# Best sewing machines for quilting Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-quilting Publisher: Stitch and Hem. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/how-we-pick Quilting on a domestic machine is mostly a question of space and feeding. The harp (the gap between the needle and the body of the machine) decides how much rolled up quilt you can push through, and a wider harp makes a double or king size quilt far less of a wrestle. Even feeding stops the top layer creeping ahead of the backing, which is why built-in dual feed systems and walking feet matter. For free motion work, a stitch regulator keeps stitch length steady even when your hand speed varies. A heavier machine and a knee lifter help too. This guide compares seven machines on throat space, feed system, stitch regulator, stitch count and weight, using only what each listing states. Where a listing does not give the harp size we say so; check it before you buy if you plan large quilts. ## Products ### 1. Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9480QC Professional Sewing Machine Throat space: Not stated; Feed: AcuFeed Flex, detachable; Stitch regulator: A.S.R. with ruler work foot; Stitches: 400; Weight: 13.7 kg A professional Janome with the A.S.R. accurate stitch regulator and a ruler work foot, detachable AcuFeed Flex, 400 stitches including four alphabets and three needle plates. 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. ### 2. Janome Sewing Machine Memory Craft 6700P - Aluminium - White Throat space: 255 x 120 mm; Feed: AcuFeed Flex wide; Stitch regulator: Not stated; Stitches: 200; Weight: 11 kg A semi professional Janome with a 255 mm wide, 120 mm high passage, AcuFeed Flex wide dual feed, 200 stitches, up to 9 mm width and up to 1,200 stitches a minute. Eighteen presser feet are listed. 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. ### 3. Janome Skyline S6 Anniversary Edition Computerized Quilting Machine Throat space: 8.25 x 4.7 in (210 x 119 mm); Feed: Not stated; Stitch regulator: Not stated; Stitches: 196; Weight: 14.5 kg An anniversary edition Skyline S6 with an 8.25 by 4.7 inch workspace, 196 stitches including 10 one-step buttonholes and an automatic thread cutter. A 25 year limited mechanical warranty is listed. 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. ### 4. Janome Continental M8 Professional Throat space: Not stated; Feed: AcuFeed Flex, detachable; Stitch regulator: A.S.R. with ruler work foot; Stitches: 450; Weight: 12 kg Janome's flagship Continental M8 Professional with 450 stitches, 13 one-step buttonholes, the A.S.R. stitch regulator with a ruler work foot, detachable AcuFeed Flex and a tool free needle plate system. 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. ### 5. Juki HZL-F600 Sewing Machine Throat space: Not stated; Feed: Not stated; Stitch regulator: Not stated; Stitches: 255; Weight: 13.6 kg A sewing and quilting Juki with 255 built-in stitches including stretch, decorative, letters and buttonholes, an LCD screen, an automatic needle threader and a soft dust cover. 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. ### 6. Janome Skyline S3 Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine Throat space: 8.25 x 4.7 in (210 x 119 mm); Feed: 7 piece feed dog; Stitch regulator: Not stated; Stitches: 120; Weight: 8.39 kg An anniversary edition Skyline S3 with 120 utility, decorative and quilting stitches, an extra-wide 8.25 by 4.7 inch sewing space, a 7 piece feed dog and drop feed for free motion quilting. 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. ### 7. Juki 2010q Sewing and Quilting High Speed Semi-Industrial Machine Throat space: Not stated; Feed: Not stated; Stitch regulator: Not stated; Stitches: Not stated; Weight: 17.2 kg A semi-industrial Juki sold for sewing and quilting at high speed, with an aluminium build and a weight of 17.2 kg. It suits quilters who mainly sew straight seams and want speed. 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.