# Best sewing machines for quilting, from piecing to queen quilts Source: https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-for-quilting Publisher: Thread & Feed. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://threadandfeed.com/how-we-pick A quilting machine has two jobs. First it has to piece accurately, so a quarter-inch seam stays a quarter inch across hundreds of blocks. Then it has to push a bulky quilt sandwich under the needle without dragging the layers out of line. That second job is where throat space, an extension table, presser foot lift and a walking or even feed foot matter more than stitch count. A straight-stitch semi-industrial machine can be the better quilting tool than a computerized model with 200 decorative stitches. This guide compares quilting machines from Janome, Juki and Brother by the facts their listings give: work space between needle and arm, top speed, feed system, included table and quilting accessories. Where a listing leaves out throat size or feet, we flag it so you can check before you buy. ## Picks ### 1. 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. ### 2. 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. ### 3. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine Line: HZL-F; Stitch type: Computerized, 255 stitches; Feed system: Not stated; Thread trimmer: Not stated; Knee lifter: Not stated A full-size computerized Juki with 255 built-in stitches including stretch, decorative, letters and buttonholes, plus an automatic needle threader and an accessory tray. It suits sewists who want one Juki for everything. What the listing offers: - The listing states 255 built-in stitches including letters and buttonhole stitches. - An LCD and stitch selector switch make choosing stitches simple, according to the listing. - Accessories store in a tray and a soft dust cover is included. Limits to know: - The listing does not state the feed system, thread trimmer or knee lifter. - Stitch width and throat space are not given in the listing. ### 4. Janome Skyline S6 Sewing and Quilting Machine with 9mm Stitch Width, Mid-Size, White Throat / work space: Not stated; Max speed: Not stated; Stitch types: 196 built-in; Extension table: Not stated; Feed / quilting aids: 91 needle positions, auto tension A mid-size computerized Janome for quilters who also want decorative stitching: 196 stitches, 9mm width, 91 needle positions, auto tension and six LED lights. What the listing offers: - 91 needle positions allow precise placement for accurate quarter-inch seams. - Auto tension system adjusts thread tension across fabrics, per the listing. - Six ultra-bright LED lights illuminate the work area. Limits to know: - The title calls it mid-size, and the listing does not state throat space. - Included feet and extension table are not listed in the bullets. ### 5. Janome 4120QDC-G Computerized Quilting and Sewing Machine with Bonus Quilt Kit Series: QDC; Stitches / designs: 120 stitches; Max stitch width: Not stated; Workspace: Not stated; Standout feature: Stitch pattern memory A mid-price computerized Janome with 120 stitches, stitch pattern memory, automatic thread trimming and a one-hand needle threader. The extension table and hard cover make it a portable quilting all-rounder. What the listing offers: - Automatic thread trimming and a one-hand needle threader are listed. - Stitch pattern memory lets you lock in preferred settings. - Extension table, hard cover and a bonus quilt kit are included per the listing. Limits to know: - Stitch width and workspace size are not stated on the listing. - No knee lifter is mentioned, unlike the Skyline models. ### 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. Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 165 Stitches Built-in stitches: 165 (110 plus 55 alphanumeric); One-step buttonholes: 8 auto-size; Needle up/down: Not stated; Start/stop button: Not stated; Included feet: 8 A Brother sewing and quilting machine with 110 utility and decorative stitches, 55 alphanumeric stitches, a wide table and a hard cover. It fits sewists who want lettering and a protective case. What the listing offers: - Fifty-five alphanumeric stitches let you add simple names and labels without an embroidery machine. - A protective hard cover and wide table are included, according to the listing. - The listing states free technical support from Brother by online, live chat or phone for the life of the machine. Limits to know: - Only 8 feet are listed, fewer than the CS7205 or the SINGER picks. - Needle up/down and a start/stop button are not stated in the listing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.