An industrial sewing machine is a game-changer when it comes to heavy-duty stitching. Industrial versions, as opposed to household ones, are designed for speed, accuracy, and durability, which makes them perfect for factories, enterprises, and serious sewing lovers. The productivity and quality of your finished product can be greatly impacted by the industrial sewing machine you use, regardless of whether you’re dealing with heavy materials like leather and denim or want high-speed stitching for mass production.
However, how can you choose the ideal industrial sewing machine for your requirements when there are so many options? When making a selection, factors including fabric compatibility, motor type, and stitch speed are quite important. While some machines concentrate in straight stitches, others have advanced features including computerised controls for precise sewing, automated thread clipping, and computerized stitching.
Durability is another important consideration. Industrial sewing machines are built to last for extended periods of time without overheating or malfunctioning. They can effectively manage heavy workloads because they frequently have strong servo or clutch motors. The choosing procedure is further complicated by the fact that the type of clothing or textiles you’re working with will determine whether you choose a flatbed, cylinder-bed, or post-bed machine.
We will examine the top industrial sewing machines in the market in this guide, contrasting their features, advantages, and greatest applications. This article will assist you in making a smart decision whether you are managing a huge manufacturing establishment, a leather products company, or a tailoring boutique. You’ll know exactly which model best fits your needs by the end of the article.
Table of Contents
Best Industrial Sewing Machines
Let us have a look at the best industrial sewing machine in this article.
1. Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Because of its simple computerised design, the Brother XR9550 continues to be our top pick even after testing additional sewing machines. This machine has eight presser feet, an extension table, and 165 stitches, making it suitable for all kinds of sewing. Its straightforward button interface makes it quick to reverse stitches, change the needle position or stitch width, and switch between stitches.
Along with a thread guide that trims extra length, the drop-in type bobbin is situated close to the needle plate and is simpler for beginners to use. Additionally, you can try monogramming using the other 55 stitches, which are alphanumeric alternatives in addition to the 110 regular, practical stitches. But there’s just one font.
Both lighter cotton and denim and other higher-density weaves can be manufactured using this machine. The LCD screen makes it simple to cycle through all of the stitch possibilities and recommends a presser foot that is appropriate for each stitch. When operating this machine, it’s important to be mindful that the functional stitch and stretch stitch counts begin at 00 instead of 01.
This machine features a carrying handle and a protective cover case, and it weighs just over 10 pounds, making it one of the lightest choices in our list. Although carrying handles are typical on machines, this kind would be more portable for travels to other work locations or sewing lessons.
Since Brother has been a well-known competitor in the sewing market for more than a century and has a variety of machines for users of various skill levels, those who are familiar with the company won’t be shocked by this review. Additionally, this selection can be readily improved with other purchases, such a walking foot, to advance your skill level. It’s excellent overall, however there could be a small learning curve for beginners as they become used to a broader selection of stitches and presser foot.
PROS
- Simple to use
- Not heavy
- Contains alphanumeric stitches
CONS
- The stitch count begins at 00.
2. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
This Brother sewing machine kind is only one of several heavy-duty sewing machines from Singer and Juki that have recently been popular among beginners due to their robust and straightforward designs. We would suggest this model to sewing students who want a basic machine for at-home tasks, even if it weighs an impressive 18 pounds.
The Brother ST371HD boasts a distinctive stitch choice knob behind the needle handwheel, making it an excellent, beginner-friendly design. It guarantees that the user cannot accidentally push a button or brush a knob on the front of the machine to change the stitch. However, because the knob selection and the needle handwheel are close to one another and roughly the same size, be careful not to mix them.
Although 37 stitches might seem like a lot, this machine has a wide variety of stitches that make it suitable for users of all levels. The stretch stitches will be particularly helpful for knit and spandex uses. Additionally, unlike mechanical machines that usually have a four-step buttonhole, this machine has an automated buttonhole presser foot, which makes it considerably easier to operate.
The machine’s ability to handle both lighter cotton and heavy denim equally is its best feature. Beginners will certainly appreciate this machine’s simple characteristics, and even if you ultimately add a computerised model to your collection, it will still be a nice model to have on hand.
PROS
- Simple design
- Stretch stitches
- Buttonhole that operates automatically
CONS
- Heavy
3. Singer Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine
For experienced sewers who wish to expand their abilities in creating clothing and quilts, the Singer Quantum Stylist is a great sewing machine. Because of all the sophisticated features that are packed into its interface, this machine is likewise a unique model. Moving swiftly between sewing project processes is made easier by the thread-cutting button, stitch-tacking button, and sliding speed slider.
Additionally, this machine uses buttons rather than knobs for each of its operations. On mechanical models, dials are usually fine, but on more recent computerised ones, it’s simple to unknowingly switch the stitch type by brushing against the selecting knob.
Additionally, there are buttons specifically for the stitches you use the most, like as the normal zigzag stitch, a straight stitch from the left needle position, and a straight stitch from the centre needle position. In addition, it is possible to increase the size of decorative stitches, making it simpler to cover bigger squares and quilt designs more quickly.
Although the other machines on this list also have an extension table, this model is particularly helpful because of its size, which means you’ll probably leave it set up in one place. You will thus always have additional workspace when you need it thanks to the extension table.
Although using the foot pedal instead of the start and stop buttons is recommended for all sewing machines, you will undoubtedly like the design of this machine’s slow stitch button. When the machine is in its “self-driving” mode (using the start and stop buttons instead of the pedal), the slow stitch feature slows down the machine’s pace. When stitching, it might be helpful to rapidly slow down around bends.
Additionally, unlike other machines, this one has raised thread guides on its body instead of printed ones. Because of this, it is practically hard to view stages 1-3 of the top threading process without adequate overhead lighting. Although threading this machine is not all that different from the typical procedure on any other machine, it might be irritating for beginners who have never threaded a sewing machine or for users with low vision.
This machine is well-designed and can even replace your primary machine for most of your sewing jobs, despite its alarming weight and stitch count. This Singer is recommended for sewists who are intermediate to advanced.
PROS
- Extension table included
- Thread cutting button
- Stitch shortcut buttons
CONS
- Heavy weight
4. Brother 1034D Serger
Sergers are not made to sew or bind layers of cloth together in the conventional straight stitch. These devices are designed to finish the edges of fabrics, such cotton, that are prone to unravelling. However, when other people tested it, it proved to be highly beneficial.
This type had four distinct coloured spools of thread, which made it simple to thread the machine correctly and monitor the stitch tension, even though sergers are usually a daunting machine. Additionally, it is quite easy to comprehend which thread follows which path thanks to the textual instructions and illustrations in the instruction manual.
Because of its differential fabric feed, this serger guarantees that your stitching will be consistent regardless of the kind of fabric you’re dealing with. You can effortlessly advance your abilities with hidden hems and gathered sleeves since this machine comes with both a blind stitch foot and a gathering foot in addition to the regular overlock presser foot. Resetting the machine to the regular overlock stitch requires a complete rethread, but the thorough instructions made the procedure seem more straightforward to users.
Although sergers are usually considered necessary only for experienced sewers who are creating clothing for daily use, anyone with a beginner to intermediate level of expertise might use this serger. This serger has been shown to significantly speed up jobs that need a lot of hemming. Although it’s not the best machine for tasks other than hemming and finishing stitches, users have found it easy to hurry through napkins and curtains.
PROS
- Differential feed for fabrics
- Simple-to-follow guidelines for threading
- Ideal for inexperienced sewists
CONS
- To reset the overlock, the machine must be rethreaded.
5. Brother CS7000X 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother CS7000X is another excellent option for industries if you want a computerised sewing machine but don’t want all the stitches available on our favourite machine. The Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine, our top choice overall, looks a lot like this machine, however it lacks alphanumeric stitching as well as the same quilting and appliqué stitches.
Nonetheless, this machine functions mostly in the same way. Additionally, this machine’s changeable speed slider is a fantastic feature that isn’t available on mechanical machines like our top industrial machine. You can always manage your stitching by setting a maximum speed using the speed control slider. For beginners who should concentrate on straight, tidy stitching, this is also perfect.
The user handbook and the quick start guide are excellent tools for understanding the presser foot, threading the machine, and the functions of the various stitches. Although it’s not required for beginners, a walking foot is a fantastic extra function that this machine has. As your sewing abilities advance, you’ll discover that quilters and sewers who deal with thick layers need a walking foot.
Sewing in low light is never easy, but this machine’s light is especially dim. It can be annoying for eyes that are already tired because it isn’t quite bright enough to help light the entire surface. So that you can always focus light precisely where you need it, it is advised that you have a bright gooseneck desk light on your sewing table. Although this machine is no longer our number one choice for newbies, I still believe it’s a fantastic substitute for consumers seeking a dependable and straightforward machine interface.
PROS
- Includes a walking foot.
- A speed slider that can be adjusted
- Comprehensive instruction guide
CONS
- Dim work light
Sewing Machine Types: Computerized, Mechanical, and Serger
We distinguish each sewing machine on our list by designating it as a mechanical, computerised, or serger machine, as you might have observed. Every sort of machine has unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to comprehend how a machine’s operation could affect your tasks before making a purchase.
Computerised
The computerised models are the first on the list. Although these machines provide certain setup conveniences, you lose some of the mechanical understanding during the process. Without the assistance of an expert, using a computerised machinery might seem difficult to a beginner.
The way each sets stitch tension is the main distinction between mechanical and computerised machines. When a thread is woven into cloth, its tension dictates how tight or loose it is. When you alter a stitch setting, computerised machines automatically adjust the tension, saving you the trouble of guessing what it should be. On a mechanical sewing machine, however, you have to change the thread tension each time you choose a new stitch.
For sewers of all skill levels, computerised sewing machines also provide versatility. Stitch tacking buttons, speciality presser foot and memory boards are examples of handy conveniences that reduce the amount of fussing needed when switching between stitches and let sewists concentrate on their tasks.
Mechanical
The mechanical machine is the next one. It is recommended that beginner sewists use a mechanical model so they can focus on learning a few fundamental stitches. They can also comprehend why specific materials and tasks require different stitch tensions thanks to this.
Having a simpler machine also gives you more freedom since you will rapidly learn how to use it and know exactly what has to be changed to finish a job. The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine, our top choice for beginners, is a well-made sewing machine featuring dials and knobs for choosing your stitch type, modifying stitch width and length, and adjusting tension.
Sergers
A serger, in contrast to mechanical or computerised sewing machines, is made expressly to finish the edges of cloth seams. Sergers are usually used to edge finish cloth to keep woven textiles from fraying, but it’s possible to sew two pieces of fabric together. Stretchy knit textiles can be assembled with serrated edges so that the cloth will continue to stretch as needed to accommodate a person.
Because of their versatility with knits, sergers have lately gained favour among sewing enthusiasts online and can serve as an excellent tool for more experienced sewists.
Of the two models we evaluated, the Brother 1034D Serger, our top choice, was the most notable. We liked that it came with four different thread colours so you could quickly test the tension on a piece of cloth before finishing a project, and the thorough instructions made threading it quite straightforward.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal industrial sewing machine can have a significant impact on overall sewing experience, accuracy, and efficiency. Depending on your preferences, you can decide between a serger for expert seam finishing, a mechanical machine for manual control, or a computerised one for automatic stitching. The Brother XR9550 is notable for its flexibility, while the Brother ST371HD provides a heavy-duty yet approachable alternative for beginners. The Singer Quantum Stylist offers a number of capabilities that provide creative possibilities for consumers with greater experience. A useful tool for anybody wishing to produce smooth, expert-caliber finishes is the Brother 1034D Serger.
For companies, professional tailors, or sewing enthusiasts who need high-speed performance and durability, purchasing an industrial sewing machine is an essential first step. The correct machine guarantees high-quality craftsmanship across a range of fabrics, from heavy denim to lightweight cotton, in addition to increasing production. Computerised and hybrid models continue to close the gap between accuracy and ease as technology develops. Choosing a dependable sewing machine will improve productivity and creativity regardless of project type or skill level. Making the correct decision transforms sewing from a chore into a smooth, fulfilling activity.