10 Best Sewing Machines for Quilting Under $500 – Buyers Guide and Review

Sewing machines are like magic when it comes to fixing everyday wear and tear on clothes. Hobbyists can use a sewing machine to make beautiful embroidery, quilt and sew designer clothes.

There are many sizes and features to choose from for sewing machines. The cheapest sewing machines can only perform one function since they don’t have many settings. On the other hand, sewing machines that can multitask, such as those that can embroider, sew, and quilt, are pretty expensive.

In this article, we will discuss the best sewing machines under $500. With such sewing machines, you’ll be able to multitask like a pro while also saving money.

Let’s dive in.

Factors to consider when buying a sewing machine under $500

Maureen Dowd once said, The moment you settle for less, you get even less than you deserve. This quote can be applied in almost all life situations. When buying sewing machines for quilting under $500, some people compromise the essential features. However, consider the following when choosing a sewing machine below $500.

Mechanical vs computerized

There are two options for sewing machines: manual or machine-controlled. Both have pros, and cons. computerized machines are easier to use, while manual sewing machines have become more intuitive. A computerized sewing machine, which has all the features to sew and embroider easily, is an option if you don’t have any other options.

Stitch Numbers

Before purchasing a sewing machine, it is essential to check the built-in stitch for efficient stitching. There are many options for stitching that will suit any project. Your sewing projects will be more successful if you have more stitch numbers.

Stitch patterns

Even mid-range machines, stitch patterns are important. Know how many stitches patterns your machine can provide and what options you have to preset the stitches. Most cost-effective sewing machines offer 50 to 100 different stitch patterns.

Stitch Quality

The sewing speed determines the quality of your stitch. High-speed machines can complete your work much faster than hand-sewing. A machine that can do 700 to 1000 stitches per minute is better.

Additional Features

You shouldn’t be limited to fewer features by a sewing machine under $500. Machines with the free arm and the automatic needle threader are recommended. These features prevent the cloth from getting tangled up while stitching and allow you to insert the thread through your needle.

The bobbin placement feature determines stitch quality at either the front-in or drop-in. You can also adjust the needle’s position to suit your needs. You can also look into other features, such as an automatic needle cutter or knee lifter.

Accessories

Accessories will make your project more enjoyable and more straightforward. Accessories such as foot pedals, foot pedals and sets of needles can all be purchased.

The Best Sewing Machines for Quilting Below $500

Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

This Brother embroidery and quilting machine is the ideal general-purpose sewing machine. It’s affordable, too. This top-rated sewing machine is perfect for beginners as it has a simple buttonhole function, a speed control slider, and an automatic needle threader.

The setup is quick and easy. If you’ve larger projects such as quilting, the extension table adjusts with legs for stability. You can change the slider to raise or lower the feed dogs. This sewing machine won’t break your needle.

The machine includes ten presser feet, corresponding to 70 of the built-in stitches. The machine can sew up to 850 stitches per minute with decorative embroidery options. However,  Brother CS7000X cannot import designs, although it can perform free-motion embroidery.

Also, if you love projects that need heavier materials such as leather or upholstery, then brother cs7000x isn’t for you. This model has a built-in free arm that can be used to sew small, tabular items.

What I like about Brother CS7000X

• This machine is lightweight and versatile, making it ideal for beginners. It is equipped with computerized features and high speeds. It is notable for its large table and simple-to-use controls.
• The LCD screen shows the necessary presser feet, and you can’t choose a length or width beyond the dimensions of the presser foot.

What I dislike about Brother CS7000X

• This thread tension can be a bit challenging for heavy fabrics.

SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine

Next on our list of the best sewing machines for quilting under $500 is the Singer 4423. Singer 4423 is equipped with a powerful motor that can withstand heavy use.  It has a portable and durable body, comes with 23 inbuilt stitches and is ideal for professional tailors.

Singer 4423 can sew and stitch the thickest fabrics, even at a price of fewer than 200 dollars.

It is 60% faster than traditional sewing machines, so you should buy it. A more potent motor increases sewing productivity.

What I like about SINGER 4423

• Singer 4423 has a quick and easy interface. Singer’s 60%-stronger motor allows you to easily sew multiple types of fabric at around 1100 spm, which is incredible
• comes with an additional accessory and automatic needle threader.
•  It also comes with a 25-year warranty.

What I dislike about SINGER 4423

• Limited stitch patterns
• Sewing machine for heavyweight fabrics

Brother HC1850 Sewing Machine

Another brother’s sewing machine under $500.  While the Brother CS7000X is a top sewing machine, anyone willing to spend less than $500 can ignore the  Brother HC1850 Computerized Quilting and Sewing Machine. The machine has more advanced functions.

There are 130 built-in stitches as well as eight styles of one-step buttonholes. The machine features an automatic needle threader and a wide table. You can also use feather stitch to quilting, one of the 130 types of stitches. This machine comes with many features and additional supplements that are not available on more expensive models.

What I like about Brother HC1850

Features a variety of embroidery and stitching options

• The table can be removed
• it’s a portable sewing machine
• Warranty up to 25 years

What I like about Brother HC1850

• Your hand could also block the light if it isn’t very bright.
• The power cord can easily be pulled out by machine vibration

Here is a review of the brother HC1850 sewing and quilting machine

Brother CS7000i Sewing and Quilting Machine

The machine comes with 70 built-in stitches, including decorative stitches and quilting stitches. Seven styles of one-step, automatic-sized buttonholes are available. The Brother CS7000i comes with a free arm, making it simple to sew cuffs and sleeves. Drop feed technology allows for free-motion quilting and sewing.

The Brother CS7000i machine is of great value and comes with ten presser feet. You can also use the machine to tackle larger projects thanks to its detachable table. The machine comes with a hard protective cover that makes it easy to transport from one place to the next.

This model is famous for its automatic needle threader. You can adjust the stitch speed, use ten sewing machines, and have your hard case.

• Comes with an automatic needle threader
• Comes with an accessory pouch with needle set, twin-needle, twin needle, cleaning brush and an oversized table
• A bilingual user manual in English and Spanish is included
•  The Brother CS7000i has a 25-year limited warranty.

Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Machine Sewing Machine with 18 Built-in Stitches and Hard Case

The Janome HD3000 makes it on the list of the best sewing machine for quilting under $500. It is a multifunctional sewing machine that is also easy to use. This machine is an excellent choice for beginners who want to do multiple training and other tasks. The HD3000 is sturdy and has 18 stitches built-in. It also features a buttonhole with a single step. The HD3000 has an elevating foot lift and a sizeable free arm space. It makes it easy to make sleeves and cuffs.

Many foot options are available and a built-in needle threader and a thread cutter. You can quickly work with different fabric types using an adjustable presser foot.

The HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine has a special component to store all accessories. The transparent coating on the machine’s bobbin winding prevents jamming. You can also manually change the length and width of your stitches by turning the dial.

Things I like about Janome HD3000

• User-friendly for those starting sewing projects
• Machine for heavy-duty with a durable engine.
• Fast needle speed: Up to 860 stitches per Minute
• High-quality stitch offered
• automatic thread

Things I dislike about Janome HD3000

• Fabric made of heavy materials cannot be used.
• Pattern for limited stitching

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

Singer 4452 is a heavy-duty sewing machine that can sew denim and leather. Singer 4452 has a powerful motor that gives it an extraordinary sewing speed. Adjustable sheer foot pressure makes it easy to sew lightweight sheers. The stainless-steel bed plate supports the foot pedal.

The machine comes with 110 patterns and 32 built-in stitches. These help you create home decor items, heavy leather projects, or beautiful clothes designs. This machine is a real workhorse and will give you consistent results each time you press the pedal.

This machine includes a zipper foot, button foot, pressure pedal, button sewing foot and a pack of needles.

This machine’s drop-in bobbin is simple to thread and easy to see, so you don’t run out of line between stitches. The machine’s bonus accessories include an even feed that evenly handles multiple layers of fabric and prevents fabric puckering. You can also use the non-stick foot to sew vinyl, leather, and other slippery materials.

Necchi Q132A Sewing Machine, Q Series

It is well-built and designed. It is even more powerful thanks to its powerful motor. This directly affects the time it takes to sew. It can sew up to 1,000 stitches in just 60 seconds.

Necchi Q132A has many options for controlling the pressure of the presser foot. You can also adjust the needle positions to your liking. Next, let’s talk about the different stitch options. There will be 32 utility and decorative forms. The sewers will completely control the stitch length and width.

The extension table is ideal for large projects. It’s large enough to allow free-motion sewing. The metal bed plate feeds the garment without any damage.

Necchi Q132A has a horizontal drop-in Bobbin system. It does not compromise the stitch quality. It is also more comfortable than front-loading models.

It has an automatic needle threader, which allows fast threading, like other high-quality models. Additional features include a drop feed, an accessory, a bobbin thread cutter, and a free arm.

Encore 260A sewing machine

It is not common to find more than 150 stitches in a mid-range machine. Our last favourite offers 200 stitches in various styles, letters, numbers and punctuation. We can also increase the length by 4.5mm or width by 7mm. To secure the buttonhole edges, it has eight button stitch options.

All control options are displayed on an LCD screen. You can choose the ones you want. The instructional book will help you if you’re unsure.

Encore 260A sewing machine has threaders and an automatic needle up/down motion. This makes it easy to finish a large project in a short time. Another great feature is a reverse button, automatic winding and drop-in Bobbin.

You will find all the essentials you need, such as foot pedals and installation tools (power cords, small screwdrivers, big screwdrivers, thread spool lids), and other necessities (needles, bobbins). There are many options for zipper feet, including invisible zipper feet, straight stitch feet, button feet, blind stitch feet and button feet. They keep the garment flat and feed under the needle.