Alterations are an indispensable part of the sewing process, irrespective of the category and fabric type. It might involve size variations, fitting changes, darning, hemming, or patchwork.
Although the time involved greatly varies depending on the type of work, alterations do not demand very high-performing machinery.
Nevertheless, while choosing the machine for alterations purpose, it would be better to review certain aspects like the type of user, the purpose of usage, frequency of application, and others.
The present article discusses these aspects in detail and presents the 8 best machines that can greatly aid you in mending applications.
Here is a list of 8 best sewing machines for alterations:
- REX RX-518 All Metal Construction Portable Professional Grade Desktop Blindstitch Machine
- Axis 500-1 Portable Blind Stitch Hemming Machines Alterations
- WD-500 Portable Blind Stitch Hemming Machines Alterations
- SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
- Joypea Mini Portable Sewing Machine
- W-Dragon Handheld Sewing Machine
- Janome 49360 Computerized Sewing and Stitching Machine
- Elikliv Dual Speed Portable Sewing Machine
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine for Alterations?
Just as choosing a machine for stitching, certain factors are to be looked for when choosing a machine for alternations.
This section explains such prime aspects that must be reviewed before deciding on the model.
#1. User
The type of sewing machine is chosen based on the person who will be using it most often. It would be better to choose a machine with more intuitive controls and basic features for a beginner.
On the other hand, for an expert, a machine with many advanced features complemented with easy-to-use controls would make the best fit.
Similarly, for a hobbyist, equipment that offers versatility in stitch types would be preferred, while for a professional, a heavy-duty machine with higher speed would be more meaningful.
#2. Purpose
Alterations can refer to joining the torn clothes through darning, cut and re-stitching the fabrics to make them fit properly, redesigning to change the look of the wearable, patchworking to conceal the damage, and other similar jobs.
Before deciding on the machine, it would be better to review the purpose for which it will be deployed.
If you aim at darning-like works, it would be better to look for the equipment that comes with a dedicated darning foot.
Likewise, if you look for a job redesign, it would be better to choose the machine that offers many built-in stitch patterns.
#3. Recurrence of Utilization
While choosing the sewing machine, it is necessary to pay attention to how often it will be put-to-use.
Recurrence of utilization matters the most as the more you use the machine, the greater the possibility of wear and tear.
Thus, heavy-duty works and a professional approach characterized by the higher recurrence of utilization demands the use of industry suitable equipment.
On the contrary, non-professional home-users or hobbyists usually use the equipment less often and thus need not necessarily invest in high-cost heavy-duty machines.
So, decide whether you need to go for high-end machines or the standard ones before exploring specific model features.
#4. Versatility
Versatility in the stitching domain usually refers to the different types of stitch patterns a machine can offer. This aspect gains importance not only in standard sewing but also in the case of alterations.
Versatility makes every alteration unique in terms of design and pattern, making it aesthetically more valuable.
It will draw all viewers’ attention who appreciate the work without doubting even slightly that it is done to cover the damage!
So, look for a machine that offers great versatility if you want alterations to add a golden feather to your stitching career!
#5. Space Available
While choosing the sewing machine, it is important to examine its footprint. This factor gains importance, particularly when the space available is limited.
Smaller machines that occupy lesser space make a good fit for use at home as they easily fit inside your room!
Nevertheless, low arm machines mean lesser workspace, restricting the easy handling of bulky projects.
If you wish to work on alterations of heavy materials in a compact space, you would have to choose the machines that come with additional add-ons like free arm and extension tables.
Top 8 Best Sewing Machine for Alterations
Here goes the list of top 8 sewing machine that makes a good fit for mending applications.
Each model is discussed in brief in terms of its salient features, pros, and cons.
#1. REX RX-518 All Metal Construction Portable Professional Grade Desktop Blindstitch Machine
REX RX-518 all-metal construction is a sewing machine that mends light and medium-weight materials, including synthetics, wool, and knits.
It offers non-skip stitching of 1:1 and skip-stitch feature of 2:1 to sew skirt, sleeves, draperies, dresses, coats, pant cuffs, and blouses. The machine results in a professional-grade blindstitch, making the seam almost invisible.
It operates at a maximum speed of 1200 stitches per minute as it is fitted with a strong motor that drives the needle almost effortlessly.
Besides these, the model includes numerous accessories like extra needles, a 5-piece Allen key set, thread stand, plastic oiler, screwdrivers, tweezers, machine clamps, an electronic foot speed controller, knee lifter, and a breathable swing-away bedplate.
Pros
- Breathable swing-away bedplate
- Suitable for beginner-use
- Occupies less space
- High-quality stitches
Cons
- The tension dial is tough to be set.
- The Manual is not very clear.
#2. Axis 500-1 Portable Blind Stitch Hemming Machines Alterations
Axis 500-1 is the best industrial machine for hemming applications. It is characterized by 1:1 and 2:1 true skip-stitch function whose blind stitches can be adjusted in terms of penetration to suit different fabric types.
Besides, it imbibes a blind stitch hemmer thread tension adjuster and swing-away plate that facilitate the sewing of flat pieces, including skirts, neckbands, pants, cuffs, and sleeves.
Its maximum speed is 1200 stitches per minute and can handle wool and cotton apart from lightweight materials.
You can easily find all the spare parts of this easy-portable, sturdy machine in the market and can be assured of a quick replacement whenever needed.
Furthermore, the model is supplied with ample accessories that aid in fast setup and deployment.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Adjustable stitch depth
- Suits the professionals
- Best for hemming
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Difficult to assemble
#3. WD-500 Portable Blind Stitch Hemming Machines Alterations
WD-500 portable blind stitch machine is an equipment that offers excellent support for hemmers. It can effectively stitch both light and medium weight fabrics, including synthetics, wool, and knits.
Using the WD-500 machine, you can easily alter pant cuffs, lapel padding, draperies, skirts, sleeves, coat bottoms, dresses, negligees, and others. It offers a skip-stitch feature for 1:1 and 2:1 stitching and has a swing-away bedplate that provides an extra-large workspace.
The machine operates at a speed of 1200 stitches per minute and is featured with a 7 mm foot lift and skip stitch setting bent needle pressure dial.
The equipment is also provided with a large set of accessories like a thread stand, 5-piece Allen key set, brushes, extra needles, screwdrivers, plastic oiler, tweezer, and machine clamps.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cast-iron body
- Strong motor
- Easy to clean up
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Vaguely presented user manual
#4. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
Singer 4423 sewing machine is a heavy-duty machine that sews at a speed of 1100 stitches per minute. It is featured with a strong motor that imparts the power to sew thick fabrics like denim and canvas. I
ts adjustable presser foot pressure and stainless-steel bedplate aid in easy sewing of lightweight materials as they ensure smooth gliding of the fabrics assuring optimal string tension.
The model imbibes 23 built-in stitch patterns and a one-step buttonhole option to beautify your alterations.
Besides, there are ample other features like top drop-in bobbin system, feed dog mechanism, stitch selection dial, adjustable stitch length and width button, reverse stitch lever, needle position setter, snap-on presser feet, extra-high presser foot lifter, and sufficient set of accessories to easy your task!
Pros
- High stitching speed
- Heavy-duty compatibility
- Less noisy operation
- Comes with a free arm
Cons
- Less number of built-in stitches
- Plastic bobbin case
#5. Joypea Mini Portable Sewing Machine
Joypea mini portable sewing machine is compact stitching equipment that is easily portable to the place of choice. It is supplied with an extension table to aid in the handling of bigger projects like quilting.
The machine is beginner-friendly. It is featured with an automatic bobbin system, variable power LED unit, a dual (low and high) speed controller, and an easy-to-use thread cutter.
Its unique two-line design pattern provides you high-quality stitches both along bottom and surface lines.
You can control the machine operation either by pressing the foot pedal or by pushing the electronic buttons.
Furthermore, Joypea mini portable sewing machine can be conveniently used outdoors to handle emergency or critical alterations as it can function with the help of 4 AA powered batteries.
Pros
- Tiny footprint
- Easily controllable
- Ideal for daily small projects
- Suitable for outdoor working
Cons
- Batteries are not included in the package.
- Table quality is not satisfactory.
#6. W-Dragon Handheld Sewing Machine
W-Dragon handheld sewing machine is small stitching equipment that can conveniently be carried to the place of choice by lifting in hand. It can sew different kinds of fabrics, including silks, leather, denim, and wool.
However, the machine loses its ability to alter the materials whose thickness is greater than 1.8 mm. You can use W-Dragon easily to create attractive handkerchiefs, gloves, aprons, curtains, and decorative items.
It can be put-to-use outdoors by powering it through 4 AA batteries or 6V 600 mA DC power adaptor.
Furthermore, it is cordless, fitted with a fastening plate, accompanies a rotatory wheel, and imbibes a needle arm. It is easy-to-use and control, making it ideal for not only beginners and novices but also kids!
Pros
- Suits for kids and beginners
- Easy portability
- Compact design
- Battery-operable
Cons
- Batteries are not included in the package.
- Cannot sew too thick materials
#7. Janome 49360 Computerized Sewing and Stitching Machine
Janome 49360 is computerized stitching equipment fitted with a heavy-duty motor that makes it ideal for multiple applications, including mending.
The model is light in weight is fitted with a start/stop button, automatic thread cutter, speed control bar, built-in accessory storage, adjustable pressure dial, 7-piece feed dog, auto-locking stitch button, extended needle plate, powerful motor, foot controller, LCD control panel and other intuitive controls.
The stitch chart printed on its body aids you to choose the desired stitch pattern conveniently amongst the 60 built-in types and 6 buttonholes.
Other attractive features of Janome 49360 include the drop feed mechanism, stitch customization ability, presence of free arm, provision to use any of the 8 types of presser feet, advanced bobbin system, needle position adjuster, and ample accessories.
Pros
- Lightweight
- User-friendly
- Quiet operation
- Easily portable
Cons
- LED is not very bright
- Slightly costly
#8. Elikliv Dual Speed Portable Sewing Machine
Elikliv dual-speed portable machine is a mini-sized, beginner-friendly, electric sewing equipment that suits mending applications.
It is light in weight and offers two modes (slow or fast) of speed controls that aid in easy handling of light and thin clothes.
The machine offers dual control: through a pedal switch or a push-button and is featured with a two-line stitch design: along the bottom and surface lines.
Elikliv machine imbibes an automatic thread cutting unit, LEDs, special cuff slot, bottom bobbin system, speed setting button, tension varying screw, and start/stop button.
Besides these, the model is supplied with a large extension table and can be utilized in open-air by resorting to the DC power obtained using 4 AA batteries.
Pros
- Ideal for novices
- Can be DC powered
- Intuitive controls
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Batteries are to be separately purchased
- A bit costly
Final Thoughts
Sewing machines suitable for alterations are to be chosen by evaluating many criteria, including the user’s experience, the purpose of deployment, versatility desired, space available, and frequency of utilization.
Further, as desired for any other use, the model chosen must be easy-to-use, reliable, sturdy in-make, easy to carry, fitted with a good number of controls, durable, offer superior quality stitches, provide a maximum number of customizations, and must be suitable for a wide variety of fabrics.
More the factors satisfied, the better the machine. Nevertheless, do keep in mind that it should even fit your budget and the available space!