Free-motion quilting: Sewing two fabrics together will be difficult if you do not have the right machine for a quality project.
This is why finding the best sewing machine for free-motion quilting is important.
You need plenty of space and a machine with enough power to make each project a joy.
The problem is that the criteria that make a quality product can be a little confusing.
With so many features packed into every model, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
Large Extension Table
To make it easy to sew large fabrics together, you need a large table. Not only does this allow you to keep everything in line but it allows for smooth stitches and increased accuracy. A lot of regular sewing machines offer this feature for this specific purpose.
The throat space of a sewing machine for free-motion quilting also needs to be big enough to fit everything through without bunching.
Built-in Stitches
As with any decent machine you want a good amount of built-in stitches.
This makes it easier to stitch different fabrics and add a little flair when the need is there.
Anything around 100 and above should give you enough to play with, although a budget item might offer you good value with less.
Stitches Per Minute
The speed at which you can sew a large project together will go a long way toward determining the sewing machine’s suitability for free-motion quilting.
No one wants to deal with a sluggish machine that makes a project take twice as long as it should.
This is why better products offer sewing speeds of up to 850 stitches.
A high-end machine can give you 1,500 stitches per minute, and whilst this makes any project a lot faster, it takes some building up.
Up/Down Needle Position
This is ideal for sewers, but particularly for quilters.
It allows the user to take on projects involving a wide range of materials to create interesting pieces.
Specialist Stitches
Any machine suitable for free-motion quilting needs to have the right built-in stitches.
Brands offering 100s with their machines usually include a handful of quilting stitches.
Some brands include decorative stitches, which are useful when you want to personalize a finished quilting project or add a little flair.
Heavy-Duty Interior
This is a must-have for any sewing machine, as it will reduce vibrations when the stitches are hammering home.
Although it might make some machines a little heavier, this can be a good thing as it stops it from moving around as much.
Adjustable Stitches
Although you might have to spend a little more to get a decent product with fine adjustments, this is one of the important ones.
Different quilting projects and materials require unique lengths and widths, so you need more options.
This is a common feature in most products but the better models have a greater range.
Most reputable brands include a decent selection of presser feet with your sewing machine for free-motion quilting.
A multi-purpose presser foot is great but has limitations, especially for an experienced quilter.
It can take some time to master your first free-motion project, but when the shackles are off, you can have a lot of fun with it.
These are the two most common options, and the machines we have reviewed offer the choice of both.
A straight line is more reliable and means you will get consistent stitches but it can be restrictive.
This is why many people like to try their hand at free-motion stitching.
You might have to correct uneven stitches, particularly when you are getting used to this method.
When you grow in experience, you can sew corners and patterns, something not so easy with straight-line stitching.
Because you are covering a larger area when quilting, it can be important to get a product with enough speed to go over the fabric.
However, you don’t always need to be going at full speed.
As long as you have around 750 stitches per minute and above, you should be able to speed through most projects.
Still, the faster you go, the more likely you are to make mistakes and have to review certain areas.
To stay in control, go at a steady pace.
As with any sewing machine, there is a period of learning how to use the new settings.
Most products make it easy, especially with LCDs and computerized settings.
However, free-motion quilting is a technique with challenges, so it is best to be patient when using the machine.
Look for a product with small features that go a long way, such as an automatic needle threader.
This depends on your intended use, but the best product costs over $1,000.
This doesn’t mean you can’t buy a decent product for less.
Budget free motion quilting sewing machines only cost around $250.
This should still get you a powerful product; you might just have to compromise on adjustable settings and accessories.
Some of the best products we have seen are around $500, so there is something for every budget.
