If you take an interest in the art of needles and thread, you probably already know the three broad categories of sewing machines. Sewing machines are classified as mechanical, electronic, or computerized. Mechanical machines are the most basic of all. We have curated a list of mechanical machines that will be helpful if you are looking to buy one.
Top picks of the best mechanical sewing machines
- Best Overall mechanical sewing machine: Singer Making the Cut M330 (jump to review)
- Best Budget mechanical sewing machine: Singer MX60 (jump to review)
- Best Heavy-Duty mechanical: Janome HD3000 (jump to review)
- Best Basic mechanical machine: Singer SM024 (jump to review)
- Best Beginner mechanical: Brother GX37 (jump to review)
- Best EverSewn Mechanical machine: EverSewn Sparrow 15 (jump to review)
- Best Brother Mechanical machine: Brother ST371HD (jump to review)
What is a mechanical sewing machine?
Mechanical machines are manual devices where you are in control of the device settings. These devices work best for generic sewing and will keep you covered for all your accidental rip emergencies. There is no digital technology incorporated into them. You will be using a knob or dial to adjust the settings manually. These are mostly used for domestic purposes. The mechanics of these devices are quite plain and handy. Unlike computerized machines, there are not many buttons to press. They come with a limited number of stitches and functions.
Common features of mechanical machines
Mechanical machines are your thing if you are looking to start learning or need a simple device for household purposes. If you are looking to buy one of these, here are some of the default features of a mechanical machine.
- Automatic Buttonholer
- Needle Threader
- Presser Feet
- Power Switch
- Stitch Styles
- Top-Load Bobbin
Modern mechanical machines have taken it up a few notches and added more features for better user convenience. Note that the features listed above are basic and mandatory. Newer models of manual sewing machines offer adjustable stitching speed and even LED lights for safety during work. Most of the mechanical machines are in the range of $200, but if you are in a budget, you might be interested in the best sewing machines under 100 and best sewing machines under 200
Detailed reviews:
Singer made a special edition machine called Making The Cut just for the show Making The Cut, which you can watch on Amazon Prime Video. In terms of features, Making The Cut has features that will help you as a beginner and that will also work for you as you learn more. It has 23 in-built stitch styles and 97 applications. You will be upgrading to a one-step buttonhole instead of four with this device. It has a built-in needle threader, a stitch selection dial like all the other machines here, and adjustable stitch length and width, unlike the other machines listed so far. Add a heavy-duty frame, LED lighting, generous sewing space, and some more excellent features, and you have a very adept and enviable device with a really pretty blue frame that will cover all of your needs.
- Lots of features at a generous price range
- Aesthetically pleasing’
- Has a European plug and requires an adapter, which is not mentioned in the description in many places.
Singer's MX60 is a best-seller on Amazon and comes highly recommended for beginners, even though its basic features are not that different from those of the Start 1304. It still has six built-in stitching styles and 57 built-in applications. It has a four-step buttonhole, which the former does too. The stitch selector dial makes it simple to choose your stitches and includes an LED light to help you position the fabric correctly. It covers pretty much everything that an entry-level sewing machine should cover. It is also the exact same machine as Start 1304 except for one thing, which we will shed light on at the end of this list.
- Easy to use, Inexpensive and lightweight
- Sometimes it does not come with a user manual.
The SINGER SM024 is a small, portable gadget aimed for students. You can make some spectacular hems and cuffs with the aid of this device's multipurpose foot and free arm. Like the majority of SINGER gadgets, this one is housed in a robust metal frame. The quick threading and sewing of the SM024 makes unexpected situations far less terrifying. To help you make the most of these capabilities, this gadget offers an LED light, 97 applications, and 24 various stitch possibilities. The SINGER SM024 is powered by electricity.
- Good for beginners
- Plethora of Features
- Does not come with a manual
- Might feel difficult on the hands
The HD 3000 is one of Janome’s best devices when it comes to mechanical sewing machines. It is a heavy-duty machine, perfect for a beginner or sewist looking to do a wide range of sewing. The features are basic and convenient: 18 stitches, one step buttonhole, stitch length and width adjustment, snap on presser feet, and a built-in needle threader . HD 3000 is best suited for users who are learning or do household sewing. It has a flip-up stitch panel that allows you to see all of the different types of stitches when needed. The device has outstanding output quality and delivers projects without much interruption.
Read our detailed review of the Janome HD3000 here and if you are considering Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machines, dont miss our detailed comparison
The GX37 is a popular gadget that gives far more than what you may anticipate for the price. The maximum number of built-in stitches on this list so far is 37, which is included in this gadget. Additionally, it has a 1-step auto-size buttonhole, which is an improvement above what its rivals provide. The tool includes a clearly visible dial where you may select your stitching pattern. Automatic needle threading occurs. In comparison to the typical mechanical sewing machine in this price range, the Brother GX37 comes with a lot more advanced functions. Even a few accessories and a user guide are included in the box to get you going.
- Markings to show how to thread the device
- Removable flatbed
- Barely any noise
- Conveniently large front dial
- Fresher friendly interface
- Plastic body makes it slightly brittle
Another mechanical sewing machine with a one-step buttonhole is the EverSewn Sparrow 15. Stretching, quilting, and ornamental stitching are also permitted. Sparrow 15 features customizable stitch lengths and 32 built-in stitches. The automated needle threader, side thread cutter, and LED light are essential tools for safe operation. It is constructed on a sturdy metal frame and has a maximum stitching speed of 750SPM. It also includes a seam ripper, 4 presser foot, screwdriver bobbins, and a few other tools in the box. Sparrow 15 is powered by electricity. The Sparrow 15 is intended for learners, just like its rivals.
- Value for money
- Lightweight yet sturdy for basic heavy-duty sewing
- Easy to use
- Noisy at times
This sewing machine by brother is slightly closer to the $200 mark than its contenders. It does miss a bunch of extra stitching styles and applications if you compare it to the M3330 but its a win-win in terms of quality. On the brighter side, it can sew through heavier fabric than the average mechanical sewing machine. The automatic needle threader might feel like a struggle at first but makes things much easier once you have found your way around .Most features on this device is just the same as its contenders on this price plane. Brother is a very trusted brand for sewing machines and has majority of customer trust and recommendations, if you're looking for security. This is a good option if sewing dense fabrics like denim or canvas is occasionally part of your sewing routine.
- Heavy-duty
- User friendly
- Lightweight
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Accommodates dense fabrics
- Not exactly user friendly
- Minor design flaws start to appear as it gets old
Summary – Sewing Insight’s Final Verdict on Best Mechanical Sewing Machines
- Best Overall : Singer Making the Cut M330 (jump to review)
- Best Budget : Singer MX60 (jump to review)
- Best Heavy-Duty: Janome HD3000 (jump to review)
- Best Basic : Singer SM024 (jump to review)
- Best Beginner : Brother GX37 (jump to review)
- Best EverSewn : EverSewn Sparrow 15 (jump to review)
- Best Brother: Brother ST371HD (jump to review)
We think SINGER’s Making The Cut M3330 wins this list. At its price range, it offers a plethora of features. You also get the bonus of an elegant looking frame in a glossy navy shade. Most other devices in this price segment have not focused on aesthetics, which is understandable. Since its a special edition device, it has slightly more features than its competitors.
If you are looking for a more entry level device, the MX60 is quite basic. But there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend a few dollars more and get a device that has more uses and will still be productive after you’ve mastered intermediate sewing skills.
If you are looking to setup your sewing equipment, don’t miss our articles about the best hand sewing needles, best needle threaders, best sewing tables and best sewing scissors.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a basic, heavy duty or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles.
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