Beginner sewing machines are great for most dressmaking and household sewing projects. However, if you want to improve your sewing skills professionally, work with stronger materials, or stitch more things at once, an industrial sewing machine might be the best choice.
Many professional sewers use industrial sewing machines to make clothes or make changes to clothes. They also use them to do upholstery work and home sewing, like making regular curtains for other people. They can easily handle a wide range of hard fabrics and upholstery fabrics. All of this, however, implies that the price is higher.
With that said, here’s a detailed review of the best industrial sewing machines.
Top Picks for the Best Industrial Sewing Machines
Best Overall: JUKI TL-2020 PE Platinum Edition (jump to review)
Best Budget and Beginners: Juki 2010q High Speed Semi-Industrial (jump to review)
Best Portable (semi) industrial machine: Janome 1600P -QC (jump to review)
Best Computerized: Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine (jump to review)
Best Stitching speed: Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch (jump to review)
Best heavy duty: Janome HD9 Sewing Machine (jump to review) or Singer HD 4452 (jump to review)
Detailed reviews of the best industrial sewing machines
Now this device is truly a blessing in the professional sewer’s machinery rink. The JUKI TL-2020 PE is built to the highest JUKI standards and has a platinum exterior and high-quality features. High-performance sewing and quilting equipment is available in the JUKI TL-2020 PE Platinum Edition. The TL-2020 PE is a portable, single-needle, lock-stitch machine made of die-cast aluminum. It meets industrial standards for sewing. This machine is made for precise stitching and has high-tech features like an industrial sub-tension system, a slider for changing the speed, and bright white LED lights. The TL-2020PE has a wide work space of up to 23 inches (with an auxiliary table added), making it easy to manage projects including quilts, difficult-to-feed fabrics, and home décor.
- Easy to use and durable
- Loaded with features
- The needle threader can get tricky
This device is a semi-industrial machine, but we have put it on the list because it is slightly cheaper and does a lot of the work that industrial-grade devices also do. A high-performance sewing and quilting machine is the Juki TL-2010Q. By gently pushing the button, the machine's thread-trimming system cuts both the needle thread and the bobbin thread at the sewing end. The push-button automatic needle threader makes it easy to thread the needle, so you can start sewing quickly. Using the knee lifter lever, you can move the presser foot up or down without using your hands. By raising the presser foot to 12 mm, lightweight to heavyweight fabrics may be moved easily into and out of the stitching area. To top it off, unlike the other devices in this department, the Juki 2010q is quite lightweight and portable.
- Less Expensive
- Sturdy and portable
- Wont fulfil the role of a hardcore industrial grade machine
- Tricky bobbin
Read the detailed review of the Juki 2010Q here
The Janome 1600PQC is the only portable sewing machine you need if you want industrial-strength stitching. It is not an industrial machine by definition, but you won’t really feel much of a difference when using it. The variable speed control slider will make it simple to navigate the challenging seams since it will let you slow down without having to be concerned about the pressure you put on the foot control. You can change how much pressure is put on the foot, making it easy to stitch both thin and thick materials. To get the right amount of pressure, just turn the dial on the upper left of the machine clockwise or counterclockwise. When you put this together with the "superior feed mechanism," you get a machine that can handle fine silks one minute and denim the next. You'll love the speed control, the ability to move the needle up and down, and the "superior feeding system," among other things. Finish the seam, then push the scissor button. It's excellent if you want to seem great and professional each time while saving some time.
If you're a quilter, upholsterer, or seamstress, this chair's extra arm space of 9 inches means you won't have to worry about squeezing your work in, which is perfect. With the extension table in place, you have a fantastic workspace.
- Great for quilting
- Sews through thick materials easily
- Feeds material well
- Smooth operation
- No free arm
- Sews only straight stitches
- Can be difficult to thread at times
Read our detailed review of the Janome 1600P-QC here
This is a digitally powered industrial device that comes with basic, stretch, decorative, letter, and buttonhole stitches, among the 255 built-in stitches that may be used to create embroidery designs that suit your needs. Simply press a button to choose your stitches, and the LCD display will show your choice. This sewing machine has a handy, jam-resistant, automated needle threader that makes it simple to thread the needle eye without wearing out or becoming frustrated with your eyes. From one function to the next, everything flows well on this device. It has many functions and is simple to use. The design is straightforward, but lovely and useful. There is plenty of room for maneuvering in the needle and foot areas.
- Easy To Use and Value for money
- Computerized, with lots of features
- Arrives without a user manual at times.
This device is best known for its incredible speed. If you're looking to buy your first industrial sewing machine, the Juki DDL-8700 is a cool piece of equipment with an energy-saving servo motor that won't sound like it's taking off. This one can stitch at speeds of up to 5,500 rpm, making it perfect for high-speed sewing. It's simple to elevate the presser foot with your hands or your knees, which is especially helpful if you want to free up your hands. It has both straight and reverse stitches and even features self-oiling!
- Fast and Durable
- Smooth functioning
- Sews through heavy canvas and leather very easily
- Some customers have said that the device was broken when it arrived, so be sure to read the seller's rules about returns.
The HD9 Sewing Machine by Janome has been talked about widely by customers because of the large amount of load it can take on for long hours, making this a good device for large projects. If you are someone who will sit at their machine for the lion’s share of the day, this is the one for you. Your investment in this machine will be rewarded with a robust machine that tackles big tasks, such as quilts, furniture for the house, and bridal gowns, with ease. The stitching speed on this machine climbs up to 1,600 spm. The device is made of an aluminum frame, and the stitch length ranges from 1 to 8 mm.
- Sturdy and accommodates almost all kinds of fabrics
- Needs frequent oiling if you use it daily for long hours
You can review the best Janome sewing machines here
The Singer 4452 is the most feature-rich mechanical SInger Heavy Duty machine. It comes with all the features of the 4432 (and 44S, 4411, 4423) along with a set of bonus accessories for heavy sewing projects. The 4452 includes an even feed/walking foot, a non-stick foot, clearance plate and a pack of size 16 needles.
Like the other Heavy Duty Singer machines, the 442 is capable of producing 1100 stitches per minute with its powerful 0.7 amps motor that helps you get your work done efficiently. This is a machine perfect for home sewists and professionals who like to do heavy work. Although the 442 is a workhorse, it cannot replace an industrial sewing machine.
You can review the best Singer Heavy Duty sewing machines here
Buying Guide – Industrial Sewing Machines
Now, if you’re going to spend a fortune on a device that you expect to last and serve you for a long time, there’s going to be a lot of research that goes into it, and it’s going to be a lot of work. So we did it for you and narrowed it down to some options that we handpicked based on customer reviews, specifications, quality questions, and a variety of other factors that are essential for any serious sewer. Before we get there, let’s go over the fundamentals.
What is an Industrial Sewing Machine?
An industrial sewing machine is a high-quality machine designed for sewing jobs that are more difficult and large than a standard sewing machine can handle. They are important to consider if you want to start making clothes for a living or if you want to sell drapes or other bulkier goods. They are also useful if you sew a lot of denim or other materials that are difficult for your machine to handle.
Industrial sewing machines were designed to handle heavy-duty tasks and large-scale stitching. Most domestic machines, on the other hand, can do multiple tasks and can be used for a few hours at a time to sew clothes or perform minor household tasks.
Three key things you might want to check before getting an industrial sewing machine
- Do I have enough space?
Industrial sewing machines require a unique table to store their sophisticated power supplies. Before you buy, it is important to note the specifications of a possible machine and compare them to your stitching area. - What will I use it for/do I need it?
Industrial sewing machines are brutally trained sewing machines; they are made to do specialized jobs in large quantities, such as buttonholes, straight line stitching, and handling heavyweight materials. This means that it can be harder to use them for different tasks, so it’s important to know exactly how you want to use them. - What brands should I prioritize?
Depending on what you want to use them for, seek out a brand that has a reputation for producing high-quality sewing machines. You shouldn’t have to hunt very far to discover a reputable, well-known brand to purchase from because there are several major participants in the sewing machine industry. Just keep in mind that the most well-known brands of industrial sewing machines might not be the same as those you’re familiar with for beginning or general-purpose sewing machines. Make sure you are satisfied with the manufacturer if you are planning to purchase a machine.
Why switch from a regular machine to an industrial device?
- They can handle tougher fabrics
Even though each machine is different, industrial sewing machines can usually easily sew through more layers of fabric and tougher fabrics. - They offer high-quality stitching
Industrial machines, which were made for professionals, can make stitches that are almost perfect, which is hard to do with a regular home machine. - They have a longer lifespan
Because they were made to last, industrial sewing machines should work better when they are busy and be able to sew a lot more without breaking down or needing a lot of maintenance. - You can use industrial machines for long hours
An industrial machine may be used for long periods of time without the risk of needles breaking or parts breaking. They will continue on and on, making them the machine of choice if you want endurance or plan to sew for several hours each day.
These are the key and basic differences between industrial and regular sewing machines. If you don’t need these features, you might want to think twice about buying an industrial-grade machine, which is very expensive.
Key differences between heavy duty and industrial machines
- HD machines lack the proper power to stitch through very thick materials.
- The presser foot only rises up to ¼”, not enough to sew multiple layers of thick fabric
- You cannot use heavy-duty nylon or upholstery thread (only regular thread) destroying your thick material
- You can only use regular size bobbins, and this is not ideal for heavy duty threads as it takes a lot more space
We would draw the line here since we have rounded up the best options instead of creating a long list for you. Industrial machines are intricate devices. Hence, a lot of effort goes into figuring out even the tiniest little flaws, the overseeable specifications, and whether the device is worth the budget. So what do we think?
Sewing Insight’s Final Verdict
- Best Overall: JUKI TL-2020 PE Platinum Edition
- Best Budget and Beginners: Juki 2010q High Speed Semi-Industrial
- Best Portable (semi) industrial machine: Janome 1600P -QC
- Best Computerized: Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Best Stitching speed: Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch
- Best heavy duty: Janome HD9 Sewing Machine or Singer HD 4452
Industrial machines aren’t exactly a beginner’s device, but if you are getting started with industrial devices specifically, we recommend the Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine. The Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine is also the clear winner in terms of speed.
Even though it is a semi-industrial machine, the Juki 2010q steals the show when it comes to price. But if we are talking about budget, all industrial-grade machines only differ in price by a few hundred dollars at most. Therefore, it makes more sense to prioritize other attributes and go by those.
In terms of overall qualities, we think the Juki TL-2020 PE Platinum Edition wins this one.
We hope we were able to answer all your questions. If you are not a professional sewist yet and are looking for beginner machines, check out our posts on the best sewing machines under 100 and the best sewing machines under 200. Happy sewing!
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