience. Advanced users will be able to use the F600 to its max potential, and beginners will eventually be able to master it.
And then the JUKI TL-2000Qi as the durable industrial-grade quilting machine.
Last but not least, the Brother CS6000i as this machine is perfect for first-timer users to learn about computerized sewing machines.