I tested the best Large throat Sewing machines for Quilting (2024)

Battling bulky quilts with a cramped sewing space? You’re not alone! Quilting deserves a machine that handles your masterpiece with ease, from king-sized dreams to intricate borders.

I spent 20 years stitching our way through countless quilts. I personally tested and reviewed 5 large throat sewing machines for 2024.

And trust me, these aren’t just armchair recommendations. I put these machines through their paces, stitching on every fabric imaginable, from delicate silks to thick batting. I tested features, cursed tangled threads, and celebrated flawless seams, all to ensure you find the machine that empowers your quilting dreams

What is the throat space on a sewing machine?

The throat space on a sewing machine is the distance between the needle and the right edge of the sewing bed. It’s also sometimes referred to as a work area or workroom, since it’s where you will be doing most of your stitching.

The throat space should be big enough to accommodate whatever project you’re working on – that could be anything from quilting to making doll clothes. Generally speaking, larger projects require more room; smaller pieces can usually fit in a smaller throat space.

When choosing a machine, make sure you have this measurement in mind so you know whether its capabilities are sufficient for you needs.

What are Large Throat Quilting Machines?

Large throat quilting machines are a type of sewing machine used to make quilts. They are different from regular sewing machines because they have a larger arm with space for larger pieces of fabric and batting, making them ideal for large projects like quilts. The extra-large throat also allows more room for intricate stitches and decorative patterns.

Quilters love these machines because they make it easier to create beautiful quilts with even stitches and perfect lines. With the right machine, a quilter can make any type of quilt imaginable!

Top 5 Large throat Sewing machines for Quilting – Reviews

#1. Juki TL2010Q – Overall Best

This dream machine guarantees a great stitch every time, taking your projects to a level you never thought possible. With its foot controller featuring a thread trimming function, you can automatically cut both needle and bobbin threads just by pressing the heel side of the foot — why waste time snipping threads when you can let the machine do the work? Plus, the Sub Tension Unit ensures that even strongly twisted threads come out without any quivering or return of twist.

Sewing even thick fabrics like leather can be especially difficult, but the Juki TL2010Q offers an Even Feed Foot to provide precise feed for a beautiful seam. The speed control mechanism also allows for accurate stitching when stitching heavy materials, quilting, or multiple layers of fabric. Make adjustments to the maximum sewing speed through the slide knob ranging from 200-1500 SPM, so that you can find the exact speed for your project.

With a brightening LED light to easily handle materials, stop position of the needle that can be adjusted with the tap of a button, and two types of quilting foot/drop feed – this machine is designed to make quilting and embroidery projects effortless.

The knee lifter lever allows you to seamlessly lift and lower the presser without having to use your hands, while the Automatic Needle Threader allows you to thread the needle conveniently without eyestrain. Additionally, the thread tension scale allows you to adjust the tension of your thread to whatever material you’re using. The Juki TL2010Q even makes bobbin replacements stress-free by providing a new bobbin case latch and enlarged bobbin case area.

Pros

Wind the most even bobbins I’ve ever seen
Speed control is very helpful
Needle up/down feature
Ability to cut the thread in 3 different places
Foot pedal, button on the front, and Automatic thread cutter at back of needle
Quality walking foot included with machine
LED light strip illuminates throat area

Cons

User manual not very helpful
Needle threader is difficult to use and often sticks in down position
Lighting is dim without addition of LED light strip (extra expense)

#2. Baby Lock Allegro 12 inch throat Sewing Machine

The second Best Large Throat Sewing Machines for Quilting in our list is from well know brand Baby Lock.

With the Baby Lock Allegro, stitching has never been smoother, thanks to its remarkable stitch needle plate. Crafted with a small hole, this needle plate protects your fabric from getting caught in the feed dogs, enabling remarkable piecing and free motion quilting.

The machine is an excellent choice for quilters, regardless of their expertise level. It comes with three foot options: the quarter-inch foot, straight stitch foot, and free motion quilting foot. With 12 spacious inches of workspace, the machine provides ample room for your quilting projects, and also accommodates the Grace cutie frame, providing even more possibilities.

The control panel is user-friendly, practical, and intuitive. Its tension control is finely tuned, requiring minimal adjustments to produce flawless stitching. The speed control, labeled with a bunny and turtle, makes for easy adjustments to match your stitching pace. The scissor button is certainly a must-have feature, facilitating effortless cutting of threads. In addition, the machine has impressive features like needle up/needle down, tie-off button, reverse stitching, and stop/start – all of which add to the overall convenience.

The Baby Lock Allegro is quite versatile, allowing a broad range of creative stitches. The machine has diverse built-in decorative stitches, enabling your projects to take on a whole new dimension. The stitches available are suitable for hemlines, crazy quilt designs, and everything in between, offering unlimited possibilities.

Particularly impressive are stitches like the rabbit stitch and dragonfly stitch, which inspire a unique touch of creativity in your creations. The machine’s easy-to-navigate interface allows you to switch between stitches effortlessly. You can significantly customize your projects with the option of twin needle and mirroring, in addition to two available fonts, which let you personalize your creations even more.

Aside from aesthetics, the machine boasts a highly practical design. Its free arm, for instance, makes tasks like sewing sleeves or smaller projects incredibly easy. Storage is cleverly incorporated on both the front and back sides of the machine, helping you keep your workspace organized. The feed dogs can be readily dropped underneath the tray, facilitating various sewing techniques.

During testing, we found that the Baby Lock Allegro indeed delivered on its promise of delivering smooth sewing experiences. The machine sews decorative stitches with impeccable precision, making it a reliable choice, particularly when it comes to toggling between sewing a single decorative stitch and multiple ones.

Pros

Offers smooth sewing experiences with its impressive stitching abilities.
Highly practical design with free arm for easy maneuverability and storage on front and back sides of the machine.
Feed dogs can be dropped underneath the tray for various techniques.
Features two fonts and option of twin needle and mirroring for personalization.

Cons

Symbols on the screen can be confusing.

Related Post – The 5 Best Sewing Machines For Auto Upholstery

#3. Brother PQ1500SL

For dedicated sewists and quilters, the Brother PQ1500SL sewing machine makes all your big projects possible. Constructed from durable materials for maximum longevity, the PQ1500SL is able to sew up to 1,500 stitches per minute! That’s way over the speed of sound!

The PQ1500SL sewing machine is equipped with an automatic thread trimmer that cuts your threads and automatically reserves them for your next sewing project quickly and simply with the push of a button. Also, an oversized extension table with easy access to the vertical bobbin makes it possible for you to quilt, sew and tackle large projects with ease.

To further ensure precise tension control, the Brother PQ1500SL has a color-coded thread tension dial. Plus, its adjustable feed mechanism and four feed-dog height settings make sure fabric does not slip during your projects.

Pros

Very fast sewing speed.
Easily sews through multiple layers of fabric, batting, and interfacing
Low maintenance – only needs oiling every couple weeks or before big projects.

Cons

The automatic needle treader doesn’t work with some feet, like the FMQ foot
Go too fast and your sewing line can become wonky
Can be hard to remember when it needs oiling.

#4. Juki TL2000Qi

The JUKI TL-2000Qi offers the ideal sewing and quilting machine experience for any creative people who loves to work with fabric. With this mighty machine, solving even the toughest of tasks is easier than ever! Its exclusive foot controlled thread trimming system swiftly threads and cuts your strings with a single stomp – perfect for busy and time-sensitive sewers. Plus, the adjustable presser foot pressure provides precision stitching on heavier fabrics -128 stitches per minute!

What’s more captivating about this machine is its needle up/down button feature that allows you to pivot or free motion your work with unmatched accuracy due to the bright white LED lighting that gives brilliant illumination to your workspace – you can take sewing projects night or day! Not to mention its push lever automatic needle threader also sets it apart by removing eye strain so you can start producing whatever it is you want with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a beginner master of spells making curtains or a confident seamstress crafting quilt tops, the JUKI TL-2000Qi makes for a reliable companion ready to provide endless possibilities through creating magic in fabric form.

Pros

Foot controlled thread trimming system swiftly threads and cuts strings with a single stomp, ideal for busy sewers.
Adjustable presser foot pressure provides precision stitching on heavier fabrics -128 stitches per minute!
Needle up/down button feature allows you to pivot or free motion your work with unmatched accuracy.
Bright white LED lighting gives brilliant illumination to your workspace.
Push lever automatic needle threader removes eye strain so you can start producing quickly and easily.

Cons

Expensive compared to other sewing machines on the market.
Some users report that the machine can be noisy in operation.
Limited stitch options, with only 18 preset stitch patterns available.
The weight of the sewing machine can make it difficult to transport for crafting on the go.
Many users have reported that the instruction manual is not very user friendly.

#5. Baby Lock Jazz II Sewing Machine

The last and the best Quilting Sewing Machine with Large Throat in our list is again from Baby Lock!

This sewing machine offer 12-inch creative space which will gives you all the room you need to explore your ideas – no more struggling for space when it comes to your larger projects and quilts. The machine offers 1,000 stitches-per-minute speed lets you finish faster with perfectly precise stitches every time.

Whether you’re a novice or expert sewer, you’ll love the programmable needle up/down button that eliminates the requirement to take your eyes or hands off your work during start and stop.

For those times when you need to change your bobbin, you’ll be thrilled with the quick-set, top loading bobbin. The hassle of midway bobbin changes will be a thing of the past. And if you need to replenish what’s in the bobbin, you’ll also appreciate the automatic bobbin winder that automatically stops when your bobbin is full.

Pros

12-inch creative space, ideal for larger projects like quilts
1,000 stitches per minute speed for precise stitching
Programmable needle up/down button
Quick set, top loading bobbin
Automatic bobbin winder stops when full
Wide throat area ideal for large projects

Cons

Bobbin cover design can be tricky to operate
Threading the machine is sensitive and requires precision
Does not include some specialized feet, which must be purchased separately

FAQs

What is the throat space on a sewing machine?

The throat space on a sewing machine is the distance between the needle and the right edge of the sewing bed. It’s also sometimes referred to as a work area or workroom, since it’s where you will be doing most of your stitching.

The throat space should be big enough to accommodate whatever project you’re working on – that could be anything from quilting to making doll clothes. Generally speaking, larger projects require more room; smaller pieces can usually fit in a smaller throat space. When choosing a machine, make sure you have this measurement in mind so you know whether its capabilities are sufficient for you needs.

What are Large Throat Quilting Machines?

Large throat quilting machines are a type of sewing machine used to make quilts. They are different from regular sewing machines because they have a larger arm with space for larger pieces of fabric and batting, making them ideal for large projects like quilts. The extra-large throat also allows more room for intricate stitches and decorative patterns.

Quilters love these machines because they make it easier to create beautiful quilts with even stitches and perfect lines. With the right machine, a quilter can make any type of quilt imaginable!

Which sewing machine has the largest throat size?

When it comes to choosing the best sewing machine with the largest throat size, I can personally recommend the Juki TL2010Q. This impressive model offers a whopping 14 inches of space to work on large quilting projects or thick fabrics like denim and leather – a feature that many other machines simply don’t offer. With its strong motor, smooth speed control system and quick-change presser feet for varied applications, this machine is suitable for both novice and experienced sewers alike.

What is the ideal throat size for quilting?

When it comes to quilting, finding the right throat size is essential for creating successful projects. Generally speaking, throat sizes for quilting range from 9″ to 14″. It’s important to note that this measurement depends largely on the type of machine you have; some machines allow wider throats than others.

For example, if you’re using a domestic sewing machine with a 9” opening then you’ll want to go with an even smaller needle size so that your fabric doesn’t get stuck in the feed dogs (the parts of the machine responsible for moving fabric through). While larger needles can be used on a home sewing machine, they may put too much tension on delicate fabrics and cause damage or uneven stitch lines. Choosing a smaller needle size when working with delicate fabrics will ensure smoother stitching results and avoid any unnecessary snags while quilting.

On the other hand, industrial sewing machines typically have longer arms and larger throats which means they can accommodate thicker materials and wider needles without sacrificing quality or causing damage. The most common throat sizes seen on industrial machines range from 11″–14.” If you’re working at this level of production then it’s best to use slightly thicker materials such as broadcloth or muslin paired with correspondingly large needles (11″-14″). Thick thread types should also be used as fine threads can easily break under heavy strain or heat generated during stitching processes.

What’s the difference between a Baby Lock and overlock machine?

When it comes to Baby Lock vs. Overlock machines, there are a few distinct differences that set them apart.

For starters, the stitch per inch is higher in baby overlock machines compared to regular overlock models which makes it much faster and more efficient for sewing projects.

A baby lock machine is capable of up to four, five or even six stitches on each line — making your project look really crisp and professional-looking when you’re finished!

Additionally, the tension adjustment and fine thread control make precision work easier — especially for lines that curve around a corner or need delicate stitching at the edges.

What is the major difference between a quilting and a sewing machine?

A quilting machine is far wider than a regular sewing machine. This allows for additional presser feet to be used on the same piece of fabric, making it easier to sew multiple lines of stitches while using the same presser foot and keeping things neat, consistent, and even.

The extended surface area also gives more surface area for larger projects such as quilts which require complex patterns in an efficient manner since more room exists for manipulation.

In addition to the extended bed size, there are several features that make up a quilting machine instead of just any old regular sewing one.

Is there any 16 inch throat sewing machine on the market?

Yes, the Husqvarna Platinum 16 is the only 16 inch throat sewing machine on the market. It boasts a number of impressive features which make it an excellent choice for sewers of any level.

The Husqvarna Platinum 16 offers a generous, industry-leading throat space of up to 16 inches, allowing you to take on larger projects and work with more fabric and accessories than might otherwise be possible on standard-sized models. Its powerful motor operates at 1,500 stitches per minute making it one of the fastest machines available.

To ensure that you get accurate results each time, bright LEDs have been integrated into its design to provide clear visibility while you work.

This is complemented by its intuitive color touch screen which allows easy control over all your settings in one convenient location. Finally, larger-capacity M size bobbins are included as part of this package so that even heavy fabrics can be handled without issue – helping make sure that every stitch looks perfect for years to come.

Buyers Guide for Selecting the Large Throat Sewing Machines for Quilting

Before buying you new sewing machine, here are some questions you need visualize and answer it yourself:

What type of quilting and projects will you be doing in the future?

If you have a specific quilting project in mind, it’s important to think about what type of fabric and thread you’ll be working with. Consider the weight of the fabric that will need to fit under your machine arm, whether you need a large throat space, or if purchasing additional feet attachments are something that would benefit your needs.

How often will you use your machine?

This is an important factor to consider when selecting a sewing machine. If you plan on using it for a long time, investing in a higher quality model may be beneficial as they typically provide more features and are built to last. However, if it’s just occasional use, perhaps one of the lower-priced models would work better for your needs.

Will you be sewing thicker fabrics, such as denim or canvas?

If so, then you may need to look for a machine with a larger throat space. This will provide the necessary clearance for bigger projects and alleviate any tension that might occur while sewing thicker materials. Additionally, machines designed for quilting typically have an adjustable presser foot, which will provide more clearance and help manage the fabric much better.

How important is portabilty to your quilting needs?

If you plan on taking your machine with you, then weight and size should be considered. Portable sewing machines are generally smaller in size and lighter in weight than other models, making them easier to transport from one place to another.

It’s also important to think about how you plan on powering your machine. Most models are 120 volts, but some may require a different voltage if they have additional power features.

Finally, take into consideration the type of needle and thread that your project requires. A higher quality machine will be more compatible with specialized needles and threads, which will help ensure your projects are successful.

No matter the type of quilting project you have in mind, it’s important to select a machine that meets all of your sewing needs. Take the time to research different models and consider what features and capabilities best suit your craftsmanship. With the right machine, you can create beautiful pieces that will last for years to come.

Answering these questions will help you determine the type of quilting machine that best suits your needs. To make it easier, here are some factors to consider before making a purchase:

• Level of Experience: If you are just starting out, then a basic model is probably the best option. However, if you have more experience with quilting and want to take on bigger projects, then a more advanced machine may be worth considering.
• Budget: Before buying any kind of sewing machine, make sure that it fits within your budget range. Different models will have different price points, so it’s important to determine what best suits your needs without overspending.
• Portability: If you plan on taking your machine with you, then weight and size should be considered. Portable sewing machines are generally smaller in size and lighter in weight than other models, making them easier to transport from one place to another.
• Features: Take a look at the different features available on each machine. These may include built-in stitches, automatic needle threaders, speed control, and other special features. Make sure that the machine is equipped with all of the necessary tools to make your projects as easy and efficient as possible.

Final Verdict

Based on the above criteria, it is clear that the Juki TL2010Q is the overall Best Large Throat Quilting Machines in 2023. The 14-inch throat size, high sewing speed (200 to 1500 per minute) and 6mm maximum stitch length make it a great choice for quilters who want to achieve professional results. Additionally, the “L” style bobbin type makes it very easy to load and replace.

For those looking for something with a smaller throat size, the Brother PQ1500SL is a good choice, as its 12.6-inch throat size is still large enough for most quilting projects. It also has a nice range of features such as a 7mm maximum stitch length and FAST bobbin winding system.

Finally, the Baby Lock Allegro Sewing Machine should not be overlooked, as it offers a wide range of features that are ideal for quilters, such as an adjustable thread tension controller and 12-inch throat size as well. Furthermore, it’s extremely user friendly, making it great for those just starting out in the world of quilting. Ultimately, any one of these machines would make a great choice for serious quilters!