IN THIS GUIDE
What do you do when your sewing hobby starts to turn into a business?
Remember back to when that first person said “OMG! You made this? You could totally sell these!”
So you gave it a go and people did buy. But now your trusty home sewing machine just can’t keep up with your growing business.
Thinking about how to choose the best industrial sewing machine for your fledgling creative business can be overwhelming.
The good news is you don’t have to be a gigantic clothing manufacturer or a factory foreman to be able to benefit from using a commercial sewing machine.
Industrial sewing machines are favored by so many makers because they’re fast, accurate, dependable and can really help you scale up your work.
Choosing doesn’t have to be overwhelming with our handy guide to what to look for in an industrial machine.
Now let’s have a look…
10 Best Industrial Sewing Machines
Here are our top picks for the best industrial sewing machine for your sewing business. Your specific type of business will determine which type of machine you’ll need.
This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is sort of boring, but you can find it here.
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Straight Stitch – Juki DDL8700
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Blindstitching – REX RX-518
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Quilting – Brother PQ1500SL
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Serging/Overlocking – Juki MO-6814S
Read below for all the details about our top picks, and about which features to look for when you are ready to buy the best industrial sewing machine for your needs. Make sure to take a look at all the online reviews, and consider your budget and space before pull the trigger on this big purchase.
#1 Juki Lockstitch DDL8700
- l ✅.ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, please note machine comes unanssembled **This model is NOT a walking foot !**✅Juki DDL-8700 High-speed Lock-stitch Sewing Machine for apparel material.
- ✅It comes complete with sewing machine table and Electronic DC Servo Motor 1/2 H.P, 1 PHASE, 110 VOLT, 0 ~3300 RPM (Model DMS-550), everything (drawer, belt, tools,lamp and instruction manual) brand new,Thread Stand *Bobbin Winder *Oil Pan/Knee Lifter *5 *Extra Bobbins 10 *Extra Needles *Instruction Manual *Screw Driver* Machine Oil *Table top (size 48″ x 20″) *Heavy Duty Legs, *Table Top,*Ikonix servo motor *V Belt Hardware
- ✅Application: Medium-weight Max. sewing speed: 5,500 Stitches per Minute Max. stitch length: 5mm Needle bar stroke: 30.7mm Lift of the presser foot by hand: 5.5mm Lift of the presser foot: 13mm Needle (at the time of delivery): DB×1 (#14) #9~#18 / 134 (Nm90) Feed dog: 4-row (3-row) Hook: Automatic-lubricating full-rotary hook Lubrication: Automatic Lubricating oil: JUKI New Defrix Oil No.1 (equivalent to ISO VG7)
- ✅SINGLE NEEDLE LOCKSTITCH AUTO-LUBRICATION OF HOOK HORIZONTAL AXIS HOOK AND BOBBIN ADJUSTABLE REVERSE FEED
- .✅ ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, please note machine comes unanssembled
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Max Stitch Speed: 5500 stitches/min
- Stitch length: 5mm
- Straight stitch machine
- Features: Table and knee lifter
What We Like
- Comes complete with table
- Knee lifter is a nice feature
- Quiet motor
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be assembled so if you’re not handy, you may have to hire someone
Our Verdict
Quiet and powerful, this machine is from a well-respected manufacturer. It should provide years of reliable service and is one of our top picks for a straight stitch machine.
#2 REX RX-518 Blindstitch Machine
- For sewing all types of light to medium-weight materials including synthetics, knits and woolens.
- Typical sewing operations include pant cuffs, felling slack bottoms, hemming dresses, skirt and coat bottoms, draperies, negligees, undergarments, lapel padding, blouses and sleeves.
- Skip stitch feature for 1-1 and 2-1 stitching.
- Swing-away bed plate for extended work space.
- Included Accessories: Extra Needles Thread Stand 2 Screwdrivers (1 Philips head- 1-standard) 5-piece allen key set 1-Tweezer 1-Plastic Oiler 2- Machine Clamps Electronic Foot Speed Controller Knee lifter 2-replacement brushes for the motor Instruction & Part manual
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 1200 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: 3-8mm
- Blindstitch hemming machine
- Features: portable
What We Like
- Swing-away bed for cuffs, sleeves, and pants
- Works well on medium weight home decor fabrics
What We Don’t Like
- Manual can be difficult to understand
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for the best industrial sewing machine to do blindstitch hemming this is a great choice for a quality machine at an affordable price point.
#3 Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine PQ1500SL
- 1,500 Stitches per minute max sewing speed: Maximum stitching of up to 1,500 stitches per minute allows you to sew and quilt more in less time
- Advanced needle threading system: 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 PQ1500SL longarm sewing and quilting machine comes with a wide table, 7 sewing feet, knee-lifter, instruction manual and more. The removable knee-lifter enables you to lift your presser foot with your knee, leaving both hands free for fabric handling
- Precision pin feeding system: It’s so easy to sew a wide variety of fabric thicknesses thanks to Brother’s Pin Feed system for precision fabric feeding
- At your side support: The PQ1500SL 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 machine
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 1500 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: 7mm
- Straight stitch machine
- 4 different feed dog settings
- Features: 25-year warranty
What We Like
- Automatic needle threader
- Knee lifter
- Pin feed system is good for delicate fabrics
- Built-in cone thread stand
What We Don’t Like
- Not a great machine for a beginner sewist
Our Verdict
This industrial machine is a winner for both straight stitching and quilting. The adjustable pin feed system works well on a variety of thicknesses.
#4 Consew 206RB-5 Walking Foot Sewing Machine
- The industry favorite machine, #1 professionals choice. One of the most reliable machines on the market.
- Walking foot compound feed (triple feed) industrial sewing machine
- Features Extra Long Max. stich length 10mm, High foot lift 9/16″ (14mm), Large Bobbin, adjustable height of the walking motion
- Perfect for Furniture Upholstery, Leather, Auto, Marine and canvas work.
- Comes with Table and Servo Motor – everything you need to start sewing. Beautiful white color.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 3300 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: 10 mm
- Straight stitch walking foot (triple feed) machine
- Features: Table included
What We Like
- Quiet servo motor
- Powerful machine
- Extra-long stitch length
- Great for heavy materials like leather, denim, and upholstery
What We Don’t Like
- Setup instructions aren’t comprehensive
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a commercial sewing machine that can handle leather, upholstery and thick fabrics, this is a quality, reliable choice.
#5 Yamata FY-8700 Lockstitch Sewing Machine
- ✅With sewing machine table and servo Motor 550 Watts,,
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 5500 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: 5mm
- Lock stitch reverse machine
- Features: Includes table, thread stands
What We Like
- Quiet servo motor
- Knee lifter
What We Don’t Like
- Machine comes unassembled
Our Verdict
This Yamata industrial sewing machine is a reliable workhorse at a good price point.
#6 REX Portable Walking-Foot Sewing Machine
- Made of full cast iron metal.
- This is ideal for leather or canvas material and jeans.. sews thick enough for all your household project.
- recommended thread is bonded nylon #69 / needle size 135×17 size 22
- each machine is being pre tested and shipped with a sewn Leather Sample.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 800 stitches/min
- Stitch length: 6mm
- Straight stitch walking foot machine
- Features: Portable
What We Like
- Heavyweight machine sews well through multiple layers of leather and heavy canvas
- Machines come pre-tested with leather so you know they will work
- Simple and easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Very heavy for a portable machine
Our Verdict
This heavyweight walking foot machine is portable so you can take it in an RV or sailboat. Easily handles multiple layers of canvas, sail or leather. Easy to use for a novice.
#7 JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Updated with LED lights and one pedal operation
- 1500 SPM for quilting apparel and home décor
- Automatic needle threader
- Aluminum die cast arm and bed for low vibration operation
- Extension table included for wide work area
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 1500 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: 6mm
- Straight stitch machine
- Features: Extension table, LED lights, auto needle threader
What We Like
- Very sturdy, high-quality machine
- Runs well at full speed without vibrating or extra noise
- Knee lifter
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be oiled more frequently than some machines
- Can be hard to set up for inexperienced sewists
Our Verdict
Juki makes quality machines and this is no exception. This is a sturdy, heavy-duty straight stitch and quilting machine that is worth the price.
#8 Juki MO-6814S Industrial Sewing Machine Serger
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 7000 stitches/min
- Stitch length: 4.5mm
- Overlock/Serger/Safety Stitch Machine
- Features: Table and sewing light
What We Like
- Quiet servo motor
- Super fast stitch speed
What We Don’t Like
- Requires assembly so you may have to hire someone if you’re not handy
Our Verdict
Another Juki machine makes it to our top picks. This overlock/serger industrial machine runs at lightning speed and doesn’t make a racket. A great choice if you have the budget for it and are in the market for an overlock machine.
#9 Singer 191D-30 Complete Industrial Commercial-Grade
- Configuration includes sewing machine head, motor, and completely assembled single-pedal stand
- Extra-high sewing speed sews almost six times faster than a conventional domestic sewing machine allowing you to complete projects quickly
- The heavy-duty motor allows you to sew multiple layers of fabric easily
- Attached knee lifter allows for hands-free raising and lowering of the presser foot
- Versatile design appeals to a range of straight-stitch sewing applications
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 4000 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: 5 mm
- Straight stitch machine
- Features: Includes table
What We Like
- Extra high knee lift
- Delivered completely assembled
- Self-oiling system
- Tabletop bobbin winder
What We Don’t Like
- Wired only for use in the USA and Canada
- Can seem too fast until you get used to the foot pedal
Our Verdict
This is a solid machine that comes fully assembled which can be important for some users. The self-oiling system makes maintenance a bit easier than some other industrial machines.
#10 Reliable Barracuda 200ZW
- 8 LAYERS OF SUNBRELLA-PLUS – A full 8mm clearance under the foot allows sewing of 10 or more layers of heavy canvas and up to 8 layers of Sunbrella-Plus
- BUILT-IN SPEED REDUCER – The built-in speed reducer gives you the machine extra torque to get through the toughest jobs.
- HEAVY-DUTY CARRYING HANDLE – A heavy-duty carrying handle for easy portability
- REVERSE LEVER MECHANISM – Reinforce the seams simply by pushing down the reverse lever
- 800 STITCHES PER MINUTE | 10-POINT QUALITY CHECK | TOOTHED BELTS & PULLEYS | STITCH WIDTH ADJUSTMENT
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Maximum Stitch Speed: 800 stitches/minute
- Stitch length: Up to 4 stitches/inch
- Stitch width: 0-5 mm
- Zig zag machine and straight stitch walking foot sewing machine
- Features: Portable using attached handle
What We Like
- Simple controls make this machine easy to get up and running quickly
- Can sew 8 layers of Sunbrella plus fabric
- Portable
- Sews well on medium to heavyweight fabrics
- Built-in speed reducer to increase torque for tough jobs
- Optional available handwheel for sewing off the grid.
What We Don’t Like
- It can be difficult so sew slowly
Our Verdict
This portable combination zig-zag and straight stitch walking foot machine is a versatile choice for businesses, hobbyists, RV and boat owners.
What is an Industrial Sewing Machine?
Industrial sewing machines are built to be able to handle repetitive tasks with ease. Whether you’re churning out dozens of products a day, or have decided to start a tailoring business, a commercial machine will make you a more efficient sewist.
These machines are made to be fast, accurate, dependable workhorses that can handle a much larger volume than a standard sewing machine.
Some machines are designed to handle heavier fabrics like canvas, denim and leather that your home machine would struggle with, while some are suitable for thin to medium weight fabrics.
The cost of the best industrial sewing machine may surprise you. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $5000 depending on your needs.
You may have been happily stitching on the best mechanical sewing machine for years, but now that you’re thinking about an industrial model, an investment in your business can really pay off.
Why Would You Need an Industrial Sewing Machine?
You might want to consider an industrial sewing machine if you have the following special sewing needs:
- You want to sew thicker material like leather, canvas, upholstery fabric
- You want to sew faster than a typical sewing machine. Some commercial machines can achieve up to 7,000 stitches per minute
- You want to scale up your sewing business
- You want accurate, repeatable results
- You want to repeat a limited set of sewing tasks over and over again
Different Types of Commercial Sewing Machines
Just as there are multiple types of traditional sewing machines, the same goes through for industrial sewing machines.
Lockstitch Machine: For seaming and straight stitching
Overlock or Serger Machine: Used for seaming, edging, hemming
Embroidery Machine: Used for both simple embroidery and programmable designs
Walking foot Machine: Used when even feeding of the fabric is required
Pros of Using an Industrial Machine
If you’ve been using a standard home sewing machine for your business, you’ll see that buying a dedicated industrial sewing machine has many advantages.
- Stitch speed
- Allows you to scale your sewing business
- Can handle tough materials like leather, denim, and canvas
- Can handle multiple layers of fabric without difficulty
- Accurate seams and finishes
- More ruggedly built than home sewing machines
- Dependable long term use
Cons of Using an Industrial Sewing Machine
Like any industrial equipment, there can be drawbacks, even if you find the best industrial sewing machine for your needs. Commercial machines:
- Are noisy
- Take up more space than a conventional machine
- Usually are quite heavy and are hard to move
- Need to be maintained well for optimum performance
- Can be expensive
- Use more power
- Usually have one main purpose instead of multiple stitches and accessories
Why Choose an Industrial Model Over A Standard Model?
If you’re ready to scale up your sewing business, an industrial model will definitely help you get more quickly. The best industrial sewing machine will help you accurately and quickly move through projects, with both precision and repeatability.
You’ll be able to make more in less time, which ultimately will help you pay off your machine quicker.
If you’re ready to make an investment in your business, have the space, and have a good plan, you’re well on your way to making a commercial machine work for you.
An Industrial Machine is Probably Not for You if…
While industrial machines are powerhouses when it comes to construction, they are not the best choice for every sewing business.
If you’re looking for a machine that can do everything from monogramming, piecing, quilting and more, you’ll probably have to purchase more than one machine.
Take a good look at your needs to see if an industrial machine can help you, or if it might be overkill for what you need.
Important Features In an Industrial Sewing Machine
Every commercial sewing machine has a different set of features. Take a look at your sewing needs to choose a machine that has the best mix of features at a price you can afford.
Speed
The best industrial machines sew much faster than your standard home machine. Look for speeds of 1,000 to 7,000 stitches per minute.
Power
Before you decide on the best industrial machine for your purpose, make sure to find out if the machine you choose can be plugged into your regular household electrical outlets, or if you will need an electrician to wire specialty power outlets.
Working Area
Will you need a long arm machine to accommodate rolls of bulky fabric like canvas? Make sure you take the type and size of materials you will sew into consideration.
Motor Type
Clutch motors are best for thick materials that take more power to sew through like leather and canvas. These motors are louder because they run continuously even when you aren’t sewing a seam.
Servo motors work well for sewing lighter materials. They usually have more control over stitch speed and are quieter than clutch motors.
Noise
Machines with a clutch-type motor can be loud. Servo motors are usually quieter. Noise may not be an issue if you have a separate sewing space but can be a huge issue if you’re working from home.
Bed Type
Flat bed: The most common type of bed. Useful for general sewing tasks
Post bed: Usually used for decorative stitches and monogramming machines
Cylinder bed: These machines are designed to be used in oddly shaped projects and hard to reach areas like purses, bags, and footwear.
Size
Many commercial machines come installed in industrial cabinets. Make sure your sewing space can accommodate the size of any attached tables as well as enough space to work around it.
Tips for Using an Industrial Sewing Machine
Lubrication
LSince a commercial machine gets heavier use than a home sewing machine, make sure to keep machine oil on hand and regularly lubricate all parts according to the manufacturers’ manual.
Maintenance
Just like your home machine, keep your bobbin clean of lint, stray thread and other debris that comes from sewing.
Summary: Our Top Picks For the Best Industrial Sewing Machine
Here again, are our top picks for the best industrial sewing machine for your sewing business in four categories:
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Straight Stitch – Juki DDL8700
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Blindstitching – REX RX-518
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Quilting – Brother PQ1500SL
- Best Industrial Sewing Machine for Serging/Overlocking – Juki MO-6814S
Depending on what kind of creative endeavor you’re in you may need a serger, a straight stitch machine or something else entirely.
The Takeaway: Which Commercial Sewing Machine is Right for Me?
Read the details about our top picks, do your research, and take a look at all the online reviews.
Then, consider your budget and available space and think about which features you really need when you are ready to buy the best industrial sewing machine for your needs.
Happy Creating!
