Best Sewing Machine For Free Motion Quilting
Best Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting
If you are an avid quilter, you know that a reliable sewing machine is essential to your craft. However, when it comes to free motion quilting, not all machines are created equal. Choosing the best sewing machine for free motion quilting can be challenging, as it requires a machine that can handle the unique demands of this technique. In this article, we will discuss the top sewing machines for free motion quilting and what features to look for when making your purchase.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Free Motion Quilting?
- Features to Look for in a Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting
- Top Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting
- Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
- Brother PQ1500SL
- Janome 3160QDC
- Juki TL-2010Q
- Bernina 770QE
- Comparison of the Top Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Free motion quilting is a technique that allows you to create unique designs on your quilt by moving the fabric under the needle of a sewing machine freely. Unlike traditional quilting, where the fabric is guided through the machine, free motion quilting requires the quilter to control the fabric’s movement.
To achieve the best results with free motion quilting, you need a machine that is designed for this purpose. A suitable sewing machine for free motion quilting should have features that allow you to adjust the machine’s tension, stitch length, and speed to accommodate different fabric types and thicknesses.
In this article, we will review some of the best sewing machines for free motion quilting available in the market today. We will also discuss the features to look for when purchasing a sewing machine for free motion quilting.
What is Free Motion Quilting?
Free motion quilting is a technique that involves moving the fabric under the needle of the sewing machine in any direction, allowing you to create unique designs and patterns. Unlike traditional quilting, where the quilter guides the fabric through the machine, free motion quilting requires you to control the fabric’s movement.
To achieve the best results with free motion quilting, you need to have complete control over the fabric’s movement. This technique requires a high level of skill and practice, as the quilter must move the fabric smoothly and at a consistent speed.
Features to Look for in a Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting
When choosing a sewing machine for free motion quilting, there are several features you should consider:
Throat Space
Throat space refers to the distance between the needle and the body of the machine. A sewing machine with a larger throat space allows you to work with larger quilts and gives you more room to maneuver the fabric.
Stitch Length
A sewing machine with adjustable stitch length allows you to create different stitch lengths and densities, which is essential for free motion quilting. This feature allows you to adjust the length of the stitch according to the type of fabric and the design you are creating.
Tension Adjustment
The tension of the thread is crucial in free motion quilting. A machine with adjustable tension allows you to adjust the thread tension to accommodate different fabrics and thread weights.
Feed Dogs
Feed dogs are the metal teeth that help move the fabric through the machine. In free motion quilting, the feed dogs should be lowered to allow the quilter to move the fabric freely.
Speed Control
A sewing machine with adjustable speed control allows you to work at your own pace, giving you more control over the fabric’s movement.
Top Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting
Now that we have discussed the key features to look for in a sewing machine for free motion quilting, let’s take a closer look at some of the best machines for this technique.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a versatile sewing machine that is suitable for both beginners and experienced quilters. This machine has a large throat space, making it ideal for quilting larger projects.
It also features adjustable stitch length and tension control, allowing you to customize your stitching for different fabrics and designs. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 also has a drop feed feature, which allows you to lower the feed dogs for free motion quilting.
Brother PQ1500SL
The Brother PQ1500SL is a high-speed sewing machine designed for quilters who want to work quickly and efficiently. It has a large throat space, making it suitable for larger quilting projects, and adjustable stitch length and tension control.
One of the key features of this machine is its speed control, allowing you to adjust the machine’s speed to your preferred pace. The Brother PQ1500SL also has a knee lifter, which allows you to raise and lower the presser foot without using your hands, giving you more control over the fabric’s movement.
Janome 3160QDC
The Janome 3160QDC is a computerized sewing machine that is ideal for quilters who want to work on more complex projects. It has a smaller throat space than some of the other machines on this list, but it is still suitable for quilting medium-sized projects.
This machine features adjustable stitch length and tension control, as well as a drop feed feature for free motion quilting. It also has a built-in needle threader, making it easier to thread the needle, and an automatic thread cutter, allowing you to quickly cut your threads after each stitch.
Juki TL-2010Q
The Juki TL-2010Q is a high-quality sewing machine designed for quilters who want precision and accuracy in their stitching. It has a large throat space and adjustable stitch length and tension control.
One of the standout features of this machine is its automatic thread trimmer, which cuts the thread after each stitch, making it easier to work quickly and efficiently. The Juki TL-2010Q also has a knee lifter, allowing you to raise and lower the presser foot without using your hands.
Bernina 770QE
The Bernina 770QE is a high-end sewing machine designed for quilters who want the very best in terms of quality and precision. It has a large throat space and adjustable stitch length and tension control.
One of the unique features of this machine is its BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator), which helps you maintain a consistent stitch length, even when free motion quilting. The Bernina 770QE also has a built-in needle threader and automatic thread cutter, making it easier to work quickly and efficiently.
Comparison of the Top Sewing Machines for Free Motion Quilting
Here is the complete comparison of the top sewing machines for free motion quilting:
| Sewing Machine | Throat Space | Stitch Length | Tension Adjustment | Feed Dogs | Speed Control | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 | 8.25 inches | Adjustable | Yes | Drop Feed | Yes | $ |
| Brother PQ1500SL | 9 inches | Adjustable | Yes | Drop Feed | Yes | $$ |
| Janome 3160QDC | 6.9 inches | Adjustable | Yes | Drop Feed | Yes | $$ |
| Juki TL-2010Q | 9 inches | Adjustable | Yes | Drop Feed | Yes | $$$ |
| Bernina 770QE | 10 inches | Adjustable | Yes | Drop Feed | Yes | $$$ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is free motion quilting, and how is it different from traditional quilting?
- Free motion quilting involves moving the fabric under the needle of a sewing machine in any direction to create unique designs and patterns. In traditional quilting, the fabric is guided through the machine.
- What features should I look for in a sewing machine for free motion quilting?
- A suitable sewing machine for free motion quilting should have a large throat space, adjustable stitch length and tension control, feed dogs that can be lowered for free motion quilting, and adjustable speed control.
- Can I use a regular sewing machine for free motion quilting?
- While it is possible to do free motion quilting on a regular sewing machine, a machine that is designed for this technique will make the process much easier and give you better results.
- What is the price range for sewing machines for free motion quilting?
- Sewing machines for free motion quilting can range from $ to $$$, depending on the brand and features.
- Which sewing machine is the best for free motion quilting?
- The best sewing machine for free motion quilting will depend on your budget and specific needs. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, Brother PQ1500SL, Janome 3160QDC, Juki TL-2010Q, and Bernina 770QE are all excellent options to consider.
Conclusion
Choosing the best sewing machine for free motion quilting is essential to achieving high-quality results in your quilting projects. When shopping for a sewing machine for this technique, consider the machine’s throat space, stitch length and tension control, feed dogs, and speed control. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, Brother PQ1500SL, Janome 3160QDC, Juki TL-2010Q, and Bernina 770QE are all top options to consider, depending on your budget and specific needs.