29 Best Mechanical Sewing Machines (Reviews Updated 2020)

Unless you have enough money to buy new clothes constantly, clothing repairs are a part of life.

Whether you’re re-attaching a button, stitching up a tear, or hemming some pants, it helps to have a way to make those repairs quickly, easily – and accurately.

True home sewing aficionados know that owning a mechanical sewing machine is the best way to keep your clothes looking great…

And it can help you take on sewing projects as well.

New drapes for the living room? A piece of cake.

A quilt for your best friend’s new baby? No problem.

There are lots of options available, and that’s why we’ve put together our list of the best mechanical sewing machines.

1. Janome HD1000 Mechanical Sewing Machine

If you’re on the lookout for a no-frills mechanical sewing machine that’s built for durability, then you should look no further than this machine from Janome.

It all starts with the body of the machine, which is metal and extremely durable. Is it heavier than plastic machines? Sure, but then again, you don’t want to have to buy a new machine every year.

This sewing machine can handle any fabric with ease, from denim to chiffon.

Another plus with the Janome HD1000? It comes with a bonus kit that includes:

• A 10-pack of bobbins
• A package of size 12 needles
• A concealed zipper foot

All in all, you could do a lot worse than this machine. It is affordable, reliable, versatile, and a great machine whether you’re an experienced sewer or just starting out.

2. SINGER 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

Let’s face it, Singer is a name that we all associate with sewing machines.

In fact, the chances are really good that if your mom had a sewing machine when you were growing up, it was a Singer.

Maybe she even passed hers down to you years ago – and now it’s time to update it with a newer model.

The Singer 4411 is affordably priced, and yet it’s also extremely efficient, fast and reliable.

If you need something that can help you stitch up a new dress in a flash, this machine can power out 1,100 stitches a minute. There’s no denying that is BLAZING fast.

It also comes with a total of 11 built-in stitches with a ton of variety – standard, decorative, and stretch stitches are included – and it has an automatic, four-step buttonhole feature, too.

All of the above would be enough to make this machine a fantastic value, but we haven’t even told you about our favorite thing…

It comes with the Singer sewing app, which is like having a 24/7 sewing assistant to answer your questions and provide sewing tips and techniques.

3. Brother XR3774 Full-Featured Sewing and Quilting Machine

Brother is another respected name in sewing machines, but it’s not the name that makes this machine special…

It’s the VOLUME of what you get in return for your money.

The Brother XR3774 has a ton of functionality at an extremely affordable price.

How much variety? We’re glad you asked.

This machine from Brother, which can sew AND quilt, comes with a whopping 37 built-in stitches, along with 8 sewing feet and an automatic buttonhole feature.

Selecting the stitches is super easy – all you have to do is turn the stitch selection wheel.

This is an ideal machine for quilters. In fact, it’s perfect for anybody who loves decorative stitching and wants to be able to do it without a lot of fuss.

In fact… one of the best things about this machine is the fact that you can switch between the stitches without having to worry about adjusting the tension of the thread.

This machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty and an instructional DVD – a true bargain for any avid home sewer or quilter.

4. Singer 3232 Simple Sewing Machine

Our last pick is also from Singer, as befits the company’s status as a leading manufacturer of quality mechanical sewing machines.

The Singer 3232 machine has almost as many built-in stitches as the last one – a total of 32, which is MORE than enough for most home sewing enthusiasts. They include:

• 6 essential stitches
• 6 decorative stitches
• 19 decorative stitches
• 1 automatic buttonhole stitch.

It also has the previously-mentioned automatic needle threader – something that a lot of home sewers value as a time saver.

Like the last one, this machine comes with an instructional DVD to help walk you through the set-up and get you started on your next sewing adventure.

This is a great machine for beginners and even for kids who want to learn how to sew. It’s intuitive and easy to use – and the price makes it affordable for almost everybody.

Still not sold? What if we told you that this machine comes with a whole collection of accessories? They include a seam ripper, a lint brush, a quilting guide, needles, bobbins, an L-screwdriver, a darning plate, and a soft-sided dust cover – among other things!

(Here’s some quilting fabric you may like)

It’s worth noting, too, that BOTH Singer machines come with social media support. In other words, if you buy them, you’ll end up being part of an online sewing community where you can ask questions and make connections.

5. Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Singer 4423 has 23 built in stitches with 12 decorative stitches. The threading pattern is printed on the machine for easy set up. This sewing machine is suitable for a variety of projects, including home decor, quilts, and crafts and can be used on heavy weight materials.

• automatic needle threader
• speeds up to 1,100 stitches per minute
• heavy duty metal frame

6. Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Singer 4452 has thirty built-in stitches, including 18 decorative stitches and an automatic one step button hole. It has a strong motor for work with heavy materials and can sew at rates of up to 1,100 stitches per minute. The heavy-duty interior metal frame ensures skip-free sewing.

• carrying handle
• built-in accessory tray
• variety of presser feet included

7. Brother XM2701 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Brother XM2701 sewing machine has 27 built-in stitches, including decorative, blind hem, zig zag, and stretch stitches. It features a brightly lit LED work area and 63 stitch functions. It can be used for a wide range of everyday sewing projects and has a speed of up to 800 stitches per minute.

• free arm
• includes 6 quick change presser feet
• jam resistant

8. Janome 2212 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Janome 2212 sewing machine includes twelve built-in stitches, with adjustable length and width. It features drop feed fro free motion quilting and sewing. The machine has manual tension control and speeds of up to 1,000 stitches per minute.

• easy turn dial pattern selection
• four-step buttonhole
• stitch length and width adjustment

9. Janome Arctic Crystal Easy-to-Use Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Janome Arctic Crystal simple sewing machine was made with beginners in mind and has a variety of features which make it easy to use. It has a three piece feed dog system and removable free arm for convenient sewing. It also has 14 built-in stitches, including a four step button hole.

• interior metal frame
• bobbin diagram
• adjustable stitch length

10. Brother ST371HD Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Brother ST371HD is designed to handle high volume sewing with precision. It can handle fabric with weights from denim to silk with 37 built-in stitches, including decorative and blind hem stitches. Three needles are included to handle different fabric weights.

• 6 quick-change sewing feet
• sturdy metal chassis
• built-in handle

11. Brother GX37 Lightweight, Full Featured Sewing Machine

The Brother GX37 lightweight sewing machine features 37 built-in stitches, including an autosized button hole. It also includes six presser feet and an instructional DVD and manual. The free arm makes the sewing machine versatile for everyday and quilting projects from beginner to advanced level.

• automatic needle threader
• top drop-in bobbin
• free arm

12. Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine

The Singer Start 1304 sewing machine has built-in stitches for applique, zig zag, straight sewing, and much more. It includes a removable extension table to work with bulky projects without pulling. The free arm allows for hemming pant legs and working on small projects.

• heavy duty metal frame
• stainless steel bedplate
• four-step button hole

13. NEX Portable Mechanical Sewing Machine

This light-weight, portable sewing machine can either be plugged in or used with battery power for use anywhere. The NEX Portable Sewing Machine can sew up to 5 layers of denim and includes twelve stitches. It also comes with a foot pedal so you can use both hands to feed material.

• two speed selections
• battery supply
• built-in sewing light

14. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Janome HD3000 sewing machine comes with presser feet and needles suitable for use in a variety of projects, from quilting to garment creation. It comes with 18 built-in stitches, including a one-step buttonhole. It has free arm capability and speeds of up to 800 stitches per minute.

• six presser feet included
• jam-proof top loading bobbin
• automatic needle threader

15. Luby Portable Mechanical sewing machine

This light-weight, portable sewing machine can be operated at low or high speed. The Luby sewing machine has twelve pre-programmed stitches for use on a variety of projects with a range of fabric weights. It also includes adjustable thread tension.

• double thread stitching
• 4 step buttonhole
• stitch selection knob

16. Janome 2222 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Janome 2222 lightweight sewing machine includes 22 built-in stitches, including a four step button hole. Pattern selection and stitch length and width are easily set with dials. The free arm and drop feed features make it versatile enough for all types of sewing.

• 4 step buttonhole
• adjustable stitch length and width
• free arm

17. Janome Industrial-Grade HD1000 Mechanical Sewing Machine

This industrial-grade sewing machine features 14 built-in stitches with a four step button hole. The Janome HD1000 has easy threading with a front-loading bobbin for simple set-up. Drop feed and three piece feed dog system allow for free motion sewing.

• 4 step buttonhole
• automatic needle threader
• front-loading bobbin system

18. Bernette 35 Swiss Design Mechanical Sewing Machine

This Swiss-designed Bernette 35 sewing machine features 50 built-in stitches, including decorative, utility, and stretch stitches. With the automatic buttonhole feature it is easy to make professional quality buttonholes quickly. This machine has the features to work with a wide variety of material types, including stretchy materials.

• includes 23 patterns and 50 stitches
• one-step buttonhole
• 7 included presser feet

19. Spiegel SP3201 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Spiegel SP3201 sewing machine features 32 utility and decorative stitches to embellish any project. Feed dogs can be lowered for free hand sewing. The length and width of stitches and thread tension can be easily adjusted.

• 32 utility and decorative stitches
• one-step buttonhole
• adjustable thread tension

20. Singer Tradition 2277 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine has 23 built-in stitches, including a fully automatic one step buttonhole. The presser foot can be lifted high to accommodate multiple layers of fabric and thick fabrics. The sewing machine comes with all purpose, button hole, and button sewing presser feet.

• automatic needle threader
• one-step buttonhole
• adjustable thread tension

21. Janome Magnolia 7318 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Janome 7318 sewing machine features push button reverse and foot pedal control. It also has a free arm for free sewing and hard to reach areas such as cuffs and hems. It has 18 built-in stitches including a one step buttonhole.

• carrying handle
• top loading jam-proof bobbin system
• automatic upper thread tension

22. Necchi FA16 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Necchi FA16 light-weight sewing machine features 16 built-in stitches. The drop feed and extra high presser foot lift are great features for quilters. The machine is eaily portable to be used on projects on the go.

• top loading full rotary hook bobbin
• LED light
• extra high presser foot lift

23. Brother XM1010 Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Brother XM1010 light-weight sewing machine has 10 built-in stitches, including blind hems, zig zag and a four step button hole. Its maximum sewing speed is 750 stitches per minute. The built-in free arm allows access to hard to reach areas such as cuffs and hems.

• stitch selector dial
• jam resistant top loading bobbin
• automatic bobbin winder

24. Bernette 33 Swiss Design Mechanical Sewing Machine

This Swiss-designed Bernette 33 sewing machine has 23 built-in decorative and utility stitches, including a one step button hole. Easy threading makes setup simple so you can start projects quickly. A variety of presser feet and bobbins are included.

• front loading hook system
• one-step buttonhole
• semi-automatic threader

25. Janome 3128 Sewing Machine

The Janome 3128 sewing machine offers eight stretch and utility stitches and a four step buttonhole. A convertible free arm helps with projects such as quilting and hemming. Easy-to-follow threading instructions and a stitch selection dial make setup quick and easy.

• four-step buttonhole
• 10 bobbins and 5 needles included
• up to 650 stitches per minute

26. Janome MOD-19 Easy-to-Use Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Janome MOD-19 sewing machine features 19 stitches and easy threading with a built-in needle threader. Drop feed and 5-piece feed dog system facilitate work on a wide variety of projects. A horizontal bobbin loading system and automatic needle threading make for easy set-up.

• four-step buttonhole
• adjustable stitch length and width
• free arm

27. Singer Fashion Mate 3333

The Singer Fashion Mate 3333 sewing machine features a free arm for use in quilting projects and to reach hems and cuffs. The 23 built-in stitches include basic, stretch, and decorative stitches. A top drop-in bobbin and automatic needle threader make set-up easy.

• carrying handle
• four-step buttonhole
• LED light

28. Kranich Portable Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Kranich portable sewing machine has 16 built-in stitch patterns to meet a variety of sewing needs. A diagram of stitches and a pattern selection dial make it easy to select the stitch you need. This sewing machine can sew up to five layers of material.

• replaceable presser foot
• double thread sewing
• two speeds

29. Singer Simple 3223 Handy Sewing Machine

The Singer Simple 3223 sewing machine includes 23 built-in stitches and has a four step buttonhole function. Several different presser feet are included, including feet for making buttonholes and setting buttons. A free arm provides easy access to cuffs and hems and can also be used for quilting projects.

• four-step buttonhole
• built-in bobbin winding
• heavy duty metal frame