Making clothes can be a fun hobby and a great way to save money. You might not know where to begin if you’re new to sewing.
What kind of machine should you buy? How much do they cost? And what features should you look for in a good model? This post will cover everything you need to know before purchasing your first sewing machine for dressmaking.
But first, let’s talk about why dressmakers prefer dedicated sewing machines over the more versatile all-purpose machines that many people use for crafting projects like scrapbooking or quilting.
What do you look for when buying a sewing machine for dressmaking?
Now that you know the basics of a sewing machine, let’s look at some of the features to consider when choosing one.
- Reliability: How well has this model been reviewed? Is it known for breaking down easily? What are the issues with it?
- Features: What can it do? Do you need straight stitching or zigzag stitching? Dual feed (a stitch that goes forward and back over), adjustable presser foot pressure, and automatic needle threader make life easier.
- Price: How much are you willing to pay for your new machine? Are there other options that would do almost just as good a job but cost less money?
- Size: If space is an issue in your home, consider buying a mini or compact version instead of regular sewing machines. These smaller versions still have many of the same features as their larger counterparts but take up less room on your worktable.
- Weight: Does this model weigh more than others in its category/price range, or is it about average weight-wise compared to similar models from other companies? The lighter models may be easier on your hands during long hours working away at them than heavier ones if they strain too much against gravity’s pull over time.
What sewing machines do fashion designers use?
Fashion designers use a variety of sewing machines in their work. The most common types include the following:
Fashion designers will typically use one of these five brands, as they’re all high quality and come with features that make them easy to use, even for beginners.
What are the most reliable brands of sewing machines for dressmaking?
The most reliable brand of sewing machine for dressmaking is Singer. The company began in 1851 and has been making machines ever since. They’re an international brand with a reputation for quality, so you’ll be able to find them in almost any country.
Brother machines were founded in Japan in 1908 and have become famous worldwide due to their affordable prices (starting at around $150).
Juki is another Japanese-based brand that makes high-quality sewing machines, though slightly more expensive than Brother models.
Janome is another popular option between Juki and Brother in price and quality.
Which is better, Singer or Brother?
The Singer is more expensive, and the Brother has a more extensive variety of stitches, so the choice comes down to what kind of sewing you plan on doing.
The decision between these two brands is like choosing between a car and a motorcycle: both are excellent in their own way but will not necessarily be suited for every occasion.
The Singer is better for beginners because it’s easier to use, more reliable, and produces fewer jams (although you should check your bobbin regularly).
The Brother can be used by professional dressmakers thanks to its advanced speed control, embroidery options, twin needle capability, and automatic thread cutter.
It also has many accessories available, which are convenient if you plan on using your machine regularly or professionally – such as storage trays that allow you to keep all sorts of things organized while keeping them within reach at all times (like bobbins).
Are computerized sewing machines better than mechanical ones?
You are probably wondering whether or not a computerized sewing machine is better for you than a mechanical one.
Yes, but there is more to it than just that. A computerized sewing machine will be more expensive and harder to use. Still, it will save you money and frustration by being more reliable, accurate, and easier to use.
How expensive are sewing machines for dressmaking?
The price range for sewing machines for dressmaking is $100 to $1,000. The more expensive ones usually have more features and are more reliable, durable, and high quality.
They are also usually more straightforward to use than cheaper machines. However, a primary machine will be fine if you only plan on making simple clothing that doesn’t require much sewing.
What is the best dressmaking sewing machine?
If you’re a beginner, the best dressmaking sewing machine is the Brother CS7000X. It’s inexpensive and easy to use but still features many features that more advanced users will love. The next step would be the Singer 4423 or Brother GX37 because they have more features than the CS7000X and are easy to use.
If you’re searching for more advanced capabilities, I suggest looking at models that cost between $150-$300, such as SINGER SM024 or Brother CS5055. These models are loaded with all kinds of fancy stitches but also feature enough automatic functions (like built-in buttonholes) that beginners won’t get overwhelmed by!
Brother CS7000X
- 70 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother CS7000X sewing and quilting machine includes 70 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom and quilting stitch functions, and 7 1-step auto-size buttonholes
- IMPROVED NEEDLE THREADER: Easier than ever to use, the automatic needle threader reliably pushes the thread through the needle. The convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin easy to load and helps ensure your bobbin stays in place
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The CS7000X includes a wide table, 10 sewing feet plus a quilt guide, protective hard case, a trilingual English/Spanish/French user manual and more
- METAL FRAME and FIXED NEEDLE BAR: The durable metal frame construction allows your machine to tackle any project, and the needle is fixed in place while you work, allowing for cleaner stitching and even lines
- LARGE NEEDLE-TO-ARM WORKSPACE: A larger workspace with increased width in needle-to-arm space allows users to work on larger projects including quilts
- This product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale voids the warranty.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Brother CS7000X is a computerized sewing machine with a decorative stitch feature. This means it can create different designs on the fabric.
The cons of this machine are that it can only be used for basic stitching jobs and some embroidery work but does not allow for free-motion quilting or other more complex projects.
Its user experience is also not great, as the built-in needle threader is slow and unreliable, and there are no touchscreen controls or LCD to view settings while you sew.
Singer 4423
- SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The 23 built-in stitches including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches allow you to sew a variety of projects, such as fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER SEWING MACHINE: After following the threading path printed right on the machine, this built-in feature helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration. Amps (0.7). Watts (84). Volts (120). Hz (60)
- HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE:The Singer 4423 Sewing Machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1, 100 stitches-per-minute, so projects can be sewn quickly. The 60% Stronger Motor provides greater piercing power for thick seams
- HEAVY DUTY METAL FRAME: The Singer 4423 heavy duty sewing machine is a true workhorse. With a heavy-duty metal interior frame, stainless steel bedframe, extra-high sewing speed and powerful motor, this sewing machine can sew through a variety of heavy weight fabrics and provides long lasting stability
- SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES: A variety of accessories are included with All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper/lint brush, quilting guide, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt are all conveniently located and stored in the accessory tray. A soft-sided dust cover is also included in the packaging
- WARRANTY: SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine has 25 Year Limited Warranty. Note : Refer to the Videos and also the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Manua
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Singer 4423 sewing machine is versatile and can be used for various tasks. It has been specifically designed to make sewing easy and comfortable, which is why it comes with many features that will give you a fantastic experience when using it. The ability to sew heavy and light materials makes this machine stand out.
With its countless benefits, I refer to this sewing machine as “the all-in-one” because it can do almost anything related to sewing work, such as hemming curtains and bedsheets, making pillowcases, or even quilting projects without any hitch.
If you are looking forward to buying your first sewing machine but don’t have enough knowledge of what types of machines are available in the market today. Please read my review below so that we can help narrow down your choices based on critical factors such as price range, feature compatibility, etc.
Brother GX37
- 37 unique built-in stitches: The GX37 features 37 unique, built-in stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The GX37 includes 6 sewing feet, needle set, bobbins, instructional DVD, manual and more
- Versatile free arm: The Brother GX37 is perfect for a range of everyday sewing and quilting projects, for every user from beginner to the advanced
- At your side support: The GX37 sewing machine sewing machine comes with Brother at your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
- This product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale voids the warran
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Brother GX37 is a great sewing machine for dressmaking. It’s an excellent choice for beginners, professionals, and advanced sewers who want to increase their skills.
The Brother GX37 has a lot of features that make it suitable for dressmaking, including:
- automatic needle threader makes threading your needle easier than ever before!
- you can choose between four different types of needles according to the material you’re using;
- more than 80 stitches are available at the touch of a button;
- it has an automatic cutaway system, so you can easily remove your fabric from below without damaging it;
- there’s also an automatic bobbin winding function, saving you time and effort when sewing multiple projects.
Singer SM024
- The SINGER SM024 sewing machine comes with 24 stitch options to make simple repairs and enhancements a cinch
- Hobbyists will love its fast threading and reliable stitching —whether using the 4-step buttonhole feature or the all-purpose foot and free arm to create quality hems and cuffs
- At any speed, a durable all-metal frame delivers the steady support expected in a SINGER sewing machine
- Stitch by stitch, the needle feeder and easy-winding front-load bobbin are in full view beneath brilliant LED lighting
- Package includes SM024 sewing machine, all purpose foot, buttonhole foot, hem guide foot, bobbins (15J), pack of needles and other essential accessor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Singer SM024 sewing machine offers a good range of stitches, accessories, and speeds. It also has a decent size range, but if you want to make something more extensive than the maximum measurement of 4ft 10in, this is probably not the machine for you.
Singer SM024 is a great beginner model with all the essential features needed to start your sewing projects. It has 25 built-in stitches for making hems, seams, and decorative patterns (such as buttonholes). The stitch selection dial makes it easier to choose what kind of stitch pattern you want without looking at an instruction manual or having any experience using sewing machines before – though there is an instructional DVD included if you need some guidance!
It includes an automatic needle threader, which makes threading your needle much easier, so there are no more tears when trying again after failing once too many times! There is also an auto-shutoff feature that stops working after about 60 minutes so that nothing gets overheated while unattended; this helps ensure longevity over time and safety during use because no one wants burnt fingers!
Some minor drawbacks include limited speed ranges (only two options – the slowest being 300spm), but these don’t affect how fast we sew clothes together since most garments require only 100spm anyway.
Brother CS5055
- 60 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother CS5055 sewing machine includes 60 built-in stitches including utility, decorative and heirloom stitch functions, and 7 1-step auto-size buttonholes
- IMPROVED NEEDLE THREADER: Easier than ever to use, the automatic needle threader reliably pushes the thread through the needle. The convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin easy to load and helps ensure your bobbin stays in place
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The CS5055 includes 7 sewing feet, 4 bobbins, a needle set, a trilingual English/Spanish/French user manual and more
- METAL FRAME and FIXED NEEDLE BAR: The durable metal frame construction allows your machine to tackle any project, and the needle is fixed in place while you work, allowing for cleaner stitching and even lines
- LARGE NEEDLE-TO-ARM WORKSPACE: A larger workspace with increased width in needle-to-arm space allows users to work on larger projects
- This product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale voids the warran
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that’s easy to use and good value for money, the Brother CS5055 is excellent. It has many features, but they’re all intuitive and easy to work with. The automatic needle threader makes it one of the most straightforward machines on this list to use.
This model has many accessories, including five presser feet (the aforementioned automatic needle threader is one) and many accessories for quilting and embroidery. The smaller size makes it ideal for dressmaking projects, though you can easily take it out for larger ones if needed!
Great sewing machines for dressmaking
Brother
Brother is an excellent brand for beginners, offering easy-to-use, affordable, and reliable machines. Their machines are perfect for dressmaking and can be used for any project you may have in mind.
Singer
Singer is another popular option when choosing your sewing machine. They make all kinds of models for all types of people, so whether you’re looking for something basic or more advanced, there’s probably something that will fit your budget. If you want an entry-level machine from this brand, I recommend their SM024 model.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to buy your first sewing machine for dressmaking or upgrade to a newer model, these are the ones we recommend. Each offers something unique and is designed for different types of sewing. If you feel like this list is missing something important, let us know.
We hope that by sharing our expert opinions on what makes each machine great (and not-so-great), we’ve helped you choose one for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Happy sewing!
