What Is The Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
Heavy duty sewing machines are designed to handle thicker fabrics, hold heavy bobbins, provide more power, and last longer. Perfect for quilters, tailors, seamstresses, and fashion designers, they can handle long hours of day-in, day-out stitching of denims, upholstery fabric, draperies, and leather. With the right special attachment, even a heavy duty sewing machine can be used for embroidery too.
Aside from strength and durability, stability is another important factor to consider. All the parts of a heavy-duty machine should be firmly in place and not move even with vibration from the machine. Pick up a machine and check the base. The more solid it is, the better. Inspect the metal parts and ensure that there is no rust.
It goes without saying that you should get a good warranty with whatever machine you decide to buy. A company with a good reputation will usually provide decent warranties on its machines. A good warranty should cover the parts, the motor and the labor. Needs vary, so make sure the type of warranty matches your needs.
The Bobbin Winder is another feature you should check. Newer machines have an automatic bobbin-winder which is great since you no longer have to wind bobbins manually. Check its noise level, or whether it must stop when the bobbin is filled. For embroidery, you may need an additional bobbin feature.
The number of stitches is important too. Make sure the machine can offer a good range for finishing garments – including blind hemming, two kinds of stretch stitching, triple-stitch, a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. Some other modern features such as needle threaders and automatic tension settings may be an added advantage.
The type of needle and presser foot is another thing to consider. Heavy duty machines are normally used with a universal needle size, between 12 and 16. The presser foot should be versatile as well – capable of pressing and holding fabrics while creating the desired stitch. Most heavy duty machines should have several pressure settings to handle different weight fabrics, allowing you to adjust the pressure without the need to manually pull the fabric.
The sewing speed is a common indicator of strength and power. Most machines work at around 1000 stitches per minute, usually with a speed-control or needle-position selector. Look for a reverse switch – important for reinforcing the ends of the seam. It is also helpful to have a foot-pedal included in your package.
Price Point
Prices vary greatly depending on the range, from basic models to more heavy duty machines. Entry level models start from a few hundred dollars, with more advanced models ranging up to a few thousand dollars. Some professional-level models could cost you even more. It is important to note that the price tag is not everything. A more expensive machine doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best one suited to your needs.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t buy a product just because it’s cheap either. When buying a sewing machine, you should look out for reviews, warranty, and high-quality parts. Be sure to take these factors into consideration when shopping for your heavy duty sewing machine.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
An important factor for any product you buy is the brand recognition associated with it, as a good brand can ensure that the product is reliable, durable, and stable. It is always worth checking what type of professional reviews and customer feedback the product is receiving. Reading up on reviews of the machine, from online marketplaces and other websites, is a great way to compare different models.
One of the most important aspects of a sewing machine is how easy it is to use. The general consensus on the best heavy duty sewing machines is that they should be as user-friendly as possible. So having features such as automatic needle threaders, reverse switch, foot peddle, and an integrated bobbin-winder can really come in handy.
The ease of use also depends on the customer support you get with the company. Does their help team respond quickly to your queries or complaints? Are they knowledgeable and friendly? You should look into customer feedback before purchasing, to help you decide on which machine to obtain.
Maintenance and Durability
The best heavy duty sewing machines are invariably ones which are easy to maintain and last a long time. Check if the machine comes with an instruction manual, as it will contain detailed instructions on how to use the machine. Also read up on customer online reviews, to see if the machine is durable enough to use for the long-term. It is also important to ensure that the parts are of good quality, as some less-expensive sewing machines may contain weak parts that break easily or quickly need replacing.
The stitching quality is perhaps the most important factor to look out for. A good machine should offer even, balanced, and precise stitches time and time again. It is important to check the stitch quality and tension, along with the sound of machine – if it’s too noisy, that might be a warning sign!
Additional Attachments
Heavy duty sewing machines are usually equipped with a range of different attachments, such as adjustable zigzag, buttonholes, darning plate, and seam guides. A great value-add for consumers is a walking foot, which allows for quilting or tedious work by evenly spacing the stitches in the fabric. This is especially great for those who want to do more detailed stitching, such as quilts, leather, or other difficult fabrics.
When deciding on the best heavy duty sewing machine, try to look at the bigger picture. All the factors mentioned above – from price point to customer support – should be taken into account when making your purchase decision. Buying a machine should be seen as an investment, so make sure you spend your money well and get one which fits your needs and budget perfectly.
