7 Best Sewing Machine for Quilting and Embroidery

Quilters possess specific requirements when selecting sewing machines, including spacious workspaces to handle large quilts, specialized feet, robust motors, and various other features. 

The good news is that there are numerous options available to cater to the needs of both seasoned quilters and beginners alike.

Don’t forget some key features to consider when looking for the best sewing machines for quilting.

Some of these key features to consider when searching for the best sewing machine for quilting and embroidery include a generous throat space, the capability to lower the feed dogs, adjustable stitch speed, and an automatic thread cutter.

You may also desire decorative stitches. By prioritizing these features, you will no doubt find a great sewing machine with tons of ease of use.

7 Best Sewing Machine for Quilting and Embroidery

Let’s dive into 7 that are great for beginners or sewers who want more features when it comes to quilting and embroidery.  Many of these machines have similar features. The main difference will be the stitches, throat space, and of course, price.

SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine

Singer is widely recognized as one of the leading brands in the sewing machine industry. Among their impressive lineup, the Singer 7258 stands out as an excellent choice for quilters due to its affordability and essential features. 

If you are looking to buy your first machine for quilting or simply a new sewing machine for quilting, this is our top choice. As far as pricing, it’s a great deal and has some of the best features for the price point. 

With the convenient push button stitch selection feature, you can swiftly locate your desired stitch. The machine comes pre-programmed with optimal settings for stitch length, width, and tension, but you also have the flexibility to adjust these settings to suit your needs. 

A satisfied user mentioned that the Singer 7258 effortlessly sewed through multiple layers of denim with interfacing, showcasing its remarkable capability within its category. 

Additionally, this model is known for its durability and reliability, supported by a 25-year limited warranty, providing quilters with peace of mind.

Features:

• Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches
• Weight: 14.8 pounds
• Included Built-in Stitches: 100
• Accessories: Automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, snap-on presser feet

Janome 2212 Sewing Machine

​This machine wins the prize for being budget friendly.  You can usually get it on Amazon for less than $250.

Janome is a notable brand that stands out in the sewing machine market. Even with its affordable price tag, this option doesn’t compromise on quality. While it may not offer an abundance of features, it includes all the essential elements. 

It proves to be an excellent choice for beginners in quilting or as a secondary machine, whether you intend to take it to quilting gatherings or split your time between different locations.

The Janome 2212 is a mechanical machine that guarantees user-friendly operation and is suitable for tasks such as piecing and other quilting activities. 

Additionally, it allows you to drop feed dogs when needed. While it can handle thick quilting materials, it’s important to note that it may not provide the extensive workspace required for larger quilting projects, such as those designed for king-sized beds.

If you are planning on making queen or king quilts, you will definitely want a larger throat space on your sewing machine.  This machine is a great option for smaller guilts and, of course, for a budget-friendly option. 

​Features:

• Dimensions: 15.2 x 11.6 x 6 inches
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Included Stitches: 12
• Accessories: Four-step buttonhole, snap-on presser feet

Janome S5 Computerized Sewing Machine

Introducing the Janome S5, a sewing machine packed with features that will delight quilters. One standout feature is its generous workspace, providing ample room for your quilting projects. 

Additionally, it boasts various functionalities that quilters will find invaluable, including a needle-down option and an automatic thread cutter.

The Janome S5 effortlessly handles multiple layers of fabric, showcasing its impressive sewing capability. Despite its numerous features, this machine is relatively user-friendly compared to more complex computerized models. 

It is a reliable and sturdy option crafted by a renowned brand. While suitable for any sewing project, its spacious throat space and other specialized features make it particularly well-suited for quilters.

Features:

• 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

Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Contemporary sewing machines often feature integrated computers, and navigating the technology can be daunting for beginners. However, this is not the case with Brother’s user-friendly model.

Designed with beginners in mind, this sewing machine offers a selection of 37 built-in stitches and comes equipped with eight sewing feet, including walking and quilting feet. It also boasts convenient features like an automatic needle threader, ensuring effortless threading.

 Additionally, the machine is accompanied by a range of helpful accessories, including an instructional DVD to assist you in getting started with your sewing endeavors. It has excellent reviews on Amazon.

Excellent Features:

• 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

Brother PQ 1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine

While computerized sewing machines offer a plethora of advanced features for precise stitching and time-saving automation, there are also notable advantages to mechanical machines. 

Apart from being typically more affordable, they often provide a user-friendly experience despite offering fewer features.

For quilters who prefer a mechanical machine, the Brother PQ1500SL is an excellent choice. It not only includes a spacious extension table for ample workspace but also features a built-in knee lifter and an automatic thread cutter button.

 With a remarkable sewing speed of up to 1,500 stitches per minute, this machine ensures efficient quilting. It’s great for getting through your quilt sandwich as you assemble your quilt pieces.

 Additionally, it comes with a quilting foot and a detachable wide table to further expand your workspace, catering specifically to the needs of quilters.

Features

• 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

Juki TL-2010Q

When it comes to creating large-sized quilts, the throat space of a sewing machine plays a crucial role. The Juki TL-2010Q excels in this aspect, offering over 8 inches of throat space. 

While there are machines with even larger throat spaces available, the Juki TL-2010Q includes an extension table, resulting in a substantial work area that is particularly well-suited for quilting. 

With the extension table attached, the work area expands to nearly 2 feet wide, providing ample space for your quilting projects.

In addition to its generous throat space, the Juki TL-2010Q is also portable and boasts various features designed with quilters in mind. 

It comes equipped with multiple quilting feet, an automatic thread trimmer, and the ability to choose whether the needle stops in the up or down position, providing enhanced convenience and control during quilting tasks.

Features:

• 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

Brother SE 600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Embroidery sewing machines open up a world of possibilities for quilters, allowing them to create personalized labels, embroider intricate designs on quilts, and much more.

 If you have an interest in embroidery, either as a standalone craft or as part of your quilting projects, the Brother SE600 is a machine that caters to your needs.

This machine offers a diverse range of features, including 80 embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches, and software that enables you to design your own fonts. 

With a generous work space, it accommodates both quilting and embroidery tasks comfortably. The Brother SE600 comes with seven sewing feet that can be easily swapped, providing specialized options such as overcasting, monogramming, and blind stitch. 

These features ensure that any project, whether it involves sewing, quilting, or embroidery, turns out beautifully. It is definitely one of the best embroidery machine.

Features

• – Dimensions: 21.18 x 16.54 x 15.51 inches
• – Weight: 26 pounds
• – Included Stitches: 103
• – Accessories: Not Listed

What to Look for in a Sewing Machine for Quilting

Price

Starting with a less expensive sewing machine is a wise choice as it allows you to explore and experiment with new skills and features without the fear of making mistakes.

As your skills progress, you can consider investing in more expensive options that offer advanced features and accessories. It is recommended to visit a sewing machine dealer, where you can also have your machine serviced, and seek advice from professionals before making an important purchase.

The good news is that there is a wide range of sewing machines available at various price points, ensuring there is an option to fit every budget. Craft blogger Jeni Baker acknowledges the temptation to opt for a cheap machine from a big box store, which can be a suitable choice for beginners.

However, she advises that if you plan on engaging in more sewing projects, it is worthwhile to invest in a more substantial machine. She suggests looking into the $500 price range as a starting point.

Writer and craft blogger Carole Carter emphasizes the importance of buying the best machine within your budget to have the most enjoyable quilting experience.

She highlights the value of avoiding frustration caused by limitations such as a small throat size or the lack of appropriate feet and accessories. Sewing and quilting should be a joyful and fulfilling experience, and investing in a quality machine contributes to that.

Features and Accessories

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, having specific features in your sewing machine can greatly enhance your quilting experience.

According to Carole Carter, two key features to consider when choosing a domestic sewing machine for quilting are the throat size and the ability to drop the feed dogs for free motion quilting. 

However, she advises that not all machines perform well with free motion quilting, especially when it comes to curved lines, which may result in ladder-like or loopy stitches on the backside of your project.

Another time-saving feature to look for is an automatic thread cutter. Additionally, a higher stitch speed will allow you to complete projects more quickly. Beginners may also benefit from a machine that offers a wide range of included stitches, as this allows for more testing and learning opportunities. 

Other convenient factors to consider include the availability of a carrying case, the machine’s portability specifications, is it a sturdy machine especially for large projects and whether it is computerized or not.

Skill Level

According to Baker, beginners should focus on finding sewing machines with a few essential features. She suggests looking for machines that come with a 1/4-inch seam foot, a walking foot, and a free-motion quilting foot. These specific feet can greatly aid in the quilting process.

As your skills progress, you can consider upgrading to a more advanced machine. This might include a machine with a computerized display, (LCD screen)  which offers a range of additional features such as embroidery capabilities. 

With such a machine, you can not only achieve beautiful sewing results but also explore the world of embroidery and expand your creative possibilities.

FAQ

Creating beautiful quilts doesn’t require a specific quilting sewing machine or new machine but instead, a machine that offers speed control, basic features, a foot pedal, a presser foot and different stitches.

You can get a second machine from the list of fantastic machines above to help you make beautiful quilts.