I’m so glad you stopped by to visit. I’ve created this website just for someone who is looking for the best quilting machines to suite their needs and wants to see them all in one place.

It can be a daunting task to sort through all the different models and features to find the best combination for your type of quilting. If your looking to me for a recommendation I’m sorry but I will not go there. Quilting is a craft of such personal preference that what works best for me would only frustrate you. What I will do is make you aware of some of the points you need to use when looking at a machine so that you can see how it will measure up.

So, here are some yardsticks you can use to eliminate choices that don’t measure up:

• If you are not now, assume that you will be an FM (free-motion) quilter so you’ll want a machine that allows you to lower the feed dogs
• When quilting, every task will be very repetitive so it is essential that you are comfortable with your machine and are able to perform these tasks as easily and quickly as possible
• Having extra feet included in the deal is a real plus! Especially if they are engineered for that exact machine
• Look for machines with all metal gears. Quilting is hard on a machine so you need to have a machine that can stand up to the abuse

Those were just a few of the thing you should consider when looking at a new quilting machine.

Next, go to some quilt shops in your area and sign up for a program. Most quilt shops will have a program that brings interested people in to the shop to make quilts such as “Block of the Month” for example. While your at these classes ask to use a machine that you might be interested in. This is the best way to try out a machine without ending up in a high pressure sales pitch. You can also talk to the other quilters in the class and ask their opinion about which is the best quilting machine.

Your local quilt shops will likely carry the most popular brands such as Janome, Baby Lock, Brother, Juki and Grace. Prices will range according to quality of manufacture and included features. A machine with digital controls and programmable stitches will fall at the high end of the range.

As I’ve said before, the best quilting machine for you is a matter of personal comfort. Finding a machine that fits in your comfort zone can be difficult task. We’ve assembled some great tips for sorting through the crowd and finding the perfect match.

If you already have a machine, take it to class a few times and talk about any problems you have using it. You’ll likely be surprised at how many suggestions and pointers you can pick up from the other quilters.

Talk to the other people in class and find out how they like their machines. Find out their likes and dislikes. Be sure to ask specifically about their dislikes as most quilters will talk all day about what they like and enjoy most in their machines but will usually not mention any detractors. It’s a pride thing, we all want to have the best.

While your at the shop, ask if they have a trade up policy. Many shops will be generous if you are looking to trade up to a larger or higher end model, especially if you bought your current machine through them.

Don’t be afraid to buy a machine with more features than you think you may need. As you grow in your quilting skills you will learn to use these features and after a while will begin to feel that you have out grown your machine so give yourself room for this growth.