Top 7 Commercial Sewing Machines Reviews (2020)

Most of the regular or domestic machines tend to tire up when a large number of projects are thrown at it on a consistent basis.

These machines aren’t built to deal with extremely heavy duty work. Therefore, they create a lot of problems and create an irritating fuss. To cope up with ever-increasing sewing projects, one needs to have a commercial sewing machine to his rescue.

This would not only give the users the freedom to sew several projects in a limited space of time but would also help you to get better results and professional looks.

Commercial sewing machines are commonly known as industrial sewing machines. These machines are built to stand the test of time and provide outstanding results without breaking up or jamming in the process.

They are built by keeping in mind about the ability to handle bulk orders and sew through multiple layers of fabric with utmost ease.

Many of the professional seamstresses rely on the commercial sewing machines to get their job done in a jiffy.

Another reason they prefer heavy duty sewing machines over the regular machine is that of the speed at which the work is done. Also, these machines stitch in a very straight line which is desired by all the leading professionals.

However, the regular sewing machines can lack the desired consistency which makes them less favorable.

There is a wide fleet of options available at the market for the modern day seamstress. To pick out the best from the herd of machines that come from reputable companies is a daunting task.

Therefore, we decided to dedicate an entire blog to review about some of the top commercial sewing machines present on the market today.

Commercial Sewing Machines as Reviewed by Our Experts

1. Brother PQ 1500SL High-Speed Quilting and Sewing Machine

Brother PQ 1500SL is one of the old school machines that has traditional features which are still loved by the professional seamstress.

The machine is easy as you like and doesn’t create a mess even after throwing up a big amount of features at your disposal.

It can deal with the toughest of fabrics with ultimate ease. Stubborn fabrics like leather and jeans can be sewn effortlessly with the help of this machine.

This machine is specially designed for heavy quilters. Name a quilting method, and you would get that done on the 1500SL.

Amazon Rating: 4.4

Specifications:

1. The top speed of the machine is believed to be around 1500 stitches per minute with each stitch that can be customized up to 7mm in length and width.
2. The pin feed on the machine can be adjusted according to your requirements.
3. Knee lifter makes it a great option to undertake projects that include jeans as the fabric.
4. The extension bed is perfectly tailor-made to undertake all types of quilting projects.
5. 4 feed dog settings and adjustable presser foot pressure make it one of the easiest to use machines on the list.

The Better Side:

1. One can trust the products from the Brother in terms of the reliability and durability.
2. The company stresses on reducing the workload on the seamstresses by inculcating features like an automatic thread cutter.
3. Quilting projects can be easily done on the machine.

The Down Side:

1. The thread tension in the machine is believed to be giving headaches to the users.
2. The thread cutter seems to cut the thread very short which results in the dethreading from the needle.
3. The quality of the stitch is also an issue after the machine has been used for a very long time.
4. Placing a bobbin in the machine takes ages which add to the downfall of the machine.

2. Brother Designio DZ1500F High-Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

Brother Designio DZ1500F is one of those machines that make a seamstress happy in each and every way possible.

The machine is capable of performing high-end operations on toughest of fabrics with ultimate ease. Also, the price at which the machine is available in the market is negligible.

It is very easy to deal with heavy fabrics while you are working on this model.

Needle felting capability is marked as the best feature inherited in the machine. For those who are unaware of the needle felting process, it is a method where one can make 3-d craft projects with wool.

Amazon Rating: 4.3

Specifications:

1. The machine speeds up to 1500 stitches per minute without breaking or jamming in between.
2. One can make the longest stitch of 7mm.
3. The Pin feed system adds to the overall efficiency of the machine.
4. The machine is mainly marketed by the Brother in the name of the needle felting package.
5. Feed adjustments can be made according to the color code.
6. The inclusion of thread cutter makes it one of the easiest to use machines on the list.

The Better Side:

1. The feed of the machine is the smoothest which allows the fabric to glide past the needle without many efforts.
2. Dual thread stand allows you to keep you full of stock when it comes to thread.
3. If experts are to be believed, the machine has everything that a professional seamstress looks for in a commercial grade machine.
4. Regardless of the toughness of the fabric, the stitch quality doesn’t deteriorate.
5. One can undertake all type of projects on this commercial sewing machine.
6. It is one of the best commercial sewing machines available at the market today.

The Down Side:

1. Some users complained about the machine that the thread tore down while sewing.
2. Apart from that, there are hardly any notable glitches found in the machine.
3. The machine lacks the speed control which restricts the users from performing the free motion quilting.
4. The bobbin mounting is not so great and does not amuse many professional users.

3. Juki DDL-8700 Servo Motor Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

There are so many Juki products on the list of commercial sewing machines for a reason.

Juki has been the worldwide leaders when it comes to producing the best commercial sewing machines.

This one is one of the best products from the renowned industry.

It is simply a great sewing machine that can sew through any tough fabric without skipping any stitches.

The servo motor in the machine is said to consume less power and deliver outstanding results. The speed control is the most liked feature of this machine.

Suggestions:

1. 10 Best Sewing machines for leather

2. 8 Sewing machines for Jeans

Amazon Rating: 4.1

There is another variable available at the market of DDL-8700 which comes with a clutch motor. However, it is not preferred by the professional seamstresses.

The variable with the clutch motor is $200 less than the one with the servo motor. The only difference between the DDL-8700 and DDL-5550 is its manufacturing location.

The first one is made in China while the latter is made in Japan. Apart from this, there is not a single difference in the machine.

Specifications:

1. Just like its sibling model, it speeds up to 5500 stitches per minute. One can choose to control the speed according to one’s liking.
2. The maximum stitch length hovers around the 5mm mark.
3. The machine comes with a stand and a table so that the machine can be set up perfectly.
4. There is a small drawer given to the machine which can preserve many of your sewing equipment like threads, needles, etc.

Suggested:

1. Best quilting machines

The Better Side:

1. Consistency and the quality of the stitches are unmatched.
2. One can stitch through any tough fabric with the help of the machine only if one uses proper needles and threads.
3. It works effortlessly on lighter and medium weight fabrics.
4. The strength acquired by the machine is more than enough to successfully complete any project thrown at it.

The Down Side:

1. The accessories that come along with the machine are of the inferior quality.
2. The needles that are provided with the machine tends to break because of the poor quality.
3. Apart from that, there are hardly any glitches one would find in this perfectly designed machine.

4. Singer 191D-30 Complete Commercial Grade Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

This machine is strongly recommended for people who love crafting new designs and want to buy this machine to produce garments for their stores or boutiques.

It allows you to create intricate designs on a consistent basis.

The motor won’t tire off even if you use this machine relentlessly.

The clutch motor generates a lot of power which allows the machine to sew at the top speed of 4000 stitches per minute.

If at all you are looking for a complete upholstery sewing machine for home decor, or any fashion designing projects, Singer 191D-30 will be the perfect fit for you.

Amazon Rating: 4.2

Specifications:

1. The stitch length can be customized as long as 5mm.
2. The speed of the machine hovers around the 4k mark.
3. Knee lifter is a great feature especially while dealing with the tough fabrics like jeans and leather.
4. Reverse lever allows you to mend your mistakes by making a reverse stitch.
5. There is a designated lever given for the reverse stitch.
6. The presser foot pressure can be adjusted according to one’s liking.
7. H-leg stand offers great comfort for the user.

The Better Side:

1. The inclusion of reverse level allows you to make strong seams.
2. This is highly due to the large amount of power which is derived from the clutch motor.
3. The adjustable presser foot pressure allows you to apply the desired pressure depending on the thickness of the fabric.
4. This gives a great finish to all your projects.

The Down Side:

1. The absence of the servo motor and the inclusion of the clutch motor makes it too noisy for one’s liking.
2. This machine cannot be an ideal one for the domestic use. Also, one has to cope up with its high speeds as it cannot be regulated.
3. This might cause a headache to the entry level seamstresses.

5. Juki DDL- 5550 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

The best part about this machine from Juki is it hardly vibrates even while sewing through a tough fabric at greater speeds.

This is one of the most noticeable parts of this machine.

The sturdiness of the machine is due to the presence of the servo motor which pulls less power and emits great output while sewing.

This even cuts down on the overall noise of the machine. Once one is acquainted with the machine, one can get its work done quickly.

Whether it is a small craft project or a task that requires you to deal with the heavier fabrics, the machine will offer you all the basic features to complete any projects efficiently.

Amazon Rating: 4.4

Specifications:

1. The machine can sew at the speed of 5500 stitches per minute which is much more than most of the commercial machine mentioned in the blog.
2. One can vary the stitch length according to one’s needs, the biggest being a stitch of 5mm.
3. There is a dedicated light given which allows you to brighten up the workspace for a better view.
4. The servo motor serves as the USP of the Juki DDL- 5550.

The Better Side:

1. A seamstress who wants to master the art of working on a commercial sewing machine will love the simplicity of the machine.
2. It can be used for domestic purposes too as it is very low on sound.
3. The stitch quality is exceptional and straight stitch is guaranteed every time you feed a fabric under the needle.

The Downside:

1. It ends on the higher side of the price.
2. There are several machines on the market that offer a lot of features along with the same reliability at that price.
3. Juki fails to attract the audience because of the absence of the several built-in stitches.
4. The decorative stitches are absent and the machine wouldn’t perform a zigzag stitch.

6. Singer CG590 Commercial Grade Sewing Machine

The power and the versatility the machine possesses is impeccable.

The strength and speed offered by the machine give its users the freedom to finish up projects within no matter of time.

The fastened work is coupled up with professional results to add to the efficiency of the machine.

The machine is believed to be 60 percent stronger than the most of its counterparts. It opens the floodgates of endless possibilities.

Amazon Rating: 3.5

Specifications:

1. The machine can sew at the top speed of 1100 stitches per minute which is comparatively less than the above-mentioned models.
2. The four-step buttonholes give you the opportunity to make perfect buttonholes every time you are on a particular project.
3. Top bobbin winder makes it easier to thread. Also, one can keep an eye on the remaining thread effortlessly.
4. Automatic needle threader makes it a favorable machine for the entry level seamstresses.
5. It consists of 18 built-in stitches which allow you to undertake customizable projects.
6. The electric foot control works like a dream.

The Better Side:

1. The machine is capable of sewing tougher fabrics within a limited time. Also, it is strong, durable, and the stitch quality is top notch.
2. It can guarantee you professional finishes on the undertaken projects.

The Down Side:

1. Singer CG590 isn’t as fast as most of the commercial machines you will see on the list.
2. There are several complaints from the users about the machine constantly jamming.
3. It is believed that the machine fails to deal effectively with the tougher fabrics.
4. However, it does a considerable job on the less heavy fabrics. Many believe that it is far from being called as the commercial grade machine.

7. Singer S-16B Studio Industrial Grade Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

Name the fabric, and Singer S16 will sew through it for you. Whether it is silk, canvas, leather, jeans, cotton, or any other fabric, this machine has the capability to get past the toughest of fabrics with ultimate ease.

Many professional seamstresses and quilters recommend this machine due to its ability to perform heavy-duty tasks with finesse.

Although it looks like a regular or domestic sewing machine, it is extremely powerful and can speed up to 1600 stitches per minute.

The best part of the machine is it has the speed control lever so one can decide the speed of the machine according to his level of mastery.

Amazon Rating: 4.1

Specifications:

1. With 1600 stitches per minute and adjustable stitch length up to 6mm, S16 is one of the most efficient machines on the list.
2. It comprises of an electronic needle threader and completely independent bobbin system.
3. The speed control variable is an integral feature which makes this machine even more efficient.
4. The inclusion of a knee lifter makes it easier when one takes up projects that include fabrics like denim.

The Better Side:

1. The machine is capable of undertaking any projects involving any sort of fabrics regardless of its toughness.
2. The extra high-pressure foot lift gives us the freedom to deal with lumpy fabrics in a more efficient way.
3. It looks like a domestic sewing machine, it offers a lot of work area to undertake bigger projects.
4. Electronic thread cutter gives a professional look to the projects with nicely trimmed edges.
5. Whether it is used in the house or in the industry, it does not go down on performance even a bit.

The Down Side:

1. The unavailability of the free arm restricts its users to undertake free motion sewing.
2. It is a straight stitch sewing machine which automatically vanishes the existence of zigzag and other decorative stitches.
3. Loading the bobbin can be an issue as the machine is equipped with a side bobbin feature. However, only the entry-level seamstresses can be affected by it.
4. Once you get acquainted with the bobbin system, the machine would start doing wonders for you.

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Things to consider before buying a commercial sewing machine

Well, everyone has different types of projects to undertake. Therefore, one has to decide the best-suited sewing machines keeping in mind about the sewing projects they are going to undertake in mere future.

Depending on the work you need to do on the sewing machines, you have to choose from the workspace offered, speed, and stitch type.

Here are all the factors that one should re-read before buying an industrial sewing machine

Stitch speed can affect the quality of the stitch. Therefore, it is utterly useless to buy a machine that offers tremendous speed but drops down on stitch quality. A machine with a decent speed and great stitch quality should be given the top priority.

Not all machines provide a variety of stitches when it comes to commercial ones. Thus, you need to rethink your designs and choose a machine that comprises of the stitches you will require in future. If a straight stitch is all you need, you have plenty of options to choose from.

The type of motor in the machine should be directly related to the fabrics you are going to sew through the machine.

If you plan on to sew tough fabrics time and again, you should stick to a clutch motor which will give you more power and strength to carry out sewing processes effectively.

If you wish to make more of decorative projects on the sewing machine, you can opt for servo motor which consumes lesser power than that of clutch motors. Also, for the domestic use, commercial machines with servo motors should be preferred.

Workspace is an integral part of a sewing machine. You should choose sewing machines depending upon the enormity of the projects you are going to undertake in the future.

Not all machines provide larger workspace. Therefore, one should pay attention towards all these factors before settling on to a commercial sewing machine.

Now that we know everything in details about the commercial sewing machines, you can jot down your needs and select an appropriate heavy duty sewing machine for yourself.

Industrial sewing machines are usually costlier than the regular machines. Therefore, one needs to think and research before buying a sewing machine.

We hope our reviews for the same have helped you to cut down on the confusion.

Pro Tip

If you are still confused and are desperate enough to try your hands on a commercial sewing machine, you can blindly turn towards Juki.

They have the best industrial sewing machines in the world. It is believed that Juki ranks first in the production of the commercial grade sewing machines.