# Best sewing machines for advanced and intermediate sewers Source: https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-for-advanced-sewers Publisher: Thread & Feed. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://threadandfeed.com/how-we-pick Once you sew every week, the limits of a starter machine show up fast. Layers creep, corners need two hands, and you stop to snip threads hundreds of times per project. The step up is less about stitch count and more about control: a feed system that moves layers evenly, a knee lifter so both hands stay on the fabric, an automatic thread cutter, a wider stitch for satin and decorative work, and a stronger build for long sessions. This guide compares seven machines from Janome, Juki and Brother on those five points. Some are full computerized machines with 9mm stitches. Others are straight-stitch machines built for speed and precise piecing. All facts come from the Amazon listings, and where a listing does not state a feature you care about, the table says so, so you know what to confirm before you buy. ## Picks ### 1. Janome Skyline S5 AE Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine - Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine Quilting Unit with Built In Superior Feed System Plus, 170 Stitches, 10 One Step Buttonholes Series: Skyline; Stitches / designs: 170 stitches; Max stitch width: 9mm; Workspace: 8.3 inch bed plus extra-wide table; Standout feature: SFS+ feed and knee lifter The best balance in the Janome range for most sewists: 170 stitches, a 9mm width, ten 1-step buttonholes, knee lifter, automatic thread cutter and Superior Feed System Plus for layers and quilts. What the listing offers: - Knee lifter, automatic thread cutter and memorized needle up/down are listed for hands-free sewing. - Automatic thread tension and automatic foot pressure reduce fiddling between fabrics. - Extra-wide acrylic extension table with printed rulers and leveling feet is included. Limits to know: - The listing gives bed size but not throat space for large quilts. - AcuFeed Flex is not built in on this model; it is on the Skyline S6 AE and S7. ### 2. Janome Skyline S6 AE Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine - Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine Quilting Unit with Built In AcuFeed Flex, 196 Stitches with 4 Fonts, 10 One Step Buttonholes Stitches: 196 plus 4 fonts; Max stitch width: 9mm; Feed system: AcuFeed Flex built in; Thread cutter: Automatic; Knee lifter: Included A mid-size Skyline with AcuFeed Flex top-and-bottom feeding built in, 196 stitches and a 9mm width. Knee lifter, auto tension and auto foot pressure make it a strong all-rounder for quilts and garments. What the listing offers: - AcuFeed Flex feeds fabric from above and below according to the listing, which helps on quilts, plaids and layers. - Knee lifter, automatic thread cutter and memorized needle up/down are all listed for hands-free pivots. - Includes an extra-wide extension table with printed rulers and leveling feet. Limits to know: - Throat measurement is not stated; the listing gives an 8.3 inch bed instead. - It is among the pricier machines here, so it only pays off if you use the feeding and automation. ### 3. Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle, Lockstitch, Portable Sewing Machine with Automatic Thread Trimmer for Quilting, Tailoring, Apparel and Home Decor Stitches: Straight lockstitch, 1 needle; Max stitch width: Not stated; Feed system: Not stated; Thread cutter: Push-button, needle and bobbin; Knee lifter: Yes, lifts foot to 12mm A portable straight-stitch Juki with an automatic thread trimmer that cuts needle and bobbin threads, a knee lifter that raises the foot to 12mm, and an automatic needle threader. It is the quilter's pick in the line. What the listing offers: - The listing states the thread trimmer cuts both needle and bobbin threads with a light press of a button. - A knee lifter raises the presser foot as high as 12mm, keeping both hands on the quilt. - Described as light-weight and portable, so it can travel to classes. Limits to know: - Straight stitch only: no zigzag, buttonholes or decorative stitches. - The listing does not state top speed or throat space; compare on the listing if size matters. ### 4. Brother PQ1600S High-Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine 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; Thread cutter: Push-button, upper and lower Brother'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. ### 5. Juki HZL-DX7 Computerized Sewing Machine Quilters Package! Stitches: Not stated; Max stitch width: Not stated; Feed system: Box feed; Thread cutter: Not stated; Knee lifter: Included A computerized Juki with box feed, a knee lift, a walking foot and a free-hand foot in a quilters package, plus a float function. It suits quilters who also sew garments. What the listing offers: - Box feed, Juki's industrial-style feed, is stated in the listing. - A knee lift, walking foot and free-hand foot are all included for quilting. - The listing names a float function for better control when free motion quilting. Limits to know: - The listing does not state stitch count or thread trimming. - The extension table is listed as optional, so it may cost extra. ### 6. Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine Stated work area: 10 inch throat space; Bed: All-metal seamless 10 inch flatbed; Max speed: 1000 spm; Stitch type: Computerized, multi-stitch; Thread cutter: Not stated A 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. ### 7. JUKI HZL-G220 Sewing Machine, White, Metal, 16 x 23 x 12.5 inches, 8.7 kg Stitches: Not stated; Max stitch width: Not stated; Feed system: Box feed; Thread cutter: Not stated; Knee lifter: Not stated A computerized Juki with box feed, a wide underarm space, 8 buttonhole types, drop feed and an automatic needle threader. The listing gives a weight of 8.7 kg. It suits garment sewists. What the listing offers: - Box feed is stated as avoiding shrinkage on lightweight fabrics and feeding heavy materials. - Eight types of buttonholes are listed for garment work. - A wide underarm space and drop feed help with larger projects and free motion. Limits to know: - The listing does not state stitch count, thread trimming or knee lift. - At 8.7 kg it is heavier to carry than the TL-2010Q, which is described as portable. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.