# How much does a quilting machine cost

Source: https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-much-does-a-quilting-machine-cost
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Thread & Feed

**Short answer:** In our current Amazon listings, entry sewing and quilting machines run about $250 to $340, mid-range quilting machines about $750 to $1,000, and large-throat or straight-stitch quilting machines about $900 to $2,100. Flagship domestic models with very large beds reach about $3,700 to $4,700. Sit-down and frame-mounted longarms are a separate, dealer-sold class not covered by these listings.

This page is for quilters pricing their next machine, whether that is a first sewing and quilting machine, a step up to more throat space, or a look at what longarms involve. It sorts quilting machines into price classes using the prices in our current listings, explains what extra money buys at each step, and covers the extras you may need around the machine, such as a sewing table and a fabric cutter. Prices on Amazon change often, so treat every figure here as a rough band rather than a quote.

## The three kinds of quilting machine

**Domestic sewing and quilting machines** are regular home machines with features that help quilters, such as a wide extension table, a walking foot or built-in dual feed, a quarter inch foot and a free-motion foot. You move the quilt under the needle. Most quilters start here.

**Sit-down longarms** are machines with a long arm, often well over 15 inches, mounted in a table. The quilt still moves under a stationary needle, but there is much more room for the bulk. **Frame-mounted longarms** sit on a carriage that rolls over a quilt stretched on a frame, and you move the machine rather than the quilt. Both longarm types are mostly sold through dealers and are not part of the listings used for the prices on this page.

Between those classes is a group of large-throat domestic machines and straight-stitch semi-industrial machines, which give more space and speed without a frame. The diagram shows what throat space measures.

## Price classes from current listings

The table groups machines we list by price. It covers only machines sold as sewing and quilting machines on Amazon, and prices vary by bundle and seller.

| Class | Example models | Approximate price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Entry sewing and quilting | Brother CS7000X, Brother XR9550, Brother HC1850 | $250 to $340 |
| Mid-range quilting | Janome 3160QDC-G, Janome 4120QDC-G, Brother PQ1600S | $750 to $1,000 |
| Straight-stitch semi-industrial | Juki TL-2000Qi, Juki TL-2010Q, Janome HD8 | $900 to $1,240 |
| Large throat computerized | Juki HZL-F600, Janome Skyline S6, Janome MC6650 | $1,450 to $2,100 |
| Flagship domestic | Juki HZL-NX7, Janome Continental M6 | $3,700 to $4,700 |

Quilting machine price bands (current Amazon listings)

Note: Prices change frequently on Amazon. Check the current listing before you budget.

## What more money buys

**Throat space.** The main reason quilters upgrade is room to the right of the needle. Entry machines have a standard arm. Machines like the Janome MC6650 list a 10 inch throat, the Janome HD8 lists a 9 x 6 inch workspace, and the Janome Continental M6 has a 17.81 inch flatbed. More room makes it easier to quilt a large quilt on a domestic machine.

**Feeding and stitch quality.** Mid-range and higher machines add stronger feed systems, such as Janome's AcuFeed, adjustable presser foot pressure and steadier straight stitch at speed. Straight-stitch machines like the Juki TL-2010Q and Brother PQ1600S give up decorative stitches in exchange for speed and a cleaner straight stitch.

**Convenience.** Higher prices often add an automatic thread cutter, a knee lifter, needle up and down, a start and stop button and better lighting. These save time over a big quilt even if they do not change the stitch itself.

If you mostly piece and quilt small to medium quilts with walking foot lines, an entry machine can do it. Our guide to [how to quilt on a regular sewing machine](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-to-quilt-on-a-regular-sewing-machine) shows how.

[Compare large-throat quilting machines](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-quilting-machine-with-large-throat)

## What you need around the machine

A quilting machine works best with a flat surface level with the bed, so the quilt does not drag. Sewing tables and cabinets in our listings range from about $180 to $320 for folding and hobby tables like the Sew Ready and Sauder models, and about $800 to $2,600 for Kangaroo and Arrow cabinets with lifts and storage.

Many quilters also add a rotary cutting system or a die cutter. In our listings, AccuQuilt starter sets run from about $200 to $330 for the GO! Me, manual GO! and GO! Bolt, and about $700 to $1,200 for most GO! Big electric sets, with the largest bundles near $3,000.

Smaller recurring costs include quilting needles, thread, batting, rotary blades and a walking foot or free-motion foot if your machine did not include one. See [what size needle for machine quilting](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/what-size-needle-for-machine-quilting) for needle choices.

- Sewing table or cabinet with the bed flush to the surface.
- Rotary cutter, mat and rulers, or a die cutter.
- Walking foot and free-motion quilting foot.
- Quilting needles and quality thread.

[See sewing tables for quilting](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-table-for-quilting)

## The cheapest long arm quilting option

People searching for the cheapest long arm quilting machine are usually after more space. The lowest-cost way to get more room is a large-throat domestic machine or a straight-stitch machine such as the Juki TL-2000Qi or Janome HD8 with a table. Some domestic machines, like the Juki HZL-NX7, are sold as long arm machines because their arm is longer than standard, but they are still domestic machines rather than frame longarms.

True sit-down and frame longarms cost far more and need a dedicated room for the frame. We do not quote longarm prices because they are not in our listings and are usually sold through dealers with setup and training. If you are deciding between classes, [quilting machine vs sewing machine](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/quilting-machine-vs-sewing-machine) explains what each one is good at.

## How to set a budget

For a broader view of what any sewing machine costs, see [how much does a sewing machine cost](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-much-does-a-sewing-machine-cost). When you have a class in mind, our [quilting machine guide](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-for-quilting) narrows the choices.

1. Decide whether you mainly piece, quilt, or both. Piecing needs an accurate straight stitch; quilting needs room and good feeding.
2. Measure the largest quilt you plan to finish yourself. If it is a bed quilt, prioritize throat space.
3. Choose a class from the table and add the cost of a table and any feet you lack.
4. Leave room for regular servicing, needles and thread over the life of the machine.

## Frequently asked questions

**What is a good price for a beginner quilting machine?** In our listings, entry sewing and quilting machines such as the Brother CS7000X and XR9550 run about $250 to $340, which is enough for piecing and small quilts.

**Is a straight-stitch machine good for quilting?** Yes, many quilters like them for piecing and quilting because they sew fast with a clean straight stitch. They do not do zigzag or decorative stitches, so many quilters keep a second machine.

**How much does a longarm quilting machine cost?** Sit-down and frame longarms are not in our current listings, so we do not quote a price. They cost considerably more than domestic machines and are usually bought through dealers.

**Do I need a special table for quilting?** It is not required, but a table that sets the machine bed flush with the surface makes quilting much easier and reduces drag on the quilt.

## Machine guides for this topic

- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-for-quilting
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-quilting-machine-with-large-throat
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-table-for-quilting
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-fabric-cutter-for-quilting