Best sewing machines for quilting

In its favour

• The A.S.R. stitch regulator and included ruler work foot support free motion and ruler quilting.
• Detachable AcuFeed Flex handles layered fabrics, and a locking button helps start quilt stitches.
• Three needle plates, a professional grade foot and a floating mode are listed.

Good to know

• The listing does not state the throat space.
• A complex machine with many settings, so it suits experienced quilters.

In its favour

• A 255 by 120 mm passage gives the largest stated harp in this guide for rolled quilts.
• AcuFeed Flex wide feeds layers from above as well as below, keeping quilt sandwiches aligned.
• Up to 1,200 stitches a minute and 18 presser feet, with two extra quick change stitch plates, are listed.

Good to know

• No stitch regulator is mentioned for free motion work.
• At 11 kg it is a machine for a permanent sewing table.

In its favour

• An 8.25 inch workspace to the right of the needle suits quilts and home furnishings.
• An automatic thread cutter speeds up chain piecing and short seams.
• The listing states a 25 year limited mechanical and 2 year electrical warranty.

Good to know

• The listing does not mention a dual feed or walking foot.
• At 14.5 kg it is the heaviest domestic machine here.

In its favour

• The A.S.R. regulator keeps free motion stitch length consistent regardless of speed, says the maker.
• One touch needle plates switch between zigzag, straight stitch and HP plates without tools.
• Four hundred and fifty stitches, five alphabets and 13 one-step buttonholes are listed.

Good to know

• The throat space is not given in the listing.
• It is a flagship machine, far beyond what a casual quilter needs.

In its favour

• Two hundred and fifty five stitches cover quilting, decorative and garment work.
• An automatic needle threader and a jam resistant design are listed.
• At 13.6 kg it stays steady under a heavy quilt.

Good to know

• The listing does not state throat space or the feed system.
• Accessories are described only in general terms.

In its favour

• The same 8.25 by 4.7 inch space as the larger Skyline, in a lighter 8.39 kg machine.
• A 7 piece feed dog and drop feed for free motion quilting are listed.
• Start/stop, a speed control slider and an automatic needle threader are included features.

Good to know

• There is no automatic thread cutter or stitch regulator in the listing.
• A walking foot is not listed among the accessories.

In its favour

• The title describes it as a high speed semi-industrial machine for sewing and quilting.
• An aluminium build at 17.2 kg gives a very stable base for heavy quilts.
• The listed dimensions are the largest in this guide, which suggests a generous work area.

Good to know

• The listing gives almost no feature details, so check stitches and accessories with the seller.
• Its weight makes it a fixed station machine rather than a portable one.