I am going to make a personal review about the main names of sewing machines in the quilters section. I am not intending to give any purchasing advice or any kind of professional review. All I am writing here comes from my personal research and experience as a quilter and a sewing machine lover.

I am going to start by naming  the machines I consider the best in the middle range for quilters and for embroidery. The Elna Quilting Queen 7300 Pro, the Bernina Aurora 430, 440QE and 450, the Janome Memory Craft 6600P Sewing Machine , the Brother Innovis 4000D and the Pfaff Expressions, Husqvarna Viking Designer SE.

In this comparison the best machines are the Elna Quilting Queen and the Bernina (any one of the range), if we consider the prices the Elna is cheaper but it does not have the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator). Apart from that, this two machines are pretty similar, although the Elna is a bit cheaper.

The Bernina has a very good reputation being the quilters favorite and offering a reliable  service and good quality sewing machines. I personally have the Elna Quilting Queen and I am quite happy with it.

When you get a mid range sewing machine, a professional quilters sewing machine, you have to be quite experience in quilting and sewing and also you will have to take good care of your machine, otherwise it will stop working very often. This specialist sewing machines are quite delicate and would stop working with any bad use. I recommend to keep it very clean, use a compressed gas cleaner to avoid any dust or bits of thread getting into the computer parts. The most complicated the machine the more delicate and it will work better clean and  oiled frequently. Also if the thread is not in the right position or the bobbin is not on properly it will not function as smoothly as you hope.

The Brother Innovis 4000D is a very good and complicated sewing machine. If the thread is not tight the machine might not work and also it could do with a larger capacity for bobbin thread so it would not have to be changed so often. Overall is a fantastic sewing machine with a few things that it could be improved. I find when I am using one that if the thread is not positioned totally correct it will not work, so that have an easy solution, pass the thread again through the number and take the bobbin out and put it on again and usually that is enough to make it work again. Also the space for the thread is not big enough for the big cones which are so useful in patchwork and quilting (Since we use so much thread). While the Bernina Aurora and the Elna have space for 2 spool of any size in the back, you could be refilling the bobbin and not have to change the thread you are using for sewing which is a great time saver and very practical. Brother Innov-is 4000 sewing machines are also dedicated to embroidery more than exclusively design for quilters. In the embroidery part the Innovis 4000D has the Disney designs that make it more appealing.

Price comparison of my favorite sewing machines:

• The Brother Innovis 4000 costs £2,999.00 in the UK  and from $5500 in America at special deals
• Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0 costs £1,125.00  in the UK ate Amazon and
• Elna Quilting Queen £999 in the UK and $2999 in America, although is on sale now at $1999
• Bernina Aurora 440 QE is £1,425 in the UK
• Janome 6600 is £1,099.00 in the UK and around $1,199.00 in USA
• Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Sewing Machine with Embroidery Unit $4,899.99 in USA and £4,799.00 in the UK ( The Diamond is the top of the range, the simple Viking Designer starts at £1,200 in the UK and about $1400 in America)

Bernina 830E Embroidery Sewing Machine

The BERNINA 830 has a sewing, embroidery system and technology very advanced and magnificent features. The Bernina 830 also gives you lots of space, speed and Swiss precision which makes this sewing machine one of the best ones in the world.

The main features of the Bernina 830E are the Jumbo Bobbin, the BERNINA Dual Feed, the space, the Thread-Supply System, the Automatic Threading, the Centered Screen, the Total Stitch Control and the Fastest Speeds.

The BERNINA 830 gives you the total control when you are working with delicate or tricky fabrics like tricot, ribbon or lots of layers. You can even tune the BERNINA Dual Feed to the specific fabric you are using, like for example: velvet.

The Bernina revolutionary feed system gives you the ultimate visibility and maneuverability in your sewing and embroidery work. The Dual Feed Control can be put away when is not in use for a more comprehensive use of space.

Another great feature of the brilliant Bernina 830 is that it gives you 50% more space to work than any other sewing machine, so maneuvering with large quilts and other bulky projects is a lot easier. The arm of the Bernina 830 is  15-inch long, a full 12 inches to the right of the needle, expanded height clearance, and 12 ½ inches of diagonal space (compared to 8 inches on standard machines) giving you the most room to maneuver. And if  you buy the embroidery module as well, the Bernina 830 reaches  an impressive 40 inches long. Getting also the optional jumbo hoop (400 x 260 mm / 16 x 10 inches) will allow you to have the bigger space for embroidery,  without having to rotate or reposition. Also the BERNINA 830 gives the most space under the needle; with a  15mm clearance under the foot  will allow you to work and adjust your thickest layers of fabric with no problem what so ever. The Bernina 830 has  the highest foot lift on the sewing machines market.

The walking foot (which is optional) is definitely yet another great option, particularly for outline, channel or even power grid quilting. It’s also possible to make use of the walking foot to quilt, after that bind while using the BERNINA Dual Feed Feature. And also, since the actual 830 is a BERNINA, it has the regular feed system and is simply all you would anticipate: long lasting, precise as well as steady. The 830 provides you with all the finest and best features of the sewing machine world.

To create the very efficient one-process threading system the work of the best Swiss engineers.

The unique multi-spool holder maintains sizeable, medium as well as little cones  prepared. Typically the top to bottom holders along with telescoping function lead to the smoothest thread launch possible. On top of that, the bobbin winder is simply upon the front of the machine for simple access, plus it allows you to choose velocity as well as quantity of fill.

It took Swiss engineers to create this efficient, one-process threading system. Simply take a thread upwards through the guideline, allow it get into the position on top, slide it across the left part of the machine, push a button, and your needle will be immediately threaded, no matter what placement it is on. Naturally, due to the fact BERNINA generally provides you with possibilities, you could have an opportunity to thread the 830 by hand too.

Completely unique functions, like the BERNINA Stitch Regulator, supply you with the greatest opportunity in ingenious handle. The innovative presser foot makes free-motion stitching simple. The stitches will be amazingly steady, regardless of whether you actually sew quickly or perhaps slowly. And also just the BERNINA 830 provides 360-degree-multi-directional sewing on just about all 9mm stitches. Additionally, you’ll be able to modify the measurements on any different stitches. The quick-reverse function allows you to take a step back straight into the exact same holes, to ensure that new openings aren’t produced by going forwards and backwards. Together with the Altered Stitch Memory enables you to keep in mind your own changed stitches whenever you switch off the sewing machine or even in case the electrical power goes off.

The BERNINA 830 features about 1,100 sewing stitches per minute and ascend to 1,000 embroidery stitches per minute. the quickest of all home sewing machine. Which is amazing considering how the embroidery speeds of reasonably competitive manufacturers average simply 765 stitches for every minute. And at top velocity, the BERNINA 830 does not vibrate; instead it drives with the finest quality. At top speed, the embroidery will be stunning, as well as the largest stitches will be perfect. And you may effortlessly personalize the velocity using a hassle-free slide-speed handle at the front of the sewing machine.

The Bernina 830 Regular Features:

The particular BERNINA Stitch Regulator:

Such technologically sophisticated yet simple-to-use presser foot lets you take control of the free-motion sewing right away . The BERNINA Stitch Regulator adjusts the length of the straight as well as zigzag stitches, which makes them even and also steady, to help you concentrate on producing your own pattern.

Presser Feet:

An assortment of the most widely used all-metal presser feet come standard with the BERNINA 830, to have a selection of innovative options.

Embroidery Hoops:

3 measurements of hoops come standard with the 830.

Unique Slide-On Table:

The table’s special layout offers plenty of room for the biggest tasks. In addition, this allows you to changeover from embroidery to stitching, without the need for ever removing it.

The Bernina 830 Embroidery Sewing Machine Optionally available Equipment:

BERNINA Quilt Frame:

Includes twist-and-lock rails, which makes it easy to extend the frame from 60” to 120” (king size).

Jumbo Hoop:

This unique hoop helps you sew the largest embroidery patterns without having to reposition or turn the actual hoop (400 x 260 mm / 16 x 10 in .). In a single quick move, the embroidery is actually finished.

The BERNINA Walking Foot:

Gives you optimum control for outline, channel or even grid quilting.

BERNINA Embroidery Software v5:

Get your own creativity to to the next stage using the globe’s state-of-the-art embroidery software program. Uncover innovative functions like appliqué, monogram, as well as manual and automatic digitizing. Discover a huge selection of effects for modifying and customizing patterns. Increase your own imagination along with applications like BERNINA Quilter, Cross Stitch, PhotoSnap and much more.

BERNINA Showcase:

This particular custom-made showcase, along with 4-drawer caddy as well as full-length drop leaf, is specifically made to support the dimensions as well as energy of the BERNINA 830.

A main difference between the Bernina Aurora 450 and the others (430 and 440QE) is the Rotary hook system

The high-quality rotary hook system for stitch widths of up to 9mm lets you create gorgeous decorative stitches. The system is characterized by quiet running and reliable stitch quality, even at high speeds.

Bernina Aurora 450

Basically the Bernina Aurora 450 is exactly the same machine as the other two models of Aurora, the 430 and 440QE, except for the BSR that is only found in the 440QE (Quilters Edition) and 450 and the rotary hook system only found in the Bernina Aurora 450. It has the same features like the  well positioned speed regulator that allows you to adjust the Bernina aurora’s sewing speed to your task – slow for precise work, and faster for more general sewing. This function can also be used for the bobbin winding. The Bernina aurora 450 new separate bobbin winder is extremely practical, letting you fill empty bobbins without having to stop your sewing, embroidery or quilting work. Using the built-in one step buttonhole, you can create buttonholes very easily.
The Bernina Aurora 450 has another useful accessory, the extension table,which offers you a larger working area just by attaching it to the free arm. The aurora comes with  bobbins and presser feet (6 / 9), a range of tools and maintenance accessories which are supplied as standard. But you can also by an extra accessories box which could be attached to the back of the aurora for an easier transport. The stitch selection in the Bernina Aurora 450 is the same as the 440 QE and the 430 models. Just by pressing the buttons to select the stitch numbers or by pressing the scroll buttons, the stitch numbers and the stitch symbols are always shown on the display which makes it very easy to use.

The presser foot pressure is display on-screen, so you can adjust the pressure for the different types of fabrics that you are using.  You can always see displayed on screen the setting  that you are using. Also in the display screen you can see a wide selection of stitches,  in the form of a distinctive symbol on the screen. This is really useful with the scroll function.

Another fantastic feature of the Bernina Aurora sewing machines is the threading function, which makes it easy to pass the thread through the eye of the needle.

The adjustable needle position on the Bernina Aurora 450 Anniversary Edition allows for different end results. You can change the presser foot pressure with the built-in adjustments.

Bernina Aurora Embroidery Unit with BERNINA ArtDesign software (This is an optional feature to buy separately)

The Bernina ArtDesign software is supplied in the same module as the embroidery unit. Using the BERNINA software is easy and allows you to customize your designs for embroidering. You can enlarge or mirror designs, add letters, change colors or combine designs among many other features of this Bernina Software. Having the embroidery software in your personal computer will allow you to follow the embroidery work directly on display-screen.

The main difference between the Bernina Aurora 430 and the 440 QE is that this one it doesn’t have a BSR (the innovative Bernina Stitch Regulator very useful in free hand stitching and quilting). The rest is exactly the same machine, with all the same features and the same good quality built machine. To buy click here Bernina Aurora 430

The Start / stop button is the same in the Bernina Aurora 430 and the 440QE, and is very practical. You don’t need to operate on foot control, you can sew at any speed with the start – stop button.

Basically the Bernina Aurora 430 is exactly the same machine as the Aurora except for the BSR that is only found in the 440QE (Quilters Edition). It has the same features like the  well positioned speed regulator that allows you to adjust the Bernina aurora’s sewing speed to your task – slow for precise work, and faster for more general sewing. This function can also be used for the bobbin winding. The Bernina aurora’ 430 new separate bobbin winder is extremely practical, letting you fill empty bobbins without having to stop your sewing, embroidery or quilting work.
The Bernina Aurora 430 has another useful accessory, the extension table,which offers you a larger working area just by attaching it to the free arm. The aurora comes with  bobbins and presser feet (6 / 9), a range of tools and maintenance accessories which are supplied as standard. But you can also by an extra accessories box which could be attached to the back of the aurora for an easier transport. The stitch selection in the Bernina Aurora 430 is the same as the 440 QE, just by pressing the buttons for selecting the stitch numbers or by pressing the scroll buttons, the stitch numbers and the stitch symbols are always shown on the display which makes it very easy to use.

The presser foot pressure is display on-screen, so you can adjust the pressure for the different types of fabrics that you are using.  You can always see displayed on screen the setting  that you are using. Also in the display screen you can see a wide selection of stitches,  in the form of a distinctive symbol on the screen. This is really useful with the scroll function.

Another fantastic feature of the Bernina Aurora sewing machines is the threading function, which makes it easy to pass the thread through the eye of the needle.

Bernina Aurora Embroidery Unit with BERNINA ArtDesign software (This is an optional feature to buy separately)

The Bernina ArtDesign software is supplied in the same module as the embroidery unit. Using the BERNINA software is easy and allows you to customize your designs for embroidering. You can enlarge or mirror designs, add letters, change colors or combine designs among many other features of this Bernina Software. Having the embroidery software in your personal computer will allow you to follow the embroidery work directly on display-screen.

The Bernina Aurora 430 sewing machine is simply wonderful, and is also extremely easy to use,coming  with a lot of new features make the aurora a perfect sewing machine for all the possible sewing tasks.

The Bernina Aurora 430 offers over 150 different stitch programs plus 2 sewing alphabets.  You can even save your own personal favorite stitches as well as 60 stitch combinations so you can use them again at any time.

The Bernina Aurora is the best machine in the market at the moment in relation price – quality for the patchworkers. There are other good models in the same range, like the Elna Quilting Queen Pro, which offer almost the same accessories for less money, but the Bernina Aurora has a much better reputation as a long lasting sewing machine. There are several different models of the Bernina Aurora, I want to try and describe them with their advantages, disadvantages and accessories. Let’s start with the Bernina Aurora 440QE.

Buy it here: Bernina Aurora 440QE,  Bernina Aurora Embroidery Unit

Bernina aurora 440QE

BSR – BERNINA Stitch Regulator: The BERNINA Stitch Regulator is a innovation in the world of sewing machines. The Bernina Aurora comes with a presser foot that have three different soles, which guarantees a more even stitch length with variable sewing speeds, making freehand quilting simple and easy. This is the most impressive feature of the Bernina Sewing Machines, specially used in free motion stitching. With this advance technology you can totally control the motion on the needle, it senses when the fabric is not moving and the needle can be select to be in continuous motion to make it easy for the freehand quilting, or the free motion stitching. It is a fantastic tool for the quilters who love free motion quilting and be able to move the fabric around your own speed without having to put so much pressure on your shoulder and in much more control of the situation of the needle.

The Needle thread threader: The Bernina Aurora sewing machines come with a practical threading function that makes it very easy to pass the thread through the eye of the needle in a matter of seconds.

Speed regulator :With the speed regulator you can adjust the  sewing speed to the particular task – slow for precise sewing work (like small areas or appliqué), and faster for the more general sewing. The speed regulator of the Bernina Aurora can also be used for the bobbin winding.

The Start-Stop button :In the Bernina Aurora 440QE sewing machines the start-stop button is very practical, specially since it is not necessary to operate on a foot control.

The Stitch selection : With the display screen is very easy to choose the different patterns in the Bernina aurora, The stitch numbers and the stitch symbols are always shown on the display screen. Choosing the stitches is easy, only by pressing the buttons for selecting the stitch numbers,  or simply  by pressing the scroll buttons.

Presser foot pressure display : You will always have on displaying the little screen of your Bernina Aurora the 440 QE  presser foot pressure. It is easy to adjust the pressure individually for every type of fabric that you are using and always would be displayed in the screen the current setting.

Stitch display (symbol) :The Bernina aurora sewing machine offers a wide selection of stitches. Always the stitch that is currently being used is displayed as a distinctive symbol on the screen. As you can use your scroll function for choosing patterns the screen display of the symbol is very useful, helping you see the chosen stitch for your work.

A Separate winder motor :Having a separate bobbin winder is a novelty and incredibly user-friendly, letting you to fill the empty bobbins without interrupting your sewing work.

An Extension table : For quilting and patchwork is very important to have a larger working area, here with the extension table the Bernina Aurora proves to be useful and totally practical for the users, also the table is extractable. Simply attached to the free arm.

The Accessories Box :The Bernina Aurora sewing machines comes with a box filled with useful accessories. The bobbins, presser feet (6 / 9), tools and maintenance accessories are supplied as standard with all the Auroras. The accessories box can be bought any time you like and also fits and can be attached to the back of the aurora for an easy transport.

Optional Accessory for your Bernina Aurora – Embroidery module with BERNINA ArtDesign software:

The ArtDesign software comes with the embroidery module. Using the BERNINA software is easy and allows you to customize your designs for embroidering. You can enlarge or mirror designs, add letters, change colors or combine designs among many other features of this Bernina Software. Having the embroidery software in your personal computer will allow you to follow the embroidery work directly on display-screen.

A sewing machine is a mechanical or electromechanical device used to attach fabrics using threads. Sewing machines can make a feature of a stitch , using usually two threads, although there are machines that use one, three, four or more threads.

Sewing machines can make a variety of patterns or straight stitch. These  sewing machines can pull, hold and move the fabric under the sewing needle to form the pattern stitch of your choice. Most home sewing machines and some industrial use a stitch two threads call stitching stitch. Most industrial sewing machines using a looping stitch produced by a machine called a linking machine. Some old sewing machines  can do stitches in ridges. The mechanism for sliding the fabric can be a simple guide to work or be controlled by patterns (ej, Jacquard-type). Some machines can create  embroidery stitches. The special sewing machines for embroidery can have a frame to hold the work.

The typical structure of the sewing machine comprises a base from which the body of the machine supports. Within the body of the sewing machine’s gears are moving the needle. One arm comes out of the body of the sewing machine. The opposite end of arm ends with the head that supports the needle bar, outside the pulleys are determining the tension of the thread.
The sewing machines are different by the type of stitch you get from it.

Elna Sewing Machines is a company with its base in Ginebra, Switzerland. They are present in 60 countries around the world and they are getting the reputation they diserve by the quality of the Elna Sewing Machines and by their magnificent design.

Let’s start by reviewing the star sewing machine of Elna, the Elna 9500. The Elna Sewing Machine comes with this technical specifications:

• Full Color touch screen 122mm x 91mm –
• Automatic/Programmable Thread cutters
• Start/stop key – color-coded red green
• Built-in automatic needle threader –
• Upper and Bobbin thread sensor
• Programmable Needle Up/Down key
• 8 White LED lamps illuminate entire sewing area
• Computerized thread tension control
• Drop Feed Dog
• External memory device: ATA Card, USB memory key
• PC link: two-way USB communication
• Eco mode
• Independent bobbin-winding motor
• Presser bar sensor
• Extra presser foot lift
• Thread holder and cutter
• Automatic, programmable and manual tension
• Rotary horizontal hook with transparent bobbin cover
• Free arm embroidery
• Built-in carriage
• Hard-shell protective cover
• Multi-voltage
• Optional PC design CDs – .Jeff format
• Use a PC Card Adapter, USB key, CD-ROM (optional) or direct connection to computer to access more designs from the internet or Elna’s Design CD Collections.

As you can see from the very high standard specifications of the Elna 9500, this sewing machine offers everything you can possibly need.

I am going to review some of the best sewing machines on the market. What a pleasure!. See these beauties and if you can afford one, buy it.

Pfaff Grand Quilter

The Pfaff Grand Quilter has 9" x 6" work space, essential for sewing larger or bulky projects.

Features

- 1600 stitches per minute
- 9" x 6" work area
- large, removable extension table (18" x 24")
- perfectly adjusted stitches regardless of fabric thickness
- independent bobbin winding
- automatic threading
- quiet, vibration-free sewing
- hands-free reverse
- needle up/down
- electronic adjustable speed control
- knee lift

Pfaff 1246 Double Needle Compound Walking Foot Needle Feed Industrial Lockstitch Sewing Machine w/Table, Stand & Motor – FREE 100 Organ Needles

Pfaff 1246 Double Needle Compound Walking Foot Needle Feed Industrial Lockstitch Sewing Machine w/Table, Stand & Motor – FREE 100 Organ Needles

Double Needle 1/4" Gauge. Compound Walking Foot and Needle Feed. Modern Compact Industrial Styling Flatbed. Includes Table, Stand, And Motor. Industrial Sewing Machine. Available in 110V or 220V.$5,529.00 USD

Pfaff Sewing Machine Specifications

• 110V (220V optional)
• Modern, compact industrial styling
• New alternating top feed with greater traction power
• Excellent sewing results even when several piles of tacky or slippery materials of varying thickness are sewn
• Consistent stitch setting in all materials
• Proven, effective power transmitted by cleated belt drive
• Fully enclosed driving belt
• Large vertical hooks: hence 60% larger thread capacity than standard-size hooks
• Hook protected by an overload clutch incorporated in the machine as standard
• Easy maintenance
• Automatic hook lubrication
• Hook shaft carried in anti-friction bearings
• Built-in bobbin winder within operator’s field of vision
• Most parts incorporated in 1250 series machines are identical with those of 240 series machines
• Can also be supplied in long-arm versions (-798/..) with a maximum clear work space of 850 mm

If you are starting the wonderful hobby of quilting and patchwork and you need a sewing machine see the options we recommend you.

To start patchwork is better to use a simple to use sewing machine, and also cheap. For around $200 you can buy a Janome 4045LX Harmony, a Necchi 3832 and a Toyota SE06R. They are all good, but for a little more I recommend this models:

	Singer 7436 70 Stitch Ingenuity Computer Electronic Sewing Machine, 3×1-Step BH, Auto Tension & Threader, 13 Needle Positions, Drop Feed, LED Lights, for $ 249.00   The SINGER INGENUITY is a fully electronic sewing machine. This beginners sewing machine has a full range of utility, decorative, quilting, heirloom, and stretch stitches. Each stitch is electronically formed and optimally set, which means every stitch is sewn with exact precision. The SINGER INGENUITY also threads quickly and easily with the 6-Second Threading System. And with pushbutton stitch selection, even selecting a stitch is very easy.
	Brother PC210 FS Project Runway Sewing Machine , $ 229,00 from Amazon It’s just right as a next step machine for beginners, a dependable machine for the occasional sewing session or a delightful introduction to sewing technology for those hobbyists returning to the sewing world. Experience the joy of creating with simple controls, beautiful stitching, quiet operation and advanced technology.
	Brother XL-3750 Convertible Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Quilting Features $138.88

This are three of the best sewing machines in the market for the price. For less than $300 you can start sewing, learning about patchwork and how to use your sewing machine. And when you feel confident enough, sell your old sewing machine and get into the intermediate level sewing machines for quilting and patchwork. You will love it.