Best Sewing & Quilting Machines for Beginners & Experts
23rd Jul 2021
Expert Quilters Share Their Machines
The world of sewing machines is wide and expansive. Sometimes it can feel like there's more options than any one person could possibly know what to do with. When the spreadsheets and lists full of sewing machines grow too unwieldly to manage, we turn to the advice of experts.
As quilting has grown in popularity the last few years, the sales of quilting machines has boomed, leading new entrants into the quilting machine market. With all these new manufacturers jumping into the world of quilting, we asked our community of experienced quilters to help us separate the contenders from the pretenders.
The expert quilters we consulted helpfully separated the machines they loved into two categories, machines for beginners and machines for experts. The machines for beginners are a perfect entry point into the world of quilting, and are reasonably priced. The machines recommended for experts are a bit pricier, but are perfect for quilters who want to take on a lot of projects or who are interested in starting a home business.
Machines for Beginners
These machines are the perfect entry point into the world of quilting. Each of these machines will set you up for a successful quilting experience without breaking the bank. But just because these machines are for beginners doesn’t mean they don't have some serious power hiding within!
Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Machine
The Juki HZL-LB5100 brings quilting power to the masses with its low price and high power. The machine itself boasts computerized capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of time-saving convenience features such as an automatic needle threader and a precise stop feature. Also helpful is the stitch guide printed directly on the side of the machine. For only $349, our expert quilters say that this is the best machine for a first time quilter.
Janome 3160QOV Sewing and Quilting Machine
This exclusive bundle from Premier Stitching makes it easy to set up and start quilting. Not only does the machine itself come highly recommend from our quilting experts thanks to its Superior Feed Plus (SFS+) system, the bundle itself includes dozens of tools that every quilter needs. Just a few of this bundle's accessories include:
- Bobbin
- Spool pin felt
- Needle set
- Seam ripper (buttonhole opener)
- Large and small spool holders
- Spool stand
- Extension table
Juki Exceed HZL F600 Quilt Pro Special Computerized Sewing Machine
Juki Exceed HZL F600 Quilt Pro Details
Juki's Exceed HZL F600 Quilt Pro edition is the perfect machine for someone with quilting or sewing experience who wants to reach the next level of their craft. Many of our experts still use their Juki Exceed for personal projects when they aren't hard at work on a professional grade machine. If you don't want to spend the kind of money required for an industrial strength machine, then this is the perfect middle ground.
Machines for Experts
Those of you who have spent some time quilting and are looking to upgrade your hardware should consider some of these machines. Each of these will cost a bit more than the machines in the beginners section. But they make up for that increased price with impressive features that you won't be able to find on lower-priced machines.
Juki TL2020PE Platinum Edition
This portable sewing machine celebrates the legacy of Juki through a unique platinum design that is sure to turn heads in your quilting circle. Our experts love the portability of this machine, which they say makes it easy to bring to sewing events at friends' houses and public locations. But looks aren't the only thing the TL2020PE has going for it. The machine also boats an automatic needle threader, bright-white LED lighting, presser foot pressure adjustment options, maximum speed control, and a top-end speed of 2000 stitches per minute.
Juki DX-4000QVP Kokochi 12" Arm
Juki DX-4000QVP Kokochi Details
With a brilliant design and a host of high-end features, many of our expert quilters say that the DX-4000QVP Kokochi from Juki is their day-to-day machine. It only takes a quick glance at the list of features to see why. The machine has a 7" color touch panel, built-in instructional videos, a drop feed, the ability to recall stitches, and Juki's signature built-in dual feed (known as Juki SmartFeed). If you're quilting at home, this machine can handle anything you throw at it.
Grace Q'Nique 21
Our expert quilters love a good long-arm sewing machine, and few make a better long-arm machine than Grace. Their latest long-arm, the Q'Nique 21, takes all of the features found on the Q'Nique 15 and the Q'Nique 19 and takes them to the next level. The adjustable handles and button controls are more ergonomic than on previous models, and the freedom of movement offered by this machine is second to none. If you're a quilting expert and need something that can handle the biggest projects with both speed and precision, the Grace Q'Nique 21 is the machine for you.
Ready to Buy an Expert Recommended Quilting Machine?
Now that you've heard from the experts, all you have to do is select the sewing machine of your dreams. Whether you want one of the machines in this article or something off the beaten path, Premier Stitching is your #1 destination for high-end sewing machines at low prices. Make a purchase today by clicking the “details” link below your favorite machine.