Skip to content
Stitch & Hem
Menu

Buying guide

Best long arm quilting machines for home use

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Janome MC8200QCP SE: 11 x 4.7 inch workspace

    The listing states an 11 by 4.7 inch work space, the longest harp given in this guide for rolling up big quilts.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Janome MC6700P: 255 mm passage and 1,200 stitches a minute

    A 255 by 120 mm passage gives plenty of room for a rolled quilt under the arm.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Janome Continental M8: stitch regulator and ruler foot

    The A.S.R. stitch regulator keeps free motion stitch length consistent regardless of sewing speed, the maker states.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A true frame mounted long arm needs a dedicated room, so most home quilters look for the next best thing: a domestic machine with a long harp, or a fast straight stitch semi industrial model that sits on a table. The harp, or workspace to the right of the needle, decides how much rolled quilt you can push through at once. After that, feeding matters. A dual feed system moves the top layer with the backing so the quilt sandwich does not shift, and a stitch regulator keeps free motion stitches even when your hand speed changes. Weight matters too, because a heavy machine vibrates less at speed. This guide compares seven machines on stated workspace, feed system, stitch regulator, stitch count and weight, using only what each listing states. Where a listing does not give a harp size or frame compatibility we say so, so you know what to check before you buy.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Janome

Janome MC8200QCP SE: 11 x 4.7 inch workspace

A Janome quilting machine with the largest stated workspace here at 11 by 4.7 inches, detachable AcuFeed Flex feeding, 170 stitches up to 9 mm wide and a bonus extra wide extension table.

In its favour

  • The listing states an 11 by 4.7 inch work space, the longest harp given in this guide for rolling up big quilts.
  • Detachable AcuFeed Flex feeds the top layer as well as the bottom, which helps keep quilt layers aligned.
  • The bonus kit adds an extra wide extension table with cloth guide set and a 2 spool thread stand.

Good to know

  • No stitch regulator is listed, so free motion stitch length depends on your own hand speed.
  • At 15.9 kg it is heavy to move and wants a permanent, sturdy table.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Sewing Machine Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition wit...

No. 2 · Janome

Janome MC6700P: 255 mm passage and 1,200 stitches a minute

A semi professional Janome with a 255 mm wide, 120 mm high passage, AcuFeed Flex wide feeding, 200 stitches up to 9 mm and a stated top speed of 1,200 stitches a minute.

In its favour

  • A 255 by 120 mm passage gives plenty of room for a rolled quilt under the arm.
  • Up to 1,200 stitches a minute is listed, useful for long straight quilting lines.
  • Eighteen presser feet and two extra quick change stitch plates are included according to the listing.

Good to know

  • No stitch regulator is mentioned for free motion quilting.
  • The listing does not say whether it fits any quilting frame, so check before planning frame work.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Sewing Machine Memory Craft 6700P - Aluminium - White

No. 3 · Quiltlines

Janome Continental M8: stitch regulator and ruler foot

Janome's flagship sewing and quilting machine with 450 stitches, the A.S.R. stitch regulator for free motion work, a ruler work foot, AcuFeed Flex and a tool free needle plate change.

In its favour

  • The A.S.R. stitch regulator keeps free motion stitch length consistent regardless of sewing speed, the maker states.
  • A ruler work foot is supplied, so ruler guided quilting can start straight from the box.
  • One touch needle plate system switches between zigzag, straight stitch and HP plates without tools.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the harp or workspace size, the key figure for big quilts.
  • It is by far the most expensive machine here, which only makes sense for heavy regular quilting.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Continental M8 Professional

No. 4 · Janome

Janome MC9480QC: A.S.R. regulator and 400 stitches

A professional Janome quilting machine with the A.S.R. stitch regulator, ruler work foot, detachable AcuFeed Flex, floating mode and 400 stitches including 4 alphabets.

In its favour

  • Accurate Stitch Regulator plus ruler work foot suit free motion and ruler quilting on large tops.
  • Detachable AcuFeed Flex feeding and a professional grade HP-2 foot with three needle plates are listed.
  • Floating mode and a locking button for the start of quilt stitches help with detailed quilting.

Good to know

  • No workspace or harp measurement is given in the listing.
  • At 13.7 kg it is not a machine to carry to classes.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9480QC Professional Sewing Machine

No. 5 · Janome

Janome Skyline S6 AE: 8.25 inch workspace and wide table

A Janome quilting machine with an 8.25 by 4.7 inch workspace, 196 stitches including 10 one step buttonholes, an automatic thread cutter, AcuFeed dual feed foot and an extra wide table in the box.

In its favour

  • An 8.25 inch workspace to the right of the needle is stated, aimed at quilts and home decor.
  • The box includes an AcuFeed dual feed foot and holder plus an extra wide table, the listing states.
  • An automatic thread cutter saves trimming at the end of every quilting line.

Good to know

  • The workspace is smaller than the Horizon models above, so king size quilts will be a squeeze.
  • No stitch regulator is listed for free motion work.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Skyline S6 Anniversary Edition Computerized Quilting Machine

No. 6 · JUKI

Juki TL-2010Q: semi industrial high speed quilter

A semi industrial, high speed sewing and quilting machine from Juki with an aluminium build. It is the heaviest machine here at 17.2 kg and the closest to a table top long arm style.

In its favour

  • Sold as a high speed semi industrial sewing and quilting machine, the type many home quilters use for long straight lines.
  • An aluminium build and a stated weight of 17.2 kg point to a stable machine at speed.
  • Its 71.1 cm listed width suggests a long body, though the harp itself is not given.

Good to know

  • The listing is thin: no harp size, stitch count, speed or feed details are stated.
  • The listing does not mention any quilting frame or extension table in the box.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Juki 2010q Sewing and Quilting High Speed Semi-Industrial Machine

No. 7 · Janome

Janome Skyline S3 AE: 8.25 inch space, lighter build

A lighter Janome with the same 8.25 by 4.7 inch sewing space as the S6, 120 stitches, a 7 piece feed dog system and drop feed for free motion quilting.

In its favour

  • The extra wide 8.25 by 4.7 inch sewing space is stated, with LED lighting over the work area.
  • Drop feed allows free motion quilting and a 7 piece feed dog system handles layers, per the listing.
  • At 8.39 kg it is the lightest machine here, easier to move between table and cupboard.

Good to know

  • No dual feed system or walking foot is listed in the box.
  • No automatic thread cutter or stitch regulator is mentioned.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Skyline S3 Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine

More buying guides: Quilting

Stitch and Hem chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.