Left-handed people are known to be more creative, so it’s no surprise that a lot of crafters and fashion designers are left-handed. However, what’s surprising is the idea that sewing machines are actually designed by and for left-handed people.
It’s true because Elias Howe and Isaac Singer, inventors of the sewing machines that we know and love today, are actually both left-handed people.
On most modern sewing machines, you can see that the fabric is fed through the machine on the left side, and the controls and handwheels are on the right side.
Since its birth, the modern sewing machine has evolved quite a bit and adapted its design to the right-handed world, which is why a lot of lefties tend to struggle with sewing machine features.
So, what are the best left-handed sewing machines? There are yet to be sewing machines designed specifically for left-handed sewists, but there are sewing machines that can be a bit friendlier to lefties, especially if you know what features are especially difficult for left-handed people.
In this article, let’s take a look at what kind of sewing machines will work best for a left-handed sewist.
Buyer’s Guide
While the modern sewing machine was developed by lefties, a lot of the new features have been designed to serve right-handed sewists better. Let’s take a look at what those features are and how you can buy a sewing machine that works best for lefties.
Automatic Threader
An automatic threader is a huge time-saving feature for a lot of sewists, but did you know that a lot of left-handed people struggle with this feature so much, they’d rather not use this feature altogether?
This is because an automatic threader actually requires you to guide the thread with your right hand, while the left hand operates this function. For those whose dominant hand is on the left, guiding the thread with their right hand can be quite a struggle.
If you are ambidextrous enough, then you may be able to make this feature work. However, a lot of lefties just opt not to use this feature.
Knee Lifter
Some old sewing machine models come with a knee lifter to help you lift the presser foot using a pedal that can be operated by pressing your right knee.
Of course, for lefties, this is a little bit awkward, but this is not as big of an issue since this feature is only used sparingly.
Many modern sewing machines have automatic presser foot lifters that allow you to operate it with a touch of a button, and the presser foot will lift up automatically when you stop operating the machine, so that can be a huge solution for lefties who don’t feel like the knee lifters are for them.
Bobbin Loading
There are two popular types of bobbin loading mechanisms, front-loading bobbins, and top-loading bobbins.
Since the bobbin area is located on the left side of the machine and the handwheel is operated on the right side, left-handed people have a pretty easier time loading the bobbin with both the top-loading and front-loading mechanism.
A lot of left-handed people report having difficulties with front-loading bobbins because the placement of the bobbin is quite awkward. However, most modern machines come with top-loading bobbins that can be quite intuitive for both left-handed and right-handed users.
Pedal
The foot pedal for most modern sewing machines are connected to the sewing machine using a wire, so the placement of the pedal is pretty flexible.
If you feel more comfortable operating the machine using your left foot, you can place the pedal underneath the table in a comfortable place that works for you.
Feeding The Fabric
Feeding the fabric through the sewing machine is where being a leftie can actually benefit you. Since the presser foot is located on the left side of the machine, you can actually have more control over the fabric if you are a left-handed person.
Usually, a right-handed person will have to reach around the machine or use both hands to keep control o the fabric as it is fed through the machine. If you’re left-handed, you can actually just use your left hand to feed the fabric through without losing control and maintain a straight stitch.
Left-handed quilters will have a better time working with a quilting machine since being left-handed means you can have more control over the design you are quilting on the fabric, and you can even see the fabric better while operating from the left side of the machine.
Best Sewing Machines For Left-Handed People
So what are the best sewing machines for lefties? Since sewing machines were actually developed by left-handed people, most modern sewing machines are actually quite friendly to lefties, besides some difficulties that we have mentioned.
Beginner sewers who are left-handed may not have grown accustomed to using a sewing machine, which is why many of them can struggle with new sewing machine features that are not made for them.
If you are a left-handed sewing enthusiast, you may find that the following sewing machines will be the friendliest to your needs.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine | Auto thread cutter, LCD screen, top load bobbin |
| 2. | SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine | 23 built-in stitches, auto threader, drop-in bobbin |
| 3. | Singer M1500 Sewing Machine | 57 stitches, LED lighting, metal frame |
| 4. | Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine | 60 stitches, computerized, LCD screen |
| 5. | Brother Sewing Machine, GX37 | 37 stitches, basic and decorative stitches |
| 6. | Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine | 165 built-in stitches, LCD screen, auto thread |
| 7. | Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine | 70 stitches, 7 buttonhole styles |
| 8. | When Portable Sewing Machine | 200 stitches, 8 buttonhole styles |
| 9. | Janome JW8100 Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine | 100 stitches, 7 buttonhole styles |
1. Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
With 120 built-in stitches and a built-in alphabet, the Janome 4120QDC is a great machine for beginner or advanced sewers alike.
It comes with an easy-to-use control panel with a large LCD screen, jam-proof easy-set top-loading bobbin system for quick and convenient bobbins changes, automatic needle threader, and many other convenient features.
What makes this sewing machine especially friendly to left-handed sewers is its full range of automatic features, with just a touch of the button.
For example, there’s an automatic thread cutter, so you don’t have to do any awkward reach-around. The automatic presser foot lift is also operated with just a single touch, and the presser foot will automatically lift up when you stop sewing.
You can also opt-out of using the foot pedal thanks to the start/stop button that is conveniently located at the front of the machine. Automatic functions like reverse stitching and lock stitching are also amazing for every sewer.
This machine comes with an extension table, which is great for quilting. If you are feeding your fabric through the machine using your left hand, you can really take advantage of this enlarged area to work on your stitches.
2. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
Of course, we cannot talk about sewing machines for lefties without mentioning a SINGER machine, since the father of the modern sewing machine and founder of the Singer company, Isaac Singer, was a leftie himself.
This fast and powerful sewing machine is a must-have for any budding seamstress or experienced stitcher.
The powerful motor and 23 built-in stitches give you every tool you need to complete all your projects, from basic to decorative. The stitches can be easily selected with a convenient knob at the front of the machine.
Convenient features like an automatic needle threader and a drop-in bobbin system with a clear cover are really helpful for beginners.
Singer sewing machines are also known to be quite reliable, thanks to their heavy-duty metal interior frame and a stainless steel bed frame, so this machine can actually last for a few decades.
Coupled with a high sewing speed and a design that is very friendly to left-handed sewers, this is definitely the machine to have in your sewing corner.
3. Singer M1500 Sewing Machine
This is another Singer machine that is quite beginner-friendly, especially to those who are left-handed.
There’s no fuss with this simple sewing machine because you can easily select from 57 stitch applications using a knob at the front of the machine, and thanks to the preset stitch length and width, you don’t have to do a lot of adjusting.
Features like LED lighting make sewing in low-light conditions a breeze, and the top-loading clear bobbins are also quite friendly to beginners.
While this machine comes at a very beginner-friendly price, the Singer quality is still undeniable, thanks to the sturdy metal frame that provides a lot of support to this simple machine.
If you are new to sewing, this is probably the most suitable and reliable machine that you can help you pick up sewing in no time.
4. Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine
Brother has been a dependable player in the sewing machine market for over 100 years, and it would be remiss if we didn’t include some leftie-friendly options from Brother.
The Brother CS5055 sewing machine is perfect for the novice or expert seamstress/tailor. This computerized sewing machine features 60 built-in stitches that you can easily select and customize using the convenient LCD screen at the front of the machine.
Other convenient features that you can enjoy include an automatic needle threader, jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, and a one-step auto-size buttonholer.
This Brother sewing machine is quite sturdy, with a metal frame construction. In addition, you can also customize your working area thanks to the removable free arm that allows you to easily sew small cuffs or sleeves.
This machine also comes with a wide range of accessories, including 7 sewing feet, 4 replacement bobbins, and a needle set.
5. Brother Sewing Machine, GX37
The Brother GX37 is an excellent entry-level sewing machine, ideal for the sewer who wants to take on more challenging projects.
This machine features simple-to-use, straightforward customization options that you can easily select using the knobs at the front of the machine.
This beginner-friendly and leftie-friendly machine features 37 stitches, including basic and decorative stitches and auto-size buttonhole features.
Other beginner-friendly features include an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin that makes sewing fuss-free and enjoyable. The versatile free arm is a huge plus when you want to take your sewing to the next level.
This is a lovely basic sewing machine that can definitely get household tasks done without any hassle.
6. Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
For left-handed sewers who are looking for a good quilting machine, this one is definitely for you.
The Brother XR9550 sewing machine is packed with amazing features, including 165 unique built-in stitches that are easily selected and customized with a large and intuitive LCD screen at the front.
Left-handed users can take time to master the convenient features like an automatic needle threader, drop-in top bobbin with a see-through cover that can let you easily see your threads and replenish your bobbin when the thread is running low.
Quilters can also enjoy the large attachment table that comes with the machine, and the 8 included sewing and quilting feet.
Left-handed quilters have an easier time working with sewing machines because much of the work is done when you are creating patterns as you feed the fabric through the presser foot, which is located on the left side.
So, you can explore all the beautiful stitches that are included in this machine and play around with all the designs that you can create with this versatile machine.
7. Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother CS7000X is a computerized sewing and quilting machine that is well-suited for a variety of projects, especially for left-handed people.
This sewing and quilting machine includes 70 built-in stitches, including basic and decorative stitches, as well as 7 one-step auto-sized buttonhole stitches.
Beginners can definitely benefit from features like an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, and a wide table.
Similar to other Brother sewing machines, this one is super sturdy thanks to the strong metal frame construction.
The machine comes with 10 sewing feet as well as a wide table that quilters can use to support large works while quilting.
8. When Portable Sewing Machine
The Uten Portable Sewing machine is a light and powerful sewing machine that is packed with so many convenient features that left-handed sewers can enjoy.
The machine has 200 different built-in stitches, including 8 one-step auto-size buttonholes. It also has a big LCD screen, making it easy to select and customize your stitches with ease.
The tension, length, and width are also automatic, which is very friendly to beginners.
Let’s talk about all the features that lefties will definitely appreciate. There are so many things that can be done automatically with just a touch of a button, including starting the machine and reverse sewing.
If you’d like, you can also use the automatic presser foot lift function, which we have mentioned as one of the best features that make sewing left-handed much easier. With this lightweight and convenient machine, sewing is just as easy and intuitive for lefties as it is for right-handed people.
9. Janome JW8100 Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine
The JW8100 makes sewing as simple as it gets for left-handed people.
This machine is a beautiful computerized sewing machine that is packed with 100 built-in stitches, including 7 automatic buttonhole stitches. All are easily controlled using the large LCD screen at the front of the machine.
Since this is a Janome machine, you can enjoy all the Janome classic features, including a strong metal frame, an adjustable thread tension, and a free arm design that makes sewing cuffs very intuitive.
Lefties can make the most of the automatic features that this machine can offer, including a memorized needle up/down function, start/stop button at the front of the machine, locking stitch button, and a reverse lever.
This machine is definitely one that is beginner-friendly but also something that you can grow with as your skills advance. The machine also comes with an extension table that can support quilting, as well as extra presser feet for your convenience.
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