From the hand-stitches that can be done easily to the bigger projects that require machines to sow something, sewing and quilting are great ways to spend some time and effort and come out with a result that leaves everyone speechless.
There are so many different types of fabrics and stitches that you can use to create beautiful sceneries, prints, or gifts for your loved ones or your own home.
Now, you may have heard of sewing machines coming in different sizes, but one of the most important features of a sewing machine is its throat size. The throat size is a measurement that is taken from the needle to the right column of your sewing machine.
The throat size determines what kind of fabric you will be able to use with the machine. Standard sewing machines that work on most fabrics will have a throat size of about 7 inches to 11 inches but large throat sewing machines are different gravy.
Large throat sewing machines are used for quilting and naturally allow for a thicker fabric to be out through them.
Quilters all over the world have been using large throat sewing machines to make their lives easier and make their quilting more efficient. The standard size of the throat in these machines is anywhere from 12 inches to upwards of 18 inches.
So what are the best large throat sewing machines? The best large throat sewing machine for you will depend on the projects you use it for, which will determine the types of stitches, arm size, foot lift, and needle penetration you need. Stitch speed and computerized controls are also worth considering for professionals and avid users.
In this guide, we will go through the 7 best large throat sewing machines that are in the market right now. You will also find a buyer’s guide that will help you narrow down your selection with the exact things you should be looking for when out shopping.
Large Throat Sewing Machines – What To Know
There are many different types of large throat sewing machines available in the market and when you step out to find one for yourself, you will realize you are spoiled for choice.
There are so many machines that cater to different needs and different budgets. Knowing what to look for can make it easy for you to find the perfect large throat sewing machine for yourself. Down below we’ll tell you the four things you should have in your mind when shopping for your new large throat sewing machine.
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric that you are putting into a sewing machine matters always, whether you are quilting or just stitching fabric together.
For large throat machines that are made for quilting, the type of fabric will affect the foot lift and needle penetration you need in a machine.
- If you want to use thicker fabrics for your quilts, you need to be looking for a durable machine that has a higher presser foot lift that is adjustable. The needle penetration of the machine needs to very good along with a long stitch length which will enable you to make better patterns in your quilt.
- For lighter fabrics, such as silks and satins you need a machine that is gentle yet durable. An adjustable presser foot will allow you to manually control the amount of pressure you are putting on your quilt. This way you will be able to avoid the feed dogs marking the underside of the fabric and ruining your quilt.
- Stretchy fabrics such as spandex, lycra, polyester, and some knits will need top-loading sewing machines as those cater to stitches that are better suited to stretch fabrics. Stretchy fabrics also need stretchy stitches, so if you tend to work with these, be sure your sewing machine has multiple stitch options.
Stitch Types
Different machines can help you make different stitches, some machines can help you pretty much do every stitch under the sun. These do-it-all machines, however, usually cost an arm and a leg and are better suited for people who quilt professionally or competitively.
Quilting can be straightforward with simple stitches but the more patterns you add to them, the more elevated your design ends up being. Functional stitches are generally the ones that go in the forward direction and won’t require a machine that has very complex feed dogs.
Decorative stitches that can be used to add design elements to your quilt usually have the needle move in different directions to make the design you want and that requires a more complex feed on your large throat sewing machine.
Stretch stitches are usually used to seal hems in quilts as these types of stitches give the quilt a stretch that enables it to hold on even when fully expanded. These types of stitches will require you to look for a machine that has the stretch stitch feature in it along with the standard stitch feature.
The number and type of stitches you need will vary by the projects you do. Look for a machine with a reasonable number of options for the types of fabric and projects you work with.
Add-Ons
Now, this category isn’t a specific one but more of a catch-all thing that will show you what kind of different add-ons many large throat sewing machines have and which ones may be the best for your project. Add-ons refers to all the functionalities that a machine can have such as the addition of the stretch stitch in many machines.
An arm of the sewing machine refers to the length of the platform you have underneath the needle that will support your fabric or quilt. If you are making a smaller piece, a short arm machine will be enough for you. If you are working with bigger sizes, a long arm is best.
Many machines allow you to change the needles, which is great if you intend on making a lot of different stitching patterns while making your quilt. There are many different sizes of needles that you can along with ballpoint needles that can help you with this but a compatible machine is what you need.
Budget
One of the last things that you need to consider when you are in the market for a large throat sewing machine is the budget that you have. Many quilting sewing machines can cost a lot of money and require a hefty investment on your part.
If you like to quilt as a hobby for your own home or your families, the best bet for you is to go the route of large throat sewing machines that are more affordable and are not too complicated in their functions. Digital displays drive prices up on sewing machines and if you don’t need them, don’t be tempted.
If, however, you make quilts professionally, investing in a very good large throat sewing machine with all the functionalities will be a very smart decision. Computerized machines as well as digital ones make sense when you are quilting a lot more than just as a hobby.
The budget you set will need to cater to your needs from the large throat sewing machine that you’re setting out to buy. Assess your needs and understand which machines will help you achieve your goals the best.
The 7 Best Large Throat Sewing Machines
Now that we’ve understood what you need to be looking out for when in the market for a sewing machine to make your quilts, let’s look at some of the best large throat sewing machines out there:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Juki TL-2010Q | Lockstitch, automatic thread trimmer, portable |
| 2. | Juki HZL-NX7 | Long arm, built-in walking foot, touchscreen |
| 3. | Brother PQ1500SL | 7 sewing feet, knee-lifter, long arm |
| 4. | Brother XR9550 | Computerized, 165 stitches, 8 presser feet |
| 5. | EverSewn Sparrow QE | 70 stitch patterns, speed control, built in thread cutter |
| 6. | Janome 3160QDC | Computerized, 10 sewing feet, jam-proof bobbin |
| 7. | Singer 7258 Stylist | 100 stitches, 6 buttonholes, top drop-in bobbin |
These sewing machines will help you no matter what your quilting needs are and will be one of the best investments you make. Let’s look at them more closely.
1. Juki TL-2010Q
This is a sewing machine that was made with quilters in mind as it is crazy fast. It is capable of making 1,500 stitches per minute meaning that it will allow you to finish bigger projects much faster.
One of the best things about this machine is the fact that it has a generous throat space of 8.5 inches, meaning you will have no issues in making your quilts. There is also an extension table that will give you ample space to maneuver your quilts as you start stitching.
With your machine, you will receive several feet which include a few quilting feet that will let you do as many patterns as you want in free motion. A hemming foot, as well as a zipper foot meaning your machine, will not be limited in its use.
The Juki TL-2010Q machine is one of the simpler machines on this list but it will work for you very well if all you want to do is quilting. Some buttons let you stop and cut for faster working speed as well as a foot pedal that allows you to cut.
This machine may be simple but it certainly is a great one for the folks who love to make quilts.
2. Juki HZL-NX7
One of the more expensive machines on this list, this large throat sewing machine has a 12-inch throat space as well as a pretty sufficient extension table. The machine adds more dimension to your workspace as well which makes it a great addition to your quilting arsenal.
The machine makes 1,050 stitches per minute which means you will be working at a very efficient pace to finish up your larger projects. It also has a lot of premium features such as automatic thread tension, needle up/down, starts/stop buttons, thread trimming, bobbin winder, retractable feed dogs, and twin needle sewing.
Apart from this impressive list of extra features, the machine also comes equipped with extra LED lighting which will help lessen the strain on your eyes when you’re making your quilts.
Though this machine will cost a considerable chunk, it is one sound investment that you can make to elevate your quilting game. This works great with thick fabrics which means everything thinner will be perfect as well making it ever so versatile.
3. Brother PQ1500SL
One of the top-rated large throat sewing machines in the market, this Brother PQ1500 SL is a great hit with the quilters of the world. It has a large 8 and a half inch throat space which allows you to easily stitch your quilts.
The machine comes with 7 pressure feet which include the invisible zipper, zipper, rolled hem, general-purpose, spring action quilting, 1/4″ piecing, and walking feet. The machine also comes with a seam guide for evenly measured spacing which means your stitches will look very high quality.
One of the best things about this machine for quilters is the fact that it comes with spring action quilting. This allows the machine to hold your fabric in place meaning you won’t have to hold it with your hand to prevent it from lifting.
There is also an attachment for a wide table that can be easily removed to give you ample space on your worktop for when you don’t have use for it. The machine is also equipped with The Brother F.A.S.T needle threading system which will make everything very easy for you.
4. Brother XR9550
Another top-rated sewing machine from the brand Brother. This machine has 165 unique built-in stitches that give you the freedom to choose whichever stitch you want in your quilt. The machine includes decorative and heirloom stitches as well as buttonholes and alphanumeric stitches.
This machine, like the last one, also comes equipped with the F.A.S.T needle threading system which makes the whole process much more efficient and convenient. There is also a drop-in top bobbin that is jam-resistant.
The throat size on this sewing machine is 5.7 inches which makes it great for people that are making smaller quilts or want to stitch together large pieces of fabric. Along with the machine, you will receive a hardcover and wide table that can extend your working space.
There are 8 sewing and quilting feet that come with the machine but the machine can also be operated by the speed control adjustment indicator which means it can be used without the foot pedal as well.
One for the beginners in the world of quilting, this machine comes with an instructional DVD and 24-hour online support if you run into any problems.
5. EverSewn Sparrow QE
Now, this is a sewing machine that has all the features but will not cost you an arm and a leg. The EverSewn sewing machine comes with in-built 310 stitches out of which 84 are decorative stitches, 32 are utility stitches and 2 are full alphabets sets.
There is an LCD screen at the front of the machine that tells you exactly what kind of stitch you are using and then the length and width of it. It will also suggest which foot press to use meaning it is great for beginner quilters as well.
This machine will also remember any combination of stitches that you have used in the past which is great for people that make quilts on-demand as they won’t have to set these stitch functions again and again.
Featuring an automatic threader, an automatic thread cutter, and an easy drop-in bobbin, the EverSewn sewing machine is a dream for quilters with plenty of accessories.
6. Janome 3160QDC
Out of all the large throat sewing machines on this list, this one tops the list for the easiest to use sewing machines. It is a machine that is perfect for beginners and those who want to get into quilting after having a bit of experience with sewing.
The machine comes equipped with an automatic needle threader which makes threading the needle very easy saving time and effort that you can then spend on perfecting your quilts. There is also a thread cutter that can be operated by the foot pedal as well as by hand.
The machine comes with 60-stitch patterns built-in along with stitch recognition which means the machine will remember any patterns you used together so that you can use them again in the future at the touch of a button.
The Janome sewing machine does 820 stitches per minute and features a 7-piece feed dog. There is an LED light in the machine as well which will make sure that your eyes are not strained when you are making your masterpieces.
Known as a workhorse, this lightweight machine is a great investment for beginner quilters.
7. SINGER 7258
Last but not least, we have the Singer 7258. This machine comes equipped with a push-button stitch selector, which enables you to select your stitch with just a push of a button.
You get 10 presser feet for all kinds of things such as different zippers, overcasting, and hemstitches. There is also an automatic needle threader that can help you save time and effort when you sit down to start making your quilt.
The machine will make 750 stitches per minute and will reduce the strain on your eyes with its Stay Bright LED light. There is also a thread cutter as well as a drop-in bobbin with a clear cover which gives you access to monitoring the bobbin thread levels very easily.
The throat size is 7 inches and is great for people that are beginning to get into quilting. There is also a built-in storage space that will help you store all the bobbins and extra parts all in one convenient place.
Conclusion
Whether you have been making quilts for a while or are thinking of starting to get into this fun hobby, you will be familiar with large throat sewing machines. These machines have a large throat space which makes them perfect for making quilts.
From the added features to the simpler ones that will help you get the job done, we have compiled this list for you so you know which sewing machine will help you achieve your quilting goals. There is a buyer’s guide that will make you wiser when you go into the market to buy a large throat sewing machine.
We hope this guide helps you land on which sewing machine is the best one for you and you are happy with the purchase. You can always save this list and come back to it when you are ready to leap into buying a new sewing machine.
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