Quilting is the process of joining 3 layers of fabric together. For the process, you can stitch manually through hand using a needle, and a thread. On the same token, you can also perform it mechanically with a long arm quilting system, or sewing machine.
The Best Quilting Machine is also a sewing machine. However, they have a wide range of add-ons, and unique capabilities that make them unique from the regular sewing machine. In addition to it, you can notice the following differences between them:
- Work-Space- As the quilts are bulky, and huge projects, they require a far wider working space. In brief, the longer the machine, the larger the work area.
- Extension Table- It also has an allotment for an extension table. As they are meant for bigger projects, they will provide an extra boost in space, and ensure maneuverability while quilting.
- Stitches- If you are using a quilting machine then decorative stitches can go a long way. It is an excellent way to add style to your quilt when you are dealing with the borders.
- Speed, and Stability- What makes quilting machine unique is their fast-sewing speed. Serious quilters should buy one because a high-speed machine equates to faster project completion.
Top 5 quilting machines with their pros, and cons
Brother CS7000i Computerized quilting, and Sewing Machine
It is an excellent sewing machine for beginners. The product is inexpensive, and easy to use. In addition to it, the machine is versatile, and reliable to a great extent. The machine is light, and portable, so you can easily carry it to your quilt making classes.
Features of the product
- Speed- 850 stitches per minute
- Weight- 17 pounds
- Automatic needle threader
- Auto thread cutter
- Extended quilting table
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy-to-Use
- Portable
Cons
- Lighter than other expensive machines
Juki TL 2000-qi quilting machine
The product is one of the best quilting machines, and it has a large throat space. Stitch quality offered by the machine will surpass your expectations for sure. It suits best when you are looking for Best Quilting Machine that is capable to handle all type of fabrics.
Highlighted Features
- Speed- 1500 stitches per minute
- Throat Space- 8.5 inch
- Product Weight- 36 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threading
- Updated LED Lights
- Perfect for expert quilters
Pros
- Quilting Power
- Large Extension Table
- Heavy Frame
Cons
- Not possible for all to afford it
Janome MC6650 Computerized Quilting Machine
It comes with both, an extension table, and a quilt kit. With dozens of built-in stitches, you will enjoy this machine for years to come. The start/stop button enables you to sew without the foot control, and the up/down button is used to bring the needle up, and down.
Unique features of the product
- Thread Cutter Button
- 1000 Stitches per minute
- Easy to use Control Panel
- 10-inches throat space
- Product Weight- 34 Pounds
Pros
- 170 stitching options
- Automatic Needle Threader feature
- Thread trimmer Button
Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing, and quilting machine
The product is very easy to use. The features are a bit more advanced, and expensive.
Highlighted Features
- Sewing Speed- 850 Stitches per minute
- Throat Space- 5.75 inches
- Product Weight- 10 Pound
- Extra-wide sewing table
- Automatic Needle-Threader
- Large LCD Display Screen
- Adjustable Sewing Speed
- 25 Years Warranty
Pros
- Detachable Wide Table
- Light, and Portable Sewing Machine
Cons
- Very Light
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Quilting Machine
The machine is a favorite for many beginners, and intermediate quilters for many reasons. The product is very easy to use, and offers various priceless features like-
- 850 stitches per minute
- 5 inches throat space
- Product Weight- 20 pounds
- 600 built-in-stitches
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Drop-in-bobbin-system
- Extension Table
- Electronic twin needle settings
- Heavy-duty metal frame
Pros
- 600 stitches per minutes
- 25 Needle Positions
- Needle Threader
Cons
- Unable to use the quilting bar with the quilting foot
Benefits of Quilting
Quilting is an excellent creative, and practical hobby. In addition to it, quilting can impact your health in many positive ways. It plays a great role in helping you to relax, and to boost your self-confidence. Here are some of its health perks you should know while taking a quilting project.
- Reduces Stress- It enables you to reduce stress to a great extent. While quilting, as the mind concentrates on the task at hand.
- Improves Hand-Eye Co-ordination- Your hand-eye-co-ordination can improve during your project as it requires threading the fine string through a small needle hole.
- Lower risk of Dementia- Acc. to a study, individuals who take part in art, craft, and puzzles can reduce their dementia. Activities like quilting besides hand keep your mind sharp as they require to solve the problem mentally. For instance, measurement of a square, or how much fabric is required to complete a specific project.
- Lower Blood Pressure- Acc. to research, sewing help to lower your blood pressure, and reduce your heart rate.
- Boost Self-Confidence- When you go through the steps of the new project, you develop a sense of pride to see that the final project is made by you. Needless to say, that it boosts your self-confidence.
What Differences Do Quilting Machines Have from Sewing Machines?
Having the appropriate machine can make all the difference in the world, regardless of whether you are an experienced free-motion quilter or a beginner who is exploring quilting for the first time. Quilting can be done on pretty much any regular sewing machine you have lying around, though. A quilting machine is just another name for a sewing machine. The two are differentiated greatly by the numerous attachments and capabilities that come standard on a quilting machine.
Workspace
A quilting machine is the same thing as a sewing machine; however, in contrast to a standard sewing machine, it features an expanded selection of attachments and additional functions. In comparison to a standard sewing machine, a quilting machine features an enormously expanded work area. Because quilts are such large and cumbersome projects, the work area of a quilting machine needs to be particularly roomy to accommodate them. To put it another way, the simpler explanation is that the longer the machine, the wider the throat, and the larger the work area. In most cases, a sewing machine is referred to as a quilting machine if it has a throat that measures 9 inches wide by 6 inches high.
Extension Table
A quilting machine typically has space reserved for an extension table as well. This will provide you with an additional boost in space, making it easier for you to maneuver while you are quilting larger projects because it is designed for such use. Purchasing a quilting machine is essential if you intend to complete a project that calls for the addition of borders, bindings, or even a quilt measuring up to queen size.
Option for a Quarter-Inch Foot Add-on
A quilting machine’s option for a quarter-inch seam allowance makes it easier to machine piece a quilt top than it is to sew one. You can quilt accurately thanks to the quarter-inch piecing foot, which is especially useful for tasks that typically require a small seam allowance. When you purchase a quilting machine, this is typically included in the package.
Free-Motion Foot Add-On Option or Darning
With this feature, perfect stitch formation is guaranteed, and skipped stitches and puckering are reduced. Due to the fabric’s freedom of movement under the needle, it also keeps your fingers safe. This will be of great assistance to you if you are just starting with freehand quilting. Since quilters are typically very particular about this, the open-toe version greatly increases stitch visibility. Set your needle to the left needle position to get this excellent output while free motioning. Be sure to look for this feature when you are about to purchase a quilting machine because it is very important.
Option for Walking Foot Add-On
This function is essentially an additional set that is designed to help support the top of your project. This provides you with the additional boost required to feed through multiple layers, allowing you to quilt thick fabrics without having to struggle as much as you would otherwise. Additionally, quilting in straight lines is made a great deal easier with the assistance of this feature. If you are only interested in purchasing a quilting machine, the first thing you should look for is this add-on.
The Number of Stitches
If you’re using a quilting machine, decorative stitches can take your project to the next level. When it comes to dealing with borders, quilting with decorative stitches is an excellent way to add flavor and style to your work, and this is especially true when it comes to quilting. There are more than 200 different built-in stitches available for selection in the quilting designs of each machine.
Sewing Stability and Speed
Stability and speed sewing speed are the two characteristics that set a quilting machine apart from a regular sewing machine. Because a high-speed machine allows for quicker project completion, quilters who take their hobby seriously as well as those who do this for a living should strongly consider purchasing one. In most cases, the construction of a machine with such features results in a more robust work area that can better withstand the speed of the motor. The extra-wide flatbed and the solid foundation of the workspace are both visible manifestations of these stability features.
How Do Quilting Machines Work?
You might be familiar with the term “longarm quilting machines,” but you might not fully understand what it is about or how these machines even function. Practically everyone is familiar with a domestic sewing machine’s most fundamental feature. A foot pedal is used to control the motor that moves the needle up and down, and there is also a needle. While the user sits in front of the machine and guides the fabric with their hands, the needle and thread move together to stitch the pieces of fabric together.
This is a simplified explanation of how a home sewing machine works. In addition, they are capable of having hundreds of different decorative stitches, and unusual embroidery abilities, and can be very difficult. The straightforward machines with a straight stitch that our grandmothers used to use have undergone significant development since their day.
Throat Size
The fact that quilting machines are so much larger than other types of machines is precisely why the majority of quilters use them. Quilters can maneuver even enormous king-sized quilts through the machine with ease thanks to throat sizes. It is extraordinarily challenging to fit the bulk of a quilt through the opening of a conventional sewing machine. It can put a significant strain on the body and lessen the pleasure that comes from working on quilting projects. Not only does a quilting machine with a large throat remove the strain from your body, but it also opens up more options for creative expression.
Conclusion
Daily, humans have been observed to make use of machines for almost everything. No doubt, those machines have integrated themselves into our daily lives, and play a prominent role in the development of our society.
A perfect machine enables you to strive for something, stronger, faster, and better. When considering the Best Quilting Machine to buy, have a glance at what you are going to use your machine for.
So, for fruitful outcomes, it is recommended to keep the above-mentioned differences in mind. Firstly, set a budget that determines the available features to you. Various highly rated, and low-cost machines are available in this competitive market that meets your expectation.
Quilting machine makes the task of sewing heavy fabrics an easy one.