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Top 9 Best Sewing Machines for Fashion Design Students

Are you a fashion design student? Are you looking to purchase your sewing machine? Well, then, you are in the right place!

Sewing is interesting, and that’s why you will enroll in a sewing major and start to make your own design, but it would be hard to create a satisfying design without a piece of the great sewing machine.

The best sewing machine for your fashion design major’s student should be durable enough to serve you for a long time. In addition, it comes with a series of basic functionality, such as stitching and embroidery.

This guide will walk you through some of the best sewing machines for a fashion designer and talk about how a fashion school student chooses their sewing machine.

In a hurry? Here are my top 9 picks of the best sewing machines for fashion design students:

How to Choose the Best Sewing Machines for Fashion Design Students?

Some factors need to be considered while choosing a sewing machine when you are a fashion design student. Let’s find out what they are—

#1. Computerized Model

While choosing a sewing machine, it is best to choose a computerized sewing machine because it is much more reliable than the manual sewing machine, and the sewing is so much easier on the computerized model.

With a computerized model, you can aim for extreme precision in your sewing projects, and the sewing machine will also remember the patterns that are repeatedly being sewn.

You can also download a few patterns off the internet by connecting your sewing machine to the internet.

Having a touch screen makes it easier to perform all the operations you perform on your sewing machine.

Also, since these computerized models are a little on the pricier side than their manual counterparts, they have heavy-duty motors, making it easy for you to sew heavyweight fabrics on them.

You also have over-locking and decorative stitch features on these sewing machines, and hence, it is a viable purchase.

#2. Stitching Capacity

Always consider the stitching capacity before purchasing any sewing machine. Although some sewing machines may even have up to 300 stitch types, the main thing that needs to be noticed is whether the stitch types you need are present.

There are a few stitch types that are mandatory in any sewing machine or for any sewing purpose: straight stitch, zig-zag stitch, and buttonhole stitch, etc. Along with these, you might additionally want the blind hem stitch, utility stitch, and knit stitch.

#3. Accessories and Attachments

Modern sewing machines come with a lot of accessories and attachments. But it would help if you were sure which accessories and attachments you absolutely require and which ones you are willing to let go of.

For fashion designing students who will be constructing garments, zipper feet, button attaching, the buttonhole feet are required.

Also, check if your sewing machine has accessories like a detachable table or a free arm. These are some of the accessories you might want to look for when you work on the hard area that is hard to do a straight stitch.

Top 9 Best Sewing Machines for Fashion Design Students

#1. Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

This Janome HD1000 is one of the strongest sewing machines that are suitable for a heavy sewing project. Regardless of what fabric you put it through, it will sew through it perfectly. This sewing machine is best for people who regularly sew medium to heavyweight fabrics like leather or plastic.

The reverse stitch available in this machine is useful, and the options for the stitch length are on the top of the sewing machine.

This sewing machine has 14 inbuilt stitches and a 1 four-step buttonhole style that can create a buttonhole in the size you want.

Also, it has an automatic needle threader and a free arm with a drop feed. The free arm will help you sew cylindrical fabrics with ease and reach hard-to-reach points with ease.

This sewing machine also has a push-pull winding bobbin with a presser foot that is snap-on. Besides, it has a dust cover that can be put on when the machine is not in use so that the dust does not get accumulated on the sewing machine.

On the whole, it is a simple and strong sewing machine that you can use for all sewing tasks. The only complaint of its users is the vibration when working at the top speed. However, it can be reduced by leaps and bounds by placing a mat under the sewing machine.

Check the price of Janome HD1100 on Amazon.

#2. Juki TL-2010Q Sewing Machine with Automatic Thread Trimmer

This is one of the best sewing machines for fashion design students because it is easy to carry around and promises an industry-level sewing quality in sewing projects. It works smoothly like any other industrial sewing machine, and it is a top-of-the-range sewing machine in this price range.

The needle has an up and down position, which lets you decide how you want your thread to end. You can simply cut the thread by pressing the cut thread button on your machine rather than taking up scissors and doing it manually.

You can also control the speed of your stitching with the easy-to-use button. Besides, you can ensure extremely free motion quilting with the help of the up or down dog-foot.

With this machine, you can easily adjust the tension according to the fabric and the thread being used. Also, the LED lights illuminate the whole sewing area so that you can finish your sewing projects with ease.

The bobbin replacement in this sewing machine is as easy as a breeze, and also, you can lower or lift the presser foot without having to use your hands.

The only thing that needs to be kept in mind is that this sewing machine requires a lot of lubrication. So just ensure that there the sewing machine is lubricated properly, and you will be able to sew even the heaviest materials with this sewing machine. Read the full review here.

Check the price of Juki TL-2010Q on Amazon.

 #3. Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

This sewing machine is used in many factories all around the world. It is considered one of the best sewing machines for fashion design students on this list because of its capability, durability, and reliability.

This sewing machine can handle light to medium weight fabrics with no problem. Its four-row dog feed ensures keeping the fabric in place better. In addition, it arrives with a knee lifter located at the bottom of the machine. With this knee lifter, you can raise or lower the presser foot using your knee, ensuring a comfortable and convenient sewing experience.

This machine can produce as much as 5,500 stitches per minute, perfect for home or business use and manufacturing clothing in bulk.

You also get a lamp, a side draw, a thread stand, and a table along with this sewing machine. Furthermore, the Juki DDL-8700 sewing machine is equipped with a servo motor, suitable for a regular fashion design student who will only be designing garments with light and medium weight fabrics.

Sewing machines that come with servo motors produce high-quality stitches and work quietly, and they allow you to have more control over the general speed. At the same time, the clutch motor is used for sewing heavyweight fabrics in industries where the sewing motions are repetitive.

This sewing machine is suitable for sewing tents, nylon webbing, denim, pillowcases, and more, making it one of the best sewing machines for tailors, fashion designers, and sewing enthusiasts.

You will get a decent 25-year limited warranty once you purchase it. So if you are looking for a reliable sewing machine that lasts long, Juki DDL-8700 is for you.

Check the price of Juki DDL-8700 on Amazon.

#4. Brother CE7070PRW Sewing and Quilting Machine

The Brother CE7070PRW sewing machine is one of the most affordable on this list and Project Runway’s lineup. This sewing machine is extremely user-friendly and comes with many features that you will only see on some expensive sewing machines.

It has 70 built-in stitches, 7 one-step button styles, 7 automatic thread cutters, a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 spm (stitches per minute).

This portable sewing machine measures 11.6″ x 16.26″ x 7.01″ and weighs only 13.7 pounds, and then you can take it around and bring it to your class conveniently.

This sewing machine has a drop-in top bobbin that ensures a smooth bobbin replacement along with a completely automatic needle threader.

This sewing machine comes with many accessories, such as an instruction manual, a needle set of 3 pieces, 4 bobbins, and more—everything you need to start sewing right away.

The LCD at the top of the sewing machine allows you to choose from 110 stitch functions and your preferable stitch type without any problem. Also, this sewing machine’s support team is always available via chat, phone, or online, along with your machine’s life.

So, if you are looking to invest in an affordable and professional sewing machine, Brother CE7070PRW is a great option.

Check the price of Brother CE7070PRW on Amazon.

#5. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

If you are looking to trim the costs and get a computerized sewing machine that let you create patterns on textiles and do regular sewing task, Brother SE600 sewing machine is your go-to choice. This embroidery sewing machine is affordable but versatile enough to handle light or heavy fabric without any issues.

This sewing machine comes with 103 built-in stitches. This large amount of built-in stitches allow you to decorate your sewing and crafting masterpiece with ease and comfort. And this sewing machine can be used to do both embroidery and stitching.

You can also choose the presser foot and the stitch type in the large display on the sewing machine. It also has LED lighting, which illuminates your work area so that you can finish off your sewing projects in low-light conditions.

Brother SE600 sewing and embroidery machine arrives with many accessories and attachments, allowing you to develop your sewing skill to a higher level. These accessories include 7 sewing feet, an embroidery hoop, a dust cover, a foot controller, an embroidery foot, etc. Also, the free arm allows you to sew any tube items such as trouser legs, cuffs, sleeves, etc.

It also comes with a USB port that allows you to transfer embroidery designs to the machine. So if you want to get a feature-rich computerized sewing machine that helps you develop and showcase your sewing and embroidery skills, Brother SE600 is the best fit for your need.

It comes with a 25-year warranty. Also, the customer support of this sewing machine is free for its lifetime.

Check the price of Brother SE600 on Amazon.

#6. Brother XR9550PRW Project Runway

Brother XR9550PRW is a Project Runway limited edition sewing machine. It’s more affordable, easier to use, and suitable for even beginners sewer or sewing enthusiasts who are just using it for days to days projects. This sewing machine is simple and sleek, and it has everything you want in a sewing machine.

This sewing machine has 110 built-in stitches and 8 of which are automatic buttonhole stitches, making it accessible to all sorts of users from beginners to advanced sewers. Furthermore, the accessories come with Brother XR9550PRW make this heavy-duty machine more versatile than other Brother sewing machine.

You will get a power cord, an optional foot controller, a hard case, a detachable wide table, 8 presser feet, 4 bobbins, 3 spool caps, and more. Basically, you will get everything you need except the thread and fabric.

The oversized work table attached to this Brother sewing machine allows you to do a large project like quilting. And if you want to do free-motion quilting, the spring-action quilting foot will help you get to work done perfectly. Therefore, if you require a quilting machine further down the line, you might not need to look for other sewing machines because the Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine will be sufficient.

It also has a fully automatic needle threader that will make your life a whole lot easier because you now do not have to worry about having to thread your needle yourself.

The top-down bobbin also makes bobbin replacement an easy task. The support team of this sewing machine is available at all times, and you can contact them via email or chat, or call.

Choose this sewing machine if you are looking for a unique yet simple machine to create amazing garments.

Check the price of Brother XR9550PRW on Amazon.

#7. Singer 9960 Sewing Machine


The Singer 9960 is a sewing machine perfect for any fashion design student to complete their sewing projects. Although this sewing machine is not a budget choice, it definitely offers great value for your money.

This sewing machine is easy to use, and it can be used for home decor, decorative and heirloom sewing, quilting, and other projects.

It has 600 built-in stitches, 13 of them are auto buttonhole stitches, and 4 are calligraphic styles, which is pretty impressive. Along with that, it also has mirror imaging and stitches elongation, with which you can easily customize any project you want. In addition, it has a high sewing speed, which is 850 stitches per minute.

This sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader, which saves you a lot of time and effort and gets the whole sewing machine threaded within few seconds.

It is made of heavy-duty metal and can last you for a very long time. It also arrives with a clear dust cover, which helps keep the sewing machine safe from dust when it is not used.

This sewing machine can compete with any other sewing machine in the market at the same price range, and it will come out as a winner because of all the features it has. Read the full review here.

Check the price of Singer 9960 on Amazon.

#8. Janome 8077 Computerized Sewing Machine 

Janome 8077 is a reliable and beginner-friendly sewing machine that does not require much of a learning curve. This sewing machine is great for sewing students, beginners, and experienced sewers. With this sewing machine, you can easily carry out all your regular sewing needs and more.

It weighs only 18.2 pounds and measures 21.9 x 18.2 x 13.2 inches, and it is also a lightweight and compact sewing machine, suitable for those who travel regularly.

This sewing machine has an LED display with two LED lights illuminating the workstation while you work on your sewing projects so that they can be completed without any difficulty.

This sewing machine has an automatic needle threader, so you no longer need to strain your eye to see if the thread is going through the needle. Instead, simply pull down the needle threader and put the thread in the hook, and pull back the threader, then it is done.

It also has 30 built-in stitches, and it offers 6 one-step buttonhole styles. The stitches’ length and width are both adjustable. It also comes with a needle up/down system, a free arm, and a drop feed,

With this sewing machine, sewing in reverse is extremely easy, and you do not need foot control while sewing because you can operate it with a start/stop button.

Check the price of Janome 8077 on Amazon.

#9. Brother XR3240 Computerized Sewing


Brother XR3240 is an intermediate sewing machine for beginners and intermediate-level sewers. You can use this sewing machine for decorative sewing, button sewing, and also general sewing.

You might worry about the quality of this sewing machine because of the budget price, but this sewing machine is made by Brother—a reputable sewing machine seller in the sewing world—and will not compromise its quality.

Another additional feature that is great about this sewing machine is that it can also be used for quilting and monogramming, thanks to the large workspace area of almost 6×4 inches.

It is light in weight (11.02 pounds), making it easy to travel with. But it is solid, and you can use this sewing machine to sew all kinds of garments with light and medium fabrics.

A flaw with this machine is that it cannot sew heavyweight fabrics like canvas or leather fabrics. However, it is still a great choice of sewing machine for fashion design students to start sewing.

Brother XR3240 comes with 140 built-in stitches, including 8 auto-size buttonhole styles. Fashion students can choose from basic stitches, decorative stitches, and alphanumeric stitches of their choice and carry on sewing.

It has a wide table and an LED light that lights up the whole area you are working in. It comes with 9 presser feet, and it also has an easy threader change system.

All-in-all, this machine is one of the best choices for a beginner in sewing as it is reasonable-priced and reliable.

Check the price of Brother XR3240 on Amazon

Summary

We agree that the best sewing machine will bring all the sewing projects you will take up as a fashion design student to life.

Consider all the factors mentioned above carefully while considering the budget you have for the sewing machine, and then make an informed and wise choice.

Happy sewing!

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