I love my Sewing machine and I hope you do too! I know there are so many machines out there. As a passionate quilter, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the best tools to bring my creative visions to life. One of the most crucial investments you can make is in a quality sewing machine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, the right machine can elevate your quilting experience. Today, I’ll share some of the most popular sewing machines among quilters, why they’re loved, and a special shout-out to my personal favorite, the Juki TL18 QVP. Here are the popular sewing machines quilters use, with information on their shank type, pricing range, and reasons why quilters and sewists love them:
1. Bernina 770 QE
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $5,500 – $6,500
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: High precision, excellent stitch quality, and versatile features for both quilting and embroidery. The Bernina Stitch Regulator ensures perfect stitch length in free-motion quilting.
- Sewists: The large sewing space and advanced features like the Dual Feed system make it ideal for various sewing projects, including garments and home décor.
2. Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9450QCP
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $4,000 – $5,000
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Smooth and consistent stitching, spacious throat space, and advanced quilting features like the AcuFeed Flex system for perfect fabric feeding.
- Sewists: High-speed stitching and a range of built-in stitches make it perfect for intricate sewing projects and heavy-duty work.
3. Brother PQ1500SL
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $700 – $900
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Affordable, reliable, and great for quilting with its high-speed capabilities and sturdy build. Ideal for piecing and free-motion quilting.
- Sewists: The fast stitching speed and adjustable pin feed mechanism are perfect for handling thick fabrics and multiple layers.
4. Juki TL-2010Q
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $1,000 – $1,500
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Durable, powerful, and perfect for free-motion quilting and piecing. The extension table provides ample workspace.
- Sewists: Known for its industrial-strength capabilities, it handles heavy fabrics with ease, making it ideal for both quilting and general sewing.
5. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
- Shank Type: Low Shank
- Pricing Range: $300 – $500
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Versatile with a wide range of stitches, user-friendly, and budget-friendly. The automatic needle threader and electronic autopilot mode simplify complex tasks.
- Sewists: The 600 built-in stitches and various accessories make it a great all-purpose machine for sewing enthusiasts.
6. Baby Lock Crescendo
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $5,000 – $6,000
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Advanced features for precise quilting and easy fabric handling. The digital dual-feed system ensures perfect stitching on all types of fabric.
- Sewists: The advanced needle threading system and large workspace make it suitable for large sewing projects and detailed work.
7. Pfaff Quilt Expression 720
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $3,000 – $4,000
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Exceptional fabric control, consistent stitch quality, and user-friendly interface. The IDT system ensures even feeding of fabric layers.
- Sewists: The variety of stitch options and large sewing space make it versatile for different types of sewing projects, including decorative stitching.
8. Elna eXcellence 720PRO
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $3,000 – $3,500
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Reliable performance, spacious throat area, and excellent feeding system for handling large quilts.
- Sewists: High-speed sewing and an integrated adjustable feeding system make it perfect for heavy-duty sewing and intricate projects.
9. Handi Quilter Simply Sixteen
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $6,000 – $7,000
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Ideal for long-arm quilting, compact design suitable for home use, and easy to use. Provides professional-grade quilting capabilities.
- Sewists: While primarily designed for quilting, its ease of use and professional results appeal to sewists working on large projects.
10. Grace Q’nique 21 Longarm Quilting Machine
- Shank Type: High Shank
- Pricing Range: $9,000 – $10,000
- Why Quilters Love It:
- Quilters: Perfect for serious quilters looking for a professional-grade long-arm machine with ample space and advanced features for intricate quilting.
- Sewists: The large throat space and high-speed capabilities make it suitable for sewists who work on extensive sewing projects requiring precision and durability.
These sewing machines are beloved by quilters and sewists alike for their specific features and capabilities. The shank type and price range provide additional context for choosing the right machine for your needs and budget.
My Personal Favorite: Juki TL18 QVP
I absolutely love my Juki TL18 QVP! This high shank machine is a dream for both quilting and general sewing. Priced around $1,500 to $1,800, it offers industrial-strength capabilities, making it perfect for handling heavy fabrics and intricate quilting tasks. The TL18 QVP is durable, powerful, and incredibly reliable, providing a smooth and consistent stitching experience. Its robust build and precise stitching make it a joy to work with, whether I’m piecing a quilt or sewing a new garment.
Choosing the right sewing machine can significantly impact your quilting and sewing projects. The machines listed above are popular for their reliability, advanced features, and suitability for various techniques. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade, there’s a perfect machine out there for you. And if you’re looking for a recommendation, I can’t praise the Juki TL18 QVP enough for its exceptional performance and versatility. Happy quilting and sewing!
What kind of Sewing Machine do you quilt on?
New to Quilting/Sewing? No problem, I have resources on my YouTube page and I also recommend checking out a membership on Craftsty! Lessons on every art form you’d want to learn!
