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 Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine is designed for quilters and sewing enthusiasts who appreciate versatility and ease of use. With a throat space of 10 inches, it offers ample room for working on larger quilts, which can be a significant advantage. It boasts an impressive 170 built-in stitches plus two alphabets, giving users plenty of creative options. The speed control slider allows for a smooth adjustment of up to 1,000 stitches per minute (SPM), making it suitable for both intricate work and quick projects.

One of its standout features is the automatic thread cutter, which can save time and effort, especially during lengthy sewing sessions. The superior needle threader and one-push needle plate conversion also contribute to a more user-friendly experience, making it easier to switch between different sewing tasks. Additionally, the machine includes 12 accessory feet, which further enhances its versatility.

Despite its many advantages, the machine's weight of 24.2 pounds might make it less portable for those who wish to take it to sewing classes or quilting retreats. While durability is generally strong with the all-metal construction, some may find it a bit bulky compared to lighter models. The learning curve for utilizing all 170 stitches and additional features might be daunting for beginners, but those willing to invest time will likely find great rewards in the capabilities it offers.

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.