Last Updated on February 1, 2024
Quilting is a art form that has existed since the Middle Ages. Quilts can range from simple to complex designs and can be made with either hand-stitched pieces or by using quilting machines.
Motion quilting machines have revolutionized the textiles industry – providing precise stitching, easier operation, and faster production time. The cost of these machines may be too much for hobbyists looking for something ideal with their budget constraints.
Fortunately, there are some great free motion quilting machines out there that offer relatively optimal performance as those expensive ones for a fraction of the price! In this guide, we’ll go through our picks of the best free motion quilting machines, so you can get quilting with confidence.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
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| Product Name | Price | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway – Winner | Check Details! | 4.7/5 |
| 2. SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine – Runner Up | Check Details! | 4.5/5 |
| 3. Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine – 2nd Runner Up | Check Details! | 4.3/5 |
Review of the Best Free Motion Quilting Machines
After researching well, we’ve found the 10 best free-motion quilting machines. Here in this article, we have given reviews on these machines below. We hope these reviews will help you enough to buying decision.
1. Brother XR9500PRW
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 9.92 Pounds |
| Power Source | AC |
| Is Electric | Yes |
If you’re looking for A good quality machine that provides excellent performance in free motion quilting, choose the Brother XR9500PRW sewing machine. Due to its great features and performance, it has taken place in the shortlist of the ten best free motion quilting machines.
The device has hundreds of utilities built in to make your sewing much more comfortable. Decorative and heirloom, including multiple functions for stitching, are also available in this machine. It contains an excellent width for zigzag and decorative stitches (7mm). You will get sewing fonts built into this machine to do basic monogramming.
The device has a larger table that is perfect for handling quilting and large projects. Moreover, you will find all the accessories you need to use this machine stored in the compartment situated in the tools area. It requires 12 Volt AC to operate. The overall dimensions of this sewing machine are 20.3 x 12.7 x 17.6 inches. It is incredibly lightweight compared to other machines. Its weight is only 9.92 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Hundreds of built-in features – Free arm – Easier bobbin winding – Extremely lightweight – Needle position button |
| Cons |
| – Fabric may get jammed – Bobbin winding may get failed |
2. SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 8.25″D x 17.25″W x 12″H |
| Item Weight | 20 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric | Yes |
The Singer has always been a great name for producing quality sewing machines. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 sewing machine can be your best choice for best-quality outputs in sewing. This machine is a combination of the most exceptional features. For these features, the device is ready to fulfill all you need. It features numerous selections of stitches. You will get essential, stretch, decorative, and other stitches.
You can do fashion sewing, home décor, quilting, or even crafting using these. It contains a selection of fonts that allow use for a personal project. The automatic needle threader is an exceptional feature of this machine. You can thread to the eye of the needle for this feature. The device contains 600 built-in stitches. It is vast and includes five alphanumeric fonts and 13 one-step buttonholes, which are also integrated. A buttonhole underplate is also available in the machine. The machine can provide you with 850 stitches in a single minute.
| Pros |
| – Easily portable – Computerized machine – Provides many creative possibilities – Quick sew – Eliminates eye strain |
| Cons |
| – Hard to turn the handwheel – It may produce loud and creaky noise |
3. Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 6.7″D x 16″W x 11.4″H |
| Item Weight | 5896 Grams |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric | Yes |
There are thousands of sewing machines available in the market. But not all of them provide you with the best service. To get the best quality performance, you may choose the Brother CS6000i. It is on the top list for its durability, quality, and high-performing features. This machine is very user-friendly. You can easily see and choose your desired stitch. It contains an automatic needle threader, allowing you to push the thread entirely through the needle.
The machine contains an LCD of 2.0 x 0.7 inches. So you can easily adjust the speed of the stitch. Its stitch length is 5mm. This machine contains a full table to handle large projects utilizing its more extensive space. The maximum speed is 850 stitches/minute. As a result, you can complete larger projects within a shorter time. The dimensions of this machine are 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches. This machine is lightweight enough and weighs only 13 pounds.
| Pros |
| – 60 built-in stitches – Contains hardcover – Adjustable sewing speed – Stitch selection – Much user-friendly |
| Cons |
| – May not work well on thick fabric – Unable to adjust lower tension |
4. Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle Portable Machine
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 14″D x 25.7″W x 18″H |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Power Source | Treadle Powered |
| Is Electric | Yes |
You need a good quality sewing machine to get the best performance in sewing and free motion quilting. And the Juki 2010Q is another choice for you. It is in the shortlist of the ten best free motion quilting machines because of its superb features. It’s a single-needle machine ready to provide you with the best performance in various ways like home décor, dressmaking, and tailoring. You can use this lockstitch machine as a tabletop machine or mounted in some cabinets or on quilting frames.
The Juki TL 2010Q comes with a built-in carrying handle. Its arm and bed are made with aluminum die-casting. That’s why this machine is easily portable. Rather than other conventional sewing machines, this machine contains a larger working area. It increases the working speed for the user. This sewing stuff also features an automatic thread trimmer. Lastly, the overall dimension of this superb sewing machine is 25.7x14x18 inches. This machine is pretty heavy. Its weight is 38 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Easily portable – Automatic thread trimmer – Provides increased work speed – Stitch lock – Built-in handles to carry |
| Cons |
| – Hard to learn user manual – Needle threader may take time to figure out |
5. Brother PQ1500SL Quilting and Sewing Machine
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| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 7.9″D x 12.6″W x 19.3″H |
| Item Weight | 29.76 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric | Yes |
A good quality sewing machine will always provide you with exceptional performance in sewing and quilting. In this case, the Brother PQ1500SL Quilting and Sewing machine can be your proper choice. This machine has obtained a place in the list of ten best sewing machines for free motion quilting for its durability, performance, and features. It contains an automatic thread trimmer, and you can trim the thread by just pushing a button.
A built-in needle threader is also available in this machine. The sewing speed of this machine is high enough. It can sew 1500 stitches in a single minute. As a result, you can complete your larger project quickly. Another excellent option for this machine is in multiple settings, and there are four feed dog settings systems, such as fabric control, knee lifter, and bed extension.
It comes with a limited-time warranty of 25 years. You will get technical support through the phone for the machine’s lifetime. The dimensions of this machine are 7.9 x 12.6 x 19.3 inches. It is a bit heavy and weighs 33.5 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Automatic thread trimmer – High-speed sewing – Built-in needle threader – 25 years warranty – Smooth handling for difficult fabrics |
| Cons |
| – A bit hard to work – The bobbin may not come out |
6. Janome 2212 Free Motion Quilting Machine
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 9″D x 17″W x 13.5″H |
| Power Source | Treadle Powered |
| Is Electric | Yes |
Are you disappointed with your sewing machine, which cannot produce sound, exclusive, and luxurious quality textiles? Then worry not, as the Janome 2212 sewing machine is here to solve your problem. This machine comes with dial pattern selection, a must-have for producing high-quality textiles. It is one of the best as it has a very extended warranty and is fast at sewing. Rather than other machines, this sewing machine is a bit lightweight.
It is for beginners, and you can use it to make clothes of any type. This machine can adjust the length and width of the stitch, an essential need for the advanced use of the sewing machine. Also, the manual needle threading system allows users to maintain the thread independently. It provides performance, which is meant to be the very best. The product comes in a 17 x 9 x 13.5 inches in the product dimension and weighs only 15.6 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Much user-friendly – Much Durability – Long term Warranty – Easy to Use – Good Service |
| Cons |
| – Quite Heavy – Hard to setup |
7. Brother HC1850 Quilting and Sewing Machine
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 12.5″D x 19.2″W x 15.2″H |
| Item Weight | 10.14 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric | Yes |
Brother HC1850 quilting and sewing machine is an exception that can produce exquisite textiles. You can make any textile product using this machine as you like. It has 130 unique stitches that can be used to produce a variety of clothes. This machine’s speed can be adjusted manually, which cannot be done in many other sewing machines. Also, this machine can easily be transported as it is very lightweight. The machine is a computerized modern sewing machine that can do any sewing.
The bobbin and top thread let it produce high-quality stitching. Also, it has an extended warranty and is quite affordable based on its advanced systems. The machine comes in 16.3 x 7 x 12.5 inches product dimensions. It is very lightweight and weighs only 10.14 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Enough Lightweight – Easily Portable – Much durable – Long periods Warranty – Bright working area |
| Cons |
| – Cannot be used by all as it is computerized – Maintenance is difficult |
8. JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 8.6″D x 17.8″W x 13.8″H |
| Item Weight | 25.4 Pounds |
| Power Source | Treadle Powered |
| Is Electric | Yes |
There are many good quilting machines available, but the JUKI TL-2000Qi is one of the best. Because it can be used to make any type of product, such as clothes, bags, and shoes, it is a very affordable sewing machine that continues to be popular. The stitch quality is so excellent that famous and best quilters use it. It has a very high speed, and many products can do it quickly. It has an automated needle threader, so it helps keep the product’s quality at a very high level.
Its advanced system eliminates the possibility of a malfunction. Also, it has less vibration than other machines, which helps the users do their quilting projects correctly. This machine is easy to use and comes in 17.8 x 8.6 x 13.8 inches of product dimensions. It is heavier than others and weighs 37.8 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Affordable price – Low vibrations – Easy to use – High Speed – Advanced System |
| Cons |
| – Heavy Weight – No warranty |
9. Janome MC-6300P Professional Quilting Sewing Machine
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 13″D x 26″W x 18″H |
| Item Weight | 18 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric | Yes |
Janome MC-6300P Contains many great features and can be the perfect choice. It’s a lightweight, modern, and computerized sewing machine designed to be extremely user-friendly and ideal for professional users. It can be used to produce advanced-level stitches. There is an extra space between the throat and the needle, which is great for quilters.
It has many automatic features, such as advanced feed mechanism, which can be used for very thick materials sewing. Also, it has a deficient weight, which makes it easier to carry. The sewing speed goes up to 1000 stitches per minute, which makes the work done quite faster. This machine comes in 13 x 26 x 18 inches product dimensions.
You can control the thread tension automatically and prevent bunching or loose stitches from the fabric because the project’s construction gets jeopardized by it. The weight of this superb machine is only 18 pounds.
| Pros |
| – Many compacts – Can produce high-level stitches – Many lightweights – Easy to carry – Super Fast |
| Cons |
| – Not suitable for beginners – No Warranty |
10. JUKI HZL-F600 Free Motion Quilting Machine
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 0.04″D x 0.47″W x 0.31″H |
| Item Weight | 30 Pounds |
| Power Source | AC |
| Is Electric | Yes |
The Juki HZL-F600 is an easy-to-use sewing machine that encourages creativity and is suitable for both novices and experienced sewers. Comes with various stitches and patterns, which helps the user make high-quality products. This high-speed machine has a Drop-in Bobbin, which may be lost quickly, and it is straightforward to change the bobbin.
Also, an LCD that allows users to easily change settings with a button press, such as the type of stitch and sewing speed.It has a large working area, making it an exception, and it differs from the other sewing machines.
The price is a bit high. But, with this machine, you will get 225 built-in stitches and other convenient features. For this, the device will be worth the money and time. It comes in 14 x 23 x 16 inches of product dimensions.
| Pros |
| – Wide sewing space – Long-lasting – Convenient LED display – Easy bobbin changing – Very much user-Friendly |
| Cons |
| – Very Expensive – No warranty |
Buying Guide for Free Motion Quilting Machine
There are various sewing machines for free-motion quilting available on the market. So when you buy for the first time, you may be wondering which one to choose.
Therefore, I have summarized the points and advice to check when choosing a sewing machine for free-motion quilting, so I hope it will be helpful as much as possible.
Wide Throat Space
The throat space is measured from the edge of the sewing machine to the needle. Home sewing machines have throat spaces ranging from 5-8 inches, while mid-arm and long-arm machines have 10-17 and 18-inch areas, respectively. For free-motion quilting, using a sewing machine with ample throat space is advisable.
Since the popularity of free-motion quilting is growing, many sewing machine manufacturers are now making models with a larger throat space. For a huge project, such as a blanket or quilt, investing in an all-purpose sewing machine is recommended.
Quilting Speed
When working on a big quilting project, speed is essential! With a variable speed unit, you’ll be able to complete more tasks in less time. Choose a machine that has a minimum rate of 1,000 SPM.
Built-in Stitches
When you inspect a quilt, you’ll notice that straight lines are easy to see. That’s why we recommend using a sewing machine for quilting. The sewing machine produces straight, accurate stitching every time.
When you quilt, the quality of your stitches is essential. Don’t use a machine that lacks a fancy stitch option if you’re a serious quilter.
Machine applique requires zigzag and blind hemstitching, and it’s easy to see from looking at the stitching whether you’ve done an excellent job or not. The stitch count for standard units is at least 30 or more stitches.
Feet
Usually, a sewing machine comes with various feet for various tasks. You’ll have a happier sewing experience if you get a presser foot designed for your specific model of sewing machine.
On most models, a few feet that fit are darning/free motion feet and feed feet. You can also consider buying a sewing machine that comes with a free-motion quilting unit, including a quilting foot, a feed foot, an edge stitching foot, and an open toe applique foot.
You can accomplish free motion quilting with different feet. Darning feet are commonly used in free-motion quilting. Besides, applique can be performed with an open toe applique foot, whereas ditch quilting and straight-line stitching necessitate the use of a walking foot.
On the other hand, you can apply the binding with a walking foot. It’s a great idea to use presser feet that snap on and off.
Free Arm Capability
Sewing machines with a free arm make working easier with the fabric around and under the needle. It extends from the body and is located near the unit’s bottom.
A free arm makes it easier to put together diverse patterns or forms into the fabric, especially if you’re working with a variety of different designs or shapes. For example, it’s ideal for producing infant garments.
Final Verdict
A good machine is a must to enjoy the best quality sewing and free motion quilting. We researched thoroughly to find out the best tool and reduce your stress on it. Here in this article, we have given reviews on the best sewing machine for free motion quilting. We hope the review will help you enough to find out and buy the best sewing stuff – best wishes to you.
“I like to turn a piece of string into something that I can wear.” I am dedicated to sharing knowledge on the necessary sewing equipment in The Sewing Stuffs.
