Top 10 Sewing Machines 2020Updated January, 2020

Sewing Machine Shopping Guide

The sewing machine was invented in 1790 to speed up the time it took to hand sew fabric. The goal was to eliminate the process of thimbles and needles so the seamstress could handle the growing workload of the Industrial Revolution. Since 1790, it’s no surprise there have been quite a few updates.

Modern sewing machines have LCD displays, automated needle threaders, and so much more! You shouldn’t be thinking about thimbles and needles anymore...now, it’s all about which custom presser foot you’ll need.

Adding a zipper? Pull out the zipper foot. Adding a button? Make sure your machine has the buttonhole foot.

Both mechanical and electronic sewing machines can range from beginner to expert level. You’ll find options for anything from 12 to 600 built-in stitches. When shopping for your next sewing machine, keep an eye on notable features, accessories, and the stitching abilities to match your experience and needs.

Heavy Duty Options

First, let’s start with the simple, heavy-duty sewing machines that are reliable and stay in their place despite the fabric you send through them. Their feed dog takes no prisoners, and it’ll move along the toughest of fabrics ranging from denim to leather.

Take, for instance, the Singer Heavy-Duty 4423. This is a prime example of a machine that does not joke around. With a heavy-duty metal frame, its stability is unmatched. If you’re sewing heavy fabrics, stability and heaviness are qualities you should be searching for in a machine. You want to eliminate wobbliness while working because that can interfere with the intricacy of your design.

The heavy-duty models epitomize the toughness of simple yet sturdy. There are no fancy tricks to this machine, and with 12 built-in stitches, you won’t need to read through a thick owner’s manual in order to complete your first project.

Rich with Features

On the other end of the spectrum, you have sewing machines like the Brother HC1850 with computerized functions. This machine pulls all the stops to make your task much more convenient and easy.

With 130 stitching fonts, this machine can help you pull off the decorative designs you’ve been envisioning for years. An automatic needle threader helps users get started on their project without the hassle of the complete assembly.

This feature-rich machine pulls all the stops to improve user experience.

It Depends on Your Experience

The more features a sewing machine has, the more money you can expect to spend. If you’re a beginner looking to get started on a few basic projects, you don’t need the machine with hundreds of stitch styles. Starting around $120, you can find a starter machine to help you learn the ropes of sewing.

However, as you move on to bigger projects and more advanced embroidery, you want your machine to evolve with you. These machines can reach upwards of $350, but they typically sit between $150-$200. A machine’s price point can depend on the number of features each model has. We’ve noted the machines offering the most versatile array of accessories for the unique projects you’ll be taking on.

Speed Variability

Speed is an important factor to look out for when shopping for a new sewing machine. Sewing straight-edge curtains may require a quicker stitch per minute (SPM) while embroidering your niece’s initials into a hat will call for a considerably lower speed.

Industrial-type sewing machines can hit 7,000 SPM for commercial-grade garments created in minutes. For home projects, you’ll be looking at ranges from 800 to 1,100 SPM, and for most machines, you’ll find you can easily control the speed depending on your project.

With our top 10 sewing machines pick, take a look at the varying speeds each machine has. Most picks will have a speed dial to help you control the rate of stitching, which means you can change your stitching speed mid-project.

Your Projects will Determine the Machine

Buying a new sewing machine isn’t an everyday task. You may want to find the machine to last you for generations, or maybe you just want to patch up a pair of jeans. This could be a new hobby you want to try out, or you could be replacing an old machine you’ve had for years.

The projects you envision will determine the machine that’s right for you. Our comparisons help break down the features and options of each machine, but we can’t decide what projects you have in mind. Picture that intricate quilt you’ll be piecing together, or maybe that blind hem you want to add to some slacks.

Are you imagining a bunch of different fabrics underneath the presser feet? Are you hopeful to stop a blanket from fraying? Take a look at our top picks so you can find the machine to make your sewing dreams reality.

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