9 Best Sewing Machines for Clothes

Best Sewing Machines for Clothing

Here are our clothing sewing machine reviews.

1. Brother CS7000i Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

The Brother CS7000i is a great sewing machine for use in garment making.  It features a free arm option for work on hard to reach areas such as hems and cuffs.  It also comes programmed with a wide range of stitch patterns, which can easily be selected using the LED screen. An automatic needle threader and simple to follow threading diagram make for easy set-up.

• Built-in free arm
• Wide extension table included
• Adjustable sewing speed

2. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Sewing Machine

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 model is a great investment for sewers wanting to create clothing of professional quality. It comes programmed with a wide range of stitch patterns, including decorative, stretch and basic stitches, which gives you the ability to create garments out of a wide variety of materials. A variety of presser feet are also included, making it easy to create buttonholes and set zippers.

• Automatic needle threader
• Speeds of up to 850 stitches per minute
• A variety of presser feet included

3. Singer 7258 Computerized Sewing Machine

The Singer 7258 model has all the features necessary for sewers who want to complete clothing projects with professional results.  It comes programmed with 100 stitch patterns which can be customized to suit your particular project. Ten presser feet are also included, which make it possible to complete a variety of projects, such as setting zippers and creating blind hems.

• Push button stitch selection
• Customizable stitch length, width and tension
• Two LED lights to illuminate the work surface

4. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine

The Brother XM2701 model has all the features needed to create professional looking garments at home. It comes programmed with 27 built-in stitch patterns, including zig zag, blind hem, and stretch stitches for work on a variety of fabrics and a one step automatic buttonhole. The free arm option makes it easy to access areas such as cuffs and hems.

• Automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin system
• Six different presser feet included
• Versatile free arm

5. Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine

The Singer Start 1304 model is a great option for beginning sewers looking to complete garment projects. It has a threading diagram for quick and easy threading.  It also features a free arm for easy access to hard to reach areas such as cuffs and collars and six built-in stitch patterns.

• Heavy duty frame for skip-free sewing
• Stainless steel bedplate for smooth fabric movement
• Free arm option

6. Singer Tradition 2277 Sewing Machine

The Singer Tradition 2277 model has all the features needed to create professional-looking garments at an affordable price.  It comes programmed with 23 built-in stitch patterns, including essential, stretch, and decorative stitches, making it possible to create garments out of virtually any fabric. Adjustable presser foot pressure and a high presser foot lift make it a great machine for working with heavy fabrics.

• Automatic needle threader
• Fully automatic one step buttonhole for professional results
• Heavy-duty metal frame

7. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine

The Janome 2212 model is a great option for creating garments and is simple enough for beginning sewers to use, yet includes features desired by more advanced sewers.  It comes programmed with twelve stitch patterns which can easily be selected using the pattern dial. It also features a free arm for accessing hard to reach areas such as hems and collars.

• Free arm
• Maximum speed of 860 stitches per minute
• Easy to use four step buttonhole

8. Brother Computerized Sewing Machine Project Runway XR9550PRW

The Brother XR9550PRW model is perfect for sewers interested in creating couture level garments.  It comes programmed with 110 stitch patterns, including decorative and heirloom stitches to add a unique touch to any garment. The large, backlit LCD screen makes all of these options easy to navigate and set up.

• Large LCD screen
• Automatic needle threader
• Eight types of one step buttonholes

9. Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine

The Janome Magnolia 7318 model is a great option for sewers who want to complete garment projects.  It features a seven piece feed dog system to feed any type of fabric through the sewing machine without bunching or gathering. It also comes programmed with 18 different stitch patterns and a built-in buttonhole option.

• Top loading jam proof bobbin system
• 7 piece feed dog system
• Carrying handle included

Sewing Machine for Clothing Buyer’s Guide

When choosing a sewing machine to work on clothing, there are a variety of factors to consider. The machines in this buying guide come at a variety of price points, from affordable to a more serious investment for someone who makes lots of clothing.  They also have a variety of complexity levels, from simpler machines for beginners to computerized machines with lots of stitch and other options for more advanced sewers wanting to work on more complex projects. It’s important to think about what you want to do with the sewing machine – whether it will be for more simple garments or if you want to try your hand at couture level garments – to decide which machine has the features you need.  Whatever project you decide to pursue, this buying guide has a machine to suit your needs.

If you want to work on hard to reach areas such as cuffs and hems, a sewing machine with a free arm option is a good choice.  Several machines in this buying guide have this option. Free arms make it easy to complete such projects as hemming pants or skirts and setting collars with professional results.  Another option to consider is an extension table.  This makes it easier to work on bulky projects like full skirts without the fabric bunching or pulling.  Some of these machines are also portable, which makes them great if you want to complete your sewing projects away from home.

Another factor to consider is what kind of stitch patterns the sewing machine comes programmed with.  The more affordable sewing machines in this buying guide are programmed with a variety of stitch options, but the more expensive options come programmed with dozens of stitch patterns suitable for a wider range of projects.  Consider whether you will need decorative stitches to embellish your project, if you want to create blind hems, or if you need to set zippers and buttons into your garment and make sure the machine you select is programmed with the options you need.