10 Best Quilting Machines 2026 in the United States

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.

The Brother XR9550 is a strong contender in the quilting machine category, offering a wealth of features that cater to both beginners and experienced quilters. One of its standout strengths is its impressive range of 165 built-in stitches, including various utility and decorative options, which allows for great versatility in projects. The automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin simplify the sewing process, making it more accessible for users who may be intimidated by complicated setups.

The machine also comes with an intuitive LCD display, which enhances usability by allowing you to select stitches and settings with ease. Additionally, the included wide table is a significant advantage for quilting, providing extra space for larger projects, which many users find beneficial.

A notable highlight is the support offered by Brother, including free technical assistance for the life of the machine, which can be invaluable for troubleshooting or learning new techniques. While the Brother XR9550 excels in many areas, its throat space may be limited compared to more advanced quilting machines, which could be a concern for users who frequently tackle large quilts. Some users might find the machine's weight (10.1 pounds) a bit cumbersome for portability if they plan to transport it often. Durability and build quality appear solid, but as with any electronic device, long-term reliability will depend on user care and maintenance. Lastly, being designed for use at 120 volts limits its usability in regions with different voltage requirements, which could be a drawback for international users.

The Brother XR9550 is an excellent choice for those looking for a user-friendly quilting machine with a variety of features; however, those seeking larger throat space or portability might want to explore additional options.