Do you need an industrial sewing machine? Take a good look in your basement and perhaps you already know the answer. Down there under the dusty covers and dark shadows, there are the many wounded soldiers of your exploits and garage sales. Unless you are an antique dealer or a collector, why would you want to clutter your home with any more unused machinery? Some women buy sewing machines like they buy jeans. Don't believe me?
Run to your nail salon and ask around. You will find that the average women have 6 pairs of jeans, some will have more. I am guilty of this, at one point of my life, I had 12 pairs of jeans and 6 sewing machines (1 Singer, 1 Toyota, 1 Juki, 1 Janome, and 2 sergers..). I'm not sure if you know, but Toyota actually does make sewing machines –as well as cars, trucks and just about everything else. Then I started to ask myself –what possessed me to accumulate so many pairs of jeans and this amount of sewing machines?
The answer was quite simple, I was not entirely satisfied with the product. I kept looking for a pair of jeans that would look good and are comfortable, and I kept buying cheap ones in the hope that one day I will find the one. I did find a couple, but they never lasted more than a year, and I was left once again hunting for the perfect pair. Until one day I had to move to a tropical place. My needs changed and with it the need for 12 pairs of jeans. If I take 40 dollars and multiply it by 12, I have enough to buy a pair that is made with the best design and shaping capabilities.
Like the need for a better pair of jeans, our need for a reliable sewing machine arrives in the shape of the mountains of projects forgotten and put aside because we were not happy with the look of the buttonhole or the zigzag doesn't work anymore or the machine is skipping stitches when sewing bulky items, etc. etc. Notice how after a marathon of sewing, your domestic sewing machine is never quite the same? This is because home sewing machines are not meant to be used for an extended period of time. Do you want a sewing machine that can do everything? Everything? Really..? What does that even mean? Can it attach lining on its own while playing Bach in the background? There is no such thing as a perfect sewing machine that does everything. With time I have learned that 95 percent of the stitches I will never use and that professional-looking buttonhole is everything.
So now, do you need to buy an industrial sewing machine?
Like with many things, the answer is “It depends.” You could certainly argue that an industrial sewing machine is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. Here are a few other considerations:
- Do you want to declutter your home by getting rid of mediocre machinery?
- Do you want to supplement your income with your sewing and need a reliable machine with a professional-looking stitch?
- Do you want to combine different types of material together for accessories?
- Do you work with canvas, jeans, leather or sequined fabrics?
- Do you sew every day for more than 4 hours a day?
- Do you own an embroidery machine and are thinking of making quilts and handbags?
Then the answer is yes!
As with my sewing machines, I traded my jeans for a nice pair of well-fitted dark color 7 for all mankind jeans slimming illusion –I like the illusion part the best– and, Yes, I have only one pair now. Expensive for sure, but worth every penny.
How many sewing machines then? I think of machines as the brush of a painter. You can use your hands or have just one, but the true and full answer is 3. One serger, one domestic machine that makes flawless buttonholes, and my workhorse –an old Pfaff 563 that is reliable and noisy like a tractor, but it sews many layers of fabric together, thick leather and finishes the job efficiently and quickly.
How many sewing machines do you have? Would you consider an industrial one? Do you have the perfect sewing machine for your needs? Leave a comment on the box below. We'd love to hear your opinion.
I just discovered that you can even find industrial sewing machines on Amazon! Below are some options.
If you're thinking about a new sewing machine, you can find lots of great reviews over on Sewing Machine Reviews. If you find one of your existing machines in their list, go ahead and leave a review so you can help other readers with their decision.
I love sewing and although I have an embroidery machine and a serger, neither can sew efficiently with heavy fabric, especially not leather. I sew so many different items from doll clothes, cosmetic bags, table runners, pillow cases, infinity scarfs and clothing for my granddaughters. I would love to expand to sewing leather purses and heavier fabrics and an industrial machine would do the trick.
I’d love an industrial Juki! It’d be great for leather bag making and rug making. I’d clear out 6 machines to fellow charitable sewists with one industrial. And oh the room I’d free up!
My Industrial machine has allowed me to quilt with a larger thread, giving better distinctive lines showing up. I do straight line quilting.
I want an industrial machine that makes and attatches binding all at once!
I’d love an industrial machine that clips threads, too! Less work = more fun.
I’d be making Bimini tops for boats and shade patio covers
Wish I had one to sew my projects with thicker seams. So worried I will break my Brother.
I need this machine to go into business for an income that I can earn.
I have ALOT of denim quilts and baby things to do – and I know this Juki would really make it a quick, and easy job!
I have a Singer, which is about two years old, however just recently, I am constantly taking it apart to fix it. I like all the stitches it does, but am sewing so much for other people, that I believe it is time for an upgrade. I was thinking serger, but maybe a machine that can do more heavy duty projects would be more appropriate. I have been wanting to work on a project that I saw on ‘Next In Fashion’ but I don’t think my machine can handle it. I do dream of multiple machines, but usually can only replace one at a time.
Sewing steady and faster would be really great with an industrial machine.
I want to make handbags and travel totes and the see other people using industrial machines with such great results.
At five years old I learned to sew on my mom’s old Kenmore sewing machine. I got my own sewing machine for my 16th birthday. It was from Montgomery ward and I still use it, though I do most of my sewing on a Janome magnolia.
I make project bags, recycled cashmere blankets, garments, and many other items and would love to have a sewing machine that could handle heavier fabrics and leather.
I wish I had a Juki industrial machine. My machine will not go through heavy fabrics.
I have 3 sewing machines a serger and a simple embroidery machine. Each shines in its own way. I don’t have one machine that is good at a lot of things. I still don’t have a machine to do bags and heavy coats well. An industrial machine sounds like a good answer to my revolving machine game and I could give one of my unneeded machines to my grandchild.
This would be such a dream for me! I have wanted to try my hand at leather upholstery for my old fourteen year vehicle and the domestic Juki I now own, can not handle something like that. Thank you for the opportunity!
I have a couple of domestic machines but none made satisfactory bulky seams on the handbags i made.
my home sewing machine just doesn’t have the strength to sew through multiple layers of denim and such, just want to try the Juki for all the other things they seem to be able to do
I surely want one
I repair A LOT OF JEANS for family and friends. I also make a lot of items using jean material. It is VERY HARD on my regular sewing machine. I am retired and on a fixed income so to win this machine would really make my sewing SO MUCH EASIER. Laura Keene
I would love to expand my sewing to leather work to include creating vests, belts and livestock gear (halters, etc.) gear in addition to lovely bags. With this Industrial Juki machine, I could easily glide into my leather work!
I have gradually got into sewing bags and moved from all fabric to fabric with leatherette and know that I need an industrial. Currently I move between domestic machines a Singer vintage and a Brother. Even the hubby knows that I need the heavy duty – dreaming ….
I love sewing with leather and canvases but my sewing machines hate it, so until I can afford an industrial, (or until the hubby lets me buy one!), I am stuck with just making my bags etc out of normal fabrics.
I’d love to have an industrial sewing machine for my quilting. The machine I have is just a domestic and does seem limited on types of fabric I can sew. I have an old serger that I’m not too confident on, an old Pfaff that needs the plastic parts replaced-the salesman bragged on he metal sewing parts of the Pfaff.
My dependable Viking 6440 that I have used for my heavy sewing for the past 45 years is falling apart before my eyes. This machine has been my workhorse and it sewed beautifully on any project I was working on. My newer machines are just not made to sew the purses, drapes and home dec. projects I used my 6440 on. I really could use an industrial sewing machine to accomplish all my sewing needs.
I only have 1 sewing machine. Pfaff quilt expression 4.0, that I bought used. I love it but it can’t do everything I need. It is also having trouble top stiching my quilts lately. Very uneven stitching. I just have׳t been ready to spend the money on a new machine.
I have a friend who is a grandmother raising her great-granddaughter, whom she adopted. She is native and lives on a nearby reserve. She has a regular sewing machine and makes native regalia to earn extra money. She would love to be able to sew leather items as they certainly create a better source of income. If I won this machine I would give it to her in a heartbeat.
My husband occasionally asks me to sew heavy straps, boat covers, things that are just too heavy for my domestics. Having that ability would be nice.
I didn’t realize so many are into sewing bags, purses & leather! That’s great! I do believe we all find something our current machines cannot do & look for another machine. Boy am I jealous of that older industrial Pfaff! I do have one but could , afford a new one & started with a barely used floor model that I have gotten so much out of. After returning to sewing as my children grew I definitely believe you should buy the best machine you can afford. If you buy from a dealer, your machine will always be taken care of. Of course you do have to bring it in every year for it’s “oil change & tune up”!
There are so many items that I can’t get the finish on by using a domestic sewing machine. Having worked in the clothing manufacturing industry for 4 years I was really impressed with the quality of finished stitching that came from a Juki machine. I would love to achieve that in my own sewing room. A free new Juki would be wonderful for me and my family.
I have 3 sewing machines. Really only use one currently. I started making bigger better bags and would love the industrial machine for the gorgeous top stitching it does and sewing through the layers and layers of fabric with ease?
I started a tartan company because I cannot work outside my home. I have had 2 heart attacks and a stroke which left me with cataplexy, my husband has to be with me in case I need him. I sew almost everything tartan and love what I do.
I have 2 domestic machines, a serger and a barracuda for the thick fabric, but need and would love a Juki machine , it would help greatly with perfect stitches!
Thank you, Sherrie
Wish I had one to do all my college work on, I’m currently doing a fashion Design course, Finding my old clapped out machine a struggle as I progress. Need an upgrade x
Unlike others, I only buy one at a time and try to make it work for everything. And for the most part it does. My first couple machines were hand me downs. Then I bought a few at yard sales. The one that I have now is my first new one and I have had it close to 20 years. It still works good, but I mainly do small projects . Not sure I would know how to use an industrial one, but I know it would be fun to try. I am 62 and have quilt tops MY grandmother made and could use it to finish them.
Well, I have 8 sewing machines including 2 sergers. One of my machines is a Juki industrial machine and I love it for heavy sewing. I do sew for other people and for sales and wouldn’t be without it. I have a 50 year old Kenmore for the lighter sewing and it is starting to complain…….
I see lots of handbags and I see the beautiful stitching the other lawmakers get with their industrials on my th groups and I sigh, wish I had one.
If you love sewing – you love machines. I have 5 and counting I also have 3 overlockers. 1 overlocker I aquired Brother Lock II 760 DE has a missing needleplate. Try as i might i have been unable to source one. If anyone has one or knows where I can get one (yes i have tried Brother).
I’ve tried out the Juki and love how it ups my sewing game. Would love to win this!!
I am an at home quilter and have made so many over the years. I’m starting to venture out to sewing baby clothing, burp cloths, receiving and regular blankets along with bags for different purposes. It would really be an upgrade for me to have an industrial machine with a profession stitch for sewing all these items along with zippers, and decorative leather, and thicker materials such as jean material, and plush fleece for PJ’s! I’d have a lot of fun with a machine like this! Thank you for having the Industrial Machine Give-Away. Good luck to everyone wanting one!!!
Oh boy.. this would make me the happiest girl ever!! The Juki DDL-8700-H have been on my wishlist for a long time. I sew nearly every day, and often struggle when bag making.. which i love and prefer to sew.
I cross my fingers. Thank you so much for this giveaway!
I “really” need a new machine. Thanks for giving me the opportunity.
I need this machine~!! I have not found a machine that sews a professional looking seam! I am transitioning from heirloom to accessories, bags and quilting! Need a Juki