5 Best Sewing Machines For Free Motion Quilting

Free motion quilting is a sewing technique that involves stitching multiple layers together to create several layers of fabric. This technique has been used in different types of art, including textiles and embroidery. The machine used for this process is called a quilting machine. Several quilting machines are available today, including top-loading and front-loading models. The best sewing machine for free motion quilting will depend on your intended use and personal preference. Some people prefer a traditional presser foot design, while others prefer an automatic feed system or other features that come with some models. This guide will help you immediately find your perfect sewing machine to make beautiful quilts.

1) JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine

The Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing Quilting Machine is a versatile machine that can sew fabric and quilt it. It has several features that make it one of the best free-motion sewing machines on the market. The machine has a speed controller, which allows you to adjust the speed of your sewing machine according to your needs. This makes it easy for you to create different designs on your quilt at different speeds. The Juki also has an automatic thread cutter, which can be used to cut the thread automatically when needed. This is helpful if you desire a smooth finish on your quilt or have many stitches per inch (SPI).

Features:

Needle Up and Down Controls: The machine has a needle up/down control that allows you to adjust the tension on the needle and thread so that it can be done quickly and easily.

Automatic Needle Threader: The threader is located on the front of the machine and does not require any tools or extra parts.

LED Lights: This machine comes with LED lights for better visibility when sewing dark fabrics or working in low-light conditions.

Raise and Lower Feed Dogs: It has a raise and lower feed dogs that help you position your fabric properly before stitching it together.

Stitch Length Control: This machine lets you adjust how long stitches should be depending on your fabric and its thickness.

Included Accessories: The sewing machines come with an extension Table, Bobbins, Darning/free motion foot, Straight stitch foot, quilting foot, Walking foot, Knee Lever and a User Manual.

Review: The Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing Quilting Machine is an excellent option for free motion quilting. It has a high stitch range, meaning you can easily sew very small details or large pieces of fabric. The machine is lightweight and easy to transport, so you can take it wherever you go without worrying about how much space it takes up in your bag. The price of this machine is also reasonable, considering how powerful it is.

2) Janome 1600P-QC Straight-Stitch Machine and Kit

The Janome 1600P is a great option if you’re looking for a simple machine that can handle some of your most intricate quilting projects. It has a side-loading industrial rotary hook, making it easy to thread and maintain your project without using the back-tension lever. You can also use the rotary hook to set up your fabric attachment, allowing you to sew directly onto your project without first having to pin or mark the fabric. If you’re looking for a simple machine with a large work area and industrial pretension threading, this might be just what you need.

Features:

HL needle: This needle is designed to produce high-quality stitches for quilting. It is made of stainless steel with a high-quality point and is easy to clean with water.

Side-loading, industrial rotary hook: This hook can be used for quilting without any problems because it has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to use. The hook has been designed with an integrated thread catcher and an adjustable tension scale so that you can adjust the tension of your thread while stitching.

Memorized needle up/down: It also has an integrated thread guide that helps you control the length of your threads without them getting tangled up in each other or getting stuck on the needle plate.

Extra large work area: This machine features a large work area. This gives you plenty of room for longarm quilting projects.

Dual LED lights: This machine includes dual LED lights on its front panel so you can get a clear view of your stitching from any angle.

Industrial pretension threading: It has an industrial pretension threading system that ensures your thread stays taut during the entire process. You don’t have to worry about dropping or breaking down your fabric.

Synchronized thread tension lever: The synchronized thread tension lever allows you to vary the stitch length up to 6mm. It has a metal attachment setting plate, making it easy to change your attachments.

Included Accessories: High speed sewing: 800-1,600 spm Simultaneous bobbin winding Knee lift Pressure indicator window Auto thread cutter Variable speed control Side loading, industrial rotary hook Memorized needle up/down Extra large 8.85″ x 5.5″ work area Dual lights Industrial type thread take up lever No oil holes in bed Sealed bearings on shafts Up to 11 lbs.

Review: This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best sewing machine for free-motion quilting. It has a side-loading industrial rotary hook, a large work area, and dual LED lights so you can see everything. It also has industrial pretension threading, synchronized thread tension lever, variable stitch length up to 6mm, and a metal attachment setting plate so you can easily use different attachments.

3) SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit, Extension Table – 600 Stitches & Electronic Auto Pilot Mode

The Singer 9960 Free Motion Quilting Machine is a perfect home machine for quilters who want to make quilts without having to do any tedious handwork. This handy machine has many features that will help you get your quilting done quickly and easily. This machine comes with 600 stitches, a digital information advisor, 13 buttonhole styles, an easy threading system, a top drop-in bobbin, automatic stitch length, width control levers, and a needle up/down button.

Features:

Digital information advisor: It also comes with a digital information advisor that shows you how much thread you have left and how long your project will take.

13 buttonhole styles.: In addition, this machine comes with 13 buttonhole styles and 13 stitch styles, so you can make whatever kind of quilt you want.

Easy threading system: This machine also has an easy threading system that makes it easy to connect your bobbin with its threading system.

Top drop-in bobbin: It has a top drop-in bobbin, so you never have to worry about wasting any precious thread on a mistake.

Maximum speed control lever:  The maximum speed control lever can help you speed up or slow down your quilting process.

Needle up and down button: The needle up and down button allows you to adjust the sewing needle’s position without having to open your machine and mess around with settings individually.

Included Accessories: The sewing machine includes an All-purpose foot, Zipper foot Buttonhole foot with underplate, Button sewing foot, Blind hem foot, Needles, Bobbins, Brush, Auxiliary spool cap, Spool pin felt, Screwdrivers, Thread spool caps, and an Enclosed quilting bar.

Review: The Singer 9960 is an excellent machine if you’re looking for a free-motion quilting machine. It has a large work area and plenty of space for your projects, and it comes with several free-motion quilting attachment options. It also comes with an auto-quilt function, which automatically quilts any project you’re working on. You can also use the machine’s automatic needle threader to help make your sewing experience more convenient. The Singer 9960 is also lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around from room to room as needed.

4) Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP Special Edition Computerized Sewing Machine w Black Roller Accessory Trolley Case + Semi-Hard Cover + Much More!

The Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP Sewing Machine is a top-loading full rotary hook bobbin system with 170 built-in stitches and ten one-step buttonholes, a detachable AcuFeed Flex system, an auto tension system, and a built-in one-hand needle threader. This machine provides an excellent free-motion quilting experience and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface.

Features:

Top loading full rotary hook bobbin system: The top-loading, full rotary hook bobbin system on this machine makes it easy to change your bobbin and add more stitches to the mix. It also has a built-in one-hand needle threader, so you won’t have to worry about getting tangled up in those pesky threads.

170 built-in stitches: This machine has 170 built-in stitches for free motion quilting, including ten one-step buttonholes.

Detachable AcuFeed Flex system: The AcuFeed Flex system lets you customize your quilting experience by adjusting the feed dogs and bobbin tension so that you can get the perfect stitch every time.

Auto tension system: It also has an auto-tension system that helps keep your fabric flat while sewing. This is especially important if you’re using multiple fabrics simultaneously—you don’t want them shifting while sewn together.

Included Accessories: The machine includes a Black Roller Accessory Trolley Case w/ Storage Pocket, Black Semi-Hard Machine Cover, ACUFEED FLEX 9mm Ditch Quilting Sewing Foot, Straight Stitch Plate, Dual Feed 9MM Foot, Automatic Buttonhole, Open Toe Satin Stitch, Janome MC8200 Instructional DVD, Knee Lifter, Foot Control, Screwdriver, Pack of Needles, 2 Packs of Leather Needles, 2 Packs of Universal Needles, Lint Brush, Seam Ripper, Large Spool Holder, Small Spool Holder, Bobbins, Quilter Bar, Felt, Spool Stand, Additional Spool Pin and Touch Panel Stylus.

Review: This machine is one of the best options for free-motion quilting. It has a top-loading complete rotary hook bobbin system, 170 built-in stitches, ten one-step buttonholes, and a detachable Aquafeed Flex system. It also comes with an auto tension system. The machine is easy for beginners thanks to its intuitive design and user-friendly features. The built-in one-hand needle threader makes threading quick and easy for experienced quilters.

5) Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine, Up to 1,500 Stitches Per Minute, Wide Table, 7 Included Feet

If you’re looking for a sewing machine that will allow you to sew free-motion quilting easily, then the Brother PQ1500SL is the one for you. It’s equipped with a large needle and bobbin, so you can easily sew intricate designs. It features a large LCD screen that displays all your settings in real-time, so there’s no need to try and decipher any complicated functions while you’re trying to get started on your project. It has a large sewing area and can be used as a regular or free-motion machine. Depending on your needs, you can also use it as a serger or cover stitch machine.

Features:

Automatic Thread Cutter: If you’re sewing with a rotary, this is a must-have. It’s also great if you use a needle threader but can’t reach the top of the bobbin. The automatic cutter will take care of that. Just set up your fabric and let it do its thing.

F.A.S.T. Needle Threader: This one is a little more advanced than the automatic cutter but still super easy to use! It’s excellent for people afraid of threading their machine; once you’ve got this down, you’ll be able to thread any machine easily.

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob: If you’ve ever had trouble getting your feed dogs perfectly aligned when quilting free motion quilting, this is something worth trying out. The knobs on the front can make all the difference in keeping your fabric properly aligned while stitching—and they’re super easy to adjust once you get used to them.

Stitch Length Regulator: It allows you to adjust the length of your stitches without changing your needle position. This is especially helpful when you’re working with a wide variety of fabrics and threads, as you can control the length of each stitch without changing anything else.

Fabric Extension Table: The fabric extension table helps guide your fabric through the machine so that it doesn’t get caught on any parts or edges during stitching. This helps ensure that your quilt top looks uniform and professional, even if it’s made from multiple layers of fabric.

Included Accessories: The sewing machine includes a Straight stitch sewing foot, Rolled hem foot, an Adjustable zipper foot, a Spring action quilting foot, a Seam guide, a Walking foot, a Power cord, Foot control, an Accessory kit with a needle packet, a Ballpoint needle, Spool cap, Fabric separator, cleaning brush, Screwdrivers, Spool cushion, and an Owner’s manual.

Review: This machine is ideal for anyone who wants to make sewing and quilting easier or more enjoyable. It has everything you need to get started, including a quilting ruler, scissors, an easy-to-read LCD, an automatic thread cutter with ten different settings, and more.

Conclusion

The Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing Quilting Machine is our top pick because it’s the only machine with a free-motion quilting arm. It also has an impressive 500 stitch memory, which means you can sew a wide variety of projects without having to change the settings on your machine. This makes it great for quilting, embroidery, and applique. The Janome 1600P is a good choice if you want something affordable. It’s got a 14-stitch automatic needle threader and 1200 stitches per minute speed control for easy use. It also has a built-in bobbin case, so there’s no need for additional accessories like those included with other machines, but if you want something more advanced than a primary sewing machine but don’t want to spend too much money on something that will last you years. The Singer 9960 Free Motion Quilting Machine is the best choice! It comes with everything you need to start free motion quilting immediately – including an instruction booklet and DVD with over 20 hours of instruction videos so that even if you have never done this before, it should be easy enough for anyone.

FAQs

Why should I choose a sewing machine for quilting?

If you’re new to quilting, it can feel like many choices are out there. But we’re here to help! We want to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget. That’s why we’ve put together this list of FAQs about sewing machines for free motion quilting. Let’s get started.

What is free motion quilting?

Free motion quilting is when you sew with your machine in a completely flat position rather than bobbing up and down as it stitches along the fabric. It’s a great way to save time on your project and get more accurate results.

How do I choose the best sewing machine for my needs?

When choosing a machine for free motion quilting, many factors come into play, including your budget and what features you need to get the job done efficiently. We’ll give you some tips below that should help narrow down your options and provide some general information on what to look for.