Are you ready to get started quilting, but don’t own a sewing machine yet? I know that the entry level sewing machine market is overwhelming and knowing what you need and what is just a flashy add-on can be hard to figure out.

Let me help you with what features you need and what you don’t need to get going, and let’s get you started quilting.

How to Buy your First Sewing Machine for Quilting and the Best Features to Look For

My first piece of advice will have many of you shaking your heads, but hear me out. Open up a browser page and Google “sewing machine dealers near me.” Seriously.

Please do not think buying a sewing machine from Amazon or a Big Box Store is your best option to purchase your first machine. It is not. Amazon will not teach you how to use your brand new machine (there is a learning curve to all machines), and they can’t fix it when it breaks.

If you do your homework and Google dealers near you and find you don’t have any nearby, then please buy from an online dealer instead.

Working with a sewing machine dealer is the best thing you can do. They will teach you how to use your machine, fix your machine when it breaks and best of all, they frequently offer machines that were traded in by customers when they purchased a new machine. Trade-in machines have been serviced, come with at least a one year warranty and the best part is, you can usually buy these machines at a huge discount from MSRP. As a result, you get far more bang for your buck. Definitely something to consider in your search.

Quilter’s Edition Machines

There are machines that are labelled and packaged as Quilter’s Edition machines. You do not need a Quilter’s Edition machine to quilt. What differentiates a Quilter’s Edition machine from a regular machine is a few accessories that are geared specifically to quilting. For example, a Quilter’s Edition machine may come with a quarter inch presser foot, a free motion presser foot and a large table. However, all of these items can be purchased separately. It is always a good idea to see if you are actually getting a better deal by purchasing a Quilter’s Edition model or not.

Must Have Features for Quilting

Quarter Inch Foot

A quarter inch foot is essential to sewing a consistent quarter inch seam. Manufacturers produce quarter inch feet for their machines, so please don’t buy a generic presser foot.

Large Throat (Harp) Space

The larger the throat space on your machine, the easier of a time you will have in quilting your quilt. Pushing a large quilt through a small throat space is physically taxing.

Alternatively, you could outsource your quilting to a long arm quilter and not worry about purchasing a machine with a large throat.

Nice Features to Have

Large Table

A large plexiglass table added to your machine will increase your sewing area therefore making it easier for you to quilt your quilt. You can use this table for every day piecing but it isn’t necessary, especially if you don’t have your sewing machine set up all the time. A large table is a nice add on, but not a key feature.

Free Motion Foot

Free motion feet come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. I prefer a free motion foot with an open front so I can actually see where I’m sewing. Again, please purchase the free motion foot that has been manufactured for your machine.

Dual Feed

Many machines come with integrated dual feed or IDT. IDT is engaged by pulling down a lever at the back of your machine. Pfaff used to own the patent to this technology and IDT was exclusive to their machines. However, you will now find IDT on many sewing machines as an add on feature.

Walking Foot

A walking foot is a large foot that you attach to your machine. Walking feet are expensive, but work well if you don’t have IDT.

You may be wondering why this matters. Using either IDT or a walking foot when you are at the quilting stage helps keep all three layers (top, batting and backing) moving a single unit. Therefore, there is less shifting happening. Please note that you still need to pin a lot if quilting on your home machine.

My Final Thoughts

I hope I have clarified what features you need in your first sewing machine. A quarter inch foot and the largest throat you can afford are key. The other features are nice to have, but not that crucial.

A Freebie for You

Before I end for today, I have a Free Guide that can help you as you get started quilting, or even if you have been quilting for a while.

Click here to grab The Top 5 Tools Every Beginner Quilter Needs. You don’t need a lot to get started quilting, and you definitely don’t need a $2,000+ sewing machine. So grab your freebie and let’s get quilting.

I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.

For more helpful quilting tips and tricks, make sure you follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Until Next Time,