Discover what to look for in a sewing machine for quilting, from throat space and stitch options to speed control and helpful features to suit your skills.

Choosing the right sewing machine for quilting can make your projects easier, more enjoyable and more professional-looking. The best machine will depend on the size of your projects, your experience and the features you need. Here’s what to look for. 

A generous workspace

One of the most useful features for quilting is a large working area, sometimes called the throat space. This is the space between the needle and the body of the machine.

When you're working with a large quilt, you'll need room to manoeuvre several layers of fabric and batting without constantly bunching or folding the material. A machine with a generous throat space can make handling bigger projects much more comfortable.

A good range of stitches

Straight stitching is essential for most quilting projects, but other stitch options can be useful, too. Look for a machine with adjustable stitch length, as this gives you greater control over piecing fabric together and securing seams. 

A reliable straight stitch is particularly important when joining patchwork pieces accurately. If you want to experiment with decorative quilting, a selection of decorative stitches may also be worth considering. 

Adjustable speed control

Quilting often involves sewing precise lines, following curves or working around detailed designs. Being able to control your sewing speed can make these tasks easier, particularly if you're still building confidence.

Some computerised sewing machines include a speed control slider, allowing you to set a maximum sewing speed. A start-stop button can also be useful, as it lets you sew without using the foot control.

A suitable feed system

The way a sewing machine feeds fabric through the needle area matters when you're quilting multiple layers.

A walking foot helps move the upper layers of fabric in sync with the lower layers, reducing unwanted shifting as you sew. This can be particularly useful when quilting a sandwich of backing fabric, batting and quilt top.

Ease of use and helpful features

Small conveniences can make a significant difference during a long quilting project. An automatic needle threader, needle-up/needle-down function and clear stitch selection controls can all save time.

The needle-down function is particularly handy when pivoting at corners or stopping to reposition fabric, as it helps keep your work in place.

Choosing the right machine for your projects

Before buying, think about the types of quilts you want to make, how frequently you'll sew and which features will genuinely benefit your work.

If you are a beginner or at intermediate level, Janome sewing machines such as the 5060QDC are an ideal choice, and a favourite of The Great British Sewing Bee hopefuls. It has specific quilting features, and is also perfect for everyday use and dressmaking. 

A good quilting machine should suit your current needs while giving you room to develop your skills. If you're unsure which model would be right for you, speaking to a specialist sewing machine retailer can help you compare the options.

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