Many quilters enjoy quilting by hand, and while it may be more fun and rewarding, they fail to realize the amount of time it takes up and can put them back on other projects! Having the best mid arm quilting machine in your possession can make your crafting life much more efficient! A mid arm quilting machine is a combination of a sewing machine and a long-arm quilting machine. The great thing about mid arm machines is they are cheaper than long-arm machines, can do most (if not all) of the same functions that sewing machines do, and they are smaller space-wise and come with a smaller price tag- but they are still quite pricey!
Long-arm quilting machines typically take up a whole room, so these mid-arm machines are perfect for anyone who is looking to get more serious about quilting without giving up a whole room just to a machine. Here are some of our top picks and some tips to get you started on your search for the best mid-arm quilting machine!
Contents
4 Best Mid-Arm Quilting Machine Options
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Janome 1600P-QC |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Q’nique Quilter 15R |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Juki TL-2010Q |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 |
| Check On Amazon |
1. Janome 1600P-QC
First up on our list is the Janome 1600P-QC Mid-Arm Quilting and Sewing Machine. This machine features an extra-wide working space, an adjustable knee lift, a built-in needle threader, and a side-loading bobbin. It is a quick machine and can do up to 1600 stitches per minute, allowing you to get through projects much quicker! This machine also features an automatic thread cutter, an independent motor, and an ergonomics knee lift. With long-arm machines, you cannot easily sit at it and work on your project, but with these mid-arms, it is easy to sit and if you have the right chair, rolling around the machine helps make projects go even quicker and more comfortable on you.
This is a sleek but powerful machine that is perfect for straightforward, simple quilts. It comes fully assembled so you would just have to plug it in and you can get right to work!
2. Q’nique Quilter 15R
The Q’nique Quilter 15R machine is a mid-arm machine that is a borderline long arm because of its capabilities. It is on the larger side compared to other models and also has a larger price tag to go with it. This specific model can even do a king-size quilt without issues, as long as you make sure it is mounted on a king-size frame.
This machine can stitch up to 1800 stitches per minute and is automatically regulated so you will not end up with any skipped or repeated stitches. The fifteen-inch wide throat and large bobbins allow you to tackle those bigger projects that you may have on your to-do list. With the practical design of this machine, you can handle the material being used easily while also being able to access the functions of the machine. The handles have three buttons on the upper side allowing you to change functions while you’re working without having to go to the LED screen to change it yourself.
3. Juki TL-2010Q
The Juki TL-2010Q Mid-Arm Quilting Machine might as well have its name changed to a free-motion quilting machine because the throat space measures 8.5 by 5.9, which is really not all that much space. But what makes this machine so neat is you get an extension table of 12 by 23 inches allowing for more comfort while you’re quilting.
This machine can do up to 1500 stitches per minute and is very powerful. It is lightweight and portable and comes at a more comfortable price considering the prices of other mid-arm machines. It also features an industrial sub-tension system, variable speed control slider, white LED lighting, a foot-controlled trimming system. Comes equipped with an automatic thread button that trims the needle and bobbin threads at the sewing end just by gently pressing a button. With the microcomputer-controlled machine, it is easy to control the speed of your sewing, you can go as fast or slow as you want!
4. SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 is definitely on the small side of mid-arm quilting machines and only offers up to 850 stitches per minute, which is significantly slower than other machine options. Although this one is smaller, there are quite a few features on it including 600 built-in stitches, a built-in needle threader, thread cutter, and built-in lettering.
This machine is recommended for not just quilting, but also basic sewing, fashion design, and home decor and with the built-in fonts, you can customize all your projects with these fonts. You can adjust the speed of the machine to increase the speed for longer stitches but slow it down when you need to work on more delicate spots. This machine is best for newer quilters who are wanting to step up their quilting game and learn more about the craft before they invest a large chunk of money into a machine.
Buying Guide for the Best Mid Arm Quilting Machine
Mechanical Quilting Machines
These quilting machines require the user to manually do things such as change out bobbins. These are recommended best for beginners.
Electronic or Computerized Quilting Machines
These are much more favored by professionals because of the speed. Depending on the settings, smaller tasks can be done for you while you are working. Computerized models are compatible with the One Touch stitch software. If you are looking to handle larger, bulkier projects, then a computerized or electronic model would be best for you. Just one of the main downfalls of these is they just about always come at a higher price tag.
Throat Space
Mid-arm quilting machines have more throat space than you may think ranging anywhere from 16 to 22 inches. Some may have less than that, but these machines can have table extenders to help increase your workspace and allow for you to move around the quilt and work on every piece of it.
Place Setting
Mid arms can sit either sideways like a regular sewing machine, but it can also face right towards you which would be more ideal when it comes to larger projects. There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to the positioning of mid-arm machines.
Bobbin sizes
Mid arm machines come with two bobbins, an L-size which is normal for a sewing machine, and an M-size which holds about three times the thread. The larger bobbin does not to be changed as much and the smaller bobbin is perfect for either smaller projects or the more detailed parts of projects.
Sewing Speeds
Many of these machines allow you to change the speeds that you work at. If you are new and still learning, you do not have to worry about the machine being too quick for you. If you want to slow it down, then slow it down, or if you want to speed it up, then you have the ability to do that as well.
Warranties
Before you purchase your machine, you should want to check out any warranties. A warranty would cover any unexpected defects. For example, a machine could be delivered with a broken pedal or side loading bobbin. Whatever the case may be, a warranty would take care of that for you. Some machines come with a warranty right away when they purchase the machine, but others may require you to call the company and ask if they offer any warranties. You may have to purchase one or just ask to activate it if necessary.
Quilting Accessories To Go With Your Best Mid Arm Quilting Machine
With a new quilting machine comes new accessories! Something you may find useful is these magnetic pincushions that are designed to be a bracelet so that while you are working there will always be needles on you, but not in the way! They come in packs of three and in 4 different colors or a variety pack.
There is nothing more frustrating than when you are on a roll with your foot pedal but it keeps sliding away from you. That is where this Stay in Place Sewing Foot Pedal Mat comes into play! Between the velcro and non-slip materials, your foot pedal will stay in place and the mat will stay in place.
Many complaints about quilting machines are the lack of lighting. But let’s be honest, there is no such thing as too much lighting when it comes to any crafting. These self-adhesive LED lighting strips are perfect to stick them wherever you may need them. There is a convenient on and off button with separate dimming buttons you can use to make the lights as bright or dark as you want.
Making the perfect quilt comes down to being as exact as possible with the measurements. This quilting ruler set has rulers for triangles, hexagons, 45 and 60-degree rulers as well. They are also transparent allowing you to see through what you are measuring.
Conclusion
Shopping for really any sewing machine can be a task. There are so many bells and whistles to everything it can be hard to keep them all straight. Quilting machines are just like that, except there seems to almost be more to it! It all comes down to what you are wanting to do with the machine. If you are wanting to be money conscious and save space, then one of these might just be the best mid-arm quilting machine for you.
Hopefully, with our buying guide, quilting machine options, and quilting accessories you will be able to find the best mid-arm quilting machine that will best fit your needs and accessories to go with it to make your quilting more efficient!
Written by Lauren Bolt
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