If you do not have the right machine for a quality project, you are going to find it hard work sewing two fabrics together. This is why it is important to find the nest sewing machine for free-motion quilting, as you get 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 decided to create 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 towards the suitability of the sewing machine for free-motion quilting. No one wants to have to deal with a sluggish machine that makes a project take twice as long as it should.
This is why better products tend to 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 does take some building up to.
Up/Down Needle Position
This is ideal for sewers but particularly for quilting. This allows the user to take on projects involved a wide range of materials to create interesting pieces.
Specialist Stitches
For any machine to be suitable for free motion quilting, it needs to have the right built-in stitches. Brands offering 100’s with their machine usually give you a handful of quilting stitches included.
Some brands include decorative stitches which become useful when you either 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 mean there are fewer 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 which means you need more options.
This is a common feature in most products but the better models have a greater range to play with.
Presser Feet
You will find that with most reputable brands, you get a decent selection of presser feet included with your sewing machine for free-motion quilting. A multi-purpose presser foot is great but has its limitations, especially for an experienced quilter.
It can take some building up to 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 you 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 a lot of 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 find that you can speed through most projects.
Still, the faster you go the more likely it is that you will make mistakes and have to go over 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 tend to make it easy, especially with LCD displays and computerized settings.
However, free motion quilting is a technique that comes with its challenges so it is best to be patient when using the machine. Look for a product with little features that go a long way such as an automatic needle threader among others.
This depends on your intended use but the best product tends to cost over $1,000. This doesn’t mean you can’t pick up 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 when it comes to adjustable settings and accessories. Some of the best products we have seen are around $500 so there is something for every budget.
