Beginner’s Guide to Sewing Machines for Quilting

When it comes to choosing a sewing machine for quilters, the options can be overwhelming. With so many machines available, it’s important to find one that suits your specific needs. If you’re just starting out and unsure if quilting will become a long-term hobby, you might want to consider a more affordable option. Borrowing a machine or purchasing a used one can be a great way to test the waters without making a significant investment.

Empowerment Through Sewing

A sewing machine is an empowering tool that allows you to create anything from pillows and dresses to Halloween costumes and quilts. Owning your own machine gives you the freedom to make exactly what you envision, but ultimately, the decision to invest in one is personal.

Exploring Different Machines

I’ve owned a range of sewing machines, from budget-friendly models to pricier ones. When you’re first starting out, it might be wise to stick with something basic to get a feel for sewing. I’ve purchased several machines from Sewing Machines Plus, and each has served its purpose well.

Quilting-Specific Machines

While you can make a quilt on any sewing machine, some machines are specifically designed for quilting and can make the process easier. If quilting is your primary focus, you’ll want a machine tailored to this craft. Currently, I use a Juki 2000Qi for piecing and a Bernina Q20 for quilting.

Recommended Machines for Beginners

• Brother CS7000X: This computerized sewing and quilting machine is user-friendly and offers 70 built-in stitches, making it ideal for beginners who want to explore quilting.
• Janome 4120QDC-G: Known for its high-end features like thread cutters and memory functions, this machine is great for those interested in quilting.
• Juki TL2010Q: A heavy-duty mechanical machine perfect for quilting with its intuitive dials and high-end features like a knee lift lever.

When choosing a sewing machine, it’s essential to consider what you truly need, especially if you’re focusing on quilting. While most sewing machines can handle a variety of tasks, some are specifically designed with particular purposes in mind. For instance, some machines are geared more toward garment sewing, others focus on embroidery, and some are made especially for quilters.

Choosing the Right Machine for Quilting

You can make a quilt on almost any sewing machine, but the experience can vary significantly. Some machines might frustrate you to the point of pulling out your hair, while others will make the process smooth and enjoyable. If quilting is your primary focus, look for a machine that includes these features:

• Quarter Inch Foot: Also known as a patchwork foot, this isn’t strictly necessary, but it makes sewing a consistent 1/4″ seam much easier. If your machine doesn’t come with one, you can use the lines on the machine as a guide, so it’s not a deal-breaker if you’re new to quilting.
• Feed Dogs That Drop: This feature enables you to perform free motion quilting. Without it, you can still sew a quilt top, but you won’t be able to quilt your quilt effectively.
• Darning Foot: This foot is essential for free motion quilting. It’s used when you drop your feed dogs and want to quilt freely across your quilt.
• Walking Foot: This is invaluable for straight-line quilting and ensuring even fabric feeding for complex fabrics and binding. While I rarely use it for straight-line quilting, preferring free motion techniques instead, I wouldn’t purchase a machine that didn’t offer this option.

By focusing on these key features, you’ll be better equipped to find a sewing machine that meets your quilting needs and enhances your overall experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, having the right tools can make all the difference in your quilting journey.

Machines I’ve Used

When I first started sewing, I was focused on making pillows, so I opted for a low-priced sewing machine. I still believe that’s a smart choice for beginners. My very first machine was a small, basic model that I still have today. It’s perfect for when my niece visits and wants to sew something. The machine is gentle and slow, and it tends to shake if you press the foot pedal all the way down.

Despite its limitations, I learned to piece on it, and for the money, it was unbeatable. As soon as I started quilting, though, I quickly outgrew this little machine. It could do all the basic tasks, and even had drop feed dogs, but it didn’t come with any specialty feet. Nevertheless, it holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my love for sewing began.

Eventually, I upgraded to another machine. While it was brutally basic and lacked the shakes of my first one, it still wasn’t perfect for quilting. It allowed me to quilt my projects, but without the right feet, dropping the feed dogs was a bit risky. Still, I made it work.

After about six years of quilting, I decided it was time for a machine that truly suited my needs. I visited a local Bernina dealer and invested in a Bernina 550 Quilter’s Edition. Although this model is no longer available, there’s a similar one you can check out. This purchase was one of the best decisions I’ve made—I’ve never regretted it and still prefer Bernina machines for quilting.

However, my favorite machine is the Juki 2000Qi, designed specifically for quilters and reasonably priced. You might wonder why I bought this when I already had a Bernina. Well, I needed a backup for when my primary machine was being serviced. Now, I use the Juki exclusively for all my piecing and binding tasks. It’s extremely fast and smooth—piecing on this machine is a dream! It’s a manual machine with mostly basic features but excels in certain areas better than any other. You can read my review of it here. In my opinion, I’ll never give up a Juki for piecing; it’s simply the best at this task.

If you have any questions about sewing machines or need advice on choosing one, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. I know how overwhelming it can be to find the perfect machine!

Conclusion

Ultimately, finding the right sewing machine is about discovering what works best for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, there are plenty of options available that cater to different needs and budgets. Consider your goals and how much you’re willing to invest as you explore the world of sewing machines tailored for quilters.