Quilting is the art of sewing layers of fabric together to create a thick padded material. It has become very popular and modernized and due to this fact, many sewing machines are now designed for home and industrial use to make quilting easier and more time efficient.
Most serious quilters will look for certain functions on machines to complement and benefit their skills.
Of course, one must not be overwhelmed or overly impressed by machines with hundreds of features and functions. It is about what suits each user. From the beginner to the experienced individual there is something to suit everyone.
Here are 4 sewing machine recommendations that vary from the lowest price and simplicity range to the industrial.
Jenome 2212 Sewing machine
This is an entry level machine at a very affordable price. It is small and compact and allows for easy transportation. It is a great choice for beginners but still has most of the features an advanced user would need. It comes as a complete kit with everything you need to get going.
Features:
- Accessory storage area
- Small sewing table effective enough for the beginner
- 12 built-in stitches which are easy to select and a 4 step buttonhole
- Can do up to 860 stitches per minute
- Stitch length of up to 4mm and width up to 5mm
- Hassle free threading and winding of the bobbin
- Comes with standard accessories with the option to purchase more
- Can work on average fabric thickness
- There is a 25-year limited warranty on the Jenome
- Lightweight
The good:
- Great for beginners
- Comes with everything needed to get started
- Good warranty
- Fast
- Easy to operate and versatile
The not so good:
- Machine is quite noisy
- The drop feed feature isn’t easily accessible
- According to user reviews the pedal cord not long enough
It is simple and user-friendly and great for those starting out or don’t find appeal in too much technology.
Brother Laura Ashley CX155LA
This is a popular well-priced machine is portable and easy to use. It is computerized with a backlit LCD display for easy operation. The machine is portable and comes with a full range of accessories. This is a great option for quilting but versatile to perform a range of other functions.
Features and pros:
- Performance rate of 1500 stitches per minute
- Variable speed control
- Stitch length and width go up to 6mm
- Automatic threader and thread cutter
- 23-inch work area with an extension table included
- Offers 155 built-in stitches
- 8 styles of buttonholes
- Comes with 11 sewing feet to allow for creative design
- LCD display and a well-lit sewing area helps when working on dark materials and doing precise sewing
- 25-year limited warranty
- Comes with multiple accessories.
- Fair amount of storage space.
- Can sew various different kinds of fabric.
- Computerized
- Affordable
The good:
- Fast and efficient
- Great user-friendly design with backlit LCD
- Vale for money
- Comes as a complete kit with everything needed
- Versatile
- Excellent warranty
- Multiple features
The not so good:
- Lighting not effective enough
- Plastic instead of metal casing – not sturdy
This stylish machine is ideal for both commercial and personal use. A real quality performer!
Singer 8500Q
This is another well-priced computerized machine that offers a host of features. Singer is a well-known and trusted name in sewing machines and this model with an outstanding warranty. It is easy to use but has all the advanced features you might need. For quilting, this is an excellent choice.
Features:
- Sturdy and can handle a heavy duty workload
- 215 stitch options
- Comes with a variety of stitching options
- 6 automatic one-step buttonholes
- 25-inch sewing space
- Circular stitch capability
- Finishing tie off stitch function
- 1600 stitches per minute
- Speed control lever
- Threading, trimming and bobbin winding system are all electronic
- Knee lifter included in the price. A must-have for quilters that spend long hours doing their craft
- 22-inch work area
- LCD screen displays details of all the stitch settings
- Comes with a vast selection of handy accessories
- Offers social media support
- The Singer has a 25-year limited warranty
The good:
- Advanced features
- Computerized with detailed LCD display
- Good accessories included
- Excellent warranty
- Able to do heavy-duty work
The not so good:
- According to numerous user reviews, issue with issue with thread tension
Juki TL 2000QI
This heavy duty machine is ideal for the serious quilter. It can handle large and bulky fabrics with ease.
It is more expensive than the above machines but is value for money due to high its performance rate.
Features:
- Body made of sturdy metal
- Able to absorb vibration when stitching
- Not computerized which makes it a straightforward no-nonsense workhorse
- Capable of doing 1500 stitches per minute
- Excellent straight stitching
- Needle up-needle down speed control
- Auto threading
- Automatic thread cutter
- One paddle controls speed as well as timing
- Comes with an extension cable and 13-inch work table which allows for a larger working space
- LED lighting allows for excellent visibility
- Comes with numerous accessories
- 5-year limited warranty
The good:
- Easy to use
- Great on heavy fabrics
- LED to light work area
- Generous work area
- Low vibration
The not so good:
- Costly machine not affordable to the everyday quilter
- Only has straight stitch option
Whatever your skills level, financial position or technological needs, the market caters for all types of users. From the entry-level quilting machine to the state of the art, there is a huge assortment of products to choose from.
Get your creative juices flowing and purchase your Quilting machine now!