Whether it’s an attempt at a DIY weighted blanket or even a tote bag to rival the high street, quilting not only gives you a great sense of escapism – it’s super practical, too.
And while you can technically use the sewing machine at the back of your cupboard, it’s definitely worth investing in one with specialist quilting abilities if you’re planning on pursuing it – or simply want to do a good job.
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What is quilting?
Quilting is the process of sewing two or more pieces of material together, normally with padding in-between to create a thicker fabric. People often use quilting to create patchwork effects or get experimental with textures. There really are no limits when it comes to quilting though: you can use the technique to create things such as picnic blankets, new bedding sets, or even a sofa skin; plus, small quilts make wonderful presents for children and new babies.
The best sewing machines for quilting have some specialist functions, including multiple pre-programmed stitches, an extension table for larger projects, and a speed control function to name but a few. The best ones usually come with an LCD screen, too, so you can easily select speeds and stitch types, to make your life a whole lot easier, and your work a whole lot neater.
Best sewing machine for quilting: The shortlist
Brother FS100WT Free Motion Embroidery/Sewing and Quilting Machine
Read on to find out more about our selection of the best sewing machines for quilting, and discover the individual features that make them suitable for this creative hobby:
Best sewing machines for quilting
1 of 7Brother FS100WT
The FS100WT is the perfect quilting machine, first and foremost due to its space. Its large extension table makes it easy to work on larger pieces, and its speed control slider means you can get great accuracy as you do so. It's also great value for money, and comes with a number of accessories, including eight presser feet, and an instructional DVD. Avoid heavy-duty fabrics such as denim and leather with this one, though.Pros: Good size extension tableAffordable100 stitch selectionsCons: Not suitable for heavy-duty projects
£279.99
- Rrp: £419.00
2 of 7Uten Computerised Quilting Machine
If you're a beginner, this machine is your bread and butter. It's simple, and has clear, easy-to-follow instructions to get you started on your quilting journey. The machine does come with over 200 unique stitch designs, but don't let that overwhelm you, because the versatility of the machine allows you to set them to whatever size you need, from 0 to 7mm, or 0 to 4.5mm wide. It's also really useful to have the easy needle threader, drop-in top-loading bobbin, and an automatic winding system – so you really don't need to know much about the sewing world to be able to use it. Pros: Easy to use for beginnersEasy-to-read LCD displayStitch size and length versatilityCons: Experienced quilters might find it limited
£118.99
- Rrp: £139.99
3 of 7Singer Confidence 7640
For anyone looking for something to use more casually, the Singer Confidence 7640 is the crème de la crème. It has all the accessories you could possibly need (including an extension table, second spool pin, seam ripper and quilting guide), as well as nine extra feet. While working at its fastest, this machine can do 750 stitches per minute, and do note that it can be quite loud. However, it makes up for it in its smart features, as well as all the usual mod cons, such as a memory for alphanumeric stitches, an LCD screen, and it works well with most materials.Pros: Comes with lots of accessoriesGood size extension tableLED needle lightingCons: NoisyNo stitch pattern key
4 of 7Brother Innovis VQ2
As the VQ2 has so many functions, it may be a little overwhelming for beginners. But, if you're experienced in the quilting game, this is going to change everything. It stitches at 1,050 stitches per minute (one of the fastest around) and has a full-colour digital display, which not only comes programmed with stitches, but allows you to create and save custom stitches for yourself, as well as edit the ones on offer. What's also particularly great about the VQ2 is that you can set the machine to automatically lift the presser foot while the needle remains lowered, making easy and quick fabric manipulation.Pros: Custom stitch feature in full-colour digital displayAutomatic needle threaderPivot functionSuper-fast stitching (1,050 per minute)Cons: Not suitable for beginners
5 of 7Bernina 4 series S 435
While the Bernina 435 comes in at the top end of the price range, it is one of the most high-spec, well-made machines on the market, and its seven-year warranty proves that it's a future-proof investment. The jumbo-sized bobbin makes it perfect for quilting, and there's 650 built-in stitch patterns, so the options really are endless. The 435 also comes with a large full-colour screen which is easy to use at all ability levels, and the speed is an impressive 900 stitches per minute.Pros: Jumbo-sized bobbin Built to last – comes with a seven-year warrantySmooth stitching (and still 900 stitches per minute)Easy-to-use colour touch screenExtension tableCons: Expensive
6 of 7Brother FS130QC
The FS130QC is great for larger projects with its extension table and seven-point feed system, suitable for working with thicker layers of fabric. It's great for both beginners and experienced quilters, and comes with 10 presser feet. Other notable features include its quick set bobbin, automatic needle threader, and LCD display which make it an easy, and enjoyable experience. Note that you shouldn't move this machine around too much though, as it's quite bulky and heavy. Pros: Free arm sewingFast bobbin windingSpeed controlCons: Limited LCD display functions
7 of 7Singer Talent 3323
If you're just getting to grips with quilting, the Singer Talent 3323 ticks all the boxes. It's lightweight and offers essential features for an affordable price. It doesn't have a digital screen so perhaps wouldn't suit someone looking for fancy extras, as it's fully mechanical. It does however, have an extra high presser foot lister, automatic reverse and on-board storage. It even has a top drop-in bobbin, and an automatic needle threader, so even the most unexperienced sewers can get started in minutes.Pros: Great for beginnersAffordableSturdy constructionCons: Limited stitch options (23)Not great for heavy-duty projects
Quilting Videos
If you're just getting started with quilting, or need to brush up on some techniques, there are loads (absolutely LOADS) of how-to videos to watch on YouTube. Here's a selection that have helped our Editor, Sophie Knight, who's an avid quilter: