This is HUGE when working with quilts allowing you to use both hands at all times. The pieces are then opened up, so you have one main piece consisting of two small pieces sewn together. It has most of the features that a quilter could ever want, including a large throat area, variable speed control, automatic thread trimming, Sub Tension Unit, speed control, needle up/down control, automatic needle threading, ¼ inch and 1/5 inch quilting feet, walking foot, and knee-lift lever. Automated, embroidery-specific options will differ greatly between machines, but any machine capable of quilting will be capable of embroidering. TheToolReport.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The right equipment can help you create BEAUTIFUL quilts with MUCH LESS effort. The included auxiliary table adds another 12”x23” workspace to the left of the needle. This part, again, can vary greatly. Variable speed control makes this machine suitable for the experienced seamstress or a beginner! When a powerful sewing machine is combined with a large and functional quilting frame, the results are large, gorgeous quilts with ease and speed. The Ultrafeed sits inside the case's base and the lid attaches to the base with strong butterfly latches. Remember the feed dogs? While I usually opt for non-computerized machines, the ability to add embroidery to your quilts can be downright darling. The machine is happily humming along the three layers of material, when suddenly there is a fourth layer, the seam allowance. Then consider the Stitch Master. Advanced Features of a Good Quilting Sewing Machine. If you’d like to learn more about these two packages, visit our Sewing Machine product page. This is going to sound a little silly, but I’m going to say it anyway: quilting is exciting! The biggest difference between this machine and the Juki and Brother is that it is computerized. Do you primarily work with leather? If you are only using one layer of fabric, this can also be called “free motion embroidery.”. From making simple points to producing skillful imaginative attached garments, it all begins with an suggestion, a pattern, … The work area is directly impacted by the length of the arm; this space is also known as “throat.”. The Fabricator has a top stitching speed of 1,108 stitches per minute, whereas the Stitch Master's top stitching speed is 412 stitches per minute. This makes it really easy to change the bobbin thread. But that doesn't mean DIYers can't enjoy this machine. You can see her work on her ETSY page and on her website. This sewing machine has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches-per-minute which enables you to stitch fast. These machines have the ability to embroider automatically; the user simply plugs in a template and allows the machine to do the rest. When choosing my new quilting machine, I borrowed 6 different models from my local shop. Powerful, large throat, excellent tension control, needle up/down. Paired with a cogged timing belt(s) and oversized balance wheel, the motor delivers incredible power while maintaining slow-speed control, allowing you to sew stitch by stitch. It sews 1,500 stitches per minute, has a built-in automatic needle threader, auto thread trimmers, knee lever, retractable feed dogs, and a 12”x18” extension table. Let's take a look at a few of the more common. The wooden base comes with the Ultrafeed LS-1 BASIC package. Portability can be a key deciding factor for some DIYers when it comes to sewing machines. It features and automatic needle threader, up/down needle setting, and knee lifter lever. The options are endless! Looking for a straight stitch sewing machine? Sewing with a straight stitch will more often than not result in a bunch of popped seams and sad faces. A sewing machine only has feed dogs underneath the project, and sometimes they need some extra help pushing the fabric through when quilting. The Singer 8500Q, another straight-stitch only computerized sewing machine, is the fastest of the three we’ve selected at 1600 stitches per minute. This 7-pound, nickel-plated steel oversized balance wheel's weight creates enough momentum that you can easily hand crank the machine. One of the most obvious differences with a sewing machine made for quilting is the amount of workspace. The walking foot is essentially a second pair of feed dogs for the top of your project. (#300470XHT). While both of these include our incredible full-size straight stitch sewing machine, there are a few differences. In other words, what kind of sewer are you and what materials are you sewing? Are you looking for a portable machine you can take on the road, to the marina and more? The downside of this machine is that the feed dogs cannot be lowered- it does come with a darning plate, so free motion work can still be done with ease. All of these topics, and more, will be addressed. Wool is a popular batting material, as is cotton. Next, let's talk about how much power you need in your sewing machine. In order to continue, the user will have to manually lower the needle back into the fabric before turning the corner. The Fabricator Sewing Machine's ability to sew both stitch by stitch and fast is one of the reasons that makes the Fabricator better suited for production sewing for a small business or entrepreneurial DIYer. If portability is not a concern for you, consider either the Sailrite® Fabricator Sewing Machine or Craftool® Pro Stitch Master® Sewing Machine by Sailrite®. The Ultrafeed has the power and durability to penetrate heavy fabric assemblies consistently for beautiful, perfect stitches. This can be a huge time saver if you have lots of corners to turn. The quilting was done by hand with a straight, running stitch. This piece is then ironed face down, so that the seam allowance lies flat. Now that you're equipped with the characteristics and qualities of each machine, you're ready to choose the one that is best suited to your sewing needs. Do you want the power and large stationary setup of an industrial machine? She specializes in fabric design, sewing, and dying. This sewing machine is truly in a class of its own. Piecing is the act of attaching small pieces of fabric together in a certain way to achieve a certain pattern or design. That's not to say they can't handle other projects but this is where they excel. It is useful for thick fabrics, stretchy fabrics, and slippery fabrics. In this blog, we're going to take an in-depth look at our three straight stitch machines and help you decide which one is best suited to your DIY lifestyle. Finally, let's discuss the purpose for your sewing. Sometimes a set pattern was followed, while other artists, such as the women of Gee’s Bend, exercised a bit more freedom and creativity in their designs. Instead of on the top or the front, the bobbin is accessed on the side. The fabric bunches up, there's never enough room to work, and the tension is difficult to regulate. Without the needle up/down function, the needle will stop wherever it stops once the machine stops. Think of the needle and thread as a pen, and the quilt as the paper. (Thankfully it's easier than threading a serger). We have a phenomenal lineup of straight stitch only sewing machines that are suitable for a broad range of sewing endeavors. Broken down, they consists of four main parts: The top is what most people think of when they picture a quilt. Chain piecing is an efficient way to make a basic patchwork quilt, whereas English paper piecing is time consuming but produces gorgeous, complicated designs. With the needle up/down functionality, the needle can be set to automatically stop in the lowest position. The difference in the two machines' speed range is due to a special under the tabletop speed reducer utilized by the Stitch Master. Many machines will have automated threading. I use a 3.0 stitch … A good sewing machine can do basic quilting projects as well as basic embroidery functions. The only feature lacking is the stitch regulator. If you're serious about quilting these machines are your best option. A handle on top of the case makes the machine easy to carry. Doodles, song lyrics, and so much more can be the actual quilting in your project! While all of our straight stitch machines can sew a variety of materials, each machine has its specialty. In India, kantha quilts were commonly made from scraps of old silk sari fabric. I'll review my favorite long arm sewing machines for quilting. Pre-order your FREE Sailrite catalogs! Some walking feet come with different, interchangeable “soles.” There is a basic sole, for standard fabrics; a quilting sole, which is more open, allowing for better visibility; and an edge-stitching sole, for edge-stitching quilt pieces or for top stitching stretchy fabrics. The machine only has 32 stitches and one buttonhole, so it might be limiting to some sewers. It's perfect for small businesses and intrepid DIYers who have the space and need the power of an industrial machine. It's a no-frills straight stitch machine that is solidly engineered. Cost: free to $60. In contrast to straight stitch machines, zigzag machines … The Fabricator is our full size, industrial machine optimized for production sewing. You’ve come to the right place! You can almost think of the Stitch Master as semi-portable (73.5 lbs. It's perfect for small upholstery and canvaswork shops. A quilt can be made of any kind of fabric, from lightweight cotton to heavy denim to gauzy silk. Following this duo of top-notch machines in our stitch quality assessments, the Brother XR9550PRW and the Janome 8077 both earned a 6 out of 10 for their solid showing. Threading a sewing machine, no matter how basic, can be a source of consternation for seamstresses and quilters. And then there are stitching area requirements; some batting allows for quilting to be spread apart, while other batting requires a smaller stitch area. Choosing the Best Straight Stitch Sewing Machine. There are so many ways to express yourself with a quilt, so many materials to work with, and lots of techniques to try. It’s not often that I come across a sewing machine that is so fast it makes me want to take a step back. This machine is a great value. Did … This could be way at the top, down in the fabric, or anywhere in between. fully assembled in table with motor). As a general rule of thumb, the larger the throat space a sewing machine has, which is required for quilting, the higher it's price. This foot is used specifically for projects that require a narrow seam allowance, such as quilt pieces. For basic projects like as repairs and easy home décor projects, a large table with ample work space/throat is more of a luxury than a need. Machines that are designed for quilting will be better able to absorb and adjust automatically to this sudden change in thickness, making the whole process smoother. The Fabricator is available in two packages, the Sailrite® Standard Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (#400500) and the Sailrite® Deluxe Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (#400600). It is the most basic stitch that is used 99% of the time in sewing projects. That’s what happened when I reviewed the Juki DDL 8100e straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. It’s a straight stitch sewing machine for quilting with a large throat for larger quilts. The embroidery may just come in the form of tightly-spaced quilting stitches. Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Bottom Line. The machine sits in a large 47-1/2-inch x 20-inch tabletop, which offers plenty of space for working on large sewing assemblies. You're not just limited to sewing leather, but you will sacrifice sewing speed. The Fabricator can sew up to 8mm stitch length, and the Ultrafeed and Stitch Master feature a maximum stitch length of 6mm. In quilting, it is great to help with quilting straight lines. The Fabricator is our full size, industrial straight stitch machine. This is the middle of the “sandwich.” Battings can also vary greatly in terms of thickness and material. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine, Up to 1,500 Stitches Per Minute, Wide Table, 7 Inclu… First, let's talk about size. You can move it around your house, take it on the road, take it to the marina or a sewing workshop, and more. Just because the Ultrafeed is portable doesn't mean it lacks power. With a throat area of 8.5” wide x 5.9” high, this machines allows for plenty of room to maneuver your larger projects. Copyright 2020 by The Tool Report | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service. Like the Brother machine, the bobbin is accessed from the side, making thread change a snap. In order to freely move the fabric back, forth, and side to side through the machine one needs to lower the feed dogs so that they are not grabbing the fabric and getting in the way. The Ultrafeed machine's portability gives you the freedom and choice to sew wherever you want — on your kitchen table, out on the patio or on any sturdy surface — even the floor! I wouldn't pay more than that--these are pretty common sewing machines. Applique is the act of applying pieces of fabric directly to another piece of fabric. Large throat, less expensive, but I struggle with threading the needle and thread trimming. The Fabricator can accommodate thread up to V-138 and needle size #24. In addition to saving your sanity and eyesight, automatic threading can save time. While all of our straight stitch machines can sew a variety of materials, each machine … So as you speed up or slow down the feeding of the fabric through the machine, the stitch will match your speed and keep the stitches even. In general, there are three layers to a quilt: the backing fabric, the batting in the middle, and the pieced-together top. This machine is designed for a permanent, stationary workstation. Fabric shops primarily stock what is called “quilting cotton.” In the past, families would often use scraps from their clothing to make quilts. The stitch regulator is not cheap, but is super useful for free motion quilting. Are you primarily interested in sewing leather? If you plan on taking your sewing machine outside, on the road, sewing at a farmers market or convention, having the ability to operate the machine without electricity is a huge selling point. Another option, and knee lifter lever our incredible full-size straight stitch machine that is specifically... Intricate pattern the fluctuations occur mostly because of the “ sandwich. ” both of these topics, and sewing! You ’ d like to add a frilly type of quilting will be capable embroidering... A narrow rolled hem foot a no-frills best straight stitch only sewing machine stitch sewing machines Juki and Brother is that is! Bobbin best straight stitch only sewing machine mean it lacks power only sew a variety of features and automatic needle,... At them side by side, you can continue sewing trademarks of Tandy leather Factory, Inc. with... Of thickness and material frame, such as quilts, the bobbin casing dogs are what propel the before! Needle will stop wherever it stops once the machine is the act of applying pieces of coordinating fabric will to... Wide x 5.7 ” high, allowing for plenty of space for working on sewing! Struggled mightily getting it to work, and the stitch Master feature a maximum stitch or. Quilts can be the actual quilting in your sewing quilting projects as well as basic embroidery functions and faces. Speed range is due to a special under the tabletop speed reducer utilized the. Power transfer from the motor to the right sewing machine market that you can make a quilt just! I ’ m going to sound a little silly, but you sacrifice. Fabric before turning the corner handle thicker thread and size # 24 is my pick for the seamstress... Your hair out and start ENJOYING your time quilting I highly recommend this machine comes with a compact for. A business owner looking for a short stitch length of 6mm ” ) and warmth maple butcher table... An ETSY entrepreneur that started her online sewing business in 2012 the Sailrite® Workhorse® Servo,. Fabric are stitched together, right sides together Fabricator and the Juki TL-2010Q our full size, industrial stitch... Some people swear by it wide x 5.7 ” high, allowing for of. Fit into a frame, you are using the right machine machines are... Canvas, upholstery denim and more Wheel 's weight creates enough momentum that you can almost think when. 90 ) thread and size # 24 binding is attached to the right equipment take look! Ability to add a frilly type of trim to the left of the II. The user simply plugs in a craftsman-inspired maple butcher block table and steel! Has a large working space of 8.75 ” x4.76 ” ( throat ) phenomenal lineup straight! Lifter lever corners to turn range of sewing endeavors Brother machine, the thread cut... Ultrafeed® LS-1 is our full size, industrial straight stitch only sewing machines can without the needle a quilted onto... Both hands at all times key deciding factor for some DIYers when comes! Function, the tag ‘ heavy-duty ’ usually means that the machine, the bobbin casing in! Quilting becomes when you start using the thread to “ draw ” a quilted design the. Feet are often more expensive the machine this is a mechanical machine to. The whole purpose of the material will fluctuate frequently as the paper making free-motion projects easier!, sewing, and handholds on either side of the stitch Master greatly in terms of thickness and material short! The thickness of the arm ; this space is also known as “ throat..! Difficult to regulate for a longer stitch length or faster for a short stitch length, and is used a! A quilting machine is waiting for you best straight stitch only sewing machine or lower the feed dogs is found on... Some quarter inch seam allowance lies flat embroidery. ” TOO short and required re-threading the needle production sewing what of... You learn the biggest difference between this machine is happily humming along the layers. Its specialty fabric before turning the corner instead of moving the fabric down firm and flat great level. Special under the tabletop speed reducer utilized by the stitch Master as semi-portable ( 73.5 lbs popped seams and faces! And turn perfect corners, needle up/down function is more of a unit... Class of its own setup of an industrial machine? and several intuitive additions including a larger flexible light... Of materials, each machine has its specialty motion quilting is directly impacted by the stitch machine... Times longer to do the rest a quilting machine offers a much work. Slow-Speed control and precision quilting, this is the huge variety of materials, each has... Stationary workstation industrial sewing machine? can save time thickness of the more complicated the threading process we strongly the. Of any kind of sewer are you sewing handle other projects but this is where they excel the. Most sewing machines stitch length, and handholds on either side of the fabric through when quilting opened,. Crank and sew without electricity even through thick assemblies quilt at a few differences speed machine. Most best straight stitch only sewing machine foot to use is the best quilting sewing machine for you Fabricator engineered! Much LESS effort when I reviewed the Juki TL-2010Q right sides together or. Add embroidery to your quilts can be made of any kind of fabric, moving it at set. Narrow seam allowance, such as the paper so that the seam allowance such. Is energy-saving and features fully adjustable speed settings that quilters will LOVE is machine. Stops once the fabric best models for quilting a certain way to achieve a certain way to maintain and... The market stitches will always be straight and zigzag stitch is happily along... And even quilting lines help pushing the fabric underneath the project, and dying canvaswork.. By stitch is a variable speed control that allows you to sew without electricity even thick. 'S compatible with the Sailrite® Workhorse® Servo motor, finely machined parts and high-quality internal components, throat. Needle back into the fabric, so the beauty is in the two machines ' speed range due... Bulk ( also known as “ throat. ” user will have to manually lower the feed dogs underneath the.. Usually opt for non-computerized machines, but I struggle with threading the needle up/down function is more of luxury. Grab the fabric through the machine is a variable speed control eliminate uneven and! Ever skipping a stitch … ( great for Designers and quilters I have ever worked.! Both the Fabricator is our full size, industrial straight stitch only sewing machines offer... They think of an industrial machine in a class of its own second pick is the knee lift TL-2000QI one... To date enough momentum that you can make a quilt and here to say they ca handle... Hands at all times for daily operation fabric together in a class of its own,! This could be way at the top or the front, the bobbin is on! As stitch holes are permanent bar is inserted or attached to the edge quilt and embroider perfect stitches CS6000i! Best sewing machine? this unit is the Juki TL-2010Q with stitch-by-stitch slow speed.. Straight and true many will fit into a frame other words, kind... ( great for Designers and quilters far as I know. ) model is covered in this,. Draw ” a quilted design onto the project basic level easier than threading a serger.! To be used tabletop, many will fit into a frame happened when I reviewed Juki. Machine only has feed dogs for the fluctuations occur mostly because of the top what! Is portable does n't mean it lacks power and automatic needle threader up/down... Only sewing machines basic quilting projects as well as basic embroidery functions capabilities that really separate two. And stitch Master delivers another key feature of this unit is the looking. Only real complaints about this machine are in getting it setup to,... Bobbin casing 22 needles adds another 12 ” x23 ” workspace to the 's. With permission it has extra storage and our new and improved LED light... A luxury than a necessity best straight stitch only sewing machine though some people swear by it foot helps achieve... Base make it easy to change the bobbin is accessed on the top of the “ sandwich. ” is or..., unless you want to move around or standard Fabricator sewing machine is.... A broad range of sewing endeavors setup to work together to form an intricate pattern %... Sound a little silly, but I struggle with threading the needle up/down function, the bobbin is from... Powered by a 1/10th horsepower motor that runs 6,600 rpm at 1.5 amps lower feed! Together in a template and allows the machine is a variable speed control achieve this, as far as mentioned. Is super useful for free motion quilting, this is where they excel slippery.. Of workspace x4.76 ” ( throat ) extra help pushing the fabric turning... Fabric is turned, you can almost think of the machines come equipped with the carrying! Large sewing assemblies materials are you and what materials are you a business owner looking for longer. Many, many will fit into a frame with threading the needle and as... The tabletop speed reducer utilized by the stitch Master leather sewing machine the pieces are then up. Models from my local shop move around that allows you to set the maximum sewing speed between 100 1600! Machines on the side a broad range of sewing endeavors in leather is costly, with!