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Believe it or not, there is no need to buy an elaborate sewing machine with endless functions and a tone of feet when it comes to choosing the best machine for quilting. If you’re interested in learning how to quilt, you may want to look for a simple and more lightweight machine that you can carry with you to a class of sewing group, but if you’re already accustomed to the art of quilting you can adventure freely.
Quits, patchworks, wall hangings, bed covers, these are just an example of the large fabric projects you can complete using a sewing machine. Quilts are simple projects to start with and they can still look absolutely stunning if you know to combine types of fabric and patterns, embroider and apply details. Patchwork quilts are a great way to recycle pieces of fabric you no longer have a use for, so don’t hesitate to be creative.
Here you can find 5 of the best sewing machines for quilting under 500$.
Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Under $500 of 2020
1. SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
Due to its needle threader, you can have your machine threaded in just a matter of seconds: quick and efficient. With the optimum power control and the computerized 600 built-in stitches, you are in for the best experience. Eight of the most used stitches are located on the front panel: a direct stitch selection for the most commonly used types of stitch (including basic, decorative, crafting).
The stitches can be mirror imaged and elongated so you can have perfect vision on each stitch you make. The speed control feature helps you keep everything in control when you deal with larger pieces of fabric or when you have to complete an elaborate pattern.
The package contains a variety of presser feet: all-purpose foot already installed, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, satin stitch foot, narrow hem foot freehand embroidery foot, clear piping foot, and many more.
What’s to like?
- It has a maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute
- It has a needle threader built-in
- It includes 5 alphanumeric fonts and 13 built-in 1-step buttonholes
- The bobbin loads from the top and you can check the thread supply
- It comes with an extension table to increase the workspace
- It comes with a variety of presser feet and other accessories
- All the built-in stitches can be displayed on the front panel
- The LCD screen is large and well lit
- There is a needle up/down feature
What’s not to like?
- The embroidery letters are not sizeable
2. Janome Sewist 500 Sewing Machine
Affordable, durable, and easy to use, this is a sewing machine for those that want to keep their work simple and as effective as possible. It manages to power through multiple layers of fabric due to its resistant needle. It allows you to quickly pick the type of stitch you need due to a panel located on the front that displays the stitches and their corresponding letter.
The machine comes with a handful of accessories: six kinds of presser feet, a zipper foot, an overedge foot, an automatic buttonhole foot, a blind hemming foot, a straight stitching, zigzag foot, several bobbins, spool holders, needles, a spool pin, a seam ripper, a lint brush, a felt cushion, a screwdriver, and a helpful quilting guide.
This sewing machine is beginner-friendly: it comes with a user’s manual that is very explicit and easy to understand even for a person that does not know how to sew at all. The hard case included helps you not only keep it safe from scratches and dust but also safely transport it if needed.
What’s to like?
- It can create straight stitches with exact measurements
- It works really well with universal needles
- It offers 25 variants of built-in stitches
- It provides over 860 stitches per minute
- The automatic needle threader does its job in a matter of seconds
- It has width dial and a length dial
- The foot pressure can be adjusted
- It comes with a free arm for long pieces of fabric
- It comes with a hard case for storage
What’s not to like?
- It has a grinding noise, especially when used for the first time
3. Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
Equipped with 7-piece feed dog that assures precision fabric control with even the slippery type of fabric of them all, this Janome sewing machine has easy to use features and is one of the best choices for quilting and crafting. Each type of stitch is displayed on the front of the machine and has a corresponding letter: easy to see and use even for a beginner.
It comes with all the standard accessories: a needle set, blind hem foot, specialized bobbin, buttonhole foot, zig-zag foot, and zipper foot. It is very simple to thread, there is no need to twist your neck: the needle eye faces frontward. The 4-step buttonhole has a balance adjuster that guarantees precise results on specialty fabrics.
The bobbin has a see-through cover so you can keep track of how much thread you have left. The hand carrying handle proves to be very helpful when lifting and carrying, providing enough support to carry the machine even on longer distances between rooms or buildings.
What’s to like?
- It features 18 decorative and utility stitches
- It has a built-in buttonhole
- It has a maximum stitch width of 5mm
- The free arm included is perfect for sewing pants and collars
- It features an extra high presser foot lift
- The needle position is adjustable
- The workspace is perfectly lit
- It’s a great beginner model
What’s not to like?
- It does not have an automatic threader function
4. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i
Ready for any project you may have in mind, this sewing and quilting machine comes with 9 presser feet: buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blind stitch, button fitting, walking, and spring action quilting foot. It is gifted with a variety of features to help you complete your project with efficiency: a start/stop button, specialty feet included, quick-set bobbin, needle position key (up/down), accessory storage, free motion quilting foot, quick reference stitch guides and more.
It comes with a built-in free arm for sewing pants, collars, and sleeves and also has a hard case to store, carry and protect it. While being a great help for a professional, this machine would also be a perfect model for a beginner. Although a computerized machine may seem intimidating, Brother CS6000i also has slow speed settings and allows selecting the wanted stitch with the touch of a button.
What’s to like?
- It features 70 built-in stitches
- Electronic variable speed control
- The bobbin winding system is very easy to use
- It features an automatic needle threader
- It comes with an oversized wide table for larger pieces of fabric
- The LED light is bright and won’t overheat
- It sews light, medium and heavy fabrics
- It provides straight, uniform and durable stitches
What’s not to like?
- There is no adjustable presser foot pressure
5. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Janome HD3000 was designed for a large range of sewing projects, a heavy-duty machine that comes with all the features and accessories needed to start sewing right out of the box. If you’re looking for a machine that manages denim and canvas, this is the one to go for. It maintains its stability whilst sewing and there is no disturbing noise (just the usual murmur, specific to a sewing machine).
It comes with a hard-duty protective case for storage and carrying and a handful of accessories including spare bobbins, different feet, a screwdriver and a lint brush. The user’s manual is easy to understand even if this is the first time you purchase a sewing machine. This particular machine has most of its gears made out of metal, it is durable and, if maintained properly, it will last you a lifetime.
What’s to like?
- It has 18 built-in stitches to choose from
- It is quiet and runs smoothly
- It has a speed of 860 stitches per minute
- It comes with 7 presser feet
- It features an automatic needle threader
- It offers a stitch length of 4mm and a stitch width of 6.5mm
- There is a free arm for trousers, collars, and sleeves
- The built-in work light is bright and perfectly positioned
- It fits well in small spaces and can be easily stored
What’s not to like?
- May get a little louder when working with soft fabrics
Buying guide – What to consider when buying a sewing machine
Ease of use: A sewing machine shouldn’t intimidate you and that’s why we recommend choosing a model you’re familiar with. If you think you could use the feature of a computerized machine, you should go for it; if not, stick to a mechanical one, with a simple startup process, basic functions, and easy operations.
Easily adjustable sewing speed: The sewing speed is important especially if you plan on using the machine on daily basis. A good sewing machine should reach more than 850 stitches per minute regardless if you’re working with heavy or light types of fabric. The sewing speed knob or button helps you keep everything under control and it’s a great feature for beginners.
A free arm included: the free arm is vital when working with large pieces of fabric or when dealing with trousers, sleeves, collars, and cuffs. A free arm helps you reach every curve and corner with ease and it can be removed when it’s not needed.
Lighting: A well-lit workspace does make a difference for those that spend hours working with a sewing machine. Proper lighting keeps your eyes from stinging and getting tired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quilting projects I could try?
Originally made out to keep you warm, nowadays quilts are a form of art. You can try to create decorative quilts, wall hangings, pillowcases, valances, table cloths, and even quilted jackets or purses.
Can I use a regular sewing machine for quilting?
The answer is affirmative: after all, a quilting machine is, in fact, a sewing machine. Although a quilting machine has some additional features, a regular machine should do the job.
What are some simple quilting patterns?
If you are a beginner it’s recommended to start with large squares, which leaves less room for errors, try choosing patterns with squares and rectangles in bright colors, easy to spot and practice with.