Quilting is a type of sewing that enhances more creativity, hence a great hobby. However, quilting is not as simple as normal sewing, therefore, there is a need to have a versatile machine to allow easy and faster quilting and working on your huge projects.
Generally, there are so many sewing machines for quilting in the market, designed differently, and appropriate for different quilting tasks. Ideally, quilting sewing machines can be divided into heavy-duty and lightweight quilting sewing machines.
This article will explore more about the best lightweight sewing machine for quilting, as well as a review on the same. Let’s dive in.
Our Top Picks
1. Tiny Workhorse: Computerized Brother CS6000i with Wide Extension Table
2. Best Bang for Your Buck: Full-Size Computerized Brother XR9550
3. Best Quilt Kit: Computerized Janome 3160QDC with Loads of Accessories
4. Best for Beginners: Easy-to-Use Brother XR3774
5. Best for Intermediate: Up Your Skills with Computerized Heureux Z6
6. Best for Professionals: Expert-Level High-End JUKI TL-2000Qi
7. Premium Choice: Value-Packed Brother PQ1500SL
Who Needs the Lightweight Sewing Machine for Quilting?
Generally, anyone doing quilting needs this machine as it will make your projects flow smoothly while optimizing performance. However, some individuals need these machines the most, they include small-scale quilters, learners, and quilting teachers who attend classes at different locations.
The following are the reasons why these people need a lightweight sewing machine for quilting.
– They are user-friendly, hence easy to use and learn.
– They are budget-friendly while still providing professional quilting.
– They have a compact and portable design, hence easy to carry to quilting classes and fit well in limited spaces.
– They have all the basic stitches and other crucial stitches including decorative and buttonholes, which are ideal for learning and handling small-scale quilting projects.
How to Pick the Best Lightweight Sewing Machine for Quilting?
You will always want to have the best lightweight sewing machine for quilting worth your money. However, this is only possible when you have what it takes to pick the best machine, out of the wide variety of sewing machines for quilting in the market.
The following are the main things you need to consider while picking your sewing machine for quilting so that you pick the best.
Number of stitches
The best lightweight quilting machine should feature multiple built-in stitches. Generally, the best quilting machine should consist of at least 100 built-in stitches.
Multiple built-in stitches allow you to handle different quilting projects while optimizing creativity.
Stitch function
Generally, a good stitch function means that you can create a better, unique, and complex design. Consider adjustable stitch length and width.
The font function is another versatile feature that comes in hand with the stitch function. It permits you to add a unique touch to your projects, thereby providing very unique results as well as enhancing creativity.
Wide table and free arm space
These two factors are very crucial in any quilting machine since quilting involves thick clothes, which becomes difficult to fit in your limited space under the arm.
The best lightweight quilting machine should have a wide table and a wide arm space for providing a wide working area. This ensures that you have ample space to handle huge projects while enhancing maneuverability.
Ease of use
The ease of use is another important factor to consider that also determines the versatility of the lightweight quilting machine. Quilting is not an easy task, and on the other hand, no one likes frustrations. Therefore, ensure that you pick an easy-to-use lightweight quilting machine.
Versatility
Generally, consider a lightweight quilting machine with an automatic needle threader for easy threading and avoiding eye strain, a top drop-in bobbin system with automatic bobbin winding system, 1-step automatic buttonhole, and easy stitch selection.
These features will make your work easy and flowing smoothly while working on huge projects within a short time.
Best Lightweight Sewing Machine for Quilting Reviews
Here are reviews on top 7 portable sewing machines for quilting. Come and pick a professional yet portable sewing machine from computerized or mechanical, full-size or mini handheld types! It will be the sweetest helper during your class and traveling.
1. Tiny Workhorse: Brother CS6000i Lightweight Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother CS6000i is a lightweight, versatile sewing and quilting machine from the Brother brand. Brother CS6000i features 60 unique inbuilt sewing stitches that include basic stitches, decorative stitches, and 7 auto-sized buttonhole styles, for unique and personalized sewing projects.
For easier and faster sewing, Brother CS6000i boasts an automatic needle threader that perfectly puts the thread through the needle’s eye. Also, Brother CS6000i features a drop-in top bobbin system that is easy to load, convenient, and jam-resistant.
Brother CS6000i features an LCD screen and touch buttons for easy stitch selection. To select your preferred stitch, touch the button and the selection is displayed on the LCD screen. The product package includes various accessories that include a wide table, needle set with a twin needle, hard protective case, 10 sewing feet, 3 bobbins, among others. Brother CS6000i comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Automatic needle threader.
- Jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin system.
- 60 unique built-in stitches.
- 7 auto-sized buttonhole styles.
- 25-year limited warranty.
Cons
The lighting is not the best.
2. Best Bang for Your Buck: Brother XR9550 Portable Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
Sew and quilt easily with the Brother XR9550 with computerized features. Brother XR9550 features 165 unique inbuilt stitches that include decorative, 110 inbuilt utility, and heirloom stitches. It also includes 8 auto-size 1-step buttonhole styles as well as 55 alphanumeric stitches.
The sewing and quilting machine boasts start/ stop, and reverse buttons, as well as speed control function, thereby making it ideal for both beginners and experts.
The Brother XR9550 features an automatic needle threader for fast needle threading. Also, the machine utilizes a drop-in top bobbin system that is easy to load and jam-resistant.
The XR9550 computerized sewing machine consists of an intuitive LCD screen for easy stitch selection with just a touch of a button. The machine comes with 8 sewing and quilting feet, a protective hardcover, an instructional DVD, a wide table, among others.
Pros
- 165 unique inbuilt stitches.
- Wide working table.
- Computerized sewing and quilting machine.
- Intuitive LCD screen.
- Convenient bobbin system.
Cons
- Tricky speed control
3. Best for Beginners: Brother XR3774 Lightweight Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother is a top leading brand in the manufacture of sewing and quilting machines, therefore, rest assured of a versatile quilting machine.
Brother XR3774 features 37 uniquely inbuilt stitches, they include decorative, blind hem, 1-step buttonhole, and quilting stitches. For versatility and ease of use, it features an automatic needle threader and an easy to load top drop-in bobbin system.
The bobbin system is also jam-resistant, while the automatic threader easily pushes the thread through the needle for easy and quick sewing and quilting.
Brother XR3774 is designed to allow easy and quick tackling of your sewing and quilting projects: the machine features a versatile free arm. It is ideal for all quilters, from beginners to skilled. The product package consists of various accessories including a machine cover, 8 sewing feet, a wide table, and more.
Pros
- 1-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- Versatile free arm
- Easy to use
Cons
- 37 built-in stitches are quite low for quilting
4. Best for Professionals: JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
JUKI TL-2000Qi features one pedal operation and is equipped with LED lights. For faster working on your huge sewing and quilting projects, the sewing and quilting machine has a great speed of up to 1500 stitches-per-minute, which assures you quick quilting, thereby saving your time.
It also features an automatic needle threader, thereby eliminating any frustrations and eye strain. This helps you in threading the needle’s eye within seconds and get ready to start immediately.
On the other hand, when it comes to versatility and functionality, the JUKI TL-2000Qi comfortably handles quilting apparel, as well as home decor. This makes the machine ideal for home use.
JUKI TL-2000Qi consists of an aluminum die-cast arm that assures you great durability, while the low vibration bed assures you quiet sewing and quilting. The sewing and quilting machine also consists of an extension table that provides adequate working space for easy maneuverability while working on your projects.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- High sewing speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute
- Quiet operation
Cons
- It is expensive
5. Value-packed: Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is another sewing and quilting machine from the Brother brand.
Brother PQ1500SL is a lightweight sewing and quilting machine with a dedicated straight stitch with a maximum sewing speed of 1,500 stitches per minute. Therefore, you are assured that you will cover your bulk projects within no time.
Another unique feature of this machine is the precision pin feeding system that enhances precision fabric feeding, making it easy to sew various fabric thicknesses.
Just like any other Brother sewing and quilting machine, Brother PQ1500SL features an automatic needle threader and a jam-proof top drop-in bobbin system.
Apart from the Brother PQ1500SL, the package consists of various accessories including 7 sewing feet, a wide table, knee-lifter, among others. The knee-lifter allows you to raise the presser foot using your knee, leaving your hands to concentrate on the fabric.
Pros
- Removable knee-lifter
- 1500 stitches per minute
- Dedicated straight stitch
- 25-year limited warranty
- Longarm
Cons
- Limited stitches
6. Best for Intermediate: Heureux Z6 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is one of the cheapest and most lightweight sewing and quilting machines in this article, yet, versatile features. Heureux Sewing and Quilting Machine feature 200 inbuilt stitches that include 100 alphanumeric stitches and auto-size buttonholes with 8 styles.
Heureux Z6 consists of a top-loading bobbin system, which is very convenient and jam-resistant, as well as an LCD screen for displaying your selected stitches, while it is easy to select stitches using the touch buttons.
Other features include an automatic bobbin winding clutch, easy thread cutter, portable handle, drop feed system, durable LED light, and snap-on presser foot.
Heureux Z6 digital sewing and quilting machine features a heavy-duty interior metal frame made of aluminum alloy. It also boasts a powerful motor and high sewing speed, while it can sew various heavy fabrics.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple accessories included
- 200 built-in stitches
- Computerized, hence versatile and easy to use
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Non found
7. Best Quilt Kit: Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
Janome is another leading sewing machine brand with a great reputation attributed to its top-notch machines. Janome 3160QDC is a computerized sewing machine featuring 60 built-in stitches and 6 buttonholes. The automatic needle threader enhances easy and quick needle threading, hence, no more eye strain.
Janome 3160QDC is designed with a user-friendly interface enhanced by the easy-to-use panel with an LCD screen. For easy bobbin changing, the machine features a drop-in bobbin system that allows easy and fast sewing.
For versatility, Janome 3160QDC features several handy function buttons, that include the thread cutter button, reverse stitch button, lock stitch button, needle up/down button, and the start/stop button.
Pros
- Digital sewing machine
- Handy function buttons
- Incredible amount of accessories
- Easy to use
- Versatile
Cons
- Dim lighting
- No walking foot
Why Do You Need a Lightweight Sewing Machine for Quilting?
As mentioned above, quilting is not as easy as normal sewing, this means that having a lightweight sewing machine for quilting is more advantageous. Generally, there are many reasons why you need a lightweight sewing machine for quilting. They include:
Lightweight
Just like the name suggests, these machines are built with a lightweight design, which makes them easily portable. This is a great benefit for beginners attending quilting classes, and anyone requiring portability with his or her machine. Also, most of these machines feature a compact design hence, ideal for limited spaces.
Versatility
These machines provide you with the necessary versatility to cover all your needs. They consist of multiple built-in features to enhance creativity as well as high-quilting speed for fast quilting, not forgetting portability.
Affordable
Another reason why you need these machines is affordable and budget-friendly price tags. Generally, lightweight sewing machines for quilting come with cheaper price tags compared to the heavy-duty sewing machine for quilting.
User-friendly
Lightweight quilting machines boast a user-friendly interface making them easy to use and ideal for both beginners and skilled quilters. Also, the fact they are versatile and user-friendly, then you can expect to work as fast as you can.
FAQ:
Can you do quilting with a regular sewing machine?
Yes, you can do quilting using your regular sewing machine. Generally, quilting is a type of sewing only that it requires extra features to make it easier and faster. With the appropriate tools, you can do quilting with your regular sewing machine in two ways: straight-line quilting or other quilting designs using a walking foot or a free motion quilting foot respectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the above article has provided you with a buyer’s guide details concerning lightweight sewing machines for quilting, as well as the reviews of the best lightweight sewing machine for quilting.
To get the best results for your quilting projects, you need the best machine for that case. Among the above machines – Brother CS6000i is the best budget pick. Janome 3160QDC with an incredible amount of accessories gives you more chances to up your skills. And lastly, the high-end model JUKI TL-2000Qi guarantees you exclusive performance.