Sewing Machines for Quilting: Features That Matter and Models Compared
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Piecing a quilt top is ordinary straight-stitch sewing. Quilting the layers together is where a machine gets tested: three layers of fabric and batting want to shift, and a big quilt has to fit through the arm. Here's what helps, according to the makers.
The walking foot
Brother describes its walking foot as a moving feed system that holds and moves fabric between the foot's own upper feed dog and the machine's lower feed dogs, to control difficult fabrics and multiple layers. SINGER says its even feed foot feeds multiple layers evenly without sliding or puckering, and calls it a must-have when quilting. Two cautions from Brother:
- Walking feet differ by feed dog width and shank height, so check your manual for the right one.
- They're not for reverse or side-to-side sewing, or for stitches that move the feed dogs other than forward.
Janome sells even feed feet by hook type (this one is for horizontal rotary hook models, per the listing). Generic low-shank walking feet also exist; check your shank type first.
Janome Even Feed Foot with Quilting Guide (Horizontal Rotary Hook Models)
- Janome even feed (walking) foot for horizontal rotary hook models, per the title
- Detachable quilting guide included
- Check your Janome model before ordering
Walking Foot Kit for Low-Shank Machines
- Listed for Brother, SINGER, Janome and other low-shank machines
- Feeds top and bottom layers together, per the listing
- Check your machine's shank type before ordering
Brother XR9550
165 built-in stitches (110 utility, decorative and heirloom, plus 55 alphanumeric), a wide table, 8 sewing and quilting feet and a hard case, per the listing.
Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- 165 built-in stitches: 110 utility, decorative and heirloom (including 8 buttonhole styles) plus 55 alphanumeric, per the listing
- Automatic needle threader; drop-in top bobbin; LCD screen
- Wide table, 8 sewing and quilting feet, hard case included
Brother XR3774
37 built-in stitches including quilting stitches, a 1-step buttonhole, a wide table and 8 sewing feet, per the listing.
Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- 37 built-in stitches and a 1-step buttonhole, per the listing
- Automatic needle threader; drop-in top bobbin
- Wide table and 8 sewing feet included
- Free arm
SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
600 built-in stitches, a start/stop button and speed control, and 13 presser feet including an even feed/walking foot and a quarter-inch foot, per the listing.
SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
- 600 built-in stitches, 1,172 stitch applications, per the listing
- 13 presser feet including an even feed/walking foot
- 13 one-step buttonhole styles; built-in lettering
- Automatic needle threader; start/stop button; speed control
Brother CS7000X
70 stitches, a wide table, 10 feet plus a quilt guide, and a larger needle-to-arm workspace for projects including quilts, per the listing. Full rundown in our CS7000X guide.
Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine
- 70 built-in stitches and 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes, per the listing
- Automatic needle threader; drop-in top bobbin; LCD display
- Wide table, 10 sewing feet, quilt guide and hard case included
- Metal frame; larger needle-to-arm space
Needles and thread for quilting
SCHMETZ makes a Quilting needle (sizes 75 and 90) with a slim, slightly rounded point for thick layers. SINGER says you can use cotton thread for quilting, while most all-purpose thread is polyester. More in our needle guide and thread guide. For cutting, see rotary cutters and mats.
FAQ
What does a walking foot do?
Feeds the top layer along with the bottom so layers don't shift.
Can I sew in reverse with it?
No, per Brother.
Which needle for quilting?
SCHMETZ Quilting, size 75 or 90.