2020 seemed to bring out the artist in everybody. Many people turned to arts and crafts to pass time. DIY trends were at their all-time high. Some people focused on making their pets cute adorable outfits. Others were focused on mask making. The ones that were in plenty ended up being donated to those who didn’t have them.
Besides tissues, handwash, and sanitizers this virus seems to have an overall effect on all your do-at-home needs. Sewing machines were not spared. This led to the skyrocketing of their demand and value. Having one of the best sewing machines came along the way when showcasing an individual’s sewing skill.
This being the case, whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, there are a ton of sewing machines in the market to choose from. These machines are offered with different accessories, add-ons, and different capabilities. Whether you are looking for a sewing machine that you can use to perfect your hobby or you’re looking to make an extra income from sewing. Well, if you’re in the market for a sewing machine. Here is the best sewing machine for 2020.
Best Overall: Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
If you’re looking to invest in a sewing machine that can be used to make clothes from scratch or one that can be used to repair the torn ones in your closet. The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine IS one of the best sewing machines for daily sewing projects.
This Machine features a full range of user-friendly features and a lightweight design. This sewing machine is the ideal choice for beginners who are learning to sew and advanced sewers who are in search of versatility.
- 7 Built-in stitches and 1 one-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Versatile free arm
- Brand: Brother
- Model: XM2701
- Product Weight: 12.6 Pounds
- Product Dimensions : 12.1 (length) x 5.9 (Width) x 15.3 inches ( height}
- Its lightweight nature makes it portable and easy to store
- Beginner friendly and affordable
- It has an illuminated workspace
- It has a needle threader Inconsistency
- It is not a heavy-duty machine
Best Value: Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine
Are you in the market for a sewing and quilting machine? Well, guess what, the Brother CS6000i Sewing and quilting machine is an excellent pick. The beauty about this specific machine is that it has automated features that make it easy to use and plenty of presser feet and stitch options cover the bases of various projects.
Also, the price to feature ratio of the CS6000i feature-rich sewing and quilting machine makes it an ideal bargain.
- LCD with easy-to-use stitch selector
- Automatic needle threader
- Super easy bobbin winding system
- Electronic variable speed control
- Built-in free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves
- Brand: Brother
- Product Weight:5896 Grams
- Product Dimensions: 16 inches (length) x 6.7 inches( width) x 11.4( height) inches
- Power Source: Treadle Powered
- It has automated features
- Its equipped with lots of accessories
- Sewing or Quilting
- It has a needle threader inconsistent
- It contains some cheaper plastic parts
Best Pick: SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
If you are looking for a machine that can offer you value for money then the singer Heavy Duty 4423 sewing machine is the ideal product to go for. This sewing machine produces different stitches for experienced or beginner sewists. It is easy to use and saves a lot of time on all sorts of fabrics be it thin or heavy-duty.
Did we mention it can sew 1,100 stitches per minute!
- 7 Stitch Applications
- 100 Stitches Per Minute
- Presser Feet Included
- Automatic 1-Step Buttonhole
- Easy Stitch Selection
- Brand: SINGER
- Product Weight:14.5 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 15.5(length)inches x 6.25(width) inches x 12( height) inches
- Power Source: Treadle Powered
- Is Electric: Yes
- It is easy to use
- Stitch lengths can be adjusted by just a turn of the dial.
- The machine is portable since it has an in-built handle.
- The bobbin system provides you with easy to insert, remove as well as monitor the thread supply.
- The sewing speed can be quite difficult to control
- The bobbin casing is made of plastic
- The manual is not comprehensive
Best Heavy Duty: Brother 1034D Serger Frame Overlock Machine
This sewing machine is designed for finishing edges and hems of different fabrics that include linens, stretchy fabrics, and formal wear. It also comes in handy when decorating edges and creating ruffles. The 1034D Serger Frame Overlock machine makes an excellent fit in any sewing room. Since it has features that are advanced enough for a professional sewer yet it can also be simple enough to accommodate an armature.
- Comes with an adjustable differential fabric feed
- Comes with standard sewing machine needles
- Has an adjustable stitch width
- Comes with a removable free arm
- Has Versatile stitch options.
- Brand: Brother
- Product Weight:16.4 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 10.98 inches(length) x 11.73 inches(width) x 13.19(height) inches
- Power Source: Treadle Powered
- Simple to use
- Has a color-coded threading
- Has a pocket-friendly price tag
- Has an adjustable foot pressure
- Has left side controls
- The instructional video is made of low quality
- Hemming Ability
- Has high vibrations
Best Computerized: SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 is a computerized sewing machine that is excellent for experienced and amateur sewists. It is equipped with many cool inbuilt features that help save time. This machine is versatile and flexible.
In addition, it has an interface that allows one to do mirror imaging. Not to brag but this machine has a large LCD screen that makes it easy when it comes to selecting stitching functions. These functions include tension settings, recommended presser foot, needle position, and stitch lengths
- Comes with 600 Stitch Applications for Full Creativity
- It can make 850 Stitches per Minute for High-Speed Sewing
- Has a 13 Presser Feet Included for Enhanced Capability
- Comes with an Automatic 1-Step Buttonhole
- Brand: SINGER
- Product Weight: 20 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 679.13( length) x 324.8( width) x 472.44(height)inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Has programmable patterns this allows it to sew a diverse range of designs
- Its equipped with a self-cutting thread feature
- Has plenty accessories
- Has different decorative stitches
- Its speed control is great for beginners and experienced users
- Low-quality buttonhole
- It is not offered with a quilting tray
Best Beginner: SINGER Free Arm Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
If you are a complete newbie in the sewing world, we recommend the singer start a 1304 sewing machine. It has a pocket-friendly price tag and it’s also extremely good when it comes to sewing for beginners. This machine comes equipped with an automated setup and automated features.
Additionally, it has a simple stitch selection, however, the additional presser feet and free arm open one up to a new level of creativity for different projects.
- Comes with 6 Stitches for Essentials
- Has a 3 Presser Feet Included for Enhanced Capability
- Has a reverse Lever
- Comes with a Simple Stitch Selection
- Brand: SINGER
- Product Weight: 9.8 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 13 inches (length) x 7 inches(width)x 11.5inches(height)
- Power Source: Treadle Powered
- Is It Electric: Yes?
- It is easy to set up and use
- Capable of stitching 750 stitches per minute
- Has a visible stitch selection
- Equipped with automatic threading
- It is light and portable
- Has limited functionality
- Doesn’t sit well with advanced users
Best Sewing and Quilting: Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
If you are looking for a computerized sewing machine that is built for durability and flexibility. The Brother XR9550 sewing and quilting machine help sewing enthusiasts to improve their capability and creativity. This machine is equipped with features that allow one to easily construct simple garments to quilting masterpieces.
- Comes with 165 built-in stitches
- Comes with 55 alphanumeric stitches
- Has 8 one-step buttonholes
- Comes with an extended table and free arm
- Brand: Brother
- Product Dimensions: 9.1 inches(length) x 9.1inches(width) x 9.1 (height) inches
- Product Weight: 19.27 pounds
- Has intuitive push-button selectors
- Has an LCD screen that allows a computerized stitch selection
- Free arm capabilities
- Comes with a protective case and a wide table
- The instructional video is made of low quality
- Hemming Ability
Best Advanced: JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that stands out in the crowd of sewing machines the JUKI TL-2000Qi. For sewers who prefer to make professional garments and sell then this heavy-duty sewing machine is an excellent pick. Since it’s a high-quality machine that will give you plenty of years of use.
- Comes with updated LED lights and one pedal operation
- Equipped with 1500 SPM for quilting apparel and home décor
- Has an automatic needle threader
- Comes with an aluminum die-cast arm and bed for low vibration operation
- Brand: JUKI
- Model Number:
- TL2000Qi
- Product Weight: 37.8 Pounds
- Product Dimensions 17.8inches(length) x 8.6inches( width) x 13.8( height) inches
- Power Source: Treadle Powered
- Comes with a 13-inch extension table for large projects
- Has 4 presser feet
- Used For sewing and quilting
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to set up and use
- It is not computerized
- Has Some trade-off from being a quilting and sewing machine
Best Price: Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine
If you are in the market for a computerized sewing machine that is lightweight and portable. The CS5055 computerized sewing machine is an excellent choice. Since it has an easy-to-view LCD screen that allows one to view all the settings in one frame. Additionally, it has a convenient built-in stitch chart that is printed on the front of the sewing machine. Its easy threading system with an automatic needle threader with just a touch of a lever makes it an ideal addition to your sewing machine collection.
- Has an easy to load Bobbin
- Has LCD Display
- Comes with a fixed needle bar
- It is lightweight and fully featured
- Free arm sewing
- Brand: Brother
- Model Number: CS5055
- Product Weight: 13.9 Pounds
- Product
- Dimensions: 16.26 inches(length) x 6.65 inches(width) x 12.21 (height)inches
- Budget-friendly
- Has an easy and understandable manual
- Lightweight and portable
- Has a variety of in-built stitches
- Storage space is small
- Its frame consists more of plastic parts
Best Quilting: Janome TS200Q Sewing Machine
This sewing machine features cutting-edge technology that makes sewing much easier.it utilizes an in-built needle threader, 7mm stitch width and auto declutch ribbon. It has a great accessory package that includes an extension table and its ? ¼ ‘’foot makes it a greater machine for making quilters. The Janome TS2000Q is a perfect sewing machine for creative sewers who want to focus more on home décor and quilting.
- Comes with 200 built-in stitches, including 7 one-step buttonholes
- Has one alphabet
- Has memory banks for creating your stitch patterns for stitching together words
- Has favorite stitch quick buttons- straight stitch, middle zigzag, overcast, basic buttonhole
- Has
- convenience buttons: start/stop, easy reverse, locking stitch, and needle up/down
- Brand: Janome
- Model Number: TS200Q
- Product Weight: 20.6 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 16 inches(length) x 7 inches(width)x 12 (height)inches
- Versatility in stitches
- Has a backlight LCD
- Has a locking stitch button
- Has a quilting accessory kit as well
- Lacks a twin needle guard
- It doesn’t recall the last stitch
The Best Sewing Machines
A sewing machine is a fundamental tool for those who prefer to make and repair their clothes and fabric items. There are two key factors to consider when you intend to acquire a new sewing machine. One is your skill level while the other is your budget. In this guide, we will match each machine to its experience level while showing you those which will serve you as you polish your abilities.
When purchasing a sewing machine, the critical question to answer is what is most important to you while you sew. Machines come with a lot of assortments in the form of add-ons, accessories, and capabilities. This bulk may be of less importance to you while inflating your budget. Some features however are mandatory, you just cannot sew without them. Check out for the following specific features while shopping for a sewing machine:
Styles of Stitches offered
Two stitches are adequate for a beginner: Straight and zigzag. With experience comes the need to source for a variety. For embroidery and quilting lovers, you will need to seek machines that incorporate such capabilities. However, don’t fret, if your machine lacks embroidery or free-motion sewing, these features can be added later. You will also need to ensure that your machine is capable of adjusting stitch length, zigzag width, and tension to sew more comfortably.
Accessories included
Most sewing machines come with a presser foot and a bobbin. However, others come more accessorized. For the best value for your buck, go for the machine with a zipper foot, embroidery foot, buttonhole foot, removable extended work table, and a storage area.
Premium features
Some sewing machines come with specific capabilities that can simplify sewing. Such include a thread cutter, lights, free arm, blind stitching, automatic needle threader, and buttonhole capabilities. Once you start using these features, sewing will never feel the same without them.
Frame Construction
For durability, you will preferably choose a metal frame option. Plastic frames are available too but they crumble quicker and are hard to repair.
It is prudent to read the included user manual carefully before you begin sewing since each machine has slightly different use and care instructions. Ready now? Let’s sew.
Which Machine is Better for Sewing?
Too many starters, industrial sewing machines seem somehow better than domestic sewing machines. This may be so but neither is better overall and no machine ever invented is perfect for every task.
There is a broad range of sewing machines other than the two commonly known umbrella categories. Tailors use a wide variety of sewing machines, each one precisely tailored for specific tasks.Below is a detailed insight into each of them.
Different parts of a Sewing machine
Pointedly, all the most efficient sewing machines are made different. However, they share strikingly familiar fundamental features. You can effortlessly clean and maintain your machine by following the user manual but the same cannot be said about “understanding” your most ideal sewing machine. Operating a sewing machine is not as easy as it may seem but you can master most of its basics by yourself.
However, to get the best sewing experience, you will need to invest in time and effort, learning and re-learning the machine. The following guide will familiarize you with your machine, its parts, and technical capabilities as well as help you gain in-depth knowledge of ideal sewing.
Bobbin and bobbin case
The bobbin holds the thread for your machine and consists of the underneath part of the machine stitch. The bobbin case holds the bobbin.
Both the bobbin and its case are specific to some machine models and brands and thereby cannot be shared by other different machines. You will need to use bobbins and bobbin cases specifically designed for your machine’s model for the best sewing experience.
Bobbin Cover
Your machine either has a slide plate or a bobbin cover that helps you manage your bobbin.
Pressure Foot
This is a retractable part of your sewing machine that responsibly keeps your fabric in place. Different sewing jobs require different types of pressure feet for the best sewing results. For example, a non-stick foot is most ideal while working on an oilcloth.
Needles and needle clamps
Needles are removable parts that are mandatory for sewing and come in a wide range of sizes. The needle clamp holds the needles.
Throat Plate
This is also referred to as the needle plate. The throat plate is a crucial part of your sewing machine that is located underneath the needle and presser foot. It has a small opening that allows the thread and the needle to sew.
Most throat plates come with small notches that come in handy in tasks such as sewing a straight line with great accuracy. The throat plate can also be removed while cleaning and maintenance parts beneath it.
Feed Dogs
These are small teeth-like metal parts that help you sew better stitches. They move and pull the bottom fabric gently while sewing allowing it to pass through the machine uniformly to avoid awkward uneven sews. It is advisable to use the feed dogs instead of pulling the fabric manually as it may result in uneven sews or damage fragile machine parts such as the needle.
Tension- regulating Thumb Nut
This tiny dial ensures the top thread is functioning at the right amount of tension. It is important to have a perfect balance between the top thread and the bobbin. This also ensures uniform stitching.
Too high tension is likely to result in broken stitches while little tension will lead to loose stitches.
Thread take-up lever
Different sewing machines have the take-up lever located at different spots. The thread take-up lever allows the top thread to pass through it while moving in sync with the needle’s process.
Before you start sewing, ensure the thread take-up lever is at its highest position, the needle consequently is at the highest point and this will help prevent the fabric from getting caught in the handle.Bobbin winder thread tension disk
Not all machines possess this feature. If yours does, it allows the thread to pass from the spool to the winder.
Bobbin winder
This feature holds the spool while you are filling the bobbin. To maintain an evenly winding thread, ensure the bobbin is empty before you start sewing.
Thread Guides
These come as a pair, there is the upper thread guide and a lower thread guide. They allow the thread to pass through them in such a way that it moves with just the right amount of tension.
Spool Pin
This feature seems slightly thicker and a different needle that holds the thread as the machine works. Some machines may come with more than one spool pin which is however for unique sewing tasks or a variant result. This is sometimes referred to as the twin-needle for decorative sewing. Most spool pins seem to be vertical but it is not unusual for them to come in horizontal shape.
Flywheel
The flywheel is also referred to as a handwheel. It is responsible for lowering and raising the take-up lever and should always be turned towards your side.
Stitch Selector
Just as it is called, the stitch selector is used to select the stitch style for your sewing. While older sewing machines had dials to select different stitches, modern machines now have buttons for such tasks.
Stitch length selector
Manual sewing machines and some electronic ones have a dial that allows deciding stitch length. How the stitch length is measured varies quite a bit across different sewing machines. On some machines, the length may be measured in inches, while in others it may be measured by a metric scale. Other machines altogether will have a numerical scale ranging from 0-9
The ideal stitching length will vary too, depending on the type of sewing project at hand as well as the fabric being worked on. Common sewing projects and stitched at medium length. However, when working on fine fabric, you will want to keep the stitch length shorter. While working on heavier fabrics, with more tasks such as gathering and basting, you will need to use longer stitches.
Menu Option
Some electronic and more advanced state-of-art sewing machines come with a menu option that allows you to manage many more functions, stitching included. This also replaces other features such as dials for setting stitch length and width and separates stitching tasks.
Reverse Button
This is also referred to as the backstitch button as it allows you to stitch from beginning to end and vice versa.
Foot Controller
This feature helps to partially control the stitching speed of the sewing machine.Tips for a safer sewing experience
While stitching, feed fabric into the throat plate ensuring the distance between your fingers and the pressure foot is safe enough. When you want to pause stitching some fabric, keep your feet away from the foot controller to avoid starting another stitch accidentally. If you are pausing for a long while, you may need to unplug your electronic sewing machine from the power source, for safety reasons of course.
FAQS
Q: What is the best sewing machine to buy? A: This is one of the most crucial questions that everyone encounters before purchasing a sewing machine. Well, it is important to note that different machines come with different features and capabilities. Be it you are a beginner or an experienced sewer who wishes to become a professional. Here are our top three picks of the best sewing machines.- Best sewing machine overall: Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine.
- Best beginner sewing machine: Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine
- Best computerized sewing machine: Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine
- Best Overall: Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine
- Runner Up: Singer 9960 Sewing Machine
- Best Heavy Duty: Singer 4423 Sewing Machine
- Best Lightweight: Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
- Best Budget: Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
- Best Sewing and Embroidery Machine: Brother SE600
- Best Overall sewing machine: Brother CS6000I Sewing Machine
- Best Value: Juki HZL-F600 Sewing Machine
- Best pick: sewing machine: Singer 7258 Sewing Machine
- Best Computerised: Brother Project Runway Sewing Machine
- Honorable mention: Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine
- Best Budget: Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
- Advanced pick: Janome 8077 Sewing Machine
- Best Sewing and Quilting MachineBrother HC1850
The best sewing machine for making clothes should have features that ensure the sewing process is fun and easy. Well, here are our top picks for the best sewing machines for making clothes.
- Best Overall: Brother SE400 – an excellent choice for making doll clothes.
- Best Value: Singer Sewing 4432 Heavy Duty.
- Best pick: Brother CS6000i
- Best Sewing and Embroidery Machine: Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 (great for the aspiring fashion designer)
- Best Computerized Sewing Machine: Janome 8077
- Smooth sewing.
- Even sewing
- Easy threading
- A manual
- A drop-in bobbin – if you’re choosing a machine for a beginner or a child
- Straight stitch
- Zigzag stitch – all but the oldest machines have this
- Stretch stitch
Brother sewing machines are more versatile than singer machines.
We can keep comparing these sewing machines but at the end of the day, it is difficult to choose an overall winner because it all depends on an individual’s budget and what sewing practice you are working on.
Q: What sewing machines do professionals use? A: whether you’re looking to up your sewing game and you are ready to tackle tougher fabric options or sew clothes or large quantities of items. A professional sewing machine is an excellent pick that can meet your sewing needs. But this begs the question of what is the best sewing machine for professional use. Well, here are our top picks for professional sewing machines.- Best Overall: JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Best Value: SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9985 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
- Best Pick: Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Best Sewing and Quilting: Juki TL-2010Q
- Best Computerised: Janome 7330 Computerized Sewing Machine Bundle
- Advanced pick: SINGER | Start 1304 6 Built-in Stitches
- Best Heavy Duty: Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
If you are looking for a professional sewing machine to add to your sewing room. It is best to identify what kind of sewing machine you require, which tasks will the machine be performing and the features that the sewing machine is equipped with. Whether you prefer computerized or manual here is the best professional sewing machines
- Best Overall: SINGER | | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine.
- Best Value: SINGER | 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
- Best Pick: Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
- Best Sewing and Quilting Machine: JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Best Computerized Portable Sewing MachineSINGER | Quantum Stylist 9985
- Best Overall: Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
- Best Value: Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine
- Best Pick: Singer 9960 Sewing Machine
- Best computerized Sewing and Embroidery: Brother SE400 Sewing Machine
- Best Beginner: Singer 7258 Sewing Machine
- Best Heavy Duty: Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine
- Best Professional: Singer 4423 Sewing Machine
- Best Lightweight: Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
- Best beginner sewing machine: Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine.
- Best computerized sewing machine: Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine.
- Best quilting sewing machine: Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Best Overall: Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine
- Best Value: Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- Best Pick: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
- Best Advanced: Janome HD1000 Sewing Machine
- Best Heavy Duty: Singer HD4452 Sewing Machine
Conclusion
Sewing machines are the fundamentals of the sewing practice. With a wide list of sewing machines to choose from it’s important to note that each machine has its different level of expertise. Whether you have a sewing machine in mind that you are likely to purchase. It’s advisable to always cross-check the detailed reviews of some of the best sewing machines since you can always discover more information that you missed on your first search.