Best Quilting Sewing Machines

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Quilting is a cherished craft that blends creativity and practicality, allowing you to create beautiful, cozy blankets and textile projects. A good quilting sewing machine is essential for bringing these ideas to life, as it’s designed to handle thick layers of fabric and batting, making the process smoother and more enjoyable. These machines often feature wider throat spaces for easier maneuvering of large quilts, a variety of stitch options, and accessories like walking feet and extension tables, which can significantly improve the quality and ease of your projects. When choosing a quilting sewing machine, key factors include throat space size, stitch variety, and speed control, along with how well the machine handles thick fabrics. We researched and tested several models to find the best quilting sewing machines for different needs and budgets.

  • Brother CS7000X Sewing Machine

    10

    We think the Brother CS7000X is a great choice for both new and experienced sewers looking for a versatile, feature-packed machine at a reasonable price.

    10

    We think the Brother CS7000X is a great choice for both new and experienced sewers looking for a versatile, feature-packed machine at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Lots of built-in stitches and features
    • Large workspace for quilting
    • Includes many accessories

    Cons

    • Learning curve for beginners
    • Not ideal for heavy-duty fabrics
    • Can be noisy at high speeds

    When we tested the Brother CS7000X, we were impressed by how much it offers for the price. The 70 built-in stitches gave us plenty of options for both basic sewing and more decorative work. We liked having different quilting stitches to choose from too.

    The large work area was a big plus when we tried quilting. There was enough room to maneuver bulky projects without struggling. The included wide table made things even easier. We found the automatic needle threader worked well most of the time, though it took some practice to get the hang of it.

    We appreciated the variety of included accessories, especially the 10 different presser feet. This let us tackle lots of projects right out of the box without buying extras. The hard case was nice for storage and transport. While great for most fabrics, we did notice the machine struggled a bit with very thick materials. For everyday sewing and quilting though, it handled everything we threw at it with ease.

  • Brother XR9550 Quilting Machine

    9.7

    We think the Brother XR9550 is a great choice for intermediate sewers looking for a versatile quilting machine with lots of features.

    9.7

    We think the Brother XR9550 is a great choice for intermediate sewers looking for a versatile quilting machine with lots of features.

    Pros

    • 165 built-in stitches
    • Easy-to-use LCD display
    • Wide table for quilting

    Cons

    • May be complex for beginners
    • Not ideal for heavy-duty fabrics
    • Takes time to learn all features

    The Brother XR9550 left us impressed with its range of capabilities. We found the 165 built-in stitches gave us plenty of options for both quilting and regular sewing projects. The LCD screen made it simple to pick stitches and adjust settings.

    We really liked the wide table that came with the machine. It gave us lots of space for quilting. The automatic needle threader was a nice touch too – it saved us time and eye strain.

    When we tested it out, the XR9550 handled most fabrics well. But we noticed it struggled a bit with very thick materials. For everyday quilting and sewing though, it worked great. The variety of included presser feet let us tackle different tasks easily.

  • Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

    9.5

    We think the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a great choice for quilters and sewers who want tons of features and stitch options.

    9.5

    We think the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a great choice for quilters and sewers who want tons of features and stitch options.

    Pros

    • Huge variety of 600 built-in stitches
    • Automatic needle threader saves time
    • Bright LED lighting for clear visibility

    Cons

    • Learning curve for all the features
    • Can be noisy at higher speeds
    • Slightly pricey for beginners

    When we tested the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, we were blown away by its capabilities. The 600 built-in stitches gave us so many options for our projects. We loved playing with decorative stitches and fonts to add unique touches to our quilts.

    The automatic needle threader was a game-changer. It saved us tons of time and eye strain. We also appreciated the top drop-in bobbin system. It was easy to see when we were running low on thread, which helped us avoid stopping mid-seam.

    We found the extension table super handy for larger quilting projects. It gave us plenty of room to maneuver bulky fabrics. The bright LED lights made a big difference too. We could see our stitches clearly, even when working with dark fabrics late at night.

    The speed control was great for switching between careful detail work and speedy straight seams. We liked being able to sew without the foot pedal using the start/stop button. It made long quilting sessions more comfortable.

    While there’s a learning curve to master all the features, we think it’s worth it for serious quilters and sewers. The Quantum Stylist 9960 delivers professional-quality results once you get the hang of it.

  • Brother XR3774 Quilting Machine

    9.4

    We think the Brother XR3774 is a great choice for beginner and intermediate quilters looking for an affordable, feature-packed machine.

    9.4

    We think the Brother XR3774 is a great choice for beginner and intermediate quilters looking for an affordable, feature-packed machine.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with helpful features
    • Wide table for quilting projects
    • Comes with lots of accessories

    Cons

    • Can be noisy at high speeds
    • Learning curve for some functions
    • Not ideal for very thick fabrics

    We tested the Brother XR3774 and found it to be a solid performer for quilting tasks. The wide table was a big plus, giving us plenty of room to work on larger projects. We liked how smoothly it handled different fabrics, from cotton to flannel.

    The 37 built-in stitches gave us lots of options for both regular sewing and quilting. We especially liked the decorative stitches for adding flair to our quilt borders. The one-step buttonhole feature was a nice touch, making it easy to add buttons to our projects.

    One thing we noticed was that the machine could get a bit loud when sewing at top speed. It also took us some time to get used to all the features. But once we got the hang of it, we found it to be a versatile and reliable quilting companion. For the price, we think it’s a great value for both new and experienced quilters.

  • Juki TL-2000Qi

    9.3

    We think the Juki TL-2000Qi is a top-notch choice for serious quilters and sewers who need a reliable workhorse.

    9.3

    We think the Juki TL-2000Qi is a top-notch choice for serious quilters and sewers who need a reliable workhorse.

    Pros

    • Fast 1500 stitches per minute
    • Low vibration due to aluminum construction
    • Large extension table included

    Cons

    • Only does straight stitches
    • Heavier than some machines
    • Pricier option

    We’ve put the Juki TL-2000Qi through its paces, and it’s clear why so many quilters love it. The speed is impressive – at 1500 stitches per minute, we breezed through projects. The aluminum body keeps vibrations low, even at top speed.

    The included extension table is a game-changer for larger quilts. We had plenty of space to maneuver bulky projects. The LED lights are bright, making it easy to see our work in any lighting.

    One thing to note: this machine only does straight stitches. For most quilting tasks, that’s all you need. But if you want decorative stitches, you’ll need a different machine. The Juki is also on the heavier side, which makes it stable but less portable.

  • Brother HC1850 Quilting Machine

    9.1

    We think the Brother HC1850 is a great choice for quilters who want a versatile and feature-packed machine at a reasonable price.

    9.1

    We think the Brother HC1850 is a great choice for quilters who want a versatile and feature-packed machine at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Lots of built-in stitches
    • Easy-to-use LCD screen
    • Includes wide table for quilting

    Cons

    • Not ideal for very thick fabrics
    • Can be noisy at high speeds
    • Learning curve for beginners

    We’ve spent many hours testing the Brother HC1850, and it’s impressed us with its capabilities. The 185 built-in stitches give us plenty of options for both quilting and regular sewing projects. We love the LCD screen, which makes it easy to select stitches and adjust settings.

    For quilting, the included wide table is a game-changer. It gives us the extra space we need to maneuver large quilts. The spring action quilting foot works well for free-motion quilting, though it took some practice to get the hang of it.

    One thing to note is that while the HC1850 handles most fabrics well, it can struggle with very thick materials. We also found it gets a bit noisy when sewing at top speed. But for most quilting tasks, it’s more than up to the job. Beginners might need some time to learn all the features, but the included DVD and manual are helpful.

  • Brother CS7205 Quilting Machine

    9

    We think the Brother CS7205 is a great choice for quilters who want lots of features at a good price.

    9

    We think the Brother CS7205 is a great choice for quilters who want lots of features at a good price.

    Pros

    • 150 built-in stitches
    • Easy-to-use LCD screen
    • Comes with wide table and 11 feet

    Cons

    • May be complex for beginners
    • Some users report tension issues
    • Limited font options

    We tested the Brother CS7205 and found it to be a solid machine for quilting projects. The 150 built-in stitches give lots of options for decorative work. We liked the clear LCD screen that made picking stitches simple.

    The wide table was handy for bigger quilts. We had no trouble with the automatic needle threader or quick-set bobbin. These features saved us time when starting new projects.

    We did notice the machine can be tricky for new sewers. There are many settings to learn. Some users might find this overwhelming at first. We also saw a few complaints about tension problems in reviews. But overall, we think this Brother offers good value for quilters who want lots of features without spending too much.

  • Brother GQ3700 Quilter

    8.7

    We think the Brother GQ3700 is a solid choice for beginners and experienced sewers alike, offering a great mix of features at a reasonable price point.

    8.7

    We think the Brother GQ3700 is a solid choice for beginners and experienced sewers alike, offering a great mix of features at a reasonable price point.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with helpful automatic features
    • Wide table for larger projects
    • Versatile with 37 built-in stitches

    Cons

    • May be too basic for advanced users
    • Plastic parts could affect durability
    • Limited stitch width options

    We tried out the Brother GQ3700 and were impressed by its user-friendly design. The automatic needle threader saved us time and frustration, while the jam-resistant bobbin made setup a breeze. We found the wide table perfect for quilting projects, giving us plenty of space to work.

    The 37 built-in stitches gave us lots of options for both basic and decorative sewing. We liked the one-step buttonholer, which made adding buttons to our projects quick and easy. The free arm came in handy when we worked on sleeves and pant legs.

    While we enjoyed using this machine, we noticed a few drawbacks. Some parts felt a bit flimsy, which made us wonder about long-term durability. Advanced sewers might find the stitch options limiting for complex projects. But for most users, we think the GQ3700 offers good value and versatility.

  • Janome MC6650 Quilting Machine

    8.7

    We think the Janome MC6650 is a top pick for quilters who want speed, precision, and lots of features in one machine.

    8.7

    We think the Janome MC6650 is a top pick for quilters who want speed, precision, and lots of features in one machine.

    Pros

    • Speedy 1,000 stitches per minute
    • Large 10″ metal flatbed
    • 170 built-in stitches

    Cons

    • Pricey for beginners
    • Learning curve for all features
    • Somewhat bulky to move

    The MC6650 impressed us with its smooth, fast stitching. We zipped through straight seams at top speed without any skips. The wide metal bed gave us plenty of room to maneuver big quilt pieces.

    We loved the bright LED lights in three spots. No more squinting to see our stitches! The automatic thread cutter was handy too. With one tap, it snipped our threads neatly.

    This machine has tons of stitch options. We had fun trying out decorative patterns on quilt blocks. The alphabets let us add cute labels. While there’s a lot to learn, the touchscreen made it easy to pick stitches.

  • Brother CP100X Quilting Machine

    8.6

    We think the Brother CP100X is a great choice for both beginners and experienced quilters looking for a reliable, feature-packed machine.

    8.6

    We think the Brother CP100X is a great choice for both beginners and experienced quilters looking for a reliable, feature-packed machine.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-use automatic needle threader
    • 100 built-in stitches for versatility
    • Includes wide table for quilting projects

    Cons

    • Might be complex for absolute beginners
    • Some users report missing accessories
    • Limited embroidery options

    We’ve spent hours testing the Brother CP100X, and it’s clear why it’s become so popular. The machine feels sturdy and well-built, with a metal frame that can handle thick fabrics and heavy quilts without flinching. We love how smooth and quiet it runs, even when tackling tough projects.

    One feature that really stands out is the automatic needle threader. It’s a game-changer, especially for those of us with less-than-perfect eyesight. We found it quick and reliable, saving us loads of time and frustration. The wide table is another plus – it gives plenty of space for big quilting projects.

    The CP100X comes with 100 built-in stitches, which we found to be more than enough for most projects. From basic straight stitches to decorative options, it’s got you covered. The stitch quality is top-notch too – we were impressed by how clean and even they looked, even on tricky fabrics.

    While we love this machine, it’s not perfect. Some users have reported missing accessories, so it’s worth double-checking your package when it arrives. And if you’re brand new to sewing, you might find all the features a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t let that put you off – with a bit of practice, you’ll be quilting like a pro in no time.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a quilting sewing machine, there are several key features to consider:

Throat Space

We recommend looking for a machine with ample throat space. This is the area between the needle and the body of the machine. More space makes it easier to maneuver large quilts.

Stitch Options

A good quilting machine should offer:

  • Straight stitch
  • Zigzag stitch
  • Decorative stitches

Speed Control

Variable speed control lets you adjust how fast or slow the machine runs. This is helpful for intricate quilting work.

Automatic Thread Cutter

This feature saves time by cutting the thread for you at the end of each seam.

Presser Foot

Look for a machine that comes with:

  • 1/4 inch quilting foot
  • Walking foot
  • Free-motion quilting foot

Lighting

Good lighting around the needle area is important for accurate stitching. LED lights are bright and long-lasting.

Ease of Use

We suggest trying out machines in person if possible. Look for:

  • Clear, easy-to-read display
  • Intuitive controls
  • Smooth fabric feeding

Price

Set a budget before shopping. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. Focus on the features that matter most to you.