Machine guide
Best quilting machines with a large throat space
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picks
Closest match for the job
Janome HD8: 9 x 6 inch workspace, 1,600 spm
The 9 x 6 inch workspace is stated for maneuvering bulky quilts.
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Most for the money on paper
Brother PQ1600S: 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm space
The large 11.1 x 23.3 inch table supports the weight of a quilt as it moves.
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Most complete listing
Janome Continental M6: 17.81 inch all-metal flatbed
The 17.81 inch all-metal flatbed is the longest bed stated in this guide.
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Quilting a queen-size quilt on a home machine comes down to one measurement: how much quilt you can roll up and push through the space to the right of the needle. Brands describe that space in different ways, as throat space, needle-to-arm space, work area or bed length, and some listings do not give a number at all. That makes comparison harder than it should be. This guide lines up seven quilting machines using the measurement each Amazon listing actually states, along with top speed, stitch type and whether there is an automatic thread cutter. Straight-stitch machines are included because they are popular for free-motion and piecing at high speed. Where a listing only says long arm or large workspace without a figure, we say so, because a stated number is worth more than a marketing phrase when you are planning a big quilt.
Compare the picks
- Janome HD8: 9 x 6 inch workspace, 1,600 spm
- Stated work area
- 9 x 6 inch workspace
- Bed
- Extension table included
- Max speed
- 1,600 spm
- Stitch type
- Straight stitch
- Brother PQ1600S: 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm space
- Stated work area
- 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm
- Bed
- 11.1 x 23.3 inch wide table
- Max speed
- 1,500 spm
- Stitch type
- Straight stitch
- Janome Continental M6: 17.81 inch all-metal flatbed
- Stated work area
- Not stated
- Bed
- 17.81 inch all-metal seamless flatbed
- Max speed
- 1,300 spm
- Stitch type
- 400 stitches up to 9mm
Janome MC6650: 10 inch throat, 10 inch flatbed- Stated work area
- 10 inch throat space
- Bed
- All-metal seamless 10 inch flatbed
- Max speed
- 1000 spm
- Stitch type
- Computerized, multi-stitch
Janome Skyline S7 AE: 8.9 x 4.2 inch work area- Stated work area
- 8.9 x 4.2 inch right of needle
- Bed
- Not stated
- Max speed
- Not stated
- Stitch type
- 350 stitches
Janome Skyline S3 AE: 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space- Stated work area
- 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space
- Bed
- Not stated
- Max speed
- Not stated
- Stitch type
- 120 stitches, 7mm
Juki HZL-NX7: sold as a long arm quilting machine- Stated work area
- Not stated (listed as long arm)
- Bed
- Not stated
- Max speed
- Not stated
- Stitch type
- Computerized sewing and quilting
| Pick | Stated work area | Bed | Max speed | Stitch type | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janome HD8: 9 x 6 inch workspace, 1,600 spm | 9 x 6 inch workspace | Extension table included | 1,600 spm | Straight stitch | - | Amazon |
| Brother PQ1600S: 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm space | 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm | 11.1 x 23.3 inch wide table | 1,500 spm | Straight stitch | - | Amazon |
| Janome Continental M6: 17.81 inch all-metal flatbed | Not stated | 17.81 inch all-metal seamless flatbed | 1,300 spm | 400 stitches up to 9mm | - | Amazon |
| Janome MC6650: 10 inch throat, 10 inch flatbed | 10 inch throat space | All-metal seamless 10 inch flatbed | 1000 spm | Computerized, multi-stitch | - | Amazon |
| Janome Skyline S7 AE: 8.9 x 4.2 inch work area | 8.9 x 4.2 inch right of needle | Not stated | Not stated | 350 stitches | - | Amazon |
| Janome Skyline S3 AE: 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space | 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space | Not stated | Not stated | 120 stitches, 7mm | - | Amazon |
| Juki HZL-NX7: sold as a long arm quilting machine | Not stated (listed as long arm) | Not stated | Not stated | Computerized sewing and quilting | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · Janome
Janome HD8: 9 x 6 inch workspace, 1,600 spm
See price on AmazonA straight-stitch Janome with a stated 9 x 6 inch workspace and up to 1,600 stitches per minute. Aimed at fast quilt piecing and free-motion work on projects too big for standard machines.
What the listing offers
- The 9 x 6 inch workspace is stated for maneuvering bulky quilts.
- Automatic thread cutting, needle up/down, speed adjustment and independent bobbin winder are listed.
- Rotary hook and industrial-style threading path aim at even tension at speed.
Limits to know
- Straight stitch only, so binding with zigzag needs a second machine.
- Uses industrial HLx5 needles per the listing, which you may need to stock.
Pick 2 · Brother
Brother PQ1600S: 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm space
See price on AmazonBrother's high-speed straight-stitch machine with a stated 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm space and a large wide table. Four levels of feed dog adjustment help with free-motion control.
What the listing offers
- The large 11.1 x 23.3 inch table supports the weight of a quilt as it moves.
- Four color-coded feed dog and presser foot pressure levels are listed.
- Programmable needle stop up or down helps when pivoting during quilting.
Limits to know
- Straight stitch only, with no zigzag or decorative stitches.
- The arm space is smaller than the Janome MC6650's stated 10 inch throat.
Pick 3 · Janome
Janome Continental M6: 17.81 inch all-metal flatbed
See price on AmazonJanome's flagship flatbed quilting machine with a 17.81 inch all-metal bed, 400 stitches up to 9mm wide and 1,300 stitches per minute. The bonus kit adds an extra-wide table and AcuFeed foot.
What the listing offers
- The 17.81 inch all-metal flatbed is the longest bed stated in this guide.
- Bonus kit includes an extra-wide extension table, AcuFeed foot, HP foot and plate and a magnifier set.
- 400 stitches up to 9mm wide keep decorative and piecing work on one machine.
Limits to know
- The listing does not state throat height or harp measurement, only bed length.
- By far the highest price here, so it fits quilters who sew most days.
Pick 4 · Janome
Janome MC6650: 10 inch throat, 10 inch flatbed
See price on AmazonA Memory Craft quilting machine with an aluminum body frame, all-metal 10 inch flatbed and 10 inch throat. It sews up to 1000 stitches per minute and is aimed at quilters who want room and stability.
What the listing offers
- 10 inch throat space is stated, roomy for quilt blocks and layered projects.
- Extra-high foot lift, adjustable foot pressure and 7-piece feed dogs are listed.
- 12 presser feet, independent bobbin winder and one-push needle plate conversion are included.
Limits to know
- Stitch count and stitch width are not stated on the listing.
- No automatic thread cutter or knee lifter is mentioned on the listing.
Pick 5 · Janome
Janome Skyline S7 AE: 8.9 x 4.2 inch work area
See price on AmazonA computerized Skyline with an 8.9 x 4.2 inch work area to the right of the needle, AcuFeed Flex and automatic presser foot lift. Good for quilters who also want 350 stitches and 11 buttonholes.
What the listing offers
- AcuFeed Flex layered fabric feeding is listed, which helps quilt layers feed together.
- Automatic presser foot lift and automatic thread cutting speed up free-motion stops.
- 350 stitches and 11 one-step buttonholes make it a full sewing machine too.
Limits to know
- Work area height of 4.2 inches is lower than the straight-stitch machines here.
- Top speed and bed size are not stated on the listing.
Pick 6 · Janome
Janome Skyline S3 AE: 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space
See price on AmazonThe entry Skyline with an extra-wide 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space, 120 stitches and drop feed for free-motion quilting. A lower-cost route to a roomier harp than typical starter machines.
What the listing offers
- The 8.25 x 4.7 inch sewing space is stated on the listing.
- 7-piece feed dog system and drop feed for free-motion quilting are listed.
- Automatic needle threader, start/stop button and speed control slider are all listed.
Limits to know
- No automatic thread cutter is mentioned on the listing.
- 7mm maximum stitch width is narrower than the 9mm Skyline models.
Pick 7 · JUKI
Juki HZL-NX7: sold as a long arm quilting machine
See price on AmazonJuki's top home machine in this list, described as a long arm sewing and quilting machine with an automatic needle threader and a switch to raise and lower the feed dogs. It suits serious quilters.
What the listing offers
- Listed as a long arm machine, which gives more room for quilt bulk.
- Feed dogs raise and lower with a switch for free motion quilting.
- The listing says it is made for heavy fabric, quilting and multiple layers.
Limits to know
- The listing is thin: stitch count, throat size and trimmer are not stated.
- It is the most expensive Juki here; confirm the full spec sheet before buying.
Read before you buy
- What size needle for machine quiltingWhat size needle for machine quilting: the needle size and type for piecing, walking foot and free-motion quilting, matched to thread weight and batting.
- Sewing machine bobbin size chartA sewing machine bobbin size chart comparing Class 15, Class 66, L and M bobbins by size and machine type, plus how to tell which bobbin your machine takes.
- Quilting machine vs sewing machineQuilting machine vs sewing machine: throat space, straight stitch focus, feed control and extras. See when a regular machine is enough for quilts.
- Juki TL-2010Q vs TL-2000Qi for quiltersJuki TL-2010Q vs TL-2000Qi compared for quilting: thread trimmer, knee lifter, speed and workspace. See which straight-stitch Juki fits your sewing.
- How to use a walking foot for quiltingHow to fit a walking foot, set stitch length and pressure, and quilt straight lines, grids, gentle curves and stitch in the ditch on a home sewing machine.
More guides: Quilting machines
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