Machine TypesSewing Machines

Best Sewing Machines For Free Motion Quilting in 2022 Reviewed

Not for the faint-hearted, free motion quilting is something that takes practice, and you need the right machine to make life as easy as possible. This is why the best sewing machines for free motion quilting are so popular. They take a lot of the guesswork and strain out of the equation and the better brands allow you to sew at high speeds to get large projects finished faster.

This is only possible when you have features such as a large throat and a comfortable area to sew in different directions with ease. To help make the process of finding the ideal product easier, we have created a list of the best sewing machines for free motion quilting. Each one features an easily accessible bobbin, feed dog options, and a lot more.

Summary of the Best Sewing Machines For Free Motion Quilting
Reviews

Editor’s Choice: SINGER 7258 100-Stitch Computerized 76 Decorative Stitches

One of the most popular sewing machines for free motion quilting, this has the reputable Singer brand name behind it and a lot more. With 100 stitches including 76 decorative stitches that can be selected by pressing the side display, it is one of the easiest to navigate. There is plenty more for the experienced sewer and because it is computerized, there is an LCD screen on the side.

You can make adjustments to your stitches so if you need them to be longer or wider it is easy to amend each one. Two LED lights allow the user to sew with accuracy and it has more than enough power for most in the 750 stitches per minute motor. It comes with 6 different buttonholes and because of the metal frame, there is a sturdy feel to this impressive machine.

PROS:

  • 100 built-in stitches
  • 750 stitches per minute
  • LED lights make it easy to sew with accuracy
  • Good value
  • Adjustable stitches
CONS:

(none)

Best High-Speed: Brother Quilting Machine, PQ1500SL Up to 1,500 Stitches Per Minute

With a top speed of up to 1,500 stitches per minute, this product will help you fly through the free motion quilting although it is better going in straight lines that are to be expected. To help you get started faster it comes with an automatic needle threader and a top drop-in bobbin that is jam-proof.

The wide table makes it easy to accommodate large fabrics for your quilting projects and there are 7 sewing feet included. There is also a knee lifter so once you get up to speed you release your hands from the presser feet. The precision fabric feeding separator system makes it easily capable of sewing different fabrics, ideal for quilting.

PROS:

  • High speed at 1,500 stitches per minute
  • Wide table ideal for quilting
  • Includes 7 presser feet
  • Quick bobbin threading
CONS:

  • Upper thread cutter cuts a little short

Best Affordable: SINGER | Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine with 23 Built-In Stitches

If you are looking for an affordable sewing machine for free-motion quilting then this is a good option from Singer. Because of the price you only get 23 built-in stitches but there is still plenty of power for fast sewing in the 1,100 stitches per minute which are more than a lot of the products that are 3 times the price. It is well built so it is still a heavy-duty machine which also means it doesn’t vibrate so much.

It features a reliable motor that keeps going for ages no matter how big the quilting project. There is still an automatic needle threader and it remains stable even when pushing through thick fabric. There are a handful of useful presser feet included as well as a lint brush and bobbins among others to make this a great free motion quilting machine for beginners.

PROS:

  • 1,100 stitches per minute
  • 23 built-in stitches
  • Reliable and heavy-duty machine
  • Lots of presser feet included
CONS:

  • Not as many built-in stitches as other models

Best Value: SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine

With 600 built-in stitches, a large extension table, and a reasonable price tag, this is one of the best deals you can get when looking for a sewing machine for free-motion quilting. It can also deliver up to 850 stitches per minute giving it plenty of power to make quick work of large quilting projects. Included are a good amount of presser feet and a built-in needle threader to help you get a head start.

There are decorative stitches included so you can personalize any finished piece and 13 built-in buttonhole styles. We like the one-touch stitch selection making this product one of the easiest machines to operate and with a heavy-duty metal frame, it certainly has a durable feel whilst absorbing the vibrations.

PROS:

  • 600 built-in stitches
  • 850 stitches per minute
  • Heavy-duty metal frame
  • Large extension table
CONS:

  • Automatic cutter can be a little tricky

Best High-End: Brother Designio Series DZ1500F High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

Up there with the best high-end sewing machines for free motion quilting, the DZ1500F is a near-professional ready machine capable of 1,500 stitches per minute. To say this is impressive would be an understatement but there is a lot more to this machine than speed. It comes with a needle felting attachment which is valued at $150 and the pin feeding system keeps the stitches accurate and smooth.

There are 6 presser feet included and an extra-large extension table making it well suited to larger quilting projects. The thread tension dial is color-coded to make life easier and it is capable of keeping dual spools at the ready. There’s plenty to like about this product which is why it is so popular.

PROS:

  • 1,500 stitches per minute
  • Includes needle felting attachment worth $150
  • Extra-large extension table
  • Includes 6 presser feet
CONS:

  • Can be a bit pricey for some

Best Accesories: Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP Special Edition Computerized Sewing Machine

Ideal for a sewing machine for free-motion quilting as it can accommodate larger fabrics to bring your special projects to life. The flex feeding system makes it easier to feed the top and bottom fabrics together for quilting and there is also an automatic needle threader making the start of every new project simple.

You can adjust the width of the stitch up to 9mm which is more than you get with a lot of other models in the niche. This is arguably the best package you are going to find because of all the additional accessories. These include instructional DVD, black roller trolley case, a variety of presser feet (including one for free motion quilting), knee lifter, foot control, and a lot more. With 200 built-in stitches and 5 bright lights, Janone has done a lot to make this product an impressive package.

PROS:

  • 200 built-in stitches
  • Lots of accessories
  • Flex feeding system for free motion quilting
  • Adjustable width up to 9mm
CONS:

  • Takes a little getting used to the free motion quilting

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