Learn about Automatic Sewing Machines to Use for Quilting

Anyone who has seen a quilt up close is aware of the intricate work that goes into making one because quilting has been a tradition for hundreds of years. While many quilts have traditionally been carefully made by hand, modern sewing machines with the newest technology can be used to make quilts.

Technology has contributed to many changes since the days when making a quilt from start to finish with a needle and thread took months and wasn’t quite what you expected. One of our favorite past times has been brought back thanks to the advancement of sewing machines, which have made it more of a hobby than a work. Sewing has become much more precise and time-efficient because to automatic features like thread feeding.

Difference between Mechanical and Automatic Sewing Machine 

Sewing Machine

The majority of sewers consider mechanical sewing machines to be standard sewing machines. Although they are simpler than computerized machine types, these machines are made with all levels of sewing experience in mind. Their distinctive quality is that they are easier to use. Since there is no centralized computer system, they lack a digital display from which to choose options. Instead, to operate and change settings, they rely on the user to turn physical dials and knobs.

On the other hand, a computerized (also known as a digital) sewing machine is a potent computer that is equipped with software that enables you to control different machine parts and operations. These machines typically include a digital LCD control screen on the front of the machine. Although computerized sewing machines are made to carry out more difficult sewing tasks for you (such as one-step automatic buttonholes, numerous types of stitches to sew all kinds of fabric, built-in embroidery designs, etc.), learning how to use one can be challenging for novices and less tech-savvy sewers.

Factors to Consider when Purchasing an Automatic Sewing Machine for Quilting

Quilting Machine, Quilting Sewing Machine, Quilting with an Electric Sewing Machine

There are several factors to think about when looking at automatic sewing machines to determine which ones would provide the best value. Making a decision on which manufacturer to purchase will be much simpler if you first decide what you want the machine to accomplish for you. There are many manufacturers out there who are already recognized as industry leaders. This is where we step in because we have thought about everything for you, including cost, utility, and a whole lot more. Let’s look at some of the most crucial factors you should take into account if you intend to quilt frequently.

1. Workspace

The quantity of workspace on the machine is one of the most visible distinctions between a conventional sewing machine and a quilting machine. The “throat” of the machine, which is used to measure this, is directly correlated to the machine’s overall length; the longer the machine, the wider the throat, and the larger the work area.

A wide table with enough of work space and a throat is more of a luxury than a necessity for simple sewing tasks and simple home décor projects. However, for huge tasks like quilts, the throat space becomes crucial; hence quilting machines often have a considerably wider work surface.

2. Extension Table

An extension table will allow you additional area to move and maneuver when quilting if you want even more workspace on your machine. The additional work area is ideal for machine quilting and sewing borders and bindings because it is made to sit snugly against your sewing machine.

The Extension Table accessory is standard on many of the machines in our line of quilting machines, but it is also offered as an optional addition in the line of genuine Janome components and accessories.

3. Janome AcuFeed System

Have you ever noticed that while your sewing machine stitches everything flawlessly from the top, when you flip your project over, you discover bunching or puckering? For quilters who frequently work with heavy fabric and several layers, that is not particularly unusual.

Layers of your project are intended to be moved together under the needle with perfect precision from both the top and bottom using Janome’s patented AcuFeedTM System. Any sewing task needing precise control, like as piecing, hemming, or quilting, benefits greatly from this ability.

4. Foot Option: Quarter Inch Foot

It is best to use a quarter-inch seam allowance when machine piecing a quilt top. The quarter-inch piecing foot is used specifically for quilting projects with narrow seam allowances and aids in quilting accuracy.

This foot is standard equipment on many of our quilting machines, but it is also offered as an optional extra in the line of genuine Janome parts and accessories.

5. Foot Option: Darning or Free Motion Foot

The free motion or darning foot is the best foot to use while free motion quilting. With this foot, you can move the cloth freely beneath the needle while minimizing skipped stitches and puckering and protecting your fingertips. For people who are just starting to learn free hand quilting, it is extremely helpful. The open-toe design, which is especially well-liked by quilters, substantially improves stitch visibility. Set your needle on the left needle position for the greatest results when free-motioning.

6. Foot Option: Walking Foot

Don’t worry if your machine lacks the AcuFeedTM System; the Walking Foot will come to your rescue. The walking foot is effectively an extra pair of feed dogs for the top of your project, giving you the extra assistance you need to feed through thick materials, slippery fabrics, and numerous layers. Additionally, it works amazingly well for quilting in straight lines!

7. Number of Stitches

Although decorative stitches may not be your preferred method for quilting, they can be just what your quilt needs to get from “That’s quite good” to “Wow! You created that? ” A border is an excellent place to use decorative stitch quilting to add accents to your quilt. You can quilt your quilt sandwich with ornamental stitching as well.

8. Sewing Speed and Stability

A high-speed machine is unquestionably something to think about if you take your quilting seriously or make your life from it. These machines are built to be incredibly durable and able to endure the speed of the engine because they can sew at such high speeds. These stability elements include an extremely wide flat bed and a sizable workspace, both of which are excellent qualities in a quilting machine.

Conclusion

There are some projects that should work just fine with a standard sewing machine, while others can only be completed with a quilting machine. Indeed, the equipment you employ will have a significant impact on how well your tasks turn out, so choose wisely. You can never go wrong if you have the correct tools, whether you’re a novice seamstress or an expert. A quilting machine is the best option if you need a device that can work with heavy materials and batting. Quilting machines can easily make uniformly sewn quilts since they are designed primarily for stitching through numerous layers of fabric.