10 Ways to Find the Best Quilting Machines for Sale

10 Ways to Find the Best Quilting Machines for Sale

Did you know that the quilting industry is worth over $5 billion in the USA? It continues to grow each year, demonstrating that even traditional crafts can become a thriving market, perhaps reflecting a shift in customer demand towards personalized products instead of mass-manufactured ones.

You might be just starting out with quilting, embracing a new hobby, or looking to take the next step in turning it into a successful small business. Either way, you need to make the right decision when it comes to buying a quilting machine. Read on as we share 10 ways to find the best quilting machines for sale.

1. What Are Your Quilting Goals?

A quilting machine will be a major purchase, and to get the right match, it's essential to think ahead about your purpose and why you are buying. For example, perhaps you fall into one of these categories:

Why you intend to buy a quilting machine will shape what you buy, including the size, budget, and features. For example, a casual hobbyist might want a small, quiet machine for the corner of their home. A small business owner with a workshop may prefer a larger, faster machine that can work more efficiently when producing your quilts.

2. Understand the Types of Quilting Machines

If this is your first time purchasing a quilting machine, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices and specifications available. Let's take a look at some of the types of quilting machines to help you better determine which is a good match for you:

Domestic Quilting Machines

A domestic quilting machine is a standard option that includes features such as a walking foot and an extended space. It's a good choice for beginner quilting machines, as it's small and easy to store.

Mid-Arm Quilting Machines

A mid-arm quilting machine is slightly larger than a domestic machine, and it's a better choice for larger quilts. You will need to use a dedicated table for this type of machine, so keep this in mind if you plan to buy one for your home. However, mid-arm quilting machines offer more power and are better for frequent users or those running small home businesses.

Long-Arm Quilting Machines

If you are a serious quilter or you are running a business with a high number of orders, a long-arm quilting machine might be your best option. These machines have a fast stitch speed, are mounted on a frame, and glide over the fabric. Large throat spaces also make them a good choice for large-scale quilts.

3. Think About Your Workspace

If you haven't yet thought about your workspace for making quilts, you'll need to make some decisions before you buy a machine to ensure it is the best fit for the area.

You'll want a space that has enough room for a quilting frame or large table, though a domestic machine could fit onto a standard desk. If you intend to use a shared space in your home, think about other practicalities, such as whether you'll need to move the machine at any point. Some smaller machines may have collapsible features.

Don't forget about other room features that help you create an optimal quilting environment, such as good lighting and plenty of power outlets.

Finally, make sure you measure the room and table space before buying your machine or frame to ensure it fits.

4. Focus on Key Features

You might see some detailed specifications when you look at quilting machines. So, let's break down some of the most important features and how to look for them on a product page.

Some options will help save you time. Look for time-saving features such as:

  • Automatic needle threading
  • Thread cutters
  • Speed control sliders

If you are a more experienced quilter, you'll want something that offers precision and accuracy. Look for features such as:

Some craftspeople enjoy creating more detailed, decorative work. If you fall into that category and you are a relative beginner, consider machines that have embroidery functions or built-in stitch patterns.

5. Check the Build Quality of Machines

Before purchasing a new quilting machine, carry out some basic checks to ensure you're buying the best quilting brands. At Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum, we only sell top-quality brands, which is why we have a 4.9-star rating on Google from our customers.

When searching for quilting machine deals, don't make the mistake of searching for machines by price and picking the lowest-cost option.

High-quality machines are built to last and have fewer issues or breakdowns, so they always provide better value for money. Focus on machines with sturdy frames, which offer better durability. High-quality machines tend to be quieter, even with strong motors.

It's also worth inspecting them in person, which you can do at Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum by visiting one of our four stores:

  • Littleton
  • Aurora
  • Arvada
  • Colorado Springs

6. Read Customer Reviews

Head to a third-party review site like Google Reviews or Trustpilot to get a better idea of whether the brand is reliable and the seller trustworthy.

Longer reviews might give you more valuable insight into how each machine performs in real-world scenarios, so focus on reviews from people who are in a similar scenario to you, whether they are beginners, hobbyists, or professionals.

Look for consistent themes, positive and negative, about each machine. Focus on areas like reliability, ease of use, and speed, as these are likely to be the things that frustrate you the most if you make the wrong purchasing decision.

7. Check Independent Reviews from Bloggers and Vloggers

In addition to customer reviews, there are many blogs and YouTube videos that offer detailed feedback about products like quilting machines. The reviewers tend to buy or borrow a product, test it against different criteria, and write up their reviews online or via video.

It's often a helpful way to get more independent feedback about a product, as these reviewers pride themselves on providing non-biased reviews.

Focus on reviewers with an excellent, well-established reputation who will openly talk about negatives as much as positives, as that will help you weigh the pros and cons of different machines.

8. Consider Long-Term Maintenance

When buying a machine, you are making a long-term investment, so always consider how you'll maintain it and, if it breaks, how you'll repair it. Remember that the best way to handle maintenance is to buy a reliable machine in the first place.

Always check its long-term performance when choosing your quilting machine. After that, consider how easy it is to clean the machine.

Some manufacturers also offer warranties and ongoing customer support. It's worth considering an extended warranty if possible, so you can contact the manufacturer directly with any issues.

Another factor to consider is the ease of purchasing replacement parts. Bigger and more well-known brands will often have a greater availability of spare parts, making it easier to maintain.

9. Always Choose Trusted Specialists

Don't make the mistake of buying from an anonymous online store.

When making a significant purchase that's important for your hobby or business, you'll want to work with a trusted retailer like Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum. We are specialists and can offer expert advice, tailoring our product recommendations to your specific needs.

Here are some of the reasons why you should buy from our team:

  • Free machine usage classes
  • Free 6-month exchange program
  • Professional technical team
  • Low-price guarantee

Remember, specialists understand the specific features of a quilting machine and know how to find you the best model. So you won't be disappointed with your purchase or face the headache of tackling a complex returns policy.

 

10. Choose a Machine That Adapts With You

If you're a recent convert to quilting as a hobby, you might be tempted to opt for a small, simple machine that's beginner-friendly. This can often be an excellent idea, but before you go down that route, think carefully about your long-term aims in quilting.

Perhaps you have a desire to open up an Etsy shop in the future, or you want to make quilts for family and friends. Maybe you are part of an enthusiasts group and intend to get more involved in quilting due to a recent change in your life, such as retirement.

Investing in a quilting machine that supports your longer-term ambitions may be a better choice than opting for a simple option at the outset.

Finding the Best Quilting Machines for Sale

When searching for the best quilting machines for sale, remember that quality and value for money are key considerations. Select a reputable retailer and take the time to prioritize the features that are most important to you.

You're in the right place to find a trusted seller of quilting machines. Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum has been in business for over 17 years, and we're more than just a store; we're a community that provides expert guidance, free classes, and exceptional customer support. Browse our range of quilting machines here.

Back to blog