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10 Best Sewing Machines For Denim (2024 update)
Denim ranks as the second most frequently worn fabric, right after cotton. Have you ever been curious about how to sew denim? Are you in search of the top sewing machines for denim? Your search ends here – we’ve reviewed the best sewing machines for denim below.
Our Top Picks For Best Sewing Machines For Denim
- Best Overall: Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty (jump to review)
- Best for Beginners: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Experts: Juki TL-2010Q (jump to review)
- Best Budget: Singer 4432 Heavy-Duty (jump to review)
- Best for Computerized: Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Heavy-Work: Janome HD3000 (jump to review)
- Best Budget from Janome: Janome HD1000 (jump to review)
- Best for Portability: Buart Portable Powerhouse Sewing Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Sewing and Quilting: Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Sturdy Build Quality: Singer HD6700 (jump to review)
Detailed Reviews of the Best Sewing Machines for Denim
Best Overall: Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty
The Singer Heavy-Duty 4452 Sewing Machine is a powerhouse for those seeking professional results swiftly. With a remarkable sewing speed of 1100 stitches per minute, it outpaces standard machines by 30%, making projects a breeze. Its stainless steel bed plate ensures smooth fabric flow, while the robust metal frame guarantees skip-free sewing even through heavy-weight fabrics. Boasting 32 built-in stitches and automatic needle threading, this machine caters to a variety of sewing needs, from crafts to home decor. Compact in size, it's a best-selling workhorse with top-notch features for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Perfect for leather projects and beyond.
- Fast and powerful for all types of fabric
- Presser foot pressure can be adjusted to provide perfect stitching on any fabric
- Sewing thicker textiles is made even easier by the included accessories
- Simple to set up and operate
- The buttonhole stitch does not end on its own
- Smudges on the bedplate
Best for Beginners: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
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
Best for Experts: Juki TL-2010Q
The Juki TL-2010Q redefines quilting with its exceptional performance and thoughtful features. This single-needle, lock-stitch marvel is crafted using aluminum die-casting for industrial-quality sewing. The automatic thread trimmer ensures efficiency, seamlessly trimming needle and bobbin threads at the sewing end with a simple push-button press. The knee lifter lever adds convenience, allowing hands-free presser foot control with a lift of up to 12 mm. With a large work area of up to 23 inches, the TL-2010Q effortlessly handles sizable quilts, sewing, and home decor projects with ease. Overall, the Juki TL-2010Q is a blend of advanced features and ease of use, making precision sewing a delightful experience for quilting enthusiasts.
- Easy to set up and use
- Has a speed control button
- Comes with assorted thread spools, oil lubricant, different feet attachments, and even a zipper foot
- The needle threader is a bit tricky to use
Read our detailed review of the Juki TL-2010Q here.
Best Budget: Singer 4432 Heavy-Duty
Experience the power of the Singer Heavy-Duty 4432 sewing machine, designed for lasting durability with its heavy-duty metal frame. This versatile machine offers 110 stitch applications, from basic to decorative, conveniently displayed on the user-friendly Stitch Selector Dial. Benefit from features like automatic one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, and enhanced piercing power for sewing through multiple layers. With a faster motor, it sews up to 1,100 stitches per minute, making it ideal for larger projects. Explore creativity effortlessly with the Singer 4432, equipped with top-notch features for sewing enthusiasts.
- Versatile machine with box feed for continuous fabric pressure
- Adjustable feed and pressure settings
- Can sew heavy denim and handle different fabric weights
- Good for basic sewing tasks
- Reliable for occasional sewing and repairs
- Bobbin tension is not self-adjusting
- Confusing setup instructions and bobbin threading
- May struggle with very thick leather
Read the comparison of all best singer heavy-duty sewing machines.
Best for Computerized: Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
Affordable and user-friendly, the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine is a versatile companion for crafting enthusiasts. Boasting 60 built-in sewing stitches, including decorative options and 7 auto-size buttonholes, it offers diverse creative possibilities. The automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin streamline the setup. Equipped with a backlit LCD screen, the machine allows easy stitch selection, while the included accessories, from a hard protective case to a wide table, enhance its functionality. Ideal for beginners and hobbyists, this portable machine combines convenience with a range of quilting and sewing features.
- Threading guides make it easy to use
- Great amount of buttonhole styles, foot accessories, and thread options
- The overall amount of stitch settings might be less than what other models offer
Best for Heavy-Work: 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
Best Budget from Janome: Janome HD1000
Balancing affordability and performance, the Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine is a reliable choice for everyday sewing tasks. With 14 built-in stitches, including utility and stretch stitches, plus a simple 4-step buttonhole, it caters to a range of applications. The cast aluminum body echoes the durability of vintage machines, ensuring lasting quality. Accessories, such as bobbins, needles, and various presser feet enhance versatility. The free arm facilitates sewing cuffs and collars, while the drop feed allows for darning and other free-motion applications. The added convenience of a built-in automatic needle threader makes this Janome model an accessible and enduring companion for sewists of varied skill levels.
- Made of heavy-duty metal
- Designed to work with heavy fabrics
- While it's running, it can be a little noisy
- It may struggle with delicate fabrics
Best for Portability: Buart Portable Powerhouse Sewing Machine
The Buart Portable Powerhouse Sewing Machine seamlessly blends functionality with convenience. Boasting 38 stitch types, it caters to an array of creative endeavors from garment construction to DIY projects. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned sewists, its user-friendly operation empowers users to easily navigate stitch patterns and control sewing speed. Handling diverse fabrics, including heavy-duty denim, this machine solves the challenges of various sewing tasks. The included extension table enhances workspace for sizable projects, promising stability and precision. Compact and light-weight, it's the go-to companion for those on-the-go sewing adventures, whether in classes, during travels, or within the home.
- Compact size
- Reverse sewing capability
- Decent power for its size
- Sometimes, the machine may not work properly
Best for Sewing and Quilting: Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
More and more sewists are purchasing Juki TL-2000Qi Quilting Machine. Why? Because the features compel you to do so. The machine flaunts its speedy and hefty aluminium die-cast body that prevents excessive vibration, even if you are using it at its maximum capacity of 1500 stitches per minute. You can make the most out of the straight-stitch-only design as it provides you with exceptional results when quilting, constructing garments, or sewing home decoration projects.
- A large extension table
- Knee lifter to make free-motion quilting easier
- Automatic thread trimmer and an up/down needle to save time
- Lack of built-in decorative stitches can limit creativity
- Automatic needle threaders may hinder quilting for newbies
- Not versatile
Best for Sturdy Build Quality: Singer HD6700
The Singer Heavy-Duty 6700C seamlessly combines robust construction with limitless creative potential, making it an ideal companion for heavy-duty sewing enthusiasts. Its sturdy metal frame and powerful motor effortlessly tackle challenging projects, from denim to canvas. With a swift sewing speed of up to 1,100 stitches per minute, this workhorse ensures efficiency without compromising precision. Beyond its strength, the 6700C sparks creativity with 411 stitch applications, including decorative stitches and customizable lettering. The user-friendly LCD screen, touch-button stitch selection, and top drop-in bobbin simplify the sewing process, while the stainless steel bed plate ensures smooth fabric glide. Tailored for those passionate about heavy-duty sewing, the Singer Heavy-Duty 6700C brings a perfect blend of power and artistic possibilities to the crafting table.
- Applications of 411 stitches to foster creativity
- 7 one-step automated buttonholes
- Stitch selection using touch button
- Can handle thicker materials
- Incredible sewing pace
- Full-metal frame for utmost toughness
- The machine could be challenging for beginners
- The machine is not the best for embroidered designs
Buying Guide – Best Sewing Machine for Denim
What is Denim or Jeans?
It turns out that denim is nothing but cotton that has been woven in a certain way to create a very robust fabric. In other words, cotton fibers are used to create denim, which is woven in a twill pattern with white filling yarns and an indigo-dyed warp.
Denim is more durable than most other clothes, but it can still get damaged or torn. A good sewing machine comes in handy in this situation.
From the traditional blue jackets to jeans, various dresses, and more, denim is arguably one of the most often used and well-known materials out there. Denim is a favorite among individuals throughout the world, regardless of the weather. It is suitable for all climates, and you can wear it at any time of day or night.
Sewing with Denim
Sewing with denim is a challenging task, whether you’re making skirts, coats, pants, or shirts. But a sewer should not stop themselves from tackling denim wear.
The finest sewing machines will make the process more pleasant and much simpler. You need to locate the ideal sewing machine if you feel like creating denim clothing from the comfort of your home.
Heavy duty sewing machines or industrial sewing machines are needed for sewing denim.
What are Heavy-Duty Sewing Machines?
Sewing machines that have specialized features and functionality and are built for heavy loads can be termed “heavy-duty sewing machines.”
Heavy-duty sewing machines can very easily stitch through rough and thick materials like canvas, denim, leather, etc. These machines have special, unique characteristics that make them more effective at their job, such as a solid frame, a high presser foot, a strong engine, thick, long needles, and a reversible stitch lever.
In general, heavy-duty sewing machinery is quite simple to operate and can be managed even by sewers who are still in the learning phase. One crucial point to remember is that some heavy-duty sewing machines might be computerized, but most of them are mechanical.
How to Choose The Best Sewing Machine For Denim?
Denim is often thought to be one of the hardest materials to sew, but there are many others that can be harder or more complicated.
If you have a light-weight sewing machine, it cannot do the job for stitching numerous layers of clothes or heavier, thicker fabrics, though.
- Motor power: The strength of a sewing machine’s motor is an important factor in figuring out what it can do. Canvas, denim, or leather cannot be sewn with a less powerful motor. A sewing machine needs more force to go through thick fabrics. This force comes from an industrial machine’s engine, which gives the needle enough strength to go through the fabric and make a stitch before coming out. So, when purchasing a sewing machine for denim, consider the power of the motor and ensure that it is as powerful as possible.
- Denim needle: Denim needles are made to pierce closely woven, harder materials. Therefore, specialized denim needles are required for sewing denim. You can read our detailed review of the best sewing needles here and select the denim needle that suits your needs. If you plan to work with denim, look for machines that include denim needles; otherwise, you’ll have to purchase them separately. Read our detailed article about sewing machine needles here.
- Height of presser feet: The maximum thickness of cloth that you can sew is determined by the height of the presser feet of a sewing machine. The height can be defined as the space between the presser foot and the bed plate. For heavy-duty sewing, this height needs to be higher than that of regular embroidery and sewing machines, or else you won’t be able to sew on thick materials like denim or do layered projects without this function. Read our presser feet guide to choose the right presser feet for sewing denim.
- Stitching adjustment: Given the weight and durability of denim, wider and larger stitches are needed to make a strong seam, no matter how long the stitch is. So, look for heavy-duty sewing machines that let you change the length and width of each stitch.
- Sturdy frame: Your sewing machine’s frame should be made of metal or stainless steel so it can handle the motor’s strong hammering and vibration. Your device can last for many years if you select this criteria while making a purchase.
Summary: The Best Sewing Machine for Denim is
- Best Overall: Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty (jump to review)
- Best for Beginners: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Experts: Juki TL-2010Q (jump to review)
- Best Budget: Singer 4432 Heavy-Duty (jump to review)
- Best for Computerized: Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Heavy-Work: Janome HD3000 (jump to review)
- Best Budget from Janome: Janome HD1000 (jump to review)
- Best for Portability: Buart Portable Powerhouse Sewing Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Sewing and Quilting: Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine (jump to review)
- Best for Sturdy Build Quality: Singer HD6700 (jump to review)
You may discover both sophisticated and simple sewing machines in this post that are used to make denim products. I’ve displayed several distinct heavy-duty machines here. On the websites of each machine’s maker, you can find accurate and detailed information about each machine’s features.
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. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started. Happy Stitching.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
