Are you a hopeful fashion designer who wants to start sewing and designing your clothes for friends and family? If so, you’ll want to invest in a good sewing machine that fits your specific needs.
Buying a sewing machine can be a hard decision, especially if you are a novice. There are different factors that need to be considered when choosing the right machine for you.
So, what are the best sewing machines for clothes? The best sewing machines for clothes can handle a variety of materials, have many built-in stitch options, include accessories for ease of use such as automatic threading and bobbin loading, and more.
In this article, let’s learn all about how to choose the best sewing machine for making clothes and see our recommendations for the best sewing machines on the market.
Types Of Sewing Machines
Sewing machines fall into three categories: manual, electronic, and computerized. The differences between these three types of machines are significant, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new sewing machine.
Choosing the right sewing machine for you depends on your budget and skill level, as well as your preferred method of construction. Let’s learn about each type of sewing machine below.
Manual
Manual sewing machines (also known as mechanical sewing machines) have been around for a long time. It is a reliable machine that can perform well with just about any fabric and is the perfect option for a beginner seamstress.
A manual sewing machine has a foot pedal and a side wheel, both made of iron. This makes it easy to use and durable enough to last through years of hard work.
Manual sewing machines are usually not suitable for working with thick fabrics. However, they are great for beginners who want something simple and easy to use.
Electronic
Whether you are a novice or an experienced sewist, an electronic sewing machine can be extremely beneficial. In addition to helping you create a variety of projects, they also reduce the amount of physical labor required to sew.
Trying to sew with a mechanical sewing machine can be difficult, tedious, and tiring. Sewing machines require the user to push levers and turn dials to thread the needle and to adjust settings. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating for some.
Electronic sewing machines have turned this process around. They feature a variety of automated features that can make sewing less tedious.
These types of machines often come equipped with several other features that make them more convenient for users: automatic needle threaders, automatic tension adjustments, reverse sewing, speed control settings, and automatic stitch length control.
Computerized
A computerized sewing machine is like a computer – it is an electronic sewing machine that features a LED display screen. This display can be used to make adjusting your settings highly intuitive and simple. USB ports are also available, which can allow the machine to download sewing patterns and designs.
Computerized sewing machines are also capable of performing many basic and advanced sewing functions. A few of these popular advanced functions include automatic needle threader, one-step buttonhole, automatic speed control, and pattern making.
The computerized control panel also allows users to create customized designs and change their stitch settings without having to make any changes or push any buttons while they are actually using the machine to sew. The user simply needs to enter their desired changes into the computerized control panel before they begin sewing in order to make those changes happen.
Computerized sewing machines can be purchased in a wide range of price points, depending on the number of features you would like them to have. Generally speaking, the more advanced the features, the more expensive the machine will be.
Sewing Machine Features
When you are looking for a sewing machine for making clothes, it is important to make sure that the machine has all of the features that can make this process easier. So, what are the features that you should keep an eye out for?
Let’s take a look at some highly beneficial sewing machine features below.
Stitches
The number of stitches available on a sewing machine varies widely. You may have to choose among dozens of stitches or just a few, depending on your needs and budget.
Trying to determine which stitches you need for your project is a good place to start. For sewing simple items, you really need the basic stitches such as the straight stitch, the zigzag stitch (for stretchy materials), a backstitch, and a buttonhole stitch.
Any additional stitches are considered decorative stitches that you don’t use as often as the others. However, if you want to grow your skills with your sewing machine, it’s still a wise decision to choose a sewing machine that has a lot of stitch options that you can explore as you learn.
Whatever sewing machine you decide to go with, check the machine’s maximum stitch width and length. This will allow you to customize your stitches even further to serve different purposes when sewing.
Adjusting the stitch width and length will also open the possibility for you to experiment with different techniques, such as gathering, smocking, and more. If you want to learn those techniques, make sure to get a sewing machine that allows for these options.
Automatic Buttonholer
A lot of sewing machines offer an automatic buttonholer function (either a one-step or 4-step process) that allows the machine to automatically size your button to create the perfect buttonhole without much effort.
This feature is especially useful for sewing clothes since you will need to work with a lot of buttons and buttonholes!
Tension Adjustment
You’ll need to change the thread’s tension to prevent puckering or loops when sewing. A lot of newer sewing machines allow you to automatically adjust the tension to fit the type of stitch, but usually, you will need to manually adjust the tension knobs.
Tension adjustment is a key feature that will allow you to work with various types of fabric, so it’s very important if you want to experiment with different materials.
Bobbin Loading
Sewing machines either come with a front-loading mechanism or a top-loading mechanism.
You’ll see the front-loading bobbin mechanism in a lot of older sewing machines (especially manual machines). Many people find this angle quite awkward.
Newer sewing machines prefer the top-loading bobbin design with a clear case that allows you to drop the bobbin in the case and clearly see when you are running out of thread.
Adjustable Presser Foot
An adjustable presser foot is used for varying the pressure needed when sewing various fabrics since thicker fabrics and knits are extra difficult to sew. This feature can also be used to prevent puckering when sewing zippers.
Speed Control
Variable speed control allows you to set the speed at which the machine moves. This is especially useful for beginners since a slower sewing speed will give you more control over the machine.
Presser Feet
A good selection of presser feet comes with the machine. Most sewing machines come with a multi-purpose foot, but you’ll also want a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot, a walking foot, or various other presser feet that can be useful for specialized purposes.
An assortment of presser feet will help you create various design features in your garment with ease. This is especially useful with clothing because you will be installing zippers, making buttonholes, or creating ruffles to add decorative details to your work. The right presser feet can make your garment look more sophisticated and professional.
Needle Threader
If you have difficulties with threading needles, then this is definitely a feature you will enjoy. A lot of modern machines have an automatic needle threader (but some machines also have features to assist with threading needles) that can make it easier and quicker to set up your machine for sewing.
Free Arm
A lot of modern sewing machines have a free arm, a removable compartment that you can use to free up the space below your working area.
This feature is designed so that you can sew small loops such as cuffs and sleeves without having to scrunch up the material, and the free arm is also a nice accessory compartment for all the accessories that come with your machine.
Extension Table
If you tend to sew with a lot of heavyweight fabric, such as denim, having an extension table can provide extra support for the fabric and relieve your arms from constantly supporting the fabric when you sew.
Some sewing machines come with an extension table, but you can also buy an extension table to support your machine when needed.
Light
Some sewing machines come with a small light in the hollow space beneath the control knobs. This light is designed to support the working area and is especially useful when you need to change your sewing needles to investigate the bobbin area.
If you have poor eyesight, having a light in your machine can help you reduce mistakes and make sewing a lot easier.
Working With Different Types Of Fabrics
Sewing with different types of fabrics requires special settings on your sewing machine. Thick fabric, stretchy fabric, and lightweight fabric all require different types of threads and thread tension.
Sewing with different types of fabrics also requires different accessories for your sewing machine. If you want to experiment with different materials in your craft, you will need to consider the following things.
Thick Fabrics
To work with thick fabrics, you will need a machine with an adjustable presser foot and long stitch length. The machine will also need to be quite sturdy to support heavy fabric like denim. A walking foot is also a useful accessory to sew with thick fabric.
Stretchy Fabrics
Stretchy fabrics like knit or jerseys require stretchy stitches that will stretch along with the fabric (such as the zigzag stitch). Most top-loading machines can perform better on stretchy fabrics compared to front-loading machines.
Lightweight Fabrics
A good adjustable presser foot is important if you intend to sew lightweight fabrics like satins and silks since the feed dogs can mark the fabrics’ underside if the pressure is too high.
Best Sewing Machines For Clothes
What are the best sewing machines for clothes? Reputable sewing machine brands like Brother, SINGER, Janome, and Juki all have a wide range of sewing machines that can serve aspired fashion designers.
Let’s browse some of the best options below.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brother Sewing Machine, GX37 | 37 stitches, jam-resistant drop-in bobbin |
| 2. | Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing And Quilting Machine | 70 built-in stitches, LCD screen, jam-resistant |
| 3. | Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine | 130 built-in stitches, advanced threading |
| 4. | JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine | 106 stitches, 3 fonts, 16 buttonhole styles |
| 5. | Janome JW8100 Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine | 100 stitches, 7 buttonhole styles |
| 6. | Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine | 120 stitches, auto threader, jam-proof |
| 7. | Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine | Lightweight, compact, 60 stitches |
| 8. | SINGER Making The Cut Sewing Machine | 97 stitches, metal frame, needle threader |
| 9. | SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine | 203 stitches, 6 buttonhole styles |
| 10. | SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Extra-High Sewing Speed Sewing Machine | 23 stitches, drop-in bobbin, auto tension |
| 11. | SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine | 600 stitches, 13 presser feet, drop-in bobbin |
1. Brother Sewing Machine, GX37
Brother’s most popular machine, the GX37 boasts a wealth of features that make it perfect for any beginner or intermediate sewist.
With 37 unique built-in stitches, including an auto-size buttonhole feature and an automatic needle threader, the GX37 lets you produce a wide range of professionally finished stitches with ease.
The jam-resistant drop-in bobbin system also makes it easy to set up your machine for sewing and replenish your threads when needed.
You can sew your own clothes or make quick fixes in comfort and style. The free arm is also excellent when you need to sew small cuffs and sleeves, so you can really get a professional result with this reasonable investment.
2. Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing And Quilting Machine
The Brother CS7000X is a powerful computerized sewing machine that includes 70 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitch functions.
This machine comes equipped with an LCD screen for easy customization and control, an automatic needle threader, and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. It also includes seven one-step auto-size buttonholes with the press of a button.
There’s also a removable free arm to help you get into small corners and a wide extension table if you need to support heavyweight projects.
Built with a durable metal frame construction, this sewing machine is designed for both home sewists as well as tailors and seamstresses.
3. Brother HC1850 Sewing And Quilting Machine
The Brother HC1850 sewing machine is a versatile piece of equipment, providing professional results with all the extras to make your experience as fun and easy as possible!
This model includes 130 built-in stitches, including 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches. The LCD screen on the unit allows for easy customization and selection of stitches.
It also features an advanced needle threading function and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. The wide table is designed to support larger projects and heavy fabrics. This powerful machine can handle most household sewing projects with ease.
4. JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing And Quilting Machine
The JUKI HZL-F300 sewing machine is designed specifically to help you create great-looking garments and accessories. Whether you’re just beginning or are an experienced sewist, this machine gives you everything you need to look forward to your next project.
With 106 stitch patterns and 3 fonts for versatility, you can let your creativity shine. This free-arm sewing machine features 16 automatic electronic sensor-controlled buttonholes and an automatic one-touch needle threader, which make sewing stress-free.
The JUKI HZL-F300 Sewing Machine is also equipped with automatic thread cutting so that you can enjoy more time creating beautiful clothes and less time worrying about maintenance.
5. Janome JW8100 Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine
The JW8100 is a free arm sewing machine built around an interior metal frame with an extra-wide extension table.
This sewing machine gives you 100 built-in stitches, including 7 auto buttonhole styles, functional stitches, and multiple decorative stitches.
Convenience features make it even easier to sew clothing for the whole family, like the start/stop button, speed control slider, locking stitch button, and reverse lever.
This machine has a handy thread cutter and a top drop-in bobbin to make sewing easier. A free arm lets you sew cuffs easily along with mending and hemming, while a convenient bobbin winder makes changing thread a breeze.
6. Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
Whether you are just picking up a hobby or you already have some experience with sewing, the Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine will take your sewing to new levels of precision and creativity.
This fully computerized unit features 120 built-in stitches that let you create any garment or home decor item with ease.
You’ll love the built-in automatic needle threader, easy jam-proof bobbin system, and easy-to-use control LCD panel.
For added convenience, there’s also a reverse stitch button, needle up/down button, lock stitch button, an automatic thread cutter, plus a start/stop button for easy control.
For fun and variety, this sewing machine also comes with an incredible amount of accessories – hardcover, extension table, and various presser feet that can serve you well in a variety of tasks.
7. Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
The Janome 3160QDC Sewing Machine is an excellent machine to add to any sewing room.
It’s lightweight and highly compact but still super functional. The easy-to-use LCD screen allows you to choose from more than 60 different stitches.
For beginners, there are a ton of convenient features that can make sewing easier. There is a built-in automatic needle threader, reverse stitch button, lock stitch button, start/stop button, and an automatic thread cutter that makes any sewing project quick and enjoyable.
Just like similar Janome models, this computerized sewing machine comes with a jam-proof top load bobbin system which prevents your bobbin from becoming jammed or tangled when the thread runs out.
Whether you are looking to buy your first sewing machine or want something that can help you improve your skills, the Janome 3160QDC Sewing Machine will meet all of your needs!
8. SINGER Making The Cut Sewing Machine
SINGER is known for its powerful sewing machines that deliver the performance and convenience you need to make beautiful projects.
This SINGER Sewing machine is a lovely beginner-friendly machine that boasts 97 stitch applications that are totally customizable by adjusting the stitch length and width.
You can easily make these changes happen using the straightforward control knobs on the front of the machine.
This top-of-the-line model features a front loading bobbin, needle threader, and automatic 1-step buttonhole for quick and easy setup and convenient detailing. It also includes a full metal frame for long-lasting durability.
In addition to the machine, you will also get 4 accessory feet that can help you achieve a wide range of tasks.
9. SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine
The SINGER 7258 sewing machine is a computerized sewing machine for beginners and experienced sewists alike, with 203 stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes to give you the freedom to create.
This sewing machine features durable, heavy-duty metal frame construction, a large LCD screen for easy customization of the stitch width and length, and an automatic needle threader making it especially convenient.
In addition, there are a ton of convenient features that you can explore, like built-in reverse, horizontal threading, programmable needle up/down, electronic start and stop, automatic bobbin winding clutch, extra-high presser foot lifter, speed control, and automatic presser foot pressure control.
10. SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Extra-High Sewing Speed Sewing Machine
This Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine is an excellent choice for people who need a sewing machine that can last for years. This machine’s heavy-duty construction makes it perfect for all fabrics, including very thick fabric like denim.
You’ll love its essential features, with 23 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a top drop-in bobbin, and automatic tension, which makes this machine quite friendly to beginners.
Everything is selected and adjustable using control knobs, so this machine is quite intuitive and easy to control. If you just want a straightforward, no-nonsense sewing machine that gets the job done, this sewing machine is definitely the right choice.
11. SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine
The Singer 9960 sewing machine is a high-performance machine that delivers top-quality stitching for today’s most demanding fabrics and projects.
This computerized model features 600 stitch applications, including basic, decorative, and stretch stitches, to help you create detailed designs with ease.
The 850 stitches per minute deliver high-speed sewing performance, while the 13 included presser feet allow you to assist you in a wide range of projects.
Of course, with a professional machine like this one, you can expect all the convenient features to come with it, including an easy-to-load top drop-in bobbin system with a clear cover, a built-in needle threader that makes it easy to thread the needle, and the automatic 1-step buttonhole that produces perfect buttonholes every time.
The large LCD screen lets you choose from 600 stitch functions and 6 alphanumeric character fonts for monogramming and embroidering. The heavy-duty metal frame ensures that this machine can support any heavyweight fabric and last in your sewing room for years.
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