Last Updated on May 24, 2022
Are you looking for the best mechanical sewing machines? Here is our complete guide to help you choose the right one.
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Mechanical sewing machines are different than computerized machines. They are simpler, don’t have LCD displays, and don’t come with the software inside.
Some may think that there’s no advantage of getting one since computerized machines can do a lot more and have a plethora of built-in stitches available, but that is not true.
The best mechanical sewing machines are a great companion to any sewist, especially beginners. They are easy to use, lightweight, simple to maintain, and, above all, incredibly affordable.
If you are just starting with your hobby or if you know you only do projects that require basic stitches and straightforward sewing techniques there is no reason to shell out hundreds of dollars on a state-of-the-art device.
That is why we summed up the ten best ones available on the market today and summarized their specifications and advantages.
The 10 Best Mechanical Sewing Machines
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top | Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 18 Built-in Stitches + Hard Case | Check Price! |
Top | Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, XR3774, 37 Built-in Stitches, Wide Table, 8 Included Sewing Feet | Check Price! |
Top | SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine, grey | Check Price! |
Top | Janome 2212 Sewing Machine | Check Price! |
Top | Brother Sewing Machine, GX37, 37 Built-in Stitches, 6 Included Sewing Feet | Check Price! |
Top | EverSewn Sparrow 15, Mechanical Sewing Machine with 32 Built-in Stitches. Great Sewing Machine for Beginners and Advanced Sewists for Crafting and Mending | Check Price! |
Top | SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine, Medium, Grey | Check Price! |
Top | Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet | Check Price! |
Top | Janome Arctic Crystal Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine with Interior Metal Frame, Bobbin Diagram, Tutorial Videos, Made with Beginners in Mind! | Check Price! |
Top | Sew Mighty, The Original Portable Sewing Machines – Perfect for Kids, Travel, Quick Repairs & Small Projects – Dual-Speed, Battery & AC Power, Foot Pedal Controller & More (Mighty Mini) | Check Price! |
1. Janome HD3000
- Built-in needle threader
- Reverse stitch lever
- Snap-on presser feet
- Foot pressure adjustment
- 18 stitches, 1 one step buttonhole
The Janome HD3000 is not just some old sewing machine. This beauty is a heavy-duty device, and it can sew through several layers of denim and even leather.
As soon as you take it out of the box you can feel how sturdy it is, it is not made of plastic but durable metal. If you can’t afford a computerized machine but need something that can endure thick fabrics the Janome is the next best thing.
The bobbin is very easy to thread, just drop it in and it is done. There is a pop-up guide at the top that instructs you on tension and stitch length and seam foot, plastic bobbins, and needles are included.
This is a quiet machine as well, and a fantastic tool for beginners and advanced users alike.
2. Brother XR3774
- 37 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother XR3774 includes 37 built-in stitches including blind hem, decorative and quilting stitches and a 1-step buttonhole
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER AND DROP-IN TOP BOBBIN: This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The XR3774 quilting and sewing machine comes with a machine cover, wide table, 8 sewing feet, instructional DVD, and more
- VERSATILE FREE ARM: The Brother XR3774 is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing and quilting projects, and users from beginners to advanced
- AT YOUR SIDE SUPPORT: The XR3774 quilting and sewing machine comes with Brother at your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your mach
When it comes to features, Brother does not disappoint. This is a very affordable model great for any sewists that value brand name and quality.
The sewing table is a considerable advantage, bigger than most in this price range and suitable even for quilting. The sewing area is brightly lit with an inbuilt LED light, the bobbin is jam-resistant and the needle-threader is automatic.
Even though this is a mechanical machine there are still thirty-seven stitches available, and the included foot types let you make perfect buttonholes, hems, zigzags, zippers, and more.
It is simple to use the machine, just rotate the dial to shift between stitches and follow the included DVD for any extra instructions you may need.
3. Singer 4423
- SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The 23 built-in stitches including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches allow you to sew a variety of projects, such as fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER SEWING MACHINE: After following the threading path printed right on the machine, this built-in feature helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration. Amps (0.7). Watts (84). Volts (120). Hz (60)
- HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE:The Singer 4423 Sewing Machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1, 100 stitches-per-minute, so projects can be sewn quickly. The 60% Stronger Motor provides greater piercing power for thick seams
- HEAVY DUTY METAL FRAME: The Singer 4423 heavy duty sewing machine is a true workhorse. With a heavy-duty metal interior frame, stainless steel bedframe, extra-high sewing speed and powerful motor, this sewing machine can sew through a variety of heavy weight fabrics and provides long lasting stability
- SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES: A variety of accessories are included with All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper/lint brush, quilting guide, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt are all conveniently located and stored in the accessory tray. A soft-sided dust cover is also included in the packaging
- WARRANTY: SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine has 25 Year Limited Warranty. Note : Refer to the Videos and also the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Manua
Another heavy-duty model, the Singer has a wide variety of stitches available. That makes it perfect for small business owners or anyone looking for a sewing machine that can perform well in a variety of tasks such as quilting, clothing, and crafts.
It can also handle thick fabrics such as curtains and pillows. The trick is on the foot, the pressure is adjustable and that means you control how to sew a wide variety of fabrics.
Unlike most mechanical machines, this model can reach over one thousand stitches per minute, making it the fastest in its price range!
This is a great professional starter sewing machine and a solid choice.
4. Janome 2212
- Easy turn dial pattern selection
- 12 built-in stitches including a four-step buttonhole
- Stitch width adjustment and length adjustment ensures ease of use
- Drop feed for free motion sewing and quilting
- 110-volt machine, for use in US o
One of Janome’s missions is to create sewing machines that are easy to use, and that is a goal we can get behind. Janome 2212 is sold as a heavy-duty sewing machine, but it is much more than that.
It can handle very thin fabric just as well as thick, and the free arm makes it very easy to manipulate the patch. You can choose from twelve built-in stitches and it’s as simple as picking the one you want from the chart.
Curtains, beanbags, leather, numerous layers of fabric, nothing is out of reach with the 2212 model. A very affordable and intuitive sewing machine.
5. Brother GX37
- 37 unique built-in stitches: The GX37 features 37 unique, built-in stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The GX37 includes 6 sewing feet, needle set, bobbins, instructional DVD, manual and more
- Versatile free arm: The Brother GX37 is perfect for a range of everyday sewing and quilting projects, for every user from beginner to the advanced
- At your side support: The GX37 sewing machine sewing machine comes with Brother at your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your mach
If you need to go one step further than the basic mechanical sewing machine, the Brother GX37 has you covered. With thirty-seven included stitches and six sewing feet, you can complete an array of projects with its help.
It comes with directions and they are very simple to understand, but also handles a plethora of fabric types, which makes it ideal for both beginners and advanced users. It comes with all the needles and bobbins you need, ready to use from the box.
All Brother sewing machines include free online technical support, so you will be covered for that.
6. Eversewn – Sparrow
- EVERSEWN MECHANICAL SEWING MACHINE: The 32 built-in stitches include 1 buttonhole (including eyelets), 15 utility stitches (including stretch stitches), 12 decorative stitches, and 1 quilting stitch. 5 mm maximum stitch width and 4 mm maximum stitch length.
- SEWING MACHINE FEATURES INCLUDE: An automatic needle threader, side thread cutter, LED light,
- SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES INCLUDE: 4 presser feet, screwdriver, bobbins, small brush and seam ripper, and a soft cover.
- SPARROW 15 BUILD: EverSewn sewing machines are built strong with a heavy-duty metal frame. The Sparrow 15 has a 150 mm free arm length, and maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute.
- WARRANTY: The EverSewn Sparrow 15 Mechanical Sewing Machine has a limited warranty of 1-year labor, 1-year electrical parts10-years mechanical parts from the date of purchase of the produ
The Eversewn is not a heavy-duty machine, but that means that you can probably take it around easily and conveniently. It is one of the simplest sewing machines you can get in terms of the number of stitches, built, and functions.
There are thirty-two built-in stitches including a buttonhole. As with most sewing machines, you can set the thread width and tension, and there are a manual needle threader and cutter.
It is a great device for homemade craft projects and items of clothing. The best part about it is the price – it is a very inexpensive model that will fit any budget.
7. Singer | Heavy Duty 4411
- SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: It has 11 Built-in Stitches- 6 Basic Stitches, 4 Decorative Stitches, 1 Built-in Buttonhole—perfect for crafts, home decor, fashion sewing and much more
- ADJUSTABLE NEEDLE POSITION: The needle can be changed to any of the three available positions to add zippers or a decorative touch with topstitching and cording
- HIGH-QUALITY SEWING MACHINE: The heavy-duty metal frame adds stability, and with a strong motor, sewing a higher quantity of items more quickly and efficiently at 1,100 stitches per minute is achievable
- ADJUSTABLE PRESSER FOOT CONTROL SEWING MACHINE: Sew very lightweight and heavy weight fabrics with ease by adjusting the presser foot pressure
- BEST SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 sewing machine is a true workhorse. With a heavy-duty metal interior frame, stainless steel bedplate, extra-high sewing speed and powerful motor, the SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 can sew a wide range of fabrics.Volts:120 V
- This sewing machine is warranted for use in the US and Canada at 110 volts only
- Note: Kindly refer Manuals provided under Technical Specifications before
Singer does the best heavy-duty types of sewing machines. While this model is as fast as the 4423 and is also made from a strong metal case, it is simpler to use and has fewer features.
It has eleven stitches, as opposed to the thirty-six of the 4423, and there is no automatic needle threader. You can use it in all conditions, including dimmed ones, as it comes with a workspace light.
If you do not need a variety of stitches, want to sew through denim, leather, or any other heavy material, and need to keep costs down, check the 4411 out.
8. Brother XM2701
- 27 Unique built-in stitches: The XM2701 includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4 bobbins, instructional DVD, manual and more
- Versatile free arm: This free arm sewing machine is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects, and users from beginners to advanced
- At your side support: The XM2701 sewing machine comes with Brother At your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your mach
Anyone can learn how to use a sewing machine with this Brother model. It is brightly lit with LED lights, it is very light, and it has an impressive amount of features for such a small device.
Twenty-seven stitches and six different feet ensure you can tackle any project you want, and an automatic needle threader helps you set up in seconds.
This is the best mechanical sewing machine for beginners – just follow the instructional video that comes with it and you will understand all the basics in less than an hour.
9. Janome Arctic Crystal
- Overview Features: 15 Built-In Stitches, 4-Step Buttonhole, Front-Loading Bobbin System, Heavy Duty Interior Metal Frame
- Customizable Features: Adjustable Stitch Length & ZigZag Width, Reverse Lever, Darning Plate
- Convenience Features: 3-Piece Feed Dog System, Removable Free Arm, Dual Retractable Spool Pins
- Easy to Use: Tutorial Videos, Built-In Bobbin Diagram, Quick Start Guide Included
- Included: 4 Presser Feet, Beginner Accessories, easy-to-follow Instructional Manual, 25-Year Limi
With a removable free arm, fifteen stitches, a metal frame, and included feet and accessories, the Janome Crystal makes for a solid low budget choice.
The manual that arrives with it is simple and easy to understand, and the frame is compact but sturdy. You can choose between teal, blue and pink – a nice touch if you are looking to distance yourself from the usual white.
Easy to store when not in use, this is the perfect model for home sewists.
10. Mini Sew Mighty
- 🧵 The Sew Mighty Mighty Mini is a two speed, user-friendly sewing machine that’s loaded with features and ideal for both beginners and children. It is affordable and can handle most basic home sewing projects with ease.
- 🧵 Sew Mighty’s original Mighty Mini is the perfect machine for beginners and children, and it’s a great machine for experienced users who want a small and portable machine for all their quick, light-duty sewing needs.
- 🧵 Features include automatic bobbin winder, integrated work light, cuff notch for easy cuff alterations, thread tension controller and a two-speed motor. The Mighty Mini also includes a foot control pedal; it can be operated with or without the pedal.
- 🧵 This lightweight machine can easily be put into a shoulder bag (not included) and taken with you. It operates off of standard 110V AC, or it can be powered by four AA batteries (not included). Please note that the battery and AC power cannot be used simultaneously.
- 🧵 Everything you need is in the box: Mighty Mini sewing machine, 110V AC adapter, foot control pedal (machine can be operated with or without the foot pedal), 2 pre-wound ½” metal bobbins with black and white thread, 2 empty ½” metal bobbinsand a replacement need
Are you looking for something to gift a little one in your life? If your child wants to sew alongside you the Sew Mighty is a fantastic -and very cute – sewing machine to get.
Even though it is child-sized, adults can use it too, and it is great for small projects such as doll clothes, coin purses, and children’s apparel.
They are also perfectly capable of doing small repairs, so if you just want a working and very affordable sewing machine to do hems and repairs socks, the Sew Mighty will work just fine.
Buying Guide for the Best Mechanical Sewing Machine
Built-in stitches
You will only be able to sew with the stitches your machine comes with. Consider the projects you intend to work on and research which types of stitches they need. All machines clearly state the kind and number of stitches they can do, so just read the specifications beforehand.
Free-arm
A free arm is a big help when you are sewing pants, sleeves, or any circular project. This is a must-have feature if you know you are working on those types of apparel.
Fabric
The type of fabric you intend on sewing determines if you need a lightweight sewing machine or if only a heavy-duty one will do. Heavy-duty sewing machines are made to handle leather, denim, curtains, and any type of thick fabric you throw at it.
You can even sew many layers together with little to no effort. Lightweight ones will vary in their capacity but usually are best suited for thinner textiles.
Sewing speed
The sewing speed is determined by the number of stitches per minute achieved. Extremely fast mechanical machines sew up to one thousand stitches per minute, giving your work a definite boost.
If you are in no rush, however, and only sew for personal needs, this is not necessary and an average of four hundred will do.
Accessories
A sewing machine doesn’t work by itself – you need thread, needles, different feet for every need, and bobbins. Check if your model includes the accessories you need, as you don’t want to be caught by surprise when you’re about to start sewing.
Auto threading and thread cutter
Even though these were originally computerized machine’s features, nowadays the best mechanical sewing machines will come with these features.
Any sewist will tell you how frustrating it can be to not have them, so make sure to have that in mind when doing your research.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sewing Machines
What is the difference between a mechanical and a computerized sewing machine?
As the name suggests, a computerized sewing machine has software inside and will perform a lot of tasks automatically. They also have a display that shows patterns, stitch specifications, and all kinds of useful information.
They are great for quilting and a necessity for embroidery. Mechanical machines, on the other hand, are completely controlled manually.
They still have built-in stitches, they are marginally cheaper and extremely simple to use.
What does free arm mean?
The free arm is an extended area of the sewing table. It is much smaller than the regular sewing space, but it moves and it allows you to sew tubular things such as sleeves and legs.
Why is my sewing machine stuck?
If your sewing machine gets jammed, it is usually a thread or needle problem. Either the tension is not right, the thread didn’t “catch”, or there may even be some dust hiding inside.
Check to see if the needle is not broken, if the thread has knots on it, and try to drop the bobbin again.
How do I take care of my sewing machine?
It is always best to cover your sewing machine when not in use. Change the needles regularly and if you need to remove lint use compressed air.
Don’t use any oil as a lubricant, but a specialized one – easy to find in any craft shop. It is always good to service any machine you own, but you don’t need to do it more than once a year.
