Sewing denim is not that easy, particularly because of its greater thickness and heavier weight. This demands a strong, robust, and heavy-duty sewing machine, even when put-to-action for long.
The best denim sewing machines should imbibe all necessary features that support the stitching of thick fabrics like long and tough needles that can be threaded with strong strings. And should have a strong metallic body, high performing motor, and other special accessories that ensure easy sewing of denim. So, no matter whether you are looking for denim wear or denim-made decorative items, to have a superior surface finish, you do require heavy-duty machines.
Interested to know more of the specific requirements that help to stitch the denim pieces with high precision? Then, just read-on!
In a hurry? Here are my top 13 picks of the best sewing machines for denim:
- SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine
- SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine
- Brother ST371HD
- Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
- Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
- Singer 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
- Janome DC2014 Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Sewing Machine
- SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
- Janome HD 3000 Sewing Machine
- Brother XR9550PRW Sewing Machine
- Juki HSL-F600 Full Sized Computer Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine
Read the detailed review below.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine for Denim?
All standard sewing machines cannot handle heavy-weight fabrics like denim or leather because they are designed to sew lightweight fabrics for a relatively short duration.
They would comprise plastic bodies and non-metallic moving components that make them wear and tear when operated on tough materials, in this case, denim. Furthermore, there would be no strong motor or presser foot to push the needle through the thick cloth layers.
So when forced to sew denim, such equipment would lead to problems like loose stitches, needle breaking, bobbin damage, and others.
Moreover, the motor might wear out easily due to overload; you might be demanded to thread the needle and wind the bobbin repeatedly while requiring their frequent replacement.
To avoid these, you need to use the heavy-duty compatible sewing machines fitted with appropriate components to sew denim pieces.
The best sewing machines for denim should be tough and capable of handling bulky projects. These are usually grouped under the category of heavy-duty, industry preferred sewing equipment.
Some of the important features you need to look for while choosing a machine that can sew denim are discussed here in detail. Be sure to go through before you decide on your model!
#1. Power Motor
A powerful motor is an indispensable part of the heavy-duty machine: the higher the motor’s capacity, the greater the ability to drive the needle through the thick fabric.
Nevertheless, all sewing machines are not fitted with strong motors.
In fact, most of them that are meant for general use employ plastic gears and relatively weak motors. These models will wear out easily when made to sew heavy materials and thus are not ideal for stitching denim, especially when in bulk.
If you are looking for a machine that can give you appreciable results for long-hour denim sewing, then opt for the one equipped with a strong built-in motor.
#2. High Presser Foot
The height of the presser foot present on the machine directly affects the material’s thickness that can be sewed. More is the area between the presser foot and the bedplate, easier is it to accommodate bulkier fabrics.
If using the machine to sew light-weight fabrics, then this will not matter much.
However, while handling thicker clothes like denim, it proves to be a critical necessity.
Thus, if you wish to have a trouble-free, easy motion of your denim while sewing and anticipate it to be handy while stitching, hemming, or embellishing, then do choose a machine that offers a higher presser foot.
#3. Leveling Button
Even a single layer of denim fabric is thicker in comparison to normal cloth materials. But while sewing denim wears, it is often required to join multiple layers of such denim, which further increases the effective thickness that requires to be handled by the needle.
Denim stitching requires you to change the needle plate’s level often to account for the varying cloth thickness effectively.
The leveling button greatly aids during the process as it helps you conveniently lift the front of the presser foot such that it can climb over the thicker fabric.
So, if you aim to sew denim often, then ensure a leveling button on it.
#4. Robust Internal Frame
The sturdy interior frame makes the machine stronger and heavier. Although this affects the portability factor, it considerably reduces the vibration, especially while operating on thick fabrics.
The result will be high-quality stitch patterns sewed at ease in a less noisy environment.
Robust internal frame ensures even smooth cloth feeding resulting in highly precise stitches characterized by optimal tension all along their path.
Hence, if you want to finish sewing your denim faster and quieter, then do choose a heavy-duty machine that is strong and sturdy right from inside!
Top 13 Best Sewing Machine for Denim
This section introduces you to 13 stitching machines that suit best to sew the denim pieces together. Every model is presented in brief with its prominent features and unique characteristics.
This will help you narrow your search while you look for the best models that can deliver high-quality, superior-finished denim wears.
#1. SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine
Singer 4411 machine is study equipment whose interior is a metal frame that makes it highly durable even when put-to-use for heavy-duty applications.
The machine has a strong motor that makes it perfect for sewing thick fabrics like denim apart from light and medium weight clothes.
This machine offers a maximum stitch speed of around 1100 stitches per minute. It is featured with 11 built-in stitch patterns that include 6 basic stitches, 4 decorative stitches, and 1 buttonhole that can be easily selected using the stitch selection dial.
It is fitted with 4 presser feet, including an all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and button sewing foot. Besides these, it offers many other attractive features like stainless steel bedplate, electric thread tension control system, 4-step buttonholes, transparent drop-in bobbin system, and drop feed system.
In Singer, you can easily adjust the needle to one among the three positions to facilitate actions like zipping, cording, and topstitching.
The result would be smoothly moving fabric sewed attractively with superior quality stitches held at optimal tension.
#2. SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine
Singer 4432 is a heavy-duty machine fitted with a metal interior frame that aids in skip-free stitching. It offers a maximum stitch speed of 1100 stitches per minute and is fitted with 4 presser feet that aids in zipping, buttonholing, button sewing, and all-purpose use, similar to that in the case of Singer 4411.
However, if you are looking for a machine that offers versatility in terms of stitch types, then it 4432 is better in comparison to 4411 as it imbibes 32 different types of stitches rather than a mere 11.
Besides, this model is equipped with many accessories and add-ons that aid in its quick set-up and deployment.
These include reverse stitch lever, spool pin felt, seam ripper, transparent bobbins, stainless steel bedplate, one-step buttonhole mechanism, top drop-in bobbin system, drop feed facility, stitch selection dial, stitch length adjuster, a pack of needles, machine cover, high-performance motor, automatic needle threader, foot controller, screwdriver, soft-sided dust cover, and power cord.
Further, there is even a free arm supplied with the machine to aid in heavy-duty works.
#3. Brother ST371HD
You can sew with a maximum speed of 800 stitches per second using Brother ST371HD. It offers 6 different presser feet for blind stitch, buttonholing, zigzagging, nonsticking, zipping, and button sewing.
In this model, you can experiment with 37 stitch patterns that can be easily chosen from the stitch chart and customized in terms of their width and length.
The machine is equipped with a drop feed mechanism that helps you feed the fabric evenly beneath the strong needles creating standard or free-motion designs.
Brother ST371HD imbibes intuitive and automatic units that help in bobbin winding, needle threading, buttonhole resizing, etc.
Furthermore, it is featured with a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin system, free arm, metal needle plate, built-in handle, upper thread tension control dial, reverses sewing lever, stitches dial selector, and an LCD panel.
Beyond this, the model comes with other add-on components, including a spool pin and twin needle to support easy sewing of a wide range of fabrics, including denim.
#4. Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
Janome Magnolia 7318 is a beginner-friendly sewing machine that operates at a maximum speed of 840 stitches per minute.
It offers 18 types of built-in stitch patterns and one four-step buttonhole mechanism that can be opted from the stitch chart panel displayed on the machine’s body.
The model employs a 5-piece feed dog system aided by a drip feed system to ensure the fabric’s smooth movement.
There are a jam-proof, transparent, top bobbin loader and push-pull bobbin winder to facilitate easy and quick bobbin threading.
This model is supplied with Janome muffling mat, snap-on presser feet, bobbins and Schmetz 90/14 universal needles pack, detachable free arm, blind hem foot, stitch dial selector, stitch reversing lever, zigzag foot graduated needle plate, automatic thread cutter, strong motor, extra-high presser foot lift and a storage compartment.
These easy-to-use controls deliver you the power to handle denim sewing for long hours, creating mesmerizing, finished products, even if you are a novice in this field.
#5. Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Janome HD1000 is an industrial-grade sewing machine whose interior as well as exterior body is made of aluminum.
This industrial-grade machine is ideal for heavy sewing applications as it is completely void of plastic parts, making it highly durable.
It offers 14 stitch patterns to choose from that can be customized according to their length and width.
The machine operates at a maximum speed of 840 stitches per minute and includes a free arm and a 3-piece feed dog mechanism that facilitate the free-motion stitching of many kinds of fabrics.
It is fitted with an automatic needle threader, 4 presser feet, front-loading vertical oscillating hook bobbin, and a manual thread tension controller.
Further, the machine comes with a lot of accessories that facilitate its easy setup and use.
These include a pack of needles, bobbins, zipper foot, hard dust cover, extra-high presser foot lift, stitch selection dial, hemmer feet set, buttonhole stabilizer plate, reverse stitch lever, rolled hem foot, bobbin cases, beading foot set, horizontal spool holder, 9-piece scissors kit, spool stand, flower stitching attachment, darning foot, satin stitch foot, etc.
#6. Singer 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
Singer 9960 is a machine that offers a great number of built-in stitches, accounting for around 600 in total.
Nevertheless, the number can be further increased as it offers a probability to personalize them not only in terms of length and width but also through flipping, referred to as mirror imaging.
You can even mix one or more of these to create unique design patterns and use 5 lettering options for further personalization.
The model can operate at a maximum speed of 850 stitches per second, creating eye-catching designs over light and heavy weighing materials, including denim.
Besides these, it imbibes 13 one step-buttonholes, monogramming option, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, automatic thread cutter, self-adjusting tension system, drops feed mechanism, reverses stitch button, speed controller, direct stitch selector, tie-off button, needle positioner, snap-on presser feet, thread cutter shut-off option, programmable needle position setter, twin needle function, and an extra high presser foot lifter.
It is even supplied with a free arm and an extension table to ease your work while dealing with bulky materials like denim. Read the full review here.
#7. Janome DC2014 Computerized Sewing Machine
Janome DC2014 is a computerized machine that caters to the purpose of diverse stitching needs.
It is featured with 50 built-in stitch patterns and 3 one-step buttonholes to enhance the finished work’s aesthetic appearance further.
It employs a box feed system with a 7-piece feed dog mechanism to ensure the fabric’s smooth movement.
Janome DC 2014’s maximum speed of 860 stitches per minute can be conveniently controlled using the speed control slider present at a handy place.
The model is equipped with a convertible free arm that facilitates circular sewing with a superior feed system (SFS).
Apart from these, the model imbibes many features expected to be present while dealing with heavy-duty applications.
These include built-in needle threader, memorizable needle position, reverse stitch button, snap-on presser foot, strong motor, auto-declutch bobbin winder, automatic thread tension controller, stitch number, length and width button, top loading full rotary hook bobbin, direct stitch selection dial, stitch lock button, automatic sensor buttonhole, extra higher presser foot lift and easily navigable buttons.
#8. Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Sewing Machine
Brother XR9500PRW is a computerized machine that offers 140 built-in stitch functions that can be operated at a maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute.
It imbibes 8 one-step buttonholes and 6 accessory feet that facilitate overcasting, zigzag, blind stitching, buttonholing, zipping, and button fitting apart from the monogramming foot.
The model is fitted with many intuitive controls, including a start/stop button, computerized stitch selector, and needle positioner.
The machine is user-friendly as it imbibes advanced needle threader, quick set-top bobbin system, dedicated bobbin winding motor, reference stitch guides, electronic speed controller, back-lit LCD panel, powerful motor, monogramming facility, accessory storage compartment, convenient stitch flip chart, reverse stitch button and automatic drop-feed mechanism.
Furthermore, Brother XR9500PRW is supplied with a good number of supporting components, a detachable extension table, a protective hardcover case, and a free arm to aid in handling denim-like heavy fabrics.
#9. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
This Singer model is featured with 23 built-in stitches and is equipped with a fully automatic 1-step buttonholer.
It is characterized by a maximum stitch speed of around 1100 stitches per minute that can be adjusted using a speed controller.
Its metal frame body surrounding a powerful motor makes it suitable for heavy-duty, time-demanding applications.
The machine imbibes 4 presser foot controls, namely, general purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and button sewing foot, that help you gain higher precision and better control of your stitch patterns.
Besides, Singer 4423 is fitted with an automatic needle threader, extra high-pressure foot lifter, needle position setter, stitch selector, top drop-in bobbin system, stainless steel bedplate, adjustable presser foot pressure, automatic reverse stitch control, and snap-on presser feet.
What’s more, it is even supplied with numerous accessories like spool caps, bobbins, spool pin felt, screwdriver, lint brush, soft dust cover, and a free arm to aid in sewing and to design thick fabrics like denim.
#10. Janome HD 3000 Sewing Machine
This Janome model is a heavy-duty sewing machine that comprises a strong aluminum body. All its working parts are made of metal, making it sturdy and robust while in operation.
Janome HD3000 offers a chance to try-out 18 different stitch patterns, including a one-step buttonhole, at a maximum speed of 860 stitches per minute.
Any desired style can be quickly and conveniently chosen from the stitch chart displayed on the machine’s body.
You can customize each of these stitches in terms of length and width easily using the front panel controller, creating unique patterns each time.
Janome HD3000 imbibes any intuitive features like a built-in needle threader, lay-in thread tension controller, snap-on presser feet, blind hem foot, reverse stitch level, overedge foot, foot pressure adjuster, automatic thread cutter, rolled hem foot, drop feed system, automatic buttonhole foot, horizontal spool pin, and zigzag foot. Additional add-ons provided with the model to ease the heavy-duty works include a free arm, hardcover, instructional guide, specialized bobbins, extra-high presser foot lift, and strong motor.
#11. Brother XR9550PRW Sewing Machine
Brother XR9550PRW is a computerized metal-framed machine that offers 165 unique built-in stitches, including 110 utility, 55 alphanumerics, 8 auto-size buttonholes, one decorative, and one heirloom type.
It is fitted with an easy-to-use computerized stitch selector, drop feed system, automatic needle threader, jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin system, intuitive needle positioner, thread sensor, start/stop button, strong motor, stitch chart, and LCD panel.
The model can operate at the maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute that can be set to a value of your convenience using the speed selector dial.
Brother XR9550PRW comes with 8 types of presser feet, aiding in a buttonhole, zipping action, sewing buttons, zigzag stitching, monogramming, quilting, overcasting, and blind stitching.
It is equipped with a lot of accessories like a wide table, free arm, protective hard case, accessory pouch, seam ripper, twin needle, spool caps, power cord, bobbins, needle set, extra spool pin, cleaning brush, screwdriver, ballpoint needle, and an eyelet pouch.
Moreover, the model is greatly user-friendly and includes an instruction manual that describes the setup, operational procedures, and troubleshooting mechanisms in detail. Read the full review here.
#12. Juki HSL-F600 Full Sized Computer Sewing and Quilting Machine
Juki HSL-F600 is the Juki’s industrial sewing machine that imbibes 225 built-in stitches, including 16 electronic buttonholes and 4 lettering fonts that adds a new dimension to your personalization.
The desired stitch pattern can be easily chosen by setting the one-touch stitch selection button to the stitch chart’s dedicated number.
These stitch patterns can be combined to create unique designs that can be saved in separate folders to be recalled.
The maximum speed of 900 stitches per minute and the string tension can be adjusted using the dedicated controllers located at convenient positions even for Juki’s exclusive random stitches.
The model is fitted with quick set bobbin threading system, bobbin winder powered by a separate motor, automatic needle threader, advanced programmable thread trimmer, machine buzz volume controller, LCD contrast setter, 7-point surgical steel feed dog system, automatic reverse sewing lever, needle position setter, drop feed mechanism, language selector, foot control programmer and customizable buttonholes.
Besides these, Juki HSL-F600 comes with a manual presser foot lift, adjustable foot pressure option, walking foot, hard case, knee lift lever, edge sewing presser foot, wide table, spool caps, patchwork presser foot, zipper presser foot, and open toe presser foot.
#13. Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine
Janome 7330 is a computerized machine that offers 16 utility stitch patterns, 6 types of one-step buttonholes, and 8 decorative stitches, accounting for 30 in total.
It is featured with an automatic built-in threader unit, double-lift presser foot, start/stop button, stitch pattern customizer, manual thread tension controller, computerized stitch selector, snap-on presser foot, drop feed system, needle positioner, speed controller, and superior feed system (SFS).
There is even a 7-piece feed dog system, needle up/down memorization feature, auto-declutch bobbin winder, quick reference stitch chart, and a free arm that greatly facilitates equipment use.
The model is equipped with 4 presser feet, including zigzag/straight stitch, applique foot, zipper foot, and buttonhole foot. Other accessories that are supplied with Janome 7330 are a multi-blade screwdriver, spool base, lint brush, a pack of size 14 needles, spool holders, variable speed foot pedal, 10 Janome bobbins, needle spools, spool pin, power cord, one-hand thread cutter, satin stitch foot, and seam ripper.
Besides these, there are also dedicated units like easy reverse button, automatic stitch lock control, strong motor, and extra high presser foot lift that facilitate heavy-duty applications like sewing of denim with ease and appreciable precision.
Final Thoughts
Denim is a special piece of clothing that is difficult to be sewn using the normal stitching machines, particularly because of its increased thickness.
Some of the special requirements demanded by a machine meant to sew thick fabrics are a strong motor, sturdy body, reverse stitching ability, and extra high presser lift provision.
These are necessary to ensure a larger workspace and minimal material movement avoiding effortful moves.
Most of these features are found to be a part of industry-specific heavy-duty oriented stitching equipment.
From the presented discussion on the top 13 denim sewing suitable machines, it is seen that every model offers a dedicated set of merits while being bound by certain limitations.
For instance, Singer 9960 is the best if you are looking for great versatility in stitch patterns, while Singer 4423 or 4411 would be the best if you are looking for a really high speed.
Similarly, your choice may be influenced by the requirement to have many automatic units to avoid manual work or demand a more intuitive interface and enhanced customer support.
Hence, before making a choice, you must be clear about your exact requirements and the budget.
Also, look for the factors like reliability, footprint, performance, weight, and support to narrow your search while choosing the machine that serves you the best.
So, prioritize your needs, browse through the article, research more, buy a suitable model, sew denim at high precision, create unique superior quality works within a short period and add a golden feather to your professionalism!
FAQs:
Do You Need A Special Sewing Machine For Jeans?
Jeans are a type of material manufactured from thick fabrics like denim. In the market, you cannot find a sewing machine that is marketed as a jeans-sewing machine. Nevertheless, not all machines are capable of handling bulkier fabrics.
This is because jeans’ easy stitching demands certain special requirements like long needles that can pierce through the thick layers, strong needles that won’t break when made to handle tough materials, a strong motor that does not wear and tear easily when put to heavy-duty work.
Besides, they are expected to be of sturdy-make and must ensure greater reliability, durability, and smooth working.
So, although sewing jeans do not demand dedicated special equipment, you must choose the one that satisfies these special requirements.
How to Choose a Sewing Machine for Leather?
Leather differs from the normal cloth materials in its texture and thickness. It is tough, slippery, and bulkier in comparison to other fabrics.
This nature makes the sewing of leather a non-trivial task and does demand special features.
These include a strong motor that performs trouble-free when put to heavy-duty use; robust, big, sharp needles that can easily pierce through the leather; sturdy heavy machine body to hold the material in place; large workspace to ensure easy movement of leather and extra high-pressure feet that can ease the handling of material.
If aiming to sew leather quite often, confirm that the sewing machine you choose satisfies all these requirements.
This helps you handle leather easily, assuring a superior finish with highly precise, quality stitches on the finished product.
How a Sewing Machine Considered as a Heavy-Duty Machine?
Sewing machines can be considered as heavy-duty equipment if they
- imbibe a large workspace to facilitate easy handling and turning of thick materials
- comprise of a long arm to aid in hassle-free working of large projects like quilting
- are robust and sturdy to make making them heavy enough to ensure minimum vibration
- are fitted with strong needles that can pierce through thick fabrics without breaking
- imbibe a powerful motor that can drive the needle through the fabric quick without lag
- are equipped with strong presser foot attachments that aid in controlling material movement
- are attached with add-ons like extra high-pressure feet, leveling button, reverse stitch lever, etc.
- Include all features present in high-end machines like automatic threader units, stitch speed controllers, needle positioners, stitch selectors, built-in bobbin systems, etc.
What Sewing Machine is Suitable for Canvas?
Canvas is not the same as any other fabric, especially due to its greater thickness besides hard characteristics. This makes stitching canvas relatively tough, even for some high-end machines.
Especially because, when used, these machines might pose problems like increased vibration, needle breaking, jiggered stitches, bobbin unwinding, unacceptable finishing, and others.
As a result, you need to choose a heavy-duty machine fitted with strong, durable components to sew canvas.
Additionally, it would be better to have a large workspace and automatic controller units that aid in quick work completion.
Most of these features form a part of industry-suitable sewing equipment designed to handle the heavy workload for a longer duration without encountering failures or long downtimes.
