We have spent more than 30 hours to review 40+ products and sorted the top heavy duty sewing machines for you. Have look at our review and buying guide before making a choice.
Normal sewing machine will have difficulty in sewing heavy fabrics such as leather, denim etc. It is a must buy if you own a clothing company. We have picked the top heavy duty machines from amazon.
Top Pick
We picked the Singer 4423 for a couple of reasons. First, it is easy to use and offers quality performance yet it comes at a fairly affordable price.
| Product | Name | Features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Singer Heavy Duty 4423 |
| |
 | JUKI TL-2000Qi |
| |
 | Brother CS6000i |
| |
 | Brother PQ1500SL |
| |
 | Janome HD3000 |
|
#1. Singer (4423) Heavy Duty Sewing Machine – Top Pick
Ask anyone who loves to sew and they will tell you that SINGER is one of the most reputable brands there is. Founded over a century ago, this legendary company is known for coming up with the world’s finest sewing machines.
In the same breath, Singer 44423 is a great heavy duty machine with extra motor power for high-speed sewing. The machine comes with a Sewing Assistant App that works well for those who need help to learn and how to set it up. It has a convenient drop-in bobbin that is easy to use and monitor. And, thanks to its presser foot control, you get to work with both lightweight and heavy fabric with ease.
Overall, the Singer 4432 is a decent pick for those who need a mid-price sewing machine. With a speed of 1,100 stitches per minute, this machine is efficient for producing creative ideas in the shortest time possible. Its stainless steel frame and powerful motor not to mention a metal interior build to make it the best option for those looking for a quality performing machine on a budget.
Pros:
- Robust exterior with a lightweight build quality
- Comes with an automatic needle threader
- 25 year limited warranty
- Features useful accessories
- Presser foot lifter and pressure control included
- Affordable
Cons:
- presser foot lifter is made of plastic
- Not the best options for fancy embroidery
#2. JUKI TL-2000Qi Heavy Duty Sewing Machine (Industrial)
Another legendary company that has been in the business of making innovative and long lasting sewing machines is Juki. Since its founding in 1945, Juki has stayed focused on producing industrial grade machinery. This might be the reason why their brand is not popular with most home sewers.
However, the JUKI TL-2000Qi certainly does not disappoint. This machine is a great pick for those looking for a mechanical sewing machine with zero computerised parts. It has a metallic build and even though it a little bulky, it’s not that heavy for those who will want to move it from one room to the other.
With this machine, coming up with straight stitches is a piece of cake thanks to the automatic needle threader. There is a 13-inch extension table that is easily detachable. Most users love the fact that it offers lots of extra workspace for sewing projects that need more room. The machine also comes with a variety of choices to pick from in terms of the presser foot and you can get started with any standard bobbins right out of the box.
Pros:
- Excellent stitching performance
- Quality build
- Features a one pedal operation design
- Speedy performance
Cons:
- Requires a slightly steep learning curve
- Not versatile enough
- Needs to be oiled on a regular basis
#3. Brother CS6000i Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Even if you have stopped sewing for a while, getting back to the hobby you love with this Brother’s Affordable Sewing and Quilting Machine is like riding a bicycle – easy breezy. Most users agree that it’s a workhorse that is intuitive enough with a straightforward manual not to mention an LCD screen that makes work easy.
There are zero complaints on durability, so we concluded that this machine will last for years of use. Besides, with the 25-year limited warranty, you can be sure to get the best out of it even after years. In fact, talking of design, this machine comes with a built-in free arm that is great for intricate sewing and the wide table design works well for projects that need extra space.
There are a variety of stitch patterns to choose from plus you can easily access all the stitch patterns on the LCD screen. However, this review couldn’t be complete if we didn’t show you some of its flaws.
One is that there are some complaints about the light above the workspace being dim. Plus this machine is not designed to be an embroidery machine. However, with some learning, you can still use it to come up with beautiful embroidery work.
Pros:
- Intuitive design
- Even stitch performance
- Nine presser feet
- Comes with a wide table attached for space
- Affordable
- Warranty included
Cons:
- not designed for embroidery
- come to complain about a steep learning curve
#4. Brother Quilting Sewing Machine, PQ1500SL – Best for Quilting
Even though the Brother’s CS6000i comes with an extension table, its size is nothing compared to what the Brother’s PQ1500SL offers. The PQ1500SL features a 5.7 inch by 8.6-inch work area that is generous enough even for the most demanding projects. It offers a maximum speed of 1,500 stitches per minute which is nothing to sneeze at.
With this model, you get to use a foot pedal to control the speed and with the auto threader, you can achieve fast performance easily. Any quilter will agree that the built-in knee lever is one of the most useful features this machine has to offer. You can use it to easily reposition the fabric at hand by simply lifting or lowering the presser foot. For those that enjoy free motion quilting, this machine will be your favorite thanks to an adjustable feed dog feature that works well with almost any project.
Adding to its quick performance is a machine built for quiet operations and with the thread tension control at the touch of a dial; you can easily adjust the machine to suit your quilting needs. The only noticeable flaw is the fact that the machine has some tension as a result of bobbins that are threaded out of balance. This can be fixed with the adjustment dial.
Pros:
- The easy needle threading and positioning
- Ample working space
- Quiet and fast performance
- Accessories included
- Sensitive foot pedal for easy control
Cons:
- Awkward orientation for some users
- Poorly engineered bobbin mechanism
- Short thread cutter.
#5. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine for Leather
The Janome HD 3000 sits right up in the alley for those looking for a decent heavy duty machine for their leather fabrics. Granted, it’s not a fancy computerised machine but even without the bells and whistles, this machine is still a top performer.
It boasts of a powerful capability that you can use to sew through multiple layers of fabric without even breaking a sweat. Furthermore, the build quality is reliable as the machine is made of an aluminum body with metallic internals. The only plastic parts are the parts that make up the outside housing and this adds to its lightweight design.
It comes with 18 built-in stitches for decoration and utility with a free arm that easily slides off making it easy to sew shirts and sleeves. You can use the stitch selection dial to select your desired stitch. Like most, if not all options on our list, this machine features an automatic needle threader that works well for a frustration-free operation.
The presser foot pressure is adjustable with a simple dial that lets you pick from a wide variety of options. On the downside, some of the users complain about the bobbin mechanism that does not wind evenly. Also, the machine wastes a lot of thread during cutting due to the method it uses to cut the threads after a stitch.
Pros:
- Ideal for thick fabrics
- Easy to use
- Sturdy stitching performance
- Seven-piece feed dog system for smooth operations
- Decent control with the electronic foot control
Cons:
- Manual tension adjustment could be better
- Low-quality lighting system
- Small worktable
#6. Toyota 34B Sewing Machine – Best for Heavy Fabric
To most consumers, the fact that Toyota (renowned vehicle manufacturer) also makes sewing machine comes as a surprise. Well, believe it or not, their sewing machines are just as reliable in terms of quality and performance.
With the Toyota 34B, you get a machine that gives shining performance for sewing through 12 layers of soft denim. To enable efficient sewing through heavy material, the Toyota 34B comes with a gliding foot not to mention a top load bobbin that makes the work much easier.
The manufacturer has also incorporated a free arm design that allows for versatility even with heavy duty tasks. You also get an automatic needle threader that works effortlessly and with up to 34 stitches to choose from, you can get the most out of this machine anytime.
The machine comes with a 3-year warranty and includes accessories such as a soft cover to protect the machine, a flat screwdriver for making adjustments and a seam ripper to mention but a few.
Pros:
- Capable of quality sewing
- Easy to work with
- Variety of accessories included
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Not built for leather
- Limited warranty
#7. Singer|One Sewing Machine – Best for Thick Fabric
With over 160 years of skin in the game, it is safe to say that Singer is a reputable manufacturer. That is why their products are popular for their durability and performance. Right out of the box, the Singer One Vintage Style Machine stands a chance of being one of the most attractive sewing machines out there.
It is travel-friendly with a lightweight design that is easy to move around from room to room. Beyond its appealing vintage look, this machine comes with 24 built-in stitches that include 2 automatic and 1 step buttonholes to fit a variety of sewing projects. The automatic needle threader works effortlessly keeping your eyes from straining. No matter the sewing project, this machine comes with extra large sewing space that is ample enough for those looking to work with thicker materials.
Furthermore, the bobbin system is straightforward. All you have to do is drop the bobbin in and you are ready to get started. For lighting, there are three lamps that light up the sewing surface for your convenience. On the downside, the LCD panel is not ideal as it has a low resolution. Plus there are only a few stitches available.
Pros:
- Attractive vintage design
- Reliable build quality
- Easy to use
- Sturdy performance
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Limited stitches available
- Low-resolution LCD screen
#8. Brother, ST371HD – Best Professional Sewing Machine
At this point, it’s pretty clear that Brother Sewing Machines dominate the sewing machine niche. The reason is simple; this manufacturer offers high-performance machines at a pocket-friendly price and clearly, the Brother Sewing Machine ST371HD is no exception.
Granted, it’s not one of the best performers out of all the machines we have looked at so far, however, for its price you get what you pay for. It features a durable build quality capable of surviving high volume sewing with ease.
The metal needle plate is designed to improve thread pickup speed and with an easy set up you can wind a bobbin and get started immediately. The button presser is less prone to bunching and with a stitch selector, you can pick from 31 stitches that the machine comes with. However, the machine is also reported to have a few flaws with its zigzag stitch and its overall stitching performance is average compared to rivals.
Pros:
- Built-in light
- Sturdy build quality
- Easy to store and move around
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Mediocre overall performance
- Built-in light could be better
#9. Brother SE400 Combination – Best Computerised Sewing Machine
Any avid sewer will tell you that Brother is not just a trusted manufacturer but also an award-winning company. After all, there has to be a reason why the Brother SE400 receives raving reviews from satisfied customers.
To begin with, this machine comes with built-in computerised embroidery patterns that let you choose complex patterns from a variety thus making work easy. The automatic needle threader is intuitive enough and fast making it quite useful for those looking for speedy operations. With up to 8 quick sewing feet options you can snap right into place within seconds and the drop in bobbin mechanism will add to the efficiency the machine provides.
If you love modern designs, the touch screen LCD display takes the action to a whole new level. You can use it to choose from the 67 built-in stitches to advance your project. Furthermore, you can import thousands of embroidery designs and update them into the machine. To top it all off, the machine comes with a 25-year warranty which more than enough to guarantee durability.
Pros:
- Plenty of stitch designs
- Easy to thread
- Comes with tutorials on the LCD screen
- Free arm design included
- 25-year warranty
Cons:
- Requires slight maintenance at the bobbin case
#10. Singer Heavy Duty 4432 – Best Budget Sewing Machine
We kicked off with a Singer machine and now we end our list with another one from Singer. The Singer 4432 is a decent pick for those looking for a sewing machine to use at home. It is affordable yet offers great features such as high-speed sewing at 1,100stches per minute.
The drop in bobbin system loads easily and the automatic needle threading works well to prevent straining. Even though it’s a heavy duty machine, it runs on standard household current at 110volts and you won’t need any extra skills to operate it.
Yes, it lacks the bells and whistles of computerised machines, but this household sewing machine offers sturdy performance that most minimalist users love.
Pros:
- Reliable performance
- A variety of stitches available
- Adjustable presser foot
- Warranty included
Cons:
- Noisy operations
- Bobbin casing could be better
Buyers Guide: Things you must consider before a purchase
Finding the perfect sewing machine is challenging especially with such a wide variety available out there. With this buyer’s guide, we will take you through some of the things you MUST know to get the best sewing machine.
- What are you looking for?
Right from the start, you ought to know how you plan to use the sewing machine. You will want to pick a sewing machine that is designed for durability for long-term use. In fact, if you have a long-term investment plan, you will be looking for a sewing machine that requires less maintenance, comes with a warranty and offers top quality sewing for your business. Most people who are looking to use a sewing machine in a home setting make the awful mistake of going with a simple home sewing machine. The truth, however, is that you will need a machine that can handle heavy fabric along the way. That is why it is smart to go with a heavy duty industrial sewing machine if possible.
- Advantages
Well, this mostly depends on the needs of the individual and that may vary from one person to the other. However, there are a couple of things you can have in mind.
You basically benefit thanks to a machine that stays put in its footprint so that no stitches are skipped.
Second is the speed. With a heavy sewing machine, you can power through the heavy-duty fabric, jeans, and leather in the shortest time possible. However, just because these machines are strong does not mean you shouldn’t take good care of them. In fact, most of them can be pretty delicate.
Additionally, a heavy-duty machine helps you sew through multiple layers. Most of these machines are designed to sew through several layers of fabric. This makes them the right pick for industrial workers or anyone running a cloth line business.
- Important features to consider
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the main features you need to consider.
- Vintage vs Electronic/Computerized sewing machines
There are clear advantages and disadvantages of a mechanical and a computerized sewing machine. On one hand, you have the modern computerized machine that gives you automation, precise stitching with zeroguesswork and on the other hand is a mechanical machine that is easy to control with a touch of simplicity. Ultimately, you have to test and see what works best for your needs.
- Price
As shocking as it might seem, it is not uncommon to find sewing machines that have a price in the $3000 and above range. These types of machines are targeted for the serious industrial sewers who are looking to incorporate embroidery into their products. Yes, these machines are great for those who want to elevate their skills but that does not mean you cannot get the same with cheaper options. If you simply love sewing at home, you can get a decent heavy duty sewing machine in the $750 range or less. Besides, most brands introduce their products into the market in the $300 range. Plus our list has budget options that are in the $150 range yet still capable of quality performance.
- Needle size
There is simply no way around it. If you are looking for a machine that will allow you to perform a variety of tasks, picking the right needle size is super important. There is a clear difference between the needlesyou will use for a lighter fabric as opposed to a heavier fabric. With the wrong needle, you run the risk of producing inferior stitches, damaging your bobbin hook or even ruining the machine’s timing.
- Automatic threader
You need an automatic threader to pull the thread through the needle’s eye if you don’t want to waste time trying to pass the thread through the needle manually.
- Stitches per minute
The best thing about a heavy duty sewing machine is the efficiency it provides. For that reason, you need to go with a sewing machine that is capable of producing hundreds of stitches every minute.
Conclusion
There is a lot that goes into picking the right sewing machine. There is, even more, you have to consider while picking a heavy duty sewing machine. From durability to speed, the number of stitches and the price we thought of everything while compiling our list. If you are just starting out, you will find plenty of options that will serve you for a long time. There are also great options for experts who want to advance their skills. Be sure to also check out our buyers guide to learn more.