# Best sewing machines for making clothes and garments Source: https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-for-making-clothes Publisher: Thread & Feed. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://threadandfeed.com/how-we-pick Making clothes asks different things of a machine than quilting does. You need buttonholes that come out the same every time, stretch stitches for knits, a free arm for sleeves and cuffs, and a feed system that moves slippery or light fabric without puckering. A machine with hundreds of decorative stitches but weak feeding will frustrate you on a silk blouse or a jersey tee. This guide compares garment-friendly machines from Janome, Juki, Singer, Bernette and Brother by the facts their listings state: number of one-step buttonhole styles, stretch stitch support, free arm, feed system and maximum stitch width. Where a listing does not mention a feature a dressmaker needs, we say so, so you know what to confirm before buying. ## Picks ### 1. Janome S5 Computerized Sewing Machine Built-in stitches: 170; Buttonhole styles: Not stated; Max stitch width: 9mm; Feed system: Superior Plus Feed, 7-piece feed dogs; Free arm: Not stated A mid-level computerized Janome with 170 stitches, 91 needle positions and a 9mm stitch width. The 7-piece feed system suits sewists who work with a range of garment fabrics. What the listing offers: - The listing states a Superior Plus Feed System with seven-piece feed dogs for smooth, accurate fabric movement. - Automatic thread cutter and memorized needle up or down save time when pivoting at darts and collars. - 91 needle positions give fine control for topstitching and edge stitching on garments. Limits to know: - The listing does not state how many buttonhole styles are included, which matters for garment work. - Free arm and stretch stitch details are not listed, so confirm them on the product page before buying. ### 2. Janome JW8100 Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine with 100 Stitches, 7 Buttonholes, Hard Cover, Extension Table and 22 Accessories Built-in stitches: 100; One-step buttonholes: 7; Needle up/down: Yes; Start/stop button: Yes; Included feet: General purpose, zipper, satin, buttonhole, even feed, quarter inch A Janome computerized machine with 100 stitches, 7 one-step buttonholes, a 7-piece feed dog and an even feed foot in the box. It is a balanced pick for garment sewing and patchwork. What the listing offers: - The listing states needle up/down control, a start/stop button and a speed slider, the three conveniences used most often. - An even feed foot, a quarter inch foot and an extension table come in the box, so it is ready for quilt blocks. - The 7-piece feed dog system is listed as moving fabric evenly to limit shifting and puckering. Limits to know: - The listing does not mention an automatic thread cutter, so you trim threads by hand. - Maximum stitch width and sewing speed are not stated in the listing. ### 3. Juki HZL-G120 Sewing Machine Built-in stitches: Not stated; Buttonhole styles: 8; Max stitch width: Not stated; Feed system: Box feed; Free arm: Not stated A computerized Juki built around a box feed system that the listing says eliminates fabric shrinking and shifting. Eight buttonhole types make it a strong pick for shirts and jackets. What the listing offers: - Box feed moves the feed dog in a box motion, which the listing says prevents shrinking and shifting of fabric. - Eight buttonhole types cover shirts, coats and decorative closures. - Drop feed switch allows free-motion work for embellishing garments. Limits to know: - The listing does not give a stitch count or maximum stitch width. - Free arm and stretch stitches are not mentioned in the listing bullets. ### 4. SINGER® Quantum Stylist 9985 Computerized Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit Built-in stitches: 1,000+ stitch applications; One-step buttonholes: 13; Needle up/down: Not stated; Start/stop button: Not stated; Included feet: 15 A step up in the Quantum Stylist line with a color touch screen that previews stitches at actual size, 60 memory slots and 15 presser feet. It suits a sewist who saves custom stitch sequences. What the listing offers: - The color LCD shows stitch previews at actual size and includes threading and bobbin tutorials, according to the listing. - Sixty memory slots let you save custom stitch sequences for repeat use. - Adjustable presser foot pressure and stitch width up to 7mm are stated in the listing. Limits to know: - The listing does not state needle up/down or a start/stop button, both common at this price. Confirm before buying. - It costs more than the 9960 while the listing describes a similar buttonhole count. ### 5. Bernette B37 Computerized Sewing Machine with LCD Display | Advanced Sewing & Quilting | 50 Stitches, One-Step Buttonhole, Automatic Needle Threader, Free Arm, LED Light |Adjustable Stitches Price tier: $400 to $500; Type: Computerized; Built-in stitches: 50; Frame and build: Not stated; listed as heavy-duty, 13 lbs; Notable extra: Memory, 15 needle positions, 2-step foot lift A compact computerized Bernette with 50 stitches including stretch styles, 5 automatic buttonholes, a free arm and a memory function. The listing names garment construction as a use. What the listing offers: - Free arm is listed in the title, which makes sleeves, cuffs and pant hems easier. - Stretch stitches are included among the 50 built-in stitches for knit garments. - At 13 lbs it is light enough to bring to a sewing class, according to the listing. Limits to know: - Five buttonhole styles is fewer than the Singer and Juki picks here. - The listing does not describe the feed dog system. ### 6. Brother CS7205 Computerized Machine, 150 Built Stitches, 1 Font, Wide Table, 11 Sewing Feet, White Built-in stitches: 150 (plus 1 font); One-step buttonholes: 8 auto-size; Needle up/down: Not stated; Start/stop button: Not stated; Included feet: 11 plus quilt guide An affordable Brother computerized machine with 150 stitches, 8 auto-size buttonholes, a wide table and 11 feet. It is a straightforward first computerized machine for mixed sewing. What the listing offers: - The listing includes a wide table, 11 sewing feet and a quilt guide, which is a lot of kit at this price. - Automatic needle threader and a jam resistant drop-in bobbin with fast bobbin winding are stated. - Eight one-step auto-size buttonhole styles cover shirts, pillow covers and bags. Limits to know: - Needle up/down and a start/stop button are not mentioned in the listing. - The listing states it is intended for use in the US at 120 volts only, which matters if you move abroad. ### 7. Janome 2030DC-G Computerized Sewing Machine Built-in stitches: 30; One-step buttonholes: 3; Needle up/down: Not stated; Start/stop button: Yes; Included feet: Not stated A simpler Janome with 30 stitches, a top-loading full rotary hook bobbin, 7mm stitch width and a start/stop button. It suits sewists who want fewer menus and a removable free arm. What the listing offers: - The listing states a top-loading fully rotary hook bobbin for smooth, reliable stitching. - A 7mm maximum stitch width gives wider satin and decorative stitches than 5mm machines. - A start/stop button and one-hand needle threader are both stated in the listing. Limits to know: - Only 30 stitches and 3 buttonhole styles, which limits decorative work. - The listing does not list the included feet or accessories, so check what comes in the box. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.