what's the difference between a quilting sewing machine and a regular sewing machine?

Question

I want to learn sewing and am looking for a starter sewing machine. Any suggestion?

Answer 1

Quilting machines often have some features of particular use to
quilters, like a higher than average rise for the presser foot, or extra room to the right of the needle, or automatic stitch length regulation for free motion quilting. They may also have some stitch patterns of particular use to crazy quilters.

For a starter machine for home dec and garment and non-fancy quilt sewing, what you need is a machine with a good straight stitch, a buttonhole method that doesn't drive you to distraction, and maybe a zigzag and blind hem stitch. Nothing too fancy.
If you're going to be sewing a lot of knits or technical fabrics like
softshell fleeces, you definitely want a zigzag.

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Evaluate your needs and wants and then go shopping, or just ask around... there's a fair chance that someone you know has a decent basic machine sitting in a cabinet or in the back of the closet gathering dust, and you can borrow it for a bit, just to try out sewing. I tend to send newbies to the best sewing machine repair shops they can find to ask for a decent used machine that's been overhauled recently -- there are quite a few such machines available, often for a pittance, that are far less frustrating than a new machine in the lower price ranges. Singer 15, 99, 301 and 401 are models that are very maintainable and durable, and mostly pretty cheap in the used market. With the first three, if you're going to be doing buttonholes, you'll also want the buttonhole attachment, as these are straight stitch only machines (which are also fine for quilting, btw). If you decide to go the used route, you might want to look at John Giordano's Sewing Machine Guide for more good machines, and how to clean and maintain them.

Answer 2

Kay gave you some good tips: I've been quilting for many years. I have three of Penny's Euro-pros from them. They're a good machine but, don't have a lot of functions. I do have a Brother Embroidery machine also but, don't use it that much and a serger. I also have a heavy duty machine for heavy fabric.

The Penney's has been the work horse for our quilting work. We can't afford a real quilting machine but, still do the work. They're usually about 15 thousand dollars. The cheapest I've seen, the best machines are about six thousand dollars, a lot of money if you don't have it.

If you pay anywhere from 150 to 200 dollars for a machine and learn to use it, you'll do fine.

Answer 3

An Overlock-Sewing Machine also known as a "Serger" sews and hems seams and cuts off the leftover cloth. They have no bobbins, using instead 3 or 4 thread cones. Some overlock machines can be set up to do a rolled or blind hem, but all can bind off the edge with an overcast stitch. Technically, a "Serger" is an Overlock machine that uses 5 thread cones. In practice, a person referring to a serger generally means any overlocking sewing machine