Sewing machines are primarily designed for making clothes. Unfortunately, most of the entry-level models lack the power and features for designing quality garments.
If you want to design your own clothes, here is a closer look at how to find the best sewing machine for clothing designer, along with several recommendations.
- SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
- Brother PQ1500SL
- Janome 8077
- Janome HD1000
- Juki HZL-F600
- Juki DDL-8700
- Juki TL-2000Qi
Comparison Table
| Model Name | Weight | Auto Needle Threader | Built-In Stitches | Stitches Per Minute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SINGER 9960 | 18.2 lbs | Yes | 600 | 850 |
| Brother PQ1500SL | 24.2 lbs | Yes | 1 | 1500 |
| Janome 8077 | 18.2 lbs | Yes | 30 | 1000 |
| Janome HD1000 | 16.8 lbs | Yes | 14 | 860 |
| Juki HZL-F600 | 21.6 lbs. | Yes | 225 | 900 |
| Juki DDL-8700 | 62 lbs. | No | 1 | 5500 |
| Juki TL-2000Qi | 25.4 lbs. | Yes | 1 | 1500 |
How to pick the best sewing machine for clothing designers
When comparing sewing machines, we looked at the most important features for making clothes, including the controls. No matter your experience level, it helps to use a machine with easily adjustable tension and speed.
Speed control allows you to slow down or speed up the stitching. Adjusting the tension is also necessary when working with various materials. With some of the less expensive models, the machine loses tension after repeated use.
After comparing speed control and tension, look at the available stitches. The most basic mechanical sewing machines typically include 6 to 12 built-in stitches while computerized models may offer hundreds.
Helpful sewing machine features for designers
The previous features impact the quality of the finished garment. Automatic needle threaders, one-step buttonholes, thread cutters, and large workspaces make the sewing process a little easier.
Automatic needle threaders eliminate the hassle of trying to pass the thread through the eye of a thin needle. One-step buttonholes allow anyone to easily add buttons to clothing. You may also find sewing machines with thread cutters, rulers, and other useful accessories.
Large workspaces are also helpful, but less common. Some of the sewing machines designed specifically for stylists and designers include a larger worktable while others may come with a separate free arm.
Below are a few of the best sewing machine for clothing designers.
The SINGER 9960 is a popular choice for clothing designers due to its extended worktable and computerized features. It includes 600 built-in stitches and simple controls for adjusting stitch length and width.
Threading the machine is also easy, along with adding buttons to garments. It includes 13 built-in one-step buttonholes and mirror imaging to increase the variety of buttonholes and stitches.
User Impressions
The extension table and performance of the machine were the main advantages mentioned by customers. They also enjoyed the useful built-in needle threader, easy-to-load top drop-in bobbin, and the one touch stitch selection.
Some users were disappointed with the feed dog not working properly.
If you want more space, try the Brother PQ1500SL. This mechanical sewing machine comes with an extension table that adds about a foot to your work area.
The PQ1500SL sewing machine is also a high-speed machine. It delivers up to 1,500 stitches per minute. However, you only get seven stitches to choose from.
User Impressions
Users prefer this machine due to its simple threading system and precise stitches. It is a dependable machine with a sturdy frame and powerful motor. Some users reported having problems with the bobbin working properly.
With the Janome 8077, you get a computerized sewing machine loaded with features. It has 30 built-in stitches, a start/stop button, an automatic needle threader, and a large LED screen.
The LED screen and stitch chart allow you to quickly select the right stitch for your project. You can also change thread easily with the top drop-in bobbin system and guided threading.
User Impressions
Customers enjoy using the Janome 8077 for alterations and tailoring. This sewing machine is powerful enough for working with a wide range of fabrics and should provide reliable results for many years. Some users mentioned that the machine doesn’t have much stitch variety.
The Janome HD1000 is a heavy-duty sewing machine with a mechanical design. Novices may appreciate the simple interface. It has dials for selecting the stitch and setting the width and length. You can also easily change thread thanks to the top drop-in bobbin system.
The Janome HD1000 is a durable machine with an aluminum die-cast body. It weighs a little over 20 pounds, but only measures 18.2 x 8.5 x 15.2 inches.
You also get a variety of accessories. The machine comes with a free arm for sewing long garments, a seam ripper, sewing machine needles, screwdrivers, bobbins, and multiple presser feet.
User Impressions
One issue is the limited selection of stitches. While some customers wanted more than 14 built-in stitches, most users enjoyed the durable design and consistent stitching.
The Juki HZL-F600 is one of the top-rated sewing machines. It has a large LCD screen and a wide sewing table. The LCD screen and control panel allow you to easily select different stitches and set the length and width of the stitch.
The computerized machine has 255 sewing patterns and stitches to choose from, along with four fonts. You can stitch embroidered designs around cuffs and add other flourishes to your dresses.
User Impressions
The one drawback is the price of the Juki HZL-F600. This is one of the more expensive sewing machines for dressmaking, but it provides superior performance compared to some of the less expensive options.
The Juki DDL-8700 is a step up from the heavy-duty sewing machines. This industrial sewing machine is designed for professional use. It includes a maximum stitching speed of 5,500 stitches per minute.
The machine comes unassembled and may require a professional to properly assemble. It is a DIY product that includes the sewing machine, table, and servo motor. If you want a machine that can keep up with hours of stitching per day, the Juki DDL-8700 is a top choice.
User Impressions
Some users were disappointed that the Juki DDL-8700 does not come with more stitches. However, they enjoyed the dependable performance of this industrial sewing machine.
As with the previous model, the Juki TL-2000Qi has an extremely long extension table for increasing the size of your work area. It also has an aluminum die-cast arm and bed for increased durability and less vibration.
The powerful machine can deliver reliable stitches and fast speeds, producing up to 1,500 stitches per minute. While it includes an automatic needle threader, it does not include many features. It is a straightforward, mechanical machine with quality stitches.
User Impressions
Most customers agree that this is one of the sturdiest sewing machines, but only has one stitch available on it. It is also a heavy machine, weighing about 37 pounds.
In Summary
Use any of the sewing machines discussed to start designing your own clothes. The models selected are less likely to experience tension issues and provide reliable stitching.
If you are a novice, the fancy computerized machines may include more features than you currently need. However, with practice, you may find the additional stitches and settings useful.
