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The Spruce
This machine can handle both lighter cotton and higher-density weaves like denim.
I personally find this an odd design choice as most machines start at stitch 1.
Pay attention to speed as well.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The stretch stitches will be especially useful for projects using spandex and knit fabrics.
We enjoyed using this machine during testing and found it equally handled thick denim and lighter cotton.
Mechanical machines typically have less than 20 stitch options.
The stitch options on computerized machines are much more varied.
The highest total in our roundup is 600, which is more than sufficient for intermediate and expert users.
This machine was also a standout model during our lab testing.
We found ourselves saying, Oh my gosh!
every few minutes because of all the advanced options packed into its interface.
I particularly love that this machine has buttons for all of its functions, rather than dials.
So the extension table guarantees you have more workspace when you need it.
I think it would be useful for quickly slowing down at curves while sewing.
This makes steps 1-3 of the upper threading process nearly impossible to see without proper overhead lighting.
For intermediate to advanced sewists, this Singer is worthy of consideration.
These machines are meant for finishing the edges of fabric that unravels easily, such as cotton.
We’ve found this serger really speeds up projects that require a lot of hemming.
PHOTO: The Spruce
However, much of the rest of this machines operation is identical.
The speed control slider allows you to set a maximum speed, so your stitching is always controlled.
This is ideal for beginners who should focus on straight, neat stitching.
The LCD screen on the Brother XR9550 clearly displays your selected stitch, its width, and length.PHOTO: The Spruce
TheJuki TL-2000Qi Machineis another heavy-duty model like our best for beginners pick.
It even comes with a knee lever instead of a foot pedal.
The Brother SE600 has a touchscreen display that previews the embroidery patterns in color before you begin stitching.
The HC1850 has 20 additional decorative stitches and an almost identical operation and setup.
We love its lightweight design, making it easy to transport.
Ive found it easy to use for everything from seat cushions to makeup pouches.
Lofte was also in our lab and tested the Brother serger model currently on our list.
To better assess each sewing machines practical app, weve tested these machines in our own homes for months.
During this time, weve sewn plenty of projects including pillows and curtains.
Out of the 27 sewing machines weve tested, nine stand out for their intuitive setup and reliable performance.
Beginners and advanced sewists alike will appreciate these machines for their durability even hundreds of projects later.
Each machine punch in has its particular strengths and weaknesses.
Before you purchase a machine, its important to understand how its functionality may impact your projects.
If youre a beginner, a computerized machine may seem daunting without the help of an expert.
The most significant difference between computerized and mechanical models is how each sets stitch tension.
A machines tension determines how tight or loose the thread is when it’s woven through fabric.
Computerized sewing machines also offer flexibility for sewists at any level.
I recommend beginner sewists use a mechanical model, so they can focus on mastering several basic stitches.
This also allows them to understand why stitch tension needs to be adjusted for certain fabrics and projects.
Our best serger pick, theBrother 1034D Sergerwas the standout model of the two that we tested.
I prefer a machine with a one-step buttonhole and an auto-sizing buttonhole presser foot.
Most sewing machines come with multiple presser feet to correspond to the various stitches programmed on that machine.
Sewing machines have separate feet for buttonholes, zippers, and blind hems.
TheBrother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machinehas 70 stitch options and comes with 10 presser feet.
PHOTO: The Spruce
All of the sewing machines listed in our roundup have an automatic needle threader.
With the right speed, you’re free to even skip straight pins.
For advanced sewists and quilters, this component is non-negotiable.
The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine easily handled thicker fabrics like denim.PHOTO: The Spruce
Why Trust The Spruce?
I’mEmma Ashe, an editor for The Spruce specializing in home textiles like bedding and towels.
As an avid sewist in my free time, my expertise extends to sewing machines.
I love the Singer Quantum Stylist, even after over a year of having it at home.
I’ve crafted both larger and smaller items with it, including makeup bags and dining room chair cushions.
For this roundup, I reviewed my team’s testing data from the lab and our at-home testing.
I even messaged my team members to see if they still used the machines after a year.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine has a flip-up stitch display card.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The stitch length, stitch width, and differential feed dials are located on the left side of this serger.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Brother CS7000X is a compact machine, so it’s easy to carry it to sewing classes.PHOTO: The Spruce
We tested machines with both drop-in and front-loading bobbins, but found drop-in bobbins more foolproof.The Spruce
We tested machines with both drop-in and front-loading bobbins, but found drop-in bobbins more foolproof.The Spruce
Our testing included using a handful of the decorative stitches offered on each machine.The Spruce
We tested two sergers and found the Brother 1034D easier to thread.The Spruce
Every sewing machine will come with a standard, all-purpose presser foot, but look out for zipper, button, and blind hem feet too.The Spruce
We tested the straight and zig-zag stitches on each machine.The Spruce
A walking foot helps your machine sew through multiple layers of fabric and thick materials like denim.The Spruce
