Known for their high quality stitches and long-lasting, robust builds, industrial sewing machines are widespread in both professional and at home use. There are a lot of factors to pay attention to, especially since you’re going to use them on a daily basis.
The highest quality models today offer an extensive amount of features that aim to increase productivity and provide a better sewing experience. This guide is going to help you choose the best industrial sewing machine.
The details in the features are what separates the good machines from the best ones on the market. If you’re looking for an overall best choice, the Juki DNU-1541 puts a very fast, efficient servo motor into a tough metal body to give you years of top-notch sewing experience. Still, each one of the machines listed here is going to pay you back tenfold through their quality performance.
10 Best Industrial Sewing Machine
1. Juki HZL-DX Series Sewing Machine HZL-DX7
Juki HZL-DX Series Sewing Machinepowerhouse comes with a whopping 287 stitch patterns at a speed of 1050 stitches per minute. It also allows for precision sewing holding the needle button slows it down. The automatic needle threader and cutter can be used single-handedly, making the machine suitable for beginners. The bobbin is easily accessible by sliding the compartment door open. At 8.2×17.5×11.5″ and almost 22 lbs, the device is a bit on the larger side.
The Juki is powerful enough to go through even denim-like materials, as well as precise for more delicate fabric. It comes with a lot of foot controls and specialized functions. Trimming threads, single and reverse switching as well as lifting the presser foot can all be assigned to the foot controllers.
There’s an automatic presser-foot pivot function that lifts or drops the presser foot, which can be toggled on and off according to user preference. To avoid uneven seams, afloat function slightly lifts up the presser foot during sewing. All of the options are neatly presented on its LCD screens such as speed, stitch length, needle position and many more.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for beginners.
2. Brother Quilting and Sewing Machine, PQ1500SL
The Brother PQ1500SL is a roomy, high-speed machine mainly designed for quilting. It’s extremely fast at 1500 stitches per minute. The dimensions are 25 x 11.8 x 14.8″ weighing in at 33.4 lbs, bringing the portability down to a minimum. However, there are a lot of features packed into it.
The extremely wide retractable table comes with a ruler and a free-motion quilting feature perfect for bigger projects. There are a lot of adjustable options such as automatic needle position, thread tension control and stitch length.
Feed dog adjustment has four total positions to accommodate every fabric, from extremely light to the tougher ones. With the knee lifter, you’ll be able to adjust the tension without interrupting your work. The pin feed system helps with tougher materials. There’s also a lever for reverse stitching and the presser foot pressure adjustment. All of these features are adjusted through their corresponding knobs and dials. You’ll encounter a lot of trial and error until you find the perfect settings.
All of the features come at a price. The machine is going to take up a LOT of space so that you won’t be moving it any time soon. Also, due to its numerous customization options, it’s not going to be suitable for novice users.
3. Juki DDL-8700-Servo Industrial Sewing Machine
The 110-volt servo motor capable of up to 5500 stitches per minute is the bread and butter of this single-needle lockstitch machine. Juki DDL-8700 is perfect for lightweight to medium fabrics, but it’s not suitable for either extremely thin and slippery or heavy materials such as leather, vinyl etc.
The unit is noticeably hefty at 48 x 20 x 48″, so you’ll need a fair bit of space. Maximum stitch length goes up to 5mm which, when combined with a high quality Organ DBx1 needle makes a perfect package for bulk production. There is a big variety of needles that you can use that are wider than the ones on the usual sewing machines since the DBx1 is similar to a 16 x 231.
The speed of the servo motor is adjustable, so if you find the 5500 spm overwhelming, you can reduce it for a more precise stitch. The DDL-8700 also has a self-lubricating system, bringing the maintenance level needed down to a minimum.
Although it’s perfect for beginners, the unit only does straight stitching. Also, at 28 lbs and almost 50 inches in height when assembled, it’s quite hefty and not portable. But if you’re looking for a noiseless unit, you won’t even notice that the servo motor is there.
4. Brother Designio Series DZ1500F Sewing Machine
Another straight-stitch expensive machine, the DZ1500F, is a fairly lightweight but fast unit at 25 x 11.6 x 15.2” in dimensions and 1500 stitches per minute. The material is fed evenly and smoothly through the pin-feed mechanism. It also comes with an automatic needle threading system and thread cutter for added convenience. On top of the unit is a dual thread stand.
Included in the package are 7 different accessory feet, some of them being general-purpose, adjustable zipper, 1/4 inch etc. Also, the presser foot can be controlled with a knee lifter for hands-free use. A needle felting attachment can be connected to the machine for added customization.
The motor of DZ1500F is extremely strong made to easily cut even through the toughest of materials, which it does very well. This coupled with the extra-large extension table makes it very easy to use even with larger pieces of clothing. The bobbin is easily reachable through the opening in the table so you can start working in no time. Integrated fabric separator connects different fabrics with high quality, unnoticeable seams.
The DZ1500F does only one thing, but it does it very well. It also comes with the needle felting attachment which is a nice bonus.
5. Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
Characterized by an aluminum build that’s both durable and lightweight, Juki TL-2000Qi is designed for high quality, large projects. The unit is 17.8 x 8.6 x 13.8″ in dimensions. At 1500 stitches per minute and not that many features, this machine’s main focus is on perfecting the already existing sewing methods.
The automatic threader can be a bit hard to set up, but the user manual makes it easier. Thread cutting is controlled with the foot pedal for hands-free use. Along with the knee lever and the pedal speed control, you won’t have to use your hands most of the time. This unit can cut through all materials, light or heavy. The quilting, straight stitch, free motion and walking presser feet will not leave you wishing for anything else.
When you start sewing, the needle control is automatically going to move the needle up and down, although it can be turned off. The 13-inch extension table is going to provide enough space for every project, while the roomy bobbin case makes its replacement a breeze. The table’s LED lights are there to aid you in the precise and delicate stitches.
The machine is a bit tougher for beginners and can take some time to get familiar with. Still, the aluminium vibration-free build, portability and high efficiency make this machine an attractive pick-up.
6. Janome HD1000 Black Edition Sewing Machine
The HD1000 is a highly affordable machine with 14 built-in stitches and a 4 step buttonhole, 4 presser feet, 3-piece feed dog system and a plethora of other features all packed into a sleek, black aluminium body.
With 15.6 x 6.3 x 12.4″ and only 17 lbs, this is going to be a fairly portable unit. The device can handle all types of materials and comes with a removable free arm to quickly patch up your clothes. For the quilters out there, the 3-piece feed dog is going to allow free motion sewing just by moving a lever and you’ll be able to stitch backward with the reverse option.
The needle is threaded and cut automatically, and the thread tension can be manually modified through the dial. However, the needle threading process can be somewhat problematic and more complicated than it should be, so you’ll need some patience. Even though the features are extensive, they’re easily customizable, making this machine perfect for both beginners and more advanced users.
This machine is highly portable and light. Still, it’s heavy enough to go through tough materials without any littering. It comes with a lot of accessories extra needles, bobbins and screwdrivers which only adds further to its value.
7. Juki DNU-1541 Industrial Walking Foot Sewing Machine
A single-needle walking foot machine, the DNU-1541, is a high-speed device that comes equipped with a 750-watt servo motor. It’s capable of up to 2500 stitches per minute and the speed can be manually controlled.
The device is a bit larger at 48 x 36 x 48″. The stitch length can be customized up to 9mm. Since it’s a walking foot device, the presser foot also moves on top of the fabric to ease the sewing of thicker layers. Since the motor is extremely powerful, there’s a safety mechanism that automatically engages for increased security.
The alternating vertical movement goes up to 6.5mm. The presser foot can be lifted and lowered either manually or with a knee lift going up to 16mm.
When cranked up, the servo motor goes even through rough leather with ease while still remaining fairly quiet. The machine has rectangular feeds for precise sewing and equal distribution of the material and a built-in bobbin.
Because of the automatic lubrication system, the DNU-1541 requires very little maintenance. Even though it doesn’t have many features, it does what it’s meant for efficiently.
8. Singer 191D-30 Complete Industrial Sewing Machine
This Singer machine comes packed with a powerful clutch motor capable of up to 4000 stitches per minute six times more powerful than other conventional machines. The motor has an extra powerful mode (0.5 horsepower) for a good quality straight stitch of up to 5 mm.
The presser foot can be raised hands-free with the knee lifter up to 13 mm. It’s going to be suitable for medium to heavy fabrics, easily going through several layers of tough denim. Stitch length is adjustable and the reverse lever is going to strengthen up the stitches and help you reinforce seam ends.
H-legs on the stand are height adjustable with a durable laminated surface that can withstand the high sewing speeds, providing a safe and stable environment. The tabletop is large at 50 x 22” with the machine hand extending up to 11.75”. Before using it, the machine must be completely filled with sewing oil to prevent damage.
The only downsides are the inability to adjust the speed 4000 spm is going to be fairly hard to control at first.
Also, since it doesn’t have a servo motor, it’s going to be extremely noisy while running.
9. Yamata FY-8700 Industrial Sewing Machine
Coming in at 48 x 20 x 48 inches in dimension, the FY-8700 is a fairly portable yet powerful machine. The 5500 rotations per minute servo motor are going to be ideal for light to medium fabrics, but it can also handle somewhat more robust denim and leather.
Up to 5mm stitch length and a 13mm foot, lift provide a lot of room for work. The advanced noise-decreasing technology is going to keep the motor working unnoticeably. It comes with a sewing table, five extra bobbins, and ten extra needles which will make the package quite heavy. The chassis is made out of durable metals for long durability.
The 16×257 needle size helps with more precise stitches, and with ten other needles, there’s going to be no shortage of customization. The sewing table has more than enough space for every project and a metallic frame reinforces it. Furthermore, the automatic lubrication system will ensure you never run out of oil.
Unfortunately, this model is not a walking foot and it’s not going to be suitable for quilting. Also, it’s going to be fairly tough to set up, especially for beginners.
10. TechSew 2900 Industrial Sewing Machine
A leather patching machine, the TechSew 2900, is characterized by its 360-degree rotating presser foot to accommodate sewing in all directions. It’s suitable for patching up purses, boots and anything else made out of leather, but the servo motor is fairly slow at 500 stitches per minute.
The machine can sew up to 3/8” thick materials, and has a sewing capacity of 1/4”. A narrow 12” long cylindrical arm easily works with tough to reach areas.
The sewing can be up to 7mm thick. The needle system is 135×17 and is adjusted manually via a hand crank. Stitch length goes up to 3.5 stitches per inch.
The motor speed can be modified and has a speed reducer for slower, more precise stitches. The motor strength is 800W and it has 18-speed settings ranging from 300-1800 RPM. The U-table provides more than enough workspace and is steel reinforced around the cylinder arm.
When delivered, the TechSew 2900 comes inspected, oiled and set-up for immediate use. The package contains additional needles, bobbins as well as a user manual. Even though it has a fairly underwhelming speed, the TechSew 2900 remains a solid unit for patching up any leather gear.
What To Look For In A Industrial Sewing Machine
Speed & Motors
Industrial machines have a lot higher speeds to keep up with production needs. Keep in mind that higher isn’t always better. Often the really high-speed machines (>3000spm) can be pretty difficult to control, especially for those just starting out. You should keep an eye out if the speed can be adjusted. Otherwise, forget about delicate and precise stitching if the motor doesn’t have a slow down option. For leather and other tougher materials, it’s usually best to go a bit slower.
Servo motors are usually equipped with the ability to reduce the speed. They are able to sew at very high speeds and do so with little to no noise associated with them. Along with this, they are very energy efficient and considered as an overall better option.
On the other hand, clutch motors have a bad reputation due to the amount of noise they produce while running. They are generally found on the older sewing machines. You won’t be able to go slow with these units unless you install a special speed reducer modification.
Size
A lot larger than their home-use counterparts, the industrial sewing machines need to be placed in a roomy location. They can have very big dimensions and get pretty hefty, sometimes even over 80 lbs. It’s best to have a dedicated work room for this, especially if you’re going to spend most time sewing. There are more portable versions out there, but even they are almost double the size of the home-use machines.
Make sure that they’re placed in a somewhat permanent place. These machines aren’t made to be moved very often once they’ve been set up, they’re going to stay there for a long time. Always check how big the working space of the machine is and if it’ll fit your projects.
Stitching
The main feature that you’ll pay attention to is stitching. There are a lot of different types – straight, buttonhole, zigzag etc. Unfortunately, a lot of the industrial sewing machines are limited to the most basic type, straight. Even though this is not necessarily a bad thing and it’ll be enough in almost 99% of cases, make sure that it’s going to suit your needs.
Make a list of all the stitches that you think you’ll need. Don’t look only for the large variety, but rather at those that you’ll actually use. Always check the machine’s maximum stitch length and width beforehand.
You’ll gain enough experience over time to know precisely which stitches you need in certain situations.
Final Verdict
You should have enough knowledge to choose the best industrial sewing machine for you. Keep in mind that each individual choice is different and depends on your personal preferences and needs. Different motors, features, and speeds all serve different purposes. Do additional research on the manufacturer of your choice to check on prior reviews and experiences other people had with them.
A lot of new machines are coming out on a daily basis. If something sounds too good to be true then it most probably is. Above everything, make sure to enjoy the process. Choosing your new long-term machine should be fun, after all.