Quilting is a form of sewing that has been around for centuries, and it’s a craft that has been passed down from generation to generation. Quilts are made by stitching together two or more layers of fabric, with an intervening cloth binding, typically in order to create a padded and quilted garment. The best sewing machine for quilting was not available back in the day. This craft was said to originate back during the 15th century. However, sewing machines were only invented during the 19th century.
Quilts provide warmth and comfort for people who have lost their homes due to natural disasters or wars. They also offer hope for those who need it most by providing shelter to refugees from violent conflict zones.
Quilts are used as a symbolic language across cultures and generations, transmitting messages about family history, pride in one’s heritage, social standing, and events that afflict us all such as wars or natural disasters. The artistry of quilt-making varies from simple patterns stitched together using scrap fabrics to elaborate works employing sophisticated techniques.
The Importance of Quilting
As discussed above, quilting is a centuries-old art form that has been enjoyed by people of all ages. You might be wondering why even get the best sewing machine for quilting? What is there about quilting that it needs to be done? Or rather, why does it still continue to be a popular pastime or even livelihood for some. There are a number of reasons why quilting is still around and is enjoyed by many, some of which include:
-It’s a creative way to use up leftover fabric.
You might be surprised but textile waste is actually causing a lot of harm to the environment. For leftover fabric not to go to waste, you can do projects such as quilting. Not only will you be able to help the environment but you’ll surely come up with a unique and creative project.
-It’s a great way to show your creativity and talent.
Quilting is not just about running stitches over a piece of cloth. It actually takes a lot of time and creativity to plan out. For some, quilting is even a kind of puzzle and can definitely stretch and broaden your talents.
-It’s a way to preserve memories and create heirlooms.
You might have a grandmother or mother who has passed on a quilt to you. Some might even have passed a quilt that was given to them by their own mothers or grandmothers. Quilting definitely takes a lot of time but the quality is outstanding (especially when done correctly). It can last for years and years, definitely a worthy heirloom that you can be proud to pass on to a loved one.
-It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and family.
In today’s modern age, people have become connected through technology. If you want to mix things up with family members and friends, quilting is a good activity to do together. This is especially helpful if you want to break the monotony of your usual activities.
-It offers both skills and life lessons.
You can learn so much when you start quilting, this can be as simple as how to use a sewing machine or how to stitch by hand. There is also skill to be learned from mixing and matching colors and patterns to improvising. But apart from the skills, quilting can teach you so much more, from being patient to accepting mistakes are always made and it’s okay not to be perfect.
Why You Should Get the Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
The best sewing machine for quilting is one that can handle multiple layers of fabric and has a wide variety of stitches. It is also important to find a machine that is durable and easy to use. With so many different machines on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best sewing machines for quilting, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
If you’re serious about quilting, then you need a machine that can handle multiple layers of fabric and has a wide variety of stitches. The best sewing machine for quilting is one that is durable and easy to use. Just imagine picking out the best crochet needles for crocheting. You wouldn’t want a sub-par machine for making quilt now, would you?
With so many different machines on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best sewing machines for quilting, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
1. Best Sewing Machine for Quilting and Embroidery: Brother
The amazing Brother SE600 has a lot of features up its sleeves. Although it is technically more of an embroidery machine, it can also be used for quilting. For starters, it has a large needle-to-arm workspace that can allow for folding quilts. Other features of this sewing machine include personalization options like 6 lettering fonts and 80 built-in designs.
For your convenience, the machine has an automatic needle threader. With the drop-in top bobbin, you can reduce the chances of experiencing jamming. For the ultimate user convenience, this machine has a touchscreen display that can help you access sewing features, including over 100 stitches.
2. Best Beginner Sewing Machine for Quilting: 9960 Singer
If you are looking for the best Singer sewing machine for quilting, look no further than the Singer 9960. This computerized sewing machine offers a lot of easy features making it an ideal option for beginners. Some of these features include an automatic needle threader and built-in stitches (a total of 600, including alphanumeric fonts).
The maximum speed of the Singer 9960 is 850 stitches per minute. This makes it the best sewing machine for quilting beginner to pro—definitely a machine you can grow with as you progress in the craft. Stitch elongation and mirror imaging functions are also available on the machine, which can come in handy with quilting projects.
3. Best Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting: EverSewn
Quilters rejoice as the EverSewn Sparrow 30s has features to make crafting easier. This machine has 9 presser feet and 6-inch throat space. With over 300 stitches programmed in this computer-controlled machine, you’ll be able to access 2 full alphabets and 84 decorative stitches.
Free motion quilting, which is using the sewing machine to go whichever way you want, is possible with the EverSewn Sparrow 30s. Just make sure you put it in the right setting and you can create wonderful designs that aren’t simply verticals and horizontals. Some prefer to drop their feed dogs while others don’t, it depends on how you plan to go about free motion quilting.
4. Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Under $500: Brother
Now, it’s no secret that sewing machines cost a lot. However, it is possible to find a sewing machine for quilting that won’t break the bank. For starters, opt for a machine that isn’t too advanced (skip the touchscreen display, for one). The Brother XR3774 is a good machine that is durable, affordable, and more importantly, gets the job done.
With a versatile free arm, you can create wonderful quilts as well as other projects. Some of the features of the Brother XR3774 include a drop-in top bobbin that won’t be prone to jamming and an automatic needle threader. There are also over 30 built-in stitches included in the machine, which can be accessed with the dial.
5. Best Janome Sewing Machine for Quilting
The Janome 3160QDC is a computerized sewing machine that has an LCD control panel, 60 built-in stitches, and an automatic needle threader. The Janome company from Japan has been producing high-quality sewing machines for over 100 years. To this day, it continues to be one of the most popular names when it comes to sewing machines.
Quilters find the Janome 3160QDC as one of the best from the brand as it is easy to use. Handy function buttons are on the machine and the stitches are shown right on the body. This machine also comes with many accessories that help in quilting as well as other sewing projects, such as an open-toe even feed foot and an extension table. When not in use, a hardcover can be placed on the machine.
6. Best High-End Sewing Machine for Quilting: JUKI
If you are looking for something special, check out the JUKI TL-2020 PE. The Juki also hails from Japan but has only been around for over 80 years. Nevertheless, the company is also known for its industrial sewing machines as well as domestic sewing machines. To celebrate the decades-long business of the company in the sewing machine industry, it came out with the JUKI TL-2020 PE.
The JUKI TL-2020 PE is a special limited edition sewing machine that boasts a platinum exterior. It is a portable quilting sewing machine that has a lock-stitch and single-needle feature. Designed for precision sewing, this model has a large work area perfect for quilting. Other features of this machine include LED lighting and a speed control slider.
7. Best Straight Stitch Sewing Machine for Quilting: Bernette
Swiss-designed Bernette is another excellent sewing machine for quilting. Look into the Bernette b38, the top model of the Bernette 30 series. This computerized sewing machine offers a wide range of features for quilting and sewing, including a memory function, which allows remembering stitch patterns.
For easier quilting, the Bernette b38 offers an extension table and 8 presser feet (the foot pressure is adjustable too!). An automatic and manual thread cutter is included as well as nearly 400 stitches. To ensure straight stitch sewing, this machine has a built-in LED light. It also has a speed regulator (which you can access on the display) to help you control your quilting.
8. Best Brother Sewing Machine for Quilting
For some people, the Brother brand is more known in the field of computers, such as printers. But for quilters and sewers, the Brother brand is highly popular for their sewing machines. The company actually started as a sewing machine manufacturer over a hundred years ago before dabbling in electronics. This company offers an excellent range of high-quality machines that can be used for the home or even in business. For quilting, the Brother XR9550 is a good model you can count on.
The Brother XR9550 has built-in unique stitches, which can be easily seen on the body of the machine. Choosing settings and stitches for quilting is easy as this model has an intuitive LCD display. Accessories included with the sewing machine are quilting feet, protective hardcover, instructional DVD, and a wide table.
9. Best Portable Sewing Machine for Quilting: 001 Janome
Do you want to quilt on the go? Maybe you don’t have enough space for quilting? Whatever the case, know that there is a sewing machine for quilting that is portable. The Janome 001 is an excellent portable sewing machine. Not only does it only weigh 5lbs but it has good sewing features too. It also helps that it’s cute, the colorway of the Janome 001 is very refreshing!
You can choose between 2 needle positions on the Janome 001. It also offers built-in stitches, such as zigzags. This machine has a convenient free arm and also a clear drop-in top bobbin. If you want to travel with your machine, be sure to grab a Janome sewing machine tote, too!
Computerized vs. Mechanical Sewing Machine
When it comes to choosing the best sewing machine for quilting, there are two main types of machines to choose from – computerized and mechanical. You might have noticed the list includes a mix of either the computerized or the mechanical kind.
Computerized sewing machines are more advanced than mechanical machines, and they come with a range of features that can make quilting easier and more accurate.
Some of the advantages of using a computerized sewing machine for quilting include:
-They are easy to use and come with a variety of stitches and patterns.
-They are more precise than mechanical machines, so you can get professional-looking results.
-They have a wide range of features that can make quilting easier, such as automatic threading and tension control.
Computerized sewing machines have a number of advantages over mechanical machines, but they also have a few drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of computerized machines is that they are often more expensive than mechanical models. They also require more maintenance, and if something goes wrong, it can be difficult to fix them yourself.
Computerized sewing machines are also less reliable than mechanical machines, and they can be more difficult to use for beginners. Finally, they use more electricity than mechanical machines, so they can be more expensive to operate in the long run.
Mechanical sewing machines, on the other hand, are less expensive than computerized models and they can be a good choice for beginners. Some of the advantages of using a mechanical machine for quilting include:
-They are simple to use and maintain.
-They are often smaller and lighter than computerized models, so they’re easy to transport.
-They can be a good choice for people who are on a budget.
No matter which type of machine you choose, it’s important to find one that is durable and easy to use. With so many different machines on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together the list above of the best sewing machines for quilting, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
Choosing the Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
The best sewing machine for quilting will depend entirely on you. Just because one sewing machine is more advantageous for a fellow quilter doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. The best sewing machine for quilting on a budget may not be the same as that as the best starter sewing machine for quilting. To help you choose the best sewing machine for quilting for you, you might want to consider the following factors:
-Your quilting level or expertise
If you are just starting out, there’s no need to go all out or splurge on a machine, especially if you are just trying out this craft or hobby. However, if you think this is a craft that you really plan on being serious with, then it’s okay to invest in a machine that is more pricey.
However, know that there are high-quality machines that are affordable. The trouble with sewing machines with all the bells and whistles is, it can be quite overwhelming or confusing for beginners. It’s best to get a machine with fewer features so you can focus on basic quilting.
-How often you plan on quilting
When do you plan on quilting? Will it be all the time or on a regular schedule? Maybe only when you only manage to get spare time. You have to consider that sewing machines for quilting require maintenance. If you don’t use it for a long time, it might not provide the same performance the next time you use it.
At the same time, you should also get a high-performance machine if you plan on quilting all the time. It might even be best to invest in a high-speed one (or even an industrial model) if you plan on quilting a lot of items.
-The types of fabrics you want to quilt with
Whether you are using flannel, linen, wool, or quilter’s cotton, you need to make sure that the fabric you use is compatible with your sewing machine. Not all sewing machines are built the same, some have more workspace, others have narrower throats.
You need to make sure that the cloths and fabrics you use can actually be fed on the machine or fit into the arm. If not, you might find yourself with a disastrous quilting project. Or worse, an expensive sewing machine damaged.
-Your budget
Expensive does not always mean better. That’s the good thing about sewing machines for quilting. You don’t always need to get the most expensive just so you can create wonderful quilting projects. So, be mindful of your budget, there are machines that are under $500 that can last you a long time of quilting.
Most of the time, the more expensive sewing machines are the ones that are designed for business or industrial use. They have more features or specialized ones that you might not exactly need anyway.
-The features you need
As discussed above, not all features are needed to be able to quilt. So, you only need to focus on features that you will be using for your current project. However, while you are at it, you might also want to plan out your future projects. Think about the type of quilting projects you’ll do as you progress and find sewing machines that have appropriate features for these too.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the best sewing machine for quilting for your needs. Best of luck on your quilting journey!
Final Thoughts
Sewing machines can make or break a quilter’s experience. A good sewing machine will make the process easier while a bad one will make it more difficult. The best sewing machine for quilting, again, will be based on your own needs and preferences.
You can try dabbling on different machines with those that are owned by friends or family members. It’s also good to check out reviews. Make sure to choose a sewing machine that has a good brand (well, known brands in the sewing and quilting community are popular for a reason after all). Happy quilting!
Maybe you want to try a craft or hobby that does not rely on a machine? Then go ahead and check out the best weaving loom. It may not be as fast as a sewing machine but you will be able to create remarkable pieces with your own hands (and of course, a couple of tools!). Nevertheless, you’ll have an enjoyable time creating manually.