Machines
Machine guides, one kind at a time
Each guide covers a single kind of machine or accessory and compares a handful of options by what their Amazon listings state.
Sewing machines
- Best Singer sewing machines by job, from Heavy Duty to Quantum StylistSinger Heavy Duty, Quantum Stylist, C-series and SE9180 compared by stitch applications, buttonholes, motor speed and included feet from each listing.
- Best sewing machines under $500 and what each price step addsSeven sewing machines under $500 from Bernette, Juki, Janome and SINGER compared on stitch count, frame, feed system and what each price step adds.
- Best sewing machines for making clothes and garmentsGarment sewing machines compared by buttonhole styles, stretch stitches, free arm, feed system and stitch width, using only what each listing states.
- Best sewing machines for beginners, from about $150 upSeven starter sewing machines compared by stitch count, buttonhole type, needle threader, bobbin system and feed dogs, using only listing facts.
- Best sewing machines for advanced and intermediate sewersSeven step-up machines for weekly sewists compared by stitch range, stitch width, feed system, thread cutter and knee lifter, from listing facts only.
- Best Juki sewing machines for home sewists and quiltersSeven Juki home machines compared, from the HZL-HT740 to the TL-2010Q and HZL-NX7, on stitch type, feed system, thread trimmer and knee lifter.
- Best Janome sewing machines, sorted by seriesEight Janome machines across the MOD, HD, QDC, Skyline and Memory Craft lines compared by stitches, stitch width, workspace and key features.
- Best computerized sewing machines for everyday sewingEight computerized sewing machines from SINGER, Janome, Brother and Juki compared on stitch count, one-step buttonholes, needle up/down and included feet.
Embroidery machines
- Best sewing and embroidery machine combosEight sewing and embroidery combo machines from Brother, SINGER and Janome compared on embroidery field, built-in designs, stitch count, screen and Wi-Fi.
- Best embroidery machines with a large hoop, ranked by field sizeLarge hoop embroidery machines ranked by the embroidery field each listing states, converted to mm, with needles, speed and included hoops compared.
- Best multi-needle embroidery machines for a small businessEight multi-needle embroidery machines compared by needle count, embroidery area, top speed, cap support and screen, using only Amazon listing facts.
- Best embroidery machines for hats and capsEight embroidery machines for hats compared on cap system, needle count, listed cap and flat speeds and embroidery area, from Brother Persona to 15-needle shops.
- Best embroidery machines for beginners: 4x4 vs 5x7Eight beginner embroidery machines compared by embroidery field, built-in designs, screen size, sewing ability and design transfer, from listing facts.
- Best Brother embroidery machines: PE, SE, Innov-is and PR comparedBrother PE, SE, Innov-is NQ, Persona and PR embroidery machines compared by hoop size, needles, screen, built-in designs and sewing stitches.
Sergers and coverstitch
- Best sergers for home sewingSeven home sergers compared by thread options, differential feed, threading aids, top speed and frame, using only facts stated on each Amazon listing.
- Best sergers for beginners, ranked on easy threadingEight beginner sergers compared on threading help (jet air, lay-in, color-coded paths), thread options, differential feed, rolled hem and listed speed.
- Best coverstitch machines for knit hems that stretchCoverstitch machines from Janome, Juki, Brother and Elna compared by needles, cover stitch width, speed, differential feed and free arm per listing.
Quilting machines
- Best sewing tables and cabinets for quiltingEight sewing tables and cabinets for quilting compared on lift type, machine weight limit, flush insert support, quilt leaf and listed dimensions.
- Best sewing machines for quilting, from piecing to queen quiltsQuilting machines compared by throat space, speed, extension table, feed system and quilting extras, based only on what each Amazon listing states.
- Best quilting machines with a large throat spaceSeven domestic quilting machines compared by stated throat or work area, bed size, top speed, stitch type and thread cutter, using only listing facts.
- Best fabric cutters for quilters: die cutters and blade cuttersAccuQuilt GO! die cutters and Brother ScanNCut blade cutters compared by layers per pass, power, die size, fabric blade and what ships in the box.
Heavy duty and specialty
- Best sewing machines for leather and upholsterySeven machines for leather, vinyl and upholstery compared on feed type, what ships in the box, listed speed, clearance under the foot and stitch length.
- Best industrial sewing machines for a home studioServo-motor lockstitch and walking foot industrial machines compared by feed type, speed, stitch length, table, motor and stated noise for home studios.
- Best heavy duty sewing machines for denim and canvasSeven heavy duty sewing machines compared by frame, top speed, stitches, presser foot and stated fabric range, using only facts from each Amazon listing.