Best Sewing Machine Reviews 2018

Just like buying any product, the price of a sewing machine will vary depending on several factors, most notably features and brand. The most practical advice is to first set a budget and determine your needs before shopping for a sewing machine. Sewing machine prices range from $100 to over a $1000, but some inexpensive machines might put you off sewing while others are well worth the investment. There are several leading sewing machine manufacturers, such as Brother and Singer, which offer both budget and expensive models, making it easier to buy a machine that suits your budget. The materials used in the construction also play an important role in the price of sewing machines, since most models are made of metal, plastic or a combination of both.

At TopProducts we strongly believe that regardless of the level you’re at, you should always buy the best sewing machine you can afford because it is an important tool that can take your creativity to a whole new level. The five sewing machines we’ve reviewed range from entry level and midrange models to top of the line. We even included a highly portable sewing machine. Which features you choose to focus on significantly shape the capabilities and performance of you and your machine, so choose them wisely.

For most basic sewing tasks, a sewing machine with a handful of features is ideal, such as specialty presser feet for inserting piping, trims or zippers, automatic buttonholes, a decent selection of stitches, an excellent fabric feeding system that can cater to thicker fabrics and an automatic needle threader. If you’re going to go all out with a premium sewing machine, you will be spoilt for choice considering these top end machines are decked out with features that weren’t even on the drawing board two years ago.

Today, these flagship models boast faster onboard computers equipped with bigger and brighter touchscreens, enabling you to craft stitches that will simply leave you and your audience in awe. Features in flagship models to consider include a large workspace, automatic end of stitch, lighting, free motion quality, and of course how easy it is to use. High end sewing machines are generally boxed with a wide range of accessories, including several types of presser feet and carrying case, and this is an important aspect to consider. The last thing you want to do after you’ve made a substantial investment in a premium sewing machine is shell out more cash.

Not only do many machines come with a bucket load of features, they can also be ordered in a wide range of styles. But what sets them apart is their computerized capabilities, which allow you to select the stitch you want using the onsite LCD display in computerized sewing machines, and with a dial on mechanical sewing machines. Next and equally important, computerized sewing machines run either by a start and stop button or foot controller, while mechanical sewing machines with just the latter.

Dimensions are another key aspect to consider when buying a sewing machine, especially if you’re going to transport it. For this, you will want a sewing machine model that is not only lightweight, but comes with handles and even a case. Furthermore, you will want a sewing machine that has a compact footprint if you have limited space for your sewing accessories. The overall design of your sewing machine can make or break your sewing projects.

Most machines allow you to sew in literally any direction you want, thanks to adjustable feed dogs, and top of the line sewing machines with a drop-in-bobbin for easy loading. If you’d like a sewing machine for several different sewing projects, consider buying a model that allows free-arm sewing and has an extension table. Furthermore, some models are even fitted with a knee lifter that elevates the presser foot off your fabric so you don’t have to use your hands. There are also some sewing machines fitted with a light, which can prove highly beneficial when perfecting certain types of stitches.

The bottom line is that you want a machine that can make great quality stitches and at the same time is easy to use. When it comes to performance, each sewing machine is different and as mentioned earlier caters to different needs. SPM - or stitch per minute - represents the maximum sewing speed of the machine, where 750 SPM is the norm for larger projects. For those just getting their feet wet in the world of sewing, there are models that allow you adjust the sewing speed according to your skill level.

Tension control is yet another aspect to consider, where some machines offer automatic tension control to suit the projects you are working on and the option for manual control as well. It is also important to consider the number of buttonhole styles you require, especially if you’re going to be making garments. Basically, the more buttonholes you have on board, the more types of button styles you can attach to your clothing. And lastly, a sewing machine with twin needle capabilities will allow you to create straight hemlines on your garments. Other features to consider for greater efficiency include automatic cutters, needle threaders and bobbin winders.