10 Best Quilting Machines 2025 in the United States

The Brother Stellaire XJ1 is a strong choice for quilting enthusiasts, especially those who want a versatile machine for sewing, embroidery, and quilting all in one. Its large throat space of 11.25 inches between the needle and arm gives plenty of room to handle big projects like king-sized quilts comfortably. The machine offers excellent stitch regulation and speed control, making it easier to maintain consistent stitching, which is important for quilting precision. It comes with a 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen that’s easy to navigate, helping users choose stitches or embroidery designs without hassle.

This model shines with a huge variety of built-in options — 727 sewing stitches and embroidery designs, including fonts and Disney-themed patterns. It also allows combining stitches to create unique designs, adding more creative freedom. The included embroidery frames cover multiple sizes, so you can work on various project scales without constantly re-hooping. The machine is compatible with a sturdy frame or table setup, supporting larger quilting projects well. Weighing about 46 pounds, it’s solidly built, which means it should last through many quilting sessions. Additionally, the machine includes tutorial videos right on the screen, great for beginners or anyone wanting to learn new techniques.

Some potential downsides include the high number of stitches and options, which might be a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners. Its size and weight make it less portable, so it’s best suited for a dedicated sewing space. Also, with a price reflecting its advanced features, it might be a bigger investment than simpler quilting machines. The Brother Stellaire XJ1 is well-suited for serious quilters who want a powerful, feature-rich machine to handle large projects and diverse stitching needs. Beginners willing to take time learning will appreciate its helpful tutorials and wide creative possibilities.

The Juki HZL-NX7 Next Generation Long Arm Sewing and Quilting Machine offers several features that are beneficial for quilting enthusiasts. With significant throat space, it provides ample room to maneuver large quilt pieces, which is a major plus for serious quilters. The machine includes stitch regulation, helping maintain consistent stitch length, which is crucial for professional-looking results. Additionally, it has adjustable speed control, making it easy to match the machine's pace with your sewing comfort level.

Compatibility with various frames and tables enhances its versatility, allowing you to customize your workspace according to your needs. The built-in stitches and patterns offer a range of creative options, although these might be less extensive compared to some high-end models. Users have found the machine relatively easy to use, with intuitive controls and a clear display panel.

Its durability and solid build quality suggest it is designed to handle extensive use, which is important for avid quilters. However, the machine's weight of 44 pounds makes it less portable, which could be a drawback if you need to move it frequently. Despite its higher price point, the Juki HZL-NX7 is well-regarded for its reliable performance and functional features, making it a strong candidate for dedicated quilters willing to invest in a quality machine.

The Janome Continental M6 is designed with serious quilters in mind, offering a spacious 17.8-inch throat space that provides plenty of room to maneuver large quilt projects comfortably. Its impressive 1,300 stitches per minute speed and built-in stitch regulation features allow for smooth, consistent stitching, which is essential for quilting precision. The machine includes 400 built-in stitches, including alphabets and specialized quilting functions like rulerwork mode and stitch tapering, giving you a wide range of creative options.

Ease of use is enhanced by a 7-inch color touchscreen with onscreen support, full LED lighting in multiple locations for excellent visibility, and a streamlined profile that offers a broad viewing area of your sewing field. The inclusion of 18 presser feet and multiple needle plates—plus the professional-grade AcuFeed foot from the bonus kit—makes handling various fabrics and techniques much easier.

Durability is well-supported through a robust all-metal flatbed design and quality construction, promising reliable performance over time. The machine comes with handy extras like an extra-wide extension table, accessory storage, and magnifiers, which add to its value and convenience. With its extensive features and professional accessories, it is best suited for experienced quilters or those ready to invest time learning the machine to fully benefit from it. At 38 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which could limit portability. For those seeking a powerful, versatile quilting machine that supports advanced techniques and a larger workspace, the Janome Continental M6 represents a strong option. Beginners might find it a bit complex at first but will appreciate the thoughtful design and feature set as their skills grow.