All sewing machine manufacturers do make mistakes. They all have seen their sewing machines go down without doing a name. 8 out of 10 sewing machines released each year is a flop.
Only a couple of models have the quality and features to do well in the highly competitive sewing machine market, and those few models make up the bulk of the sales.
Those machines that tasted success will compensate for the loss incurred by the other machines. This is how it works with all sewing machine manufacturers.
All through my ten years of sewing experience, one thing I have learned is that certain machines are in a different league when compared to its competitors.
Individual sewing machines stand out of the crowd due to their flawless operation and impressive stitch quality.
You can handpick them quite easily, provided you have a decent experience in the sewing industry. Such machines are the pride of their respective manufacturers.
Here I have handpicked nine such machines that their manufacturers take pride in producing them.
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Reviews of the Reliable Home Sewing Machines 2020 – (Editors’ Choice)
This is the list of 9 Most Reliable Home Sewing Machines that you can get in the US. I have deliberately kept the list as that is the maximum a home sewer will look for (in most cases).
1. Brother CS6000i – Best Sewing Machine for Advanced Sewers
Made Its Name For Most Sold Sewing Machine In US
The sales volume of this sewing machine is humongous. Brother CS6000i was released way back in 2007, and it didn’t have a competitor until Brother itself rolled out the XR9500PRW.
Until then, CS6000i was ruling the beginner sewing machine market.
The arrival of XR9500PRW has slowed down its progress, but it is still going strong, and it still is the most sought after beginners sewing machine in the US. Thus it becomes the second most reliable sewing machine in our list.
Key features:
Even though Brother CS6000i is a computerized sewing machine, it is not as feature-rich as XR9500PRW. CS6000i has 60 built-in stitches, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, etc.
Pros:
Very easy to use. Little maintenance is required.
Cons:
Narrow machine throat. The arrival of XR9500PRW made it a second choice.
2. Singer 9960 – Best Computerized Sewing Machine
Made Its Name For The Most Advanced Sewing Machine
If you are a creative person, this machine has everything you need. It is the most reliable advanced sewing machine on this list. It is feature-packed.
The stitch quality is excellent, and its performance is right up there with those industrial sewing machines, which is the reason why it features in sewing machines view the list of “Machines You Can Buy With Your Eyes Shut.”
If you are looking for a feature-rich advanced sewing machine, look no further.
Key features:
A whopping 600 built-in stitches, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, sewing start/stop button, speed control slider, programmable needle up/down button, automatic thread cutter, etc
Pros:
Features galore. Easy to do monogramming. It can sew through all kinds of fabrics effortlessly. Quiet operation.
Cons:
No presser foot pressure adjustment.
3. Brother SE400 – Best Brother Sewing Machine
Made Its Name For Best Sewing & Embroidery Combo Machine In US
If you are looking for a sewing and embroidery combo machine, you have limited options to choose from. And among those limited options, Brother SE400 is by far the most reliable one.
The best thing about SE400 is that you can enjoy sewing and embroidery on a single machine. What makes SE400 unique from others is the stitch quality for both regular sewing and embroidery.
It is a member of our “Machines You Can Buy With Your Eyes Shut” list.
Key features:
67 sewing stitches and 70 built-in embroidery designs. USB connectivity to import an unlimited number of designs from the internet.
Built-in memory, five lettering fonts for monogramming, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, automatic thread cutter, 4″x4″ embroidery area, etc.
Pros:
USB Connectivity for importing designs and software updates. Good selection of both sewing and embroidery designs. Excellent stitch quality.
Cons:
Small embroidery area.
4. Janome HD3000 – Best Janome Sewing Machine
Made Its Name For The Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine In US
Arguably the best heavy duty sewing machine you can get. It is an absolute workhorse. It can sew anything you throw at it. Its ability to sew through multiple layers of denim is unmatched, and the stitch quality it has is entirely admirable.
Forget heavy-duty; this is the best mechanical sewing machine I have ever come across. The build quality is excellent.
Key features:
Heavy-duty construction (less plastic parts compared to other mechanical sewing machines), 18 built-in stitches, one one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, etc
Pros:
Smooth and quiet operation. It sews everything (almost); it chews through heavy-duty fabrics with ease. Sturdy.
Cons:
Dim work light. Not a lot of features on board.
5. Singer 4423 – Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Made Its Name For The Best Inexpensive Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
This machine has a power-packed motor under its hood. Its motor is around 35% stronger than any other machine in its price range.
It will be a good choice for those who can’t afford Janome HD3000 because it is the second-best heavy duty sewing machine for beginners.
Key features:
23 built-in stitches, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, etc
Pros:
Affordable. Does a decent job with multiple layers of fabric
Cons:
Not 100% heavy-duty, there are plastic parts for sure — no 1-step buttonhole.
6. Brother XM2701 – Best Lightweight Sewing Machine
XM2701 is essentially the updated version of Brother XL2600I, which is the 3rd sewing machine in this list.
So you can hope of similar quality from this. This is an upcoming model and is slowly climbing the ladder. It is definitely another reliable sewing machine.
Key features:
27 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, etc
Pros:
Excellent stitch quality. Inexpensive
Cons:
Work light is pretty dim.
7. Singer 7258 – Best SINGER Sewing Machine
Made Its Name For The Best Beginners Sewing Machine From Singer
This is the best Singer computerized sewing machine. It has quality, features, and it is affordable. In the price category, no other Singer machine comes even close to 7258 in quality.
So if you are a Singer fan, this is the machine to consider.
Key features:
100 built-in stitches, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, 13 needle positions, etc
Pros:
Quiet operation. Quality stitches. Good variety of stitches.
Cons:
No drop feed dog feature, which is essential for doing free-motion sewing. It came as a big surprise to me, to be honest. The singer definitely missed the trick there.
8. Brother XR9500PRW – Best Sewing Machine for Denim
This is the most reliable computerized sewing machine in the US. You can blindly trust this machine. The quality of the stitch is outstanding, and it is feature-packed. The most appealing thing is its price.
It is the best value for the money sewing machine. If you are looking for an affordable machine, I will recommend Brother XR9500PRW all day.
Key features:
100 built-in stitches, top drop-in bobbin, sewing font for monogramming, automatic needle threader, etc
Pros:
Very lightweight. Quiet operation. Handles multiple layers of fabrics very well. A variety of stitch options. And above all, an excellent quilting machine.
Cons:
Slightly tricky automatic needle threader, which requires a couple of attempts to get used to.
9. Brother XL2600I – Best Affordable Sewing Machine
When you go for a cheap price tag, you are compromising on the quality in most cases, which is not true with Brother XL2600I. This is a cheap rated sewing machine.
At this price, you can’t find a sewing machine with better features, I swear.
Key features:
25 built-in stitches, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, etc
Pros:
Good variety of stitches for the price. The availability of drop-in bobbin and 1-step buttonhole at this price is a real blessing. The automatic needle threader is another huge plus.
Cons:
Tension issues. Poor user manual.
Are You Looking For Reliable Home Sewing Machines? Here’s What You Need to Consider
A sewing machine that is used at home is often not the type that professionals purchase. They may look fancy and have the most important features but it depends on the individual on what they prefer to purchase.
This is because they do not often spend a lot of time sewing and use it occasionally. While some sewing is done as a hobby others use it as a productive pastime while at home.
Irrelevant of these things one would have to ensure that they get the best value for their money while purchasing a machine to sew at home. There are a few basic things that you have to look for in a device when it comes to purchasing a home sewing machine.
We give you certain things about sewing machines that you would have to consider to ensure that you get your hands on the best one available in the market at the current moment.
Budget Matters
After deciding to purchase a machine to sew at home you would want to consider how much money you would like to invest in the same. Purchasing a machine that is too costly might not end up being a good investment since you seldom get to use it.
Moreover, costly machines come with different features that you are never likely to use at home. So, purchasing a machine at a moderate cost may be a suitable option for you as a person who stays at home.
Considering the Machine Types
Manual, electronic, and computerized machines are the types of sewing devices you can purchase. While manual machines can be too hectic to use with different complications and difficult to master a computerized machine is likely to be too advanced.
Ideally, you might want to go for an electronic version that might be a compromise between the two. These electronic machines can be simpler to use while providing the accuracy that you always wanted.
You can have great finishes with the fabrics you use without stressing too much like you have to on a mechanical or manual machine. So, keep this in mind while selecting a sewing machine for your home needs.
Features You May Want
It is always a good idea to consider the features you want in a machine for sewing before selecting one. This way you can get the machine that is likely to serve the purpose. It can also help you save on the purchase you make and not overshoot your proposed budget.
Friendly Model
Selecting a model that is user friendly can be a good choice for most machines suited to sew at home. This way you would not be overburdening yourself with your sewing tasks. Also, ensure that you get a model that supports most fabrics that you are more likely to sew.
Compact Design
Selecting a compact design that is not too bulky would often turn out to be a good choice. It would also mean that the machine is not heavy to use and can be moved around the house with relative ease. Compact designs are also attractive to the eyes and look good at home while not in use.
Durability and Noiseless
Since you are using a sewing machine at home it may be a good idea to purchase a noiseless machine. Various models fit this category from different manufacturers. The other thing to look for is the durability of the machine that you purchase.
After all, you would not want to be spending time on repairs with the little time you would be spending on the sewing machine while at home. If you consider these while purchasing a sewing appliance you can be certain about making a wise investment.
Always consider comparing different machines and their features while not forgetting to read about how good they are on the internet.
How to Sew Leather on a Home Sewing Machine?
There are a lot of people who are under the assumption that they need a professional machine to be able to sew leather properly. People these days not only use leather in their footwear but also on other types of clothing and accessories that they wear and sport.
Essentially, leather clothing like coats and accessories cost a lot of money when you purchase them. However, when there is a small stitch that comes off or when there is a minor repair in them you can’t just throw them away or discard them.
You intend to sew them and have them repaired before you could use them again. So, if you have a sewing machine at home you can very much use them to sew the leather garments or accessories. We have a look at how your sewing machine can double up to work for your leather garments and accessories.
Procuring a Leather Needle
The principal thing you have to do that helps your machine be organized to sew up leather is to procure and install a leather stitching needle. Usually, the size of the needle is 100/16 and is available at your local needlework store or craft accessories outlet.
It may be a good idea to buy multiple leather needles as you might be required to change them often to ensure that you are not using a blunt one. These needles are designed in such a way to enable sewing leather is easier when they are used. The design of the needle is also of a different outline to help it penetrate through the leather neatly.
Altering the Machine Foot
In typical cases, this might not be a criterion while stitching leather. However, in certain types of leather, you might feel that the material is sticking to the foot a little too much for your comfort. In these cases, you can try out 3 different types and they are as follows:
- Teflon Foot: Using a Teflon foot can be a good option while sewing leather, PVC, or faux leather. These are also known as the non-stick or otherwise as the ultra-glide foot as they allow the material to glide through while sewing. While some brands have a Teflon coating other costlier variants are fully made of it.
- Roller Foot: These are in a combination of metal and plastic or either of these materials. They allow for the material to slide while you sew making the process smoother than before.
- Walking Foot: Also known as even-feed foot since they have their feed dogs. They work in combination with the machine’s already existing feed dogs to hold the material at the bottom and the top to enable smooth skate of it.
Change the Thread Type
By using nylon or a polyester thread would make it optimal for sewing leather in comparison with the traditional thread. These threads are stubborn in quality and are more capable of holding up better over a while when compared to the classic cotton or other threads.
Using a Knot
Always ensure that you use a knot at the start and close of sewing while doing so on leather. This means that you avoid backstitching that you always do on your other material while you sew. Using this method means that you avoid being detrimental to leather while sewing.
Use Double Sided Tape
This is a perfect alternative to using pins to hold multiple layers of the materials to be sewn. Pins are capable of both scratching, damaging, and leaving everlasting shacks in the leather. You may also try and use a holding clip for quilter’s which is a better substitute to pins.
Long Stitch Length
For the sewing to be proper you might want to use long stitches. A length of 3 – 4 mm long or a length of 1/8 inches should be preferred for leather stitching. You can pre-set the same on your machine to avoid any tear in the leather while and after you sew.
Using these above steps, you can ensure that your leather sewing project falls perfectly in place without any hassles. Anyone who can follow these steps would be able to properly sew leather with their old-style apparatus for sewing that they use at home.
People who are doubtful about the process, you can try these steps with a waste piece of leather before you begin the real material or accessory sewing or stitching process.
How to Thread a New Home Sewing Machine?
A lot of people have been using sewing systems at home for quite some days. These people would get to understand how difficult it was for them to take the baby step to begin the process in the initial stages. In the earlier days of sewing people never had access to the internet like what we do now. They had to learn the process of using these machines by trial and error procedures.
However, things are a lot different as almost you can have any questions related to sewing answered on the internet if they already do not exist on it. There are video tutorials, picture illustrations, and other steps by step guides on how to use a machine. One of the first things that you would need to learn with sewing is the basics and it begins with how to thread your machine for sewing.
There are hundreds of models and designs that are out there from various manufacturers from various countries. Although each machine differs from one to another the basics remain the same on most of them. So, we have detailed on how to go about with the first step of threading a needle in your machine before you move on to the next steps of sewing.
Passing
Pass the thread between the cap and the tension spring with the help of using the slot. This is a slow process that needs to be completed with a lot of patience from the person doing this. The user manual may have pictures with names that would help you identify each part that is specified here.
If you push the thread further into the path of the thread the more difficult it would get for you to pull the extra thread. Therefore, using the thumbscrew you may have to loosen the tension on it. Alternatively, at the start of the threading, you can just pull superfluous thread length to make things easier.
Sliding
You should be able to slide the thread under the eyelet spring which is also known as thread guide from the other end.
Inserting through the needle bar
You would notice a needle bar on the left side top above the needle through which you would have to insert the thread and allow for it lay there in the channel.
Looping
Irrelevant of it being a face or staple plate you should be able to pass the thread behind in this loop. By now you should be able to hold one end of the thread with one of your hands, preferably your left.
With the help of a stiletto or a pin on the other hand, preferably your right, you should pull in the thread through the loop. Once it is through the loop you would have to further pull it around the lever that is hook-shaped and is known as take-up-lever.
Grooving the thread
After this, you should locate an inverted U-shaped groove on the side of the machine. Once located, you would have to pass the thread through this inverted U-shaped groove.
Threading the needle
Now, take the thread on your left hand and push it through the needle from the left side of the gap given for threading. The thread should come from the left side of the needle to the right, and not the other way around.
You would have noticed the needle is implanted into the needle clamp by having the flat side of it towards the right. In case, during the first step if you have loosened the upper tension you can now have it readjusted to begin working on it.
So, this is all it takes for you to thread a new home sewing machine and get it prepped for sewing. However, as mentioned earlier, not all sewing machines are alike and may have a slight difference. Still, the basic process would remain the same with not much of a difference.
You are advised to go through the manual carefully to get the process right apart from reading the above step by step guide. It is important to understand the fact that you may not get it right the first time.
Most people are not able to get it right the first time. However, the greater number of times you try the better you would get at it. At a certain point, you would be so trained to do it that you would no longer look at the specific parts mentioned while you are having the process done on your machine.
Reliable Home Sewing Machines Comparison Chart
| Model | Stitches | Drop-in Bobbin | Auto Needle threader | Stitches Per Minute | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother CS6000i | 60 | Yes | Yes | 850 | 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches |
| Singer 9960 | 600 | Yes | Yes | 850 | 17.2 x 8.2 x 12 inches |
| Brother SE400 | 185 | Yes | Yes | 710 | 20.28 x 14.96 x 15.16 inches |
| Janome HD3000 | 18 | Yes | Yes | 860 | 16 x 11.3 x 7.2 inches |
| SINGER 4423 | 23 | Yes | Yes | 1100 | 15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches |
| Brother XM2701 | 27 | Yes | Yes | 800 | 12.1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches |
| SINGER 7258 | 100 | Yes | Yes | 750 | 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches |
| Brother XR9500PRW | 100 | Yes | Yes | 1300 | 20.28 x 12.68 x 17.64 |
| Brother XL2600I | 25 | Yes | Yes | 800 | 12.3 x 7.7 x 9.6 inches |
I had a Singer 9960 for three years. It was great while it worked properly, but then it developed feeding problems, would stop feeding the fabric and would not make even sized stitches. Also, the needle threader had a very flimsy hook, and I had to replace it several times.
I replaced it with a Brother SB3150 which has lots of similar features plus some extras (adjustable pressure foot pressure, a GREAT needle threader, a knee lift, a custom stitch design feature, and others.
It is only available from dealers. These Brother machines have a better reputation than Singers for durability. (When I called Singer customer service, I got a very snarky and rude woman who was not at all helpful.) Although I used to recommend 9960, I don’t anymore. It just does not last long enough.