Quilting is such an integrated part of sewing that we don’t think about needing sewing machines more capable of quilting. There are hundreds of sewing machines out there that present all the pretty bells and whistles, but they aren’t necessary when you need something for quilting.
The best type of quilting sewing machine is the one that you can grow to love and that can get the project done. The one key thing to remember when looking for a sewing machine for quilting is the straight stitch. The straight stitch is one of the most important stitches when it comes to piecing and quilting. In addition, you need a sewing machine that has a powerhouse motor that can work for hours, without pause and without overheating.
The 5 Best Sewing Machines for Quilting-Reviews
The list includes some of the top picks for sewing machines that specialize in quilting. These reviews include positive and negative things about the sewing machine to help you make an informed decision when purchasing.
1. Singer 9960 Quantum
stitches, 5 different monogramming fonts, and 13 styles. The Quantum comes with a stitch review setting that gives you maximum control every stitch, to ensure the perfect seam. The 9960 is equipped with a needle trimmer that will keep all your seams neat and tidy.
The Singer is also equipped with a speed control that lets you slow down the stitch during difficult seams, and speed up the stitch when you are free motion quilting.
The Pros
- The Singer comes with an automatic needle threader, which takes most the hassle out of quilting.
- Singer provides a quality sewing machine for quilting at less than half the price.
The Cons
- The Singer brand sewing machines are only available in Canada and the United States. Consumers are advised against using this sewing machine with a voltage adapter, as it can cause some issues.
2. Brother PQ1500S
This Brother Brand sewing machine is perfect for all your quilting needs. The first feature you immediately notice is the extended table. This space is there to allow you more workspace without always having to adjust the fabric. This powerhouse of a sewing machine can produce over 1,500 stitches per minute, which is perfect for when you are free motion quilting.
The Brother has a built in needle threader and also comes equipped with thread trimmers to keep all seams as neat as possible. The Brother sewing machine also comes with complete range foot pressure alterations and a small motor that can power through even the toughest of fabric.
The Pros
- The sewing machine has a sturdy frame that withstands hours of work without overheating, while minimizing the vibrations from the motor.
- Despite being a powerhouse, the PQ1500S is quiet as it glides through the fabric.
- All of the presser feet are very responsive.
The Cons
- This sewing machine should not be used with a voltage adapter.
- The stitch speed can be too fast for beginners in sewing.
3. Janome 2212
This Janome 2212 is great for quilting and is also superb for budgets and small spaces.
The Janome comes with the 12 stitch selections, easy turn dial settings, and 110 volt engine that will power through even the thickest of quilts. The Janome also has a stainless steel needle plate as well as a reverse lever to perform locking stitches.
The Pros
The Janome sewing machines are covered by a 25 year limited warranty. The company promises to replace sewing machine parts and fix electrical or computer errors.
The simple 12 built in stitch design gives quilters everything that they need to make elaborate quilts in half the time.
The Cons
It is not advised to use this product with a voltage adapter as it might cause damage to the sewing machine that would not be covered under their warranty.
If something goes wrong with your Janome sewing machine while it is covered under warranty, the pieces to fix your sewing machine could take days to arrive
4. Laura Ashley Limited Edition CX155LA
We have all heard of the brand, now they are producing quilting sewing machines to help you accomplish all your quilting goals.
This machine comes with 155 built in stitches and is capable of basic monogramming. The extended table is optimal for quilting and having enough space for all of your fabrics.
The top thread and bobbin both threads easily to produce high quality stitches. The company also provides tech support for all their sewing machines.
The Pros
- This sewing machine weighs in at less than 15 pounds so it can travel with you. This makes it the perfect sewing machine to take to classes with you or when you are travelling.
- The Laura Ashley quilting sewing machine is affordable and provides you with everything that you need to take your quilting projects to the next level.
- The sewing machine has speed controls to help ensure the perfect seam every time. It also allows beginners to get a hang of the machine.
The Cons
This sewing machine is not qualified for international shipping. This sewing machine is available for residents of Canada and the United States.
5. JUKI TL-2000QI
This sewing machine is a powerhouse machine that can piece together any quilt with ease. The JUKI is equipped with an extended table to hold more fabric and allow you to focus more on the project at hand. This sewing machine is capable of exceeding up to 1,500 stitches per minute, allowing you to breeze through quilting.
The frame is constructed from aluminum die cast, which provides the machine with the stability it needs to run the motor with minimum vibrations. The needle is automatically threaded, which helps save time and patience for the operator. There is one pedal that is in control of the machine speed and an automatic thread trimmer to keep all the seams orderly.
The Pros
- The machine is fast and provides a threaded needle and needle trimmers, so you are ensured the perfect seam every single time you operate the machine.
- The JUKI is simple to use and many quilters find this simplicity a blessing when it comes to long quilting projects.
- This sewing machine is capable of free motion quilting and many customers find that the extended table helps them keep their project all together.
The Cons
- The fast speeds might not be the optimal choice for beginners as it can lead to issues with the seam if the operator isn’t careful.
- This machine is only capable of straight stitching; however, straight stitching is the optimal stitch for quilting.
Best Sewing Machines for Quilting Features to Consider before Buying:
The modern sewing machines for quilting have more advanced features. In addition, many dealers are currently operating on the Internet. This explains why selecting and purchasing a machine is no longer a problem. As a quilting expert you should know what your needs are. Perhaps you want a portable quilting machine to use anywhere anytime. Further, you could be searching for an exclusive home use sewing machine.
Maybe you want to buy an electronic, a computerized or a manual sewing machine. These types of machines are available in the markets. Quilting sewing machines are numerous and you can hardly lack one that matches your tastes and preferences.
If you are budgeting for a brand new machine, the following tips and hints will guide you:
Consider the features of a new quilting sewing machine
There are many features you must consider before buying this type of a sewing machine. These include the following:
The most important thing is the needle position. A few machines enable the user to select the up or down needle position when the machines stop. You should hunt for a quilting machine with an automatic pivot feature. It will slightly raise the foot, with the needle in fabric, when you tap the power foot. This allows you to pivot the fabric. You can keep on controlling the fabric with your hands.
The Foot
Sewing machines for quilting have unique features that make them function smoothly. Look for a model, which has a quarter inch foot or one that is capable of moving the needle position to the left or right to set a seam. A suitable model should have a power foot that gives you many other options.
You could try the pricey free motion or walking foot styles. A machine that allows you to raise your presser foot with a knee lift lever is good. You do not have to stop using your hands. A few machines enable you to avoid using the foot pedal by pressing a button.
Threading features
A useful quilting machine allows you to stitch easily. You should make sure that a model has an automatic thread cutter for both top bobbin and top threads. It should also have an automatic needle threader and enable you to make straight and zigzag stitches. A thread has to feed perfectly if you are using a quilting machine. To ensure it, just go for a machine that has a large cone.
Arm space
An arm space, often-called throat has to be large if a quilting machine will help you make big quilts.
Accessories
All sewing machines have some useful accessories. These include extra bobbins, free motion foot, single-hole throat plate, software disks with patterns and so on.
If you are buying sewing machines for quilting for the first time, take your time to investigate the rest of the features. Above everything else follow these buying tips:
- Visit the quilt shows- if you will buy a quilting machine this year; attend the quilt shows held during the autumn season. You can find great price deals, extra accessories, and advice.
- Select your dealer thoroughly- a good sewing machine dealer will offer you a reasonable price and a warranty.
- Choose your model wisely- some machine models are not the repairable locally and will cost you more money in future.
Examining Quilting History
If you’ve ever looked really closely at some of the fantastic quilting designs, you’ll know that there really is a lot of work that goes into each individual quilt. And if you’ve ever tried quilting yourself you’ll know that it isn’t as easy as it looks. So let’s have a look at quilting
history and where it all began.
Quilting history can actually be tracked back all the way to the 1600s. The first sign of quilting was actually dated back to the Egyptians in Egypt. It is stated that some of the pharoes actually wore quilted materials as clothes. There are statues that clearly show this was evident that have been discovered.
Next came the introduction of quilted clothing that contained three separate layers. This was used to keep warm during the very cold winter months. It was then discovered that this was a great material to be used on a bed at night.
In the 1800s quilting really became popular in the United States and there were many competitions created by women who really fell in love with the popular craft. Not much really changed in quilting history since then until the late 19th century. That’s when new easy techniques were created which actually saw quilting become less popular.
Again that changed in the 1960s where people wanted to start quilting again. People still
enjoy making quilts but because they have become so easy to create by the large corporations and the prices are so cheap, many people just decide to buy them rather than to go to the effort of creating their own.
Obviously this isn’t the case for everyone as people get a lot of enjoyment out of creating their own quilts. People like to create their own quilts and hand them down through the generations of their family to make great heirlooms.
Examining exactly what is quilting
Many people are confused at exactly what is quilting but are surprised to find out it has been around for centuries. It was originally used as a form of clothing to help people keep warm in winter. It was involved from sowing cloth together to form three different layers. This means the body can maintain its own temperature as it doesn’t lose much heat and also does not allow much of the cold to get in. Later on it became more
popular in households especially in America, where women used to create patchwork quilts and small pattern materials. These were quite often displayed on the wall or on the dining table. Many of them were actually
quite intricate designs and took quite a long time to make.
Due to the mass creation of quilts, the popularity of actually making them decreased over the years. We all know how easy it is nowadays to go out and buy a basic white quilt. They are measured on a scale of how warm
they are, which are called togs. They are actually very cheap to purchase these days which is why the art of making them really decreased in popularity.
That doesn’t mean to say that no one at all still makes them. There are literally thousands of people who get great enjoyment and satisfaction out of creating their own unique quilts. There is quite a large market of
buyers also who will readily pay for a quilt that has had a lot of work put into it. So when we look at exactly what is quilting, the answer is really a craft that is steadily beginning to become more popular all over
the world. Just look at the number of web sites that are devoted to quilting and you’ll soon realise that there are a lot of people who get great enjoyment from the craft.
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