Quilting101: How to Choose a Sewing Machine

#beginnerquilting #howtoquilt #howtosew
Hi everyone! I’m back with another video in my Quilting 101 series today. I think one of the hardest things to do is find a good sewing machine. So today I’m going to share with you my favorite features that I think will be helpful in your search for a machine that will be best for basic home sewing and quilting. I'm also sharing some tips on choosing a good sewing machine for beginners too!
*** SHOP ERICA'S SEWING FAVES HERE! **
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As promised, I have a fun giveaway for you today! Visit my blog here to enter to win:
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Giveaway open from 6/15/16 - 6/22/16 midnight EST
For more information on my top machines for beginners, check out this post!
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Get the Juki G-210:
amzn.to/2dn9Zh0
I recently purchased the Juki TL 2000Qi which is a straight stitch quilting machine and love it!:
amzn.to/2dV43wR
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Disclosure: This video was not sponsored. The opinions expressed in my videos are my own and were not influenced by any companies mentioned! This video may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission.

[@najeama]

Read the comments..she wasn't talking fast at all. Wish all videos were like this, clear and concise with no unnecessary redundancy. Excellent tutorial!

[@lisaatchley2401]

I have been following you from the very beginning of my quilting journey. (Approx. 3 years). I trust you more than anyone else that I follow! My question is ….is there a real difference in using a better machine. I have a Brother basic machine. I have quilted on this entire time. Yes, of course there are days that I get very frustrated with quilting. (Ex. My top stitch while binding was a rats nest continuously for 2 days, so I was ripping out and re-stitching constantly, until I googled ? And basically started all from scratch. Rethreaded my machine, changed needle, cleaned my machine. Then wala perfect stitches again. My question is a Juki machine so much better at sewing that I will not believe that I didn’t try it sooner or is there just a few differences that aren’t really that noticeable. I get that the throat size is much larger, which def would help when machine quilting, but what else is so much better? Please help?

[@erica_arndt]

I've found that having good tools, no matter your craft, does make a difference. I don't have the most expensive machine out there, but I love the one I have! It's dependable and easy to use! :) I have upgraded to this one Juki TL2000 Qi: amzn.to/2MYdOZu since this video released and I use it exclusively for quilting. I bring out the excite g-210 if I need special stitches. Both are great machines.

[@tiffanytilley5122]

i just inherited my husband's grandmother's antique sewing machines. Many many quilts, clothes, drapes, linens, and countless other things have been made with it and I'm really excited to get started quilting with it! Thanks for the tips and videos!

[@dominiquevillamizar3012]

Influenced by your choice in a Juki machine, I got a Juki TL 2000 Qi for Christmas so I can learn machine quilting. I love my Bernina activa 230 but I needed something for machine quilting and couldn't afford a Bernina upgrade. I am so happy with the Juki! I already quilted my first quilt on it and got it done in 5 hours! This is the first quilt I haven't had to hand stitch in over 20 years. I'm loving this! Thank you for your advice💗

[@erica_arndt]

Oh good, I'm so glad you like it!

[@CP-gq5fw]

Thanks Erica for sharing your skills and experience. Just today I dusted off my Bernina who I haven't seen since I started homeschooling 2 years ago! Just hearing the smooth sound of my machine made me smile.😌It's always refreshing to watch videos about mom's hobbies.

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks! It's a great sound right ? :)

[@anneericsson7494]

Erica Arndt Does this machine have a built in walking foot? Thanks ahead for your response.

[@tinageorge8759]

I have a White "Jeans Machine" sewing machine, I've had it at least 25 years. It's a very basic machine with straight and zigzag stitches, she's very sturdy and sews really well. I don't have the money to go out and buy I fancy machine, but I would like to get the extension table for free motion quilting some day. Thank you! 💚

[@radicallyforjesus]

I use my walking foot obsessively. BEST foot ever invented. lol I make my dresses and clothing and when I gather or use slippery or stretchy fabrics, that thing is my friend. I also adore my blind hem foot as I can adjust my needle and do seriously need top stitching thanks to that foot. I have a low end Bernina, which I am very thrilled with, but I like your machine choice too. Nice tips on buying for newbies.

[@sharonleary7594]

Thanks for the info- just ordered the Juki hzl-f300! I’m so done with cheap plastic machines. Even though I did make my first baby quilt on the el cheapo & it came out beautiful- now I’m starting larger quilts it’ll be nice to have a good machine to use.

[@erica_arndt]

I love my Juki's!

[@rockymountainhomesteadangela]

My 12 year old daughter loves to sew by hand and I am wanting to get her her first machine for her birthday in May. Between Brother and Singer, is there a machine or two you would recommend for this?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, This is a decent starter machine amzn.to/41YsLk1 I would just find something in your budget that get's decent reviews and I'm sure that will be fine to get her started!

[@laurenml1222]

Just upgraded to a Juki HZL-F600.. love Jukis and Janomes!!!

[@samminichiello9344]

Lauren Lopez I have the one she is showing had it for awhile my thread in bobbin keeps jamming they sent me a new insert in bobbin but still have a problem do you or do you know what I could be doing wrong

[@cjmc52758]

really helpful tip on the 1/4 inch foot

[@Sewingmachineworkshop1]

Very informative video.

[@Sewingmachineworkshop1]

Do you use any of the vintage sewing machines?

[@DS-ky9dl]

Very informative video with tons of great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@JacquelineLP]

The older singer quantum's were actually made by juki! I have one made in the mid 1990s, love it! I also have an older baby lock esante. I enjoy that one too, it's very quiet running and it great for quilting so is my older singer quantum CXL. Thanks for the tips! 👍🏾

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Great videos! I am looking for an inexpensive quilting machine to carry to quilting classes. Can you suggest one. Thanks!

[@Sewingmachineworkshop1]

😀

[@deannastutzman2145]

Hi Erica, I am a homeschool mom of 4 as well, and have been a long time reader of your blog! Your IG feed has been so inspiring to me as I am a fairly new quilter and your Quilting 101 videos have been SUPER helpful, so thank-you!! I have the same sewing machine as you and keep getting a little birds next on the bottom of my fabric when I start sewing after using the thread cutter. I've read that this is common and was wondering if/how you deal with it. Do you take the time to pull up your bobbin thread each time you start a new seam? That's the only solution I've found so far. Anyhow, thanks again for all of the great information and inspiration that you provide! :)

[@erica_arndt]

I don't pull up the bobbin thread, but that can happen if you don't pull the top thread towards the back of your machine before starting. Sometimes I'll even hold onto it just until I sew a couple of stitches then let go and it solves the problem.

[@deannastutzman2145]

Thank-you so much! I'll give that a try. Basting my first quilt tomorrow...and I'm seriously addicted!! I already can't wait to start another. :)

[@titianmom]

Using a Singer 15-91 from the 1950s. Great piecing and free-motion machine, all metal and you can fix it yourself. Paid 65 bucks for it.

[@erica_arndt]

That's awesome, folks seem to love those old Singers!

[@jessiej9373]

First off thanks for making this play list. It’s really getting me excited to start a new hobby. Also Would you consider doing an update to this video? Seeing how they no longer make this machine.

[@hannahw2697]

Thank you for the video! Where did you buy your extended table for the machine? Is this machine all metal and heavy duty? Do the feed dogs work well when piecing? I have a cheap brother and it really doesn’t feed evenly at all!

[@erica_arndt]

I have this one: amzn.to/2BthrmL And while the machine isn't full metal like my Juki TL2000Qi, it is fairly sturdy and I have made several quilts on it without any issues :) My daughters have a Brother and I wouldn't recommend them as much for quilting. It's find for their fun sewing needs, but I think quilts do better with a bit better quality machine.

[@mariagoumas6135]

Hello How are you?? I'm glad you like Juki but never saw this one n I bought juki 600 before I found u that why I ask u which machine is good smile Juki is great machine... Looking forward all ur quilty videos and I'm deaf 68 retired n learning to quilts ✂️✂️✂️✂️

[@nanniegrandpacampbell8018]

Maria Goumas husquvarna sewing machines

[@nanniegrandpacampbell8018]

Husquvarna machines tell about this machine

[@sandofthesun]

Maria Goumas zzz

[@lorimc1137]

I have this machine thanks to your recommendation. I really love it. It’s been gathering dust for a couple of years (life got in the way). I’m ready to break her apart and clean her. The instruction manual doesn’t say anything about oiling. Do you have any insight? TIA.

[@erica_arndt]

As far as I can tell this particular machine doesn't need oiling.

[@tiffaniewatts6564]

I love your videos, always very informative!!

[@mrmax5501]

Erica, I see you are now using the Juki TL2000QI......I am wondering if it has a bunch of sticking choices like the G210 you were using. I read all the specs and I don't see anything about stitches. I am sure I will just use the zig zag and the straight. But I loved the idea of the "hand stitch" option you pointed out on your g210. Thoughts?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I love the TL2000! The G210 is great but not as sturdy for quilting, so I prefer using the TL2000 for all of my quilting. It's just a heartier machine overall. But if you need a household type machine with a variety of stitch types you'll want something like the G210. I think it's discontinued now, but Juki has other similar models and the brand has been great.

[@maureennevers9039]

For folks that find the speaking too fast, FYI, if you tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the video you will see a list of settings and the last one is ‘playback speed’, and you can slow down (or speed up) any video. There can be a little change in the sound but the speed doesn’t distort the words. I also put on closed captioning which I was surprised to find has helped across lots of videos...

[@dianebolles8534]

Can also turn on captions which is what I do most of the time :)

[@mariavallone6569]

Hi Erica! I am looking to buy a new machine. I have an old Bernina, which I do love. But machines are so different now, so I was going to buy a new one? Do you have any thoughts on a Bernina? Mimi

[@erica_arndt]

I used a friend's bernina and it was okay, but I really prefer my Juki TL2000. It's straight stitch only, so that is something to consider, but it is a workhorse and super fast and accurate! Here's my review if you want to see more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nna6Xn-HbNF1Y8k

[@lisaanderson1065]

I really enjoy your videos....i am looking to get a JukiTL 2000QJ or JukiTL 2010Q . which would you recommend to an intermediate sewer and it noticed on yours you used the bother walking foot and quilting foot, these will work on a Juki? Thank you. Lisa

[@teresayoung4209]

Thank you! I’ve been quilting for few years and have recently started more advanced techniques & I always love your advice. I’m looking for the best deal on this machine. I’m also seeing the g220 & can’t figure out the difference. Anyone know? Thanks

[@wilycat5290]

Thank you for this video. Where did you find the bigger acrylic extension for your machine? Thanks. 😊👍💕

[@erica_arndt]

I have this one: amzn.to/3ohF9cP You choose the size you like, then you customize it for your machine when ordering

[@deb9156]

Hi Erica! What beginning sewing machine would you recommend for a 7 and 10 year old to begin with. Looking for suggestions for my granddaughters. Thanks!!

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, we got the Brother 2600i for our girls and it was a nice beginner machine. But I will say that they quickly moved on to using my nicer machine just because it was sturdier, and more reliable.

[@deb9156]

@@erica_arndt Thank you so much!! We are getting a brother as well and hopefully if they love seeing, we will move up to a Juki in a few years!! Love your videos!!🥰

[@tiliciasmith]

Hi Erika! How does your Juki machines stitch quality/smoothness compare? I’ve heard amazing reviews about Juki straight stitch only machines but I really need a few more stitches for everything I sew. From what I’ve seen and heard the straight stitch machines run like butter and can handle so much. If only it could do a zigzag and appliqué stitch!

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I love my Juki TL 2000Qi straight stitch machine for piecing and quilting. I primarily use that one for everything unless I need a different stitch. My Juki G-210 is also a great machine, and I used it 100% before getting the TL2000. Both are excellent machines!

[@tamaragraham2692]

Are you still using this machine and is it holding up well? If not, what are you using now? Do you think you could make king size quilts with it?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I do still use it, but I got a Juki TL200 and use that mainly now. I don't know about doing a king sized quilt on the G-210, but it does have a very large throat space, so if you did it in sections you may be able to get it to work.

[@rosesrred5074]

I am glad she’s talking fast. Don’t have time to waste

[@muffemod]

You can change the speed of the video up to 2x. I watch all youtube videos at 1.5x speed so I can watch 50% more content.

[@rosesrred5074]

@@muffemod Good idea!

[@kathleenaglaganian9283]

Once again I am asking about your Junki. I am finally ready to buy. I am sorry for asking again. Thank you

[@cinnie2543]

Hi there. Just found your post on sewing machines for quilting. Went to Amazon and they do not have the Juki g-210 anymore. Trying to find a current recommendation. Do you have any ideas on this? Thanks so much. Enjoyed the post.

[@erica_arndt]

I believe they still offer the Juki G110, it doesn't have the auto-thread cutter though which I do like: amzn.to/2L83UnM

[@cinnie2543]

Just saw this reply. Thanks so much! It is for a refurbished one, but I still may try it.

[@lindamcneely]

On your juki excite how large is your throat space? I have a pfaff which I love but am thinking seriously about getting a juki for quilting but then I need room for both machines. am wondering if your juki excite would have more room for quilting then my pfaff. other wise I am going to have to bite the bullet and get the othere juki quilting machine.

[@lindamcneely]

like the heart but that doesn't answer my question.

[@kristenbarkey5540]

Could you tell me what company sells the extension tables please? Thank you!

[@erica_arndt]

It's a company called Sew Steady

[@kristenbarkey5540]

@@erica_arndt thank you!

[@bethglenmaddie]

Oh cool you have the machine I am thinking of getting on your Amazon list! The Brother one, hoping to get it for Christmas. I like Brother machines and find them the easiest to use. Plus I can afford it, the others are a bit out of my price range. If I had $$$ I'd get a Baby Lock!

[@tomkinnier3122]

Hi Erica...thanks so much for this video. It was very helpful because I'm looking to buy a new quilting machine. I also wanted to tell you that my father's first name was Arndt! I rarely see the name...Thanks again, Teri

[@cathywestholt5324]

I bought my current Brother xr3774 online knowing only that it said it was a quilting edition. I am not happy with it. No 1/4 presser foot, but 37 decorative stitches. Nothing about that says quilting. I had to go on Amazon and buy the foot. Any machine I have ever owned has the lever for the presser foot in the back. This is extremely awkwardly placed in the throat. I get very frustrated trying to use it. I know it's a good brand, but not a good personal fit for me.

[@The1LindseyKnight]

Love your videos!!!!

[@mariagoumas6135]

I like that bowl where u buy it?? I want to buy it

[@catherinereno3191]

Know this video is yrs old. Do you have a suggestion for first machine for 11 year old

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I would go for something inexpensive. We got our first Brother 2600, about $80, from Walmart and it worked great for the kids! Now that they're a little older, and sewing more, they use my nice machine because the Brother isn't as solid, but it's a good starter machine.

[@HJKelley47]

Believe it or not I have this Juki, and when I go to sew the top with batting to the back, this machine always presents tension issues. I purchased the machine for quilting, and have not been able to make one quilt on it. Apart from sewing the quilt top, this Juki Excite has proven to be a real disappointment. I spent $469+ for this machine, and I have only made 5 quilt tops with it. It sits and collects dust. For quilting I have to use my vintage Kenmore or my Computerized Kenmore, which has a little throat. My last quilt was 79X89", and manipulating that quilt under my Computerized Kenmore left me exhausted when I completed the quilt. It came out nice, but my shoulder was worn out. Because I do not use batting for my rag quilts, the Juki works well. My Juki does not seem to like batting.

[@erica_arndt]

Gosh I’m so sorry, mine did a great job quilting. Maybe you just need to experiment in a test piece and fine tune the tension?

[@erica_arndt]

Also make sure your batting is bumpy side up , that’s the side that has been needled and it helps your machine out!

[@HJKelley47]

@@erica_arndt : Have done many test pieces to fine tune the tension, but no success.

[@DShore27]

What are the cons to your machine?

[@lindamcneely]

Erika is this machine fussy about threads? I use the tall cones of serger thread on all my machines without a problem and was looking at a different machine and they said you had to have coats and clark thread for it so that quickly changed my mind.

[@erica_arndt]

I don't find it fussy, I typically use Aurifil 50wt cotton thread with my Juki's and never had an issue. But I've also used other threads for projects like polyester, variegated, and heavy duty thread.

[@lindamcneely]

@@erica_arndt Hi Erica I just received my juki and although I ordered a bunch of new thread , it haden't arrived yet so I used the serger thread that I have used in the past and it works beautifully. I must say that after it arrived I was disappointed as I could not get it to stitch. finally figured out it was a bobbin issue had not been pushed in until it clicked. now I am a very happy camper.

[@rebeccaestrada744]

thank-you Erika

[@groovygal5663]

I want to start quilting , am i able to to just add an extension table for a regular sized sewing machine ?

[@erica_arndt]

I added an extension table from Sew Steady and they make it for your machine, works great! amzn.to/38hhAZl

[@groovygal5663]

@@erica_arndt thanks so much !

[@bleegal9296]

Thank you! Great information

[@kaarenguest9838]

Very informative

[@rashajenan]

Thank you dear for your advices, I wanna buy my first sewing machine, I loved sewing and doing handcrafted but I was looking for the good time, saving money and finding the best machine that I need. So I made some searching, and I liked singer 9985, 9980, 8060. How should I choose now what the best for me?? I'll ship it to my country Saudi Arabia from Amazon so I had some fear from the shipping, because it's electronic machine. Can you help me please??

[@erica_arndt]

I would use the tips in this video to choose the features you think you'll use most depending on if you want to quilt or just do home sewing. Choose the machine with the best features to fit your needs.

[@rashajenan]

+Erica Arndt yes it's just home sewing like kids clothing, dresses for me, and pillows cases, toys clothes but not quilt. Thank you so much

[@alaazarif4717]

I want to buy a brother or a singer machine, however i dont really know how to choose as they have so many different models. They also have alot of stitches and i dont knw if theyll be of any use to me. I am a beginner but i am willing to advance in sewing so i dont want to buy a machine then throw it away and buy another one afterward . help please :)

[@erica_arndt]

I think it depends on what you're wanting to sew. If you're interested in general home sewing or garments you'll want something with at least a straight and a zig-zag stitch. If you're just quilting, i love my Juki TL 2000 Qi. But it's straight stitch only and meant specifically for piecing/quilting.

[@nakshipolly5666]

If anyone is selling a GNOME HQ Stitching 710 Handy Quilter second hand or reconditioned Do I want to buy? .from Bangladesh

[@mariacrodriguez617]

You didn't mention how big was your extension table. Please let me know. Thank you.

[@erica_arndt]

Hi Maria, I got this one: amzn.to/2U2BQcg 18x24 and you specify your exact machine when you order.

[@Thisisit120]

I just watched your video I am looking at quite a few different videos that is giving reviews on quilting sewing machines. Because I am in the market for a machine that will do bags, quilting, and garment sewing. Do you still feel the same about your sewing machine in this video or do you have a new favorite?

[@erica_arndt]

I do love this machine, however they don't make it anymore. I now have a Juki TL2000Qi and if you quilt mainly I LOVE it! It is a straight stitch only machine, but it's a workhorse and does great for quilting! amzn.to/2mimstk

[@maguettegueye9758]

thank you

[@littledollhouse1779]

Slow down please. I love the video but it is soooo fast

[@rosepaul9681]

I went into settings and selected a slower speed . Sounded more normal that way.

[@ileinalassalle7207]

Great video!!! Tag your social media in the description!! :) I wanna see your instagram ! X

[@erica_arndt]

Oops, sorry I added it to the description :)

[@mariagoumas6135]

Rasha... I would not recommend the singer sewing machine.. Get juki smile

[@anicecoe1426]

The Juki G210 has been discontinued.

[@erica_arndt]

Bummer, I love mine! You can still get it from a couple of sellers it looks like: amzn.to/2o1cR7R I also have the Juki TL2000Qi and use that primarily now unless I need a different stitch: amzn.to/2ClX7k6

[@janetmcadamsbailey1874]

Do you have a demo on the TL2000Qi

[@samminichiello9344]

anice coe probably because I have had nothing but trouble with the bobbin jamming I can’t use it

[@alisaprieto7632]

nice hair

[@SparkyOne549]

Best Machine for quilting= whatever you can afford.

[@erica_arndt]

agreed!

[@annemcguigan9781]

I can't keep up with the fast talking 😂 its hard to follow🤔

[@courtniebri]

You can slow down KZbin videos! I find I usually speed them up so this was well-paced for me! Lol

[@parapatricia]

Breath please!

[@emisee3]

Talking fast and out of breath, very distracting.

[@hs8747]

You talk waaaaay too fast!! Can't watch.

[@MsHighpeaks]

Gosh way too fast

[@barbaraschwindt221]

Slow down.