5 Best Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting
Table of Contents
Best Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting
| Sewing Machine Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Singer Heavy Duty 4423 | – Suitable for heavy-duty and multiple layers of fabric – Free motion sewing capability – Automatic needle threader – High sewing speed | – Limited built-in stitches |
| Brother HC1850 | – Suitable for both beginners and advanced quilters – Free motion quilting option – 130 built-in stitches – LCD screen | – May be overwhelming for beginners |
| Brother RSQ9185 | – Affordable option – Suitable for a wide range of projects – LED lights for bright workspace – 10 interchangeable presser feet | – Limited number of built-in stitches |
| Janome NQM2016 | – Specifically designed for quilters – Seven-piece feed dog system – Sixty built-in stitch patterns – Bright LCD screen | – Limited accessories included with the machine |
| EverSewn Charlotte | – Designed for machine quilting – Drop feed dogs for free motion quilting and embroidery – 70 programmed stitch patterns – Adjustable speed slide | – Limited advanced features compared to others |
Here are our free motion quilting sewing machine reviews.
1. Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 model has the features needed to work with all different types of projects involving heavy duty and multiple layers of fabric and has free motion sewing capability for machine quilting. The drop feed and adjustable presser foot pressure allow for precise results with free motion quilting. A free arm option allows easy access to hard to reach areas of any project.
- Automatic needle threader
- Sewing speed of up to 1,100 speeds per minute
- Heavy duty metal frame
2. Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother HC1850 model has all the options, including free motion quilting, which make it a great choice for both beginning and advanced quilters. In conjunction with a spring loaded quilting presser foot and an extension table, the free motion quilting option makes this the perfect machine for machine quilting. It also comes programmed with 130 built-in stitches, which makes it possible to decorate your quilt in any way you choose.
- Advanced needle threader and drop-in bobbin system
- Six interchangeable presser feet included
- LCD screen
3. Brother RSQ9185 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother RSQ9185 is an affordable option for quilters who want a reliable machine for free motion quilting. It also has the features needed to be suitable for a wide range of other projects. The feed dogs can be lowered to allow for free motion quilting, and with many decorative and heirloom stitch patterns already programmed in, you will be able to machine quilt with beautiful results. LED lights give a brightly lit work space to facilitate precise work when free quilting.
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin system
- 10 interchangeable presser feet
- Backlit LCD display
4. Janome NQM2016 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Janome NGM2016 model is specifically designed with all the features that quilters want, including the ability to do free motion sewing. The seven piece feed dog system facilitates working with multiple layers of fabric and the free arm makes it easy to reach hard-to-access areas. Sixty built-in stitch patterns and interchangeable presser feet give a wide variety of options for adding unique touches to any project.
- Top loading full rotary hook bobbin
- Seve piece feed dog system
- Bright LCD screen with easy navigation screen
5. EverSewn Charlotte Professional Sewing Machine
The EverSewn Charlotte model is designed with all the features needed for machine quilting. The feed dogs can be dropped to allow for free motion quilting and embroidery, and with 70 programmed stitch patterns, it’s easy to find the perfect stitch to make any quilt unique. The adjustable speed slide makes precise work possible.
- LED stitch selection panel
- Feed dog drop for free motion quilting and embroidery
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin system
Free Motion Quilting Machine Buying Guide
When looking for a sewing machine for free motion quilting, there are a number of features to consider. The sewing machines in this buying guide have a variety of features that make free motion quilting easier. They also come with other optional features and range from more simple machines suitable for beginning sewers to computerized sewing machines with a wide range of features that more advanced sewers want.
Many sewers use free motion sewing for machine quilting and to add embroidered decorations to personalize their projects. When creating projects such as this, a good feature to have is a wide range of stitches to select from so that you can add the unique touches you want to any project. Several of the machines featured in this guide are computerized and feature a variety of built-in stitches, including decorative and even monogramming stitch options. These can be used in conjunction with the free motion sewing option for beautiful machine quilting and to decorate other projects. An LED screen is also a helpful feature when selecting which stitch to use.
An extension table is another feature which is helpful when using free motion sewing to machine quilt or to decorate bulky projects. This option helps the sewer feed bulky materials and multiple layers of materials through the sewing machine without pulling or bunching. This also provides a larger area to more easily maneuver fabric while free motion quilting. Feed dogs which can be dropped also work to allow extra maneuverability of the fabric without it being pulled by the feed dogs. Several of the machines in this buying guide offer this option.
Another feature to consider is a free arm. This allows use of the free motion sewing option to decorate hard to reach areas of a garment such as hems, collars, or cuffs and makes it easier to work with any project that is shaped like a tube. Using both free motion sewing and a free arm together allows you to add a unique touch, even to hard to reach areas.
All of these features work together to give the sewer maximum flexibility when machine quilting or decorating any project. This buying guide will help you find the sewing machine with the perfect features for great results on any type of free motion sewing project.
