Quilts are beautiful and intricate pieces of art that require a lot of skill, patience, and precision to create. This still holds true today, despite the advancements in technology and the introduction of quilting machines.
That said, a good quilting machine can make the process of quilting much easier and more efficient. It can help you create precise and intricate quilt patterns, sew large quilts more efficiently, and save time on repetitive stitching tasks like piecing and binding. If you're in the market for a quilting machine, here are some important features to look for.
Stitch Regulation for Precise Quilting
Stitch regulation helps quilters achieve precise, even stitches by adjusting the machine's speed to match their movements. This feature is particularly important for free-motion quilting, where the quilter moves the fabric under the needle to create intricate designs. Look for a machine with adjustable stitch regulation settings and try out different speeds to find what works best for you.
Automatic Threading To Save Time
Threading a sewing machine can often feel like the most tedious part of quilting. Machines with an automatic threading feature eliminate this hassle, allowing you to thread the needle with just the press of a button. This time-saving feature keeps you focused on your creativity instead of fumbling with threads.
Adjustable Speed Control for Versatility
Not all quilting projects are created equal, and sometimes you need to work at different speeds for different fabrics or designs. Machines with adjustable speed controls let you customize the stitching speed to suit your needs, giving you both precision and flexibility whether you're piecing blocks or working on fine details.
Built-in Stitches for Creative Freedom
While straight stitching is a quilting staple, having access to a variety of built-in stitches opens the door to creative possibilities. Look for machines that include decorative, utility, or quilting-specific stitches. You can use these to add textures, embellishments, or unique designs to your projects, giving them a personalized touch.
Needle Up/Down Function for More Control
A needle up/down function is a helpful feature that allows you to choose whether your needle remains in the fabric or raises when you stop sewing. This makes it easier to pivot and maneuver around corners. Some machines even offer the option to program the needle to stop in the down position automatically, which is useful for precise piecing or appliqué work.
Extension Table for Larger Projects
Quilting often involves working with large, bulky pieces of fabric. An extension table is a great accessory to have for your sewing machine when working on these types of projects. This table offers a larger surface area to support the fabric as you sew, which helps keep everything flat and even. It also prevents excess fabric from falling off the edge of the regular sewing machine table.
Automatic Thread Cutter for Efficiency
Stop wasting time on manually cutting threads after every seam. An automatic thread cutter feature trims your threads at the press of a button, speeding up your workflow and keeping your work area neat. It's a small convenience that makes a big difference in how efficient you can be while sewing.
Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment for Different Fabrics
Quilting involves a variety of fabrics, from delicate cotton to bulky batting layers. Machines with a presser foot pressure adjustment allow you to adapt to different fabric types by adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the fabric by the presser foot. This feature is a must for quilters who work with different types of materials and need to switch between them frequently.
Knee Lift for Hands-Free Operation
A knee lift is a handy tool that lets you raise and lower the presser foot without using your hands. If you often work on intricate quilting patterns or need to keep your hands steady while holding fabric in place, a knee lift keeps your hands free to focus on the task at hand.
Built-in Needle Threader for a Quick Setup
Struggling to thread a tiny needle can be frustrating, especially when you’re working with fine threads or dim lighting. A built-in needle threader simplifies this process, allowing you to get started quickly and focus more on quilting instead of the setup.
Bobbin Winder for Seamless Preparation
Rewinding bobbins can be time-consuming, but with built-in bobbin winders, you can quickly prepare bobbins without removing them from the machine. All you have to do is place your thread on the designated spool pin, and let the machine do the rest. This saves you time and effort while also ensuring that your bobbins are wound evenly and securely. With this feature, you can seamlessly switch between thread colors or refill empty bobbins without interrupting your quilting flow.
Stitch Selection Options for Versatility
The more stitch options your machine offers, the more adaptable it will be for various quilting and sewing projects. Machines with a wide selection of built-in stitches or the capability to download additional patterns online allow you to experiment with different techniques and styles.
Dual Feed System for Even Fabric Feeding
The dual feed system, also known as the walking foot, is an attachment that ensures even feeding of fabric layers. The dual feed system helps prevent puckering and uneven stitches by simultaneously moving the top and bottom layers of fabric through the machine at the same pace. It can be helpful when quilting or sewing fabrics that tend to slip or stretch, such as knit or silk, or multiple layers of heavy material.
Memory Function for Consistent Patterns
Some advanced machines allow you to save stitch patterns or settings. This memory function is useful for those who frequently use the same pattern or settings and want to avoid constantly having to reset the machine. This feature can also come in handy when working on larger projects that require consistent stitching.
Touchscreen Controls for Easy Navigation
Modern quilting machines often come with touchscreen controls. You can easily navigate through different settings and options to select your desired stitch pattern or customize settings to your preference. Touchscreen controls make it much more convenient and user-friendly, especially for beginners who may find traditional buttons and knobs confusing.
These features are all very useful, but it’s important to decide which ones matter most to you, depending on the type of projects you’ll be working on.
At Authorized Vac and Sew, we offer a great selection of quilting machines, each with unique features for you to consider like automatic needle threading, built-in thread cutters, and more. Whatever you're looking for, we likely have it, so come check out our selection or reach out for assistance in finding the perfect quilter's sewing machine for you!