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Top 12 Best Intermediate Sewing Machines – Read Before Buying

If you do a lot of sewing at home or have a small business, the intermediate sewing machine might be the right choice for you

The main reason to choose an intermediate sewing machine is that it offers more features and more durable than a beginner sewing machine. But at the same time, the intermediate sewing machine is more cost-effective than an advanced sewing machine.

Either way, if you are looking for an intermediate sewing machine, the list provided below will help you choose the most cost-effective one, more so if you are looking for a feature-rich, durable, and long-lasting intermediate sewing machine.

In a hurry? Here are my top 12 picks of the best sewing machine for intermediate sewers:

Read the overview, pros & cons below.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewers?

Some might consider the stitching speed when choosing the best sewing machine for intermediate sewers, and others might consider the stitch types. Yet, some others might consider the monogramming and the embroidery options available in the sewing machine.

However, here is the list of things that you need to look for when choosing the best sewing machine for an intermediate sewer—

#1. Computerized or Mechanical Sewing Machine

Sewing machines are basically of two different kinds—mechanical and computerized (electronic). A display screen (usually LCD) and buttons to select the various options like stitch type are present in computerized sewing machines.

However, there are switches, dials, and knobs in mechanical sewing machines that help you choose your machine settings.

Both computerized and mechanical sewing machines have their pros and cons. With computerized sewing machines, there is an option to make use of the hundreds of stitch options and sometimes, with an option to also save the stitch pattern in the memory foam.

However, like all other electronics, these machines tend to break down, and just like other electronics, the average owner cannot repair them by themselves.

But instead, if you use them properly according to the manual instructions that come with the sewing machine, they are long-lasting and durable.

On the other hand, mechanical sewing machines have fewer stitching options and have limited capabilities. The best part about them is that they are straightforward to use, and their learning curve is also very short.

All you have to do is turn a dial or flip some switch, and you are good to use the mechanical sewing machine!

#2. Stitch Pattern

Intermediate sewing machines usually offer a higher number of stitch patterns than beginner sewing machines.

However, the number of stitch patterns they offer depends on the type of sewing machine you purchased. A computerized sewing machine usually has more number of stitch patterns than the mechanical model.

A point to note here is that the number of stitch patterns you require depends on your sewing skill level and the type of project you want to do rather than the dozens and hundreds of stitch patterns available to you at hand.

Always remember that more stitch patterns might not always be better.

#3. Stitch Speed

Stitching speed is another factor that you need to consider while choosing the best sewing machine for an intermediate-level sewer.

Now, this speed may vary from machine to machine, and it might make a difference in the fastness with which you complete the projects you take upon.

Though the fast speed may help you complete the projects sooner, it might cause you problems while working with thin and delicate fabrics like georgette.

#4. Buttonhole

Are you a person who is frequently sewing clothes? If yes, then you might also frequently have to add buttons to an outfit. Of course, for even the most experienced sewers, adding a buttonhole is a difficult task.

However, choosing a sewing machine that offers a wide variety of buttonhole options ensures that this task is easier for you.

#5. Controls

The different types of controls and their placement on the sewing machine can make a lot of difference to the ease of use. If you are using a computerized sewing machine, there will be an LCD screen and buttons to choose the various options on your sewing machine.

But if you are using a manual sewing machine, there will be switches and dials. Most machines will have the controls on the machine’s body to reach out to the control while working on a project without moving much.

Manual sewing machines ensure that you can easily turn dials to change stitch patterns.

However, with computerized sewing machines, you will have to find the right stitch pattern and then type it in.

Top 12 Best Sewing Machines for Intermediate Sewer

#1. SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is our top choice for the best intermediate sewing machine for a wide range of reasons.

This is an extremely portable sewing machine with a wide range of stitching capabilities—right from straightforward sewing projects to quilts.

For personal projects, there is a font setting present in this model. This model has its own automatic needle threader to remove the eye strain and the frustration of threading the needle.

Sewing buttonholes has never been easier than with this sewing machine because it comes with a buttonhole underplate.

This sewing machine’s maximum stitching speed is 850 stitches per minute, which ensures that you can finish even the seemingly impossible tasks in no time at all.

This sewing machine also comes with a wide range of presser feet—right from walking feed to the blind hem—that makes it extremely easy to get on top of any project you are handling.

The large extension table that the Quantum Stylist 9960 comes along with allows you to tackle even the quilts that take up a lot of space.

This sewing machine has LED lights that illuminate your workspace to do the projects which require keen observation and focus. This way, you will never go even an inch out of the way in your stitching.

The LCD screen ensures that you are always able to view your stitch selections. Some of the users experienced a problem with the plastic bobbins.

However, with the right and correct usage, we do believe that you shouldn’t be facing this problem at all.

Moreover, if you are looking for a robust and long-lasting sewing machine that can handle heavyweight fabrics, this is the right model for you—as per most of its users. Read the full review here.

Pros:

  • High sewing speed
  • Wide range of presser feet
  • Multiple stitch options
  • User-friendly
  • Deals with heavyweight fabrics

Cons:

  • Plastic bobbins caused problems for some users.

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#2. Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Brother is another brand that is extremely respected and well-known in the sewing circles. The model—Brother XR3774—is one that is great for quilting purposes.

With the 37 built-in stitches, it is a perfect machine for a sewer ready to move on to intermediate level sewing from beginner level sewing but is not ready and is overwhelmed by dozens and hundreds of stitch options.

It also has an auto-size one-step buttonhole style that makes it perfect to sew buttonholes onto the making garments. It comes along with 8 different presser feet—from quilting to walking to the zipper—which makes it perfect to sew and tackle projects that you take up.

This sewing machine’s speed is 800 stitches per minute, which is just fast enough that the sewing gets completed soon but not so fast that your eyes cannot follow the fabric while sewing.

This also ensures that the fabric won’t get away from you while you are sewing.

This model also has LED lights installed to work with ease, and your projects can be done with perfection. You can now work in any dim-lit room without having to worry about the lighting.

The automatic needle threader saves you the effort and time you put towards the needle’s threading. You can also select all the stitches with the help of a dial, so you do not need to figure out the LCD screen usage.

This sewing machine comes with a large extension table for quilting projects that help you finish them off with ease.

The DVD gives you every detail and instruction on how to best use the sewing machine and make the most of this model.

Some users complain that it does not have an automatic bobbin winder, and others complain about the skipping of stitches in the middle of sewing.

However, this is still a great sewing machine for an intermediate sewer, which is both quiet and comes at a reasonable price.

Pros:

  • Quiet sewing machine
  • Great for quilting
  • Large extension table
  • 8 presser feet
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • No bobbin winder
  • Might skip stitches in between

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#3. Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine

For the fast speed of 820 stitches per minute, this sewing machine deserves the attention it gets in the sewing circles. However, apart from the stitching speed, a wide variety of features make the Janome 3160QDC a sewing machine that an intermediate sewer wishes to obtain.

It ensures that sewing is seamless and extremely convenient to its users.

Right from sewing the simplest of things to making quilts to making the most fashionable garments, this model ensures that you complete all the sewing tasks with speed.

The number of built-in stitches in this machine is 60, which assures you that regardless of the type of project you are handling, there is always a stitch type. These stitches are displayed at the front of the sewing machine for you to choose them conveniently.

This model has 6 buttonhole types and also, an automatic needle threader—both of which make your sewing a lot more fun and stress-free. This is a modern and high-end sewing machine that you need a guide to understand.

Therefore, this model comes with an LCD panel that displays the different stitch options and guides you on all of your steps all along your sewing process.

This feature-rich machine has a special feature that ought to be mentioned—lock stitch—which ensures that every stitch is finished to perfection. The sewer can use a button to change the needle’s position from up to down rather than having to use the foot.

The best part about this machine, though, is the accessories that it comes with. This includes the zipper foot, satin foot, zig-zag foot, blind foot, hardcover, extension table, open-toe foot, and so on.

Though some users complain that the bobbin thread hole is a bit small, the sewing machine definitely makes up for it in other ways.

Pros:

  • High speed
  • 60 built-in stitches
  • Automatic needle threader
  • LCD
  • Wide range of accessories

Cons:

  • Small bobbin hole

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#4. SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine

Are you looking for a heavy-duty sewing machine? If yes, then this is the perfect choice for you. This sewing machine’s motor is 60% stronger than most other sewing machines than the other less reliable models.

This is perfect for working on harder projects. It is perfect if you are a professional sewer who sews multiple days a week for multiple hours.

Along with the 23 built-in stitches, which is a bit low compared to the other sewing machines on this list, this model has an impressive speed of 1100 stitches per minute.

This just makes this sewing machine the highlight. It is a great model for a sewer who doesn’t need multiple stitch options to do many things but for a person who wants to finish a lot of things extremely quickly.

The strong motor makes it perfect for thick seams. The bed frame is made of stainless steel, which ensures that this is extremely durable. It also has a metal interior.

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 comes with a wide range of accessories, from softcover to presser feet. The softcover ensures that there is no dust on the sewing machine while it is not in use.

It comes with a 25-year warranty, making it the first choice for sewers who want a machine that will last longer and is simple and heavy-duty. Some of the users did complain that it does take some time to get used to the foot pedal as it is susceptible.

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty sewing machine
  • Long-lasting
  • Can do harder projects
  • 1100 stitches per minute
  • Multiple accessories

Cons:

  • Sensitive foot pedal
  • 23 stitch patterns only

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#5. Bernette 38 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine

This model from Bernette is quite an impressive one because it has 394 stitch types. This sewing machine’s maximum speed is 820 stitches per minute, which clearly assures you that your projects wouldn’t take too long to complete. This is a reliable machine for an intermediate sewer.

This particular model, Swiss-made, has double-needle sewing capacity and an automatic limitation for double needles, ensuring that a needle won’t hit the presser foot and break off.

The tie-off feature at the end of a seam ensures that you needn’t sew a backstitch with your machine. It does it by itself. The best feature is that you do not even need to use the scissors to cut off the thread—the thread cutter will do it for you with just the push of a button.

An extension table is also included, which makes it a great addition if you are sewing quilts. Its feed dogs and presser feet have great reviews.

This means that you can sew your stretchy and thin fabric without as much as a blink of an eye. However, some of the users did complain that this model is a bit noisy and that the price is quite high.

Most users, however, agree that this is a stable sewing machine that is not wobbly, sturdy, and that it feels solid and well-made.

Pros:

  • 394 stitch types
  • Solid and sturdy
  • Sews stretchy fabrics
  • Automatic thread cutter
  • Automatic tie off

Cons:

  • Noisy while using
  • Expensive

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#6. Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Are you looking for a fantastic intermediate machine that is mid-capability? Then, this is the right choice for you. The maximum speed this model can sew is 850 stitches per minute.

It also has about 130 stitch types, ensuring that you can complete all the sewing projects you take up.

The Brother HC1850 comes with an automatic needle threader and a drop-in bobbin that reduces your effort and time by a lot.

This model also has a detachable table that is wide enough so that you can work on all types of sewing projects with ease. The LED lights on the sewing machine ensure that your work moves ahead with perfection.

You can choose the stitch options and the other options by just pressing a button. All the options will be visible to you on an LCD screen. There is also a monogramming foot so that you can add numbers and letters to your fabric.

Some users experienced a little awkwardness while using the needle threader and experienced issues with the bobbin.

However, even those who left this review stated that this sewing machine is light in weight and extremely easy to maneuver around.

Pros:

  • Light in weight
  • Chart with stitches
  • Monogramming foot included
  • Detachable table

Cons:

  • Awkward needle threader
  • Issues with bobbin

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#7. Juki HZL-F300 Sewing and Quilting Machine

There are 106 stitch types in this sewing machine, and also, the maximum speed of this model is 900 stitches per minute.

Though this may not make it the fastest in this list, it definitely is faster than most others and definitely ensures that you can complete your projects sooner than you thought.

The Juki HZL-F300 can save up to 70 memory patterns and reduce your efforts, and it also has an automatic needle threader.

Moreover, it is perfect for doing both quilting and sewing, making it extremely versatile. It has 16 automatic buttonhole types and also 3 monogramming fonts. It also has a free arm, though it has to be bought separately.

There is LED lighting that illuminates the workspace, and you can control the thread cutting with the pedal’s help. A twin needle stitch is allowed with this model.

However, you are required to purchase a spool pin. A few users stated that their machines felt cheaply made. But every user agreed that this machine-made beautiful stitches. Some others stated that it is easy to use, has an excellent drop-in bobbin, automatic thread feeder, and also that it is hushed.

Pros:

  • Sews extremely quietly
  • Stitches are beautiful
  • Three monogrammed fonts
  • 16 automatic buttonhole types
  • Twin needle stitching allowed.

Cons:

  • Problems with cotton lining and stuffing
  • Feels like cheaply made

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#8. SINGER 5532 Heavy Duty Extra-High Sewing Speed Portable Sewing Machine

Are you looking for a high-speed sewing machine, is feature-rich, automatic, and at an affordable price? Well, your search ends here because the Singer 5532 is the one you are looking for. It has everything stated above and more.

It is a hard, strong, and sturdy sewing machine. Within the 32 built-in stitches, it has—6 of them are basic, 7 are stretch and the rest 18 are decorative stitches.

It also has an additional stitch for buttonholes, making it perfect for crafts, clothing, home décor, and more.

However, this model highlights the speed—it can sew up to 1110 stitches per minute. This is more than any standard sewing machine there is. This ensures that you can finish off your projects with the utmost speed.

The metal frame and the stainless steel bed frame ensure that this sewing machine is strong and that the fabric glides easily across the machine. Also, it can sew all types of fabric, like polyester, nylon, denim, etc.

Some users experienced a little problem while trying to sew a little thicker fabric on this model. This is the best intermediate sewing machine that comes at an affordable price.

Pros:

  • High sewing speed
  • Can sew all types of fabrics
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to sew thicker layers of fabrics

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#9. Janome New Home 720 Sewing Machine

Janome New Home 720 is a lightweight machine. This model is an upgraded version of the Janome 720, which only has 20 built-in stitches and 2 auto-size one-step buttonhole styles.

The new version—Janome New Home 720—has 60 built-in stitches and 20 auto-size one-step buttonhole styles.

This model can handle multiple layers of fabric with ease. Fabrics from canvas to denim—all the types can be handled by the Janome New Home 720.

It is the perfect sewing machine for both beginners as well as advanced sewers. It is also an amenable machine for quilting. It is tough, hard, and also light in weight. This allows you to carry it even to your sewing class. Some of the users say that it is a bit noisy and a little too expensive.

However, if you wish to sew through heavyweight fabrics, this is the perfect choice of sewing machine for you.

Pros:

  • Tough and hard
  • 20 auto-size one-step buttonhole styles
  • Can sew multiple layers of fabrics

Cons:

  • A bit noisy
  • Expensive

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#10. Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

This model from Janome is a hard and sturdy one. It can handle any type of fabric an intermediate sewer needs, and the machine itself is made of aluminum, making it extremely strong and sturdy.

It is an excellent choice for intermediate sewers as it can basically handle almost all types of fabrics, including denim and leather.

It is also a good sewing machine for people who are interested in learning to sew. As far as reviews go, it has good ones. It is most appreciated for its metal body and the way it handles the fabric.

It is also an affordable sewing machine. In this model, you also get to adjust the stitches’ length, making it easy for you to sew different kinds of fabric.

Overall, this is a good sewing machine that you can invest in as an intermediate-level sewer.

Pros:

  • Strong and sturdy
  • Can sew all types of fabrics
  • Can adjust stitch length
  • Metal body
  • Automatic needle threader

Cons:

  • Slow sewing machine
  • The reverse function might be faulty.

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#11. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

This heavy-duty sewing machine is affordable, too. It is built with all metal parts, and so it is extremely hard and tough.

Along with being designed for heavy-duty usage, this model is straightforward to use, and it is the perfect one to purchase if you are an intermediate-level sewer.

The Janome HD3000 can handle all the fabrics with ease. It can also sew through multiple layers of fabric. It has a built-in needle threader and also, snap-on presser feet that help make your sewing an easy process.

It has a maximum of 18 stitch types and also one auto-size buttonhole type.

Pros:

  • Automatic needle threader
  • Snap-on presser foot
  • Strong all-metal parts
  • Can handle all types of fabric
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • The reverse function is a little off.

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#12. Brother PC420PRW Professional Grade Computerized Sewing Machine

This is a feature-rich machine. It has 294 built-in stitch types and also, 11 presser feet. The best part about this sewing machine is the accessories that it packs. It has all the accessories that an advanced level sewing machine has.

It is perfect for both beginners and also for experienced sewers. It is effortless to use and also very strong and sturdy. It can handle all the types of fabrics you throw at it—be it leather or denim, or tricot.

It also comes at a reasonable price. It also has a 25-year warranty, so if you want a long-lasting sewing machine that is sturdy and strong, this is the one to choose. Although, some users have reviewed that this model could have better presser feet.

Pros:

  • 25-year warranty
  • Strong and sturdy
  • Affordable price
  • 294 built-in stitches
  • Can handle all types of fabrics

Cons:

  • Can have better presser feet

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Final Thoughts

Of course, intermediate sewing machines are an awesome way to kick the quality of all of your sewing projects up a notch. Considering you are looking for a new sewing machine, we know that there is a perfect fit for you.

You are now equipped with the knowledge of why to choose an intermediate sewing machine and the factors that must be considered before choosing the best intermediate sewing machine, along with the 12 best sewing machines for intermediate sewers. And we believe that you will consider all the pros and cons and make a wise and informed decision in choosing the best intermediate sewing machine for yourself.

FAQs:

#1. Can Intermediate Sewing Machines Sew Thick Fabric?

Keeping all the sewing machines are not created equally in mind, we can say that most intermediate sewing machines can sew thick fabrics.

Intermediate sewing machines are more equipped to handle thicker fabrics than beginner sewing machines. Also, some machines are so designed to handle thick fabric only, while others are designed to handle lightweight fabrics.

Ensure proper usage of presser feet and needles, and you are good to go! Before purchasing any sewing machine, always check the description of what the sewing machine can handle.

#2. Are Intermediate Sewing Machines Good for Beginners?

Yes, intermediate sewing machines are good for beginners. They ensure that your skills as a sewer grow with the usage of the sewing machine.

These sewing machines let you explore the different things you can make and the different projects you can take upon by offering various stitch options.

Even the sewing machines with mid-range stitch options let you explore the wonderful world of sewing in a way that most beginner sewing machines can’t.

Also, just by reading the instruction manual and watching the DVD that comes with the sewing machine, you will learn a lot.

Another great idea is to ask help from experienced sewers, take on difficult projects, and learn more from sewing books.

#3. How to Maintain These Intermediate Sewing Machines?

Proper care and servicing at regular intervals of time will keep your sewing machine in great shape for its lifetime, just like any appliance. This will also cut down repair costs and prevent breakdowns.

Servicing is one of the most important things you must do to make your sewing machine work like new. If you use it daily, ensure that you at least get it professionally serviced once every year.

Also, after every use, clean it up so that it is in its prime condition. Some of the sewing machines come with hard or soft covers that help you keep dust off of them.