In this guide, we provide an overview of the different types of sewing machines available for home quilters and sewists. You’ll expand your understanding of how each type works and how it can help you with your quilting and sewing projects. Whether you’re just starting to learn about sewing machines for quilting or have been creating quilts and other projects for a while, we hope you’ll find something interesting in this article.
Domestic Sewing Machines
We can all picture a classic antique sewing machine on its wooden table and intricate iron base. Maybe it’s in your grandmother’s house; maybe you’ve seen one in an antique market. That image remains familiar because the core shape and function of the domestic sewing machine has not changed. Feed your fabric under the foot and the needle, bobbin, and feed dogs will work together to create a straight, secure stitch.
Today’s domestic machines (called “domestic” to distinguish them from industrial machines that are used in production sewing) are electric, often computerized, and are available with features like self-threading and thread snipping at the touch of a button.
Domestic machines are designed for light home use and are best at quilt piecing, garment sewing, and other gift and home décor projects.
Embroidery Machines
Machine embroidery can create many classic hand embroidery stitches quickly and repeatedly. Commercially, these machines are used for product branding, corporate advertising, and uniform adornment. At home, quilters and sewists use embroidery machines to decorate gifts, clothing, quilts, pillows, and other home decor items. Embroidery machines are controlled by a computer and can automatically embroider programmed designs with precision.
If you’re interested in machine embroidery, consider how much customization you’ll want and how much technical know-how you have. A simpler-to-use machine will come with preprogrammed designs you can select. A more complex machine will enable you to make design choices- either on the machine’s touchscreen or on a computer connected to your machine. Ask your quilt shop staff to talk you through the pros and cons of each machine and think about the kind of work you’ll be happiest making.
Sergers
Longarm Quilting Machines
Longarm quilting machines are designed for experienced, dedicated quilters who have the desire, space, and budget to tackle large quilting projects on their own. Longarm machines are specialized, highly engineered pieces of equipment that can be a joy to use. Longarms feature an extended arm with handlebars that allow you to move the machine head across the fabric with ease. You can free-motion quilt on a longarm or program a machine to run on its own.
If you’re considering adding a longarm machine to your quilting studio, make sure you’ve spent plenty of time testing out machines to get a feel for how they work. When you make the investment in a longarm, you want to be confident that you're getting a machine that meets your needs.
What’s Your Next Sewing Machine?
Are you ready to purchase your first or next sewing machine? Visit Nebraska Quilt Company as you research your options. NQC carries a wide variety of sewing machines for quilting, including brands like Bernina, bernette, Brother, Pfaff, Handi Quilter, and Innova. We offer one-on-one machine demos, in-home setup, and ongoing education to help you get the most out of your machine's features.
Nebraska Quilt Company is your source for quilting classes, sewing machines, quilt kits, and more! Join the Nebraska Quilt Company Community on Facebook to show us what you're cutting and quilting right now! Visit us in store or online today!