Best sewing machine for quilting under $500

Quilting is a beloved hobby and an art form that requires a specific set of tools to achieve high-quality results. A good sewing machine is essential for quilting projects, but finding one that is both affordable and suitable for quilting can be a challenge. In this article, we will take a look at the best 8 sewing machines for quilting under $500.

These machines offer a variety of features and capabilities that are ideal for quilting projects, including a wide range of stitches, adjustable speed and tension, and a variety of quilting feet attachments. They are all budget-friendly options but still offer a lot of the features a quilter would need. In this review, we’ll delve into the specific capabilities and features of each machine, to help you find the best one to suit your quilting needs and budget.

Top Picks

EDITOR’S CHOICE
9.5
Brother CS7000X
Brother CS7000X best Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine under 500$
  • Large workspace for Quilting
  • Comes with 10 presser feet plus a quilt guide
  • Automatic Needle threader
  • 70 built-in stitches
  • 750 stitches per mint
TOP PICK
9.6
SINGER 9960
Singer 9960 BEST PICK sewing machine for Quilting under $500
  • Extension table Large workspace for Quilting
  • Comes with 13 Presser Feet including quilting foot
  • Heavy Duty Metal Frame
  • 600 built-in stitches
  • 850 stitches per mint
BEST BUDGET
9.4
Brother Cs6000i
Brother Cs6000i budget machine under $500
  • Detachable wide table perfect for larger quilting projects
  • 10 sewing feet including spring action quilting foot
  • 7 styles of one-step buttonholes
  • 60 built-in stitches
  • 850 stitches per mint

Top 8 Best sewing machines for quilting under $500

Model  Built-in Stitches Rating Stitches Per Minute Price
Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 70 9.5 750 Check Price
SINGER 9960 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine 600 9.6 850 Check Price
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine 60 9.4 850 Check Price
Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine 165 9.2 750 Check Price
Janome DC1050 Computerized Sewing Machine 50 9.4 820 Check Price
SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine 23 9.1 1100 Check Price
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine 185 9.0 850 Check Price
Brother XR3774 Quilting Machine 37 9.3 800 Check Price

1. Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

EDITOR’S CHOICE
9.5/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension:16.26 x 6.65 x 12.21 inches
  • Weight:14 pounds

Features

  • 70 built-in stitches
  • 7 1-step auto-size buttonholes
  • Extension table for large projects like Quilting
  • 10 sewing feet’s
  • A lot of additional accessories

The Brother CS7000X computerized sewing and quilting machine has all the features of a reasonably priced, versatile mid to high-end sewing machine. It has 70 built-in stitches, including utility stitches, decorative stitches, and buttonholes, and it can be used for quilting. You also get 7 fully automatic one-step buttonholes in the included accessory kit. The computerized stitch selection feature makes it easier for beginners to select stitches.

The computerized buttons are large and tactile, so you can easily select them with your fingers when using the machine. This is very useful if you have big fingers as I do. Most of the main fabric and bobbin winding controls are located on the top and front of the machine and are easy to reach. The twin needle stitching is nice and straight with good thread tension adjustment.

You can also select different decorative stitches for use with the twin needle, which adds a lot of creative options. Typically the built-in free arm makes it easy to sew shorts hems, cuffs, and sleeves. This sewing machine has an extended table for large projects like quilting.

The computerized controls are very easy to use once you get the hang of them. I would say they’re probably easier than other machines I’ve used. You can access the feature menus by pressing the left and right buttons simultaneously then use the up and down arrows to select your settings. That’s nice if you don’t want to lose time looking at the manual every time you do something new with this Brother CS7000X machine.

Brother CS7000X button controls settings

Pros
  • Easy to setup and use
  • Convenient table for large projects
  • Comes with a helpful quilting guide
Cons
  • Sewing speed is less then brother cs6000i and CS7000i

2. SINGER 9960 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

TOP PICK
9.6/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension:17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches
  • Weight:20 pounds

Features

  • 600 built in stitches
  • 13 built-in 1-Step Buttonholes
  • 850 SPM (Stitches per min)
  • Accessories kit included

You don’t have to compromise on ease of use to elevate your sewing and quilting abilities. The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine with loads of easy-to-use features that comes under just 500$. It offers you the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of stitches, including primary, stretch, and decorative stitches for sewing, quilting, and crafting.

There are 600 built-in stitches on the machine, including 5 alphanumeric fonts and 13 buttonholes with Exclusive Buttonhole Underplates.

The machine includes accessories to get you started, from twin needles, bobbins, and quilting bars to scissors and seam rippers. Conveniently store your feet underneath the sewing machine with the storage drawer and extra bobbins are stored in a built-in compartment on top of the machine.

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is the best sewing machine for quilting under $500, as it comes with an amazing variety of stitches that can be used to complete any project. It may have been designed as a sewing and quilting machine, but its additional capabilities also mean that this model can be used as a regular home sewing machine. The machine comes with a large selection of presser feet that can be used for various sewing projects. There are also built-in stitches for quilting.

The stitch length ranges from 0 to 4mm, allowing users to complete projects easily. Additionally, the speed of this machine is adjustable up to 850 stitches per minute, meaning that even high-quality sewing can be completed in a short period. Embroidery foot is one of the main additional features that make this machine great for quilters, giving users even more variety when completing projects.

The LCD screen makes using this machine easy and helps display options with clarity. A large sewing area has been provided on this machine, providing users with a large area to complete their projects. The machine also comes in a sturdy and safe design, ensuring that it will last for years without showing any signs of wear and tear. Overall, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 sewing machine is an excellent choice for quilters who want more variety when completing various sewing projects.

Pros
  • Easy to use for beginners and intermediate sewers
  • Versatile
  • Easy to load drop-in bobbin
  • Large sewing area
Cons
  • Buttonhole quality is lacking
  • The presser foot pressure is not adjustable

3. Brother Cs6000i Quilting Machine under 500$

BUDGET PICK
9.4/10 Our Score
  • Material:Aluminum
  • Dimension:16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches
  • Weight:13 pounds

Features

  • 60 built in stitches
  • 9 presser feets
  • Detachable wide table for quilting projects
  • Built in free arm

After years of sewing and quilting, I decided to take my hobby to the next level and get a dedicated machine for sewing and quilting. I required that it must include an automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, easy stitch selection with buttons or LCD screen, and durable construction. After doing some research, I discovered that the Brother sewing and quilting machine, CS6000i seemed to have all the features I was looking for.

The Brother CS6000i did not disappoint! It includes 60 stitches with 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes, an easy-to-use LCD screen so you can easily select your stitches with the touch of a button, and an automatic needle threader. The Brother CS6000i comes with a hard protective case to keep all of your included accessories in one place.

The stitching quality is impressive. The Brother CS6000i was made with quilters in mind. It includes 9 presser feet, including a walking foot, monogramming foot, adjustable zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and a clear plastic quilting guide. The LCD screen allows you to easily select your stitches and view the selection on the screen.

The Brother CS6000i sewing and quilting machine is an excellent choice for any quilter making their quilt or sewing project. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a well-made, heavy-duty sewing and quilting machine.

Pros
  • Comes with plenty of stitches
  • Adjustable speed
  • Excellent drop in bobbin
  • Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
  • Occasional Tension Issues
  • Throat space is not too wide

4. Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine

9.2/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension:13.5 x 20 x 17.9 inches
  • Weight:10.14 Pounds

Features

  • 165 Built in stitches
  • Wide extension table
  • 8 sewing and quilting feets
  • Lot of easy to use features like automatic needle threader

The Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine is a powerful machine with 165 built-in stitches. It comes with 110 utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches. The included accessories with this quilting machine include an instructional DVD, 8 sewing feet, a protective hard cover, a wide table, and more. It consists of an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. The XR9550 has an LCD screen that allows you to choose stitches with the push of a button easily.

More than just a sewing machine, the Brother XR9550 Sewing, and Quilting Machine are also suitable for making quilts. The computerized system allows you to sew at least nine layers of cotton together in one stitch with no feed dog drop. Additionally, the LCD makes it easy to choose your desired stitches quickly.

This machine is perfect for beginners, as it comes with complete instructions on how to use the sewing-quilting machine. The Brother XR9550 has an easy drop-in top bobbin and threading system that takes too long out of the equation when trying to learn how to sew.

The Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine constantly receive high reviews from customers who continually praise this product for its ease of use. Additionally, the Brother XR9550 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty at the time of purchase.

Pros
  • Excellent for beginner quilters
  • Excellent buttonholes
  • A lot of stitching options
Cons
  • Needle area moves freely

5. Janome DC1050 Computerized Sewing Machine

9.4/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension:19 x 11 x 14 inches
  • Weight:10.4 Pounds

Features

  • 50 Built in stitches
  • 3 one-step buttonholes
  • Drop Feed for quilting
  • Speed control slider

With the Janome DC1050 sewing machine, you can do everything from basics to advanced projects. Whether you love garments, quilting, or crafting with fabric, this computerized machine has a range of stitches and functions that suit all your needs. Not only will it provide accurate stitching, but it is straightforward to use, so you will be able to finish your projects in no time.

This is a computerized machine, meaning that all you have to do is press the button to select the stitch, and away it goes. It will also adjust the length and width of each stitch to achieve the style precisely to your taste.

The DC1050 is convenient for quilters, as it comes with an automatic needle threader. This saves you the time to do it yourself and ensures that your sewing machine will always be ready to use when you are quilting. It also has a drop-in top bobbin so there is no need for any loading or unloading which means you can conveniently focus on your projects.

Additionally, several easy convenience features make quilting easier for you when using the DC1050 computerized sewing machine. This includes the needle up/down button, locking stitch button, and speed control slider, which all help you use this machine with ease. Also, it comes with a backlit LCD which allows you to see the stitches clearly to achieve the desired result.

There is an easy reverse button if you need to undo stitching for any reason, and the speed control slider allows you to lower or increase the number of stitches per minute.

With all these great features, quilting can now become much more enjoyable, and you can achieve excellent results every time.

Pros
  • Sturdy machine
  • User friendly
  • Smooth and quiet operation
Cons
  • The zig-zag stitches could be better

6. SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

9.1/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension:15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches
  • Weight:14.5 Pounds

Features

  • 23 built in stitches
  • Heavy-duty metal interior frame
  • 60% stronger motor
  • A lot of extra accessories included

The Singer 4423 is a heavy-duty sewing machine; it can handle thicker fabrics. Quilters will appreciate the machine’s ability to sew through numerous layers of cloth and batting. Quilting often requires this type of stitching, which means that other machines may break under pressure or have difficulty piercing through all the layers. The Singer 4423 can easily tackle quilting, making it a great sewing machine for those who work on fabrics of all types.

There are a variety of accessories that come with the Singer 4423 heavy-duty sewing machine. In addition to an auxiliary spool pin and a soft-sided dust cover, there are also seven different presser feet. Four of these presser feet are the buttonhole foot, zigzag foot, button sewing foot, and zipper foot. There is also a quilting guide, seam ripper/lint brush, and needles included in the packaging.

The Singer 4423 is a great option for beginners because it has 23 built-in stitches, including basic, stretch, decorative and buttonhole stitching. This variety of stitch types means that beginners can sew through multiple layers of fabric with ease at maximum speed. Basic stitches are ideal for beginning users who want to learn how to sew various projects.

The Singer 4423 heavy-duty sewing machine offers an automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin design for those who have been sewing for years. The automatic needle threader is helpful because it reduces eye strain when trying to thread the needle. The drop-in bobbin design allows you to efficiently operate this sewing machine, which speeds up completing a project.

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to use for beginners
  • Smooth stitches
  • Easy to control speed
  • Excellent features for quilting
Cons
  • Less built in stitches
  • Cheap buttonhole foot

7. Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

9.0/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension:19.2 x 12.5 x 15.2 inches
  • Weight:10.14 Pounds

Features

  • 185 built in stitches
  • 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes
  • 8 presser feets
  • Enhanced with specialty quilting features

One of the strong points of the Brother HC1850 sewing and quilting machine is its ability to sew a wide range of stitches. It includes 185 unique built-in stitches, which give you many different stitch variety options for any project. In addition, the included LCD screen makes it very easy to choose a stitch from your list.

The LCD screen will show you the stitch name and number, so you can easily find it on your list of stitches without having to flip through pages of a manual or an instruction book. You simply use the buttons on the machine to scroll over to the desired stitch and then press enter to choose that stitch. This is an especially useful feature for those who are not as familiar with sewing and quilting machines. Another feature that makes this machine ideal for a long project is its large table.

The drop-in top bobbin allows you to change your thread without stopping your current project, which is especially helpful for someone working on a specific project deadline. The bobbin can be accessed by simply opening the door on the top of the machine and changing it as needed.

In addition to drop-in top bobbins, brother’s HC1850 sewing and quilting machine also include an advanced needle threader that will push the thread through the needle for you, which is very handy when threading needles can be difficult.

Pros
Cons
  • Akward needle threader

8. Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine

9.3/10 Our Score
  • Material:Metal
  • Dimension: 15.3 x 5.8 x 12 inches
  • Weight:15.87 Pounds

Features

  • 37 built in stitches
  • 1 step-buttonhole
  • 8 sewing feet
  • Great for beginner sewers

The Brother XR3774 is a versatile quilting machine under 500$ that is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing and quilting projects. . I am thoroughly impressed with the Brother XR3774. I have had it for a little over a month now and have used it on several projects, including quilts and clothing. The machine is very easy to use and has a wide variety of stitches to choose from. I love the automatic needle threader – it is a time saver! The machine is also very quiet, which is a plus.

The machine comes with a lot of sewing accessories like the wide table, 8 sewing feet, an instructional DVD, and more. With so many features, the Brother XR3774 is perfect for beginners and advanced sewers alike. I would highly recommend the Brother XR3774 to anyone looking for a versatile quilting machine under 500$.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent stitch quality
  • Handy oversize quilting table
Cons
  • Thread Cutter missing
  • Small throat space

Tips to choose the Best sewing machine for quilting under $500

It’s no easy task to pick an ideal machine for quilting under 500$, but we can help you with this problem. Many quilters have spent hundreds of dollars on new sewing machines only to find out the model they bought is unsuitable for quilting. Here we will show you how to choose the best sewing machine for quilting under 500$ and save your time and money.

First, let’s see what features you should check when shopping for a new sewing machine:

Wide range of stitch choices

Quilt stitching is different from garment or home décor stitching. Many quilters prefer a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, and a triple stretch stitch. If your sewing machine offers other stitches that could be used for quilt making, then it will be better to choose that model.

A high number of stitches per inch (SPI)

In general, the higher the SPI value, the more detailed your quilt top will be. For quilting, 8 SPI is the minimum, but some workhorses offer up to 11 SPI.

Larger sewing surface

Quilts might require you to piece together multiple layers of fabric, so a large table is important for convenience and accuracy.

Free arm

This feature allows you to sew cuffs and sleeves on shirts or dresses easily, or do pant hemming with ease. You can also stitch small projects such as stuffed animals by placing the free arm over a sewing hoop for stability.

Drop feed feature

Drop feed is an additional motor under the presser foot that moves the feed dog up and down. It’s great for free-motion quilting or stitching appliqués.

Start/stop button

A start/stop button, which can be used to sew without using your foot on the pedal all the time. Some sewing machines automatically stop when you remove your foot from the machine, while some require pressing a separate button to stop the machine.

Large Bobbin capacity

A large bobbin capacity, especially for quilters who prefer long-arm quilting. Some machines come with a built-in thread cutter and automatic needle threader, too.

High speed

A high speed; if you want to piece multiple blocks or finish your quilting faster, choose machines equipped with high-speed functions.

Second, learn how to identify the types of quilting on your fabrics before you go shopping for a new sewing machine. Sewing machine companies do not always classify their models based on how they are used, so it’s up to you to decide which model suits your needs best.

There are four different types of quilting most commonly seen.

1. Straight Stitch Quilting

Characterized by straight stitching, this technique is widely used for line quilting or any situation where you want to leave visible seams along the front of the finished product (such as on a wall hanging).

2. Zigzag Stitch Quilting

This method of quilting allows you to stitch around a block or a design, but it also works well for stitching seams.

3. Free Motion Quilting

This is considered the most creative style of quilting because there are no guidelines and you can move your work all over the area. It is very helpful when you want to stitch around small blocks or pieces.

4. Triple Stretch Stitch Quilting

This method is similar to a free motion or darning foot, but the triple stretch stitch helps to feed the fabric through without any pulling or distortion. It allows you to do dense quilting with ease.

Third, make sure your sewing machine is appropriate for the type of quilting you like to do. For example, if you are into long-arm quilting, it’s better to choose a sewing machine that has adequate built-in stitches and a large work area.

Fourth, think about what types of special stitches you need your machine to have before going shopping. One great feature to have is a start/stop button, which will allow you to sew without using your foot on the pedal all the time. While not necessary, other features such as a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves or a thread cutter can be very convenient when working with quilting fabrics.

In addition, if you are into quilting circles, it’s better to have a zigzag stitch with adjustable settings.

Conclusion

So, if you are looking for the Best sewing machine for quilting under $500 that will help you complete your quilting projects with ease, one of the machines we have mentioned above would be perfect for you. We hope this guide has helped make your decision easier and that you enjoy all the wonderful things quilting has to offer. Happy quilting!

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