Best Sewing Machines for Quilting in 2024

Most home sewists and quilters don’t have the money or the space for a professional-grade long-arm quilting machine. Sewing machine manufacturers are savvy to these limitations and many have designed certain sewing machine models with the home quilter in mind. These machines are actually great for any sewing project, as they typically include a long, expansive work area designed to accommodate large or bulky sewing projects. Some manufacturers advertise these machines as quilting machines, but they’re all basically advanced sewing machines.
As with any type of sewing machine, the price is usually a direct reflection of the number of bells and whistles on a machine plus the reputation of the manufacturer. Everyone has different requirements when choosing a sewing machine to perform double duty, but a good-sized work area should be on everyone’s list. It makes handling the project – through every step – so much easier.
Grandmother’s trustworthy old Singer aside, if you’re interested in investing in a new sewing machine that will also make your quilting life easier, here are a few reasonably priced ideas.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9980
This computerized sewing machine includes a staggering 800 built-in stitches. It also includes a generous assortment of presser feet, including a walking foot that’s very useful when using decorative stitches to perform free-motion quilting. In addition to allowing you to choose each stitch option and make adjustments to lengths and widths, the LCD screen contains tips and guides on which foot to use with each stitch selection.
The roomy work area and throat space to the right of the needle allow you to maneuver fabric more easily and the automatic thread-cutter allows you to finish fast. This machine is loaded with everything an aspiring quilter or an experienced sewist needs in a sewing machine.
Singer |
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Quantum Stylist 9980
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Pros
- Computerized
- Over 800 stitches
- Many accessories
- Informative LCD screen
- Highly adjustable
- Roomy work area
Cons
- Not the most compact option
Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Machine
This sturdy Juki sewing machine includes 100 stitch options and a one-step buttonholer. It has a top speed of 700 stitches per minute. The 7-point feed dog system and variable speed override give you complete control over all your sewing projects. The expansive work area is designed to handle the demands of large sewing and quilting projects. The LCD display screen allows you to make stitch selections and adjustments, and the automatic needle threader erases any frustrations associated with that task.
This is one of the more expensive models on our list but the quality of the stitching, the multiple features and the superior construction speak for themselves.
Juki |
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HZL-LB5100
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Pros
- Durable build
- Many stitch options
- One step buttonholer
- Very fast top speed
- Variable speed feed dog
- Huge working area
- Nice LCD display
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Takes up a good deal of space
Brother XR9550PRW Project Runway Sewing Machine
If you’re looking for a computerized sewing machine that can also be used for quilting, this popular sewing machine from Brother just might fit the bill. In addition to an LCD screen and 110 built-in stitches, it also includes 8 one-step, auto-sizing buttonhole options.
The wide work area makes it easy to work on large sewing or quilting projects and the free arm option always comes in handy when doing fine intricate work on smaller areas. The automatic needle threader makes setup a breeze and this model has a top speed of 850 stitches per minute.
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XR9550PRW
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Pros
- Intuitive computer
- Over 100 stitches
- Auto size button holes
- Large work area
- Nice free arm
- Automatic needle threader
Cons
- Not the most durable design
Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
This Janome sewing machine includes speed, a user-friendly design and a generous 7-inch work area. The uncomplicated features and limited number of stitch options (12) make this model a good option for beginners. There’s also a four-step buttonhole option. The quality of the design and construction ensure years of service. Truthfully, you’ll probably only use a handful of stitches for most of your projects.
Both the stitch width and length are adjustable and the drop feed ensures you have the option of trying out your creativity with free-motion stitching. You can lock any line of stitching by moving the built-in reverse lever and you can also use the free arm option for smaller projects or more intricate stitches. The extra high presser foot lift leaves plenty of room for multiple layers and the top speed of 860 stitches per minute will get any job done fast.
Janome |
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Janome 2212
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Pros
- Very user friendly
- Fairly large work area
- Easy buttonholer
- High quality construction
- Highly adjustable
- High presser foot
- High speed functionality
Cons
- Not many stitch options to choose from
Eversewn Sparrow 20 Sewing Machine
The Eversewn Sparrow 20 is a computerized model that’s ideal for meeting and exceeding the demands of quilting. It contains 80 stitch options, including 10 quilting stitches and 49 decorative and utility stitches. The width and length of all stitch options are adjustable up to 7mm for width and 4.5mm for length. There are also 6 one-step buttonhole options.
The LCD screen displays all stitch options and the control panel allows you to select each stitch and make adjustments. The up/down control for the needle position allows you to set the needle position at the end of a row of stitching – a great advantage when sewing corners. This is a great machine for beginners and experts alike.
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Sparrow 20
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Pros
- Computerized for ease of use
- Over 80 stitches
- Highly adjustable
- Nice LCD screen
- Ideal for sewing corners
Cons
- Not the most budget friendly
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
With 600 built-in stitch options, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your sewing and quilting creativity. Purchase of this reasonably-priced Singer includes an extension table attachment which provides you with a very spacious work area. This is an exceptional piece of equipment for working on large projects and quilts. This machine also features a dual needle option. Stitches other than a straight stitch are automatically narrowed in order to clear the presser foot.
The powerful motor drives this machine at a top speed of 850 stitches per minute. The stitch speed is easily controlled by simply moving a slider bar on the machine. The extra high lift on the presser foot provides plenty of space when working with high loft batting.
Singer |
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Quantum Stylist 9960
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Pros
- 600 stitches
- Reasonable price
- Large attachment table
- Dual needle option
- Powerful motor and high speed
- Easy to adjust stitch speed
- Portable
Cons
- The basic unit doesn’t have too much room to work with
Janome HD1000 Sewing Machine
This sturdy, user-friendly sewing machine is a natural for quilting. In addition to featuring a free arm option, it handles heavier fabrics and multiple layers with ease. The work area is large enough to accommodate larger projects. The all metal frame and powerful motor drive the needles at up to 840 stitches per minute and the presser foot can be raised extra high – you won’t have to force multiple quilt layers beneath it.
The HD1000 includes a drop feed featuring a 3-piece feed dog system that enables free motion sewing and makes creative quilting much easier. The machine includes only 14 built-in stitches but the selection is varied and includes decorative options. At about 17 lbs., this machine is a true portable. Purchase also includes a 25-year warranty.
Janome |
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HD1000 Sewing Machine
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Pros
- Additional free arm option
- Designed for user friendliness
- Fairly solid construction
- Large working area
- Powerful motor
- High speed
- Very portable
- Highly adjustable
Cons
- Only 14 stitches to choose from
Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
In addition to 23 built-in stitch options and a one-step buttonholer, this Singer model features an automatic needle threader and a heavy-duty metal frame. A motor redesign drives the needle at a blinking 1,100 stitches per minute at top speed. The increased power also ensures clean, sturdy stitching on even the thickest fabrics or multiple quilt layers. The drop-in bobbin and presser foot pressure control make setup fast and easy.
A bright LED light illuminates the sewing area and lowering or raising the feed dogs using the slider on the back of the machine will allow you to create your best free-motion sewing designs on any sewing project.
Singer |
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Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
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Pros
- LED light for illumination
- Automatic needle threader
- High power motor
- Super high speed stitching
- Very easy to adjust
Cons
- Only has 23 stitches
Singer 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
In addition to providing you with 100 built-in stitches, this Singer model sits on a heavy-duty metal frame which provides stability and durability. The large LCD screen provides clear, easy viewing of all available stitch options, including stitch length and width adjustment options. The 6-segment feeding system, reverse function, horizontal threading feature, speed control lever and extra-high presser foot lifter all work together to make all your quilting projects easier to complete.
Two bright LED lights illuminate the oversized work area and the automatic presser foot pressure control ensures precise fabric control while you sew.
Singer |
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Stylist 7258
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Pros
- Heavy duty frame for great durability
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Very easy to adjust
- Many functions designed for quilting
- LED lights for illumination
- Great control
Cons
- Not exactly lightweight
Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine
This just might be the perfect machine for beginners to sewing and quilting. Despite being a compact model, the Brother XM2701 is loaded with stitch options and features usually found on more expensive models. In addition to 27 different stitch options, this machine includes a 1-step buttonholer with an automatic sizing function. The automatic needle threader and drop in bobbin make setup a breeze.
The work area is smaller than some of the other models listed here, but the machine is sturdy enough to handle multiple quilt layers. A bright LED light keeps the work area well illuminated and the generous accessory package includes 6 different presser feet. The price on this impressive little machine is not to be believed.
Brother |
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Brother XM2701
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Pros
- Compact
- Portable
- Decent amount of stiches
- One step buttonholer
- Automatic needle threader
- Can handle thick materials
- High quality LED light
- Great price
Cons
- Not the biggest working space
- Somewhat limited durability
Singer 7470 Confidence
The Singer 7470 Confidence 225-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine is the best sewing machine for quilting. It features an electronic system that enables the user to complete multiple designs and speed up the creative process.
It comes shipped with accessories including general-purpose foot, zipper foot, satin stitch foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, screwdriver, a pack of needles, a dust cover, seam ripper/brush, bobbins, spool caps, spool felts, and auxiliary spool pin.
It comes with a beautiful LCD screen that allows the user to program the different needle positions and the memory override pattern remembers the user and the measurements to enable efficient sewing. Singer provides a 25-year warranty, a 5-year electronic warranty and a 1-year labor warranty.
The one-touch stitch selection and automatic needle threader make this one of the best sewing machines for quilting. Singer makes the sewing process easy and understandable; they implement new technologies and simplicity to create a premiere sewing machine.
The sewing machine arrives assembled and is very easy to use. I recommend this Singer to anyone who likes to work on quilts and who wants a great machine for the price.
Singer |
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7470 Confidence
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Pros
- Super versatile
- Allows for great creativity
- Nice LCD screen
- Memory function
- Great warranty
- Very user friendly
- Many points of adjustment
Cons
- Could use a little more working space
Buyers Guide
Let’s talk about the main considerations that you need to keep in mind when choosing the best sewing machine for quilting. There are a few very important factors that you need to consider.
1. Durability & Build Quality
One important thing to look out for here is how durable the sewing machine in question is. Not all sewing machines are built the same in this sense. The most durable of sewing machines are going to be those that feature a heavy duty metal frame.
This will allow the sewing machine in question to take some bumps without you having to worry about it immediately breaking.
Now, the exterior can be made out of plastic, although it should be fairly high quality plastic. Do keep in mind however that a high quality metal frame will increase the weight of the quilting machine.
2. Weight and Portability
Something else that you should keep an eye on when choosing a best sewing machine for quilting is how heavy the unit in question is. Generally speaking, if you plan on taking your machine to sewing classes, it should be fairly lightweight.
That said, you do of course want to pay attention to what the machine in question is made out of. You don’t want to sacrifice too much durability for a lightweight design.
If you plan on just using the machine in your home, you may as well go for something heavier and a little more durable. Exactly what you go for here does depend on what your primary goal is.
3. Throat Size and Working Area
When it comes to sewing machines for quilting, a very important factor is how large the throat size is. Moreover, you also want to pay attention to the overall working area that you have to work with. Whenever possible, you want to get to the largest possible width or throat size as humanly possible.
Quilts can be fairly large, which means that you need a lot of space to work with. If you don’t have a large enough working area, you won’t really be able to fit a quilt into the machine. This is perhaps one of the most important features of all when it comes to a sewing machine for quilting.
4. Stitch Options
Another very important thing to keep an eye on here is what types of stitches the machine in question comes with. Now, as you can tell from our reviews, some of these machines come with hundreds, if not close to 1000 different stitches. Although this may be useful if you are a professional who needs such variety, it’s not really overly necessary.
This is especially the case if you are a beginner that is only going to be working on quilts. There are three main types of stitch that you need to have for quilting. These include the blanket stitch, the zigzag stitch, and the straight stitch.
5. An Automatic Needle Threader
One of the hardest parts of any sewing machine is threading that needle. Therefore, to help make your life easier, you do really want a model that has an automatic needle threader. It’s just something that is going to help make your life a whole lot easier.
6. Power & Needle Quality
Something else to take note of here is that quilts can be extremely thick and hard. This is especially the case if you are making quilts out of various layers of materials.
Therefore, you do need to go for a sewing machine that has plenty of power and strong needles. The machine you get needs to be able to penetrate several layers of thick fabric. If they cannot do so, you just won’t be able to make any quilts.
7. Speed and Speed Adjustment
You then also want to pay attention to exactly how fast the sewing machine in question can operate at. Some of these machines can put out well over 1100 stitches per minute.
With that being said, perhaps more important than the speed itself is that the speed is adjustable. Depending on the type of material you are working with and the size of the quilt, you do want to be able to work faster or slower.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert at machine quilting, there’s no reason to mortgage the family home to purchase an expensive quilting machine. Many sewing machine models are more than ready to take on the demands of straight line and free-motion quilting.