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’ll really love to have one,but it so expensive here. Can’t afford it even IG I save up for the whole year
My husband does repairs on furniture and I help by doing most of the sewing and find it hard on my domestic machine’A JUKI machine would be wonderful.
Yes I would love an industrial JUKI. I have all Singers, the Futura, two Singer Ones, Heavy Duty 4452, Serger, and an old old one (I bought from ebay – restored it in hopes of making better bags). Just don’t have the money for the industrial machine. The “Heavy Duty” isn’t really meant for heavy duty sewing like bag making. Also have had a few people ask me to fix their boat covers. Have to turn away side jobs because I don’t have the equipment to fix the items.
I would be so proud to own a JUKI sewing machine. My 20yr old Singer can’t do the job anymore. I make lots of little things for a charity project (pouches, purses, toys, etc) in addition to clothes for my children and myself. A good equipment would change my life. I cross my fingers.
There is nothing sweeter then the sound of an industrial machine when you flip that switch and turn it on. I have sewn on an industrial machine and would love to have my own machine! They really give you the confidence to do anything you can imagine with fabric and thread!
With the volume of sewing that I do this machine would be perfect. I not only make bags, zipper purses, I do repairs, hem pants, quilt, applicate you name it!! I love love to sew.
I have 4 machines. One brother domestic, one brother that does embroidery, a serger and my 50yr old singer. I’ve been trying to sew through some thick denim but either the motor is not strong enough or the machine won’t take more than a 16 needle or less than a 20 weight thread. Doesn’t make since bc most top stitching thread is 15 weight. Boy would I love an industrial machine. Being disabled and on a fixed income I can’t afford a good one. Tried the brother strong and tough but couldn’t handle the bigger needle or the thread weight. Sent it right back.
Curiosity is getting the better of me; Liane Fleury, what type of Brother Embroidery is it? Not a White 4400 by chance? I have three Brothers, SQ 9050, quilting, sewing; Brother SE 625 just out of the box and White 4400 Embroidery Machine. Which is fantastic, I’ve not found another machine “ANYTHING” like it anywhere. Except for the hoop size (which only became an issue recently” I love it. However a move to PA has broken my disc for the program and I can’t find anyone with that machine. I love all of my machines, but not like my White.
As for the Juki, well my father used to repair sewing machines and he always said that if you are going to do sewing small or large and you want a dependable machine to do the work with less than minimal repair or tuning up then Juki is the one. I’ve only watched him sew on the Juki he borrowed for a tuneup to show me. He was right of course, very well made and absolutely right for the heavy work of more than family sewing.
Like everyone here, I sew. I want to sew more, without limit. I started when my mom took some stretch and sew classes. My grandma gave me a machine from one of her sheds. It was a White. Then I made my own patterns using facing. I’ve picked up and repaired sewing machines from yard sales. Given them away traded for fabric. Now I’ve started a love affair with piecing quilts. And am hoping to long arm in the future. I also have horses, have thought about some unique quilted blankets…..as long as I can see, breathe, and my hands work there won’t be an end to the possabilites.
I need an industrial machine because I like to sew bags and worry that I will wreck my sweet Babylock. I also want to sew things that are lighter weight and I understand that the 8700 Juki will do light to medium. I’ve actually been looking at them online for a while.
Would love to have an industrial machine to make the accessories for my family’s motorcycle racing. (riding pants, gear bags, etc)
I have a collection of sewing machines like my jeans. My jeans have changed in sizes over the years, lol. My machines have changed as my sewing improved over the years. I have carried around my mother’s 1958 single stitch 185J in a cabinet as soon as I moved out when I was 20. Once I seriously started sewing in 2008, I had to move on from that quickly. Went to a Singer 534 Stylist, that burned out due to age, with found money I bought a Bernina 230! Boy was I thrilled. Then I needed more space after trying one quilt. Couldn’t swing Bernina for that! I got a Janome 8900 QCP, I really like some of the embroidery designs but that machine didn’t work with me. (I still have it). Finally I am mostly happy with my Babylock Aria. I wish it had the button hole of the Bernina and some of embroidery of the Janome. 😉 I have my little Juki 654DE serger that is fabulous and a the Janome 1000 CPX overstitch that I can’t seem to get the tension correct so I rarely use it. I serger my hems and use a double needle in my Aria for my knits.
I sew things for our little home, an occasional quilt, presents for family and clothes that are kind to my adjusting body and for my teen daughters if they let me. I work full time, so an industrial sewing machine could save time??
Yes one day I pray to be able to work up to buying an Industrial machine but it’s hard to choose a straight stitch or zig zag option and I think that’s a big reason today why domestic ones are so popular ! I can’t say I have an older singer or older machine as I’d love one and I do also have picked up here and there a few machines but everything about is a yes for me on the questions ! I see so many needing one I’d love to win one of course ! Lol my husband has lost his leg and then his knee 🙁 he is fighting to go back to work but everything about now is on me and I’ve been a stay at home mom with no work history so besides extra income I am making as many items as I can to try to sell at the flea market ! Everything in life is a hit or miss all I can do is pray for good luck and blessings on sailing to make enough to rebuy to make mire stuff and pray one day I can work my way up ! I’m a new sewer too as I haven’t 20 yrs experience in sewing but I love sewing so I pray one day I can get a nice machine Industrial cause the reg machines as you’d aid aren’t meant to sew so much and for so many years ! I don’t see a place to register but if I won’t I would donate my other machines to those who could use a machine maybe but isn’t needing one that sews more than 5 hours a day as you said 🙂 Happy sewing Ladies and god bless !
I have a couple temperamental machines and at least 6 broken machines waiting for repair. My biggest issue is not enough space on either side, so I’m often sewing with fabric on my body poking me the whole time.
Three machines seems to be the average nmber in sewing rooms. I have a brother embroidery machine that I use often. Then there’s the brother heavy duty, which allows me to have second color thread on hand f…I hate switching thread color. I have a serger, but have considered many times that I need a second. But an industrial machine….that would round it out to more easily do outdoor pieces and heavy garment pieces! (Just because I sew, people who know me drop off their sewing machines they no longer want because they are old/seized up/needle breaks/….. I have 2 in my basement now waiting for attention and then give away.)
I have been using domestic sewing machines your 15 years, starting to the time I was teaching our special needs learners sewing as the suject. This took me far, being the experienced sewing educator in our district. It is definately time for change in introducing industrial machines to our learners, who are ready for industrial world with machines.
Yes, I need an industrial sewing machine, I begun to make upholstery work and yes, an industrial machine is better to work the fabrics than the traditional ones.
i will be over the moon if i will be the winner, i have just started sewing, my desire is to saw the hat for school girls and boys, so i was advised to buy this kind of machine. i love sewing a lot.
I have always wanted an Industrial Sewing Machine to take care of my various sewing needs. So far, I have managed what I can do with my domestic Singer sewing machine, but would love to venture into other additional projects with the help of an industrial Sewing Machine. I love sewing!
I currently own three different machine to my daughter’s dismay. I would love to have a machine capable of thr work I try to get my other machines to preform
I would love to have JUKI. It would fit lovely in my new home.
Thank you.
I make leather purses and an industrial sewing machine would make it easier to sew and look more professorial. I would love to win one.
OH Yes, Please. I could really use an industrial machine. I have a couple of machines. I have an old Monarch with a cast iron head that only does straight stitch that I use for sewing upholstery and a Singer 401A with the cams that does some amazing stitches and a Bernette 234 serger. I currently sew for my handicapped daughter but would love to be able to sew heavier materials for bags and wheelchair covers.
thick fabrics and non-cottons are a challenge. Years ago I had an industrial machine. Loved the power.
School expenses begged and now… no industrial machine,
I have been sewing since I was a little girl. I have several vintage machines, a serger and embroidery machine that was given to me. I want to declutter and get rid of the extra vintage machines. I make purses. I have acquired a lot of beautiful leather. But the 2 machines I use all time cannot handle it. I have longed for an industrial machine so I can do more upscale purses. But unfortunately it is not within my budget to buy one so the leather is there for me to look at only! I absolutely love sewing and really love making the purses.
Like you, I have a small variety of machines, each set up for a different purpose. None, however, performs without a knock-down-drag-out when it comes to last summer’s awning covers, drapes when we moved in, furniture covers for cold leather in winter and all my other heavy sewing projects. A commercial machine would, therefore, complete me. Fingers crossed! #youhadme@giveaway
I recently started sewing wallets, purses, and pouches. I have a brother 2610xl and when I got it over 34 years ago, I thought it was the best machine in the world because it let me make some of my kids clothes and clothes for my self. Well as I try to advance more into the world of sewing with heavy denim, leather canvas, vinyl, my litlle brother is stalling out left and right. I went to qvc to buy a janome hd3000 hoping and praying that it would help with tasks that I was beginning to start on and it started popping, when I loaded it with heavy fabric, leather, denim; then it was not only popping it started to smell like something was burning. I did call qvc and janome and was told that the machine was defective and to send it back. Well, now I’m back to my little brother 2610xl to try to force it to handle the layers of fabric, etc… Right now I can’t afford to buy another machine because my regular job has cut my hours so low it would make your head spin so I hope and pray that I can be the winner of the industrial machine, it would really make my life, a litlle easier when sewing.
I could use one. I do have a very dependable Viking…late 1980’s model. Would love to try machine quilting and making items with heavier materials.
I would be honored and so fortunate to own a Juki commercial machine. I have retired from work and now I want to own my own business making bags from heavy upholstry fabrics, wool, rugs, and leather. I want to make tote bags with a flare of upscale by making the handles and trim work from different sizes of leather (thick, thin, etc.), I have made several beautiful tote bags but cannot finish them because my 28 year old pfaff machine will not sew heavy fabrics. It’s hard to buy machines on a retired persons income so I would be fortunate to win the Juki commercial machine.
I sew everyday for years now, I have gone through sewing on my grandmothers treadle sewing machine, a Singer, a Janome, now I have a PFAFF ambition 1.0 but I hate the way it sews buttons holes with an unreliable attachment, and I hate the zipper foot. I would really appreciate a reliable industrial sewing machine that sews all kinds of zippers and button holes without a struggle and is able to sew through layers of fabrics. I want to sew more bags, wallets, purses, winter coats, and accessories.
I would like to be able to sew with leather and the layers on a quilt with a industrial. I have always wanted one, just cannot afford one of this quality.
PS- I only have 2 sewing machines! Lol
I have a 40 year old Bernina 930 that just broke its belt and a Bernette 2-3-4 server almost as old. I recently bought a new Juki for quilting, and it does a pretty good job. I would love an industrial machine! I’ve been wanting one for years but it’s never been in the budget.
Oh yes I’d love an industrial machine! Yes I could fit it in. No more apprehension about whether or not I can sew through 4 plus thicknesses of leather. Currently I’m using a Juki 2010Q & a Bernina 350. Good machines but not up there for sewing beautiful leather. I’m making bags but want to enjoy the process and the end product.
Would love to win an industrial machine. I am planning to return to sewing as my retirement business! This would make things MUCH easier!
I have three singer, baby lock serger juket serger and pfaff machines.I sew 8 hrs five days week and half day Sat.I do nothing but charties.Quites and dress making for three country and schools.
I like to make moccasins and mukluks and my Janome doesn’t work for that.Sewing by hand is not an option anymore because of arthritis, I really need that machine, please
I currently have two Brother machines, one of which does fairly well with denim to a point, an old Singer that does regular fabrics pretty good but can no longer wind bobbins, and recently sold my and my grandmother’s older Husky machines (with cams) that I can’t afford to restore. I mostly sew denim, recycling it into quilts and handbags, totes & other things, so an industrial machine would be very helpful, I just can’t afford to buy one.
I have been quilter for 20 years and a sewer since I was 12. Now I want to make all my own clothes. An industrial machine would be fantastic!
Do I need an industrial machine? Probably not. Do I want an industrial machine? Definitely yes. I just bought my dream machine ‘Bernina’. It’s awesome and sews through some of my bags that I make. I also have a Juki TL2200 mini and it does a great job with lots of layers. An industrial machine would let me sew through much more with ease and beautiful top stitching. Do I have room in my small sewing room? Maybe….I’ll make room. This would also enable me to sell my other machines I have accumulated when finding that perfect one. ?
I have two machines. One I bought at an estate sale and one I inherited from my mother. My daughter is just learning to sew and loves it, so she will likely take over one. Neither makes great button holes or can handle thicker fabrics, so it would be great to have a machine that can be a workhorse.
Yes I do need a JUKI. I have a Janome, a 46 year old Kenmore, 3 antique Singers, a Singer serger and my favourite an 82 year old Singer that has the best stitches for making bags, wallets and purses. She does struggle with to many layers of cork but still out sews all my other machines. Love sewing!