How to Choose a Quilting Sewing Machine

Picking the right quilting machine starts with picking a machine that fits your quilting needs. Whether you’re planning on quilting occasionally or are an expert quilter looking to make your next masterpiece, Premier Stitching has everything you need.

Backed by a great warranty and authorized in-house servicing, Premier Stitching has a large inventory of quilting machines. We have everything from sewing and quilting combos for smaller projects to well-equipped midarm and longarm machines ready to handle the toughest of fabrics.

In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about choosing the best quilting machine for your needs. Feel free to jump to the section that interests you most or just read on as we explore:

• The difference between a sewing machine and a quilting machine
• What features to look for in a quilting machine
• Best quilting machine brands & models

The Difference between a Sewing Machine and a Quilting Machine

Sewing and quilting machines have different capabilities, but just how different are they really?

To put it into perspective, a quilting machine comes with a larger workspace than a typical sewing machine. A quilting machine features a longer length and allows for a wider area to spread out and stitch thick, bulky quilts.

There are also more add-on foot options for quilting machines. Some of these options include a quarter inch foot, darning or free motion foot, and a walking foot to enable you to maneuver quilt sandwiches and other thick materials more easily.

Finally, quilting machines offer many decorative options for stitching and come with increased speed and stability.

What Features to Look For in a Quilting Machine

When it comes to buying the perfect quilting machine, there are must have features you need to look for. Make sure your quilting machine comes with an adjustable needle position, motor speed control, drop feed dogs, a large throat space, and an offset free motion foot for better visibility when sewing backwards.

Best Quilting Machine Brands & Models

Each quilting machine brand comes with its own unique capabilities.Luckily, Premier Stitching has a large inventory of quilting machines to fit your budget and quilting needs. Not to mention, we offer some of the most durable machines on the market.

Below we list our top four brands of quilting machines with our pick for the best quilting machine model that each brand offers.

Juki

Juki provide its customers with feature-packed machines that people of any skill level can use. Its durable, sturdy machines can withstand decades of intensive use and come with generous warranties to protect you against unexpected damage.

At Premier Stitching, we stock a wide range of Juki models. Browse our high quality and affordable  Juki quilting machines including our favorite model below.

Juki TL 2010Q

See Details $999.000

Are you in the market for a quilting machine to improve all your projects? Look no further, the Juki TL2010Q high-speed sewing and quilting machine produces some of the fastest and professional designs.

Features and Benefits: This machine comes with multiple free-motion features, including control, visibility, and ample of space to make any polished quilting project. It’s a single-needle machine that’s known for sewing straight lockstitch stitches.

Although sewing professionals use the Juki TL2010Q, its added features make it easy for a person of any skill level to use. Some of those features include a predetermined needle stop position when the machine stops sewing, a regulator to adjust the pressure of the presser foot, easy to replace bobbins, and automatic needle threading.

The automatic thread cutter also makes piecing a quilt together easier and faster than ever before. Say goodbye to having to stop to cut a thread manually and enjoy the benefits of knee lever that frees up your hands to maneuver fabric across the machine’s generously sized working area.

Janome

Janome quilting machines are known for their exceptional quality and are perfect for projects of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a machine to tackle simple sewing tasks, quilting combo features, or you want to be able to sew versatile artistic quilter lines, Janome may be the perfect brand for you.

Browse our lineup of some of the best Janome quilting machines on the market, such as our recommended model below.

Janome HD3000

See Details $449.00

If you’re new to sewing or already have some experience, the Janome HD3000 is the perfect choice to meet all your quilting goals.

Features and Benefits: The Janome HD3000 is made from 1-piece aluminum casting to create a long-lasting durable machine. It comes with 18 stitches, a one-step buttonholer, and a balance adjuster to get precise results when sewing specialty fabrics.

It also features a jam-proof top load bobbin system, a 7-piece feed dog to give you control over different types of fabric, and a drop-feed system for sewing free motion and attaching buttons. The press foot also extends extra high to sew thicker and layered fabrics with ease. Not to mention, the 1-handed thread cutter and presser come off easily for ultimate convenience.

Bernette

Swiss-designed Bernette sewing machines offer both mechanical and electronic models. If you’re looking for a top-quality quilting machine, look no further. Premier Stitching sells the most reliable and versatile Bernette quilting machines out there. Not to mention, you’ll get an exclusive sewing brand at an impressive price.

Take a look at our extensive Bernette quilting machines collection including our top pick for quilters below.

Bernette 38

See Details $699.00

The Bernette 38 sewing machine is one of the top models in the series, offering an expansive range of features at a price point any sewing enthusiast can’t refuse.

Features and Benefits: This machine comes with computerized functions that feature more than 394 different stitches, eight different one-step buttonholes, three alphabets, and a memory function so you can store your patterns and return to your projects later.

Most notably, the Bernette 38 comes with a speed regulator to make adjustments right on the display. It also features a threader, an automatic and manual thread cutter, and a bright LED light that makes sewing patterns and quilts more comfortable.

Elna Elnita

Elna Elnita sewing machines have been a household name for more than 80 years. Their extensive selection includes sergers, for those looking to create polished seams and hems, as well as quilting machines.

We offer a wide range of Elnita models. Browse our impressive and affordable Elnita sewing machines that include our top recommended machine for quilting below.

Elna Elnita EF72

See Details $1,799.00

The Elna Elnita EF72 is a perfect blend of power, performance and durability to meet all your sewing and quilting needs.

Features and Benefits: The machine comes with a 10" seamless flatbed for working on both small and large projects alike. The EF72 features sewing speeds of up to 1,000 stitches per minute, a superior needle threader, a bright LED screen with easy navigation keys, a seven-piece feed dog, an auto bobbin winder, an adjustable thread tension and a reverse button.

FAQs about Quilting Sewing Machines

What sewing machine do quilters recommend?

Quilters often recommend the Juki TL2000Qi high speed sewing and quilting machine ($729 at Premier Stitching). It’s considered one of the best quilting machines on the market due to its even stitching capabilities and durability. Although the TL-2000Qi is not a beginner’s quilting machine, its features make it possible for aspiring quilters to start sewing like a pro in no time.

The machine features an automatic thread trimmer and needle threader, easy bobbin replacement, knee lifter lever, adjustable presser foot pressure, needle up and down control, and an even feed foot. It's no wonder people are calling it the Rolls Royce of quilting machines.

What makes a good quilting machine?

What makes a good quilting machine is its stability and fast sewing speed. People serious about the craft should get a high-speed machine to finish projects with ease.

Can you use a quilting machine for regular sewing?

Although you can use a quilting machine for regular sewing, it comes with a wider range of add-ons and capabilities that a regular one doesn’t have.

What is the difference between sewing and quilting?

Quilting involves stitching together at least three layers of material (typically fabric and batting) and then stitching these sandwiches side by side to make quilts that can be used for a variety of things, including blankets, pincushions and more. Sewing revolves around stitching fabric edges to make clothing, pillow cases, curtains and more.

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