Best Sewing Machine for Quilting - Little Rebel Sewing Machine Review

[@barbaraward254]

Fabulous review

[@myronhorvathsk]

Leah I just found your channel. I was in my local store yesterday and I seen this machine and it caught my attention right away due to its size. No other machine besides my industrials have this much room to work with the bulk of a quilt really. However it is the only machine I have seen that does not have a presser foot pressure adjustment, that is rather odd.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, that’s on my wish list for foot options in the future!

[@brendafrye5875]

Leah what a fantastic presentation of the Little Rebel. This is finally a machine that may be in my budget in the future. Thank you so much. Look forward to more quilting tutorials from you.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Brenda!

[@lynnmichel6440]

Great video, btw. I've followed your machine quilting adventures for years now. So im familiar with all your experience.

[@LeahDay]

That's great Lynn! So happy to have you along for my quilting adventures!

[@grams5580461]

Leah I liked your review of this machine. I had an issue with mine that might help others when setting theirs up. I had to make an adjustment to my foot pedal. It just kept running until I unplugged it. I was thinking at the time that my machine was being a Rebel and didn't want me to plug that thing in. Slight adjustment fixed that. Thanks for your great review.

[@LeahDay]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, a few early Little Rebels had this foot pedal issue. Loosen the screw on the bottom and it should stop glitching. If it continues however, you can contact your dealer for a replacement foot pedal.

[@grams5580461]

@@LeahDayI was able to fix it. Thank you. I do hope you make some more videos featuring this machine.

[@michelegirard]

Looks really great! Can't wait to see your tutorials on it :) You make everything so easy to understand. Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome!

[@ThimbleBook]

Wow. The presser feet system and the large harp is AMAZING 😃

[@LeahDay]

It’s really interesting. I’ve never seen a machine quite like it.

[@georgettaavila7398]

The harp space looks wonderful.

[@LeahDay]

It really is!

[@carolsmith5686]

Not having a walking foot with this is a deal breaker !! Please add to future models!! Better positioning for the bobbin case would be a plus too. Can’t wait to see what happens in the future.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for your opinion. I doubt the location of the bobbin case will change as that's an integral function of the machine and would require it to be completely redesigned.

[@carlaatkins2619]

Thanks for the review. I've just started using a friend's sit down FMQ and I'm wanting to get one for myself. 🎶💐💖

[@LeahDay]

Awesome!

[@bonnieweinberg8612]

Leah, I love that you are doing an honest review. This machine does look really awesome But, I hope Grace listens to your very thoughtful comments. I agree with others who said not having a walking foot is a deal breaker - I really hope Grace will redesign the machine to include the ability to use a walking foot. Not all of us us like to FMQ or have the desire to use a frame. Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for your input! It's good to keep in mind that Grace Company started as a quilting frame company - hand quilting first, then was the only company to create quilting frames to fit home sewing machines. We've come out with the Qnique longarms and Little Rebel to support the quilting frames first, and yes, there are a few things missing for a sit-down focused quilter. We have a history of awesome innovation so I have no doubt that more feet, attachments, and accessories are on the way!

[@treechickens3295]

A very informative video! Thank you

[@LeahDay]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@VampBookLVR]

I’m on my 2nd frame quilt so far. I love it! It needs an auto thread cutter and raising/lowering the foot is not smooth. Other than that I love it better than any machine I own or have tried. The regulated stitches are beautiful! Can’t wait for your tutorials to maybe learn some tips to makeup for the lack of a auto thread cutter on a frame.

[@brendarooks1697]

I just got this machine for my Cutie. You did a great job explaining why it is a great buy

[@LeahDay]

Here's a video I've already made on breaking thread on Qnique longarms, which also don't have thread cutters - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZmUXoOAgpWai5I

[@LeahDay]

Awesome!

[@marionbartley214]

This little rebel sewing machine is such a game changer. I've been wanting a juki TL machines for quilting. And also looking into a stitch regulator for it. Which all of that together would be kind of expensive. But worth it to me because it is kind of difficult for me to do quilting with my right foot. Because of dexterity issues. So this little rebel is a game changer, because it's all included into the machine. I don't have to buy a regulator to be able to quilt. So this is so worth it for me. I'm just wondering what the cost of this machine is it's probably expensive at this point, I'm not quite in the market to buying it yet, but maybe when I am the cost will come down a bit. Thank you so much for this tutorial looking forward to other tutorials done with the sewing machine.

[@LeahDay]

We will run sales, but most likely the current sale price is the lowest price you will find the Little Rebel. We will be running different promotions with additional accessories and special frame bundles, but for the sewing machine itself, you probably won't ever find it under $2699.

[@cherylreadio9308]

I have quilting envy. I have a Pfaff powerquilter.... I may have to sell a few machines to make room. I was considering the Grace cutie frame when I was at the Houston Quilt Festival, I wish this was there too.

[@LeahDay]

I had to rearrange quite a bit to make space. I’m still playing with my table arrangement because the location of the needle pushes where I need to sit so far to the left. Standing and quilting is a lot of fun, but I also like to sit and quilt at times too.

[@scottydog6539]

Looks like a very nice machine.

[@LeahDay]

I love it!

[@questmiller]

I appreciate your review. I already have a sewing machine for piecing. Is there any machine that you would recommend for me to leave on my cutie frame specifically for quilting? I would like it to have a stitch regulator built in and having the control on the handle is ideal (although I don’t have the breeze, so the handles are below the machine. AND do you ship to Alaska?

[@LeahDay]

I do recommend the Little Rebel as it really shines on a frame, and the handlebar control is awesome! You can now get a Chariot Carriage for your Cutie Frame so the handles are above the quilt. I'm sorry, I don't ship to Alaska. I recommend searching for a Grace Dealer in Alaska to help you!

[@FoxySparkles]

I love this Miss @LeahDay

[@mkweber9615]

I’ve just about finished my second quilting project on my new rebel.first, the harp is fantastic. Second, I got the cutie frame, but haven’t try that yet. My complaints: the presser foot only lifts a tiny bit; I’m having to coerce the layered edge under the foot. The plastic lift handle is VERY stiff; I imagine it to be my first future repair. Last: it is picky about whether it wants to go over multiple seams, bunching up stitches, the popping over and doing regular stitches. I debate returning it. It REALLY needs a walking foot!

[@LeahDay]

I encourage you to try this machine on a frame because that is where it really shines. Yes, the presser foot has issues and yes, I agree - we do need a walking foot!

[@crgorman9701]

Hi Leah! I have the Little Rebel sewing machine and the Cutie Breeze with QCT6 Pro. It's my first faux "long-arm" experience with a home sewing machine that has automation and I'm struggling a bit with the software. Will you have any tutorials using this sort of set-up? Sewing in Zones on the Cutie Breeze isn't as easy as I had hoped. Will you be doing any tutorials on this format or do you know of any classes or online tutorials that would be helpful. I'm more of a hands-on learner and a step-by-step tutorial would be so helpful.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, I'm planning on focusing on exactly this set up in February!

[@crgorman9701]

@@LeahDay Yay! Thank you! Can't wait!

[@isaiah45.3]

Thank you for the info! Does the harp space on the Little Rebel (8.5 inches high) allow enough room for an idler rail on e.g., the Evolution Elite frame? If a certain guy on a demo could fit his head in there, surely there's enough room!

[@LeahDay]

I’ll play with this and see. I do have an older frame with an idler attached. The issue is the idler does reduce your quilting space by 1.5-2 inches and that is not something I’d recommend if I’m you only have 8-9 inches of space to begin with. Does that make sense?

[@isaiah45.3]

@@LeahDayThank you! Does the idler rail sit in front of, or directly under, the take up rail? Nine inches would be more than I have now, using a domestic machine. I'm still a beginner - happy doing 3-4 inch pantographs for now.

[@isaiah45.3]

@@LeahDayThanks again - I watched the video re attaching leaders to the Continuum with the idler rail, and I see what you mean. Also, it appears that the idler rail is just in front of the take up rail on the Evolution as well.

[@adrienechapmanbuffington9669]

I’m frustrated with my Little Rebel- I just can’t SEE where I’m going when push quilting! Maybe an open toe foot would help, or something with a lower profile… but with the needle screw and the ‘ankle’ of the foot going out to the side, it’s just not working like I want it to. I’m pretty proficient free-motion drawing on my Juki mid-arm, but want the added benefit of the stitch regulator. Any tips?

[@LeahDay]

You could try shifting your body to the left. It’s a huge machine and most sewing tables will put your body further to the right, making the foot and screw get in your way. But if you roll your chair over and sit to the left side of the needle, you’ll have better visibility. And yes, the open toe foot in the 3 piece hopping foot set does help!

[@adrienechapmanbuffington9669]

Finally they offer a foot that’s open on the side, where it needs to be so we can sit down and see!

[@gigiontube]

What is the price on this machine ? Where is made ? Is it more made of metal, like Bernina, or plastic ?

[@LeahDay]

You can find the price on my website LeahDay.com/Rebel. I’m not sure on the ratio of plastic to metal but it doesn’t feel “plasticy” if that makes sense.

[@ManuelaPatzel]

It is normally $4899.- but at the moment on sale for $ 3499.- I looked it up Still quite expensive

[@GrrannyH1]

Did I understand this correctly: this machine has an automatic stitch regulator built in to it when you are in quilting mode? Are there any ways for adding automated machine guided designs to it?

[@LeahDay]

Yes, there is a built-in automatic stitch regulator. And yes, you can add QCT 6 - Quilters Creative Touch automation to the Little Rebel on a quilting frame to make it an automated quilting machine!

[@startbline]

So if there is no thread cutter, what if you are in the middle of your large quilt and have to cut the thread? Pull the quilt all the way to the edge before you can cut?

[@LeahDay]

No, you'll follow the typical rules for breaking thread in the middle of a quilt. Push your quilt away (or if you're on a frame, roll it away from the ending point). Roll back and needle down, needle up at the end point. Pull up a loop that is your bobbin thread and cut the thread tails with scissors.

[@sewmanyroads2333]

I really like most everything about this machine, but have read that there are problems with the stitch regulation when using fabrics like flannel, fleece, and other "uneven" fabrics. Apparently the stitches aren't even and sometimes skipped. What's your take on this? Also, I read that you can use the foot pedal as your "start and stop" when in stitch regulation mode instead of the button on the machine? Thanks much.

[@LeahDay]

I haven’t experienced this with uneven fabrics, but solid color backings can create bigger stitches. Because it’s an optical encoder, it has to be able to read the quilt movement and solid fabrics don’t provide anything for the stitch regulator to “see”. Not a big deal - so far busy backing fabrics have worked great. It does take some getting used to and I will be doing a follow up video on it. As for the foot pedal - no, it doesn’t start the machine stitching. It must be unplugged if you attach the quilting needle plate.

[@sewmanyroads2333]

@@LeahDay Thank you so much for your help.

[@chickenlips605]

Wow, I like it-multifunctional! I only quilt-don’t sew anything else. Is the extension table removable so it will sit in a flatbed if there’s an insert for it?

[@LeahDay]

Yes! I’m putting together a table today that I think is going to be a great choice for the Little Rebel. More on this soon!

[@emilybrown6653]

Hi Miss Leah, I won a Cutie frame in August of 2023. Is this the machine that you would use for quilting with the Cutie frame???? I went back to work so I could get a machine with a larger throat just for quilting...please let me know...Thanks !! Emily Brown

[@LeahDay]

Yes, it will work great on a Cutie Frame!

[@lynnmichel6440]

I want this machine so bad, but all my pieceing is paper foundation piecing. I thought it had a cutter like my viking 875Q. Which is why i bought it. But i don't really need all the decorative stitches. Just a straight stitch with a big harp.

[@LeahDay]

Unfortunately, no, the Little Rebel doesn't have a built-in thread cutter. Maybe a future version will!

[@andraebanks]

Can you use the foot pedal while quilting sitting down instead of letting the encoders do the work?

[@LeahDay]

Yes, I’ve tried this over the weekend and found you can turn off the stitch regulator and use your foot pedal instead. If you already have the hang of balancing speed / movement with free motion quilting, using the foot pedal will likely feel more natural.

[@andraebanks]

@@LeahDay Yay, thank you!

[@CutItOutWithUs]

Hi Leah. Can you tell me more about where this machine could be serviced, particularly if there was an issue with the electronics? I know a great machine mechanic but he wouldn’t have the specs for an electronics issue. How would that get resolved?

[@LeahDay]

Great question! We work with Grace Company on all repairs because we sell to all lower 48 states. First we troubleshoot any issue you have together and make sure it's not user error - not having the needle / foot / thread set properly. These issues are pretty obvious and easy to sort out together. If we determine your sewing machine or Qnique longarm is needing repair, we ship your machine to Utah to have it repaired. You'll need to keep your box and styrofoam just in case! All repairs are covered for 2 years on the Little Rebel, 3 years on Qnique longarms, and after that we will still help you manage shipping and having the machine repaired, and simply bill you for the cost. I've been a dealer since 2018 and this has worked really well for us and our customers. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions - leahday.com/pages/contact-us

[@CutItOutWithUs]

@@LeahDay Thank you for such a thorough and prompt response. I have shipped two sewing machines in my time (sold them on eBay after upgrading) and it was quite an undertaking even with the original carton and styrofoam which I always keep. I’d really have to think about that; I’m used to my husband taking my machines to my dealer for service locally. It sure looks like an awesome machine though. That stitch regulator has me drooling!

[@sewmanyroads2333]

Wow, it looks like Grace really hit the mark with this machine. The lighting feature is great! I'm going to try to find a local dealer to get a hands on demo. I'm trying to locate the dimensions of the footprint of the machine - with and without the bed extension. I use a walking foot every time I stitch binding on, so that would have been a great addition. Maybe in the future. Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I want one!

[@LeahDay]

The exact dimensions are 21.75 inches wide x 7.5 inches deep x 16 inches high. I don't have a measurement with the extension bed right this second, but I'm planning to update my page with more photos and information this week!

[@sewmanyroads2333]

@@LeahDay Thank you so much😊

[@meganoneill1324]

Can you explain why a walking foot would still be used?

[@LeahDay]

A lot of quilters like walking foot style quilting. It has more control over the quilting design and with the amount of harp space the Little Rebel has, it's certainly a foot quilters will want. It's also great for piecing thick fabrics and upholstery and bag sewing too.

[@montyollie]

I am Canadian but live very close to the US border and have a post office box there. When I click on the link you provided, it's tells my international, too bad so sad, and won't even let me look at the page and the price! You shouldn't assume your international customers don't have methods of ordering to the US.

[@LeahDay]

I understand your frustration and apologize, but dealership rules prevent me from selling outside the continental US. Please contact a Grace Company dealer in your country to order a Little Rebel!

[@charmainekirk1512]

Does this machine have an all metal construction?

[@LeahDay]

I will check on this. Based on my knowledge of treadle machines, it's very rare to find a modern machine without some plastic parts, and plastic gears aren't necessarily better or worse than metal gears. It doesn't feel cheap and plasticy if you know what I mean... the Little Rebel feels solid and huge - like I'm sitting in front of a longarm, but still able to sew.

[@startbline]

I wish it had a thread cutter, I can do without the threader, and maybe a tie knot woukd be nice.

[@dianehutchens]

Too bad it doesn't have zigzag stitches.

[@LeahDay]

If the needle was able to swing left and right, it probably wouldn’t be able to quilt this fast!

[@TheMamaAmmah]

In 2025 is there a walking foot yet?

[@elizabethnevers3945]

I love your quilting tutes but these sales videos are something else entirely.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I'm playing around with my video style a bit. I'm glad you liked it!

[@monicapharo2330]

Do you know if Handi Quilter feet would be physically able to use on this machine ? Thanks for this review 🫶🏻

[@LeahDay]

Unfortunately no. Longarm brands aren’t cross-compatible. HQ feet only fit HQ machines.