The Best Midarm Quilting Machines of Dec 2023

A midarm quilting machine might be the perfect solution if you’re looking to sew larger quilts but don’t need the commercial utility of a larger machine. The definition of a midarm quilter varies based on who you speak to. A general rule of thumb is that a midarm has more throat space than a standard sewing machine but less than a large throat.

The midarm quilting market has a wide variety of machines that vary from sewing and quilting machines with a larger throat to purpose-built quilting machines. While some midarm machines are computerized there are also non-computerized quilters, too.

Note: Also see our lists of the top computerized sewing machines and large throat quilting machines.

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Our Picks for Best Midarm Quilting Machines to Buy

Janome 1600P-QC Midarm Quilting Machine
Janome 1600P-QC Midarm Quilting Machine
  • 1,600 Stitches per Minute Max
  • Adjustable knee lift
  • Automatic thread cutter
  • Extra high presser foot lift
  • Independent bobbin winder motor
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49 User Reviews
46
3
Warranty: 25 years
9.8
Juki TL-2010Q Portable Midarm Sewing Machine
Juki TL-2010Q Portable Midarm Sewing Machine
  • 1,500 Stitches per Minute Max
  • Automatic Needle Threader
  • Automatic Thread Trimmer
  • Easy Bobbin Replacement
  • Weighs 24.5 pounds
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612 User Reviews
597
15
Warranty: 25 Years
9.7
Baby Lock Presto II
Baby Lock Presto II
  • 100 Built-In Stitches
  • 850 Stitches Per Minute Sewing Speed
  • Advanced Needle Threader
  • Automatic Thread Cutter
  • LCD Touch Screen
  • Quick-set Bobbin Winder
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25 User Reviews
24
1
Warranty: 25 Years
9.5
Baby Lock Accomplish Sewing Machine
Baby Lock Accomplish Sewing Machine
  • Built-in telescoping thread stand
  • Extension table is included
  • Hands-free knee lift
  • Precision Pin Feed system
  • Stitches at up-to 1,500 SPM
  • Quick threading system
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44 User Reviews
42
2
Warranty: 25 Years
9.4
Grace Q’nique Quilter 15R
Grace Q’nique Quilter 15R
  • 15 inch throat lets you sew larger patterns and blocks
  • Class M bobbin (longer quilting times)
  • Comfort Grip Handles
  • Dual-cone thread towers
  • Up to 2,000 stitches per minute
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49 User Reviews
45
4
Warranty: 5 Years
9.7

Janome 1600P-QC Midarm Quilting Machine

Janome 1600P-QC Midarm Quilting MachineI love this midarm quilting machine! The Janome 1600P-QC is a midarm quilting machine that is a joy to use on any sewing or quilting project. Janome boasts itself as making the world’s easiest quilting machines (and sewing machines, too) and this machine meets up to that claim!

Usability is excellent, and just about anything that you need to do seems like second nature.

This midarm stitches at up to 1,600 stitches per minute, making it the fastest midarm quilting machine money could buy when released.

A few features we love and think you will, too: the comfortable, ergonomic knee-lift has a wide range of adjustability, working area is just about 9 inches by 6 inches, and a side-loading bobbin which is convenient even when the machine is in a quilting frame. More of the long, long list of features of this machine are below. Other features include:

  • 1,600 SPM
  • Speed control slider
  • Automatic thread cutter
  • Adjustable knee lift
  • Independent bobbin winder motor
  • Extra high presser foot lift
  • Foot pressure adjustment by dial with indicator
  • industrial hook bobbin
  • Maximum stitch length 6mm

Juki TL-2010Q Portable Midarm Sewing Machine

Midarm Sewing Machine - Juki TL-2010QJuki combines portability with excellent quilting and sewing capabilities into this midarm machine. The TL-2010Q is a single needle, lock-stitch, portable machine that is sturdy and powerful. It delivers near silent, professional stitches and works well with both lightweight and heavy material.

What might be most surprising is how affordable this sewing machine is. The features and build quality rival those of industrial machines and the usability is both beginner friendly and great for the serious quilter.

Adding the auxiliary table creates a 23 inch work area which is more than adequate for sewing projects and for quilting, too.Notable features of this midarm include:

  • Sewing speed 200 to 1,500 SPM
  • Automatic Needle Threader
  • Automatic Thread Trimmer
  • Easy Bobbin Replacement
  • 6mm Max Stitch Length
  • Straight Stitch Only
  • Needle: 130/705H
  • Manual Presser Foot Lift
  • Weight: 24.5 pounds
  • Even Feed Foot

 

 

Baby Lock Presto II Midarm Quilting and Sewing Machine

Baby Lock Presto II Midarm Quilting MachineBaby Lock followed up their popular Presto with the Presto II midarm quilting and sewing machine and the sequel is even better than the original. The intuitive touchscreen interface gives quick access to everything you’ll need to adjust while sewing or quilting. 850 stitches per minute combined with the multiple lettering/alphabet styles and stitches makes quilting not only fast but also fun!

If your goal is a midarm computerized quilting machine, this is definitely worth a look. Also see our list of the top computerized sewing machines.

Stitch width is variable up to 7mm and stitch length ranges from 0 to 5mm. The included 100 built-in stitches break down to 69 utility stitches which include 7 single-hole button styles and 31 decorative stitches. Take your quilting passion to the next level with this incredibly capable midarm quilting machine! Features include:

  • LCD Touch Screen
  • 100 Built-In Stitches
  • 850 Stitches Per Minute Sewing Speed
  • Advanced Needle Threader
  • 4 Built-In Alphabets
  • Automatic Thread Cutter
  • Quick-set Bobbin Winder
  • Free-arm Capability

Baby Lock Accomplish Sewing Machine

Baby Lock Accomplish Midarm Sewing MachineOur second Baby Lock in our Midarm quilter round-up is the Baby Lock Accomplish Sewing machine. The Accomplish is another high-speed stitcher from Baby Lock.

This is a great choice for someone considering the Presto II midarm quilting machine who is unsure about using a computerized or touch-screen machine. In many ways it outpaces the Presto II.

The Accomplish stitches at 1,500 stitches per minute and the extension table is included. 1,500 SPM means your quilting projects will get done fast. The extension table adds more than 23 inches of working space for quilting or sewing projects, too. While priced in the premium range, the quality and features are why this is one of the best midarm machines available today.

  • Stitches at up-to 1,500 SPM
  • Hands-free knee lift
  • Quick threading system
  • Built-in telescoping thread stand
  • Precision Pin Feed system
  • An extension table is included.

 

Grace Q’nique Quilter 15R

Qnique Quilter 15RAnother machine I tested but have not purchased is the Q’nique Quilter 15R. Now, this is a true midarm commercial quilting machine with a generous throat space. It is designed for one thing: quilting. I wouldn’t recommend using this machine for hobby-sewing because it is squarely in the expensive category. But, for the semi-pro quilter or for a business this is a strong workhorse that can pretty much sew any size quilt.

It is a fast machine – up to 1800 stitches per minute – but you can control the speed to suit your needs. This is a machine that requires you to get a few extras to set it up properly. For example, you’ll need to get a frame for it such as the Grace Q-Zone Hoop.

You will also have to get an automated quilting package like the Quilter’s Creative Touch 4 or 5 to enable computerized automated quilting. Without this, you’ll have to control the machine manually. Features:

  • 15 inch throat lets you sew larger patterns and blocks
  • Comfort Grip Handles
  • Convenient quick-access buttons for easy control of sewing functions
  • Up to 2,000 stitches per minute
  • Stitch regulation keeps your stitch length consistent
  • Color OLED screen
  • Computerized with an easy to navigate menu
  • Four different sewing modes
  • Included Motorized Bobbin Winder
  • Class M bobbin (longer quilting times)
  • Easy-access bobbin for simplified changing
  • Dual-cone thread towers
  • Bright, integrated LED work lights

 

What is a midarm quilting machine?

Midarm quilting machine is the popular term for a quilting machines with a larger than normal throat, but not quite what would be considered a large throat quilting machine.

The throat of the sewing machine is measured by calculating the distance between the upright arm and sewing head,  as well as the base to the bottom of the horizontal arm. When talking about throat size, it is the width that is being referenced. Sewing and quilting machines are often described by the throat width.

throat-space

What are midarm sewing machines used for?

Having a larger throat allows midarm sewing machines to be used for medium to large quilting projects. Some midarm sewing machines are also well suited for general sewing duties while others are meant to be used with a quilting frame and exclusively for quilting.