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 still have and use my Brother portable sewing machine that I purchased with saved up $2 bills. I have sewn all the nighties, diapers crib sheets, bumper pads, quilts, blankets, and a lot of clothing for my 3 children. I would like to win an industrial sewing machine to be able to sew leather and suede skirts and coats,purses and bags, and jeans. I would like to also try and reupholster my old couch. My Brother sewing machine was purchased in 1987, it’s about time to have a real industrial machine, even though my Brother has served me well. Just love your site.
I would really like to have an industrial sewing machine. I would like to make jeans, leather and suede coats, purses and bags. I would also really like to reupholster my old couch. I still have my Brother portable sewing machine that I purchased with saved up $2 bills in 1987. I think it is time to have a heavier duty sewing machine.
I have researched this particular machine several months ago and was really impressed. I would love to be able to sew my many projects on this machine my current Bernina 1030 is about 30years old and still runs great, but I make purses and bags beside quilt piecing. I sure could use a bigger machine. Thanks
I learned to sew during high school HomeEc class over 50 yrs. ago.Over the years I’ve made garmets, pouches, bags, etc for family & friends. I’m retired now and am interested in constructing products to sell. I have 2 Singer machines. Had a love/hate relationship with my White Serger. Finally gave it away. I watched the video on the Juki DDL-8700H industrial machine. That’s a very powerful machine! the kind of sewing machine I need to especially construct leather & vinyl goods. My fingers are crossed that I will be the ‘giveyaway’ winner.
Yes I would love an industrial machine, I have a Viking Husqvarna Sapphire and a Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE 2/3/4 Overlock Serger and their awesome. To be blessed to win an industrial machine means I could do a lot of denim work without hiccups. Thanks for making this gift possible to someone out there including me.
I have a domestic embroidery combo, plus a basic machine. Boy would I love Juki!
I want to work more with vinyl but what I have just doesn’t keep up with that kind of material. My mom tells me stories from back in the 50s when she worked for sewing machine company. How I wish I had one of those now.
I would love to have an industrial machine. I have two heavy duty and two or three regular domestic machines, a serger and a domestic that is also an embroidery machine. Love them all even though some no longer work. I am into embroidery and purse making right now and my son and his wife are into leather working so an industrial would be fantastic for us.
I had a singer for many years, but after being serviced it was never the same. I bought a Singer 1 plus. It has never really given me beautiful stitches. So I would love to win an industrial machine that I can rely on.
Holy cow do I need an industrial machine! I sew with my Bernina and make lots of quilts but also make products around the house, such as large pet beds, waterproof heavy duty coated pack cloth or vinyl for wheel covers, boat cover, back packs, stuff sacks for hiking, etc. I have never had an industrial machine, but wondered if I could afford one. Usually, I purchase one machine at a time and when it wears out I purchase another. Now I realize from your article that I need more than one. Thank you for your information, it is a great help and would love to win your machine.
I would LOVE too have one. I make bags, pillows, etc. and use leather and denim and often find myself thinking that “I could do that if I had an industrial machine….”
I just went to my local dealer and tried this machine as I make rug bags and my current machine will not handle the thickness so I have been doing them by hand. I wanted the machine as it filled the expectations of sewing on the rugs but hubby told me in order to get it I would have to sell one I now own. I just can’t decide or want to lose one of my current machine, so I’m at a crossroads. Acquiring this one would solve all my issues!!
I certainly would LOVE an industrial machine! I just can’t get some things such as denim, bags and household repairs sewn with a standard home machine.
I have been through a lot of sewing machines in my life. Because of the things I sew they never hold up. An old Montgomery Ward, numerous Singers and an old Pfaff. (which lasted the longest) My friend let me try his industrial sewing machine and bam!!! It went through anything I threw at it. Would love love my very own.
Yes, yes, yes. I really need one. I hope I win. Sewing is peace for me. To win would be so nice!!!
To win a sewing machine would be a dream come true.
What I think?!? Of course I need, and I realy NEED, a Juki sewing machine! I have a place for it, I have fabrics and a lot of ideas. But only one small Elna machine. And I love to sew! (who doesn’t?) Every day…
So I would love to win!
I would love an industrial sewing machine for making adaptive clothing and accessories for babies and children with complex medical needs.
An industrial machine would be so helpful making my purses and various bags! The materials I use are fairly heavy – upholstery and tapestry fabrics, suede and sometimes leather. Having an industrial machine would allow me to expand my line and cut down on time.
Thanks so much for the chance in the give-away!
I have a Janome 6600P and a Baby Lock Acclaim. I love them both, but they are not machines capable of sewing the volume of the marketable items necessary to operate a profitable business. An industrial sewing, especially a Juki, is made for volume, consistency and precision.
I must supplement my income. I do not need another hobby. I need an industrial sewing machine.
I am 43 years a dress maker sewing all kinds of clothes . I have only one domestic sewing machine . Please help me and let me have this industrial sewing machine to sew thick material . Thank you so much . I am Antoinette Ramona Pereira , No 114A , Arawwala road , Moraketiya Junction , Pannipitiya . Srilanka
Wow, to be able to have an industrial machine would be amazing! I too have struggled with finding jeans that fit and tried to make my own, but my regular machine can’t handle the thickness of the denim. Trying to topstitch was a complete failure. And with bags, I’ve never even attempted leather for the same reason. An industrial machine would open up a whole new world ?.
I think and industrial machine would be great to own, I do winter coats which a domestic machine which as a hard time to sew the heavy materials, as well I work canvas, it would be a charm to sew with such a machine
I would love to win it I have an Alfa sewing machine Alfamatic model year 1968 works perfectly, for embroidery and overcasting I manage but I would like to go one step further
I want one. I have tried many small machines. I am still not satisfied with stitch quality. The stictches are never even and it doesn’t have the quality of store bought dress. Have tried both brother and singer. They are ok for small project but not the perfect. I want to stitch fast also. These small machines are not that fast also.
I sew lots of denim – jeans, vests, jackets, purses – for and with teenagers on a very old Kenmore (which I still love. She and I have many fond memories) but it would be a dream to plow through those 4 thickness seams with ease!
I would love to have this Juki Industrial machine which would really speed up my daily sewing which usually takes up 5 or more hours a day doing alterations, wallets and handbags….Thank you for arranging this new give away.
Yes please.I only have a manual Singer sewing machine that I need to pedal back and forth to work,and it doesn’t stitch on thick fabric.I would really love to have an industrial sewing machine in order to start a business at home since I resigned from work because no one will take care of my children.
Yes! I typically sew about 8 hours a day, and have just ventured into purse-making. I would love to work with much heavier fabrics and feel comfortable that my machine is not going to be damaged.
I have 2 domestic machines and 2 sergers and have tried making bags on them with much frustration. I know I could enjoy making quilts, totes and cork bags if I had one of these.
Yes, I need one! I have two sewing machines and a serger, and as wonderful as they are, none of them work well with the super heavy fabrics I like to use for bags, heavy coats, and leather sewing. An industrial machine would be a dream!
I have a Serger and a Domestic Sewing and Embroidery machine. I sew mostly bags and wallets. An industrial would be a wonderful addition.
I have a Paff and a Singer machine they are great work horses and as I make bags for charity an industrial machine would be my dream as I could then use a totally different range of fabrics. Fingers crossed !!!
Hi everyone, I live in the UK and have sewn for many years and spend way to much time in my sewing room (but love it)! I currently own and use an Ovation overlocker and a Pfaff 5.0 sewing machine, both were bought second hand. I do soft furnishings and upholstery but most of my time is spent on making clothes, including jeans. I would love to own a Juki industrial machine as it is versatile at sewing a variety of different types, weights and layers of fabric together with ease that my current machines struggle with.
Yes, i would love to win this machine. My husband and I both make things out of leather, this woukd be a very loved machine if I win it.
It is my dream to own a Juki industrial. They just seem like the Ferrari of sewing machines. I have a Bernina for every day use, a 1950s straight stitch machine for heavier work, my 30 year old Janome as my spare, my husband’s grandmother’s treadle and 2 overlockers. And the overlockers are set up in different colours and used all the time. Now just to own a Juki industrial and a Baby Lock Coverstitch.
Yes I do need one I do a lot of bags with leather
Sewing machines are like cars. Buy the best quality you can afford and the one that us best suited to the type of sewing you do. You wouldn’t go mountain rallying in a cheap citadine would you. Nor would you buy Hummer to nip down to the shopping centre.
I would love to have an industrial sewing machine! I have an Viking Epic but I would love a workhorse to do leather and heavy jean fabrics.
I have a Brother Innovis 950/955 and I love it, I do use it for making quilts, embroidery and making clothes, but…with thicker materials as for bags and (winter) coats I could use a second professional machine. Winning one would be so perfect for some one without income but with a lot of sewing wishes.
I have several sewing machines. My best one is a Pfaff that I absolutely love, but I love to sew bags and would love to have an industrial sewing machine to be able to sew multiple layers more easily. Plus, an industrial machine would allow me to be more creative in the type and design of embellishments that I would like to experiment with but currently can’t because my machines aren’t heavy-duty enough.