The Difference Between Sewing and Quilting Machines
When it comes to sewing and quilting machines, it can be difficult to spot the differences if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Quilting is a form of sewing, so many of the machine functions will be similar. However, sewing machine brands like Bernina, Brother, or Janome have tweaked machines to perform better for quilts as opposed to traditional sewing practices. Quilters can find several benefits to getting a quilt-specific machine, since it does function as a sewing machine, just with a few extras!
1. Quilting Machines Have More Space
Sewing machines come in plenty of different sizes, from compact to the industry’s largest. However, quilting machines are characterized by a longer machine throat. Extension tables for workspace outside the throat can be purchased for both types of machines, but you cannot extend the throat space itself. Quilts can be made on regular sewing machines, but you will have to be sure you own the correct notions, like needles and presser feet.
2. Different Included Accessories
Quilting and sewing both have specialty notions, as mentioned above. Sewing machines will usually come with the basic sewing feet like a standard foot, a zipper foot, and a buttonhole foot. Quilting machines will differ slightly, oftentimes coming with a quarter inch foot, walking foot, darning foot, or free-motion foot.
3. Sewing Speed and Machine Stability
In general, domestic quilting machines will have a higher stitch per minute (SPM) count than domestic sewing machines. They need the added robustness in order to regularly handle several layers of fabric. A motor that is durable enough to allow for high SPM speeds helps to properly sew through the several layers of fabric that is required when making quilts.
Find Your Sewing or Quilting Machine at Quilt Quarters in Greenwood, Indianapolis, Indiana
With so many sewing, quilting, and combination machines in stock, Quilt Quarters is bound to have the machine that will fit you best. And, if you don’t know which machine that is, our friendly, helpful employees are always more than happy to help you out! We have the machines, we have the notions, we have the fabric- everything you need, you’ll find here!
If you’re looking for an expansive collection of fabric, notions, classes, and sewing clubs to spark creativity and let your imagination soar, Quilt Quarters – located at 9504 Haver Way, Indianapolis, IN 46240 has over 7,000 square feet and 25 years of experience as Indianapolis’s top choice for sewing and quilting needs. Our staff is always looking for opportunities to help, so feel free to reach out! You can fill out a contact form on our website, call us at (317) 757-8340, or visit us in-store from 9am-5pm during weekdays and 9am-4pm on Saturday. “Sew” you soon!
