Have you ever gifted someone a customized present? They would have loved it for sure. Free motion quilting helps you in making very attractive designs and gifts with awesome quilt patterns on them. The more they are personalized the more you have an emotional attachment with them. Ultimately you would need the best sewing machine for free motion quilting.

This has been a long debate about which machine is going to be the best fit for you. This really depends upon your needs and budget. We have done a deep analysis to help you in selecting the best one for you. We have put our days and weeks into researching this data for you only to save you from extra headaches.

This 20-minutes read is going to save you from wasting your money on the wrong and worthless machines. Moreover, you are going to know basically what your core needs are, so you could focus more on them and ignore all those extra bells and whistles.

In case you miss it or don’t research properly, there is a chance you would waste your time and money on the wrong machine. You will for sure don’t like that to happen then let’s go through this quick list and see which one is the best fit for you. If you want my personal recommendation then I would suggest you go for Brother PQ1500SL or the Brother CS7000X. Let’s dive into the full list.

At a Glance

ImageProductPrice
1. The Brother CS7000X10

1. The Brother CS7000X

  • Superb Performance
  • Free Motion Quilting
  • Quiet Workhorse
  • Affordable
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2. The Singer 725810

2. The Singer 7258

  • Affordable
  • Beginners-Friendly
  • Lots of Built-in Stitches
  • Free Arm
  • Lots of Accessories
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3. The Brother HC18509.9

3. The Brother HC1850

  • Affordable Price
  • Computerized
  • Very Easy to Use
  • LCD Screen
  • Best Quilting Machine
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4. The Brother PQ1500SL9.9

4. The Brother PQ1500SL

  • Incredible Sewing Speed
  • Easy Needle Threader
  • Heavy Workhorse
  • Accessories
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5. The JUKI TL-2010Q9.9

5. The JUKI TL-2010Q

  • Quality Stitching
  • Handle Heavy Fabrics
  • Variable Speed Control
  • Free Motion Quilting
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6. The JUKI HZL-F6009.8

6. The JUKI HZL-F600

  • Heavy-Duty
  • Box Feed Technology
  • Thread Cutter
  • Best For Free Motion Quilting
  • Accessories
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7. The Janome MC66509.9

7. The Janome MC6650

  • Variety of Built-in Stitches
  • Outstanding Stitches
  • With Feet & Accessories
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1. The Brother CS7000X Sewing & Quilting Machine

The Brother CS7000X

  • Affordable
  • Free Motion Quilting Sewing Machine
  • Quiet Workhorse
  • Superb Performance

Brother CS7000X is the top choice for you here. Why did we keep it on top? Because it’s a workhorse in terms of quilting. It is a computerized sewing and quilting machine so it won’t require much effort from your side. The best part is it is made for free motion quilting so a quilt guide is also included with this sewing machine.

It has around 70 built-in stitches that give you wings of creativity so you could give your projects a very creative look and feel. The more you quilt with it, the more you will love it.

Some of the stitches are utility and decorative while others are heirloom and quilt stitches. There are 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes as well so you can have the exact style which best fits your aesthetic choice.

Your selected stitch is monitored on an intuitive LCD screen that is clear enough and visible. This LCD is also used to select the desired stitch so the process is made easier for you.

Better than before is the automatic needle threader that accurately threads the needle in no time. You don’t have to face eye strain and waste time doing the process manually anymore.

The bobbin is top drop-in and convenient enough so there will be no chance of jamming it and sticking your project. The bobbin stays in its place and is easy to load.

The metal frame has made it more durable so you could tackle any type of project easily. The more sturdy, the more thick projects it can do. This is the best sewing machine for free motion quilting especially as there is a quilting foot included with it to do the job effectively.

What Could Be Improved

One small thing that irritates some beginner quilters and sewers is there is no label on 3 buttons on this machine so one has to look up in the manual to identify their function.

Secondly, the LCD instructs you which foot to use for which stitch which is cool but it does this job via letters which are confusing for novice quilters. One has to keep the booklet or google which foot has to be used for which stitch.

Why We Love It

We have found thousands of satisfied customers with this machine. The main reason behind their satisfaction is their quilt mastery. It does quilting like a charm and it’s easy enough as its needle-to-arm length is large enough. You won’t need to fold the quilts as it can handle large projects.

Pros

  • Affordable workhorse
  • Sturdy & Durable
  • Decent performance
  • Convenient drop-in top bobbin
  • Wide table
  • Best for free motion quilting

Cons

  • A little slow sewing speed
  • No Labels On Buttons

Also Read: Best Sewing Machine for Leather Currently – Buyers Guide

2. The Singer 7258 Free Motion Quilting Sewing Machine

The Singer 7258

  • Lots of Built-in Stitches
  • Beginners-Friendly
  • Free Arm
  • Lots of Accessories
  • Affordable

This amazing machine is a sewing and quilting specialist for beginners. There is a high chance you would fall in love with the stitch applications variety. The best part is it’s a computerized sewing machine so you can experience how things work on autopilot.

It comes with 100 built-in stitches that add up to your creativity. You can go for almost any type of quilting project and that is the reason why we call it the best sewing machine for free motion quilting.

Singer 7258, like other singer machines, this one has also got a heavy-duty metal frame that makes it long-lasting and durable. Also, this helps in making the machine sturdy enough so it doesn’t move sideways while you are sewing or quilting with it.

The LCD screen gives you a clear and visible view of your selected stitch along with its length and width. Stitch length and width can also be adjusted easily so your projects are more customized.

Have you ever done sewing at night? You probably would have seen dim lights with machines that won’t light the surface for you properly. This machine has 2 stay bright LED lights that illuminate the project and machine surface for you.

Along these, there are a bunch of other features as well which include the automatic bobbin winding, built-in reverse, 6-segment feeding system, and much more.

What We Don’t Like About It

One of the customers had a serious issue which we found useful to discuss here as we always do unbiased product reviews. He said that he could not control the presser foot and thus it will press 100% tension on any fabric which is quite frustrating. 

We know that this might not be the case with other thousands of satisfied customers but we consider it necessary to let you know about what we don’t like in this machine.

Our Personal Recommendation

More often you would look for a machine that is made for quilting and does the job like a pro. If that is the case then SINGER 7258 is the best deal for you. Free motion quilting is made a lot easier with its special purpose quilting.

We do recommend this machine to beginners and amateurs who are seeking the best sewing machine for free motion quilting.

Pros

  • Useful built-in stitches
  • Free arm feature
  • Totally beginners friendly
  • Automatic bobbin winding
  • 6-segment feeding system
  • Lots of accessories

Cons

  • Can not control presser foot pressure
  • Warranty is applicable only in North America

Also Read: Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machines – Top 10 Models

3. The Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

The Brother HC1850

  • Very Easy to Use
  • Computerized
  • LCD Screen
  • Sewing & Quilting Machine
  • Affordable Price

This one is from Brother Co. It has proved itself among the top-performing machines, especially for free motion quilting. Brother HC1850 is a true workhorse with a ton of different plus points in it. 

This machine comes with 185 unique built-in stitches so you could sew more good-looking and creative projects. Amongst these, 130 are sewing stitches and 55 are alphanumeric sewing stitches.

With the alphanumeric stitches, you can print letters on your shirts and fabrics to give them a personalized touch. You can select between these different stitches via the LCD screen conveniently. You just have to press a button and you are done.

You might have struggled with threading the machine needles manually which is quite frustrating and time-wasting. This machine has an automatic needle threader that has solved these problems for you. Along these, there is a convenient drop-in top bobbin with it.

The Brother HC1850 is the best sewing machine for free motion quilting. This is because it has a wide table that is just perfect for quilting projects be they small or large ones. Besides this, there are 8 different feet for special purposes.

If you are a beginner and don’t yet know how to use this machine then there is an instructional DVD waiting for you in the packaging. Even if something goes wrong, you can immediately contact the Brother side support via phone, online, or live chat.

What is not ideal about it

This machine is a nice choice for sure but one thing which prevents it from being ideal in the market is it is so much plastic. It would be better if it was of a metallic body so it could compete with other machines that are way sturdier than this one.  

What do we love it for

If you are a beginner or you have less experience with sewing and quilting then this machine is for you. The unique stitch variety and wide table make it the best sewing machine for free motion quilting.

However, if you are seeking a heavy-duty sewing machine then would suggest you check out our detailed article on the best heavy duty sewing machines.

Pros

  • Unique built-in stitches
  • Wide Table
  • LCD Screen
  • Advanced Needle Threader
  • Drop-in Bobbin
  • Instructional DVD

Cons

  • Only one monogramming font
  • Too much use of plastic

Also Read: Best Sewing Machine for Clothes – Top 7 Picks

4. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing & Quilting Machine

The Brother PQ1500SL

  • Incredible Speed
  • Easy Needle Threader
  • Quiet & Heavy Workhorse
  • Accessories

You might think why we piled up Brother machines, right? There is a reason for sure why we love it. Their performance is great and they are very user-friendly. Further, they have a lot of features that turn out to be their unique selling points.

Brother PQ1500SL can sew up to 1500 stitches per minute for you! Insane right? This is how they make your work a lot better and quicker. This applies mostly to quilting projects where you spend hours on normal quilts, let alone large ones.

The advanced needle threader eases your work a lot. It perfectly pushes the thread through the eye of the needle. Imagine spending a couple of minutes on it each time while threading the needle manually. It is time-saving and stressless to do as compared to the manual hustle.

To make you more productive, there is a removable knee lifter that lifts up the presser foot with your knee only. You can do some other task with your free hands. Further, there is an instructional manual to guide you on how to operate this sewing machine.

Sometimes machines would jam up fabric or quilts due to the feeding system. In this machine, you will never face such a problem as there is a precise pin feeding system.

What You Need To Know Before Buying It

One of the main issues here is with the thread cutter that cuts the thread very short and thus you have to rethread it. But to be honest this issue is so easy to tackle as you have the automatic needle threader in hand so no worries about that.

Why is it a fair deal

If you are seeking the best sewing machine for free motion quilting with an amazingly high speed then why go further? Here is the best deal for you as it will sew your 3 hours quilts in only 1 and a half hours. We recommend this machine as it has a lot of other special features for quilters as well.

Pros

  • Precise pin feeding 
  • Drop-in top bobbin
  • Quilting and sewing
  • Free motion quilting
  • Removable knee lifter
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Wide table

Cons

  • No walking foot in the package
  • No, indicator when the bobbin goes empty

Also Read: Best Sewing Machines for Advanced Sewers – Top 7 Models

5. JUKI TL-2010Q Portable Sewing Machine

The JUKI TL-2010Q

  • Awesome Stitches
  • Free Motion Quilting
  • Sew Thick & Heavy Fabrics
  • Quality Finish & Fit
  • Variable Speed Control

Now let’s count some Juki machines that have been awesome and loved by most of us. Juki TL-2010Q is a great sewing and quilting machine. This machine is made especially for those experienced as well as novice sewists who don’t love extra bells and whistles. 

The stitch quality is what you will love the most in this machine as Juki is concerned and responsible for it. It is portable and lightweight which makes it easy to carry and a good choice.

This machine has got a knee lifter which lifts up and lowers the presser foot without involving your hands. You do this all with just your knee and you can lift the presser foot up to 12 mm.

Threading the needle is a quite frustrating and time-wasting task. Further, it puts you under severe eye strain if you do it frequently. Juki TL-2010Q has an automatic needle threader that threads the needle in a glimpse of your eye.

There is an automatic thread trimmer that cuts the thread when you have completed your seam by slightly pressing the push button. This is a useful thing that saves time whenever you would cut both the up and down thread with a scissor.

The negatives

The most common issue with this machine is the needle threader which is a bit tricky. If you don’t learn how to use it properly then you would not be able to use it. You can watch the below video or some other tutorial on youtube to figure out how to use it properly.

The positives

Do you wonder whether it’s a good choice? Hell yes! It’s the best sewing machine for free motion quilting and tailoring your

Pros

  • Easy to operate & set up
  • Quality finish & fit
  • Sturdy & heavy
  • Variable speed control
  • Knee lifter lever
  • Automatic thread trimmer
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Best for free motion quilting

Cons

  • Produces only straight stitches
  • Needle Threader is a bit tricky

Also Read: Best Sewing Machine for Heavy Fabrics – Top 10 Options

6. The JUKI- HZL-F600 Sewing & Quilting Machine

The JUKI HZL-F600

  • Free Motion Quilting
  • Box Feed Technology
  • Auto Thread Cutter
  • Accessories

This one is also from JUKI. We discussed earlier, how Juki is leading the market in terms of quality and performance. JUKI HZL-F600 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine. You won’t need much guidance to understand how it works. 

Featuring 255 built-in stitches, this machine gives your creativity a shape and improves it efficiently. Amongst them, there are some basic, decorative, stretch, and letter stitches. You can make various embroidery patterns with these stitches as well.

To select your desired stitch in such a large variety, a stitch selector is featured in this machine. After making the selection, you can view it on the LCD screen. The process is very user-friendly.

Whenever the needle gets out of the thread, you won’t need to thread it manually. Just use the automatic needle threader to save your time. Threading it manually would put you to eye fatigue and frustration so always opt for automation.

After all, the machine is quite simple and easy to use and even novice sewers would love it. It is a powerful machine so you will quilt almost anything a lot conveniently. Free motion quilting is the master job it does amazingly. In fact, it is the best sewing machine for free motion quilting.

Besides all this, there are a bunch of handy accessories for everyday projects. One of the most useful ones is the soft-sided dust cover that is included in the packaging. This is an advanced shield to protect your favorite machine from external hazards.

What are the downsides?

Some users have faced issues with thread tension as it is weaker as compared to other machines. It is more likely that once you are used to the optimum settings then things would get better. 

Personal Thoughts

I personally like this one as it is from JUKI which has never been into producing bad machines. This is a real workhorse with a wide variety of stitches( meaning more creativity). 

We recommend this machine to novice and amateur sewers who want a sewing machine for free motion quilting and other basic sewing projects.

Pros

  • Computerized machine
  • Simple to use
  • User-friendly LCD
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Soft-sided dust cover
  • Machine for free motion quilting

Cons

  • Does not feature any USB port

Also Read: Best Sewing Machine for Quilting and Embroidery – Top 7 Reviewed

7. Janome MC6650 Sewing & Quilting Machine

The Janome MC6650

  • Lots of Built-in Stitches
  • Lots of Feet
  • Outstanding Quality Stitches
  • Accessories

Last but not never least is the JANOME MC6650. There is no competition when it’s Janome, It is simply unmatchable. The stitch quality is amazing that you would have never seen and the detail is awesome. It both sews and quilts on the go. Moreover, free motion quilting is a lot easier and better in quality than the others.

The Memory Craft 6650 is going to complete your projects way faster. You can handle large projects conveniently on its 10” all-metal seamless flatbed which is the right workspace for any sized project.

The Independent bobbin winder is going to wind a backup bobbin for you while you are sewing. It kind of saves you from wasting extra time which is great. A dust cover is going to protect your machine while you are not using it.

One of my favorite things is the speed control slider. A lot of so-called “best machines” don’t have this speed controller which offends beginners most of the time. They tend to catch up with their extra high speeds but all in vain and thus ruin their projects. 

It is going to be the best sewing machine for free motion quilting as the speed is in your control. Never go for a higher speed unless you are comfortable with it. You can also increase stitch length by 5 times.

Even if you turn off your machine, it is going to recall the last stitch it worked on so you can continue your work from where you left off easily. Extra high presser foot lift is going to assist you while you are working on heavy fabrics such as leather and denim

What Could Be Better

Although this is a true workhorse for free motion quilting, there is a problem for quilters as well. At times you may want the quarter-inch stitch but it won’t allow you. Except for this one, there is no such thing to disappoint you. 

Personal Recommendation

This machine’s performance and sewing quality are just incredible. If you are a quilter and seeking the best sewing machine for free motion quilting and normal sewing projects then this is going to be your go-to machine. 

It is very durable and functional, having thousands of satisfied customers. We recommend this machine as it is never going to put you down on quality. 

Pros

  • All-metal flatbed
  • Independent bobbin winder
  • Last stitch recall capability
  • Stitch elongation
  • Speed control slider
  • Dust cover
  • The aluminum interior frame & outer body

Cons

  • Lacking free arm feature

Also Read: Best Sewing Machine for Embroidery Nowadays – Top 7 Picks

Top Features of a Best Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting

  • The size of the Quilting Table you’re using is arguably the most crucial feature to consider. If you are stitching more oversized quilts, you’ll need a machine with a large enough working space/quilting table.
  • Quilting Stitches are another essential feature of a quilting machine. You want to ensure that you’re using a sewing machine with quilting-friendly stitches. Lots of machines feature a variety of quilting stitches that allow you to experiment and be creative.
  • When it comes to quilting, a Thread Tension Control System is required. It is due to the different tension requirements for making quilts. Some models offer an automatic or a manual thread tension controller, depending on the one you pick.
  • Some machines come with just a one-foot configuration to use. You should check whether the machine supports additional feet to be utilized. Having Multiple Foot Support Options can make your quilting projects a lot better.

Guide to Expert in Free Motion Quilting

The best approach to enhance your free motion quilting skills is to practice as much as you can. It might be tough to learn free motion quilting if you’re a novice.

However, maintaining a regular schedule will guarantee the improvement of your free motion quilting skills. It’s also a good idea to watch instructional videos on YouTube and follow them until you’re able to do everything yourself.

We will also recommend finding a location in your home with more room for your free motion quilting machine setup. It ensures that you have an adequate area to work with, which should make manipulating larger fabrics much simpler.

If you’re stitching through a thick piece of fabric, it may be easier to have your feed dog lowered. Furthermore, if your machine has an auto thread cutter, it’s worth turning it off. When using an auto thread cutter, it might cut the thread prematurely. You should typically only cut the thread once you’ve completed stitching entirely.

Some Maintenance Tips for Quilting Machines

To ensure the use of your quilting machine for a long time, there are a few things that you should keep in good working order. Note the following tips to keep your quilting machine in good condition for a long-lasting experience:

  • It’s essential to clean and oil your machine on a regular basis to reduce friction and allow for smoother operation. Less friction will ensure that the machine can last for many years.
  • You can keep your machine free of dust by using a hardcover. Some machines offer a hardcover, while some others will need to be purchased separately. They might assist you in avoiding having to clean your machine all the time due to dust accumulation.
  • When your sewing machine is not in use, keeping it in a secure place in your home will prevent it from getting damaged. Many people like to keep their machines in one place rather than moving them all the time.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Any regular sewing machine will work with the help of a darning foot, but models are more specialized and ready for free motion quilting.

The most crucial requirement for free motion quilting is a specific foot for your regular sewing machine, which is known as a darning foot and is used to glide over the cloth while keeping it down when stitching in various directions.

Yes, you can do free motion quilting on a basic sewing machine. What you should bear in mind is that to be able to lower or disengage the feed dogs. Free motion quilting is simply straight stitching, nothing else.

The process of free-motion quilting may be difficult to master on a very basic sewing machine. However, with a quality sewing machine, it may be effortless as well.

Free motion quilting, also known as long arm quilting, is a type of machine quilting that may be done on your regular sewing machine or a large arm sewing machine. You use a darning foot to free motion quilt, which is a unique foot designed to hover over the fabric's surface while allowing you to move it in all directions.

Yes, use the stitch length of '0' for free motion quilting. As a result, your feed dogs won't be moving while you're quilting since you don't need them.

Final Verdict

In this post, we tried our best to assist you in selecting the ideal sewing machine for yourself by discussing the best sewing machine for free motion quilting. We compared seven of the most popular sewing machines available. The Brother CS7000XSinger 7258, and Brother HC1850 are our top picks as the best free motion quilting sewing machines.