In the realm of crafting and stitching, the evolution of sewing machines has brought forth a world of convenience and versatility. Gone are the days of arduous hand-sewing; now, with the plethora of sewing machines available, the task of selecting the perfect one has become both exciting and daunting.
For those immersed in the art of quilting, the search for the ideal machine tailored to free motion quilting can feel like navigating a maze of options. While many sewing machines boast quilting features, not all are optimized for the intricate art of free motion quilting.
If you find yourself on the hunt for the perfect sewing machine to elevate your quilting endeavors, fear not. In this age of innovation and specialization, there exists a curated selection of machines specifically designed to cater to the needs of free motion quilters. So, whether you’re a seasoned quilting enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore this captivating craft, join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the best sewing machines tailored for free motion quilting.
What Are Free Motion Quilting Machines?
Free Motion Quilting or the FMQ is just another way of stitching a fabric but this is done with the help of the feed dogs. As soon as you take out the feed dogs from your sewing, the process becomes quilting. Feed dogs are basically used to push a fabric forward and backward and that is a limitation to free motion quilting. By disengaging them, you will allow yourself to push fabric as per your needs and in any direction you want. There are a couple of ways available out there to do that but not all of the sewing machines can do that. Sewing machines for free motion quilting are those machines that come with this feature where you can stop the feed dog from work to do the quilting.
Best Sewing Machine For Free Motion Quilting
1) Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother HC1850 is one of the best quilting sewing machines available out there. If you are looking for a simple and easy to use free motion quilting machines, then you can buy this sewing machine without thinking twice. This machine has got a throat space of 5.75 inches which is more than any other sewing machine of this price range.
This machine comes with a built-in 130 stitches and embroidery pattern designs that helps you in doing various work. Automatic needle threader and LCD display screen are just some other benefits of having this sewing machine. While quilting with this machine, you can take advantage of the 8 presser feet and detachable wide table.
- Detachable wide table.
- Built-in 130 stitches.
- 850 stitches per minute.
- Light-weight and easy to use.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Not suitable for heavy fabrics.
2) Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Portable Sewing Machine
Singer manufactures the highest number of free motion quilting machines and this sewing machine from Singer is best among all. Singer 9960 is a mid-ranged sewing machine that comes with the top speed of 850 stitches per minute. Along with it, you can enjoy 600 built-in stitches and automatic needle threader like features in this machine.
This machine is perfect for quilting because it comes with an extension table and a drop-in bobbin system. Also, for some professionals, this machine offers a twin-needle system that can be configured accordingly. Heavy and high-quality material is used in this machine so you can expect it to last longer and use it without any worries.
- Made from high-quality material.
- 850 Stitches Per Minute.
- 600 built-in stitches.
- The extension table included.
- Easy to use.
- Pretty heavy as compared to other machines.
3) Brother CS7000i Computerized Quilting Machine
We are listing this sewing machine on the third position doesn’t mean it is not better than the one we have mentioned above. This machine is currently one of the most popular sewing machines around the world and you can read some sewing machine buying to know how to pick the best among all. It is an improved version of the CS6000i and comes with a variety of advanced features that can help you in free motion quilting.
Apart from automatic needle threader and thread cutter, you can also enjoy a touch-screen LCD display that allows you to select the type of stitch you want. Also, a built-in LED light has been added to this machine that provides guidance while quilting. There are 70 built-in stitches and 7 styles of 1-step buttonholes.
- Very big throat space.
- 70 built-in stitches.
- Touch screen LCD display.
- LED light for guidance.
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter.
- Light in weight so it may misbalance sometimes.
4) Brother XR9550PRW Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is not just another sewing machine from Brother but it has got some special and useful features. This sewing machine comes with an extra-wide sewing table that makes the quilting easier. Also, you can take the help of the LCD display panel to review your settings before using the sewing machine for free motion quilting.
It weighs around 18 pounds so it is quite heavy but that is all because of the high quality heavy metal frame. There are 100 built-in stitches available in this machine and it also features automatic needle threader. Not only quilting but you can also use this machine for basic sewing and doing different types of stitches like overcasting, zig-zag, etc.
- Very cheap compared to others.
- Perfect sewing machines for beginners.
- Can be used for sewing and quilting.
- Light in weight and portable.
- High-quality metal frame.
- No LED lights.
5) Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
Janome 4120QDC is a computerized sewing machine which is suitable for free motion quilting. This machine has got a lot of useful features that give you a very handful of experience of sewing, stitching, and quilting. This is the only machine of this list that comes with a jam-proof top-loading bobbin system which keeps it safe from jamming.
You can enjoy 120 built-in stitches and other features like automatic threading, auto thread cutter, LCD panel to review settings, and many more. Also, you can make different types of stitches using this machine and it is very light-weight too. Another good thing about Janome 4120QDC is that it comes with a lot of accessories and instructional DVD.
- 27 different accessories.
- Top-load bobbin system.
- Easy to use and light-weight.
- 120 built-in stitches.
- LCD panel.
- N/A.
6) Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Brother SE600 sewing machine is made specially for sewing and embroidery work but if you want then you can also do quilting with this machine. It is definitely one of the best sewing machines for free motion quilting that is available right now. This machine has got a 3.2 inch LCD touchscreen display panel that allows you to see your embroidery designs.
Not only this but in this free-motion quilting home sewing machine you will also get 80 built-in designs. Also, other important features like automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin are also available in it. For stitching and sewing you can use 130 built-in sewing stitches else you can make some yourself.
- Touchscreen LCD display panel.
- 80 built-in designs.
- #1 Best Seller on Amazon.
- Fully computerized sewing machine.
- Automatic needle threader.
- N/A.
7) Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
If you are looking for sewing machines for free motion embroidery then you should read about the Juki HZL-F600 sewing machine. This machine comes with built-in 225 embroideries which can be configured manually. Also, the topstitching speed of this sewing machine is 900 stitches per minute so if you are a profession it can help you in doing your work faster.
This machine is made with Box Feed Technology that controls the needle and gives you accurtate fabric feeding. The buttonhole settings can be control via sensor and you can choose from 10 professional buttonhole designs. The throat space of this sewing machine is 8 inches long and 4.5 inches tall that makes it perfect machine for quilters.
- Large throat space.
- In-built embroidery designs.
- LCD display panel.
- Full computerized sewing machine.
- Thread tension control.
- Not suitable for beginners.
8) Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother PQ1500SL is made from high-quality metal so it is very durable and will last longer. This machine comes with a fast needle threader that makes it possible even for a newbie to start using this machine without any difficulties. Remember that this machine weighs around 32 pounds so it may be heavy for some users.
Though the extension table of these sewing machines makes it a perfect sewing machine for quilting. Well, if you are looking for free motion quilting machine recommendation then we will definitely recommend you to buy this machine. Not only this but in this machine, you will get 4 feed dog settings so you can use both of your hands while quilting.
- Industrial level working system.
- The high-quality material used.
- Suitable to beginners.
- 4-feed dog settings.
- Doesn’t require any setup.
- Quite expensive.
9) SINGER 7258 100-Stitch Sewing Machine
If you are more into doing decorative stuff, then you can consider buying the SINGER 7258 sewing machine. Even though the stitching speed of this machine is 750 stitches per minute but it has 100 built-in stitches. There is a small LCD display panel where you can see some basic settings of your machine before starting your work.
If you are looking for the best home sewing machine for free motion quilting then you should definitely look at it once. There is a memory function in this machine that can be used to select when you want to needle move up and down according to your needs. There are two variants of this sewing machine available out there, one is just the machine while another one comes with an accessories kit.
- 100 built-in stitches.
- Programmable Needle Up/Down.
- 13 different needle positions.
- It comes with all the necessary accessories.
- Storage box to keep your accessories safe.
- Cannot process thick fabrics.
10) JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
JUKI TL-2000Qi is one of the fastest sewing machines with a speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute. Also, if you are looking for a sewing machine with a stitch regulator then you can consider buying this machine. Though, remember that this sewing machine weighs 36 pounds which is higher than other sewing machines of this price range.
You can do various types of stitching using this machine which makes it suitable for quilting. Also, you will get 3 quilting presser feet and knee lift lever with this sewing machine to get your work done faster. Even if you are a beginner to sewing then you can use this sewing machine to do quilting and sewing.
- 1500 stitches per minute.
- LED display lights.
- Automatic needle threader & knee lift lever.
- A perfect machine for quilting.
- Can be used by beginners too.
- Might look pricy to some.
Things To Remember While Buying Large Throat Sewing Machines
Table Area and Free Arm
The first thing you must look in free motion quilting sewing machines is the table area. For quilting you will need a large working space and that is possible only when your machine have a long table. Some sewing machines come with a long table by default while some may come with a detachable table, both are good as per the requirements.
Also, don’t forget the free arm as it allows you to control the movement of your machine by foot and let you control the movement of your fabric by hand. Some machines may offer computerized control but that isn’t much effective when it comes to quilting. If you are looking for precise work, then consider doing the quilting manually.
Look At The SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
Even though the SPM of a sewing machine doesn’t affect its performance but you should still look at it. While quilting it is more about precision rather than the speed but for other works you can rely on the speed to get the work done faster. Usually, the speed of quilting sewing machines ranges from 700 stitches per minute to 1000 but sometimes it can go up to 1500 per minute.
If you are a beginner and won’t work with thick fabrics then you can buy a machine with 800-1000 SPM as it will get all of your work done easily. For professionals, we will recommend choosing a machine with more than 1000 SPM speed as it will help them in working faster.
Expensive Is Not Always Better
Free motion quilting machines are available in the various price range and it depends on your needs what type of machine you actually need. You must look for the basic features in a machine while buying it unless you are a person buying a sewing machine for specific work. Remember that expensive is not better always and the same goes for sewing machines.
You can spend $300-$600 on a quilting sewing machine not less or more than that. You will easily find a lot of free-motion quilting domestic sewing machines in this price range. All of the sewing machines we have mentioned in this post above falls in this price range and they come with all of the features that are required for quilting.
Stitch Function or Built-In Stitches
Long throat sewing machines or quilting sewing machines come with both of these settings and users can use them as per the need. Although all sewing machines these days come with some built-in stitches that help a user in doing stitches easily and faster. Even a beginner can use these machines to make the stitches.
Though it is not necessary to have built-in stitches feature but you should definitely look for it in a machine. The number ranges from 30-200 and it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Make sure the machine you are buying has some built-in stitches function and you are good to buy it without any worries.
Don’t Forget The Attachments
The quilting process, from the beginning to the end is all done by the needle and thread. There is no use of other sewing machine tools but you must look if the sewing machine you are buying comes with attachments or not. There are some basic attachments like scissors, sewing feet, hard case, attachment table, etc. that must come with a machine.
You might not need them while quilting but they can help you in other sewing machine works. The product page will have information about the accessories that come in the package and you must read it to get an overview of the things you are getting with the sewing machine. If not, then you can also buy these accessories separately.
Final Words
So this is all about free motion sewing machines and we hope you have found our free motion sewing machine reviews useful. There are many options available out there but the sewing machines we have mentioned on this page are best among all. You can buy any of them to do free motion quilting as well as other sewing work too.
We will keep this post updated with more sewing machines that do free motion quilting, so keep visiting this blog to know about them. Remember that free motion quilting machines are also known as large throat sewing machines so if you are looking for them, you can use the machines mentioned above. Let us know if you have any questions related to them and we will try to help you out.
Hi, there! I am Hannah Nelson, your host on this website. I started this blog to teach my lovely readers how to master the art of sewing effortlessly and how to turn this hobby into an income generating business.
