10 Best Sewing Machines for Upholstery to Make You Wow
Have you tried using the normal sewing machine on upholstery but have realized that they can’t handle tough material? Are you for an ideal machine for these types of fabrics? Well, there are machines which are specially designed for upholstery and other heavy materials.
The best sewing machines for upholstery are best served for heavy fabrics that would otherwise damage a regular sewing machine. They can handle any kind of task that a normal machine does such as sewing zippers and buttons but are also made to handle the toughest material over a long period. Below, I have reviewed 10 of the top-rated models based on reviews of satisfied customers:
Speed is critical when it comes to dealing with tough materials. A heavy-duty sewing machine can achieve a speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute. And the best thing is that these machines are user-friendly even at high speeds. Choose the right model for your needs from the list below:
1. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
Key Features
Automatic needle threader
Powerful motor
1100 stitches per minute
Heavy-duty construction
23 stitch patterns
This machine is for you if you’re looking for a model to work with at a professional level. What makes it a perfect choice for handling upholstery and other heavy fabrics is its power, speed, and durable construction. With this machine, you’ll be able to handle your upholstery projects with ease.
The machine offers 23 built-in stitch patterns, including stretch, basic, and decorative, and buttonhole patterns. That lets you sew a wide range of projects, including home décor, fashions, crafts, quilts, upholstery, etc. Being a heavy-duty machine, the SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine is made to ensure lasting durability.
The durable metal interior frame and stainless steel bed frame as well as a powerful motor with high-speed sewing ability are a true definition of heavy-duty construction. The machine is able to sew through a wide range of tough fabrics and offer lasting stability.
SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine is able to achieve a speed of 1100 stitches per minute. That means you can sew projects very quickly. Its motor is 60 percent more power compared to those in the normal sewing machine. It provides this machine with greater piercing capability even for the thickest seams.
The automatic needle threader allows for an easy needle threading process. You just need to follow the threading path printed on the machine and this feature will help you effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without straining or frustration.
When you buy this machine, you’ll get a wide range of useful accessories to make your sewing easier and more versatile. These accessories include an all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, seam ripper, quilting guide, needles, screwdriver, bobbins, etc.
Pros
Made to last
High piercing ability
A high-speed motor enables you complete projects quickly
The easy and quick threading process
Can handle all types of fabrics
Comes with a host of useful accessories
Easy to use even at high speeds
Cons
It’s a bit difficult to change thread patterns
Conclusion
From the construction to its power and speed, this machine has everything you need to handle heavy-duty fabrics such as upholstery. With a 60% more powerful motor that achieves a speed of 11000 stitches per minute, this machine can handle any thick fabric with ease and at a speed that will enable you complete projects very quickly. The machine is ideal for professional purposes.
2. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Key Features
18 stitch patterns
Automatic needle threader
Jam-free top-loading bobbin system
Intuitive flip-up stitch panel
Easy turning stitch selection dial
Adjustable presser foot
Janome HD3000 brings the power you need to sew through heavy upholstery fabrics with ease and speed. Also, once purchasing the machine, you get a host of important accessories to make the machine as useful as possible in your day-to-day sewing and quilting needs.
This machine can be used either at the household or professional level.
These accessories include a hardcover, 2 packs of leather needles, one pack of universal needles, blind hem ‘G’ foot, ultra glide foot, rolled hem ‘D’ foot, buttonhole ‘B’ foot, and zipper ‘E’ as well as one pack of bobbins. Additionally, you also get a variety of other components such as extra spool pin, felt, foot control, quilter bar, seam ripper, lint brush, spool holders, user manual, etc.
Its adjustable presser foot allows you to easily sew a wide variety of fabric thicknesses. The free arm ability means that you can easily sew shirt sleeves and pants legs with much ease. With 18 built-in unique stitch patterns, you can meet your daily sewing and quilting needs.
Selecting the stitches is very easy. You just need to turn the stitch selection dial to the stitch that you require and it will appear in red or flip-up stitch panel. From this panel, you can view all the available 18 stitch options.
What’s more, the automatic needle threader is meant to allow you unlimited convenience. You won’t need to strain while you thread the needle. The machine will do it easily and save you from frustration and wasting of time. Bobbin system helps you to easily change your bobbin and you won’t need to worry about running off the edge of a project because your bobbin won’t jam.
Pros
This machine is easy to use
The needle threading process is easy and convenient
Convenient bobbin system
Easy to select the stitches
The machine is able to hard different fabric thicknesses with ease
Every feature present in this machine is designed to ensure that your experience with the machine is smooth and effective. However, what makes this machine stand out is perhaps its user-friendliness. The machine can be used by anyone from beginners to seasoned sews. Its power, speed, and features make it an ideal option for upholstery and other heavy fabrics.
3. SINGER Heavy-Duty 4411 Sewing Machine
Key Features
11 built-in unique stitches
1100 stitches per minute max speed
Adjustable presser foot control
Adjustable needle position
As the name suggests, this machine is undoubtedly heavy-duty. It’s designed to handle projects at the industrial level. Its powerful motor and top-notch construction mean that it can deal with any project you through at it.
The construction is the machine is made with good-quality materials that guarantee lasting durability and make it fit for handling daily projects. It offers 11 built-in unique stitch patterns, including 6 basic stitch options, 4 decorative stitch patterns, and 1 built-in buttonhole. Although the stitch option isn’t as many as in another machine on this list, they are still sufficient and ideal for handling home décor, crafts, fashion sewing, and other household and semi-professional level.
When it comes to power, this machine is a real workhorse. Its powerful motor enables it to sew through fabrics of different thicknesses at high speeds. As mentioned, its construction is one to be respected. With a super heavy interior metal frame and stainless steel bedplate, this machine will handle the pressures of daily work so easily. Whether you have lightweight or heavyweight fabrics this machine will handle them all.
The adjustable presser foot control also enhances its ability to handle fabrics of different thicknesses with ease. All you have to do is adjust the presser foot pressure depending on the thickness of the material you’re handling.
To ensure convenience, this machine allows an adjustable needle position. That means you can change the position of the needle to any three available positions. This is very convenient when you want to do a decorative project or add zippers.
Pros
The machine is made to last
Can handle fabrics of all thicknesses
Powerful, high-speed motor
Makes neat and beautiful stitches
Best for household or semi-professional use
Suitable for decorative projects
Cons
The machine is on the higher end of the price tag
Conclusion
Although you can still use it at a professional level, this machine can be best suited for household purposes. Being a heavy-duty machine in terms of construction, the machine is made to ensure it lasts and serves you for a long time. The adjustable needle position is one feature that stands out in this machine. The feature allows you to complete different decorative projects at home. It’s, therefore, a great machine to buy for home use.
4. Janome HD1000 Industrial-Grade Black Edition
Key Features
14 stitches, including a 4-step buttonhole
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
Drop feed function to ensure free-motion sewing
Front-loading bobbin system
Manual thread tension control
Adjustable stitch width and length
Built-in automatic needle threader
Versatile free arm
As the name suggests, JanomeHD1000 is designed for heavy-duty work. From its power to its features and overall performance, this work-hose will sew through any fabric that you present to it. Being an industrial-grade machine, it’s constructed to enable it to be able to handle the pressure of continued use.
Its aluminum interior frame provides stability and lasting durability. The outer body also consists of aluminum construction, which enhances longevity. In addition to its heavy-duty construction, this machine is user-friendly. Anyone can utilize the machine from beginners to intermediate and experts.
The automatic needle threader lets you enjoy a smooth, quick needle threading process. No more eye strain and frustration. Additionally, the front-loading bobbin system is jam-free and allows for easy winding. The adjustable stitch length and width ensure that you can handle fabrics of different thicknesses.
Janome HD1000 offers 14 stitch patterns, including a 4-step buttonhole. With these stitches, you can meet your everyday sewing and quilting needs. The drop feed function has 3-pieces feed dogs that allow for free-motion sewing. With a versatile free arm, you can handle a wide range of projects, including sleeves and cuffs.
Like any high-quality machine, when you buy, you can expect to get a variety of accessories, including 4 presser feet, a set of needles, a hardcover, bobbins, and others.
Pros
Made to last for years
Easy to use and suitable for every sewer
Powerful motor sew through any fabric
Comes with a variety of accessories
Easy threading process
Free-motion sewing experience
Cons
The machine may feel a little bulky when utilizing it.
Conclusion
The construction of this machine is one of the things that make it stand out from its competitors. But, its ease of use and the feature-rich design of this machine makes all the difference. The drop feed function with three-pieces feed dogs allows for free-motion sewing. That means you can experience a smooth, hassle-free sewing experience. With 14 stitch patterns, you can meet all your household or professional sewing and quilting needs.
5. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
Key Features
27 stitch patterns
Automatic needle threader
Drop-in top bobbin
Instruction DVD
Versatile free arm
When it comes to sewing upholstery fabrics, what’s needed the most from a sewing machine is power and that’s exactly what Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine offers. With this machine, you have the power you need to sew through even multiple layers of heavy upholstery fabrics.
The machine offers 27 different built-in stitch options. These stitches include decorative, zigzag, blind, hem, and stretch options as well as an automatic-size buttonhole. With all these, you can meet your daily sewing and quilting needs.
Unlike many sewing machines from other brands, this one comes with a versatile free arm that allows you to handle a wide variety of daily sewing projects. And the best part is that whether you’re a beginner or expert, this machine is user-friendly and anybody can use it.
The automatic needle threader allows you to enjoy a hassle-free needle threading experience. You won’t have to strain your eye or get frustrated when threading the needle. Moreover, the drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant and easy to wind.
When you buy, you can expect to get a number of accessories, including a twin needle, a three-piece set of the needle, 6 sewing feet, an instruction DVD, and 4 bobbins. This machine can be used by beginners and experts alike.
Pros
Suitable for newbies and advanced users
Offers a wide variety of accessories
Hassle-free needle threading experience
Can handle both light and heavy fabrics
Good for sewing and quilting
Easy threading process
Makes neat and clean stitches
Easy to switch from one stitch option to the next
Cons
You have to enjoy from authorized Brother dealer for the warranty to apply
Conclusion
Sewing machines that mostly handle heavy fabrics are characterized by speed and power. This machine isn’t different. However, there are some features that make one stand out from many out there. For this machine, the versatile free arm enables you to handle a wide range of projects with great convenience. Also, the machine is very user-friendly, which makes it suitable for all users from beginners to experts. Generally, it’s a nice pick for both household and professional purposes.
6. AGM Sewing Machine
Key Features
Intuitive LCD screen
Adjustable presser foot
Flexible hand-wheel stitch control
200 different stitch options
Automatic needle threader
Convenient Front load bobbin
Thread tension control
This computerized model will sew every fabric that comes its the way. The feature-rich design allows you to handle your sewing and quilting projects with greater ease than you would with most machines.
With this model, you have 200 different stitch patterns at your disposal. These stitches include 8 styles of buttonholes and a range of alphanumeric sewing stitch patterns for basic letter combinations.
You can have full control of all these stitches and other settings from the intuitive LCD screen. The thread tension control function allows you to regulate how tight you want the stitches to be depending on your projects. There’s a flexible hand-wheel that allows for precise stitch control.
Its adjustable stitch length and width allow you to be able to handle a wide range of fabrics with ease. You won’t struggle to thread the needle because the automatic need threader has got you covered. Additionally, the front load bobbin allows for easy winding and insertion. With the one-step buttonhole, you can create very consistent buttonholes in a design that best fits your needs.
The convenience adjustable presser foot lets adjust depending on the fabrics that you’re handling. That means that the machine can easily handle both lightweight and heavyweight fabrics. When you buy the machine you also get a variety of accessories including blind stitch, zipper foot, thread take-up knife with a brush, bobbin, spool cover, auxiliary thread column, etc.
Pros
The machine is feature-rich
Easy to choose stitches from the LCD screen
Easy threading process
Comes with a variety of accessories
Can handle all types of projects
Cons
The machine is not good for beginners because it may be hard to use for them
Conclusion
If you sew for a living, you need a machine that not only performs well but also allows great convenience. This is the machine for every professional out there. Its feature-rich design allows you to enjoy a smooth sewing experience. And with up to 200 stitch options to choose from, you can meet all your daily sewing and quilting needs at a professional level.
7. Brother CS6000i Sewing/Quilting Machine
Key Features
Intuitive LCD screen
7 styles of automatic-size buttonholes
60 different stitch patterns
Automatic needle threader
Drop-in top bobbin
Enjoy a feature-rich experience and get what you need to take your creativity to greater heights with this machine. It’s easy to use for anyone, including beginners. Its power, speed, and quality construction make the difference when it comes to quality machines on the market.
With 60 different stitch patterns at your disposal, this machine will enable you to meet your daily sewing and quilting needs. And since it’s a powerful machine, it can handle a wide range of fabrics from light garments at the household level to heavy fabrics at a professional level, including thick upholstery.
The stitch patterns include basic, decorative, and 7 styles of automatic-size buttonholes. You can easily choose the stitch option that you need from the LCD screen. This feature makes it easy for anyone to use the machine and you have full control of the machine by pressing a few buttons.
The automatic needle threader allows for straightforward ways of needle threading. With this feature, you won’t need to strain your eye while threading. Thanks to the feature, you can begin sewing immediately. The drop-in top bobbin is another convenient feature that any user will appreciate.
When you buy it, it comes with several useful accessories, includes 10 sewing feet, a side table, a set of needles, 3 bobbins, and much more.
Pros
The machine is very user-friendly
Suitable for beginners and experts alike
Can handle both lightweight and heavy fabrics
The easy needle threading process
Comes with a variety of accessories
Cons
Some issues to do with tension have been reported
Only made to be used in the US
Conclusion
It may not achieve that high speed of 1500stm like other machines from other brands but it has power and can achieve a reasonable amount of speed sufficient to handle thick fabrics with ease. This machine is made to offer power, precision, and convenience while handling your day-to-day projects. Its user-friendly interface allows for users of all levels to use it easily. This is a great machine for households and at a professional level.
8. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing/Quilting Machine
Key Features
1500 stitches per minute
Precision pin feeding system
Jam-free drop-in top bobbin
Automatic needle threader
This machine is for you if you’re looking for power and speed. The machine is able to achieve a speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute. With this kind of speed, you can handle your sewing and quilting projects in less time than you can imagine.
The machine is designed to allow a precision sewing experience. Its precision pin feeding system enables the machine to handle a wide range of fabric thicknesses with ease. From lightweight garment fabrics to heavyweight upholstery fabrics, this machine will handle them all with ease.
Additionally, the sophisticated needle threading feature allows for an easy threading process. You won’t need to strain your eye and get frustrated or even waste a lot of time. The convenient and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin also enhances the ease of use.
When you buy, you also get a host of accessories to make your experience with the machine easy. Some of the accessories include a knee-lifter, 7 sewing feet, an instruction manual, etc. The machine has a removable knee-lifter that lets you lift the presser foot with your knee for a hands-free experience.
Pros
Sew at the highest speed on the market
Comes with many accessories
Easy to thread the needle
Can handle all types of fabrics
Makes clean and neat stitches
Easy to use
Cons
The machine is designed for use in the USA only
Conclusion
If you’re in the US, you’ll appreciate buying this high-speed machine. Achieving a maximum speed of 1500 stitches per minute, you can finish your sewing and quilting projects quickly. In addition to speed, the machine is powerful and able to sew through heavy fabrics and multiple layers of materials. It’s an excellent option for professional purposes.
9. Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle Sewing Machine
Key Features
LED sewing light
23-inch work area
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
Lock-stitch
Automatic thread cutter
Automatic needle threader
Thread tension scale
Speed control lever
Juki is a well-known brand and produces great machines for household and semi-professional purposes. The upgraded model of Juki TL-2010Q is designed to ensure top-notch performance in both sewing and quilting.
This single-needle machine offers a wide range of amazing features to make your experience with it a smooth one.
Some of the nice features that you’ll find useful include the portability feature and lock-stitch. The construction of the machine is done using premium aluminum die-casting to allow for lasting durability. This industrial-grade sewing machine will handle your projects with a lot of ease.
The industrial sub-tension system and the variable speed control slider, as well as the LED sewing light, make this machine stand out. When handling the work, the machine will do with much precision and excellence. Its 23-inch work area allows you to handle even large quilting projects with ease.
Additionally, the automatic thread cutter allows you to trip both bottom and top threads for increased convenience. To enhance your experience with this machine, you have an automatic thread button that trims the needle and bobbins at the end of the sewing. This mechanism also prevents the thread from quivering, especially when the machine is at high speed.
The thread tension scale lets you adjust the tension depending on the material and thread you’re using. Moreover, the new speed control lever offers you complete control over its sewing speed. With the automatic control, you’re able to enjoy great accuracy and achieve the perfect stitching even when dealing with heavyweight fabrics and quilting multiple layers of materials.
Also, the automatic needle threader allows you to enjoy an easy threading process and avoid eyestrain and wasting of time. There’s also a knee lifter that lets you lift or lower the presser foot hands-free.
Pros
The machine is easy to use
Made using premium materials for lasting durable
The easy needle threading process
Produces neat and clean stitches
Made to handle large projects with ease
Cons
A few reported issues with automatic needle threader
Conclusion
All the features that you can imagine as far as high-end sewing machines are concerned are available in this machine. Despite being a feature-rich model, it has a small footprint, which allows for easy portability. That makes it an ideal option for both household and commercial use.
10. Aonesy Sewing Machine
Key Features
59 stitch patterns
One-stop auto-size buttonhole
Powerful motor
Automatic needle threader
Double free arms
Are you just getting started with sewing even though you’ll be working with upholstery and other heavy-duty materials, you may want to choose this machine? It’s beginner-friendly that you’ll enjoy handling all types of fabrics.
Aonesy Sewing Machine offers 59 special built-in stitch patterns, including blind hem, decorative, stretch, zigzag, and an automatic-size buttonhole. Sewing with this machine is a matter of touching a few buttons.
The machine is very easy to use. With it, you can deal with lightweight fabrics as well as heavyweight fabrics. You’ll appreciate the nature of stitches you’ll be able to make with this machine. The machine makes even and straight stitches. These stitches look neat from both sides of your fabric.
Additionally, the fabrics feed through smoothly and evenly so that you can enjoy a hassle-free sewing experience. The one-step automatic-sized buttonhole is another source of great convenience. Its powerful motor provides the machine is great stitching capability so that it’s able to sew through multiple layers of upholstery fabrics.
As mentioned, the fabric will feed through smoothly and the machine can sew through up to five layers at a go making neat and closely stitched buttonholes. The double free arms enable the machine to perfectly handle a wide range of projects every day. The machine can be utilized by beginners and experts alike.
When you buy this machine, you also get a host of accessories, including a foot pedal, bobbin, premium sewing kit, needle threader, needle, manual, buttonhole presser foot, and AC power adapter.
Pros
The machine is easy to use
It’s suitable for both experts and beginners
Can handle both lightweight and heavyweight fabrics
Suitable for meeting a wide range of daily projects
Makes neat and straight stitches both side of the fabric
Cons
No cons so far
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this machine is for you. With its double free arms, this machine can handle a wide range of projects and meet all your daily sewing needs. The machine is easy to use and has the power to handle any type of fabric. It’s a good machine for household or professional purposes.
Buyers’ Guide – Important Things to Consider Before You Buy
Finding the best sewing machine for upholstery and other heavy-duty materials requires you to be careful and patient during your shopping around. You need to consider some factors before you can buy one. You may end up purchasing the wrong model or one that’s unable to do the work you need to be done quickly. So, the following buyers’ guide will help you choose the perfect model for your needs:
What are the features?
The first thing you need to consider when looking for a good sewing machine for upholstery is to look for more information. Remember, you can’t just place an order online for a machine that you have no idea about. You’ll need to look online and read reviews and that’s why reading this post to the end is important.
If you can find any manuals on certain sewing machines, then you have to soak up all the information that you can find. You may not know what particular information you’ll need during your shopping. For that, it’s important that you get to know everything about a particular model machine before you buy.
What are your projects?
The next factor to consider after getting to know the various features and all the information about different sewing machines for upholstery is to figure out what you’re going to use it for. Will you be handling personal projects or do you have to do work that needs to meet a certain quota each day?
Find out how difficult your project will be so that you know exactly the kind of machine you need. The thicker the material and the more difficult the project might imply that you need a more costly and more durable machine. Whatever you figure out, ensure you match your needs with the info that you earlier collected about the various options for sewing machines for upholstery.
Which are the various models and brands?
There are almost countless models from different brands on the market and your choices are unlimited. However, not every model or brand is suitable for your needs. For that reason, you have to choose carefully based on your project needs and budget.
You shouldn’t limit yourself to just one brand or model. Shop around for the various models and brands. That will ensure that you have a wide range of choices to consider. Keep in mind that heavy-duty machines can be expensive and you need to get around before you can narrow down on one model.
Does the model you choose actually work?
After narrowing down all your option to one single machine that you wish to buy, it’s time to find out if really the machine work. If you’re going to buy online, the best way to ensure that your model actually works is to go through the reviews and ratings of previous buyers. By reading their reviews, you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the machine that you’ll be up against.
It’s important to ensure that the machine is backed up by a warranty and guarantee so that you can buy with confidence. Purchase from a reputable brand so that you can rest assured that you can have either a money-back guarantee or free repair in case something happens within the specified time by the manufacturer.
FAQs:
Q1. Do you need a special sewing machine to sew upholstery?
Yes. Regular sewing machines are fine to use on garment fabrics and the majority of quilting tasks. However, upholstery fabrics need a machine with sufficient power to handle heavy, multiple layers with ease and at a reasonable speed. Regular models can’t do that.
Q2. What is the best sewing machine for heavy fabrics?
Sewing machines designed to handle heavy fabrics have powerful motors with high stitching speeds. Some can achieve a speed of 1500 stitches per minute with a high piercing ability to sew through multiple layers of heavy fabrics. Some of these machines include:
SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
AGM Sewing Machine
Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle Sewing Machine
Aonesy Sewing Machine
Q3. Can you sew auto upholstery with a regular sewing machine?
Sewing auto upholstery requires special kinds of machines that are meant to handle heavy fabrics at reasonable speeds. You must ensure you use the right kind of machine for the fabrics that you’re using. There are many good sewing machines on the market that can easily handle auto upholstery with ease. See the list of the best sewing machines for upholstery reviewed above.
Final Thought
To be able to sew upholstery fabrics effectively, you need a heavy-duty machine that can get the work done. Your normal sewing machine won’t be able to handle these kinds of fabrics. Since there are many models and brands of sewing machines designed for upholstery materials, there’s a need to be careful when buying because not all of them can suit your needs and budget.
I did this post to help you find the right model for you with ease and quickly. The buyers’ guide above has given you some useful tips on the things you should look for before you buy. Once you’re equipped with this information, especially if you’re a first-time buyer, you can then select the model that you feel will serve you well from my list of 10 top-rated machines.
With that in mind, I leave you to decide which sewing machine is good for your needs. But, I assure you that whichever model you pick from the above will work for you whether for household uses or at a professional level. So, just click the link below the product you choose and place your order. Happy shopping!
