- How to Find the Best Spray Paint for Metal - December 3, 2021
- Creative Wood Burning Ideas: To Bring Back Your Inspiration! - November 20, 2021
- Best Iron for Perler Beads Guide: To to Enjoy This Craft Even More! - November 20, 2021
If you plan to put your sewing skills to good use, you will need the right equipment for all your sewing adventures.
Whether you are looking for a portable, handheld sewing machine, a machine that works with difficult fabrics, such as fleece or flannel, or if you just want to look at some sewing machine reviews, it is essential to know what you need in a sewing machine and why you need it.
When you are looking for a sewing machine that will work well with denim, keep these Must-Have Features in mind:
How to Find the Best Sewing Machine for Denim
If you plan to put your sewing skills to good use, you will need the right equipment for all your sewing adventures.
Whether you are looking for a portable, handheld sewing machine, a machine that works with difficult fabrics, such as fleece or flannel, or if you just want to look at some sewing machine reviews, it is essential to know what you need in a sewing machine and why you need it.
When you are looking for a sewing machine that will work well with denim, keep these Must-Have Features in mind:
A Strong Motor
Denim is thick and tough. Keep this in mind as you look for a sewing machine. You will need something that has a motor tough enough to continually work through this thick and tough material. The motor needs to be strong enough to get the needle through the material without breaking the needle, chewing up the fabric, or burning out.
A Metal Frame
This ensures that the machine is sturdy enough to work on thick and tough denim fabric.
Denim Needle
Some machines come with a denim needle, but you can purchase them separately if the machine you choose does not. These needles are designed to penetrate thick and tough materials more easily than other types of needles. They may need to be lubricated or replaced from time to time since they are working on extra difficult fabric.
Presser Foot
A good presser foot is necessary to move the denim through the machine without it getting bunched up or having too loose of tension. Some machines come with a presser foot designed to work with denim, but if the machine you choose does not have one, they can also be purchased separately.
Stitch Options
Denim is best sewn with long stitches. Make sure the sewing machine you purchase has the ability to work long stitches. Also, it is a good idea if you have a machine that can work a zig-zag stitch. This type of stitch helps prevent the denim fabric from fraying.
Top Sewing Machine Options
Now that we know what we need to look for in a sewing machine, we can begin our search. We can also use this information to determine which sewing machines work best for other personal sewing needs or preferences. Let’s take a look at what the market has to offer.
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Brother ST371HD
This is a fantastic heavy-duty machine that is perfect for sewing with thick materials, such as denim. What is also fantastic about this machine is that it is easy to use and perfect for those who are learning to sew. It is the best of both worlds.
Beginner sewers will appreciate that this machine has 37 built-in stitches that are easy to access with the manual dial selector and the stitch guide printed onto the front of the machine.
Some of the most useful stitches included in this machine are the following:
- Ladder Stitch – This particular stitch is best to use on elastic and ribbon. It can also be an invisible or a decorative stitch, depending on where you place it.
- Straight Stitch – This is the best stitch to use for sewing on zippers because it will not move, and therefore, cannot hit the zipper foot.
- Zigzag Stitch – This is the most versatile stitch because it does not put pressure on just one area of the fabric; it distributes it. Also, it is highly decorative and easy to rip out with a seam reaper. Simply put, it is going to be used the most.
Purchasers of this machine will also enjoy the auto-size buttonhole setting. Sewing buttonholes can easily be done on this machine with or without the buttonhole foot that is included. It is a matter of tuning the buttonhole setting with an included screw.
Key Features
- A free arm
- Automatic needle threader
- A drop-in top bobbin that is jam-resistant
- Tension control dial
- Stitch selection dial
- 37 built-in stitches
Pros
- This machine is built by a top named and trusted sewing machine company
- This machine company offers free technical support
- This machine offers a zigzag foot and a nonstick foot that will make working with tough fabrics a breeze
- This machine offers heavyweight needles for working with thick fabric
Cons
- This machine starts by moving the feet rather than by pushing a stop/start button.
- This machine does not have a button for lifting or lowering the needle
- This machine does not have speed control
Best Sewing Machine for Travel
Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine
This machine may be tiny and adorable, but it is designed to meet any sewing need while on the go. Its delicate features hide the fact that it is actually powerful and capable of working on thick and tough fabric such as denim.
Not only will users of this machine be pleased with its compact frame and refined strength, but they will also be pleasantly surprised by all the other amazing features bundled into this machine. Two of the most amazing attributes of this machine are:
Speed Selection
With the foot pedal attachment, this machine runs on a medium speed; however, those who choose to sew without the foot pedal can use a switch that allows them to sew on high or low speeds.
Stitch Selection
This machine comes with 12 built-in stitches that are sure to meet the needs of any sewing project. These are just a few of the stitch selections available on this machine.
- Straight stitch for sewing on zippers
- Zigzag stitch for multipurpose use
- Stretch stitch for working with spandex or other types of stretchy fabric
- Blind stitch for creating an invisible hem or connection
Key Features
- 12 built-in stitches
- Foot pedal for stitch speed control
- Accessory kit included
- 3 types of needles
Pros
- This is an inexpensive machine
- This is a portable machine
- This is an easy-to-use machine
Cons
- Some users have stated that it doesn’t come with instructions or access to customer support.
- Some users have stated that it didn’t work properly long term
Best Sewing Machine on a Budget
Singer 4423 Sewing Machine
This is an inexpensive but capable sewing machine built for tough projects. If you want a machine with a reliable build and a longstanding name in the market, this is the one for you. Not only is this machine budget-friendly, but it is also an easy machine to use. With both of these qualities, anyone and everyone can enjoy its wonderful features.
What wonderful features does this machine have? Well, let’s look at three that are sure to amaze.
23 Built-in Stitches
All these stitches are easy to access and see on the front of the machine. This is where a dial displays the stitches and allows the user to select a particular stitch.
Some of the primary stitches included in this machine are the straight stitch for sewing zippers and the zigzag stitch for sewing almost any type of fabric, plus a variety of decorative stitches for fancy edging.
1100 Stitches per Minute
This machine waits for no one. Its tendency toward speed will get any project, big or small, done in record time. But, if a project requires a little more delicacy, there is a speed control foot pedal to slow things down.
1-step Buttonholer
It doesn’t get any easier to make a buttonhole than with this machine’s one-step process.
Key Features
- It can sew 1100 stitches per minute and doesn’t skip a stitch
- 23 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Metal frame
- A strong high-speed motor
- Automatic feeder for uniform stitches
Pros
- This is an inexpensive machine
- This is a machine made by a well-known and trusted manufacturer
- This machine comes with many accessories, including feet for four different types of sewing
Cons
- This machine does not include speed controls
- Some users have stated that this machine skips stitches when sewing fabric that has been doubled.
- Some users have stated that they don’t think the machine is very sturdy or efficient after a lot of use.
Best Sewing Machine on a Splurge
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
This is a quality machine designed and built for those who are confident in their sewing capabilities. A quality machine like this one is an investment that could benefit crafters who plan to start a business.
Crafters who are more experienced at sewing will appreciate all the extras this machine offers. It is an excellent choice for those who want to do more and have all the equipment they need for a project in one package. Let’s look at all the extra features that come with this machine and why it is worth the splurge.
600 Built-in Stitches
Yes, this machine comes with more stitches than days in a year. It has everything from straight stitches to zigzag stitches to any type of decorative stitch imaginable. It also features 5 Alphanumeric fonts for easy personalization.
Buttonhole Features
This machine doesn’t skimp on its buttonhole features either. It comes with 13 different 1-step buttonholes and a buttonhole underplate that makes stitching a buttonhole quick and easy.
Speed
Being able to sew projects quickly is something to celebrate, and this machine does a great job at high-speed sewing. But it is also able to slow things down when needed. It has a speed control slider that will lessen the 850 stitches per minute to whatever stitch speed is wanted.
Key Features
- 600 built-in stitches
- 13 built-in buttonhole types
- 12 different feet
- Computerized stitch and font selections
- Automatic need threader
- Sews up to 850 stitches per minute
- Metal frame
Pros
- This is a machine made by a well-known and trusted manufacturer
- This is a sturdy machine that can easily sew heavy duty fabric
- This machine is known for its efficiency and ease of use
Cons
- This is an expensive machine
- This is a machine that beginners will find difficult to master
- This machine cannot adjust the stitch length
- Some users have stated that it is difficult to sew in a straight line while using this machine.
Best Sewing Machine Overall
Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing Machine
If the Bravo show has you inspired to create your own designs, why not get a machine celebrating your love of the creative competition? This little machine will allow you to make your own projects while you cheer on your favorite contestant.
A sewing machine like this one is ideal for working with many different types of fabric and stitches. If you are looking for something a little sturdier and more durable, this is a great option. Plus, it has all the great features you could ever ask for in a sewing machine. If you’re interested, here is what you will be getting when you purchase this machine.
100 Built-in Stitches
There are so many stitches included with the machine that they may not all get used. But that’s okay because they will be there just in case. As with most sewing machines, this one has the basic straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches, but it also comes with some fun decorative stitches.
These decorative stitches are perfect for embroidery, personalization, or experimenting with technique and style.
Buttonhole Features
This is an essential feature to look for when purchasing a sewing machine. This Brother machine has a buttonhole foot that makes buttonholes in the easiest manner possible.
Speed
Another important feature to consider when purchasing a sewing machine is its speed. It is nice to sew at a high rate of speed, but it is also nice to know that the speed can be lowered and controlled easily when intricate details are being sewn. This machine does not disappoint with this feature. It has variable speeds that are easy to control.
Key Features
- 100 built-in stitches
- 6 different feet
- 7 different stitch length choices
- Sews up to 1300 stitches per minute
- Metal frame
- Adjustable presser foot
- Automated feed dog
Pros
- This machine is built by a top named and trusted sewing machine company
- This is machine is designed to be easy to thread
- This machine gets high ratings and reviews when working with denim
Cons
- The price of this machine is more expensive than similar machines
- Some users have stated that this machine doesn’t work as well after using it for a few years
FAQs
Question: Do I Need a Special Needle to Sew Denim?
Answer: Yes, since denim is so thick and tough, it does require a special needle. These needles may come with a sewing machine, or they can be purchased separately.
Question: Do I Need Special Thread to Sew Denim?
Answer: When working with denim, it is best to use a polyester thread such as Coats & Clark thread for jeans.
Question: Should Denim be Prewashed Before Sewing It?
Answer: Yes, it is a good idea to wash and allow the denim fabric to shrink before sewing with it. This is a best practice when working with any natural fiber materials.
Concluding Thoughts
Sewing with denim doesn’t have to be a difficult craft project. With the right equipment, it can be fun, creative, and rewarding. A sturdy and powerful sewing machine is going to transform your days of crafting. With one of these machines as your partner, you are sure to have many days of successful sewing ahead.