Forget the fabric, a sewing machine is undeniably a quilter’s most important bit of kit. When many of us first start out on our quilt-making adventure, we still have a lot to learn about how to use our domestic sewing machines for quilting.
Tension settings, thread options, bobbin-thread choices, how to feed a queen-size quilt through your machine's workspace... we're sharing this article to help if you still feel you have a bit to learn to get the best results for your handmade quilts.
We'll talk you through the best sewing machines for quilting, how to choose a sewing machine for quilting and share our top tips for what to consider. We've combined our know-how with our favourite sewing machines for quilting to highlight everything you need to look for when investing in a sewing machine.
If you're in the mood for a spot of sewing machine shopping, but the machines in this round-up are a little too specialised, you might also like our guide to the best sewing machines for beginners. You can also check out our best sewing machines guide for everything you need to know before your next purchase.
8 of the best sewing machines for quilting in 2024
1. Bernina 770QE Plus
Best for stitch options
Key features:
- Dimensions (in): 20.5i x 8.4 x 14.1
- 1809 stitch options
- Large colour touch screen
- Dual feed system
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter
- RRP: £4250
Kicking off our list is the Bernina 770QE Plus, which Today's Quilter Technical Editor (and quilter of nearly 30 years) Paula Hope recently reviewed and rated a full five stars!
This premium sewing machine has a wide range of features, including a huge touch screen display that enables users to stop and start stitches exactly where they want. It also has fantastic lighting and spacious throat space, which makes quilting on this machine extremely enjoyable.
"It’s a joy to sew with and so far I have nothing but good to say about it!" says Paula. High praise indeed!
You can read our full review of the Bernina 770QE Plus here on Gathered.
Pros: High-end model, well-lit machine, foot hovers over work at different heights for more control, no screwdriver required for changing feet.
Cons: Expensive, big and heavy.
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2. JANOME HORIZON Memory Craft 9480QC Professional
Best for serious quilters and advanced sewists
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Key features:
- 400 stitches
- HD colour screen
- A.S.R™ (Accurate Stitch Regulator)
- Acufeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System
- Extension table
- RRP: £3,599.00
The MC9480 QC Professional is the latest model in Janome's Horizon range, which is aimed at experienced quilters and sewists.
This model builds on the design DNA of previous models - still featuring a 280mm workspace, extension table, 9mm stitch width, and HD colour screen - as well as a number of sewing application enhancements and user-friendly functions that will save time and make the sewing process easier than ever.
These fantastic new features include the A.S.R™ (Accurate Stitch Regulator) which comes with the Ruler Work foot, the Acufeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System, the Automatic Presser Foot Lift and much more.
Pros: Acufeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System, Accurate Stitch Regulator, new model.
Cons: Expensive.
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3. Brother Innov-is A80
Best for beginners on the go
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Key features:
- 80 stitches
- LCD display
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop feed for free-motion sewing
- 7 piece feed dog system
- One-step buttonhole
Sociable quilting calls for a portable machine – look no further than the Innov-is A80. Both incredibly lightweight and available with its own hard case, this sewing machine is just the thing to pop in the car and take to a friend’s home.
The clear LCD screen provides all the information you could need and makes it an incredibly easy-to-use model to learn and develop your skills.
Pros: Lightweight, comes with hard case, LCD screen.
Cons: May not be heavy-duty enough for intermediate or expert sewists.
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Check out the best craft room storage solutions for a tidy craft room!
Where to buy quilting sewing machines...
In the UK:
4. JANOME 5270QDC
Best for versatility
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Key features:
- 270 stitches
- Foot pressure adjustment
- Knee lifter
- Wide extension table
- Auto thread cutter
- 3 x Optic magnifiers
The JANOME 5270QDC has a range of helpful features that will make you fall in love with sewing and quilting. These features include a knee lift, freeing up your hands and enabling you to keep them on your fabric for precise control.
In addition, the three optic magnifiers will give you a fantastic close-up view of your work, making intricate stitching a little less daunting. Plus, the bright LED light means you can work all night long - so you won't have to stop sewing when the sun goes down!
Pros: Optic magnifiers, automatic needle threader and thread cutter, wide extension table.
Cons: Needle threader can be a bit tricky to use.
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5. SINGER C7290Q Sewing & Quilting Machine
Best for all levels
Key features:
- Over 400 stitch applications
- Extension table
- Includes 12 sewing and quilting presser feet
- Lettering font
- One-step buttonhole
- Drop-in bobbin
The SINGER C7290Q Computerized Sewing Machine is a sewing and quilting companion suitable for all skill levels. With over 400 stitch applications, including decorative stitches, it's a versatile tool for fashion sewing, quilting, home decor, and crafting.
The package includes an extension table for larger projects, a collection of 12 carefully selected presser feet, a lettering font for personalization, and high-end features like an LCD screen, one-step buttonholes, and a top drop-in bobbin, all housed within a durable all-metal frame.
Pros: Custom words, phrases and monograms, 6.4" sewing space, start/stop sewing button.
Cons: Smaller screen than some models
- Buy the SINGER C7290Q from Joann ($379.99).
For more computerised sewing machines, don't miss our roundup!
6. Bernette by Bernina 38
Best for beginner-intermediate levels
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Key features:
- 394 stitches
- Large LCD screen
- Extension table
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Speed controller
- Automatic needle threader
The Bernette B38 is a versatile sewing machine designed for both beginners and intermediate quilters. With dimensions of 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches and weighing just 9.8 kg, it's a high-functioning machine but perhaps not the best choice if portability is a big priority for you.
Boasting 394 stitches, including a stretch stitch for elastic fabric, along with a hard plastic cover, an extension table, and 8 presser feet, this machine provides everything you need for your quilting projects. Its spacious extension table offers ample workspace, while intuitive features like clear plate markings and a convenient scissor button make quilting a breeze.
Pros: Vast selection of stitches, hard plastic cover, precise control over speed and pressure.
Cons: Heavy.
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7. Brother FS130QC
Best for growing your skills
Key features:
- 130 stitches
- Drop-in bobbin
- 7 point feed system
- Speed control
- Automatic needle threader
- Large extension table
If you’ve recently started on your quilting journey and want something budget-friendly yet long-lasting, try the Brother FSC130QC. With drop feeds, free arm sewing and a large extension table, experimenting with free-motion quilting is certainly on the cards. It’s a truly versatile machine that will see you through any project, from start to finish.
Pros: Great value, free-arm sewing, large extension table, 130 stitch options.
Cons: Not heavy-duty enough to tackle some fabrics.
- Buy the Brother FSC130QC on Ebay.
8. Bernette B77 Sewing and Quilting machine
Best for sewing multiple layers
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The B77 is a great choice if you're looking for a sewing machine for quilting, as this easy-to-use computerized machine will make light work of sewing through several layers with an impressive stitch quality.
Features include a 5-inch colour touchscreen, dual feed for fast, even fabric feeding, programmable foot control with back-kick function, semi-automatic needle threader, 500 stitches including 17 different buttonholes, 8 presser foot soles and a large extension table included.
It's a handy machine for winter quilting as it comes with four bright LEDs to light up the spacious sewing area (enjoy 230mm of space right of the needle). The slide-on free-arm extension table gives you extra space and comfort for large sewing or quilting projects.
Pros: Large colour screen, large extending table, heavy-duty, 17 buttonholes, four LED lights, full of features.
Cons: Expensive.
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How to choose a sewing machine for quilting
So what should you be looking for? First things first, if you want the best sewing machine for quilting – what sort of quilting?
Whether you're planning queen-sized masterpieces or marvellous mini quilts, having a think about your quilting style will help you find the right tech for your sewing room.
Think about your sewing style
Start by considering your sewing habits. If you like to attend classes, quilting guilds or sewing retreats, you’ll thank yourself for finding a lightweight and portable machine that you can pack up and carry around. For those who intend to sit and sew in an allocated space, a more sturdy, heavyweight machine will suit your needs better.
For basic quilt making, all you need is a quarter-inch foot, a quilting foot and a walking foot. Look for a sewing machine where you can lower the feed dogs, to give you the ultimate scope for free-motion quilting fun. A top-loading, drop-in bobbin is also handy, so you can see how much thread you’ve got left and don’t have to play ‘beat the bobbin’ too often!
Think about your quilting space
What’s even more important for us quilters is space. Look at the throat width of a machine – will it be a tight squeeze to stitch a queen-size quilt in the space available?
Consider the workspace size – does it have the option to add an extension table to help hold the weight of your quilt? The easier your machine can make your life the better!
Alternatively, it may be your quilting has got to the stage where you are regularly grappling with forcing large quilt projects through the limited workspace on your machine – and your quilting style is quite technical and detailed.
If you are making a high volume of quilts or are looking to make more professional projects, perhaps it's time to consider a long-arm quilting machine.
Asking yourself these questions will help you decide how to choose a sewing machine for quilting that helps you take your quilt-making up to the next level.
Choosing the right sewing machine for your quilting projects
Whether you're sewing a large quilt or a mini baby quilt, you'll need the right machine for the job and having that will make the process a whole lot easier!
Make sure you have the right quilting tools
An iron is an integral piece of kit for a quilter! Applying heat along seams and edges is key to achieving a neat, crisp finish as you go.
Check out our comprehensive guide to quilting irons to find the right one for you!
