Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Are you planning to try sewing upholstery? A standard sewing machine is not enough to handle thick materials involved in auto upholstery and other kinds of upholstery projects. To achieve best results, you will need to use heavy-duty sewing machines, so we have compiled the best sewing machine for upholstery for you.
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Sewing upholstery is similar to sewing regular fabrics. However, upholstery fabrics are thick fabrics that require a heavy-duty sewing machine.
So now, you are searching for the best upholstery sewing machines for your following heavy-duty projects. Look into our list of heavy-duty sewing machines below that features thicker threads like 69 nylon bonded thread.
1. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
The SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine is our choice for overall best sewing machine for upholstery.
- 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 Manuals.
The Singer 4423 is among the best upholstery sewing machines because of its heavy-duty made and features. It is an excellent investment for individuals planning to jump from simple sewing projects to sewing upholstery fabrics.
Aside from its outstanding capability to sew heavy fabrics, this heavy-duty sewing machine can also work like your regular sewing machine. The only difference is that it has more power and strength.
Singer 4423 features a sturdy metal frame and offers 23 built-in stitches that range from decorative to practical. It also has a powerful motor, an automatic needle threader and is covered with a 25-year warranty.
2. JUKI LU-1508NS Walking Foot Upholstery Sewing Machine
The JUKI LU-1508NS Walking Foot Upholstery Sewing Machine is our choice for best upholstery sewing machine for stability.
- Max. Sewing Speed: 2500 stitches/minute
- Max. Stitch Length: 9mm
- Unit dimensions (LxWxH): 48 inches by 20 inches by 48 inches
- Needle: 135 X 17
- 110V with quiet servo motor
- Max. Sewing Speed: 2500 stitches/minute
- Max. Stitch Length: 9mm
- Unit dimensions (LxWxH): 48 inches by 20 inches by 48 inches
- Needle: 135 X 17. Alternating vertical movement : 2.5～6.5mm
- 110V with quiet servo mo
With its full metal body and strong servomotor, the Juki LU-1508NS made its way to our list of the best upholstery sewing machines. It comes with a single needle that provides top-notch single-stitch function, allowing you to sew light to heavy fabrics such as canvas, leather, vinyl, and webbing perfectly.
The main thing that you will love about this walking foot machine for upholstery is its top-of-the-line stability. While testing, it didn’t flinch even a little when an upholstery sheet is fed in a single file to make a car headrest cover.
The table it comes with didn’t wobble nor feel uncomfortable while the motor is working. The stability of this machine will allow you to make perfect stitches.
Aside from that, this walking foot sewing machine boasts a speed of 2,500 stitches per minute. This speed will allow you to work on any project, whether you are a professional or a home user.
Among its best features is its LED light that enables better visibility and front bobbin wonder for additional convenience. It is also equipped with a 110V motor with a noiseless operation so you can enjoy a silent working experience.
3. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine For Upholstery
The Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine For Upholstery is our choice for best upholstery sewing machine for value.
- Automatic Needle Threader - No More Straining Your Eyes! Simply Use the Built-In Automatic Needle Threader and Throw Your Frustrations to the Side! / Jam Proof Top-Loading Bobbin System - Its Easy To Change Your Bobbin and There is No Need to Worry About Running Off the Edge of Your Project Because the Bobbin System is Jam-Proof
- Easy Stitch Selection - Simply Turn the Stitch Selection Dial to the Desired Stitch and the Chosen Stitch Will Appear in Red / Flip-Up Stitch Panel - Take a Look at All 18 Built-In Stitches at a Glance with the Flip-Up Stitch Panel
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure - A Simple Turn of the Dial will Adjust the Presser Foot Pressure Allowing you to Sew a Wide Variety of Fabric Thicknesses / Free Arm Capability - Sew Pants Legs and Shirt Sleeves with Ease Using the Free-Arm
- Comes With an Incredible Amount of Accessories - A Hard Case/Cover, Ultra Glide Foot, 2 Packs of Leather Needles, a Pack of Universal Needles, a Pack of Bobbins, Blind Hem G Foot, Overedge C Foot, Rolled Hem D Foot, Zipper E Foot, Buttonhole B Foot
- Also Comes With - Automatic Buttonhole R Foot, a Pack of Needles, Screwdriver, Small Screwdriver, Spool Holder (Large), Spool Holder (Small), Lint Brush, Seam Ripper, Additional Spool Pin, Bobbin, Quilter Bar, Felt, Foot Control/Power Cord, Warranty Card and Instructional Man
The third best sewing machine for upholstery on our list is the Janome HD3000. This heavy-duty upholstery sewing machine is intended to sew thick fabrics and has an array of interesting features that can help perfectly sew upholstery.
When it comes to design, the sophisticated look of this heavy-duty sewing machine won’t disappoint you. But most importantly, it comes with a metal frame that ensures long-lasting use.
This package comes with a spectrum of accessories you will need to start your following sewing projects. Among those accessories is a hard case or cover, an Ultra Glide Foot, one pack of universal needles, a blind hem “G” foot, a pack of bobbins, two packs of leather needles for your upholstery projects, a rolled hem “D” foot, buttonhole “B” foot, and a zipper “E” foot.
Aside from those accessories, this heavy-duty upholstery sewing machine is best for its value as it also includes an automatic buttonhole “R” foot, a screwdriver, a pack of needles, a small screwdriver, spool holder large and small, and a seam ripper. It also comes with a lint brush, quilter bar, bobbin, additional spool pin, a manual, foot control or power cord, and a warranty card.
If you are a beginner, Janome HD3000 is the ideal sewing machine for your upholstery projects. It is easy to learn and has a one-amp motor that allows you to charge multiple layers of fabric. You can also use it for other materials such as canvas, denim, and different kinds of thick fabrics used in upholstery.
Questions and Answers
Can I use a regular sewing machine to sew upholstery?
No, as most upholstery projects involve sewing multiple layers of fabrics and thicker materials such as leather, wool, velvet, and many more. You have to use heavy-duty walking foot sewing machines for upholstery that utilizes thicker thread to work on thicker fabrics.
The reason is that heavy materials require stronger stitches and heavier threads to be held together. Also, industrial-grade sewing machine needles are needed for upholstery sewing projects since regular needles might break or bend when trying to pierce into the upholstery.
What stitch do you use for upholstery?
Below are the types of stitch you can use for sewing upholstery:
- Plain Seam – A seam or a stitch is the most common stitching used on most upholstery products. It is basically a single line of stitching hidden in the wrong side of the fabric.
- Top Stitched Seam –This type of stitching appears on the right side of the material and is intended for added strength or decorative purposes. However, its primary goal is to lessen the bulk from the seam allowance underneath.
- Double Top Stitched Seam – This seam helps stabilize the shape and increase the durability of the high-traffic areas of upholstery. Also, you can usually see this type of stitching on pocket borders and blanket edges.
- Zigzag Stitch – Compared to other straight stitches, a zigzag stitch is far more durable. This stitch is also best for designs that require a stronger hold. Usually, it is applied on top of a plain seam for decorative purposes or as a seam finish for support.
- Piped Seam –This type of stitch is used on upholstery projects to define the design’s shape or emphasize distinctive seam lines. It is a stitch that involves a fabric-covered cord to create a “pipe” by sewing it on a plain seam.
- Double Piped Seam – To add extra detail to your upholstery project, use a double piped seam. It features two rows of piping beside each other on the same seam.
What size sewing machine needle do I need for upholstery?
For lightweight upholstery, you will need medium needles sizes like 80/12 and 90/14. On the other hand, you will need large needle sizes such as 10/16 and 120/18 for dense upholstery fabrics.
