Are you looking to buy the best sewing machine for making clothes?
Well, did you know that it’s YOU who has the answer to that?
How?
The machine to buy comes down to one thing YOU. It comes down to
- What your goals are
- What your needs in terms of functionality are
- What your space allows
- How frequently will you use it
- What your budget is
Answer these questions? And you will be well on your way in direction to buying the best sewing machine of your dreams.
BUT how will you answer these questions? “Ah, that’s what I bring to you in this article!”
As someone who loves sewing clothes, I’m going to share with you everything I learned when I brought mine plus give you my Top 10 recommendations.
After reading this article, I want you to leave knowing which sewing machine to buy OR even better: gain the knowledge for being able to hunt down that perfect machine!
Note: this article is looong, so if you’re in a hurry, go straight to the good stuff on chapter 3!
Table of Contents:
- Chapter 1: Things that make a sewing machine “good.”
- Part 1) Features that are beneficial to a dressmaker
- Part 2) Other Good to have features and qualities of sewing machines
- Chapter 2: Your longterm goals: what sort of clothes will you sew?
- Chapter 3: My TOP 10 picks for the best sewing machines for making clothes
- Chapter 4: Related questions
CHAPTER 1:
Things that make a sewing machine "good"
I know precisely well how to answer that because I have been sewing clothes on and off for around 15 years now (yes, makes me sound ancient. I know.)
After going through purchasing one for myself for the first time about two years ago, I too did my research.
What I learned was that they make different sewing machines with certain various features and qualities. And I have found that by focusing on this one can guide themselves to buying the right one for their self. I believe that each feature serves a specific need.
One example I ran into was the Top Load Bobbin.
Before I brought this machine, I had used two other machines in the past, one being my mum’s hand down and the other was a present gifted to me from my elder sister.
Now, both of these had your traditional front load bobbin, and I didn’t know any better.
Until I did the research when the time came to purchase my machine, I learned about the benefits of a Top Load Bobbin.
The benefit of this feature is that it allows for jam proof smooth trouble free sewing!
From experiencing the traditional model, I straight away knew what I was gaining from purchasing one because I did use to get the frustration of thread jamming in the bobbin area from time to time.
So I thought if that can be eliminated- then why not!
Eventually, I ended up buying that.
So, what does that mean for you?
Well, firstly, this chapter is divided into two parts. Part one will be about the different features that a clothes maker should look for in a sewing machine. Part two will be about good to have characteristics in a sewing machine.
And lastly, I plan to add in a section after each feature (Who can benefit from this) to get you thinking about how the feature can serve YOU as an individual.
So, here it is.
Part 1. Features that are beneficial to a dressmaker
I’ve come up with all the features that I have found to be most required by a dressmaker. So if you’re like me with the intention to MOST CERTAINLY be sewing clothes then, I would say these are a must for you to look for:
One-step Buttonhole
A one-step buttonhole is the opposite of a 4 step buttonhole. With this method, you have the ease of putting your buttonholes on your project with fewer steps, making it faster and easier.
For the longest time, I never attempted buttonholes because of the 4 step method. I guess I was intimidated by buttonholes as it was and then to do the 4 Step I didn’t want to risk it so, I never actually used a 4 step method. But I can tell you by using the one-step method I know
Freearm
Freearm is another one of those features as a dressmaker I made sure that my machine was going to have. It’s about having the flexibility of the Freearm available need be that you have to sew a narrow circular area like, for example, the trouser hem or a sleeve hem or I even, use the Freearm for doing my set in sleeves- manages that well too, I tell you!
Needle position
To be able to have the flexibility to move the needle position to desire is one of those, rather minute yet useful feature you can have. You do sometimes get the odd nooks and crannies that you want to be able to sew into and being able to adjust the needle position to desire is a must.
Stitch styles
Generally, almost all sewing machines come with a whole load of stitch styles. However, not all get used well, as far as speaking from a dressmakers point. But then when you are buying a machine while on a budget I have found they come with fewer stitch styles so really, I thought it is worth the mention of what stitch styles as a dressmaker I made sure my machine included. I mean most of these styles fall under the “utility stitches” category which means they will most probably be there anyway, nonetheless here they are:
- Straight stitch
- Zig-Zag stitch
- Buttonhole stitch
- Reverse stitch
- Blindhem stitch
Part 2. Other Good to have characteristics of a sewing machine
It is a good idea to take the time to look through some of the other features that are available out there because I have mostly found that these additional features can enhance the quality of our sewing experience. These features will get you thinking of you and your requirements as an individual purchaser.
Top load bobbin/Drop-in bobbin
As I briefly mentioned earlier, this is the opposite of the traditional front load bobbin. With this one rather than the conventional form, you gain two advantages. One is that with the clear lid you can be warned at a glance when your bobbin thread is about to run out. Also when you’re on full gear while sewing it may happen that the machine isn’t moving to make stitches which usually is an indicator that the bobbin thread has finished and so to be sure if that is the case you have to take a glance through the bobbin glass.
The other advantage with this is that you don’t have to worry about any malfunction of thread jamming and thus to result in a smooth trouble free sewing experience.
Who can benefit from this?
The jam proof aspect takes away possible frustrations. We all know the effects of frustration, right? It bothers you thus reflects your work and can potentially ruin the sewing experience. Where an experienced sewer may know how to work around the inconvenience a beginner, on the other hand, wouldn’t know what the issue is and may become overwhelmed by feeling defeated by their sewing machine. So I would say anyone, especially a beginner, will appreciate this feature.
Built-in needle threader
Some of the budget options are more likely not to have this feature- just to put that out there. Traditionally you would have to sit there and painstakingly thread the needle. Whereas with a built-in needle threader, you have a lever handy to do that for you. It means you don’t have to sit there threading the needle yourself.
Who can benefit from this?
As minute and straightforward, this feature may seem the benefits outweigh that. From the top of my head, two types of people can benefit from this feature. And they are the cause of the shortcomings of their health. One being someone who has vision concerns, and the other may be someone who may suffer from tremors of the hands.
I had to put this one in here because it reminds me of my mum’s struggles.
When I was younger and didn’t know anything about sewing machines, my mum didn’t have this feature on her machine (I don’t think she knew about it) she always used to call me to thread the machine for her because her hands used to shake plus she had trouble with vision.
Speed control
Some machines will have this on the front end on the machine itself others like my Janome 7025 has a button on the foot pedal. You can increase or decrease the speed of your desire.
Who can benefit from this?
This one is a good one for a beginner. I remember when I used a sewing machine for the first time, it felt like it wanted to jump because of the speed, which makes it difficult for a beginner to control the machine. So to have the flexibility to control the speed will allow a beginner to build up their confidence with the slower pace on the machine.
Computerized vs. mechanical sewing machine
There are two types of sewing machine mechanisms, the computerized and the mechanical.
Mechanical sewing machines are the traditional model where it has a manual system. Computerized sewing machines are the more modern models in that they’re more advanced in the way they operate. Making it easier to handle on the user end.
No matter how glamorous a computerized machine sounds I think it is vital to understand the cons of it as well because even that can help you figure out what sort of model will best suit you as a person.
At the time when I brought my machine, I did have the option to choose between the types of models and actually I ended up with a mechanical machine because I figured that being that I am a simple person, I wasn’t sold on the concept of a computerized machine because for me it’s simply too much.
Anyway, you can decide once you learn the pros and cons of each model, so here it is:
Computerized sewing machine Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stitch length-width size is all set; you have to select a stitch style with a press of a button and your set.
- Needle stop position can be pre-selected to stop to desire, whether up or down.
- Computerized machines have the memory capacity to hold many stitch variations, which is why some machines will have more buttonhole styles available- up to 5 to choose from sometimes.
- Has the capability to do more automatic functions.
Cons:
- The system is complicated: experience any form of malfunctions with the machine after the warranty has run out? Then it is not just a case of finding any old handy person or oneself even, to look into fixing it. A computerized machine relies and functions on a motherboard, and you will. Therefore, you’ll need to find an expert to fix it for you.
Mechanical sewing machine Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The system isn’t complicated: if you run into the issue of a machine not working or giving trouble for some reason, then it is easily fixable to anyone out there because the system isn’t as complicated as a computerized machine.
Cons:
- You have to dial and set your stitch measurement variations manually; the stitch width and length etc.
SUMMARY
Now that you have a little knowledge about the features and characteristics a machine can have and how that feature could serve you, it should get you started in thinking about what you want your machine to do for you.
Anyway, in chapter 3 where I present my Top 10 machines, there is a list of each of these characteristics with a pink tick/cross mark beside each to show you clearly the ones each machine, so look out for that.
CHAPTER 2:
Your goals: What sort of clothes will you make?
If you know your WHY for wanting to sew clothes then that will help you to narrow down your options even further, it will help you make the choice best suited to YOU.
In this chapter, I want to give you more direction as to what sewing machine to choose with the sort of sewing you may intend to do.
You may be getting into clothes sewing with the goal to run a business of some sort making those garments. Therefore your needs will be different to the next who may just want to sew clothes for themselves.
In this chapter, I want to shed some light on the different situations one can have and help them learn about the questions they will need to ask themselves. To bring more clarity to make the right choice.
Read on to see if your need fits in one of these:
Will you be tailoring clothes
If you will be tailoring clothes on a professional level, then it’s worth looking into buying an industrial sewing machine.
Why? because an industrial sewing machine has more speed as opposed to a domestic machine. It will handle different weights of fabric with ease making it durable and reliable.
However, an industrial machine will only do one job meaning that it will either only straight stitch, only zigzag, only do buttonholes- you get the idea.
Therefore, it’s up to you to figure what sort of garments you will mostly work with because let us say you will need an industrial machine for durability and reliability, but you have to make buttonholes here-and-there too!
So you’ll still need a domestic sewing machine that provides those other functions for you unless you are sure that you’ll need a straight stitching industrial machine as well as one another to do another task.
It can get pricey. Also, you have the question about space- Do you have space for it?
So ponder over some of these questions.
If space is an issue for you, then the best alternative for an industrial machine will be the Juki HZL F600.
Are you a fashion design student
If you are a fashion design student, you may be looking for a reliable machine. As a fashion design student, you will work with a whole array of fabrics. Thus the ideal choice for you would be an industrial machine.
However, depending on your situation, you may have to opt for something compact. Because you may be a student living in an apartment and therefore are limited to space, an industrial machine is not an option for you.
If that ‘s the case, then one of my top 10 picks on chapter 3 might strike your interest!
Are you a seamstress
As a seamstress myself, I can tell you that my needs are very similar to a tailor in that there are two significant factors I will need. The first will be speed, and the other is for it to be reliable. Here are my personal experiences for why I would look for the two factors I mentioned:
- Speed because I get requests to make dresses that have long seams. Speaking of which, the other day, I was requested to make a maternity maxi gown for a bridesmaid. If I had a machine to whizz faster then I could claim back little more time; being that I am a mother, wife and have a house to run I do have more on my plate on a given day and so there is a limited amount of time I can commit to sewing in a given day.
- Reliability because coming from a business standpoint I am at a point where I have created a stable network of clientele, and I feel like I HAVE to deliver on an optimum level no matter what happens to maintain the business.
If space weren’t an issue for me, then I would buy an industrial machine.
Nonetheless, the alternative I would consider is the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist or the Juki HZL F600.
You’re merely getting your feets wet: a beginner
You might be a total beginner who wants to get your feets wet into the world of dressmaking. You are not sure where you’ll take the skill, but for now, you only know that you want to get started.
Being that you are very new to sewing you are a little intimidated by a sewing machine but you, of course, understand that you’ll need one so, you are looking for the best sewing machine for a beginner: something that’s straightforward, easy to use, maybe something that’s affordable and meets all that’s just mentioned.
It will get the job done within the budget, right.
Have a look at the Brother XM2701 sewing machine.
Do you plan mostly to make suits?
You’re coming into the world of garment sewing because your ultimate goal is to make suits one day and so you’re wondering about the questions you’ll need to ask yourself, but of course, without any prior experience, you won’t know what that is.
So let me help you with that, here are some questions you can answer:
- Will you be making suits on a professional level, or is it just for yourself?
- Do you have space for an industrial machine?
Making suits will involve handling heavyweight fabrics. Some of the things you’ll want your machine to do for you are as follows:
- Have good power to control the heavy materials.
- Be able to withstand pressure from sewing layers of fabrics, linings, and interfacings. So that it doesn’t affect the stitch quality
- Has to be sturdy
- Has to do buttonholes- right!?
The all in one solution for someone that’s going to be making their suits will be the Juki HZL F600 sewing machine.
Do you plan to sew denim clothes mostly?
What sort of Denim fabric will you be handling?
Denim fabrics come in all weights light to medium weight, plus heavyweight.
If you are going to sew light to medium weight denim, then any of the machines on my Top 10 list will get the job done.
However, if it’s the heavyweight denim materials that you plan to work with, then that’s a different story.
Your case is similar to a person that plans to sew suits in that you’ll need a machine that will handle heavyweight materials with ease.
I think it’s worth considering a machine that has good decorative stitch options because denim clothes have a lot of topstitching AND sometimes decorative stitches! Making clothes will, of course, involve buttonholes and zippers. Therefore, these factors are indicating to opt towards a computerized machine.
What do you think?
Here’s my pick for you the Singer 4432 Heavy Duty.
Do you plan to sew knits mostly?
Many home machines now come with a separate function for knit materials, and so have a look for details like ‘S.S’ (Stretch Stitch) they are a set of stitches that are suitable for sewing knits.
Another thing I’d look for in a sewing machine for knits is Twin needle capability.
Bonus: If you are just getting starting into sewing your own clothes and you plan to sew knitwear then I highly recommend this blog by Johanna Lu as her focus is on showing people how to sew knitwear!
Plans: Will you dabble into quilting?
Despite being interested in wanting to learn to sew clothes at the back of your mind, you are keen on the idea of exploring into the world of quilting. Now, I am not by any means knowledgable on the field of quilting, but I do however know that quilters look for some of the following features:
- Free motion quilting ability
- Extension table included
- Lots of embroidery stitch styles
The machine should be durable and sturdy enough to handle layers of fabric too.
With keeping all that in mind, I find that the best one from my Top 10 Best Sewing Machine For Making Clothes list that is most suited for you is the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist.
SUMMARY
From reading this chapter, I’m sure you’ve already gathered that there is a consistent pattern occurring here: whether you do clothes making professionally or not you will still need a machine that will do functions like; buttonholes, zip, rolled hem stitch, blind hem stitch. For us as clothes makers, these are some of the necessities for our sewing that we can’t ignore.
Therefore it boils down to two things- your budget and space.
CHAPTER 3:
My TOP 10 picks for the best sewing machine for making clothes
On that note, I wanted to take it a step further and so I have carefully selected sewing machines that have ALL of the lovely features mentioned above plus I will give my emphasis of what I particularly liked about each of the machines I recommend.
The idea is to give you 5 choices of Computerized and 5 of mechanical sewing machines.
BEST COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINES
Other special features and qualities:
- Hard protective case
- Oversized table extension
- Thread cutter
- 60 built-in sewing stitches
- 7 styles of 1 step buttonholes
- 8 Sewing and quilting feets included
- Brightly lit sewing area
- Overall easy to thread
- 25 year limited warranty
Why this sewing machine makes it on to the list:
The Brother CS6000i is an ideal budget-friendly choice that ticks all the boxes. With this machine you are getting all the features that are crucial to a dressmaker plus the features that make for a better experience thus making it easy for any of the beginners out there.
With a hard case is like the cherry on the top especially if you need it to be portable for you.
As a beginner, you might be testing the waters with sewing and later if you happen to not be much in love with dressmaking well, have a go at quilting! This machine is made for both the dressmaker and quilter in mind!
Other special features and qualities:
- Comes with 100 built-in stitch styles
- Heavy duty metal frame
- 6 different 1 Step Buttonhole styles
- Stitch length and width are customizable
- Programmable Needle up/down position
- Automatic bobbin winding!
- 10 presser feet
- 13 Needle Positions
- Twin needle capability
- Automatic presser foot pressure control
- has 2 StayBright LED light for bright surface
- Foot pedal included
- Soft Dust cover
- 25 Year limited warranty
Why this sewing machine makes it on to the list:
As I looked through to find a selection of machines to recommend this machine stood out because of just the vast amount of facilities it comes equipped with. You are looking at sewing clothes to quilting to sewing knits to home decor. The Stylist 7258 is definitely a beginner’s best choice as it has many automatic functions that take the guesswork out a good example is, the automatic bobbin winding- nifty I say!
Other special features and qualities:
- 30 Built-in stitches
- Three styles of 1 step buttonhole
- Start/Stop button
- Hard case cover
- Comes with an extension table
- Needle Up/Down position
- 2 Year Janome warranty
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
For the beginners out there that are a little intimidated by a sewing machine yet want one that will serve them well something, easy, simple, clean then the Janome 230DC is the perfect choice for you.
The simplicity of the machine will appeal to the simplistic of people making it very user-friendly.
Ideal for clothes makers and quilters both!
Other special features and qualities:
- 13 Styles of fully automatic buttonholes
- Programmable Needle Up/Down position
- 25 Needle Positions
- Extra: extension table for large projects
- Heavy duty metal frame
- 600 Built-in Stitches including Alphanumeric Stitches
- One- touch Electronic Automatic Thread Cutter
- Stitch Editing Capabilities
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
This machine is a steal for those of us that are limited with space that otherwise would have brought industrial sewing machine!
It will serve you well if you are going to sew heavyweight fabrics like Denim. Not to mention how quilter friendly it is with.
The heavy-duty metal frame is what makes this machine durable and reliable.
Other unique features and qualities:
- Capability to sew from lightweight to heavyweight fabric
- Extended table included
- Knee-lifting lever
- 255 Stitch patterns
- Freemotion sewing
- Powerful feeding
- Sensor method buttonhole- sews beautiful buttonholes regardless of the material type
- 16 High-quality industrial style buttonholes!
- Independent motor winds the bobbin thread
- High-speed sewing 900 SPM(Stitches per minute)
- 10 Presser Feet included
- Twin needles
- and more!
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
The Juki F600 is the ideal alternative to an industrial sewing machine. If you have small business may be from home; you might not have space for an industrial machine, then this surely is your ideal choice.
Many of the functions are automatic, making it less labor intensive. It will serve both quilters and clothes makers well. All round quality, durability, and reliability can’t go wrong.
It is pricey but like they say “you get what you pay for right!”
BEST MECHANICAL SEWING MACHINES
Other special features and qualities:
- 6 Feet included
- 27 built-in stitches
- LED bright work area
- Lightweight design of 12.6 pounds easy for portability
- 25 Year limited warranty
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
This machine received The Women’s Choice Award in 2018 with 9 out of 10 customers recommending it. It’s reassuring to know the value you’ll get when people speak highly of a product whilst for it to be on the lower end of the price range.
Although it doesn’t have the facility of speed control it does, however, have all the other features that make it easy for any beginner to use. If speed control is a big need of yours then I would say to go with a computerized machine where you’re more likely to get the speed control feature easily.
Other special features and qualities:
- 25 Built-in stitches
- LED light
- 7 feet included with also other accessories
- Hard case
- 2 year warranty
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
Other unique features and qualities:
- Automatic Needle Threader
- 27 Built-in stitches
- LED Light
- Automatic One-step Buttonhole
- Drop Feed
- 3 Year Warranty
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
Other unique features and qualities:
- Heavy Duty Metal Frame
- 60% Stronger Motor than standard home machines: Extra-high sewing speed
- 32 Stitch styles
- 25-year Warranty
- Drop Feed
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
Other special features and qualities:
- 24 Stitch options
- Variable stitch width and length
- Drop Feed
- Hard Cover
- Convertible free arm for circular sewing
Why this sewing machine makes it onto the list:
It is easy to use a reliable machine that will get the job done swiftly. It’s for people that are intimidated by a computerized machine.
CHAPTER 4:
Best answers to related questions
A sewing machine isn’t cheap that is why I dedicated this last chapter to answer your questions.
I go through and cover some of the common questions that get asked when someone is looking to buy a sewing machine.
Read on to get your answers!
How much am I going to be paying for a good sewing machine?
First things first, a good sewing machine, in my opinion, is one that will last. That will be able to withhold hours of sewing and handle even the heavier fabrics and be okay. Meaning I don’t want it crashing on me!
So, for that to happen, I find that two factors come into play when you are looking to buy a GOOD sewing machine.
- Powerful Motor
- Metal Body
Both of these are what makes a machine durable. A powerful motor will be able to use its power to surpass the hours you spend on it. You can work with heavier fabrics. It can handle more hours of sewing. It won’t crash on you. With that, I have found machines that have the 2 of these elements have a starting price at $150
Therefore you are looking at paying a minimum of $150 for a good sewing machine.
What makes a machine easy to use?
When the sewing machine is labor effective in different ways, then I think that is what makes a machine easy to use. It takes away the guesswork and frustration so that you can focus on the main stuff- the sewing!
Here are some things that make machine labor effective: Automatic Needle Up/Down position, Automatic Thread cutting, Preset stitch length/width variations, 1 Step Buttonhole, Speed Control facility,
What is a good sewing machine?
What does GOOD mean to you? I believe the only way you can find what a good sewing machine is, will be by asking yourself what you need or want for it to do for the money that you will spend to buy it.
So, for me, when I was on the market for a new machine, I, for one, wanted enhanced user experience and reliability.
By enhancing the user experience for me, that means I will be happy with my purchase because the machine will do the things that will make my sewing experience a breeze for me.
Likewise, by getting a reliable machine meant that (need be) in the future if I decide to work with heavier fabrics, then my machine is flexible enough to allow me to do so. Which reminds me I did end up making heavy curtains for my brother the other day while I most strictly prefer to make clothes.
What makes a sewing machine reliable?
A powerful motor, along with a solid metal body are two things that make a machine durable making it in turn reliable.
How long is the warranty on a machine?
It is usually two years from the date of delivery. However, the duration of the warranty varies depending on the machine and manufacturer.
Which sewing machine is best for home use?
Generally speaking, domestic sewing machines are for the home sewing enthusiasts in mind. They are compact as opposed to an industrial sewing machine. Making them more comfortable to store away once sewing is complete.
What is the best portable sewing machine?
By understanding what it is, that allows one machine to be more portable than another will help you decide for yourself which one to get over the other choice. And that’s simple.
Have a look at the weight of each one the lighter one would be the better option for you.
Out of my recommendations above, the Brother XM2701 would be a choice for you if you want portability as it is the lightest one out of all machines on the list.
The lightest computerized machine on the list is the Brother CS6000i.
Which brand of a sewing machine is best?
I believe it would be unfair to have a biased opinion about the brands simply because each brand has served value to the market in different ways whether it be with quality, innovation, or research and development.
These brands have all earned their place through the many years of service. Therefore I am going to mention a few of the reputable brand names to help you out:
- Brother
- Janome
- Singer
- Bernina
- Elna
- Juki
I’ve managed to find a good resource about the best machine brands if you wanted to know more.
CONCLUSION
Have any more questions about this topic? Leave your questions down below in the comments section, and I will get right back to you.
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