Every hopeful textile artist knows how important it is to have a functional and versatile sewing machine. If you need a machine that is good for both embroidery and quilting, then you might want to consider features specifically designed to make both tasks easier.
What are the best sewing machines for embroidery and quilting? You should look for a computerized machine that is loaded with designs, decorative stitches, and fonts for embroidery but also adjustable to become a versatile quilting machine as well.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the best sewing machines for embroidery and quilting, so you can find the perfect machine for your needs.
Types Of Sewing Machines
There are a few different types of sewing machines with different configurations and ease of use. The ones that are often used for quilting and embroidery are mainly electronic sewing machines and computerized sewing machines.
Electronic Sewing Machine
Electronic sewing machines run using a motor, making sewing more effortless. You simply press a foot pedal, and the motor will run to help you create your stitches.
Newer models of electronic sewing machines are also packed with other convenient features that make sewing easier, like automatic tension, automatic needle threader, speed control, adjustable stitch lengths, etc.
However, one disadvantage of electronic sewing machines is that you can’t expand the machine’s capabilities because you won’t be able to import new stitches and designs to the machine, making it quite limited. That’s where computerized sewing machines can help.
Computerized Sewing Machine
Computerized sewing machines do everything that regular sewing machines do, plus computerized features that make the machine highly customizable and user-friendly.
Most computerized sewing machines come with a display screen that you can use to adjust the machine’s settings and customize your designs using the built-in fonts and designs.
In addition, you can also import new designs from your computer to the sewing machine to create any design that you can. In this sense, a computerized sewing machine is far superior to an electronic sewing machine because you can expand its capabilities.
Which Sewing Machine Is Best For Both Embroidery and Quilting?
Technically, all sewing machines can both embroider and quilt if you do free-hand embroidery and free-hand quilting.
Most computerized sewing and quilting machines come with built-in decorative stitches and alphabets, and you can use these features to create very simple embroidery designs.
However, if you would like to create sophisticated embroidery designs, you can opt for a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that can also quilt. These sewing machines usually allow you to import new embroidery designs to create whatever design you’d like.
Depending on your preference, you may want to opt for a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that can also quilt or a computerized sewing and quilting machine that can create simple embroidery designs.
Computerized Sewing Machine Features
Most computerized sewing machines come with the basic features below.
Stitches
Most sewing machines come with built-in stitches that the machine can create. The number of built-in stitches depends on your machine’s price point, but it can vary from just a few to hundreds of stitches.
Don’t worry because all sewing machines come with basic stitches that are the building blocks of most sewing projects, like the straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and buttonhole stitch.
You’ll also be able to vary the stitch length and width to serve different types of fabric (like stretchy fabrics or delicate fabrics) and sewing techniques (like gathering and smocking).
Here’s where the line between sewing and embroidery gets blurry: besides the basic stitches, most computerized sewing machines come with decorative stitches and alphabets that you can use to embellish your fabric.
If this is all you need when it comes to embroidery, then you can look at the decorative stitch options to see if they spark your interest.
Automatic Tension Adjustment
When sewing, thread tension will vary depending on the stitch you use and the fabric you’re sewing. If you don’t adjust the tension to suit the project, your stitches may not look tidy and may even pucker underneath the fabric.
That’s why automatic tension adjustment is quite a handy feature since it takes out the guesswork and keeps your stitches perfect, no matter what you’re sewing.
Bobbin Loading
Your sewing machine needs to sew with two threads instead of one to cover both sides of the fabric, and the bottom thread is winded on a bobbin that’s either front-loading or top-loading.
Newer models of sewing machines usually have a top-loading mechanism that’s quite easy to use, and it even has a clear cover so that you can monitor your thread and see when you need to reload the bobbin.
Speed Control
The speed at which the machine can create your stitches can make a difference as well. A lot of beginner sewers love using a lower speed because it’s less intimidating, but it also means sewing will be slower.
You should also know that speed control means something different for sewing and embroidery. Since embroidery machines create stitches based on your design automatically, embroidery stitches can actually be created at the speed of more than 600 stitches per minute.
This speed can also be affected by how complicated your embroidery design is. If the design is more complicated, your embroidery machine may work slower.
Presser Feet
A lot of sewing machines also come with an assortment of presser feet that allow you to create buttonholes, sew zippers, or work with difficult fabrics with ease.
Make sure to get snap-on presser feet so that you can switch them in and out easily, especially if you need to switch them mid-project.
Automatic Needle Threader
An automatic needle threader is also a huge help if you have poor eyesight or difficulties threading the machine’s needles. An automatic needle threader is a feature that allows you to pull lever to automatically loop your thread through the needle’s eye.
Free Arm
A free arm is a removable plastic container at the end of the working area. You can use it to store your spare presser feet and bobbins, and you can also remove it to sew small loops like cuffs without bending the fabric awkwardly.
Light
New sewing machine models also come with a small light to make the working area easier to see. The light is quite useful for people with poor eyesight or who would like to see the stitches clearly when you work.
Quilting Features
Most sewing machines are quite adept and free-hand quilting, especially with the features that we have mentioned. However, here are some specific features that can make quilting easier.
Extension Table
When you’re sewing a quilt, it’s very likely to be a big blanket or jacket with multiple layers that can get quite heavy. The working area of a regular sewing machine is usually very small, so it won’t be able to support the weight of big quilts.
Unless you place your sewing machine on a big table, the quilt will likely drop on the floor, making feeding the fabric through the machine very difficult and labor-intensive.
That’s why having an extension table to extend your working area to support the weight of the quilt can be quite handy.
Some sewing machines have an extension table, while others have compatible extension tables that you often have to buy in addition to the machine.
Throat Space
Similarly, the throat space is the space on the other side of the working area, to the right of the needle. This is where your quilt will be rolled up if you need to create stitches in the middle of the fabric.
Obviously, if the throat space is very small, sewing big quilts will be quite difficult. That’s why quilting machines usually have a larger throat space to accommodate bigger quilts.
Dropping Feed Dogs
The feed dogs are the metal teeth underneath the fabric to help feed the fabric through the machine as you work. However, you don’t actually need the feed dogs if you are doing free-hand quilting.
Dropping the feed dogs will allow the quilt to move freely through the machine without being guided in one direction by the feed dogs. A lot of sewing machines allow you to drop the feed dogs with a switch, but this feature isn’t always available, so make sure you look for it!
Knee Lifter
A kneed lifter allows you to lift the presser foot using your knee underneath the machine.
When you need to work on a big, complicated design with lots of turns and switches, using a knee lifter makes this process a lot more seamless compared to manually adjusting the feed dogs with your hand.
Embroidery Features
Most sewing machines come with decorative stitches and alphabets, but if you want more complicated embroidery designs, you’ll need to look for an embroidery and sewing machine. They usually come with some additional features below.
Embroidery Hoops
Complicated embroidery designs quire the use of embroidery hoops so that the fabric is kept taut while the machine creates the design.
Embroidery hoops usually come with the machine that you purchase, but you can also buy additional sizes to suit the design that you want to create.
Make sure to get the snap-on hoops that are super easy to attach to the machine. This will make the setup process much easier.
Embroidery Size
The embroidery size is the maximum size of the design that your machine can embroider, and usually, it’s no larger than 6″ by 10″.
Of course, this size is also limited by the size of your embroidery hoop. Since the embroidery cannot reach the edges of the hoop, the actual maximum size of the embroidery is usually slightly smaller.
Build-In Fonts & Designs
With embroidery and sewing machines, you’ll also have your choices of built-in embroidery and fonts, which you can customize. Depending on the price point of your machine, the selection of built-in designs and fonts can be quite expansive.
Connectivity
A big advantage of computerized sewing and embroidery machines is if you are not happy with the built-in designs, you can also add your own designs to the machine.
That’s where connectivity options are quite important. You should check whether you can import your design to the machine using a USB port, WiFi, or Bluetooth.
These options will tell you how easy it is to import new designs to the machine, thus expanding your embroidery design library.
Best Sewing Machines For Embroidery And Quilting
Having mentioned all the features you’ll need to look for when buying a sewing machine for both embroidery and quilting, let’s take a look at some great options below.
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine | Computerized sewing and embroidery machine that also quilts, 138 Designs, 240 Built-in Stitches |
2. | Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine | Computerized sewing and embroidery machine that also quilts, 80 Designs, 103 Built-In Stitches |
3. | Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine | Computerized sewing and quilting machine with 255 built-in stitches |
4. | SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine | Computerized sewing and quilting machine with 600 built-in stitches and 5 fonts for basic embroidery |
5. | Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine | Computerized sewing and quilting machine with 110 built-in stitches and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches for basic embroidery |
6. | Heureux Sewing and Quilting Machine | Computerized sewing and quilting machine with 110 built-in stitches and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches for basic embroidery |
7. | Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine | Computerized sewing and quilting machine with 170 Stitches and 2 alphabets for basic embroidery |
1. Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
This Brother Sewing and Embroidery Machine is a versatile machine that is perfect for both quilting and embroidery. It offers 138 built-in embroidery designs and 11 fonts, plus 240 stitches for quilting and sewing.
The 3.2″ inch LCD screen allows you to easily customize designs. In addition, this machine has many features that make it easy to use, including a top-loading bobbin and automatic needle threader.
It also has a large 5″ x 7″ embroidery area, allowing you to create big yet detailed designs. The machine comes with a wide variety of accessories, including an embroidery hoop and eight presser feet, making it easy to expand its capabilities.
2. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE600 Sewing & Embroidery Machine is a powerful machine that is perfect for a lot of projects.
You can experiment with 80 built-in embroidery designs and six embroidery lettering fonts and also enjoy 103 built-in stitches for quilting.
It also has a backlit LCD touchscreen display that makes it easy to customize your work, and the machine comes with a built-in needle threader that makes threading the needle a breeze.
In addition, you’ll also get a ton of useful accessories like seven presser feet, a 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop, and an embroidery arm.
The Brother SE600 is a great machine for anyone who wants to be able to sew and embroider their own clothes or make beautiful quilts with unique touches.
3. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing Machine is made for sewing and quilting, but it can also be great for embroidery as well.
It has 255 built-in stitches, including basic, stretch, decorative, letters, and buttonhole stitches.
In addition, you’ll also enjoy features like an automatic needle threader, an LCD display screen, a speed control lever, and other convenient features.
The machine also has a convenient accessories compartment, which is filled with bobbins and presser feet that you can use in your next project.
If you are looking for a versatile sewing machine that is perfect for quilting, embroidery, and general sewing, this Juki Computerized Sewing Machine is the perfect choice for you.
4. SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine
The SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine has quite a few features that are friendly to both quilting and embroidery.
It has an extensive selection of stitches, including basic, stretch, and decorative stitches, so you can create a variety of different looks on different types of fabric.
In addition, it comes with a selection of fonts for basic embroidery, making it easy to personalize your projects. For quilting, you’ll also enjoy the help of an extension table that’s included with the machine.
The machine also has a ton of convenient features that you can expect from a Brother machine, including an automatic needle threader, LCD screen, adjustable speed, stitch length, tension, and top-loading bobbin.
With all these features, the SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine is a great choice for both beginner and experienced textile artists who want to experiment with different techniques and designs.
5. Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother XR9550 Sewing & Quilting Machine is an easy-to-use machine that is perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers.
It comes with 110 built-in utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches that are perfect for sewing, quilting, and embroidery.
Additionally, it has 55 alphanumeric stitches for embroidery. With so many stitches to choose from, you’ll be able to create any project you can imagine.
The machine also comes with a number of helpful features, such as a built-in needle threader, a drop-in top bobbin, and an LCD screen for customization. The extension table can also provide much-needed support for quilting.
6. Heureux Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Heureux Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine also come with a wide range of stitches and features that you can use to quilt or embroider.
With 200 sewing stitches and 100 alphanumeric sewing stitches, this machine provides plenty of options for creativity. The decorative embroidered stitching is also a nice touch.
The backlit LCD display makes it easy to see and customize your stitch selections; plus, there are convenient, beginner-friendly features like an automatic needle threader, adjustable needle position, up and down button for the needle, and adjustable feed dog height, which is quite useful for quilting.
7. Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine offers 170 stitches, as well as two alphabets for quilting and embroidery.
The machine also has a number of other features that make it ideal for both tasks.
For example, it has a built-in thread cutter, an automatic needle threader, a built-in bobbin winder, and other convenient features for both free-hand quilting and embroidery.
With all of these features, this Janome machine can definitely accommodate your creativity in future projects.
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