10 Best Sewing Machines For Quiltings 2025 in the United States

The Janome Continental M6 is a strong choice for quilting enthusiasts thanks to its spacious 17.81-inch throat space, which offers plenty of room to maneuver large quilts comfortably. With 400 built-in stitches, including five alphabet styles, and a maximum speed of 1,300 stitches per minute, it provides versatility and quick work for both decorative and functional stitching. The machine features a 7-inch color touchscreen that makes selecting stitches and settings easier, even for less experienced users. Its upstanding dual thread stands and auto-declutch bobbin winder allow smooth threading and bobbin preparation, which is helpful for continuous sewing sessions. The included bonus kit enhances its quilting potential with an extra-wide extension table for extra fabric support, professional presser feet, and the AcuFeed foot that helps feed multiple fabric layers evenly, a must-have for quilting.

The full LED lighting system ensures excellent visibility of your work area. While it does not explicitly mention adjustable needle positions or feed dog control in the specs, its quilting-specific features like rulerwork mode and stitch tapering indicate thoughtful design for controlling stitch placement. It is a heavier machine at over 38 pounds, which might make it less portable if you plan to move it frequently. Some advanced users might prefer even more customizable feed dog settings or needle positions.

This machine shines with its generous workspace, wide stitch selection, and helpful quilting accessories, making it ideal for serious quilters who want a reliable, feature-rich machine to handle large projects smoothly.

The Brother XR9550 is a versatile sewing and quilting machine that boasts a commendable array of features suited for both beginners and experienced quilters. One of its standout qualities is the 165 built-in stitches, which include a wide variety of utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches, providing ample creative options for your quilting projects. The intuitive LCD display makes it easy to navigate through the stitch selections and settings, simplifying the process for anyone who might feel overwhelmed by more complex machines.

With its generous throat space and included wide table, the XR9550 is designed for handling larger quilting projects comfortably. It also features a convenient automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, which are beneficial for saving time and reducing frustrations during sewing. However, there are a few aspects to consider. While the automatic thread cutter is a great addition, some users might find that the machine is heavier and bulkier than other portable options, making it less ideal for those needing a lightweight device to carry around.

The inclusion of 8 presser feet and a comprehensive instructional DVD is a nice touch for users who are just starting or want to expand their techniques. Despite the solid support offered by Brother, including free technical assistance, some users may experience a learning curve due to the machine's computerized nature. The Brother XR9550 is a strong candidate for anyone looking to delve into quilting, offering a blend of functionality and ease of use, although it may not be the most portable option available.

The Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition is well-suited for quilting enthusiasts who want a machine that offers plenty of space and advanced features. With an 11" x 4.7" throat space, it provides ample room to comfortably manage large quilt pieces. It boasts a wide range of 170 built-in stitches, including alphabets and buttonholes, allowing for creative and functional stitching options. The needle position can be easily adjusted, and the included feed dog controls, such as the detachable AcuFeed Flex system, help feed multiple fabric layers evenly—great for quilting precision.

Automatic functions like the thread cutter and thread tension control simplify the sewing process, saving time and reducing hassle. The bonus extra-wide extension table expands the working area, which is very helpful when handling bulky quilt projects. The machine also features an easy-to-read touchscreen, adjustable presser foot pressure, and bright LED lights that illuminate the work area well.

While the stitch width maxes out at a respectable 9mm and stitch length up to 5mm, some advanced quilters might desire even wider stitch options or higher speed for faster sewing. The machine is also on the heavier side at 35 pounds, so it may not be ideal if portability is a priority. This Janome model represents a strong choice for quilters looking for a combination of space, stitch variety, and helpful automation, though it leans more toward home use than professional portability.