Best Industrial Sewing Machine

Sewing machines can be domestic or industrial. The art of sewing has encouraged innovation among manufacturers to try to produce outstanding sewing machines with better designs and features. There are very many types of sewing machines in the market but our focus is mainly on industrial sewing machines.

Let’s start with the test results after taking a wide consideration of various functions:

 

Our Top Picks

Take a quick look at the industrial sewing machines we cherry-picked!

1. Tiny Workhorse with Pin Feeding System: Brother PQ1500SL

2. Best for Professionals: Commercial Grade Juki DDL-8100 Lockstitch Machine

3.Best for Small Business: Value-Packed Juki DDL-8700-H

4. Best Tabletop with Sturdy Support: Vevor DDL8700 Lockstitch Machine

5. Budget Pick Provides Great Stitch Quality: Consew CP206RL Walking Foot Machine

6. Best Value for Money with Full Cast Iron Metal: REX Walking Foot Sewing Machine

7. Best Combo for Home Use: Juki DDL8700 Lockstitch Machine

8. The Quietest with Servo Motor: Juki DDL-8700-Servo

 

What is an Industrial Sewing Machine?

An industrial sewing machine is a machine that is constructed for long-term professional tasks and can run for long working hours without breakages. Materials used in construction are durable and of superior quality to ensure efficiency. Their motors are more powerful and run at higher speeds than domestic machine motors.

 

What Can Industrial Sewing Machines Do?

This machine does very many things: upholstery, leather products such as shoes and bags, and sewing clothes. This machine is capable of handling a large volume of work and sews a wide range of fabric. These machines are designed for fast stitching and endure long working hours to ensure that you meet your manufacturing target.

 

How to Choose the Best Industrial Sewing Machine?

There are very many brands producing industrial sewing machines, therefore you might find it hard to choose one. Here are some basic features that you should have in mind when shopping for an industrial sewing machine.

Speed

In an industrial set up you need to produce more to gain more profits. For this reason, you need a sewing machine that is capable of sewing at a high speed to meet your target. The best speed of an industrial sewing machine ranges from 1000 to 5500 stitches per minute.

Power consumption

These machines are meant for heavy use thus they consume a lot of power. In industry, this might not be a bother but to those planning on using an industrial machine at home, you ought to consider its power consumption.

The good news is that there are brands that build eco-friendly industrial machines that consume less power. Always check its power consumption before purchasing to avoid extra costs.

Sound and vibration

Some industrial sewing machines are noisy and vibrate rapidly when running at high speeds. Top brands in the market have carefully engineered their industrial sewing machines to reduce the amount of noise and vibration produced.

For comfortability, consider purchasing an industrial machine that produces less noise and vibration, which results in better stability and quality stitches.

Type of machine

Industrial sewing machines are designed for different types of fabric materials. The sewing machine for a dress-maker will be very different from that of a sofa manufacturer and that of a shoe producer.

You should understand why you need an industrial sewing machine for you to purchase the ideal one for your project. However, an industrial sewing machine should be heavy-duty and should sew heavy materials easily.

Motor type

Working on tough materials such as leather will require clutch motors, which are associated with noise but are ideal for this material.

Light to medium fabrics, however, will need you to go for the silent servo motor machines, which also come with high speed to ensure that you complete your work fast. Depending on your needs, you can choose either a clutch-type motor or a servo type.

 

What Types of the Industrial Sewing Machine to Choose from?

With the vast number of industrial sewing machines in the market, you can choose that which will make your working smooth.

Electronic

Electronic sewing machines enable you to set sewing attributes electronically by pressing a button. Activities such as powering, adjusting speed, and setting stitch length can all be performed through pressing buttons.

Computerized

Brands have constructed sewing machines that you can now adjust your stitch pattern, length, and control speed on the LCD screen that comes with the machine. Computerized machines not only make your work easier and fast but also save you a lot of time, thereby increasing your output.

Overlock

Overlock sewing machines are important for putting a professional look at your products. They create strong edges on your products to ensure that they last long. They also sew faster thus saving you time.

Walking foot sewing machine

Heavy materials such as canvas and leather will require more action. Walking foot sewing machine grabs the leather or canvas material and sews continuously, using even pressure and thus preventing the material from bunching

Tabletop

Sewing machines with table-tops provide you with a large working space to comfortably work on all your projects. Industrial sewing machines need a heavy table to sew properly. If a sewing machine does not come with a table, you can consider using your kitchen or dining room table.

 

Best Industrial Sewing Machine Reviews

Industrial sewing usually entails working on large-scale jobs and tough fabrics which often takes a lot of time and effort.

Following quality machines we cherry-picked guarantee your stable work experience and output.

1. Tiny Workhorse: Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine

Industrial sewing usually entails working on large-scale jobs and tough fabrics which often takes a lot of time and effort. Brother PQ1500SL high-speed sewing and quilting machine will help you ease your burdens.

The machine weighs just 29.8 pounds and measures 7.9 x 12.6 x 19.3 inches. With its high speed of 1500 stitches per minute, you will be able to sew and quilt faster and easier than before. Also, all types of textile thickness can be sewn using Brother PQ1500 thanks to its pin feed system for accurate material feeding.

Furthermore, this machine comes with an inbuilt threading system, jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, and a removable knee-lifter designed to lift the presser foot leaving your hands free to work on the material.

To add to this list are a wide table, 7 sewing feet, a manual handbook, an auto needle positioner, and an automatic thread cutter. With the full range foot pressure adjustment together with the automatic needle threader, your working is not only fast but also easy.

When you are stuck at any point, there is a technical support team at your disposal 24/7 to assist you.

Pros

– It is reliable.

– It is a time saver.

– It is durable.

– It has an LCD light for night sewing.

Cons

– It is heavy.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

2. Best for Professional: Juki DDL-8100 Lockstitch Sewing Machine

If you are a person that prefers assembling your sewing machine then Juki DDL-8100 is perfect for you as it comes unassembled. It comes with a table, a silent DC 550 watts servo motor, and a chair that can be adjusted to make you comfortable when working.

This machine provides you a great stitching speed of up to 4500 stitches per minute. Juki DDL-8100 can be used for light and medium fabrics only. Using this machine, you are assured of high speeds with fine stitches.

Accessories that come along with this machine are a bobbin winder thread stand, bobbins, needles, oil instruction manual, and a knee lifter belt, a table, and a lamp.

The powerful silent motor and the large working space ensure that you have a happy work experience each time you work.

We’ve also set a special page for Juki, click here to see more Juki products.

Pros

– It is fast and silent.

– It has a bobbin winder.

– Large size projects can be handled with ease.

– It has a lamp for night sewing.

Cons

– It is heavy.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

4. Best Tabletop: Vevor DDL8700 Lockstitch Sewing Machine

This industrial machine is designed for materials with a medium thickness. Vevor DDL8700 is suitable for sewing bags whether plastic, gunny sack, cloth bag, brown paper, and more. Bags of sugar, rice, flour, and animal feed can be sewn using this machine.

It is backed by a servo motor that is very quiet with less vibration when running to ensure that your working is more comfortable than ever. Also, the presser foot is lifted to a maximum of 13mm making it able to penetrate thick fabrics with throat plate and market grooves to guide seam allowance thus increasing output. Furthermore, it is fast with a speed of up to 5500 stitches per minute which is ideal in the relevant industry.

It has a maximum stitch length of 5mm, with a minimum of 6 stitches per inch. While you have a lot of freedom in doing your job, the 6 stitches per inch allow you to do a close job. It comes with an automatic thread cutter, lubricating system, and can be hanged from the ceiling to your convenience. Besides, it has a little light plastic handle to ensure your safety.

More to this, it comes with a stand and a table to make you have the best work experience when using it. Another quality is that the machine is lightweight despite it being built with full metal.

Pros

– It is lightweight.

– Has a plastic handle for safety.

– It has a knee lifter.

– All fabrics can be sewed.

Cons

– It is only used in the USA and Canada because it is powered by 110V.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

6. Best Value for Money: REX Walking-Foot Sewing Machine

Rex portable walking foot sewing machine is built of full cast iron material therefore durable and reliable. It weighs 37.3 pounds and measures 18 x 10 x 0.1 inches. This machine will serve you to the fullest as it is pretested and shipped with a sewn sample to assure you of quality performance.

Thick materials such as canvas, leather, and denim are sewn with ease as it is mainly designed for thick fabrics. When using this sewing machine nylon thread is the best thread to use, a 22-size needle is ideal to give you excellent results.

This machine can give you straight, zig-zag, and stitches in a reverse direction. Besides, the stitch length varies greatly: zig-zag stitches range between 1 to 5 mm while straight stitches range from 5 to 10 mm. It also features a silent powerful motor that makes it very efficient.

Pros

– It is durable.

– It is heavy-duty.

– Maintenance is easy.

Cons

– It is difficult to use.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

5. Budget Pick: Consew CP206RL Portable Walking Foot Machine

Consew CP206RL Portable Walking Foot Machine comes with a sturdy metal handle and a plastic carrying case. Therefore, it can be easily carried from place to place making it the best choice for those sewers who are always on the road.

This machine features a 110v AC inbuilt motor and a longer arm that provides you with sufficient working space for your large-sized projects. This machine produces straight stitches with a speed of up to 800 stitches per minute.

Reverse stitching is possible with this machine as the spring-loaded reverse lever makes it easy to lock stitches and change direction while sewing.

Some of the accessories that along with Consew walking foot include a single needle 137 x 17, a foot pedal, foot speed control, extra bobbins, and a user manual. This needle is strong enough to penetrate thick materials such as leather, canvas, and upholstery. Also, a finger safety guard is included to ensure your fingers are safe at all times.

Pros

– The stitch quality is great.

– Maintenance is easy.

– The speed is great.

– It has a finger safety plastic guard.

Cons

– It is difficult to use.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

6. Best for Small Business: Juki DDL-8700-H Industrial Sewing Machine, Straight Stitch

This machine is a true powerhouse and can complete your work very fast. It is among the best choices for small businesses and industries, and can also be used at home. Juki DDL8700 only sews in straight stitches and it does not easily break down on continuous use.

It reaches a maximum speed of 5500 stitches per minute, therefore can complete your tasks in a matter of seconds. Your large materials are well catered for since it has a large arm space of 11”.

To add to this, your light to medium fabrics only can be sewed using this machine. It is also able to make stitches up to 5mm in length giving you independence when working.

If you are an intermediate sewer, you can still use this machine for your daily sewing operations. When it comes to maintenance it comes with an automatic lubricating system thus you do not need to worry.

Pros

– It is superfast.

– It has an inbuilt lubricating system.

– It works on all types of materials.

Cons

– It does not include a manual for assembling.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

7. Best for Home Use: Juki DDL8700 Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine

Juki industrial lock stitching sewing machine weighs roughly 30 pounds with measurements of 48 x 20 x 48 inches. This machine will sew all your light to medium fabrics. It has great stitching speed with a maximum speed of 5500 stitches per minute.

Besides, it is only designed for straight stitches, therefore if you are looking to decorate your projects this machine will not be your best option. Juki DDL-8700, assures you of clean stitches and fast speed making you able to hit your quota.

To add to this, it has a large 11” arms space thus working on large projects will not be a problem. It allows a stitch length of up to 5mm giving you a lot of freedom in executing the tasks. Working with this machine, you can be sure of producing superior garments. Another excellent thing is that Juki DDL-8700 is eco-friendly as the motor is quiet when running making it perfect for home usage.

It comes with a table, a lamp, 10 extra needles, an instruction manual, and extra bobbins. You can work comfortably even through the night sewing large pieces easily.

Pros

– It is eco-friendly.

– It has lightning speed.

– Produces superior products.

Cons

– It is heavy.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

8. The Quietest: JUKI DDL-8700-Servo Industrial Sewing Machine

Juki sewing machines are known for their quality performances and high speeds. It weighs only 28 pounds with a measurement of 48 x 36 x 48 inches. This sewing industrial sewing machine was designed for light and medium materials.

It only sews straight stitches and uses a single needle. In addition to this, it comes with a servo motor thus, it is whisper-free and very silent, and perfect for home use. Additionally, you can control the speed. It was built to perfection to minimize noise and vibrations allowing you to work comfortably.

Accessories for smooth and efficient running that are included with this machine are a table, stand, light, drawer, extra bobbins, and needles of sizes between 9 and 18 among other components. Just like other high-speed Juki machines, it is capable of sewing 5500 stitches per minute with a stitch length of up to 5mm.

Pros

– It comes with a variety of needles.

– It has a high speed.

– It is easy to use.

– Speed can be controlled.

Cons

– Assembling is an issue for most users.

Check the Price on Amazon

 

Industrial Sewing Machine vs. Regular Sewing Machine

A lot of differences exist between these two:

Usage

Industrial machines have been designed to be used in the manufacturing industry for large production of items while domestic machines have been designed for your personal use.

Price

Industrial sewing machines are more powerful, more durable, and quite expensive compared to domestic sewing machines.

Number of stitches

When it comes to the number of stitches domestic sewing machines have several stitch options that allow you to diversify while industrial machines are designed for a single straight stitch only.

Stitch quality

high stitch qualityThe quality of stitches produced by industrial sewing machines is superior compared to domestic machines as changes in the thread or tension may result in low-quality stitches.

Needle speed

Industrial sewing machines are meant to run at high speeds to increase production and thus, have higher sewing speed.

Domestic machines on the other hand have a maximum speed that allows you to work at that speed at which you are comfortable, but with a lesser sewing speed than industrial machines.

 

 

Special Tips for Working on a Sewing Machine

When using an industrial sewing machine you need to follow safety tips to avoid injuries.

Focus

You need to concentrate on what you are doing to avoid hurting yourself. Losing focus might result in an injury such as your finger slips in the needle line.

Ensure your needle is intact

Before beginning work, it is good to check all your tools to ensure they are in the right shape. A broken needle may destroy your machine and your fabric.

Finger distance

Finger DistanceYour fingers must be at a safe distance from the needle when sewing. Your fingers should be an inch away from the needle.

Use the right machine

To ensure the machine serves you well, first make sure that the machine is purposed for the material you want to sew.

 

How to Use an Industrial Sewing Machine for Upholstery?

how to choose industrial sewing machine for heavy upholsteryUpholstery is thicker than ordinary fabric therefore you need special tools for this work. You will need upholstery needles and threads.

– Cut your materials.

– Pin the pieces to be sewn on the furniture.

– Remove the sewn covers and pieces.

– Ensure that your threads are durable and match the upholstery.

– Adjust the tension to medium.

– Adjust the stitch length to medium and use a half-inch seam allowance when sewing.

 

FAQs:

1. Is an industrial sewing machine suitable for a beginner to use?

Yes, beginners can use industrial sewing machines as most come with many settings that are comfortable for beginners too. If the beginners are going to use their machines a lot, then they surely do need an industrial machine. It is designed to endure long working hours and has high speeds to help you finish work faster.

2. Can an industrial sewing machine be used for learning sewing?

If you are a beginner and you want to learn sewing, an industrial sewing machine is not the way to go. These machines have advanced features that require you to have at least some skill in basic sewing to operate them. Learning using this machine will be very confusing and a learner might end up dropping the interest in sewing. It is advisable to go for beginner sewing machines as they come with few features and low speeds that are ideal for learning.

3. How much space do I need for an industrial sewing machine?

For you to know the right amount of space you need for an industrial sewing machine, first you should identify its dimensions and weight. These machines also require additional heavy tables for operation. The type of work you want to do whether sewing upholstery or just clothes, will determine the amount of space you need. The latter requires just a small place to set up the machine.

4. How to thread an industrial sewing machine?

Before beginning work, you have to thread your machine. The few steps below will help you out.

– Wind thread on the bobbin.

– Put the bobbin in its case then place it underneath the throat plate on the underside of the machine.

– Carefully thread in the top thread. This is always the tricky part and it, therefore, requires so much order.

– Install your needle. The recommended needle size is 10 or 12 if you are dealing with medium-weight material.

– Using the handwheel, bring up the bobbin thread.

– Install the foot. Ensure that the thread passes through and under the foot to keep it in place.

– After all these steps, you are set to sew a sample to see whether your machine works flawlessly.

5. How to maintain an industrial sewing machine?

For your machine to continue serving you properly and for long, it needs regular maintenance. We have compiled some basic steps to guide you on cleaning.

– Use a brush to remove fluff and dust on any place you see them.

– Lubricate the moving parts of your machine with the required lubricating oil. Some machines come with an automatic lubricating system.

– Check the bobbin tension to ensure that it is not broken.

– Check the bobbin winder and repair the tire if it is worn out or cracked.

– Adjust your timings to get continuous threads every time you use the machine.

6. Can I quilt on an industrial sewing machine?

Yes, you can quilt on an industrial sewing machine. Industrial machines are designed for straight stitching only. You can therefore do straight-line quilting on an industrial machine using a walking foot.

 

Conclusion

The number of projects you can complete using an industrial sewing machine is just as many as the number of these machines in the market. All these machines have different features that make it hard to pick out the best one for your project. I believe that this review will be of great help when you go out shopping for an industrial sewing machine.