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It is becoming important to think about your waste and recycling. The scope of these thoughts are vast (we don’t mean to get too deep here) and extend to your clothing. Gone are the days where we would buy high-quality clothes and patch them up as needed. Here are the days of our disposable culture where clothing can be cheap and easily replaced. But, coming again are the days of looking for high-quality clothing and saving yourself some money.
“Saving myself some money,” I hear you exclaim! But, how? With the addition of a sewing machine. It is becoming more and more fashionable to buy high-quality clothing and fix it when needed rather than throwing it away. Doing this will actually save you money in the long run and allow you to hold onto those favorite items from your wardrobe.
Of course, having a sewing machine in your home allows you to do a lot more than just mend clothing.
Our Top Picks
Here are some of the best heavy-duty sewing machines on the market.
1. Juki TL-2010Q Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Features:
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 25.4 lbs
- Stitches: 1, straight stitch only
- Speed: 200 to 1,500 stitches per minute
- Warranty: 5 years mechanical / 2 years electrical
This sewing machine is perfect for all types of projects and can be taken with you anywhere. With advanced features and industrial-quality systems, this is a sewing machine that will get the job done.
There is a lot of adjustment available at your fingertips when it comes to the stitch speed, and you can move from 200 stitches per minute to 1,500 at the touch of a button. Those stitches also flow freely and easily thanks to the microcomputer control. Even at extremely low speed, you will find consistency and accuracy. When you are done, the heavy-duty machine will make use of the automatic thread trimmer to cut the end of the needle and bobbin threads.
The presser foot on Juki TL-2010Q can be adjusted to allow for different thicknesses of fabrics to pass through. You also have a reliable and even feed that really helps when you are working with difficult to feed fabrics. This is especially apparent when you are working on quilts.
The bobbin is nice and easy to replace, and you have needle up/down control, a built-in LED light, knee lift lever, automatic needle threader, and more. This is a machine that is packed with features that will only make sewing easier.
2. Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Stitches: 60
- Speed: up to 820 stitches per minute
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
If you sew professionally or even just all-day as an amateur, the work can get repetitive. What better way is there to take away some of that mindlessness than with a computerized sewing machine that handles it for you?
On Janome 3160QDC you have a selection of 60 built-in stitch patterns as well as 6 buttonhole patterns. There are also easy-to-use thread cutting and reverse stitch functions. All of this is controllable through this sewing machine’s core aspect: its computer.
The computerized sewing controls automate many tedious features and simplifies them to a simple button push. You can let the computer do the work of finishing a selected stitch or quickly jump between stitches with an easily navigable LCD control panel.
This machine also has a number of quality-of-life features to look for in a sewing machine. These include an automatic needle threader, a jam-proof bobbin loader, and a portably light weight at only 12 lbs. When you need a versatile and robust sewing machine for heavy-duty work, look to this option from Janome.
3. Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 Sewing Machine
Features:
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 24.3 lbs
- Stitches: 82
- Speed: 5 speed settings
- Warranty: 20 years for manufacturing defects / 5 years electronics
The Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 sewing machine has a sleek and modern design with integrated LED lighting for the extra large sewing area of almost 8 inches. It has 82 beautiful 7 mm wide stitches programmed in, and a sewing guide printed in the lid, which will tell you the perfect stitch and settings to use, based on the fabric type and sewing technique you choose.
A built-in accessory compartment will hide all the included accessories from sight, including the foot pedal, so you will never feel that the machine makes your house look messy.
A top loading bobbin with a built-in needle threader makes the hardest part of sewing that much easier, and a series of buttons on the machine allow you to control start, stop, and speed without using the foot pedal. This makes the machine easy to use in a hurry, as well as user friendly for people with physical challenges.
The machine comes with 7 different snap-on presser feet, including a one-step button hole foot, and a presser foot recommendation button will tell you which foot to use with your selected stitch. Also included are 5 bobbins, 2 felt pads, a thread net, an edge guide, screwdrivers, and a number of other accessories and necessities.
4. Janome HD-3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Features:
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 18.8 lbs
- Stitches: 21
- Speed: 860 stitches per minute
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
This sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader. That is the one thing which we always look for, and Janome delivers. The sewing machine also comes with a top-loading bobbin system which is jam proof. Not only is it easy to set up but you will also have fewer problems than a cheaper machine. You will love how easy it is to get set up and working.
You have 18 built-in stitches, and they are easy to choose from. Turn the dial on the machine and select your stitch; you are ready to go. The stitches are all drawn onto the side of the machine so you can see what you need at a glance and choose it even quicker. You also have adjustable presser foot pressure, controlled with the turn of a dial. This is great for switching between light and heavy fabrics or moving onto multiple layers. The machine is also great for those tricky projects such as cuffs, pant legs, sleeves, and more.
Where the Janome HD-3000 sets itself apart from others is in the included accessories. You get a case, multiple feet, leather needles, bobbins, lint brush, seam ripper, spool pin, quilter bar, foot control, instruction manual, and much, much more.
A heavy-duty sewing machine for almost any project.
5. Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Features:
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 14.6 lbs
- Stitches: 32
- Speed: 1,100 stitches per minute
- Warranty: 2 year parts & labor, 5 years electronics, 25 year chassis
A heavy-duty sewing machine that offers you something a little different in the look, but all of the standard features that you expect from a machine that is going to stitch through the thickest and more durable fabrics.
With a grey casing (instead of the standard white or cream) and flourishes of color, this machine will help you create style and fashion while looking stylish itself. Within the elegant exterior, you have a load of features to keep even the most verdant sewers happy. There are 32 built-in stitches—6 basic, 7 stretch, 18 decorative, and a buttonhole stitch. To get started, you also have the much-needed automatic needle threader.
This is a high-speed machine, and you can get up to 1,100 stitches per minute. The strong motor also keeps the needle moving through layers or tough fabrics such as leather and denim.
Included with the Singer 4452 sewing machine, you have a variety of feet, multiple needles, and a clearance plate for thicker fabrics. A seam ripper and lint brush are included for convenience, along with extra bobbins, a screwdriver, spool pin, dust cover, quilting guide, and an accessory tray to store everything in.
Singer has a reputation for creating high-quality sewing machines, and that goes back years. This is another in a long line of durable machines, and one that will help you with all of your sewing projects.
6. SINGER HD6700 Electronic Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Features:
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Stitches: 411
- Speed: 1,300 stitches per minute
- Warranty: 2 year parts & labor, 5 years electronics, 25 year chassis
SINGER has always been the name at the forefront of the home sewing machine industry, and with good reason. The quality of SINGER sewing machines has never come into question. The HD6700 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine is yet another ingenious product by the famous brand, and it brings new meaning to the phrase, heavy duty.
The perfect machine for sewing denim, canvas, and other thick and hard materials, the HD6700 has a plethora of features and accessories that will make your heavy-duty projects a breeze. With 411 stitch applications including a lettering stitch, 7 one-step buttonhole styles, 10 different presser feet, and an LCD screen that displays all your important settings, this SINGER machine will make sewing quick, easy, and fun.
There’s nothing worse than buying a machine made for a heavy-duty job that is not heavy-duty itself. You certainly don’t have to worry about that with this machine, which has a full metal frame, and is as durable as any sewing machine could be. It weighs in at 16.52 lbs. and its dimensions are 19.9 x 9.4 x 13.6 inches.
7. Brother PQ1500SL Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Features:
- Suitable for sewing heavy fabrics
- Portable
- Weight: 33.6 lbs
- Stitches: 1, straight stitch only
- Speed: 1,500 stitches per minute
- Warranty: 2 year parts & labor, 6 years electronics, 25 year chassis
If you are interested in quilting, then this sewing and quilting machine is perfect. The device has been created to be solid and tough from the inside out, and is as stable a sewing machine as you will find, which is particularly important when you are handling large quilting projects.
The Brother PQ1500SL can stitch at up to 1,500 stitches per minute. When you are handling those large-scale quilting projects, you will be able to get through them with ease. You also have an automatic needle threader and a time-saving thread cutter to further speed up your projects. The pin-fed system has been developed exclusively by Brother to improve the management of the fabric as it goes through the machine. This is one of the easiest machines you will use for large-scale projects.
The extension table is perfect for those large projects and can be removed to save space and convert back to a sewing machine. When you are sewing, the knee-lifter enables you to lift the presser foot without taking your hands off of the project.
A great sewing machine which benefits from being both durable and easy to use.
The Benefits Of Owning A Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Regular sewing machines are great for many sewing jobs, including mending, making, and altering clothes. However, if you plan to use your sewing machine extensively and work with heavy fabrics in multiple layers, you’ll need a heavy-duty sewing machine.
These machines are made for professionals and serious hobbyists. They can handle extended daily use and can efficiently deal with heavy fabrics like leather and denim. Because they are created for frequent heavy jobs, they are also built to last, meaning that durability and dependability come as standard.
Related:
- Your Complete Guide To Basic Sewing Machine Maintenance
- Easy Fixes For 10 Common Sewing Machine Problems
They also have a more extensive range of options when it comes to speed control, available stitches, presser foot lifts, etc.
An extended warranty is another benefit of owning a heavy-duty machine. Some manufacturers will offer as much as 25 years of limited warranty. Because of the sturdy build of these machines, they also require less maintenance, saving you time and money. With a little luck, a heavy-duty sewing machine will be a “buy it for life” purchase.
What To Know Before Buying a Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
There are so many heavy-duty sewing machines on the market, that it can be hard to choose the one that is right for you. Here are some things to think about before you buy.
Types
Heavy-duty sewing machines come in a variety of types, and the one you choose will depend on what you need to do with it.
- A mechanical sewing machine has the most basic settings and is used manually by the operator.
- Electronic sewing machines have more features than a manual machine and have motorized functions.
- Computerized machines benefit from being able to connect to the internet to download and use patterns. They generally have the most functionality.
- Embroidery machines are used to embroider fabric (you can often find embroidery and sewing machine combos).
- Sergers are used to hem the edges of the fabric.
Stitching Speed
Variable speed control will enable you to work at your own pace, and not having to readjust the fabric constantly will allow you to sew more smoothly.
While many people like high-speed stitching, a single-speed machine won’t work well with all fabrics. Denim, leather, and delicate fabrics will require lower speeds, so having the ability to vary your speed is essential. Using a slow speed with thick materials will reduce needle wear, help to save the motor, and you won’t make as many mistakes when lining up the stitches.
Built-in Stitches
What would a sewing machine be without the stitches? The more stitches you have at your disposal, the more flexible your sewing machine will be. Of course, if you have lots of stitches which you do not use, then you are going to be paying for that redundancy.
You want to have regular stitches for your day to day needs, but it is also nice to have decorative stitches, buttonhole stitches, and monogramming options. Most high-end sewing machines have a lot of stitches for you to choose from.
Presser Foot Lift
When you are using a heavy-duty sewing machine, you are often doing so because you are using heavy-duty fabrics. You want the fabric to be fed evenly through the presser foot so that the fabric is tight and the stitches are even.
A presser foot lift will work with the feeding mechanism to hold down the fabric. This is great if you are working with thicker fabrics or multiple layers of fabric. If you do need to work with heavy fabrics, we recommend looking for a presser foot, and one which is spring loaded for ease of use.
What Extra Features Should You Look For?
Most sewing machine features come down to personal choice but we always, always recommend looking for a sewing machine with an automatic needle threader. This is almost a must-have feature on a sewing machine, and, thankfully, most newer sewing machines come with them. We cannot count the number of times we have had trouble threading a needle. An automatic threader will get your projects started with ease.
A light to illuminate your work can also be handy for low-light situations or for when you have detail work to do and are hunched over your sewing machine. Look for LED lamps. Not only are they long-lasting and bright but they are also cool to touch too (and not in the way that it is trendy to touch them; they do not get hot like traditional bulbs, which can burn you).
If you benefit from an automatic needle-threader, then you will also benefit from a drop-in bobbin. When you are setting up the sewing machine, especially when you do not have a lot of hands-on experience, it is helpful to automate the setup process. A drop-in bobbin will do just that.
We also recommend a sewing machine where you can see the bobbin after it has been dropped into place. This helps you to monitor the thread levels and ensure that you never run out during a project. It also means that you can spot any problems before they develop into bigger problems.
Price And Warranty
You want anything that you buy to last, and finding a product with a lengthy warranty is generally a great way of doing that.
Heavy-duty sewing machines are built to last, and cost a little more than regular sewing machines, but there is still a chance that something can go wrong. A heavy-duty sewing machine can last you a lifetime, and an extended warranty can help you to get there.
Expect to pay around $300 for a decent heavy-duty machine and anywhere over $1,000 for a top-end one. Don’t hesitate to pay a little more to get a better warranty, and expect to have at least 2 years for electrical parts, 5 years on mechanicals, and 10 years or more for the outer frame.
Sewing Heavy Fabrics (Leather, Denim, Canvas, Linen)
One of the main reasons to buy a heavy-duty sewing machine is to sew those thicker, heavier, and stronger fabrics. With an industrial-strength machine, you can breeze through tougher fabrics such as denim, leather, and canvas, along with stitching multiple layers at the same time.
With more resistance to wear and tear and less need for maintenance, you can fly through large volumes and massive stitching projects.
When it comes to heavier fabrics, the machine is key, but extra features are going to help too. Look out for:
- Adjustable feet and feet heights
- Adjustable thread tension
- Stable and sturdy base
- Variable speed and stitch length
These features are handy to have for regular sewing projects, but become essential when you move up to those tougher and thicker fabrics. Look for these additional features and make your sewing projects easy and effortless.
