What every quilter needs in their lives is a good quality quilting machine that will provide them with a sufficient amount of space and extra perks to complete their quilting projects efficiently. A long arm quilting machine provides space, but it will cost you an arm and a leg with its heavy price tag. This is where a mid-arm quilting machine enters the stage. Mid-arm quilting machines provide sufficient space and many nifty perks at a much reasonable price.
However, every seamstress is aware of the importance of purchasing the right model of a mid-arm quilting machine. To save you from going through the trouble of searching the market to find a good quality quilting machine, I present to you the 4 best mid-arm quilting machines in 2025! I have shared thorough reviews of these 4 models in this article. So, if you are looking for a good quality mid-arm quilting machine, then keep reading.
Table of Contents
4 Best Mid Arm Quilting Machines
Grace Q’nique 15R
- 1800 stitches per minute
- Adjustable touch screen
- Wide throat
- Built-in stitch regulator
Grace has been ruling the market of sewing for quite some time now. The main reason behind their rule is the high-quality models of sewing machines that they have introduced. The Grace Q’nique 15R upholds that reputation and has earned a position among the best mid-arm quilting machines in 2022. This model comes with all the features and perks that every quilter yearns for. Whether you are a professional quilter or someone who is just stepping into the world of sewing and quilting, you can operate this sewing machine easily and enjoy the perks.
Firstly, the machine comes with a solid construction that will make sure this boy stays in your workshop for years. In addition to that, this model offers 15 inches of throat space which makes mid-arm quilting a treat for every seamstress. With the wide throat space, you will have plenty of room to easily fit in larger quilting projects without having your workspace look cluttered.
All the previous projects that you were dreading to work on, you can take them out and start quilting with the Q’nique 15R. This model comes with two handgrips that have a soft wrap over them to enhance the comfort of the users. These handgrips will ease the job of every seamstress to a large extent. Instead of constantly moving the fabric, you just need to fix the fabric in place and move the needle over the fabric.
There are quick-access buttons on the handle that let you monitor and control sewing tasks. If you need to adjust the position of the needle, all you have to do is press the control button. You can easily lower and raise the needle with just the push of a button. In addition to that, you can also adjust the speed of the stitches through the buttons present at the handlebars.
While putting this model to test, I noticed that it has a stitch regulator. A mid-arm quilting machine with a stitch regulator takes care of many things. It is a nifty feature that controls the length of each stitch. Whether you are operating the machine fast or slowly, the built-in regulator will make sure that all the stitches are even and consistent. Moreover, this boy comes with a 2.5 inches wide LED screen installed at the front. What the LED screen does is that it makes your job of going through different stitches and then selecting one easier.
The high speed of this machine will let you make 1800 stitches per minute and be done with smaller and bigger projects easily and quickly. The machine has 4 stitching modes; you can select one mode through the touch screen. The four stitching modes include precise mode, cruise, baste, and lastly, manual. The best part is that you can even adjust the position of the LED screen by tilting it. Once the screen is in your desired and comfortable position, simply lock it in, and voila! The addition of an LED light is another thoughtful inclusion that will make your job easier.
Grace has incorporated a motorized bobbin winder into this mid-arm quilting machine to make the job of every quilter easy. The bobbin winder will start winding the bobbin automatically, eliminating the need for you to do it manually. In addition to that, the M class bobbin has been placed at the top so that you can access it easily in case it needs to be switched.
- Perfect for beginners and professionals
- Quick access buttons
- Auto bobbin winder
- LED light
- Easy to locate bobbin
- Comfortable grip handles
- Hefty price tag
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Whether you are a professional or a starter, you will be making your life easier if you choose to invest your bucks in the Grace Q’nique 15R. The nifty features of this model will make sure you get done with your quilting projects without any fatigue or annoyance. With the help of the quick access buttons on the handlebars and the high speed of this mid-arm quilting machine, you will be able to get done with more quilting in less time.
JUKI TL-2020 PE Platinum Edition
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Speed control system
- Auto needle threader
- Thread tension adjustment
Juki has been manufacturing sewing machines for almost 8 decades, so you know that if anything comes with the label of Juki is going to exceed the user’s expectations. This is no lie, especially when we talk about the Juki TL-2020 PE. This mid-arm quilting machine comes with the body of a traditional sewing machine. However, do not be fooled by the simple and traditional design; this model is loaded with features that are going to make the life of every quilter easy.
Firstly, the entire machine has a platinum finish that makes it appealing to the eye. Beneath the platinum finish is a body constructed from aluminum. So, the machine is exceptionally sturdy yet lightweight. Secondly, this machine is equipped with a speed control system that allows you to set the speed of the needle by altering the number of stitches taken per minute. With the help of a lever, you can decrease the number of stitches to as much as 200. Similarly, you can also increase the number of stitches to a maximum of 1500.
There are many other features incorporated in this boy that will ease quilting tenfold for every sewing enthusiast. Top of the list is the automatic needle threader. Instead of squinting your eyes and threading the needle manually, simply press the lever, and the thread will pass through the needle hole. This model also has a needle control button. What that button does is that when pressed, it moves the needle up or down. So if you are done with a stitch and the needle is down, simply press the button to raise the needle.
In addition to that, this model also has an automatic thread trimmer. The thread trimmer eliminates the need to trim the bobbin and the needle thread whenever you are done quilting. There is a button added to the front of the mid-arm quilting machine that will trim both the bobbin and the needle thread by a single push. Furthermore, once you put this boy in its place and attach the auxiliary table to the machine together, you get 23 inches of working space. This space is more than enough to fit larger projects and not have your workspace crammed up.
Quilters deal with various types of fabrics and multiple layers of cloth piled onto each other. Juki is aware of the fact that every cloth requires a separate tightness of the thread. This is why they have added a thread tension scale to this boy that gives you the freedom to adjust the tension of the thread according to the type of fabric you are dealing with. In addition to that, the bobbin thread tension can also be adjusted easily, which gives you more control over the stitches.
Furthermore, while testing the machine, I came across a really nifty feature. There is a switch at the front of this mid-arm quilting machine that lets you raise or lower the feed dog. Lastly, the cherry on top of all these handy features is that this model has a built-in LED light that will illuminate your workspace. So, you can forget about finding a bright source of light before you start working, as with the help of the built-in light, your workspace will be brightly lit.
If you think this is all, you are about to be surprised. A complete box of accessories that includes various types of presser foot accompany this mid-arm quilting machine. Whether you need to do decorative stitches on the quilt or hem the edges, attach the type of specific type of presser foot, and voila.
Moreover, with the regulator’s help, you can change and adjust the pressure of the presser foot. This is a thoughtful inclusion as different types of thickness require different pressure from the presser foot. Through the knee lift lever, you will be able to adjust the position of the presser foot by only using your knee.
- Portable
- Reasonable price tag
- Aluminum construction
- Adjustable presser foot
- LED light
- Comes with accessories
- Adjustable feed dog
- No LCD screen
- Makes noise
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Whether you are an advanced quilter or a newbie, this mid-arm quilting machine is a treat for all. Through the nifty perks and the automatic features of this boy, quilting will be much easier. Whether you are working on a smaller project or a larger one, it will not cause as much fatigue and annoyance as it normally does while working with a low-quality machine. The reasonable price tag is another perk.
Janome 1600P-QC
- Needle up/down button
- Auto thread cutter
- Separate bobbin winder
- Speed control setting
When we talk about the Janome 1600P-QC, the first thing that comes to mind is a heavy-duty body. This beast comes with an exterior constructed from high-grade metal that gives it sturdiness along with a long life. The metal construction also comes in handy when you are working on layers of fabric, and the machine keeps moving. With the solid build of this boy, it will stay in its place unless it is moved. In addition to the heavy-duty construction, the performance of this boy is no less. It is capable of easily sewing through layers of different types of fabrics.
The Janome 1600P-QC is perfect for both home use and industrial use. You can use this boy to sew your clothes and make quilts, as it will do both jobs perfectly. With the speed of this boy, i.e., 1600 stitches per minute, you will be starting and finishing projects on the same day. Moreover, there is also a speed control setting that lets you adjust the speed of the fabric. This is a nifty feature as with multiple layers of fabric, you need different stitching speeds as compared to with a single layer.
In addition to that, this model also comes with a setting that allows you to alter the length of the stitches to a maximum of 6mm. This feature comes to the rescue when you have to work on different types of fabric with the same machine. No matter what the fabric is, this boy will handle it exceptionally well. Moreover, to further ease the tedious job of quilting, there is a dial at the front of the machine. With the help of this dial, you can adjust the tension of the thread, and tighten it and loosen it according to your need.
It also has an automatic thread cutter that operates at the push of a button. The button is present at the front of the quilting machine with a scissor printed on it. With just a single push, it will cut both the needle thread and the bobbin thread. In addition to that, through the auto needle threader, you can easily thread your needle instead of spending extra time and energy over it. This feature is a relief, especially for those who have weaker eyesight.
Janome is known for providing its users with the best features in a small body. This is proved by the addition of a separate motor that winds the bobbin. So, you can keep stitching and wind the bobbin at the same time without any trouble. This is not the end of its list of features; there is a setting to lower and raise the needle. When you are done with a stitch, simply press the button to raise the needle. To make things even better, this model comes with an accessory kit included in the package.
Furthermore, this mid-arm quilting machine offers a 9 inches x 6 inches of space on the right side of the needle. While quilting, this extra space comes in handy, especially while working on larger projects. This model also comes with a knee lift that lets you put pressure on the presser foot. This way, you can adjust the presser foot with your knees and keep working with your hands. Last but not least, this model comes with dual LED lights that will take care of brightly illuminating your workspace.
- Metal construction
- Dual LED lights
- Thread tension adjustment
- Stitch length alteration
- 1600 stitches per minute
- Accessory kit
- Only one stitch option
- Feed dog can not be raised
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If you are looking for a heavy-duty machine that will deal with all types of fabrics, from layers of denim to suede, then get your hands on the Janome 1600P-QC. This model is the ideal for a beginner. Professionals can also make use of it, but it may be too simple for a professional as it comes with a single stitch. However, with the help of the automatic features and the stitch length alteration, a beginner can use this mid-arm quilting machines for home use and make all types of quilting projects from it.
Juki TL-2010Q
- Dual auto thread cutter
- Speed controller
- Automatic needle threader
- Needle position control
As a quilter, the most important thing is to have a machine that delivers even stitches. Juki has made sure to give quilters a mid-arm sewing machine that gives you even stitches every time; no matter how many layers of fabrics are under the needle, the end result will be even stitches. The Juki TL-2010Q comes with a body manufactured from aluminum die-cast, which gives it strength, corrosion resistance, and many other perks. The design of this boy allows straight stitching and free-motion stitching, which is good news for all the quilters out there.
This model has a single needle that is capable of sewing through thick layers of fabrics and delivering a beautiful quilt. From denim to layers of suede, this boy can handle everything. In addition to that, it comes with a speed controller that lets you adjust the speed of the machine according to your project and layers of fabric. There is a button at the front with the image of a turtle at one end and a rabbit at the other. Turtle indicates a slow speed, and the rabbit is the fastest. You can easily move the button and work at your desired speed.
To make things easier for all the quilters and sewers, Juki has added some automatic features to this model, including dual automatic thread trimmers. Right next to the speed control dial, there is a small button that, when pressed, cuts the needle and the bobbin thread. Moreover, the second thread cutter is present in the foot pedal. To operate that, you need to press the foot pedal backward. The dual thread cutter eliminates the need for the sewers to grab and scissor after every few stitches and cut the thread.
The second automatic feature is the automatic needle threader. As the name indicates, this feature makes your quilting machine thread the needle automatically by a push of a button. Moreover, thanks to the 9 inch wide throat of this machine, you will have more than enough space to work on your larger projects easily. You can also increase the workspace up to 23 inches by attaching the extension table to the machine. This way, you will be able to get more work done, too, as the workspace will be less cluttered.
In addition to that, this model has a button at the front that allows you to control the position of the needle and move it up and down. Moreover, to make sure your stitches are even and beautiful at all types of fabrics, this model has a thread tension control setting. With the help of this setting, you will be able to alter the tension of the thread according to your project at hand. In addition to that, this beast can make from 200 to 1500 stitches per minute which will help you finish larger projects more quickly.
Furthermore, Not one, not two, Juki has added three LED lights to this model of theirs. The lights will illuminate your workspace, especially the needle area. So, it will be easier for you to see what you are working on. In addition to that, Juki has added two types of quilting feet in the package, a 1/4″ foot and a 1/5″ foot. Lastly, this boy is equipped with a knee lift lever to control the pressure of the presser foot with the help of your knees. The knee lift lever really comes in handy when you are working on a project, and your hands are occupied.
- Comparatively low price
- Thread tension control
- Aluminum construction
- Triple LED lights
- Two quilting feet
- Knee lift lever
- Single stitch option
- Heavy in weight
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If the inexpensive price tag of this model is not enough to convince quilters to purchase it, then surely the aluminum-built body and the automatic features will do the job. This is the perfect fit for all the beginners out there who are just starting their quilting journey. Due to the advanced features of this medium arm quilting machine, even experts can make use out of it.
Buying Guide
Doing quilting projects on a standard sewing machine is not the worst thing in the world, but a standard sewing machine does not have the ease and perks of a mid-arm quilting machine. Using a mid-arm quilting machine will increase your productivity by cutting your time in half. In addition to that, it will bring all types of perks and features to the table that will make the tedious job of quilting seem like a piece of cake.
As easy as it is to quilt using a mid-arm quilting machine, selecting a model of mid-arm quilting machine for yourself is not easy! With the abundance of manufacturing labels in the market, it gets hard to select one. To save you from this dilemma, we have identified top features that you should look for in a mid-arm quilting machine. These features will help you in narrowing your long list of options down to the ones best suited for you.
Wide Throat
The first thing every quilter looks for in a quilting machine is the throat space it provides. Throat space is the area between the needle and the body of the quilting machine. Larger and wider throat space means easy working as you will have more area to spread out your quilting projects. Ideal throat space for a mid-arm quilting machine is between 12 to 17 inches.
In addition to that, there are many mid-arm quilting machines out there that come with an extension table that gives you 10 to 15 extra inches of workspace. This extra workspace comes in handy when you are working on bigger projects that require more area. When you are purchasing a mid-arm quilting machine, go for a model that has a wider throat space and comes with an extension table.
Speed Control
This feature is highly important if you wish to quilt with ease. Every type of fabric requires a different stitching speed, and when you put layers of fabric together, they need a separate speed level. So, while quilting, you need to tinker with the speed a lot more than regular stitching. This is why you should opt for a model that has a speed control system that will let you adjust the speed according to your fabric’s needs.
Type Of Bobbin
It is highly annoying when the quilting machine comes with a smaller L-size bobbin that needs to be changed frequently. The ideal type of bobbin for a mid-arm quilting machine is the M-size bobbin. This is a larger size; hence, it will not need to be changed as frequently as the smaller one. In addition to that, make sure the machine you are going for has an automatic bobbin winder. So, the machine winds the bobbin automatically, and you are not stuck doing it all day.
Thread Control System
A quilter will only have fun working on a machine when that said machine gives them complete control, from the types of stitches to the tension of the stitches. A thread control system is quite crucial in a mid-arm quilting machine as it lets you alter the tension of the thread. This comes in handy when you have to use the same machine for various types of fabrics.
Automatic Controls
Automatic features in a mid-arm quilting machine include an automatic thread trimmer, automatic needle threader, and auto bobbin winder. These may not seem like a deal-breaker, but when you are working on a large project, and your quilting machine takes care of a few steps for you, it gets easier to quilt. Always go for a model that comes with nifty automatic features.
Accessories
The best mid-arm quilting machines are those that come with extra accessories added to the package. These accessories include different types of quilting feet that are also the most important accessory. The second most appreciated accessory is an extension table. Always go for a model of mid-arm quilting machine that comes with extra parts, so you do not have to search for them and purchase any separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)
Differences between Mid Arm vs Long Arm Quilting Machines?
The major difference between a mid-arm machine and a long arm machine is the throat space, which is the space from the needle to the body of the quilting machine. A mid-arm machine offers a maximum of 17 inches of throat space. On the other hand, the throat space of a long arm machine goes up to 24 inches. Other than that, a long arm machine is an industrial-grade machine. So, it also offers more stitches per minute than a mid-arm machine.
Is buying a specialized quilting machine necessary for best results?
Even if the sewing machine you own has a wide throat space and works at a fast speed, you need a specialized quilting machine. You can do quilting jobs with a standard machine. However, a specialized quilting machine will not only have a wider throat space and a fast speed, but it will also allow free-motion stitching along with straight-line stitching, which is needed for quilting. So, for best results and an easy quilting job, it is wise if you get a specialized quilting machine.
Conclusion
Owning a good-quality mid-arm quilting machine that stitches through thick layers of fabric like butter is the dream of every quilter. However, it is hard to find a quilting machine that comes with perks and features catering to every need of a quilter. I took matters into my own hands and found these four best mid-arm quilting machines. In the article above, I have shared 4 detailed mid-arm quilting machines reviews. I hope you found the article helpful.