Apr. 21, 2025
When making mattresses, choosing the right sewing machine for quilting is really important. Knowing how to choose the sewing machine that best suits your needs can greatly improve production efficiency and product quality.
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There are a wide variety of quilting sewing machines on the market today, each with its own unique features and advantages. This article will take you deep into the basics of mattress quilting, introduce the most important machine features, and recommend several top quilting sewing machines to help you make an informed choice.
Before you choose the best sewing machine for quilting, you first need to understand what mattress quilting is. Mattress quilting involves stitching together multiple layers of fabric and batting to create a quilted mattress pad or mattress cover. Key aspects of mattress quilting include the following three:
Durability is a very important consideration when doing mattress quilting. Because the mattress will withstand various pressures and strains, the stitched part must be very strong and can withstand long-term use and frequent cleaning. It is advised to use high-strength sewing thread, which has superior tensile and wear resistance, to ensure the stitch’s durability.
In addition to sewing thread, fabric quality is also important. High quality fabric structure is complete, long-term use is not easy to deform or wear. In order to ensure the life of the mattress, it is also crucial to choose the right sewing machine, especially those that can provide uniform and stable stitching, to avoid the impact of loose pins on durability.
When doing mattress quilting, accurate stitching is very important for beauty and comfort. Because any small error may cause the surface of the mattress to be uneven, affecting the appearance and use of the feeling. So choosing a sewing machine that can provide high precision stitching is critical.
The most crucial factor in producing high-quality sewing is maintaining uniform stitch spacing to guarantee symmetrical and elegant sewing patterns. The sewing machine needs to be able to precisely adjust the needle spacing in order to accommodate a wide range of design requirements, as different designs may require different needle spacing. To accommodate a range of distinct design specifications, the sewing machine ought to provide movable needle length and breadth options.
As most mattresses have several layers of padding and fabric, they will typically be thicker. In order to achieve a seamless sewing operation, the sewing machine needs to have powerful penetration and stability when stitching this multi-layer thick material. Strong penetration makes it easy to handle these heavy materials, while stability ensures consistency and quality.
To guarantee that each layer of material is securely stitched together, a sewing machine that can adjust to variations in material thickness may be used in various mattress designs. The quality of the finished product may be guaranteed as well as increased productivity with a sewing machine designed for quilting that can manage several layers of thick material.
When choosing the best sewing machine for quilting, it is important to consider key characteristics such as throat space, needle up and down control, stitch quality, speed control, expansion table, built-in stitches and features, as well as durability and manufacturing quality. Below we detail one by one.
The first is the throat space or harp space, which is the area between the needle and the body of the machine. For large projects like sewing mattresses, the more throat space, the better.
Large throat space allows you to have more room to manipulate the quilt while sewing, reducing frustration and improving precision. It will not affect the work flow because of lack of space. When handling heavy materials and large items, it is important to have enough throat space.
Another important feature is the ability to control needle position. This feature allows you to keep the needle inside the fabric when you stop sewing. This is helpful for sewing complex patterns, as it ensures you can leave the needle down in the fabric, preventing the fabric from shifting or deviating from the intended route.
Being able to control the position of the needle is especially important when detail sewing and handling fine parts, such as stitching small parts, decorative stitches, or fine edges. This ensures that every detail is done accurately, thus improving the quality and professionalism of the overall sewing work.
The quality and consistency of the stitch is very important in sewing. Neat and uniform stitches not only affect the appearance of the work, but are also directly related to durability. The high quality stitch ensures that every stitch is precisely in place, whether it is a straight stitch or a complex lace, showing perfect detail.
This precision not only improves aesthetics, but also avoids fabric tears or falling stitches caused by uneven stitches. For mattresses, for example, consistent stitches hold multiple layers of fabric and batting together, ensuring durability and comfort in the end product.
Variable speed control is an important feature that can significantly improve the precision and efficiency of sewing. With variable speed control, you can adjust the sewing speed according to different needs.
For instance, when sewing complex patterns or fine edges, a slower stitching speed allows for better control of stitch direction and ensures that each stitch is accurately completed, thus enhancing the exquisite beauty of the mattress.
The variable speed control also gives you more flexibility when sewing small parts or curves, avoiding misstitching or fabric shifting due to excessive speed.
The expansion table provides extra space to support the quilt, which is helpful for managing large projects and maintaining even sewing.
With the expansion table, the work area is larger and the fabric does not hang out of the machine so much that it does not pull or cause uneven stitches. For projects such as quilting large mattresses, the expansion table is a very important accessory.
While basic stitches are sufficient, more built-in stitches can make a quilting project more decorative. Automatic thread cutting, threading, adjustable foot pressure, and other functions can also greatly enhance the sewing experience.
With more built-in stitches, you’ll be more flexible in your creations. Automatic wire cutting and threading functions can improve work efficiency and convenience.
For mattress quilting such as the need to handle heavy fabrics and batting work, the robustness of the machine and motor power is critical.
Machines with metal parts and strong construction can usually withstand the requirements of quilting. Choose a sewing machine with good manufacturing quality and durability to maintain stable performance in long-term use and cope with a variety of complex quilting tasks.
To help you choose the right quilting sewing machine, below we present a few of the best sewing machines for quilting on the market, based on features, performance, and user reviews.
Yuanta YT-HF-7 multi-needle quilting machine can be described as a professional leader. It’s powerful and spacious, perfect for heavy fabrics and complex sewing tasks.
This machine is very popular in the market because of its flexible stitch settings, which can meet a variety of multi-needle quilting needs, from basic straight stitches to complex patterns. Moreover, the machine is made of high-quality materials and has strong durability, so it can maintain efficient and stable operation even if it works with high loads for a long time.
This multi-needle quilting machine is excellent in both performance and reputation, and is very suitable for mattress manufacturers.
Many mattress manufacturers like to use the Janome MC because of its strong structure and long-term stable and efficient operation. And the throat space is 10 inches wide, giving more room for large project operations. At the same time, advanced functions ensure efficient and high-precision quilting results.
Most importantly, the machine has 170 stitches built in, including a variety of quilting stitches, to meet the needs of different mattress factories. It can also sew a stable fine stitch, to ensure the high quality of the quilting process.
When it comes to quilting sewing machines, the Brother PQSL is definitely a good choice. It can sew 1,500 stitches per minute and is one of the fastest quilting machines on the market, which is its main advantage.
The machine also has a large expansion table that provides more workspace, so don’t worry about running out of space when tackling large sewing projects. In addition, it has an adjustable needle feed mechanism and press foot lifting device, so you can easily adjust the fabric position without manually lifting the press foot.
If you are a manufacturer who needs a lot of high-quality sewing, the Brother PQSL is a good choice because it is fast and accurate.
The biggest advantage of the Juki TL-Q is its excellent performance and durability. It has a large throat area that can accommodate most sewing tasks. At the same time, it has an automatic thread cutter and a maximum sewing speed of stitches per minute, which greatly improves sewing efficiency and convenience.
In addition, its structure is very strong, with aluminum die-cast arms and bed design, can easily handle heavy fabrics, is suitable for long sewing, very durable. This also makes it perfect for some challenging quilting projects.
The Bernina 770 QE has an extra long free arm that provides spacious workspace and is ideal for large and complex quilting projects. Whether producing large quilts or sophisticated quilting, it provides sufficient stability and flexibility.
In addition, the machine has a dual feed system that ensures a consistent fabric supply and does not wrinkle or shift, ensuring a seamless and efficient sewing operation. There is also a Bernina stitch adjuster, which automatically adjusts the stitch length to ensure that each stitch is of the same length and quality.
If you have a limited budget, then the Singer Quantum Stylist is a good choice. It is cost-effective and fully functional at an affordable price.
The machine offers 600 built-in stitches, including basic stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches to meet the quilting needs of different manufacturers.
For mattress manufacturing, quilting sewing machines are essential equipment. High-quality quilting technology can not only improve the appearance and comfort of the mattress, but also extend the service life of the mattress. So choosing the right quilting machine is very important. Here are some factors to consider when choosing:
When choosing a quilting machine, consider the skill level of the operator. For beginners, a simple and easy to operate quilting machine is more suitable. These machines typically have fewer features and a more intuitive interface, allowing operators to get started faster.
For experienced power users, they need quilting machines equipped with more functions and settings, such as complex quilting patterns, automatic line tension adjustment, and larger quilting areas. These advanced features are helpful for experienced operators, but may seem too complicated for beginners to master.
Budget is a factor that can not be ignored when choosing a sewing machine for quilting. There is a big price gap in the market from basic to high-end professional models. In addition to purchase costs, there are also long-term maintenance and operating costs to consider. High-end machines have a large initial investment, but are more durable, functional and efficient, and in the long run, the total cost is lower.
For companies with limited budgets, choosing a cost-effective mid-range machine may be more practical. This type of machine has basic quilting functions, enough to meet most production needs without putting too much pressure on finances.
Before deciding which machine to buy, it is recommended to do a detailed cost-benefit analysis to ensure that the selected equipment can maximize production efficiency and product quality within the budget.
The type of project you undertake is also an important factor. If you mainly do small quilting, such as small mattresses or pillowcases, then a standard throat space machine will be sufficient. This machine is relatively compact, easy to operate and maintain, and suitable for handling small and fine quilting tasks.
But if you want to make a big mattress or thick quilting, you need to choose a machine with a big throat and a powerful motor. This large quilting machine has more space and makes it easier to handle large pieces of fabric. And they are usually more penetrating and stable, and can easily handle the quilting needs of multiple layers of thick fabric, ensuring accurate and firm stitches.
Therefore, before choosing a quilting machine, you must first think about what type of project you mainly undertake, so as to choose the most suitable sewing machine.
When buying a quilting sewing machine, frequency of use is a very important factor. If your production line needs to be used frequently, then buy a good quality, durable sewing machine. The internal structure of this machine is very strong, and the motor is also very strong, which can run stably for a long time, reducing the trouble of downtime and maintenance.
But if your production line is used less frequently, it may be more affordable to buy a mid-range machine with basic functions. The performance of this machine is relatively simple, but it is also easy to operate for occasional use.
So before you decide which one to buy, it’s recommended that you carefully evaluate the actual needs and make sure that the performance and durability of the machine you choose will meet your frequency of use. This will satisfy your needs without wasting money.
When choosing the best sewing machine for quilting, you also need to consider brand and support. In general, well-known brands, such as Yuantian Mattress Machinery, have higher quality and reliability. In this way, the cost of repair and maintenance will be lower in the future.
These well-known manufacturers usually have good after-sales service, such as warranty, repair, user manual, technical support hotline, and so on. When you encounter problems, these services can help you solve them quickly and ensure that the machine can run stably for a long time.
Therefore, when making a final decision, it is recommended that you look at user reviews and industry information, and comprehensively compare different brands and models. This way you will be able to find the best quilting machine for your needs.
Proper maintenance is very important to keep the sewing machine in the best condition and extend the service life. Especially for frequently used mattress sewing machines, careful maintenance is required to ensure normal and efficient operation. Here are some maintenance tips:
Dust and lint will accumulate inside and on the surface of the sewing machine, affecting performance and life. Regular cleaning is important, especially in spindle areas, feed teeth, and needle plates.
Accumulated dust and debris can be effectively removed with a special small brush or vacuum cleaner. Be careful when cleaning, do not damage any small parts, and do not scratch the machine with too sharp tools.
For frequently used sewing machines, it is recommended to simply clean once after completing a project to prevent the accumulation of dust and lint and keep the internal clean and smooth. It is also thoroughly cleaned once a week, including removing the needle board and feeding teeth to remove hidden dirt.
The moving parts of the sewing machine need to be oiled regularly to maintain smooth operation and reduce wear. Use the special sewing oil, and apply the oil according to the instructions in the machine manual. Areas that usually need to be oiled include bobbin shells, needle rods, and other moving parts.
Make sure the machine is thoroughly cleaned before oiling, free of dust and debris. Oil should be appropriate, not too much, otherwise, there will be oil stains overflowing affecting the fabric. After oiling, run for a few minutes to evenly distribute the oil, and then test with the waste cloth to ensure that no excess oil stains affect the normal sewing.
Using dull or bent needles can damage the fabric and the sewing machine, affecting the quality of sewing. So it’s important to change your needles regularly, especially after starting a new project or sewing heavy fabrics.
Choosing the right needle for the fabric is crucial. Different fabrics require different types and sizes of needles, and using the wrong needle not only affects stitch quality, but can also damage the fabric and machine. Make sure the needle is properly installed and properly tightened to prevent it from falling off or bending during sewing.
The evenness and balance of the stitch is directly affected by the tension setting. So check and adjust tension settings regularly to ensure stitch quality and sewing effect. If uneven stitches or loose stitches are found, the tension settings should be rechecked and adjusted as needed.
Make sure you are using the correct thread and needle before adjusting the tension. Then check other components, such as shuttle core and presser foot are installed correctly and are not damaged. Then gradually adjust the tension and test the sewing until the desired stitch effect is obtained.
Even if you regularly maintain the machine, you should find a professional to check the sewing machine once a year. A professional can thoroughly clean and inspect the machine and find some problems that are not obvious. They can detect potential mechanical failures and make necessary repairs and adjustments.
Professional maintenance can also update and maintain the key components of the sewing machine, extending the service life. Through regular professional maintenance, you can ensure that the sewing machine is always in the best condition to avoid production disruption and economic losses caused by machine failure.
When sewing machine is not used, it should be properly stored to prevent dust and debris from entering the interior. A special cover can be used to cover the machine, effective dust. When storing, choose a dry and stable environment to avoid damage to the machine due to humidity or temperature fluctuations.
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In addition, the sewing machine should be placed on a smooth workbench to prevent external force collision or vibration caused by failure. Clean and oil thoroughly before use for a long time, then cover and store.
By understanding the key features to look for (throat space, stitch quality, speed control, built-in features, etc.), consider the top machines on the market (Yuantian YT-HF-7, Janome MC, Brother PQSL, etc.), as well as evaluating your personal needs (budget, project type, frequency of use, etc.), you can find the most suitable sewing machine for quilting.
Whether you want a fine stitch effect, or high productivity, the best quilting sewing machine can meet your needs. Choosing the right equipment can not only dramatically increase your productivity, but also help you stay ahead of the competition in the fierce market.
With variety of quilting rulers in the market it is hard to choose what you need, especially if you are a beginner. When I just started ruler work on my domestic Pfaff I was simply overwhelmed with all the information about rulers and thought the more rulers I had the more designs I could quilt. Now that I understand much more about rulers and ruler work I wish I had known what features to look for in rulers earlier as I ended up buying some I never use. In this blog post I would like to summarize what you need to consider before investing in quilting rulers.
1. Type of sewing machine
Depending on the type of your domestic sewing machine (low, medium or high shank) you may or may not be able to use long arm rulers.
What is the shank? It is a measure from the bed of the machine to the center of the presser foot holder screw when your presser foot in the down position.
High Shank (left) – about 1″ from the needle bed.
Low shank (right)– about ½” from the needle bed.
Some machines have a different shank fitting - Medium or High Shank special. Here is the list from the cottonpatch.co.uk (please, note it is not a complete one as new models of sewing machines appear in the market all the time )
Medium Shank (MS):
• Bernina 7 Series and 8 Series machines
• Pfaff Machines using the Spring Free
Motion Setting: Creative Sensation Pro, Creative Sensation, Creative Vision, Creative Performance, Creative 4.5, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, Performance 5.0, Quilt Expression 4.2, 4.0, Expression 3.5, 3.2, 3.0, 2.0, Expression 150.
High Shank Special (HSS):
• Brother PQ PQ PQS
• Babylock BLQP BL500A
• Janome P P-DB -QC, P-QC
• JUKI DDL-227 DDL-555 DDL- TL-98E TL-98P TL-98QE TLQi TL
• Pfaff Grand Quilter
• Husqvarna Mega Quilter
• Singer 2OU 31-15, -D300A
If in doubt, you can always check with your sewing machine dealer.
Rules for rulers are simple:
High shank rulers (1/4" thick) for high shank and long arm machines.
Low shank rulers (1/8" thick) for low shank machines even though you can use thicker long arm rulers in certain positions ( to the front and the sides of the the foot ).
If your machine is high shank I wouldn't´t recommend a 3 mm (1/8") low shank ruler because they are very thin and there’s a good chance the ruler might slide under the foot while stitching as the foot hops.
All Westalee rulers I have for my Pfaff are 1/8" thick (low shank rulers). They are quite light because of the thickness. I also have few long arm rulers that work pretty well even though my Pfaff Quilt Expression 720 doesn´t have enough space behind the foot and under the presser foot shaft for the long arm rulers to be used behind the foot. But it is really a weird place to place the ruler. Long arm rulers work perfectly if you place them to the front of the foot of to the sides. But I must admit that there are certain positions where I can quilt only with the low shank ruler for better clearance around the foot. But it is possible to use long arm rulers for medium shank machines.
2. Ruler foot
You need to use special ruler foot suitable for your sewing machine to work with quilting rulers. In the photo below you can see Pfaff ruler foot.
The ruler foot has a round thick base with a high edge. That high edge is the key for the ruler work as it prevents the ruler from slipping over or under your foot. It is really important to use the ruler foot for the ruler work otherwise you risk to break the needle, destroy your ruler foot or even machine.
I discussed the importance of ruler foot in my previous blog posts. You can find more info in Pfaff Quilt Expression 720 Review or in Ruler work on a domesic machine
You need to check with your sewing machine dealer what kind of ruler foot is available for your sewing machine.
3. Clear or colored?
I personally prefer a clear ruler just because I can see through it easier and keep the accuracy while quilting. But they easily get lost in my white quilts.
I also have a couple of long arm rulers from Bethanne Nemesh (White Arbor Quilting) which are made from high quality compressed cast light emitting acrylic. They are a nearly clear pale green when viewed from above, but glow aquamarine when seen from the edge to prevent sneaky escapes and that ruler invisibility trick.
4. Markings
The more markings the ruler has, the more useful it will be. I always look for 1/4 inch (1/8" is a plus) markings in a straight edge ruler (both vertical and horizontal), 45 degree markings (as well as 30 and 60 degrees). Those are super helpful as they decrease the amount of markings you need to do on your quilt. Centering reference is also a great help. In the photo below you can see a straight edge long arm ruler Garden lines from Bethanne Nemesh. I think you should try few rulers to see which one you like the best.
If it is a curved ruler there should be parallel makings to the curves (photo below shows an 8" Arc from Arc Template Set by Sew Steady) in addition to the markings mentioned above.
5. Specialty templates
There are so many different specialty templates in the market - circles, feathers, curves, Spin-e-Fex etc. They are great for those who want more guidance for their free motion quilting. You can quilt all these incredible shapes without marking, but the only limit is your budget.
Here are few examples of the templates I have.
1) Circles on Quilts by Westalee Design (Sew Steady). These rotating templates come with a pin and they allow you to sew concentric circles 2-12" and 2 1/2 -11 1/2" .
All circles on my Coral reef quilt () were quilted with those rotating templates.
2) Another great set is Between the lines by Westalee Design. You can quilt Lines of Circles between quilted lines and sashing 0,25"- 0,5" - 1" - 1,5" - 2".
I prefer using larger templates from this set because I can get perfect circles in larger sizes where they wouldn´t look nice quilted free hand. Here is a fragment of my new quilt Apples and Oranges that is currently in the works.
Usually when you buy a specialty template, it comes with the design what you can quilt with it. I always try to think outside those shapes: what else can you use these templates for and how will they complement the templates you already have (or would like to purchase) to create new designs.
For example, I have a set of templates by Inspira that was kindly provided by @pfaff_suomi
It includes a Heart 3,5", Continuous figure 8 - 2,5", Spin-e-fex 10 - 2,5" and Crosshair Ruler 8.5 x 8.5"
These are the designs you can quilt using these templates
Even though I am not big fan of quilted hearts, I think it is a great and versatile set that allows you to quilt not only those shapes but use the elements of those designs to create new designs.
I would like to show you how to create 2 new designs using these templates.
Cross hair ruler is perfect for marking 8-16 and 32 reference lines that allow you to space perfectly rotating quilting designs.
For the first design I used 1" and 1.5" inch circles from Between the lines set, spin-e-fex and heart templates.
First, I marked 8 reference lines on the paper, and 3 inches reference points from the center on each line using Cross hair ruler. To plan the design I use a drawing wheel that allows you to mimic the sewing line (it basically draws the line 1/4 inch from the edge of the template just like you sew 1/4 inch from the edge of the quilting ruler). Then I drew the circles in the center and traced spin-e-fex template at vertical and horizontal lines, placing the edge of the template at the 3 inch reference point.
In the photo below you can see that when I used the heart template I placed the bottom of the template at 3 inch mark (between horizontal and vertical lines)
Once I drew all the lines, I added some quilting designs inside some shapes - feathers, straight lines at 45 degrees and curves drawn with a 4" arc to show various quilting possibilities.
For the second design I used spin-e-fex and Continuous figure 8 templates. It is suitable for a 4" border.
First, I marked a horizontal line. Then using the part of the Continuous figure 8 template marked with arrows I drew this continuous curve (below).
Then I marked 2 lines at 2 inch distance from the central line and drew the leaves at the top and bottom of the continuous curve. As you can see I marked the reference lines on the template with a permanent marker to ensure the correct placement.
These quilting designs look quite different from what was suggested by the manufacturer. But this is exactly what I wanted to show - you can create many new designs by combining different templates.
6. Extra features
It does its job but I wish I could get transparent silicone grips instead. I don´t use any handles on my rulers. You get the best grip from the good placement of your hands in quilting gloves.
A hanging hole on a ruler is a plus for storing.
7. Cost vs value
Good quilting rulers are expensive, buy the best one you can afford. Now you know what features a good ruler must have..
If you are new to ruler work and have a proper ruler foot, I would recommend you to start with a straight edge long arm ruler with good markings that is at least 8 inches long. You can´t imagine how versatile and fun that simple ruler is and how much you can do with it! Once you get comfortable with ruler work, then explore the curves and specialty templates!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of High Efficiency Quilting Machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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