Sewing machines come in different shapes, sizes, and costs. The different types of sewing machines can range from. home models to specialist industrial equipment. You should know what they do, what they cost, and what you'll actually need before you buy one.
| Number | Types of sewing machines | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Treadle Machine | Basic sewing and mending (without electricity) |
| 2 | Electronic Mechanical Machine | Home sewing, minor alterations |
| 3 | Mini and Portable Machines | Quick repair on light fabrics, convenient during travel |
| 4 | Computerized/Automated Machine | Used in the fashion design industry for advanced work |
| 5 | Embroidery Machine | Decorative stitching, and monogram patterns |
| 6 | Quilting Machine | Large textiles like a personal quilts and bedspreads |
| 7 | Overlocking/Serger Machine | Seaming edges in clothing manufacturing |
| 8 | Industrial Sewing Machine | Factory production for specialized products like leather and denim |
| 9 | Leather Sewing Machine | Involving heavy duty leather goods and materials like bags |
| 10 | Flatbed Sewing Machine | General sewing, suitable for beginners |
| 11 | Zigzag Sewing Machine | Decorative stitching, buttonholes, stretched fabrics |
| 12 | Button Sewing Machine | Attaching buttons in bulk, precise manner |
| 13 | Cylinder Bed Sewing Machine | For tubular items like cuffs, sleeves, leather shoes |
| 14 | Flatlock Sewing Machine | Activewear for sports and leisure |
| 15 | Bar Tack Sewing Machine | Reinforcement of stress points for belt loops and pockets |
Brief Overview of Sewing & Sewing Machines
Before we dive deep into the different types of sewing machines, let's talk about the history of sewing. Sewing is one of the oldest inventions of textile arts, it most probably started in the Palaeolithic era. Even after the invention of spinning yarn or weaving fabric, sewing remained an essential activity to create different types of clothing, jewellery, or specific garments.
The main types of sewing machine include mechanical, electronic, computerized, mini or portable, embroidery, quilting, overlocker, coverstitch, heavy-duty and industrial sewing machines.5 Mechanical and electronic machines are often suitable for beginners and general home sewing, while specialist machines are designed for tasks such as embroidery, quilting, stretch garments, heavy fabrics or commercial production.
Sewing was mostly done by hand until the 18th century when the actual invention of the sewing machine took place. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, the production of textiles shifted and allowed the mass production of clothing.
1790
Thomas Saint officially patented the first-ever sewing machine design.
1830
Barthélemy Thimonnier, a French tailor invented the first sewing machine, which he later used to produce military uniforms for France's army.
1851
Issac Singer, founder of Singer Sewing Machine Company successfully developed the first version of our modern-day sewing machine after several revisions from previous designs.
19th, 20th century
Sewing by hand remains widespread, but the sewing machines began revolutionizing textile production.
21st century
Technological advances led to more specialized sewing machines, including automated sewing machines.
What are the different types of sewing machines that are commonly used these days? Continue reading to learn the short description of 15 types of sewing machines which deliver certain sewing styles, while catering to different sewing needs.
1. Mechanical Treadle Sewing Machines
Mechanical machines are the most basic of all machines and can be treadled or hand-operated.
They were designed to be used before electrical power was accessible.
The mechanical machine is either operated with a handle and turning the wheel to drive the needle and make the stitches, or it may be a treadle machine. The treadle machine is manual and operated by working a treadle plate just above the floor. The movement of the treadle and a rubber belt drives the machine and the stitching needle.
💪Difficulty Level: Beginner-Friendly
⚙️Versatility Level: Moderate
👉Best Application: Basic stitches and easy repairs
2. Electronic Mechanical Sewing Machines
Electronic machines have many more options and the advantage of being electronically operated.
There are many brands of electronic machines to choose from like Brother and Juki, offering different stitches and stitch lengths.
Electronic mechanical types of sewing machines will straight stitch, zigzag and have some decorative stitches. The functions are accessed by a knob rather than an electrical computerized panel.
💪Difficulty Level: Beginner-Friendly
⚙️Versatility Level: Moderate
👉 BestApplication: Simple Do It Yourself stitches, hemming curtains, easy clothes altering
3. Computerized or Automated Machines
Moving on up the scale of machines, computerized and fully automated machines have many more functions and features.
The machine often has an LCD screen display, automatic needle threading, and even embroidery stitches. There are different tension controls and stitch lengths.
Computerized types of sewing machines will make buttonholes and have built-in stitch programs. Although these machines are more expensive, they are sturdy and long-lasting.
💪Difficulty Level: Intermediate
⚙️Versatility Level: Very high
👉Best Application: Custom stitches and intricate patterns
Mechanical
- Controls: Manual dials and switches
- Best for: Beginners, repairs and straightforward sewing
- Main advantage: Simple controls and fewer automated functiuons
Electronic
- Controls: Electronic buttons or selectors
- Best for: Regular home sewing and dressmaking
- Main advantage: Easier stitch selection and features such as adjustable speed control
Computerized
- Controls: Digital screen and electronic controls
- Best for: More varied or advanced sewing projects
- Main advantage: Larger stitch selections and more automatic settings
4. Mini and Portable Machines
Electronic machines would include mini portable machines. The mini machine is not sturdy enough for vast quantities of sewing.
Although the machine is portable and easy to carry, it is best suited to small projects and mending. Most of them are not strong enough for larger projects and extended stitches.
💪Difficulty Level: Easy
⚙️Versatility Level: Low
👉Best Application: Quick stitches like mending a tear or sewing a loose button for a buttonhole
5. Embroidery Machines
An embroidery machine is definitely an investment if you plan on doing lots of embroiderystitch.
The USB port on this machine enables the embroiderer to access other designs and import them into the memory of the machine.
💪Difficulty Level: Intermediate
⚙️Versatility Level: Specialised
👉Best Application: Decorative stitches like monogram
6. Quilting Machines
Quilting types of sewing machines are highly recommended if you plan to make large quilts.
This machine has a longer arm, allowing greater volumes of fabric to pass through the machine, enabling you to stitch through thicker quantities of fabric.
The feed of the machine ensures steady and even stitching as the fabrics are held in place. Many brands such as Janome and Brother offer machines that are designed for quilting and general stitches and sewing.
💪Difficulty Level: Intermediate to expert
⚙️Versatility Level: Moderate
👉Best Application: Stitch quilts, bedspread stitches
7. Overlocking or Serger Machines
The serger is a relatively new addition to the sewing machine collection. The overlocker or serger may come with three or four threads.
This machine has the ability to sew, trim and over-sew the edges of seams. The serger can be used to stitch edges to create a really professional and neat look.
💪Difficulty Level: Intermediate
⚙️Versatility Level: High
👉Best Application: Seaming edges, garment production
Overlocker
- Best for: Seams, raw edges and stretch fabrics
- What it does: Sews and finishes an edge while trimming excess fabric.
- Common uses: Garment seams, knit fabrics and professional-looking edge finishes
Coverstitch
- Best for: Hems on stretch garments
- What it does: Creates stretchable rows of stitching without trimming the fabric edge.
- Common uses: T-shirt hems, activewear, knitwear and other stretch garments.
8. Industrial Sewing Machines
Industrial machines are made to be durable and to stitch multiple types of fabric such as heavyweight fabrics, upholstery fabrics, leather, rubber, plastic, and canvas.
Some industrial machines have found their way into home industries because they are very hard-working and durable machines.
💪Difficulty Level: Expert
⚙️Versatility Level: Specialized
👉Best Application: Upholstery and accessories production in factories or professional textile business
9. Leather Sewing Machines
As the name implies, this specialized sewing machine is tailored to all kinds of solid leather designs, whether it's for shoes, wallets, bags, or belts.
These machines are often paired with compound walking foot mechanisms to ensure consistent downward pressure of the needle towards the material throughout the stitches.
💪Difficulty Level: Intermediate
⚙️Versatility Level: Specialized
👉Best Application: Heavy-duty leather goods and fabrics like canvas
10. Flatbed Sewing Machines
It is one of the most commonly used machines among new learners and seasoned professionals in the industry.
Due to the machine's stable sewing flat design, it offers good control when navigating flat fabrics or sturdy material stitching.
Domestic flatbed machines are more compact and suited for homes while industrial flatbed machines are equipped with stronger motor power and heavy-duty features, ensuring high speed and accuracy in mass production.
💪Difficulty Level: Suitable for beginners
⚙️Versatility Level: High
👉Best Application: General sewing for garments or stitches on heavy fabrics
11. Cylinder Bed Sewing Machines
A specialized form of industrial sewing machine, it is widely used in manufacturing industries for tubular design materials such as cuffs, sleeves, and bags.
Thanks to its unique cylindrical arm design, the machine easily allows materials with circular shapes to pass through without distorting the quality of the fabric when sewing.
💪Difficulty Level: Expert
⚙️Versatility Level: Moderate
👉Best Application: Materials with any curved surfaces like shoes and bags
12. Zigzag Sewing Machines
A key feature of zigzag sewing machines is their side-to-side needle movements to create zig-zag patterns, apart from the usual straight stitches.
The machine is often used to stitch elastic materials like Spandex or knit, sewing patches for durability and several decorative edges.
💪Difficulty Level: Suitable for Beginners
⚙️Versatility Level: High
👉Best Application: Activewear production and stretchy materials like lingerie
13. Button Sewing Machines
These machines are a staple in factories and garment production lines as they speed up the process of attaching buttons to each buttonhole securely as compared to manually sewing the buttons.
Furthermore, the machine can easily be customized to work on various buttonhole and size configurations with precision and consistency.
💪Difficulty Level: Easy
⚙️Versatility Level: Specialized for buttonhole stitch
👉Best Application: Bulk, factory garment manufacturers
14. Flatlock Sewing Machines
Flatlock sewing machines are essential for creating flat, smooth seams where the needles stitch the fabric edges together without overlapping, resulting in seams that lie flat against the material.
This results in a smooth, aesthetic appearance and is commonly used to make garments that are worn directly close to your skin.
💪Difficulty Level: Intermediate
⚙️Versatility Level: Moderate
👉Best Application: Swimwear, yoga pants, leggings
15. Bar Tack Sewing Machines
Last but not least, bar tack sewing machines help to reinforce a seam (two pieces of fabric that are sewn together) through dense, short stitches.
As you repeatedly stitch back and forth in a concentrated area, the machine ensures exceptional durability and prevents the fabric from tearing under strain.
💪Difficulty Level: Easy
⚙️Versatility Level: Specialized
👉Best Application: Stress points stitches in belt loops, pockets, and zippers
Key Features to Compare Before Buying
Still thinking about which machine to buy? Or are you still in the early research phase? Here are the factors to consider.
Master Various Sewing Techniques with Superprof
Now that you have reviewed the 15 sewing machines, you might be thinking of building your own sewing room. When it comes to what kind of sewing machine to buy, it depends on the functions you will need, how often you plan to sew and of course your budget. For the majority of beginner sewers, it's best to opt for a cheaper computerized machine or simple electronic machine model at platforms like Amazon. Some sewing machine brands that are worth exploring include:
- Singer
- Brother
- Janome
- Bernina
- Juki
If you are just starting to sew, we recommend you first get to know the various types of stitches and sewing techniques with an experienced tutor. At Superprof, you can learn anything and everything about sewing regardless of your learning level. For instance, you can learn the right way to use a needle threader for the machine and also get some insights on which machine model suits you the best at your present level.
All you need to do is indicate what you want to learn (sewing), your current location, and your maximum budget for hourly rates. The system will direct you to a wide selection of sewing tutors who offer their tutoring within that range. Take your time to read through the online reviews of the Superprof tutors, and learn about the average hourly rate of the tutors. Also, most of them offer their first lesson for free!
What do you mainly want to sew?
What are you waiting for? Gather your needle set, threads, and a solid sewing machine to take your first step to sewing by beginning a stitch project with Superprof today!
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