The Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Projects (2020): Includes 5 Fun Projects to Try
Are you looking for the best sewing machine for quilting projects?
Or...
Are you fascinated by quilting? If so...this post has you covered! We've decided to put together a round up and list of our favorite sewing machines to help you create quilting projects like a Pro!
Now let's talk about quilting...
It’s a beautiful art to learn, one that needs a lot of patience and dedication to master. It’s also one of the best ways to fuel your creative juices and make something extraordinary.
Hand quilting has been around for generations, and many people love it to this day.
However, with the advent of technology, efficient sewing machines have been produced to quicken the quilting process.
A sewing machine for quilting not only simplifies things but also ensures that the final product looks magnificent without compromising on quality.
Have a look at our top 5 picks and list of the BEST sewing machine for quilting projects.Sewing Machine Model | Price | Features | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$164 | LCD Display, Automatic Needle Threader , Sews up to 1500 stitches per minutes, | Beginner, Intermediate Sewists | ||
$584 | 185 Built-In Stitches, Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute, Automatic Needle Threader | Intermediate, Advanced Sewists | ||
$190 | 130 built-in stitches, Sews up to 850 stitches per minute Automatic Needle Threader | Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Sewists | ||
$349 | 600 built-in stitches, Sews up to 850 stitches per minute, Easy Threading System and Built-In needle threader | Beginners, Intermediate Sewists | ||
$624 | Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute, Automatic Threading System, Heavy Duty and Sturdy | Advanced Sewists |
Before we dive off into our top picks for the best sewing machines for quilting, let's go over a few basics.
Types of Machine Needles to Use for Quilting Projects
As far as quilting is concerned, you want to make sure that you choose the BEST needle for your sewing machine quilting projects.
Typically, you will want to make sure that you use sewing machine needles designed for quilting projects. These needles are usually 80/12 or 90/14 topstitch needles in size and work well with most types of threads and fabrics used for sewing quilts with a machine.
Schmetz and Singer both make great needles for quilting machines in various sizes.
What is the Best Thread to Use for Machine Quilting?
For sewing machine quilting, you will want to use a 35 to 40 weight cotton thread. This type of thread is heavier and is perfect to use on your quilting machine.
Thread with this weight are heavy enough to use for piecing your quilts together, and light enough to work well on your sewing machine.
Types of Quilting Machine Attachments and Accessories to use with your Machine
Fortunately for you, there are tons of different attachments and accessories that you can add to your quilting machine to create different designs on your quilts.
Some of the most popular types of attachments and sewing machine feet that you can add to your machine are: darning foot, quilting patchwork presser foot, embroidery presser foot, and a darning foot.
The great news is that you can get quilting attachment sets designed specifically for Singer, Brother and Janome quilting machines.
Or, you can use a universal attachment kit like this one. These kits are compatible with most sewing machines.
Our Favorite Sewing Machines for Quilting Projects
#1: The Brother Project Runway CE7070PRW
This impressive machine sports all the perks of a sewing machine for quilting. There are a more than 70 built-in stitch styles to be found in the inbuilt stitch library.
You also get a couple of lettering types and custom stitches available.
The CE7070PRW also offers users 7 sewing feet, including a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot, a quilting foot, an open-toe foot and a zigzag foot.
Two distinct features to love is the LED lamps light up your workspace to ensure you see everything clearly. Most features are automatic. The speed selector that’s included can be slid to control your sewing speed.
Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CE7070PRW
What are the Benefits of using the Brother Project Runway CE7070PRW?
- Affordable: The Brother CE7070PRW computerized sewing machine offers you more than what you are paying for.
- Wide sewing arm available: This makes it easier for sewing advanced projects like prom dresses, costumes, formal wear and any sewing project that you need more space for.
- Access to free support: Most companies make you pay an additional fee for support and assistance with products. However, with this sewing machine, you will recieve FREE technical support (phone or live chat) for the lifetime of your sewing machine.
Key Features of the Brother CE7070PRW Project Runway Sewing Machine
- Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute: Talk about blazing fast! This sewing machine is a true workhorse that allows you to sew quilts and other garments easily.
- Large LCD screen: makes it easy to change up your stitch selections as you sew
- Includes 14 additional sewing accessories: (sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, 4 bobbins) to help you kick off your sewing projects with a bang
- Automatic needle threader: that makes it easier for you to thread your sewing machine without straining your eyes
- Includes 7 presser feet for sewing quilts like a Pro: Zigzag foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, and a Button fitting foot
- 25 Year limited warranty (with free phone support)
With over 400+ great ratings on Amazon, its safe to say that the Brother CE7070PRW is a great sewing machine that any beginning quilter will enjoy using.
As we've mentioned, once you purchase it, you’ll get everything you require as a quilter: a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, three spool caps, an assortment of needles, a spool pin and an eyelet punch.
The automatic thread cutter helps to cut the thread that remains after you stitch.
With the Brother Project Runway CE7070PRW, you’ll be pleased by how easy your quilting will become.
#2: The Brother PQ1500SL
If you’re an ambitious quilter looking to take it a notch higher, the Brother PQ1500SL is definitely for you.
Apart from its swift straight-sewing mechanism and its impressive industrial strength, this sewing machine has an extendable table that offers you a large workspace.
There are several technical features such as feed dog controls, foot speed adjustments and automatic thread cutters.
The main advantage of the Brother PQ1500SL over any other sewing machine for quilting is the power – It produces 1500 stitches per minute!
That’s almost double the speed offered by other brands, including the Janome. You’ll enjoy making your quilts faster.
The Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
What are the Benefits of using the Brother PQ1500SL?
- Blazing Fast Sewing Machine: The Brother PQ1500SL computerized sewing machine is blazing fast and sews up to 1500 stitches per minute.
- Includes a Wide sewing Table: This makes it easier for sewing advanced projects like prom dresses, costumes, formal wear and any sewing project that you need more space for.
- Heavy Duty Construction: Durable case that increases stability and sewing garments with ease.
Key Features of the Brother PQ1500SL Sewing Machine
- Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute: This sewing machine is lighting fast and will help you sew garments quickly and easily.
- Automatic Needle Threader: thread your sewing machine without straining your eyes
- Automatic Thread Cutter: with the touch of a button, you can neatly and instantly cut thread so that you can move on to your next sewing project.
- Fabric Extension Table: Has an expanded work area for larger projects such as bulky quilts; The workspace is 5.7" in height x 8.6" in width.
- Bright LED light : makes it easier to work on dark fabrics and sew them with ease.
- Large Throat Plate: Makes it easy to sew large quilts like a PRO!
- 25 Year limited warranty: with free phone and live chat support for the lifetime of your sewing machine.
With a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon, its safe to say that the Brother PQ1500SL is a powerful quilting and sewing machine that any beginner, intermediate and advanced sewists will benefit from using.
Although this sewing machine comes at a considerable price, putting into account its numerous features and functionalities makes it more than worth it.
In fact, one reviewer had this to say on Amazon about this machine:
I bought this machine after doing a lot of research. I was looking for a quality and powerful straight stitch machine. I didn’t have room to invest in a industrial machine with a table so I started looking for a portable one. I know that this brother pq1500sl is designed as a quilting sewing machine. However I did not buy it for that purpose. I make bags and purses. I have constructed several using this machine. I use fabric and faux leather. I invested in a straight stitch Teflon foot for this type of sewing. I use a larger needle and heavy thread and have had no problems what so ever.
The threading system is easy as it avoids fiddling between stitches, allowing you to move quickly. There’s also a thread tension dial that allows you to make adjustments. The Brother PQ1500SL is definitely designed for serious quilters who make lots of quilts.
Simple, elegant and sturdy are the words that can best describe the Brother HC1850 the best budget sewing machine for quilting as it offers all the features required for novice quilters as well as for those on a budget.
One of its perks is simplicity.
The Brother HC1850 Quilting Machine
What are the Benefits of using the HC1850 Sewing Machine?
- Easy to Use: The Brother HC1850 sewing machine is easy to use and a great entry level quilting machine for budding sewists.
- Affordable: At an affordable price, this is the perfect sewing machine to invest in to get started with sewing quilting projects, especially if you are a beginner.
- Lightweight and portable: This sewing machine is lightweight which makes it easy to move around as you work on different sewing projects.
Key Features of the Brother HC1850 Sewing Machine
- Versatile Machine: The Brother HC1850 is a highly versatile sewing machine that you can use for quilting, monogramming, decorative stitching, and other advanced sewing projects.
- Automatic Needle Threader: thread your sewing machine without straining your eyes
- Bright LCD Backlit screen: makes it easier for you to see your garments as you sew them
- Push button stitch selections: Easily apply different stitches to your projects with the click of a button.
- Adjustable sewing speed: Easily change your sewing speed with your speed selection control button.
- Wide sewing table: Perfect for sewing large quilting projects
- Includes tons of accessories: You will get access to 3 bobbins, 3-piece needle set, ball point needle, twin needle, cleaning brush, eyelet punch, screwdriver, 3 spool caps, extra spool pin, seam ripper
- 25 Year limited warranty: with free phone and live chat support for the lifetime of your sewing machine.
- Free support: Any issues that crop up, you can contact support (live or phone) and get assistance for the lifetime of your sewing machine.
The Brother HC1850 is an Amazon Choice winner among the sewing community. Sporting a 4.5 out of 5 rating and with over 1300+ ratings, this is undoudebtly one of the best sewing and quilting machines that any sewist will benefit from using.
With over 130 stitches plus a sewing font for basic monogramming, this sewing machine is sure to help you create beautiful quilts that you will feel proud to show off.
Weighing at 17 pounds, the Brother HC1850 costs around $190.
There’s everything a quilter would need in the box, including a blind foot, a utility foot, a seam ripper, a needle set and a foot pedal. However, the needle level and food pressure can’t be adjusted.
The Brother HC1850 is a featured sewing machine here on the website. You can read our full review of this machine right here.
#4: The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist
The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist sewing machine for quilting is perfect for beginners as well as intermediate quilters. It’s has a neat display and includes 600 different stitches. You also get 13 styles of 1-step button holes that are automatic.
If you’re into monogramming your pieces, you’ll be thrilled by the 5 inbuilt fonts. Quilters get a large quilting table as well as a nice heavy-duty frame.
In addition, you get 18 varying presser feet. There’s an adjustable speed level which you can control by moving the lever. This will allow you to quilt as precisely as you desire.
The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine
What are the Benefits of using the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine?
- Powerful and Versatile: The Singer Quantum Stylist sewing machine is a powerful computerized sewing machine that any beginner, intermediate and advanced sewist can use to sew quilts and other projects.
- Customization: At an affordable price, this is the perfect sewing machine to invest in to get started with sewing quilting projects, especially if you are a beginner.
- Heavy Duty Construction: This sewing machine is heavy duty and will do a great job of holding your fabric and garments in place while you sew.
Key Features of the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine
- Powerful and Versatile Machine: The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a powerful and versatile sewing machine that you can use to sew quilts, add lettering to garments, monograms and create tons of customized sewing projects with.
- Blazing Fast Speed: This machine can sew up to 850 stitches per minute
- Automatic Needle Threader: thread your sewing machine without straining your eyes
- 2 LCD Lights and a Backlit screen: makes it easier for you to view garments while you sew
- Push button stitch selections: Easily apply different stitches to your projects with the click of a button.
- Has 600 Built-In Stitches: Easily add different styles of stitches to your sewing projects
- Extension table: To give you a larger working area for sewing quilts and other larger projects
- Includes tons of accessories: Includes tons of presser feet that you can use to sew different types of projects. These include an: 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
- 25 Year limited warranty: with free phone and live chat support for the lifetime of your sewing machine.
With over 3800 reviews on Amazon, this sewing machine is super popular in the sewing community.
The Singer 9960 also comes with 25 different needle positions. It supports horizontal threading as well as automatic reversing.
The auto-needle threader is quite easy to use and its drop-in bobbin system makes work extremely easy. This sewing machine costs just under $400, making it a great choice for beginners.
It offers many of the features that quilters desire without leaving a dent in your pocket. You even get a 25 year warranty, guaranteeing you a lifelong service.
#5: JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
This sewing machine takes quilting to a whole new level. This powerhouse delivers as many as 1500 stitches per minute. It has an all-aluminum frame that reduces the vibrations that may occur as you work.
The quality of quilts produced by this sewing machine for quilters is extremely impressive. Enthusiastic quilters will definitely love working with the Juki TL-2000qi – it can comfortably handle any fabrics or multiple layers you feed it.
The JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
What are the Benefits of using the Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing Machine?
- High Quality and Versatile: The Juki TL-2000Qi sewing machine is a powerful and quilting machine that you can use to sew pretty much anything! At a sewing speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute, you can sew any garment with ease!
- Sews Beautifully: This sewing machine is easy to use and sews garments beautifully
- Heavy Duty Construction: Does an excellent job of holding fabric and garments in place while you sew.
Key Features of the Juki TL-2000i Sewing Machine
- Versatile Machine: This sewing machine is a sewing powerhouse that can tackle any quilting and home decor projects with ease.
- Blazing Fast Speed: This machine can sew up to 1500 stitches per minute
- Automatic Needle Threader: thread your sewing machine without straining your eyes
- Push button stitch selections: Easily apply different stitches to your projects with the click of a button.
- Has 600 Built-In Stitches: Easily add different styles of stitches to your sewing projects
- Extension table: To give you a larger working area for sewing quilts and other larger projects
- Doesnt waste any thread: With its automatic thread cutter, you wont waste any thread on your sewing projects.
- 25 Year limited warranty: with free phone and live chat support for the lifetime of your sewing machine.
You’re provided with an extension table that offers you lots of room to quilt. There are also some integrated LED lights that guide you even when working with dark fabrics.
Many reviewers praise it for being fast and delivering high quality stitches and quilts. It also runs very smoothly and rarely breaks your threads.
If you’re serious about quilting, this is the sewing machine for you. Most quilters who’ve purchased it have gone ahead to create their own beautiful quilts after a short period.
5 Easy Beginner Quilting Projects for Newbies (Plus some Quilting Basics)
Now that you have a list of great sewing machines for quilting projects, we are excited to bring to you a list of quilting projects for beginners.
Here is the list of recommended quilting tutorials that we recommend checking out:
#1: Easy Patchwork Quilt Tutorial (A Beautiful Mess)
A patchwork quilt is one that is made from different pieces of fabric sewn together (hence the name patchwork). This could be a collection of different shapes, patches and even old clothes put together to make the quilt come to life.
Source: Instrucables.com Patchwork quilt Example
The folks over at A Beautiful Mess have put together an awesome tutorial on how to create a patchwork quilt. This tutorial features all of the supplies and everything that you will need to whip together a beautiful patchwork quilt that you will be proud to show off.
#2: Memory Quilt Tutorial
A memory quilt is one that is typically made with clothes worn by loved ones (like children and other family members). Take this quilt below. This is a quilt made from different t-shirts that people have worn.
Source: FavQuilts.com T-shirt memory quilt from
The ladies over at How Does She have a great tutorial that walk you through the steps you need to take to create a memory quilt from your old clothes.
#3: Photo Memory Quilt
As the name suggests a photo quilt is typically made out of photos. These are some of the most beautiful quilts we've come across and are great for capturing memories that you've created.
Source: Photo Memory Quilt from Maggies Top Stitch Quilting
What's neat about this quilt is that you can add all sorts of pictures and etc to your quilt to make it extra special. Polka Dot Chair has an excellent tutorial that shows you how to create this type of quilt.
#4: The Scrap Quilt
Much like the patchwork quilt, a scrap quilt is another type of quilt that is made from different pieces of fabric from clothes and other materials that you want to add to your quilt.
Source: SuzyQuilts.com Scrap Quilt Example
The biggest difference between a scrap vs patchwork quilt is that the scrap quilt is that you can basically go with the flow of the design that you want to add to your quilt. The Spruce Crafts has a great tutorial that covers how to create a basic scrap quilt
#5: The Signature Quilt
The signature quilt is one that is created with different signatures from family, friends and other loved ones. If you don't have signatures, you can actually use an embroidery sewing machine to add signatures to your quilt.
Source: OPQuilt.com Signature Quilt
If you don't want to add signatures to your quilts, you can also opt to add things like personal messages, inspiring quotes and more to your quilt.
In fact, WaterPenny.net created an awesome tutorial on how to create a Wedding signature quilt that we are delighted to share.
Additional Quilting Tutorials to Try Out
If you're looking for even more ideas for your next quilting project, we've put together a list of more than 50+ free sewing machine quilting patterns for beginners and sewing enthusiasts to try out.
Wrapping Things Up
With such a vast array of machines, it’s time you got your own sewing machine for quilting.
You’ll be delighted by the quality of your quilts once you start using these machines. So forge ahead, choose a machine and create that beautiful quilt that you can be proud to show off to your family, friends and fellow sewing enthusiasts.
Happy Sewing!
