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7 Best Mechanical Sewing Machines (2024 update)
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 7 best mechanical machines that will be helpful if you are looking to buy one.
Top Picks For the Best Mechanical Sewing Machines
Best Mechanical Machines for your Needs
- Best Overall: Singer Making the Cut (jump to review)
- Best for Budget: Singer MX60 (jump to review)
- Best for Heavy-Duty: Janome HD3000 (jump to review)
- Best for Beginners: Brother GX37 (jump to review)
Best Mechanical Machines by Brand
- Best Singer: Singer SM024 (jump to review)
- Best EverSewn: EverSewn Sparrow 15 (jump to review)
- Best Brother: Brother ST371HD (jump to review)
What is a Mechanical Sewing Machine?
Mechanical sewing 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 Sewing Machines
Mechanical sewing 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 sewing 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 Of The Best Mechanical Sewing Machines
Best Mechanical Machines for your Needs
When it comes to meeting your mechanical needs with the utmost efficiency, the market offers a diverse range of top-notch machines designed to deliver optimal performance. From production lines to intricate tasks, these best mechanical machines excel in various applications.
Best Overall: Singer Making the Cut
The Singer M3330 Making the Cut Sewing Machine, featured on Amazon Prime's MAKING THE CUT, is the machine you might want to add to your sewing room if you're searching for a reasonably priced sewing machine with enough capabilities for beginners who want to learn how to sew and for advanced sewers who want to make a variety of sewing projects. This machine offers 97 stitch applications, adjustable stitch options, a built-in needle threader and a built-in cutter for efficiency, and "Making the Cut" technology for unique designs. Its one-step buttonhole, LED lighting, and durable metal frame make it perfect for quilting, garment making, and DIY projects. The included essentials make it ideal for project kick-starts.
- Offers 97 stitch applications, suitable for various fabrics and sewing projects
- Full metal frame ensures long-lasting performance, providing stability during use
- Built-in needle threader and one-step buttonhole simplify the sewing process
- Long-lasting LED lighting provides bright, cool-to-touch illumination for precise work
- You won't be able to use this basic sewing machine, if you're a top-tier professional, to work on complex sewing jobs
Best for Budget: Singer MX60
The Singer MX60 sewing machine offers a practical solution for both beginners and enthusiasts alike. With its light-weight and portable design, it's perfect for on-the-go sewing or compact spaces. The preset stitch length and width make it exceptionally user-friendly, even for novices. Whether you're crafting garments, quilting, or simply mending, the MX60's 57 stitch applications cover a range of techniques. Effortlessly create buttonholes and enjoy the convenience of easy stitch selection. The LED lighting and compact dimensions enhance its functionality for a diverse range of sewing projects.
- Affordable
- User-Friendly
- Portable
- Efficient Buttonholes
- Durable Construction
- Limited Advanced Features
- Limited Stitch Customization
Best for Heavy-Duty: Janome HD3000
For those delving into robust sewing projects, the Janome HD3000 stands as a reliable companion, excelling in heavy-duty tasks like sewing denim. Geared towards beginners and seasoned sewists, this mechanical marvel boasts 18 stitches, including a buttonhole feature. The built-in needle threader and reverse stitch lever enhance efficiency, while the snap-on presser feet and foot pressure adjustment cater to diverse fabric needs. With a durable metal internal frame, a removable free arm, and a top-loading, jam-proof bobbin, the HD3000 ensures dependable stitching. The inclusive hard cover and instructional guide make this sewing machine an accessible choice for a wide range of sewing endeavors.
- Good for sewing heavy fabrics
- Good quality for the price
- Speed control with floor controller is excellent
- Powerful and reliable
- Thread tangling problems
- Not good for small curves in leather sewing
Read our detailed review of the Janome HD3000 here and if you are considering Singer Heavy-Duty Sewing Machines, dont miss our detailed comparison.
Best for Beginners: Brother GX37
The Brother GX37 elevates the sewing experience with its user-friendly design and versatility. With 37 built-in stitches, including utility and decorative options, it caters to a spectrum of sewing projects from garment construction to applique. The machine's intuitive features, such as the automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin, simplify the stitching process. Ideal for both beginners and intermediate users, the GX37 offers a versatile free arm for various sewing and quilting tasks. The included accessories, from sewing feet to an instructional DVD, make it a comprehensive package. With Brother's enduring support, including online, live chat, or phone assistance, the GX37 is a reliable companion for all sewing enthusiasts.
- Markings to show how to thread the device
- Removable flatbed
- Barely makes any noise
- Conveniently large front dial
- Fresher friendly interface
- Plastic body makes it slightly brittle
Best Mechanical Machines by Brand
Get stuff done right with the top-notch brand’s mechanical machines—they’re the real MVPs. Singer’s sewing game is top-notch, and Brother’s got your back for sewing and embroidery. You can look forward to just solid performance without any fuss with these machines.
Best Singer: Singer SM024
The Singer SM024 Sewing Machine, celebrated for its excellence in easy threading, caters to beginners and intermediates alike. Its seamless threading process addresses a common challenge for new sewists. With a user-friendly design, it provides an accessible entry point for novices while offering ample features for intermediate users. Ideal for various projects, the SM024 is a dependable companion with a focus on ease of use. This machine comes with 24 stitch options, making repairs and enhancements a breeze. Fast threading, reliable stitching, and a durable all-metal frame set the stage for quality hems and cuffs. The brilliant LED lighting illuminates the needle feeder and easy-winding front-load bobbin, ensuring precision stitch by stitch.
- Uncomplicated and easy to use machine
- Light-weight and compact
- Feels sturdy
- Sews fairly smoothly
- Lighting could have been better
- A bit noisy
- Not great for thicker fabrics
Best EverSewn: EverSewn Sparrow 15
The EverSewn Sparrow 15 is a reliable choice for beginners and creative minds seeking an efficient yet budget-friendly sewing companion. Boasting a modern blue and white design, this electric machine offers 32 stitch patterns, including 15 utility stitches and 12 decorative stitches. Ideal for kids and those starting their sewing journey, it features user-friendly functions like a manual thread cutter and a 5 mm maximum stitch width. The Sparrow 15's robust build, automatic needle threader, and included accessories make it a practical solution for entry-level sewing enthusiasts. Aimed at beginners and kids, the Sparrow 15 offers an accessible entry into the world of sewing with a modern design and functional features.
- Budget-friendly option for beginners
- User-friendly functions like a manual thread cutter
- Robust build for durability
- Automatic needle threader for convenience
- Limited stitch patterns compared to more advanced machines
- May not fulfill advanced sewing needs for experienced users
Best Brother: Brother ST371HD
The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine stands out as an excellent choice for beginners. Crafted for everyday sewing and mending, this heavy-duty machine effortlessly handles fabrics ranging from thick outdoor materials to delicate silks. With 37 built-in stitches, including blind hems, stretch stitches, and buttonholes, it offers versatility for various projects. The metal needle plate ensures smooth fabric feeding, complemented by six sewing feet, an automatic needle threader, and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin for user convenience. The free arm design accommodates cuffs, sleeves, and jeans, while the easy needle threading and instructional DVD make it approachable for sewers at all levels. The Brother ST371HD combines strength and user-friendly features, making it a reliable companion for a wide range of sewing projects.
- Can easily handle multiple layers and heavy-weight fabrics
- Affordable compared to other sewing machines in the market
- Automatic needle threader and various stitch options make it easy to use
- Extra high presser foot lift capability
- Binding foot cannot be used
- The tread winder may not work correctly
Summary – The Best Mechanical Sewing Machine is
Best Mechanical Machines for your Needs
- Best Overall: Singer Making the Cut (jump to review)
- Best for Budget: Singer MX60 (jump to review)
- Best for Heavy-Duty: Janome HD3000 (jump to review)
- Best for Beginners: Brother GX37 (jump to review)
Best Mechanical Machines by Brand
- Best Singer: Singer SM024 (jump to review)
- Best EverSewn: EverSewn Sparrow 15 (jump to review)
- Best Brother: Brother ST371HD (jump to review)
We think the Singer Making the Cut clearly 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 Singer 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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If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
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Happy Stitching.
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