Creative people always want to make free motion quilting instead of buying them. It is an art and you cannot achieve the mastery of this art without the best sewing machines for free motion quilting. Free motion quilting takes a lot of practice to get the job done and without a good sewing machine, you cannot do that easily.
It will help you sew faster than traditional sewing machines and provide a large area to comfortably complete the project. So you have to get the best machine that works best for your needs and helps you get your job done perfectly.
Can You Free Motion Quilt on Any Sewing Machine?
In the free motion quilt, you have to sew in any direction to add stitches. However, a regular sewing machine does not give you that range of freedom to sew in any direction. To do that, you need to disengage your feed dog by tweaking the machine a bit. You need to take down the feed dog and swap the foot. If you own the latest sewing machine, you can easily do that since it is capable of this function.
On the other hand, if you own a traditional old fashioned sewing machine, you may not do that. In that case, you need to use a supreme slider that will glide your quilt through easily. So overall, you can free motion quilts on almost all types of sewing machines. However, you need modification and you might not get the flexibility and continence doing it. That is why it is better to have a machine specially designed for the motion quilt.
Table of Content:
Are you running out of time? If so, then you should have a look at the section below to get an overall idea about what we have discussed below.
Comparison Chart:
We have bought a comparison chart with some good sewing machines for your free motion quilting. Have a look at this to make a better decision.
IMAGE | NAME | EDITOR'S RATINGS | DETAILS |
 | Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine | ||
 | Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine | ||
 | Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine | ||
 | SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine | ||
 | Heureux Z6 Sewing and Quilting Machine |
Best Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting Reviews 2020
The market is now flooded with so many brands and models of sewing machines for free motion quilting. As a result, it becomes tougher for the newbie to find the right one. That is why we have created a list for you with some good machines to make your finding easier.
1. Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Janome Quilting Machine is an amazing sewing machine that you should consider buying for the free motion quilting project. It can be the best sewing machines for quilting with a 10″ all-metal seamless flatbed that offers you the spaces to move and stitch the quilt with ease. With its 1000 rpm Maximum sewing speed, you can easily complete small to large quilting projects without any hassle.
It offers 170 stitches to choose from so that you can select any stitches to complete different types of projects including free motion quilting. You have a simple on-off switch button that delivers hassle-free starting. Besides, when you start the machine, it will be set to your favorite stitching setting for more convenience.
The machine has 2 alphabets along with a one-push needle plate conversion that adds more comfort in your project completion. Even you have 6 LEDs in 3 locations that allow you to work even in the dark condition. That means no matter it is day or night, you can start your project and run it at your convenience time.
2. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
Juki Computerized Quilting Machine comes with a variety of patterns as well as stitches that deliver versatility. You will get 255 sewing patterns along with 4 fonts that allow you to work on different purposes including the free motion quilting. It has a large and wide work surface that ensures more flexibility while working with a large quilt.
You have different types of presser feet that allow you to work with more comfort. Its large LCD display comes with an easy pattern selection that reduces the worry of choosing and setting the sewing pattern. Also, you have the easy and simple one-finger automatic needle threading that removes the need for manual threading.
With its high 900 rpm speed, you can get your job done fast. Also, you can low down the speed to 80 rpm that ensures even more flexibility. Besides, you have a precise feeding system that allows you to stop the needle immediately and precisely. Even you will get 2 LED lights so that you can work easily at low light or night.
3. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother PQ1500SL is a very good sewing machine for quilting that you can use for both free-motion quilting and other sewing tasks. It offers you a maximum speed of 1,500 stitches per minute so that you can easily sew and quilt more within a very short time. You have the automatic needle threader that reduces the hassle and time to thread the needle.
You have a wide table along with the 7 sewing feet that make it perfect for the project with large free motion quilt making. Also, you have the instruction manual and more so that you can learn and use it easily. It features a knee-lifter that allows you to lift the presser foot easily with the knee so that you can leave your hands free.
With its precise pin feeding system, you can easily sew a wide variety of fabrics regardless of its thickness. Even you have four additional feed dog settings that ensure good fabric control during the project. So all in all, this one can be a great machine for your free motion quilting.
4. SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
If you are after the best sewing machines for free motion quilting, then you should consider the SINGER Computerized Portable Sewing Machine. It offers 600 Built-In stitches that allow you to work with different fabrics on different projects. You have 5 alphanumeric fonts along with 13 1-Step buttonholes. With its simply one-touch button, you can easily choose any stitches as per the demand.
The machine runs at a maximum speed of 850 stitches-per-minute so that you can complete your project faster. At the same time, this speed helps you work with fabrics with different thicknesses as well. With its extension table, it allows you to work in larger projects or free motion quilting projects. It has a Drop-In Bobbin System that removes the hassle of bobbin load up.
It is constructed with heavy-duty metal so that it can ensure durability and provide the stability you need. Even you have the mirror imaging as well as stitch elongation for better creativity. Its built-in needle threader allows you to easily thread the needle and removes the pressure on the eye.
5. Heureux Z6 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Up next is the Heureux Z6 Sewing and Quilting Machine which is one of the great sewing machines under $500 that provides a hassle-free experience of free motion quilting. It comes with around 200 built-in stitches for more versatility. You will get more basic, stretch, decorative, and other stitches to fulfill your various stitching demand. With its stitch selector, you can easily choose your stitch.
This is a great sewing machine for quilting beginners with its LCD display there as well that shows you the current stitch setting and helps you choose the right stitch. Even if you do not know how to use this machine properly, no worry, this one comes with a complete user manual. An automatic needle threader is there as well that can help you thread the needle without pressuring your eyes.
It offers sewing arm frontal pivot arm along with heavy-duty construction that prolongs the durability. With its 700RPM powerful sewing speed motor, you can sew several types of fabrics without any hassle. Even you will get a variety of accessories so that you can easily get your job done perfectly. So overall, this one might be a perfect one for free motion quilting for newbies.
What Stitch Do You Use For Free Motion Quilting?
The length of the stitch for the free motion quilting varies with different variables including the thread type, experience, and machine speed. That is why it will be different for different people as well. However, a general rule of thumb is 2.5mm for free motion quilting. If you are using a thick thread in your sewing machine, you will need a long stitch to get the job effectively. On the other hand, if you have a thin thread, it will be better to use a short stitch for sure.
Besides, if you have a speedy machine that can stitch fast enough, you will surely have small stitches. Of course, for that, you must be experienced enough. On the contrary, if you are not that experienced, you cannot get that tiny stitch even if you have a fast machine. Similarly, if your machine is slower, no matter how experienced you are, you will have large stitches. So overall, as a beginner, you can go for the 2.5mm stitch. As you become more experienced, you can easily make it smaller and more beautiful.
Final Recommendation
Free motion quilting is a time consuming and tiresome task to do. A good sewing machine can help you smoothly complete the project while proving maximum comfort. At the same time, it can make your project more beautiful and convenient. That is why we have portrayed some of the best sewing machines for free motion quilting with their pros and cons.
However, if you are not sure about choosing the best one, I will recommend you to choose the SINGER Computerized Portable Sewing Machine. It offers you a large selection of stitches with a simple stitch changing switch for versatile stitching. You can complete the project fast with its stitching speed of 850 where its extension table allows you to work on larger projects. It has heavy-duty metal construction for durability and stability and stitches elongation for better creativity. So overall, you can pick this one for your upcoming free motion quilting project.
