Looking to repair jeans or make garments out of denim? When looking for a sewing machine for denim projects, there are several important aspects to consider and features to look for. First, the machine must be heavy duty enough to handle denim and the thicker threads required to work on it. Second, the machine should have an adjustable presser foot and feed to handle working on denim smoothly.
You don’t have to break the bank to get the features you want for denim projects. Several manufacturers offer simple, yet heavy duty machines suitable for working on denim at budget prices.
Best Sewing Machines for Denim
Here are the best sewing machines for sewing with denim fabric.
1. Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 model is designed for work on heavy weight fabrics. The powerful motor provides for extra high speed and professional level results. It comes programmed with 23 stitch patterns, including a one step buttonhole.
- Automatic needle threader
- Heavy duty metal frame
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
2. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 model is packed with features which make it suitable for a wide variety of projects, including those involving heavy duty materials such as denim. It is programmed with an amazing 600 stitch patterns and one touch stitch selection on the LED screen make it easy to find the perfect stitch for your project. A heavy duty metal frame and optional double needle function make this machine perfect for working on denim projects.
- Extension table included
- One touch stitch selection
- 18 presser feet included
3. Singer Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine
The Singer Heavy Duty 4411 model has a heavy duty metal frame and a powerful motor, making it suitable for projects on light to heavy weight fabric, including denim. The adjustable presser foot control makes work on denim projects easy and produces professional results. It comes programmed with 11 stitch patterns, including a four step buttonhole which can be used to create buttonholes on all types of fabric.
- Adjustable presser foot control
- Adjustable needle position
- Heavy duty metal frame
4. Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother HC 1850 model comes programmed with 130 built-in stitch patterns, including eight one-step buttonholes and alphanumeric patterns to personalize a wide variety of sewing projects. It has a detachable sewing table extension and a free arm option for working with bulky projects and on heavy weight fabrics like denim. The LCD screen allows for easy stitch selection.
- Advanced needle threader and top drop-in bobbin
- Six included presser feet
- LCD display screen
5. Singer Tradition 2277 Sewing Machine
The Singer Tradition 2277 model includes all the features you need to work on heavy duty fabrics at a very affordable price. The extra high presser foot lift facilitates work with multiple layers of fabric and heavy duty fabrics like denim. A heavy duty metal frame gives this machine durability and skip-free sewing.
- Automatic embroidery needle threader
- Heavy duty metal frame
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
6. Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW Electric Sewing Machine
The Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW model includes a variety of features to make it possible to create projects an affordable price. It is programmed with 50 stitch patterns, which are easy to select using the LCD screen and the stitch diagram on the machine. The machine is also capable of making a variety of top stitches to add a professional touch to garments.
- Automatic needle threader and top drop in bobbin
- LCD screen
- Ultra lightweight and portable
7. Singer Simple 3232 Portable Sewing Machine
The Singer Simple 3232 model is a portable sewing machine with a wide variety of features at an affordable price. It is programmed with 32 stitch patterns, including essential, stretch, and decorative stitches. The free arm provides easy access to hard to reach areas such as hems and cuffs.
- Automatic needle threader
- High presser foot lifter
- Adjustable stitch length and width
8. Janome HD-1000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
The Janome HD-1000 model features an automatic needle threader and front loading bobbin for easy setup. A heavy duty aluminum outer body, extra high presser foot lift, and manual thread tension control make this the perfect machine for working with denim. It comes programmed with 14 stitches including a four step buttonhole, which makes this sewing machine flexible for work on a wide variety of projects.
- Built-in automatic needle threader
- Removable free arm
- 3 piece feed dog system
9. Juki TL-2010Q Portable Sewing Machine
The Juki TL-2010Q model provides portability and heavy duty construction for sewing projects involving heavy materials like denim. It includes a sewing extension table for bunch-free feeding on bulky, multilayer projects. This easy-to-use machine provides professional results on home decor, quilting, and garment making projects.
- Large work area
- Aluminum die-cast construction of arm and sewing bed
- Automatic thread trimmer
10. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
The Brother ST371HD model includes several features which make it the perfect machine for denim projects at an affordable price. It comes programmed with 37 stitch patterns, including stretch and reinforcement stitches. A metal needle plate and included heavy duty needles make for easy work on denim projects. A free arm gives the versatility to work on hems and cuffs.
- Heavy duty needles included
- Automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin for easy setup
- Versatile free arm
Denim Sewing Machine Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a sewing machine for projects involving denim, the first consideration is to find a machine that is heavy duty enough to handle this thick fabric. This is especially important when you want to create denim garments, as you will often need to stitch through multiple layers of denim when adding pockets and hemming. Machines with heavy duty metal frames are the best choice for this, and also should have a powerful motor. Another feature to look for are three or seven point feed dogs, which help feed both heavy and light weight fabrics smoothly without bunching. Many machines in this buying guide also include needles and presser feet designed for working with heavier materials like denim.
Another helpful feature to consider when looking for a sewing machine to use on denim projects is a walking presser foot. This type of presser foot works in conjunction with the feed dog system to ensure that the top and bottom of the fabric, or multiple layers of fabric, feed into the sewing machine simultaneously. A free arm is also a great feature to have, as it allows access to hard to reach areas of a garment such as hems and collars.
There are several options for a simpler, heavy duty sewing machine that include the basic functions you need to complete a denim project. However, just because you are buying a heavy duty machine doesn’t mean that you have to give up on more advanced features offered by computerized sewing machines. You can find high quality machines which come programmed with a variety of stitch patterns so that you are able to personalize your projects by adding decorative touches such as embroidery and top stitching. These machines are also versatile enough to complete a wide variety of sewing projects.