
Top 8 Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
Quilting is not just a hobby — it’s an art form. In fact, it’s quite a popular art form with 21.3 million quilters participating nationwide. Think about it — that means that there’s a quilter in 14 percent of all U.S. households, and those quilters are serious about their art.
They spend around $3.58 billion — yes, billion — dollars annually buying material, batting, thread, and sewing machines. If you’re a quilter, you understand the need to get ahold of the best sewing machine for quilting you can afford. And we do, too.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best quilting sewing machines on the market today.
How We Rated These Sewing Machines
It’s important to get a well-rounded, honest analysis of the best sewing machine for quilters. After all, most of these machines are relatively pricey — buying one is not a step to take lightly.
Rest assured that we’ve factored in testimonials and customer reviews along with hard-core data regarding each machine to determine our final line-up of the best sewing machines for quilting.
The 10 Best Sewing Machines for Quilting
Quilting is experiencing an explosion of interest. With that new popularity, a number of sewing machine manufacturers have developed machines meant to meet the particular needs of the quilting community. After much research to determine the very best sewing machine for quilters, we’ve narrowed it down to a final eight.
The first four are oriented for beginners, the last four geared toward experienced quilters.
- SIMPLE-TO-USE SEWING AND QUILTING MACHINE: The CS6000i sewing and quilting machine is user-friendly. The stitch selector switch allows you to easily see and choose your stitch
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER: This quilting machine includes an automatic needle threaded that perfectly pushes thread through the needle
- ADJUSTABLE SEWING SPEED: The Brother CS6000i sewing and quilting machine features an adjustable stitch speed that gives you easy control
- WIDE TABLE: Designed for quilts and other larger projects, the CS6000i includes a wide table that gives you extra space. Maximum Sewing Speed (Stitches Per Minute) : 850
- BUILT-IN FREE ARM: Doing intricate sewing projects is simple thanks to the free arm that helps sew sleeves, pant legs, and other cylindrical items
If you’ve been to a quilting workshop, you’ve probably seen this workhorse in the classroom.
That’s because while it has lots of features, including various creative stitches and a quilting table, the Brother CS60001 is also super easy for beginners to step right in and start quilting.
Notable features include:
This is definitely a beginner-friendly machine, but it has enough features to keep seasoned quilters happy, so it can keep up with your growing skills.
- This model comes complete with a full set of accessories, including 11 sewing and quilting feet, and an extra wide table
- Features a large, backlit LCD display for easy viewing, an advanced needle threading system, adjustable speed control, and the Brother exclusive jam resistant, Quick-Set top drop-in bobbin
- 100 built-in stitches, including 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles, plus 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming
- Brightly Lit LED work area; Advanced easy needle threading system; Maximum Sewing Speed (Stitches Per Minute): 850
- Variable speed control and start/stop button; Smooth fabric feeding utilizing 7-point feed dogs
That’s a long name for a beginning quilting machine, but then this useful machine is stocked full of features, including 11 quilting and sewing feet and an extra-wide quilting table.
One of the most striking points about this machine is the ability to go through thicker materials, which is perfect when sandwiching batting in between the quilt top and bottom.
Notable features include:
The monogramming function adds an extra touch of versatility to this beginner’s machine.
- 185 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The HC1850 includes 130 sewing stitches including 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches
- ADVANCED NEEDLE THREADER AND DROP-IN TOP BOBBIN: This sewing and quilting machine includes an advanced needle threading function that easily pushes thread through the needle with the press of a lever and a jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The HC1850 includes a wide table, 8 feet, instructional DVD, manual and more
- LCD SCREEN: Easily select your stitches with the touch of a button and view your selections on the LCD display
- 25 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: The HC1850 is backed by a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product
Similarly priced to the Laura Ashley model, above, this Brother machine is loaded with features that quilters love.
More than just the best sewing machine for quilting, the Brother HC1850 will meet all of your sewing needs.
Notable features include:
With quilting stitches onboard and the free-motion quilting function, this machine can grow with you as your quilting skills improve. And at this price-point, it’s pretty hard to beat.
- Automatic needle threader and Drop & Sew bobbin system make for quick and easy set-up. Helpful Hint: To secure thread, pull both threads to the backside of the fabric and tie together.
- 98 built-in stitches with seven fully automatic one-step buttonholes provide endless project possibilities
- Programmable needle up/down and drop feed make quilting fun and easy
- Four bonus quilting feet and an extension table create the winning quilting combination
- Electronic twin needle control and adjustable stitch length and width allow you to customize your projects. 110 volt sewing machine designed for United States and Canadian use only..Amps:0.62
Singer has a 160-year history of sewing machine excellence and the Confidence Quilter is a good example of the brand’s attention to quality and detail.
Another machine that can grow with you as you become more experienced with quilting, the Confidence Quilter is feature-rich and durable.
Notable features include:
You’ll notice that there are fewer built-in stitches on this machine, but the Confidence Quilter makes up for that with the additional quilting-oriented features like quilting feet and the extended table.
- Throat Area: 8.5(L)x 5.9 (H) inches
- Sliding Speed Control + One Pedal foot control
- Auxilliary table included: dimensions 590 mm x 277 mm (12 x 23)
- LED light
- 1500 stitches per minute; stitch length 6 mm
Now we’re getting into the best sewing machines for quilting pros who’ve got experience and are ready to expand their horizons.
The JUKI TL-2000Qi is our number one choice for the discerning advanced quilter.
With superior sewing speed for professional-level stitches, this machine can easily tackle thick quilt layers with aplomb.
Notable features include:
This machine is streamlined and simple because it does one thing exceptionally well — quilting. Truly a quilter’s dream, this machine will provide years of dependable quilting enjoyment.
- 1,500 STITCHES PER MINUTE MAX SEWING SPEED: Maximum stitching of up to 1,500 stitches per minute allows you to sew and quilt more in less time
- ADVANCED NEEDLE THREADING SYSTEM: This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The PQ1500SL mid-arm sewing and quilting machine comes with a wide table, 7 sewing feet, knee-lifter, instruction manual and more. The removable knee-lifter enables you to lift your presser foot with your knee, leaving both hands free for fabric handling
- PRECISION PIN FEEDING SYSTEM: It's so easy to sew a wide variety of fabric thicknesses thanks to Brother's Pin Feed system for precision fabric feeding
- 25 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: The PQ1500SL is backed by a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product
Another high-quality machine that offers a few extra features for advanced quilters, the Brother PQ1500SL will keep your attention.
Notable is the knee lever for the presser foot so you can use both hands to feed fabric — useful when quilting large amounts of fabric.
Other notable features include:
With a 25-year limited warranty and free phone support for the life of the product, this machine deserves a close look.
Any company that has the confidence to back their product with this kind of support knows they’re on to something good.
Even with this superior backing, the price point is reasonable for an advanced machine.
- SINGER COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 portable sewing machine has loads of ease-of-use features to allow you to fulfill your creative dreams Has a large selection of stitches including basic, stretch and decorative stitches for fashion sewing, quilting, home decor and crafting There’s even a selection of fonts to personalize projects
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER: Threading the machine is so easy that you can have the entire machine threaded, from the spool to the needle’s eye, in seconds The built-in needle threader threads the eye of the needle for you, eliminating eye strain and frustration
- BEST SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 sewing machine has 600 Built-In Stitches including 5 Alphanumeric Fonts and 13 built-in 1-Step Buttonholes with Exclusive Buttonhole Underplate It also has Mirror Imaging and Stitch Elongation providing even more creative possibilities
- HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 sewing machine has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches-per-minute, projects can be sewn quickly
- SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES: A variety of presser feet are included with the sewing machine: All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot with Underplate, Button Sewing Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Open Toe Foot, Overcasting Foot, Darning and Embroidery Foot, Rolled Hem Foot, Cording Foot, Straight Stitch/Quilting Foot, Even Feed / Walking Foot 110 volt machine designed for United States and Canadian use only
This machine is made in heaven for quilters. With 18 different presser feet to fit all stitch techniques, you can roll seams, zig-zag stitch, or try out something new.
Stitching can be precisely controlled by the adjustable speed level. In addition, there are 25 separate needle positions, and an automatic reverse feature,
Other notable features include:
While this machine is loaded with features, it does offer a somewhat slower stitch-per-minute speed than the higher rated machines.
However, this advanced machine’s price point more than makes up for the slow-down in stitch speed.
- 66 Built In Stitches
- Large Sewing Bed and Throat for Larger Quilts
- Sews 1000 stitches per minute
- 9" x 5" Sewing Bed Space
- Automatic thread cutter, with memory capability
The Janome brand builds many machines for quilters, and although this one is rated highly by some, its spartan features and high price point move it down on our list.
Notable features include:
Although some online quilting sites rate this machine highly, Amazon reviewers gave it only 3. 7 out of 5 stars.
This seems to be due to some quality control issues with the machine’s manufacturing. At this high of a price, consumers expect more reliability. Still, when the machine works correctly, purchasers are extremely happy with it.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
As you can see, there is a lot to choose from when looking for the best sewing machine for quilting.
With such a variety of features and resources available, it’s hard to determine what features you need — and what is nice, but unnecessary.
Whether you’re a beginner or expert there are a few features that you must have on any reputable quilting machine.

Rapid Stitching
You’ll want a machine with a fairly high stitch-per-minute (SPM) capability. The faster your machine can sew, the more uniform and professional-looking your final product will be.
A minimum SPM of 750 is necessary for smooth, even stitching and to make fast work of large quilting projects.
Knee-Lift Presser Foot
While not necessary for beginning quilters, experienced sewers will appreciate the hands-free capability that a knee-lift presser foot offers.
This feature is particularly useful when quilting large projects, as it can take two hands to move heavy fabric and batting through the feed dogs.
Quilting Table
Often touted as an “extra” feature, an attached quilting table is important for any quilting sewing machine, from beginner to advanced.
This table gives you extra room for volumes of fabric and allows you to see your work more clearly as you sew.
Built-in Decorative Stitches
Let’s face it, sometimes you want to break out of the straight-stitch rut and add a little decorative charm to your quilts.
Machines with built-in decorative stitches make it easy with just a turn of the dial or a press of a button and can also be used for other home décor projects.
Normally, these machines also include zig-zag stitching for clean seams, which is useful on everything from quilts to clothing.
Free-Motion Capable
Although beginners might not want to jump right into free-motion quilting, most advanced quilters like to let their creativity run free with the fanciful flow of free-motion embroidery.
A free-motion capable quilting machine will have a “drop feed dog” lever and also a programmable needle up/down feature so you can turn your fabric easily while the needle holds the layers together.
Strong Warranty
These machines are not inexpensive, and you want to be sure that the manufacturer is certain of product quality.
One way to tell if a product is durable is to look at warranty length and support services.
Only a manufacturer who is creating consistently reliable products will offer a long-term warranty and easy access to customer support.
We’ve ensured that all the machines in this review have adequate warranty coverage.

Looking for the Best Sewing Machine for Quilting? Take Your Pick
We’re so confident that these eight machines represent the very best of the best in quilting sewing machines that you can take your pick of any of the above and be a happy quilter.
These machines all receive the highest reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers and each brand we chose stands behind their product with strong warranties and customer service.
In addition, each machine has most, if not all, of the recommended features for a quilting machine.
As a rule, we allowed that some of the beginner’s machines might have slower stitch speed or fewer features.
For example, for some beginners who may not have good fabric control, a fast stitch speed might actually cause fabric bunching and snagging.
Also, some features are not cost-effective on a beginning machine.
If you’re just trying out quilting as a hobby, there’s no need to pay a high price just to get a feature you may not be ready for.
No matter which machine you pick, you’ll have a dependable, durable, and flexible sewing machine that can see you through years of quilting creativity.
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