Are you looking to replace your traditional sewing machine with a computerized model? Preferably one that saves up on time by automatically threading the needle? Or are you simply looking for the best sewing machine for quilting that comes with a knee lifter? If you can relate to any of these statements, then you have reached the right spot!
Traditional sewing machines have had the rigor to stand a decade, but if you are a regular quilter, they can take a toll on your arms from quilting manually. Imagine having to shift positions, bend in deep and then go back to your work designs to see if you are doing the right thing. This could lead to potential backache! Or worse? Joint issues for regular stitchers.
Don’t feel like reading? Skip to the best part & find out our editor’s pick!
It is better to switch to a computerized sewing machine, especially when they come at a modest price and a lifetime warranty option.
From technicalities like programming your custom stitch preferences to the extra add-ons, we have included all the details you need to go through before making your purchase. Without further overdue, here is a list of the 12 best sewing machines for quilting!
1. Brother CS6000i Quilting Machine
Gone are the days when most households took pride in keeping some of the best mechanical sewing machines as an all-in-one solution to their cloth fixes, similarly, brands have moved past the traditional manual systems and manufacturers worldwide are now competing to make the best computerized sewing machines.
Brother is a leading brand that specializes in seven unique styles of 1-step size buttonholes. With an included wide table, it makes it pretty easy for its users to sew through larger pieces of cloth. While preliminarily a wide table is a good fit for sewing shirts and trousers but throughout this article, we have included some of the best sewing machines for free motion quilting.
Product Features:
- Wide table
- Automatic needle threader
- Built-in free arm
- LCD stitch selector
By some of the Brother sewing machine reviews, the CS6000i model is referred to as the best quilting machine. It comes with 60 built-in sewing stitches that are coded in a pictorial stamp on the right side of this small sewing machine.
A plus point of this model is the inclusion of the automatic needle threader which sets it apart from other versions of Brother. The automatic needle threader will save you from the off chance of being pricked by a sharp needle, which happens often in case you stitch regularly. This is why its distinctive safety features makes it the best brother sewing machine for young ones too.
What’s more? It comes packed with a free of cost hardcover that will shield this free arm sewing machine better than a low priced dust cover.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: The manufacturers at Brother have decided to launch CS6000i in both beige and blue. Aesthetics are the least of concerns for anyone going for automatic sewing machine for clothes, but if you don’t agree to that, the two color options offered are for people like you! A small sewing machine that can stitch a quilt and look cute? This is it.
What People Are Saying:
- “This is the best sewing machine for quilting beginners, it gave me a great start.”
- “I finished some intensive quilting projects with this.”
- “Zero worries in skipping stitches! It works without making any apparent noises unlike my mechanical sewing machine.”
- Technical errors take time to solve
- Bearings might rust after a year
2. SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
The best singer sewing machine you say? Now here is one fine example of it. One that easily qualifies as the best quilting machine for its heavy duty motor and a strong body. It comes with 23 built-in stitches and 12 decorative stitches.
If you are looking through sewing machine brands to filter out a decorative product, then you will definitely need one that can sew aesthetic stitches. And with a heavy duty model like the 4423, you can design quilts to a whole new level.
What else? 4423 is a free arm sewing machine and it can easily stitch all types of fabric with a grace that parallels with all the high-end brands.
Product Features:
- Heavy-duty metal frame
- Top drop-in bobbin
- 120 V
- 23 built-in stitches
This model, to anyone looking for a programmable sewing machine, is a killjoy in comparison with all the best computerized sewing machines. It may not include all the latest digital shenanigans like the LCD display, but hey! In case you need to stitch through a huge quilt for king-sized beds, this will do the job for you in a flash.
The fun factor with 4423 is its ability to be controlled by a computer. Interesting, isn’t it? It is also the first zigzag machine and the best portable sewing machine that can stitch on the go.
The Singer sewing assistant app is a highlight feature that lets you get help without having to dial and hold on for a customer service agent.
The top drop bobbin pin is easy to thread and is visibly placed so that you don’t run out of thread in the middle of a stitch. The foot pressure is adjustable, and the bedplate made of stainless steel allows this mid arm sewing machine to glide over the fabric smoothly.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Its strong motor allows it to sew 1100 stitches per minute making it a breeze to get your projects done in half the time required than a babylock embroidery machine.
What People Are Saying:
- “My daughters are thankfully able to do a lot more with their free time now than just text”
- “With most sewing machines, adjusting tension was a big obstacle, but not with this one.”
- “Singer has never let me down when I need to sew in a hustle.”
- Threads tangle at the bottom
- Limited warranty
3. SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
Ideally, the best sewing machine for free motion quilting should be large enough to stitch all variants of quilt sizes. This model roughly weighs 18.2 lbs and has dimensional measurements of 17″ x 8.25″ × 12″.
Unfortunately, it isn’t light and handy but it can stitch up to 600 stitches per minute with a 55-watt motor. You can set the tension settings and the bobbin winding clutch to auto. I really like the illuminating feature on 9960, it can light up your workspace with 2 StayBright LED lights that last for a year and provide optimal viewing.
Moreover, the computerized LCD display can help you choose your customized setting preference. From stitch width, stitch length and to the recommended settings of the presser foot, you can tailor your machine to accommodate your stitching needs!
Product Features:
- Electronic autopilot mode
- Accessory Kit
- 600 built-in stitches
- High-speed sewing
Singer 9960 takes a lead among its other models with unique features that are a combination of the properties of a commercial sewing machine. For example,
- An extra high presser foot lift
- A built-in reverse stitch
- An automatic bobbin winding clutch
- An automatic locking stitch function
- Direct select stitch selection buttons
To top it off, Singer has pre-installed 5 alphanumeric fonts and 13 automatic 1-step buttonholes that come with a button underplate.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The inside of the machine is made with a heavy duty metal frame that holds all the internal skeleton together. This solid structure can execute a perfect alignment for a free motion quilting machine.
What People Are Saying:
- “It’s the all in one sewing machine for making clothes and twin size quilts.”
- “Singer’s touchscreen is of high quality. It is colored and clearer.”
- “It has programmable features. You can pre-program to stop and sew or pivot when needed.”
- No 3-pin plug
- Cannot adjust screen brightness
4. Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine
Brother’s XM2701 has 70 built-in stitches that also include specialised stitches for decor, heirloom, utility and quilting. It can sew up to 850 spm. For beginners, the stitch speed can be toned down for easy maneuvering.
With an automatic needle threader, it conveniently pushes the thread within the needle and includes a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.
The packaging includes 4 extra bobbin pins, a 3 piece needle set and an instructional DVD to help you get started on your stitching journey.
The versatile free arm provides you with the diversity of stitching divergent projects. A free arm also gives flexibility to both new users and professionals.
XM2701 offers 27 variants of stitches. If you need the best quilting machine, especially to administer large stitches you can crosscheck different types of stitches from the image below:
Product Features:
- Lightweight & Portable
- LED-lit work area
- 6 sewing feet
- 27 stitches included
As winners of the women’s choice awards, Brother’s international recognition of delivering top quality makes it a certified lightweight space saving machine that can last for generations.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: It has 6 sewing feet included which enables fluid stitching across all types of fabric.
What People Are Saying:
- “The instructional tutorial is a big help, as a beginner, I was able to make a stitch neatly on my second try.”
- “Saved some of the old frocks with this model, I am so happy to save my mother’s dress too”
- “My mother has this model. once you get the hang of it, you can sew with ease.”
- No LCD
- No computer / USB port
5. Singer Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine
Singer 4432 lives up to its name of being a heavy duty sewing machine. It can stitch out your spontaneous ideas in a flash with a stitching speed of 1100 spm. This machine speaks pro with its red and grey body made with a metal frame.
The good thing about this machine is its sewing app. The app comes with a unique social media support feature that lets you connect with other Singer users for sewing tips and tricks.
Singer claims to have made it’s motor 60% more powerful than other brands making it a true workhorse when paired with its amazing speed.
The only apparent downer about this machine is the absence of LCD, but if you are an expert crafty stitcher, chances are, you are able to sew perfectly without needing to customise the stitching requirements on the screen.
Product Features:
- Stainless Steel Bedplate
- Solid Metal Frame
- Automatic 1-step buttonhole
- 18 decorative stitches
You can also control the width of a stitch, which is great as you can sew a strong quilt cover within minutes. It can also go through several layers of thick fabric making it the best sewing machine for quilting beginners.
To increase fabric feeding for even sewing, Singer has installed a stainless steel bedplate. As this is an old model, it hardly contains any computerized features so you will need to invest in LED work lights. But if you want a traditional sewing machine with strong mechanisms and are not a big fan of the latest shenanigans then, this machine is for you.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why we like it: From launching their own app for fashion designers to offering a 25-year warranty on the product, Singer offers lifelong customer services for all their products.
What People Are Saying:
- “As they say – old habits die hard. As a seamstress I have used this for 20 years.”
- “Great for both, small projects and large designs”
- “This model definitely has more upgrades – makes it a breeze to stitch”
- No needle adjustment
- Difficult to get spare parts
6. Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The foot presser isn’t everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to stitching. In case someone from your family can’t stitch without the presser and you can’t sew without it, then HC1850 is a good bet. With its dual operation with or without the presser, you can control the sewing machine both ways.
It’s compact and portable with a built-in handle that makes it easy for you to carry without hurting your fingers. It includes a large backlit LCD that lets you set your stitching preference like the stitch width, length, type, etc.
You can easily browse through its stitch reference flip chart that has been programmed within the machine. It will help you select your customized stitch preferences without having to manually adjust the machine at all.
Product Features:
- 185 built-in stitches
- LCD display
- Advance stitch selector
- 55 alphanumeric stitches
Big sewing projects like minky blankets or seam pajama pants require a whole lot of room for you to put together and stitch all the clothe cuts in perfect sync. You can get a small sewing machine like HC1850 to save up space but if you have big sewing projects to cater to, getting one with a wide table will ensure that you are not messing up your stitches.
Not only this, this sewing machine has lights to lighten up your workplace which makes it a good choice for beginners. If you are passionate about getting your tees to a literal T, why not get the best singer sewing machine? Lastly, it has an adjustable sewing speed that makes it the perfect sewing machine for advanced sewers and new learners.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: It has a quick-set bobbin that lets you get started with sewing in a flash by dropping the bobbin and pulling the thread from the slot.
What People Are Saying:
- The DVD is a plus point, got a good bang for my buck.
- I was looking for a free motion quilting machine, and it’s a great find with all the necessary quilting features.
- Unlike other machines, this one hasn’t given me any problems or frustrations.
- Dim lights
- Not good for thick fabric
7. Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW Electric Sewing Machine
Ever wanted to create high-end glam dresses but being disabled by the daunting traditional sewing machines? I have been there, and honestly most of us simply move on knowing it is impossible to learn to operate within minutes. Designing is fun, but understanding the mechanics is not fun.
To break this barrier, CS5055PRW comes with an instructional DVD that can make your clothing runaway ready with its sewing capacity of 850 stitches per minute! Surprising, no?
If you like to have neat cuffs or have trouble stitching arms on a wide table, CS5055PRW has a free arm included in its package which makes sewing raglan or bracelet sleeves a breeze.
Product Features:
- Backlit LCD
- 7 sewing feet
- 50 stitches
- 120 Volt AC
What’s more? The five one-step buttonholes size up the stitch in accordance with the button size! This occurs automatically and gives your garment a couture-level neatness at an affordance price.
Besides buttonholes, you can add zippers, neat top stitches and decorative overcasting edges to your favorite pieces.
A project runaway edition from Brother is a must have for designers looking to sew perfect hems and stitches straight out of their imagined blueprints.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The entire selection of 50 in-built stitches has been printed on the front of the sewing machine, making you choose your preferred stitch a one-second job.
What People Are Saying:
- Programmed it to stop the needle in the up position, and it worked!
- It has more bells and whistles than my traditional machine, I would suggest reading the guide beforehand.
- The needle threader is handy, a good innovation.
- Maintenance is expensive
- Dim lights
8. Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
Like all Singer machines, Singer has proved to be the best among sewing machine brands for advanced sewers due to its stainless steel metal frame that adds onto the machine’s stitching rigor.
The good thing about it is that It’s loaded with all the necessary accessories in the storage tray of the free arm. This includes a clearance plate (also called the hum jumper in some countries) for tackling thick seams and a 5 pack of size 16 needles that can even stitch together curtains.
Interestingly enough, there are very few sewing machines that can stitch decorated borders on a satin quilt cover. To grace your quilts with unique designs, you can look for the best embroidery machine to incorporate beads, quills and pearls.
It comes with a range of feet, for instance:
- A walking foot (even feed) – for quilting, matching plaids and thick layers of fabric.
- Zipper foot – for piping and zippers.
- Non-stick foot – used for tough fabric types like vinyl and leather.
- Buttonhole foot – for consistent and even buttonholes
- All-purpose foot – recommended for general stitching
Product Features:
- 1100 stitches per minute
- Strong motor
- Stainless steel bedplate
- Has a Google app for assistance
This model has the ability to stitch a 6 mm thick border to give your dress a bold, more pronounced look. If you want to keep the length short or the width narrow, it can be adjusted by the turn of the dial.
The needle can be positioned on three different spots which will help you with coding, installing a zipper line or while topstitching.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: The steel bed-plate makes the fabric flow smoothly and its heavy duty structure can evenly execute skip-free stitching.
What People Are Saying:
- Stitched thick fabric without a hesitation.
- I bought it to repair our boat cover. For the size of a regular sewing machine, it is 3x heavy duty.
- Doesn’t shake the table and doesn’t take a lot of room.
- Pettle is sensitive
- Decorative stitches are basic
9. Brother XR3774 Full-Featured Quilting Machine
With a Woman’s Choice Awards up its belt, XR3774 has been voted as the best long arm quilting machine by a large majority. You can enjoy the freedom to sew long sleeves and pant legs without the legit fear of messing up the measurements.
To add value to its diversity, it has 8 sewing feet, namely: button sewing, buttonhole, zigzag, zipper, narrow hemmer, blind stitch, walking and quilting feet for large covers and thick fabrics.
This model comes with an extensive lineup of user-friendly features making it a matchless fit for new beginners and one of the best sewing machines for advanced sewers.
Product Features:
- Instructional DVD
- 8 sewing feet
- 800 stitches per minute
- Brightly lit workspace
To add onto its versatility, it comes with 37 built-in stitches including decorative and quilting stitches into the bargain. To top it off, it has an automatic buttonholer that doesn’t take more than a step for stitching intricate buttonholes.
For a regular user, stitching large dresses is a small hiccup mainly because of not having enough space. By contrast, this sewing machine saves space with its compact size but gives along a wide table that makes sewing large covers or curtains a lot easier!
Along with an instructional DVD, they pack a user manual that is written in both english and spanish. It does not come with an oiling guide, which would have been a huge plus in preventing damage.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Instead of a printed stitch chart that could possibly fade with time, it has an easy stitch selector that will dial up and set your sewing choice.
What People Are Saying:
- It’s such a delight for aging eyes, I use it daily and it helps me big time with the quilts.
- I’m convinced that it’s a suitable machine. I won’t be fighting with it when the project deadlines are due.
- It’s so quiet which I didn’t predict. Looked complicated in the beginning but the manual got me through.
- Not smooth with reverse stitching
- The bobbin is not automatic
10. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
With our specific focus on the art of quilting in mind, here are some unique features for serious quilters in PQ1500SL:
- Knee lifter – you can use both hands freely for adjusting the quilting fabric.
- Extension table – the larger the table, the larger quilt you can sew with ease.
- Long throat – you can quilt a twin size cover with a large throat.
- Fabric separator – this is useful when you want to stitch dual covers together for insulation.
Product Features:
- Precision pin feeding system
- Mid arm sewing machine
- 7 sewing feet
- Removable knee lifter
In this model, you will have a color coded feeder dog adjuster that can be used with the foot presser dial. This will let you sew different types of fabric with ease including tough fabric like velvet.
With a touch of a button, you can stop the needle at a lower position which will allow you to rotate the fabric with ease. In case you don’t want it any lower, you can pre-program it to stop in the up position.
It has an unrivalled speed of 1500 stitches per minute which coupled with an automatic thread trimmer allows you to save your time without having to compromise on your projects.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Large throat sewing machines for quilting are hard to come by, and the throat on this machine is 8 ¾” wide which is a big win for quilters all over.
What People Are Saying:
- I’m a noob at sewing, and I got this machine to quilt!
- Having never used an automatic threader before, I’m struggling with the newness of it. Apart from that, I am pretty thrilled with this machine.
- I use faux leather to make bags and purses with this.
- Thread cutter cuts the thread short
- Spare parts are not available
11. Brother XR9550PRW Quilting Machine
This is another runaway perfect model that has won the Women’s Choice Awards 2018. Built with flexibility and durability, this is one of the easiest computerized machines to use by Brother.
XR9550PRW is a limited edition model that comes with 110 unique stitches including heirloom, utility, alphanumeric, decorative and quilting stitches. You will have 8 different styles of one-step buttonholes that can be autosized.
It comes along with other basic but important accessories like a wide table and a hard case. Apart from this, it includes other groovy extras that will set you up for making the best designer outfit; like 3 spool pins and spool caps, an eyelet punch, a seam ripper and a ball point needle.
Product Features:
- LCD screen
- Hard case
- 110 built-in stitches
- 8 sewing feet
The hard case protects it from dust and the included cleaning brush makes sure you get the dirt from all corners and crevices of the machine. If you are going Dora, the explorer, for the best long arm quilting machine, your quest ends here with Brother’s XR9550PRW model offering us with a drop and quilting feet.
Although, the automatic needle threader is now a common feature in large throat sewing machines for quilting but in most cases, it’s more of a hit or a miss scenario. Brother prides itself and rightly so in being able to push the thread right through the eye of the needle in no more than two tries.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: It comes with both an owner’s manual and a DVD in two different languages. In case you have other questions about its computerized operations you can call their 24/7 customer services for further technical assistance.
What People Are Saying:
- Used a heavy duty thread and duck cloth canvas in 4 layers – had no problems.
- It’s good for beginners and experts alike.
- Hands down, beats my traditional manual machine.
- No storage for extension table
- Does not have a metal body
12. SINGER Confidence 7469Q Computerized Quilting Machine
One of the most basic features you need to piece together the patchworks of a quilt is a programmable needle with an up or down feature. The 7469Q sewing machine is Singer’s claim to fame model that has been specifically designed for quilters.
Quilting fabric is thick or hard already, a low priced cheap sewing machine lacks the rigor to stitch with a perfect skip-free sewing. The perfect alignment of stitching can only occur when the internal structure of the sewing machine has a strong skeleton.
True to its tailored features for quilting, Singer has gone full fledged in committing to making a stronger built with a heavy duty metal frame. In addition to it, Singer provides an online community for all its sewers, including a youtube channel where you can learn to hone your stitching skills.
It comes with 4 bonus quilting feets:
- ¼ inch foot – for piecing together blocks of quilt
- Embroidery foot – for stippling on different fabric types
- Walking foot – for even flow of fabric
- Open toe foot – for better visibility
Singer is an old name that offers built-in 13 needle positions and stitch locking in this quilting model. The product itself has a 25 years warranty, as most brands offer as little as a 9 month warranty, hence, an extended lifetime warranty speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s blind trust in their product.
Product Features:
- Electronic twin needle control
- Optimum power control
- 13 needle positions
- Stitch locking
Combined with electronic twin needles and adjustable lengths, this model is a staple design with winning quilting combinations. What’s more? It offers a large sewing space with an extension table that allows you to sew quilts and other big projects. The workspace is brightly lit by 2 LED bulbs that allow you to carefully stitch and stipple.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why we like it: I like how you don’t have to raise the bobbin thread every time you get back to sewing after a break. With a drop-and-sew system, you can continue stitching with fluidity.
What People Are Saying:
- I made a four-layered cotton fabric sandwich and it sewed through without a breather.
- I could not go for the high-end sewing machines. At my budget and with the projects I had, this one sits at par with the others.
- After owning a nightmarish machine, I am surprised with how easily this sewed a small lap quilt for my daughter.
- Throat size is small for twin quilts
- Tension adjustments for the needle thread are loose
Editor’s Pick – Recommended Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
Picking the perfect sewing machine for quilting, for me was more about choosing the right brand than the features. This is because the competitive market for sewing machines has been reduced to two Brother and Singer. Like Pepsi and CocaCola, they have been constant with offering unique features at a remarkably reasonable price.
If we had been writing this review back in 2010, we would have preferred Singer for its strong heavy duty body that it has to date. But as of 2021, it is more about who adapted to technological changes the best and for a quilting machine. The choice is still Singer with its Confidence Quilter 7469Q that has taken a lead for making a specialised stitching models for quilters.
Best Sewing Machine for Quilting – Buyer’s Guide
Buying a sewing machine isn’t a regular thing, so most of us don’t have any idea what to look for. We have listed some of the important points that should be considered before stepping out on your quest for your quilting machine.
Computerized Sewing Machine
A computerized sewing machine will have an LCD display that will allow you to set your custom settings with a click of a button. You can maneuver through 100s of built-in stitching patterns.
Long Arm Machine
Many of us lack the space in our homes to own a long arm quilter. Fortunately, that does not mean that quilting at home can’t be possible. Sewing without a long arm on a regular basis can result in painful joint issues.
Built-in Stitches
With a traditional machine, you will have to be a real expert to maneuver the cloth to replicate a stitch, but with a computerized sewing machine you have an LCD display, a stitch selection button and electronic needles to do the work for you. The more programmed designs you have, the more creative you can be.
Other Accessories
There are a lot of packed add-ons that come with a sewing machine as you can imagine. Most companies add in a user manual, a thread box, a cute pouch, extra needles, hard case, dust covers, a wide table and different sewing feets.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Conclusion
You could be a beginner trying to learn how to quilt or a pro at it – our article summarises something for everyone. If you want to add on to our pointers or want us to cover another product, let us know in the comment section below!
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