Quilting machine vs sewing machine

Throat space: the biggest difference

Throat space is the distance from the needle to the machine body, plus the height under the arm. When you quilt, the rolled part of the quilt has to pass through that opening. On a small machine, a twin or queen quilt fills the space and fights you on every pass. A machine with a wider throat leaves room to move the quilt, which matters most for free-motion quilting.

Quilting-focused machines usually advertise this measurement. The Brother PQ1600S listing, for example, states a 5.7 x 8.7 inch needle-to-arm space, while the Singer C7250, a general computerized machine sold for sewing and quilting, lists a 6.4 inch wide and 4.4 inch high sewing area. Our quilting machines with a large throat guide focuses on this spec.

Three representative machines

The table compares a straight-stitch quilting machine, a high-speed straight-stitch machine and a computerized sewing and quilting machine, using listing facts only.

Straight stitch focus and feed control

Quilting is mostly straight stitching: piecing blocks with a 1/4 inch seam, then quilting through three layers. Straight-stitch machines like the Juki TL-2000Qi and Brother PQ1600S give up zigzag and decorative stitches in exchange for a fast, steady stitch. That is why many quilters own one alongside a regular machine.

Feed control matters as much as the stitch. Quilt layers shift, so features that hold them together help: a walking foot, adjustable presser foot pressure, adjustable feed dogs, and the ability to drop the feed dogs for free motion. The Janome 3160QDC-G listing names its Superior Plus Feed System, and the PQ1600S lists four levels of feed dog and presser foot adjustment. Read how to use a walking foot for quilting for technique.

Features that make quilting easier

Stitch regulation, which keeps stitch length even while you move the quilt by hand, is common on long-arm and some sit-down quilting machines. It is rare on budget sewing machines. If even free-motion stitches are a priority, check whether a machine offers it before you buy.

• Larger throat space for rolled quilts.
• Extension table or a sewing table that sets the bed flush.
• Walking foot and free-motion (darning) foot.
• Needle up/down stop so the needle holds the quilt when you pivot.
• Automatic thread cutter to save trimming between areas.
• Knee lifter to raise the foot hands-free.
• Speed control or a start/stop button for steady free-motion.

When a regular sewing machine is enough

Plenty of quilts are made on ordinary sewing machines. If you mostly piece tops and send them to a long-arm service, or you make baby quilts, wall hangings and table runners, a regular machine with a 1/4 inch foot and a walking foot will do the job. Our guide on how to quilt on a regular sewing machine covers the methods.

A general machine also does everything else: zigzag, buttonholes, stretch stitches and decorative stitches. If you sew garments as well as quilts, a computerized sewing and quilting machine such as the Janome 3160QDC-G gives you both, while a straight-stitch machine would leave you needing a second machine.

See machines for quilting →

How to choose

See our best sewing machine for quilting, sewing tables for quilting and how much a quilting machine costs. If you are deciding between two Jukis, read Juki TL-2010Q vs TL-2000Qi.

1. 1

   Decide quilt size: lap and baby quilts fit almost any machine; queen and king quilts benefit from a wider throat.

2. 2

   Decide method: if you piece and send out, any reliable machine works; if you quilt at home, prioritize throat space and feed control.

3. 3

   Decide whether you also sew garments: if yes, pick a sewing and quilting machine or plan on two machines.

4. 4

   Budget for a table and good lighting, which help large quilts as much as the machine does.

Frequently asked questions

Can you quilt with a regular sewing machine? Yes. Use a walking foot for straight-line quilting and a darning foot with the feed dogs lowered for free motion. Smaller quilts are much easier than large ones.

Do quilting machines do zigzag? Some do and some do not. Computerized sewing and quilting machines include zigzag and decorative stitches. Straight-stitch machines like the Juki TL-2000Qi and Brother PQ1600S sew a straight stitch only.

What is throat space and how much do I need? It is the space between the needle and the machine body. More space makes queen and king quilts easier to move. For small quilts, a standard machine is usually fine.

Is a long-arm the same as a quilting machine? A long-arm is a type of quilting machine, usually mounted on a frame with much more throat space than a sit-down machine. Many home quilters use a sit-down machine instead.