IS YOUR MACHINE LETTING YOU BE THE BEST QUILTER YOU CAN BE? 

Top 5 Sewing Machine Features for Quilting

Is your sewing machine doing everything it can to make you the best quilter you can be? 

When I first started sewing I had no idea what to look for! I’m on my 4th sewing machine now – here’s what I leaned to be the most useful features along the way. 

1. The Needle Up/Down Button.

This button lets me lift the foot and pivot my project. No need for backstitching, your needle stays perfectly in the spot in the fabric.

best sewing machine features

2. The 1/4″ Foot.

I went months without knowing about this handy accessory! I like the one with the little flange, it really keeps the fabric on track. My points got a whole lot better once I started using this.

1/4" fabric foot sewing machine accessory

3. Throat Space.

The more throat space you have, the easier it will be to quilt your own projects. Less wrestling and back strain. It’s definitely worth the investment!

4. Extension Table.

An extension table is going to increase the sewing space to the left of the needle. Your sewing won’t hang off the edge of the machine, creating drag. It’s easier for you and it’s more accurate for your sewing.

throat space and extension for sewing machine

An extension table and lots of throat space is the best of both worlds!

5. Walking Foot.

A walking foot is also called an “Even Feed Foot” by some manufacturers. This special foot grabs fabric from the top in addition to the feed  dogs doing their job. This means that all three layers of your quilt will go through the machine at the same rate, with no drag. This foot is an absolute must for quilting!

walking foot for grabbing fabric to reduce drag on your machine

Is there anything you’d add to the list? Cheers to a lot of good stitches! 🙂

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Brassens

Hi, I’m Michelle! I’ve never met a craft I didn’t like. Sewing however was where I really found my groove! So I left behind life as a pastry chef and concentrated on making things with fabric instead of food. I work at Dinkydoo Fabrics now and get to write about sewing and quilting for work. Stick with me and I’ll show you all kinds of tips and tricks, from beginner to expert maker level. Can’t wait!