Is it a strenuous job for you to make a quilt with a normal sewing machine? Are you frustrated due to the smaller work area of your machine during Quilting? Don’t worry; I have found the solution to the problem. A long-arm quilting lighting machine can do the job for you.
If you are a professional quilter and want to avoid any kind of interruptions in your quilting job, the best long-arm quilting machines are just the right choice for you. These machines have more power and are designed for heavy-duty quilting. Our team came through multiple quilting machines and compiled some of the best to make your purchase easier.
All 5 revised quilting machines are best in their respective usage, but to save you time, here are our straightforward recommendations for the overall best quilting machine – one mechanical and the other computerized.
| IMAGE | PRODUCTS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 Best for Home
|
Brother CS6000i
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
#2 Best Mechanical
|
Brother PQ1500SL
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
#3 Best Computerized
|
Janome 4120QDC
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
Top 5 Long Arm Quilting Machine
Quilting might be a hobby for some, but for me, it’s part of my profession. I had used a Singer Heavy Duty machine for my regular stitching and quilting for many years. But because of its smaller work area and insufficient speed, I couldn’t quilt any large project. So I had to find myself a dedicated long-arm quilting machine.
Reading this article, you must be going through the same problem. So here are my top 5 straightforward recommendations for you if you want to your self from a regular sewing machine to a longarm quilting machine.
Brother PQ1500SL: Best Long Arm Quilting Machine For Professionals
Specifications:
- Stitch Speed: 1500spm
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty
- Automatic Needle Threader.
- Built-in Knee Lifter.
- Automatic Thread Trimmer.
Searching for a professional quilting machine, I found Brother among some of the top quilting machines and considered buying it due to its premium features.
What I like the most about this machine are its durability and speed. The high-speed motor installed in the quilter provides extra power so we can conveniently stitch the quilt at high speed of 1500 stitches per minute. The durability and speed combo work as a powerhouse with long-lasting results in less time.
It has many advanced features that ease out my quilting job, like threading the needle with the automatic needle threader installed in the machine. With a drop-in jam-resistant bobbin, it works without jamming and adds fluency. The quilting machine also has a thread trimmer which goes excellent for trimming the thread without any barriers.
The quilting machine comes with an additional wide table so we can sew wide quilts. With a knee lifter attached at the bottom, we can work with our hands to give direction to the quilt and use the knee lifter to lift the presser foot.
Brother PQ1500SL includes 7 different presser feet, which we can use to handle multiple types of sewing This includes a standard foot, zipper foot, invisible zipper foot, roll hem foot, spring action quilting foot, ¼” piecing foot, walking foot, and a seam guide. This empowers you to do a variety of sewing projects.
This machine also has 4 built-in feed dog positions that you can adjust according to the type of fabric. The quilting machine has a precision pin feed system that can conveniently feed multiple layers of fabric inside the quilting machine.
Accessories
- 7 different pressure feet.
- Extra large extension table.
- Knee lifter.
- Machine cover.
- Seam guide.
- Fabric separator.
- Bobbin set.
- Needles.
- Cleaning brush.
- 2 screwdrivers.
- Lining plate screw.
Here, you can learn to make a mug rug as your first DIY quilting project.
- Lightening fast speed of 1500 spm.
- Highly durable machine with lifelong reliability.
- Adjustable pin feed for easy multiple-layer stitching.
- Free hands with a knee lifter.
- Large throat size with extended arm for convenient quilting.
- Not have a variety of quilting patterns but just a straight stitch.
- Limited to professional usage only as its price is high.
Brother PQ1500SL is one of the best long-arm quilting machines for professionals as it comes with all the necessary features a quilter might think of for his quilting job. The quilting machine is excellent for people who want to start quilting.
Click Here to See More Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Stitch Speed: 1500spm
- Weight: 25.4 pounds
- Automatic Needle Threader.
- Built-in Knee Lifter.
- Automatic Thread Trimmer.
There is a second option of Juki TL-2000Qi for professional quilters, which is relatively lesser in price. This machine might feel inferior to Brother’s on the specs sheet, but I assure you that it does not lack any performance.
On the outlook, it seems similar to the Brother’s quilting machine, with the same sturdy and durable design with aluminum construction. It also has advanced features, like an automatic needle threader, a built-in knee lifter, and an automatic thread trimmer. In short, it’s pretty similar to the Brother in terms of performance, experience, build quality, and design.
The high-power motor of the swinging machine with a stitch speed of 1500 SPM can easily make a large quilt in no time. This machine comes with a standard foot, walking foot, compensating 1/4″ foot, and a ⅕” free motion foot. Also, it has a feed dog adjuster.
The only difference is that it has 2 different built-in dog feed positions and 6 different stitch lengths. However, it performs with the same smoothness with high stitch quality for professional usage.
Accessories
- Extra walking foot.
- Extra large extension table.
- Knee lifter.
- Bobbin set.
- Needles.
- Screwdrivers.
- Lightening fast speed of 1500 spm.
- Highly durable machine with lifelong reliability.
- Big throat to fit the king-size quilt complemented with an extended table.
- Free hands with a knee lifter.
- This is only a straight stitch machine and is not compatible with fancy stitches.
- Limited to professional quilting only.
Juki TL-2000Qi is another of the best long arm quilting machines for commercial use. It can be used as both quilting and a sewing machine. The performance and build of this machine is somewhat similar to Brother PQ1500SL, but it is lesser in price and specs.
Click Here to See More Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Stitch Speed: 820spm
- Weight: 22.4 pounds
- Built-in Designs: 120 Designs
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty
- Completely Computerized
- Automatic Needle Threader.
- Free Arm for Hemming.
- Built-in Knee Lifter.
- Free Arm for Hemming.
- Automatic Bobbin Changing System.
While the earlier Brother and Juki quilting machines lacked a variety of stitches and advanced features, this machine meets the deficiencies. When I came across the machine, it was surely a beast that was fully loaded with advanced features and accessories, making it a perfect choice as a long-arm quilting machine for sewing enthusiasts.
This completely computerized quilting machine has some exclusive features which we can use to enhance the quilting job. We can use 120 built-in sewing stitches to embellish the quilts. The stitches include several built-in alphabets, which we can use to design logos and monograms on the quilt.
In my brief hands-on experience of my friend’s machine, the best thing I liked about the machine was its exclusive features, especially its digital control panel, smart memorization capability, and automatic bobbin changing system.
Its smart control panel is very convenient for quilting. An LCD on the top of the quilting machine displays all the commands through click buttons. Also, it has some buttons like a needle threader, auto thread trimmer, etc.
Another unique feature that I admire about this machine is its memorization capabilities. It easily memorizes your saved changes and preferences and gives you suggestions accordingly. For example, it memorizes your needle up/down preference and sets them as the default setting.
This machine’s last unique selling point is its automatic bobbin changer – which gives a lot of conveniences while quilting large projects. With this feature, all you have to do is to click the bobbin button, and it will come out. The bobbin is jam-resistant so that we can go for convenient limitless quilting.
It also comes with a ton of additional accessories that include 7 presser feet, an instructional DVD, an extended arm, a knee lever, a hardcover, and much more, making the machine a complete package.
Accessories
- 11 different feet.
- Quilting Guide.
- Spool holders.
- Seam ripper (buttonhole opener).
- Lint Brush.
- Screwdriver.
- Hard Cover.
- Extra large extension table.
- Knee lifter.
- Bobbin set.
- Needles.
- Screwdrivers.
- DVD instruction manual.
- Completely computerized machine with exclusive designs and features.
- Comes with a large number of accessories
- Pattern memorizing capabilities for user convenience
- Suitable for heavy-duty work
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Stitching speed is comparatively lower against the price.
Janome 4120QDC is a complete beast with some of the most advanced features (like smart memorization and automatic bobbin changer) and large stitch options. For this, it is the best quilting machine option for sewing enthusiasts.
Click Here to See More Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Stitch Speed: 850spm
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Built-in Designs: 600 Designs
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty
- Extended Arm for Quilting.
- Free Arm for Hemming.
- Automatic Needle Threader.
- Self-Adjusting Tension System.
All the earlier reviewed machines were much more expensive and suitable for commercial use. But if you are looking for a compact longarm quilting machine for personal usage with advanced features yet an economical price, then Singer 9960 is our top pic.
This digital quilting machine has 600 built-in stitches, which is the largest you will find in any quilting machine. This includes several alphanumeric fonts, buttonholes, customized logos, and quilting designs. Thus this machine opens multiple doors of creativity to its users.
This machine also includes 13 different sewing and quilting presser feet which are, again, the largest complementary feet that you are going to find in any machine. Some rare feet are button sewing foot, blind hem foot, satin stitch foot, darning and embroidery foot, and cording foot. All these complementary feet add to the versatility of the machine.
The quilting machine has a metallic structure and 25 years of limited warranty, which speaks volumes about its durability and reliability.
With an automatic needle threader, we can easily thread the needle without putting any strain on the eyes. The built-in LCD lights enhance the vision at night, while the extension table provides more space.
Accessories
- 13 Different Presser Feet.
- Extra Wide Extension Table.
- Pack of Needles.
- Bobbins.
- Spool Caps.
- Auxiliary Spool Pin.
- Spool Pin Felt.
- Screwdriver.
- Seam Ripper.
- Lint Brush.
- Long throat for heavy quilting
- Economical and best value for money
- Computerized quilting and stitching
- Large number of complementary accessories
- Largest number of built-in sewing and quilting designs.
- Might be over-spec for traditional users.
- Seems to be comparatively slower.
The Singer is one of the best longarm quilting machines as it is completely computerized, has the largest number of built-in stitch and quilt designs, and comes with multiple accessories. Thus this versatile machine could be a gateway for your creativity.
Click Here to See More Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Stitch Speed: 850spm
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
- Built-in Designs: 60 Designs
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty
- Automatic Needle Threader.
- Free Arm for Hemming.
- Automatic Thread Cutter.
If you are looking for the most economical longarm quilting machine that does not compromise the quality and features, then I couldn’t find any better option other than the Brother CS6000i quilting machine.
The best thing I like about this machine is its 850 stitches per minute speed, which is the highest possible speed at this price tag.
It has 60 built-in stitch and quilt styles to choose from with just one click. Moreover, it includes 9 different presser feet that enhance your creativity.
It has other premium features like an automatic needle threader, one-click thread cutter, an extended arm for easy quilting, and a free arm for hemming cylindrical areas of clothes.
On top of that, it has a sturdy design with an aluminum frame, backed by 25 years of limited warranty. This model is also available with an additional hardcover. All this depicts the durability and reliability of this machine.
Accessories
- Hard protective case
- Extended table
- 10 different sewing feet
- needle set including twin needle
- Bobbin set
- Highly economical and best value for money.
- Amazingly fast in this price tag.
- Highly durable.
- Computerized quilting and stitching.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty work.
- Bobbin thread could not be easily picked up.
This is perhaps the most economical long-arm quilting machine by any well-known brand. This is strongly recommended for beginners and sewing enthusiasts looking for the best cheap long-arm quilting machines to learn new skills and express their creative stitching.
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Comprehensive Guide for Buying Best Long Arm Quilting Machine 2022
Long arm quilting machines are an expensive and long-term investment. Whenever you jump into the market to buy these quilting machines, it becomes necessary to do proper research on the features corresponding to the usage. To help you save your hard-earned money, we have compiled some crucial features you should look for before buying the best long-arm quilting machine.
Computerized Or Mechanical
There are several quilting machines available in the market. Some of them are computerized, while others are mechanical.
Computerized machines have convenient digital control panels and many stitching options and features. They are more suitable for beginners and more creative stitching enthusiasts.
Traditional quilting machines are manually operated. These quilting machines have fewer features; however, for commercial and industrial usage, these sewing machines are more preferable due to their greater durability, speed, and power.
Motor Speed
A quilting machine with a high-power motor is mandatory. Quilts are made with multiple layers of fabric. A high-power motor provides enough power to the needle so that it may pierce conveniently inside the material and work without any jamming and snapping.
Durable Body
A high-power quilting machine always requires a durable body to withstand the produced vibrations. The durable body goes significant in enhancing the longevity of quilting machines. With a more powerful body, quilting and sewing are more convenient as it reduces the impact of vibrations on the user.
Quilting Frame Dimensions
A quilting machine is meant to be more prominent as compared to regular sewing machines. The size of the quilting machine depends on your work. If you make small quilts, you can go for a minor throat quilting machine, but if you have more work to do and want to make heavy quilts go for large quilting frame dimensions.
Extra Features
Who does not like extra features? Everyone wants some extra from what they pay. Most quilting machines come with additional features that attract customers. Some sewing machines have LED lights installed in them for night vision. You can get some extra accessories like additional and many more to make your sewing experience convenient.
FAQs
Is it worth buying a long-arm quilting machine?
Longarm quilting machines are usually not for beginners or casual users. The machines are only good if you already know quilting and are experienced in the case. The long arm produces a learning curve. The long-arm quilting machines do not enhance your skill; they just make your job easier.
How much should you charge for long-arm quilting?
Long-arm quilting is a hard job requiring more power and hard work. People charge the quilting services by the square inch. The most appropriate rate nowadays for quilting services is about 1.75 cents.
Which machine is considered best for long-arm quilting?
Juki and Brother offer some of the best long-arm quilting machines. These machines are convenient to use and are great for professional usage.
How can you differentiate between a long arm and a mid-arm quilting machine?
The long-arm and mid-arm quilting machines might look the same but differ in size. The main size difference is in the throat. Throat space is the area between the needle and the machine’s body. The mid-arm machines have a distance of about 12-17 inches, while the long-arm sewing machine comes with a space of around 18-24 inches.
How can you tell if a quilt is handmade?
Quilts are available in multiple forms. The difference between a handmade quilt and a machine-made quilt is visible. Look closely at the quilt; if the space between the stitches is even and equal in size, the quilt is machine-made. If you find the spacings between the stitches uneven, the quilt is most probable to be handmade.
Conclusion
Long-arm quilting machines are designed to enhance the convenience of your work of creating quilts. These quilting machines offer more space and power to make a quilt conveniently. If you are an occasional quilter, these machines can be a bit expensive for you, but if you make quilts regularly or professionally, long-arm quilting machines are a must-have.
I hope our review has helped you find the best longarm quilting machine for your professional or home use.
Hey, this is Jane, and I started sewing for myself in high school, which later took me to pursue a career as a seamstress/tailor. And I hope to share my experience and findings from my experience as a sewer to guide you in your sewing journey as well.
