Singer 8500Q Modern Quilter Review

The Singer 8500Q Modern Quilter makes a compelling case that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a capable quilting machine. Designed specifically for quilters, it features a 7.5-inch throat space, extension table, walking foot, and free-motion quilting foot — all included in the box at a price that undercuts most competitors.

Singer packed this machine with 215 stitches, including plenty of decorative options for quilt embellishment. The automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin make setup quick, and the machine offers enough speed (750 SPM) for efficient piecing sessions. It is not the fastest or most refined machine in the quilting world, but it delivers honest performance at a price that leaves budget for fabric.

For quilters on a budget or those just starting to explore machine quilting, the 8500Q provides a solid foundation without the buyer's remorse that sometimes comes with ultra-cheap alternatives.

The 8500Q handles piecing well, with consistent enough stitch quality for accurate quarter-inch seams once you dial in the settings. The included walking foot does a respectable job with straight-line quilting, keeping layers from shifting on most quilt sandwiches. Where it shows its price point is with very thick quilts — you may notice some uneven feeding through bulky seam intersections. Free-motion quilting is possible and the included darning foot works, but the machine does not glide as smoothly as higher-end models. You will need to control your speed more carefully, and stitch length may vary until you develop the hand-speed-to-motor-speed coordination. For a first quilting machine, this is more than adequate. You will outgrow it eventually if quilting becomes a serious pursuit, but it gets you started without financial stress.