Are you looking for the best sewing machine for free motion quilting? With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the right choice for you. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top sewing machine models for free motion quilting, their features, and what to look for when choosing the best one for your needs. Read on to learn more about the best sewing machine for free motion quilting!
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Best Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting
Best All Around
- Computerized sewing machine
- 500 built-in stitches
- 17 different buttonhole designs
- 3 alphabet fonts
- 5" color touch screen
- 8 included presser feet
- 1,000 stitches per minuet
- 4 bright LED lights
- Detatchable extension table
- Can do free arm sewing
- Tie off button
- Thread cutter button
- Automatic tie off and thread cutting with foot pedal
- Semi-automatic needle threader
Best Dedicated Machine
- Semi-computerized sewing machine
- Single sewing stitch - straight stitch only
- Super fast 1,600 stitches per minute sewing speed
- Adjustable max sewing speed slider
- Thread cut button
- Programmable thread up / down setting
- Can use cone thread
Best Value
- Metal frame
- 70 built-in stitches
- 7 one-size auto buttonholes
- Dual LED lights
- Can do free arm sewing
- Improved automatic needle threader
- Drop in top bobbin
- 10 sewing feet included: zipper foot, zigzag foot, walking foot, quilting foot, blindstitch foot, 1/4" foot, overcasting foot, monogramming foot, buttonhole foot and button sewing foot
- Detachable extended sewing table
1. Bernette b77 Sewing Machine Details
The Bernette b77 sewing machine is an amazing sewing machine. This machine is perfect for sewing fashion designs, quilting, home decor projects, and more. It can handle a wide range of fabrics from light sheers to fine leather. This machine comes with a ton of amazing features. This computerized sewing machine has 500 different built-in stitches including decorative quilting stitches, 17 different buttonhole designs, and 3 built in alphabet fonts. It has a large 5″ touchscreen and four super bright LED lights to make sewing a breeze in any light. It has a detachable extension table for working on large projects, can do free arm sewing for smaller projects, and has an advanced fabric feed to prevent material shift while you’re sewing. Combine this with the onboard computer’s ability to program the foot pedal to do neat tricks like finish a seam and cut the threads and this machine is just amazing.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 500 built-in stitches
- 17 different buttonhole designs
- 3 alphabet fonts
- 5" color touch screen
- 8 included presser feet
- 1,000 stitches per minuet
- 4 bright LED lights
- Detatchable extension table
- Can do free arm sewing
- Tie off button
- Thread cutter button
- Automatic tie off and thread cutting with foot pedal
- Semi-automatic needle threader
2. Janome 1600P-QC Straight-Stitch Machine Details
The Janome 1600P-QC is a great choice for a free motion quilting machine or any other project that calls for a straight stitch. This machine sews one stitch, the straight stitch, and it does that fantastically. The Janome 1600P-QC sews at a super fast 1,600 stitches per minute, but it also has an adjustable max sewing speed to slow it down when you need to. It has a convenient thread cutter bobbin, a side loading bobbin, and even a knee lift for the presser foot. There is even an independent motor for the bobbin so you can be winding one while you are sewing your project. This is a perfect machine for a quilter looking for something to help top stitch their quilt or do free motion quilting on it.
Product Features:
- Semi-computerized sewing machine
- Single sewing stitch - straight stitch only
- Super fast 1,600 stitches per minute sewing speed
- Adjustable max sewing speed slider
- Thread cut button
- Programmable thread up / down setting
- Can use cone thread
3. Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine Details
The Brother CS7000X is Brother’s newest model in the Brother CS computerized sewing machine line. This line also includes the Brother CS6000i sewing machine and the Brother CS7000i. The Brother CS7000X Is a very nice computerized sewing machine for a beginner or intermediate sewer. This sewing machine has a newly improved needle threading feature which makes threading the needle even easier than in previous models. It also comes with 70 different built-in sewing stitches, 10 more stitches than it’s predecessors. These include basic stitches, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches and quilting stitches. It can also do seven different one-step auto-size buttonhole stitches. It can sew at a quick 750 stitches per minute and has an adjustable speed slider so you can reduce the max sewing speed on it.
The Brother CS7000X is an easy to use sewing machine which would be great for a beginner sewer who dreams of becoming more advanced. Beginning sewers can use the speed slider to reduce the max speed, making it easier to sew slowly. With it’s foot and stitch suggestions getting this machine ready to sew is super simple. With all of the available stitches this machine can grow with a new sewer.
This machine comes with 10 different presser feet: a zigzag foot, overcasting foot, zipper foot, monogramming foot, walking foot, quilting foot, 1/4″ foot, blindstitch foot, buttonhole foot and button sewing foot. This machine also comes with a quilting guide and a detachable extended sewing table that makes working with larger projects so much easier. This computerized Brother sewing machine is great for sewing clothes, home decor items, or sewing quilts. It also comes with Brother’s 25 year limited warranty and at your side support.
For more info, read our Brother CS7000x review
Product Features:
- Metal frame
- 70 built-in stitches
- 7 one-size auto buttonholes
- Dual LED lights
- Can do free arm sewing
- Improved automatic needle threader
- Drop in top bobbin
- 10 sewing feet included: zipper foot, zigzag foot, walking foot, quilting foot, blindstitch foot, 1/4" foot, overcasting foot, monogramming foot, buttonhole foot and button sewing foot
- Detachable extended sewing table
4. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine Details
The Juki HZL-F600 Quilt and Pro Special sewing machine is great for fashion sewing, quilting, and more. This computerized sewing machine has Juki’s industrial sewing machine technology in a more convenient household size. This shows in a number of different features, including the industrial style box-feed system that ensures even fabric feed into your sewing foot. The feed dogs on this sewing machine are surgical steel for improved durability with heavier projects. It is capable of sewing at 900 stitches per minute, but has onboard speed selection where you can slow down the max sewing speed if you need to. It has a large variety of patterns and stitches available, with 255 sewing patterns and 4 fonts, as well as an open toe presser foot and a patchwork presser foot for quilting. The Juki HZL-F600 also has a large, wide work surface measuring 8″ x 12-1/4″, allowing for larger projects such as quilts. It also has a precision feeding system and an easy-to-use control panel with an LCD screen for more detailed decorative stitches. Additionally, it has a drop feed for embellishing, twin needle settings, a programmable needle up/down, and a quick-set bobbin winder for ease of use. With all these features and more, the Juki HZL-F600 is the ideal machine for your sewing project.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 225 built-in stitches
- 4 sewing fonts
- 16 different automatic buttonholes
- Unique box feed technology for better material feed
- 900 stitches per minute
- Extra large attachable sewing table
- LCD screen for selecting stitch settings
- Can do free motion sewing
- Can automatically trim threads
- Adjustable max sewing speed
- Has a knee lift
- Dual LED lights
- Automatic needle threader
- Independent bobbin threading motor
5. Janome 3160QOV Quilts of Valor Sewing Machine Details
The Janome 3160QOV sewing machine is an ideal option for those who quilt. It has 60 different built in sewing stitches to include 6 different one-step buttonhole designs. It has an the superior plus feed system (SFS+) for better control of thick materials like quilts or shifty materials like satins. It has a lot of other premium features too like a thread cut button, stop / start button, and a lock stitch button. This machine comes with a detachable extension table which is great for working on larger projects like quilts. This machine is perfect for someone looking for a sewing machine that can handle fashion sewing, quilting, home decor sewing, and more.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 60 built-in stitches
- 6 one-step buttonhole designs
- Backlit LCD for viewing stitch settings
- Semi-automatic needle threading
- Lock stitch button
- Start / stop button
- Thread cut button
- Adjustable max sewing speed
- Can do free arm sewing
- Detachable sewing table
- Stitch designs printed on the machine
- Hard cover included
6. JUKI TL-2010Q High Speed Sewing & Quilting Machine Details
This Juki sewing machine has one stitch – straight. It does this stitch amazingly well. This machine is made of die-cast aluminum to ensure it’s sewing perfection. This is an industrial quality sewing machine, and it shows. It can sew at speeds of up to 1,500 stitches per minute, or you can throttle that down with the onboard speed control slider. This sewing speed slider technically connects to a micro computer to ensure perfect material feed and stitches, so this is not a 100% mechanical sewing machine. This machine does still use a foot pedal to control the speed of the machine. This Juki sewing machine is perfect for quilters or clothing designers looking for a great sewing machine. It has advanced features like an industrial grade sub-tension system and automatic thread end cutting. When you stop sewing, this machine automatically leaves the needle down. This way when you are pivoting your material or doing free motion embroidering you can easily turn the fabric without having to worry about messing up your stitch alignment. It has a button that lets you easily set the needle up or down. This amazing sewing machine even comes with a knee lift lever allowing you to lift the presser foot with your knee – and sew your projects even faster. This machine has a large throat and a extra large detachable extension table, making it perfect for working on large sewing or quilting projects.
Product Features:
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Detachable extension table
- One built-in stitch – straight
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- Has a sewing light
- Does NOT do free arm sewing
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
7. Janome JW8100 Computerized Sewing Machine Details
The Janome JW8100 computerized sewing machine is one of the best machines on the market. This machine has a ton of great features that make it faster and easier than ever for you to complete your sewing projects. Some of the best features include 100 built-in stitches with 7 automatic buttonhole designs, the easy to read backlit LCD screen, the start / stop and reverse buttons, and the semi-automatic needle threader. This machine also has an adjustable max speed slider, great for beginning sewers. It can do both free arm sewing for working on small projects, or has a detachable extension table for working on large projects like quilts.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 100 different built-in stitches
- 7 automatic buttonhole designs
- Backlit LCD for viewing stitch settings
- Durable metal frame
- Hard protective cover
- Needle up/down button
- Start / stop button
- Reverse button
- Adjustable max speed
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Can do free arm sewing
- Detachable extension table
8. Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine Details
The Brother XR3774 is the best mechanical sewing machine for quilting. This machine is based on the highly rated Brother GX37 above, but includes additional features that make it great for quilting. Like the GX37, the Brother XR3774 has 37 built in stitches. These include basic, decorative, and a one-step buttonhole stitch. It also includes dedicated quilting stitches. This machine has the automatic needle threader and the drop in top bobbin that are so convenient. It can do free arm sewing, which is great for sewing clothes. This machine also comes with a detachable extension table that is great for quilting and working on large sewing projects. Having an extra large table like this lets you get more of the material up to level with the sewing needle, and causes the fabric to pull less when you are working on large projects. This machine comes with eight different sewing feet: a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zigzag foot, blind stitch foot, narrow hemmer foot, walking foot and a quilting foot. It has Brother’s 25 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- 37 built-in stitches including basic, decorative, stretch and quilting stitches
- 800 stitches per minute
- Auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Includes eight sewing feet: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, narrow hemmer, quilting foot, walking foot and blind stitch foot
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- Has a detachable extension table for sewing large projects
- 25 year limited warranty
9. Brother PQ1500SL Straight Stitch Sewing and Quilting Machine Details
The Brother PQ1500SL quilting and sewing machine is a dedicated straight stitch machine. This machine is specially designed for sewing one stitch, and doing it well. It has an amazing 1,500 stitches per minute sewing speed, helping you to complete your sewing projects faster. It has a knee lift bar and can be used with cone thread. In addition, this machine comes with a detachable extension table to make it easier to sew large projects like quilts. It also has a semi-automatic needle threader, automatic thread cutter, and the ability to program the needle’s up or down position when you stop. This last feature is really nice for free-motion embroidery as it lets you turn the fabric around the needle easily when you stop without having to worry if the needle is up or down.
Product Features:
- Mechanical sewing machine
- Single stitch - straight stitch only
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- 7 included presser feet
- Knee lifter
- Detachable extension table
- Thread cutter button
- Cone thread stand
- LED light
- Semi automatic needle threading
10. Janome 3160QDC-T Sewing and Quilting Machine with Bonus Quilt Kit! Details
The Janome 3160QDC-T is a great sewing machine with a lot of premium features. This machine has 60 built in sewing stitches including 6 one-step buttonhole designs. It has a backlit LCD screen for viewing the stitch settings as well as a start / stop button, thread cutting button, and lock stitch button. This machine can drop the feed dogs, so it’s a great choice for doing free motion embroidery or quilting. With it’s wide stitch selection it’s also great for doing fashion sewing, home decor sewing, or costume making.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 60 built-in stitches
- 6 one-step buttonhole designs
- Stitch selections printed on device
- Backlit greyscale LCD for viewint stitch settings
- Adjustable max sewing speed
- Start / Stop button
- Lock stitch button
- Semi-automatic needle threading
- Thread cutting button
- Drop feed
- Can do free arm sewing
11. Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition Details
The Janome Memory Craft 8200QC Special Edition is the perfect sewing machine for free motion quilting, fashion sewing, costume making, and more. This computerized sewing machine comes with 170 different built-in stitches, 10 different one-step buttonhole designs, and three different alphabet fonts. This makes it the perfect machine for a wide range of projects, to include monogramming. It has a fast 1,000 stitches per minute sewing speed, but also has an adjustable max speed slider making it a great choice for beginner sewers. The Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP has a lot of other premium features like a lock stitch button, thread cutting button, and a start / stop button. This machine is perfect for a wide range of sewing uses and can grow with a new sewer while also having features a more advanced sewer would love.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 170 built-in stitches
- 10 different one-step buttonhole designs
- 3 different alphabet fonts
- Thread cutter button
- Lock stitch button
- Adjustable max sewing speed
- Start / Stop button
- 5 bright LED sewing lights
- 1,000 stitches per minute
- Can do free arm sewing
- Can drop the feed dogs
- LCD touchscreen for previewing and selecting stitches
- Can be used with a knee lift
12. Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine Details
The Brother CS5055 is a computerized sewing machine that boasts a wide range of professional features, helping take your sewing to the next level. That said, this machine is easy to use and great for beginners too with the machine automatically adjusting settings when you change stitch selections. The bright LED screen makes choosing your stitch selection quick and easy. With 60 built-in stitches, you’re spoilt for choice of stitch to use. Stitches include a range of decorative, quilting, and heirloom stitches and 7 styles of buttonholes.
The Brother CS5055 comes complete with a new high-quality needle threading system, a range of pressor feet, a super-fast bobbin winding system, and the ability to sew thicker fabrics with ease thanks to the unparalleled feed dog system.
For more information, read our Brother CS5055 review.
Product Features:
- Metal frame
- 60 built-in stitches
- 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes
- Free arm capability
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in top bobbin
- Includes 7 sewing feet
- 25 year limited warranty and Brother at your side support
13. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Sewing Machine Details
The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 sewing machine is a top of the line sewing machine, perfect for any creative project. This sewing machine comes with 600 different built in stitches. It has five different fonts for machine embroidery of monograms and words. It also has 13 built in 1-step buttonholes. This sewing machine sews at 850 stitches per minute. It comes with a detachable extension table that is great for working on larger projects. It also has a detachable bottom piece that lets you easily sew sleeve cuffs and inset sleeves with free arm sewing. This sewing machine is great for an advanced sewer looking for a good all in one sewing machine.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- All metal frame
- 600 built-in stitches
- 13 built-in one-step auto buttonhole stitches
- Five different lettering fonts
- Max 850 stitches per minute
- Adjustable max speed
- Can do free arm sewing
- Detachable extension table
- 13 included presser feet
- Built-in needle threader
- 25 year limited warranty
14. Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine Details
The Brother CP100X computerized sewing and quilting machine is a great choice for working on sewing and quilting projects. From fashion sewing to doll making, quilting, home decor sewing, and more this machine is a good choice. It comes with 100 different built in stitches to include 8 different auto-sized buttonhole designs. It has a semi-automatic needle threader to make threading the machine simple, as well as a drop-in top bobbin. The 10 included presser feet are great for a wide range of tasks like quilting, free motion embroidery, darning, and more. It has an adjustable max sewing speed so you can sew the machine down for tricky pieces or new sewers. It also has a stop/ start button and a reverse button. In general, this is a great machine that would be a good choice for a wide range of sewing projects.
Product Features:
- Computerized sewing machine
- 100 built in stitches
- 8 auto-sized buttonhole designs
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- LCD screen for viewing stitch details
- Stitch selection printed on machine
- 10 included sewing feet
- Detachable sewing table
- Durable metal frame
- Protective hard case
- Adjustable max sewing speed
- Stitch lock button
- Start/ stop button
- Drop-in top bobbin
- Can do free arm sewing
15. Bernette b79 Sewing & Embroidery Machine Details
The Bernette b79 is a combination sewing and embroidery machine. This machine can do practically everything. From sewing fashion designs to home decor sewing, quilting, and even machine embroidery. This is a great machine with a lot of really nice features like the dual feed to ensure a smooth fabric feed even with tricky materials like satin or multi-layered quilts. It comes with 500 built in stitches, 208 built-in embroidery designs, 17 different buttonhole designs, and 7 different embroidery fonts ( great for monogramming or personalizing a project ). With it’s fast sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute you’ll get your projects done faster with this sewing machine. It even has support for a knee lift lever, and a programmable presser foot. This really is a great sewing machine for tackling pretty much any project.
Product Features:
- Combination sewing and embroidery machine
- 208 built-in embroidery designs
- 500 built in stitches
- 17 buttonhole designs
- 7 embroidery alphabets
- 5" color touchscreen
- 1,000 stitches per minute ( 850 when embroidering )
- 4 bright LED lights
- Dual feed for even fabric feed
- Programmable foot control
- 3 included embroidery hoops from 5 x 7 cm to 16 x 26 cm
- 10 included presser feet
- Detachable extension table
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- USB outlet for transferring embroidery designs
- Included embroidery software
- 5 year, 1 year, 1 year limited warranties with lifetime support
16. Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine Details
The Janome 4120 QDC computerized sewing machine is a great high end sewing machine. It can sew a wide array of projects from home decor, clothes, and more. You could use this as a fashion design sewing machine or to do free motion embroidery. It comes with a ton of great features for making clothes. Some of these include an extra extension table for working on large projects, a LCD screen for selecting your stitches, on screen stitch editing for adjusting stitch length and width, and an automatic thread cutter. This is a great sewing machine for clothes, and it sews at a super fast 820 stitches per minute. This machine also has a max speed slider so you can adjust the machine’s maximum sewing speed as needed. Threading this machine is easy, just follow the printed path on the machine. It also has an one-handed needle threader to make it easier to get the machine threaded.
This Janome sewing and quilting machine comes with 120 different built-in stitches. It also comes with alphabet fonts for monogramming your projects. It has seven different one step buttonholes. The ten most common stitches can be easily selected with buttons on the machine. For all of the stitches you can easily adjust the stitch length and width with the LCD display screen. Tension is manually controlled by the dial on the machine.
The Janome 4120QDC comes with a number of accessories. It includes a zigzag foot, blind hem foot, overedge foot, buttonhole foot, sliding buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and satin stitch foot. This machine comes with a large extension table to provide you with extra space for large projects. This is great if you are working on quilts or other large projects. You can remove the bottom storage area and do free arm sewing, perfect for finishing cuffs, sewing necklines, or sewing kids clothes. There is a hard case included with this machine, perfect for taking it to sewing class.
Product Features:
- 120 built in sewing stitches plus an alphabet for monogramming
- Easy to Use Control Panel with LCD Panel
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam proof drop in bobbin
- Handy stop/start button for sewing without a foot pedal
- Handy function buttons - thread cutting, reverse stitch, and needle up / down
- Extension table included
- Hard travel cover included
- Multiple presser feet included; zigzag foot, overedge foot, zipper foot, satin stitch foot, blind hem foot, 1/4" seam foot, automatic buttonhole foot
Best Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting FAQ
What type of sewing machine is best for free motion quilting?
The best type of sewing machine for free motion quilting is a machine with a larger throat space and an adjustable speed. Look for a machine with a longer arm and throat space that allows you to move quilt layers and batting easily. The adjustable speed allows you to control the speed of the needle, which is important when doing intricate quilting designs. Additionally, look for a machine with a high-quality feed dog system that can handle multiple layers of fabric and batting. Being able to drop the feed dogs is also a necessary feature for free motion quilting.
How much does a good machine for free motion quilting cost?
The cost of a good machine for free motion quilting can vary greatly depending on features, brand, and quality. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $2,000. For serious quilting, a mid-priced machine with a larger throat space and a greater number of built-in stitches is recommended. It’s also important to make sure the machine can handle heavier fabrics and thicker threads, which are often used in quilting projects.
What accessories do I need to get started with free motion quilting?
In order to get started with free motion quilting, you will need a few basic accessories such as:
- Free Motion Quilting Foot
- Quilting Frame or Hoop
- Variety of Quilting Needles
- Cotton Quilting Thread
- Quilting Clips or Pins
- Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
- Quilting Ruler
- Quilting Marking Pen or Pencil
- Quilting Templates
- Quilting Fabrics
What type of thread is best for free motion quilting?
The best type of thread to use for free motion quilting is a high-quality, 100% cotton thread. Cotton thread is strong and durable, and it won’t break as easily as other types of thread. It also provides a smoother stitching line, and it’s less likely to cause thread bunching or knotting.
What types of fabrics are best for free motion quilting?
The best fabrics for free motion quilting are light to mid-weight fabrics that have a tight weave and good stability. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen are ideal, as they hold their shape and won’t stretch or distort. Avoid fabrics with a lot of stretch, such as knits and lycra. You may also want to choose fabrics with a low nap, such as a satin or silk, to ensure that the stitches do not sink into the material.
What type of presser foot do I need for free motion quilting?
For free motion quilting, you will need a darning or free motion presser foot. This type of presser foot is designed to move with the fabric, allowing for free motion quilting. It is usually made of plastic and has a circular or oval shape, with an open toe at the bottom.
How do I set up my machine for free motion quilting?
Setting up your machine for free motion quilting requires a few steps. To start, lower the feed dogs. You’ll need to lower or cover the feed dogs on your machine so that the fabric can move freely beneath the presser foot. Next, attach a darning or free motion foot. Depending on your machine, you may have to purchase an additional foot for free motion quilting. Adjust your machine tension to a lower setting, as you won’t need as much tension when quilting. Use a sharp quilting needle and a lightweight thread for best results. Finally, practice! Start by practicing on a piece of scrap fabric before attempting free motion quilting on your project. Following these steps should help you get your machine set up for free motion quilting. Good luck!
What is the best way to practice free motion quilting?
The best way to practice free motion quilting is to start with simple projects that require minimal quilting. Begin by stitching straight lines, then practice curved and zigzag lines. Once you become comfortable with these basic stitching techniques, you can move onto more complex designs. It is important to practice on scrap fabric and to use a machine with adjustable stitch length and drop feed dogs. When you are ready, you can begin practicing on quilting projects.
In Summary
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post on the best sewing machine for free motion quilting. We hope that this post has given you some insight into what type of sewing machine is best suited to your quilting needs. With the right machine and a bit of practice, you’ll be quilting like a pro in no time. Have fun and happy quilting!
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