The 8 Best Sewing Machines for Quilting (2024)

Our Top Picks

When it comes to sewing machines, Singer is one of the best-known brands. This particular machine—the Singer 7258—tops our list for sewing machines for quilters because it offers the essential features quilters need at a reasonable price.

To quickly find your desired stitch, you can utilize the handy push button stitch selection feature. While the machine is already set with the optimal settings for length, width, and tension, you can adjust the settings as needed. One user noted that it easily sewed through four layers of denim with interfacing, an impressive feat for models in this category. The singer 7258 is a sturdy, dependable machine, backed with a 25-year limited warranty.

_{Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches | Weight: 14.8 pounds | Included Stitches: 100 | Accessories: Automatic needle-threader, top drop-in bobbin, snap-on presser feet | Power Source: Electric}

There are all sorts of reasons to want a portable sewing machine: Maybe you don’t have a dedicated area for crafting, attend all sorts of classes, or simply want to be able to easily travel with your machine. The space-friendly Brother CS600i allows you to easily move your machine without sacrificing functionality.

It weighs just 13 pounds and contains all sorts of desirable features. It has 60 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a protective case for when you’re on the go with the machine, and several helpful accessories. This machine also comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

_{Dimensions: 11. 4 x 6.7 x 16.1 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Included Stitches: 60 | Accessories: Automatic needle threader, oversized wide table, 10 presser feet | Power Source: Electric}

Janome is another stand-out brand when it comes to sewing machines. This budget-friendly option doesn’t skimp on the quality: While it’s not packed with features, it has the essentials.This is a great option if you’re new to quilting or want a second machine (either to take to quilting gatherings or because you split your time between two locations).

This mechanical machine is easy to use and suitable for piecing and other quilting tasks. With the Janome 2212, you can drop the feed dogs if you need, too.It’ll handle thick quilting material, although note that it won’t provide the workspace necessary for a big quilting project (like, say, a quilt for a king-sized bed).

_{Dimensions: 15.2 x 11.6 x 6 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Included Stitches: 12 | Accessories: Four-step buttonhole, snap-on presser feet | Power Source: Electric}

Say hello to features with the Janome S5, which offers a generous amount of space for your quilting projects, along with all sorts of features quilters will appreciate, including a needle-down option and automatic thread cutter.

This machine can sew through multiple layers with ease. And while it offers a lot of features, picking up on how to use them is relatively easy, compared to other, more complex computerized sewing machines.This is a sturdy, dependable machine from a well-renowned brand—while it’s ideal for any sewing project, the throat space and other features make it particularly ideal for quilters.

_{Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 9.25 inches | Weight: 22.5 pounds | Included Stitches: 170 | Accessories: Automatic thread cutter, memorized needle up/down, built-in needle threader, buttonhole stabilizer plate | Power Source: Electric}

Sewing machines of today come with built-in computers, and all of the technology involved can sometimes make getting accustomed to a machine an overwhelming task. This isn't the case with the beginner-friendly model from Brother.

It offers 37 built-in stitches, eight sewing feet (including walking and quilting feet), an automatic needle threader, and plenty of helpful accessories, including an instructional DVD to help get you started using the machine.

_{Dimensions: 10.5 x 18.0 x 15.0 inches | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Included Stitches: 37 | Accessories: Automatic needle threader, 8 sewing feet, instructional DVD | Power Source: Electric}

Of course, there are huge benefits to computerized sewing machines, such as all sorts of bells and whistles that can lead to precise stitching and time-saving automation features. However, a mechanical machine also has its benefits: These machines are typically less pricey, and while they offer fewer features, they're often easier to use.

The Brother PQ1500SL is ideal for quilters who’d prefer to use a mechanical machine: Not only does it offer a large extension table, making for a big workspace, but it has a built-in knee lifter, an automatic thread cutter button, and sews up to 1,500 stitches per minute.It also comes with a quilting foot and a detachable wide table to extend your workspace.

_{Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.9 x 19.3 inches | Weight: 24.2 pounds | Included Stitches: Not listed | Accessories: 7 presser feet, extra-large wide table, automatic needle threader | Power Source: Electric}

If you’re making large-sized quilts, the throat space—or, distance between the right side of the machine and the needle—makes a really big difference.

This Juki TL-2010Q comes with more than 8 inches of throat space—some machines offer more, but this one comes with an extension table, which leads to a large work area that’s ideal for quilting. With the extension table attached, the work area is nearly 2 feet wide.

The machine is portable. It offers several quilter-friendly features, such as several feet for quilting, an automatic thread trimmer, and the ability to determine if the stop position of the needle is up or down.

_{Dimensions: 17.75 x 9 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 25.4 pounds | Included Stitches: Not listed | Accessories: Several presser feet, automatic thread trimmer, needle up/down control, extension table | Power Source: Electric}

With an embroidery sewing machine, quilters can make their own labels, embroider designs on the quilt, and more. If you’re interested in embroidery—either on its own, or as part of your quilting—this Brother SE600 machine suits your needs.

It offers 80 embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches, and software to design fonts, and has a good-sized work space for both quilting and embroidery. There are the seven easy-to-swap sewing feet, which include overcasting, monogramming, and blind stitch. This ensures any project, whether sewing, quilting, or embroidery, comes out beautifully.

_{Dimensions:21.18 x 16.54 x 15.51 Inches |Weight:26 pounds |Included Stitches:103 |Accessories:Not Listed |Power Source:Electric}

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Singer Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine (view at Amazon). It's durable, includes various stitches, and has an automatic needle threading function. As an added plus, it's also covered by a 25-year limited warranty. For something a little cheaper, the Janome 2212 Sewing Machine (view at Amazon) has all of the quilting essentials you need and can handle thick material—at just under $200.

FAQ

• What is the difference between a quilting machine and a sewing machine?

  Most sewing machines have everything you need to sew and create quilts. The only exception would be the longarm sewing machines, also known as a quilting machine. These are used for the quilting portion of making a quilt. "That is the stitching done through all three layers (quilt top, batting, quilt back), that you see on the finished quilt," says Baker. But, sewing machines can complete this step as well, so a specific machine for quilting is not necessary.

• Can you use any sewing machine for quilting?

  Yes. "A sewing machine can be used for piecing the quilt top, for quilting, and for binding (finishing the edges) of the quilt," says Baker.

• What is the best quilting machine for a beginner?

  According to Williams, you do not need a fancy machine to get started. She recommends looking for a sewing machine that can sew a straight line, which is pivotal for quilting. Also, join a quilting Facebook group or equivalent in-person or online. "Those are the places filled with knowledgeable people who can help troubleshoot and guide you on your personal quilting journey," she says.