When it comes to quilting and sewing machines only a few other companies are making as good machines as Singer does – that too since 1851. Take this quilting and sewing machine for example.

Singer 8500Q is one of Singer’s best quilting and sewing machines and what makes it so awesome is the fact that it can be easily moved to anywhere with the owner. Its portability is its strongest plus point, but I would not say that it is the only reason why you would consider buying this machine.

For example, other than portability sewing machine functionality, its customers love to buy and vouch for this machine because it is easy to use, it your next step towards professional-level quilting. Also, there are amazing features like extension table and a wide range of feet that will make quilting easier for you.

Singer Modern Quilter 8500Q Insights

In this section, I’m going to review this sewing + quilting machine based on its unique features, pros and cons. It’d be interesting for you to see how this quilting machine performs in comparison with other quilting machines from Singer as well as other companies such as Juki.

Features:

SwiftSmart Threading System + Automatic Needle Threader –

We know that all modern sewing and quilting machines, at least the flagship models, come with automatic needle threaders. These things are no longer considered a luxury, but only an essential. However, this quilting machine from Singer takes comfort to a whole new level; the SwiftSmart threading system makes threading even easier. You can easily guide the thread all over from spool to needle through one and only groove dedicated for it and then use the needle threader to thread the needle swiftly.

Programmable Needle Height –

Another amazing feature of this sewing machine is that the needle height can be programmed. A programmable up or down of needle allows the needle to always stop in highest position. This might appear to be a rather unimportant detail, but makes easier to remove the fabric from the needle plate and thus it saves your time too. For pivoting, you can program this needle to stop in a down position.

Extension Table –

Just like a few Juki quilting machines that I’ve reviewed, this one also comes with an extension table. Only, this quilting machine’s extension table is bigger – and I mean significantly bigger – than the other one. This machine comes with a 22.4” big extension table with a width of 14.4”. It has a circular sewing pin that makes quilting easier for you. Just like any extension table, this one can be easily attached or detached from the machine.

Knee Lifter Hands-Free Lifting of Foot –

You know that when it comes to sewing or quilting, one has to use a wide array of presser feet and it becomes a daunting task to install and then remove those feet. On top of that lifting them up and dropping them down becomes even more of a hassle. Thanks to Singer 8500Q’s hands-free knee lifter using which you can easily lift or drop the presser foot without even touching it.

Drop and Sew Bobbin System –

So, Singer’s drop and sew bobbing system is great for two reasons. One of those reasons is why everyone would love to have it. What is drop and sew bobbin system? It is a simple time saving feature that allows you to drop the bobbin in the hole dedicate for it, have the thread go through the groove and you’re ready to sew. You would not need to drop the bobbin thread; instead the machine will pick it up and start sewing. The other reason why you’d love it is that it is a transparent case through which you can monitor the thread supply.

Automatic Presser Foot Pressure Control –

Those who have been into quilting and sewing as a business, are very well aware of how some simple routine/repetition tasks can prove to be highly boring, if not tiresome. Take presser foot pressure adjustment for example. Well, with this machine you would not need to set the pressure switching from soft and thin fabric to tough and thick one. The automatic presser foot pressure adjustment is definitely a game changer.

215 Built-in Stitches –

What’s more? Well, unlike other quilting machines that exhibit a severe lack of diversity in terms of stitches, this one comes with 215 stitches in total. These stitches include 9 essential stitches, 6 stretch stitches, 17 quilting stitches, 176 decorative stitches and 6 buttonholes.

Extra-Large Circular Stitch Capability –

Who doesn’t love a beautifully sewed circle on a quilt? With this sewing + quilting machine, you can sew circles as big as 10” to 15” in diameter. You can use any of the 215 stitches to make full or partial circles + designs on your quilt.

LCD Screen with Stitch Selection –

There is a reason why Singer is the best of the best sewing and quilting machines. Many quilting machines that I’ve used, tested and reviewed consist of a very basic setup and many of them do not have a luxury like LCD display, but this machine comes with an LCD screen. Not only you can select from a wide range of 215 stitches, but the LCD also shows number of stitches, its shape, length, width and other settings.

Heavy-Duty Metal Frame –

This machine is based on a heavy-duty metal frame due to which you face very little vibration, if any at all. The skip-free sewing and quilting experience that you’d have while using this machine is not what you enjoy with every other quilting machine.

Pros

• 215 Built-in Stitches
• Drop and Sew Bobbin System
• LCD Display
• Circular Stitching.

Cons

• Big Learning Curve
• Voltage Restrictions.

So, as you must have noticed, all the pros have already been explained in the “Features” section. However, these cons need a little explanation.

Let us start with the first one. So, this machine basically demands its user to go through a big learning curve and learn how this machine works, because in many different ways, it does not work the same way as other quilting machines do. To start with, most of the quilting machines are mechanical and this one is a computerized sewing machine.

The second problem is actually much bigger of an issue. It is recommended that this machine must only be used at 110 volts. This means that you cannot use this machine literally anywhere outside of the USA. This takes it from “made for me” to “not made for me” very quickly. And yes, if you try any electronic gimmicks to get this thing to work at voltage more or less than 110, give a kiss good bye to the warranty.

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about this product and answers to those questions.

Is this machine suitable only for quilting?

As a matter of fact, it is one of those few quilting and sewing machines that can actually be used for all types of sewing scenarios – not just quilting.

What is the recommended voltage?

The recommended voltage for this machine is 110 volts. If you somehow use it on a voltage more or less than this, you would sever the warranty.

Does this machine have LED light(s)?

Yes, this machine has 6 StayBright LED lights right on top of the work area. Rest assured, you would never face eye strain or issues similar to that.