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We live in a time where making and upcycling your clothes and belongings has become very respected, and is growing more and more common. Being able to make something and avoid paying ridiculous prices for fashion has become incredibly popular. But to be able to make quality clothing, you need to have the right tools.

The best place to start is with a high-quality sewing machine that will be able to handle even the more intricate fashion trends. Not every sewing machine is up to the task of making clothes and it is important to invest your money in exactly what you are looking for. If you want to find the best sewing machine for making clothes, look no further than the great models in this buying guide. 

To help you find the right machine for your needs, we have done dozens of sewing machine reviews to compile this list. According to our tests, the best sewing machine for making clothes is the Singer Heavy Duty 4452. This quick and easy to use sewing machine can handle a variety of materials and is a great longterm investment due to it's durability and features

Our Top Picks For The Best Sewing Machine For Making Clothes

More About The Singer 7258

Another great model from Singer, the 7258 is a computerized sewing machine that combines traditional design with lots of helpful new features. There are 100 different stitches that you can choose from built into the machine and can be easily selected through the push of a button. All the stitches are printed right on the side for reference, and you can adjust the stitch settings for different lengths and widths. A built-in needle threader saves you time and you can program your sewing machine’s needle up and down motion for different sewing projects.

The new technology doesn't stop there. You also have a built-in LED light to give you a clearer view of what you are doing, with over 100,000 hours before the bulb burns out. A drop-in bobbin system makes it simple to load, and there is even an automatic stop when the bobbin is filled. If all of this wasn't enough, you also have a 25-year warranty for your sewing machine.

More About The Singer Simple 3232

Singer is a name you will see a lot on this list (or the sewing machine industry for that matter). This is largely due to their long standing reputation and how they offer great sewing machines at affordable prices. There are 32 different stitches included in this sewing machine and even includes a fully automatic one-step buttonhole setting. You can easily adjust the stitch length and width via a dial on the side and you can sew up to 750 stitches in one minute. This model is also free-arm and reverses sewing capable. With this purchase, you will also receive four snap-on feet and plenty of accessories. Overall, this is a great all-rounder that’s lightweight, easily portable, easy to thread and easy to use.

More About The Brother Computerized Sewing Machine

Many people got inspired to start making clothing from the show Project Runway. To honor this show’s impact on the sewing community, the Brother company has created a sewing machine inspired by it. This limited edition sewing machine is the winner of a Women’s Choice Award and is computerized to make adjusting your settings simple.

There are 110 different stitches to choose from, as well as a large LCD display with backlighting to make it easy to see. There is also an automatic needle threader, eight different one-step buttonhole automation, extra wide table, a drop-in bobbin and is jam-resistant.

More About The Brother XM2701

If you are on a tight budget, but still want a quality sewing machine, the Brother XM2701 is a great option. It is the winner of a Women's Choice Award and has many high-quality features, without paying the high-quality price. There are 27 different stitches included, as well as six different feet. This sewing machine is also jam-resistant and comes with a 25-year warranty in case anything goes wrong and you need repairs along the way. Lightweight yet sturdy, this sewing machine will be an asset to any sewing enthusiast.

More About The Singer Tradition 2259

Singer also offers a more affordable option for tighter budgets with the Traditional 2259. You save money by sacrificing the number of built-in stitches, without sacrificing the other features. You get 19 stitches or 23 for a little more money, but also get a durable metal frame and free-arm sewing capabilities. There is also a wide range of accessories, including a higher foot presser, to make it easy to get started on your next project.Thicker fabrics won’t faze this machine, thanks to the high presser feet lifter. You’ll be able to easily twist thicker fabrics without feeling the pull of a normal foot lifter.

You’ll love the automatic bobbin winding feature that makes your sewing much faster and easier. Now, you won’t have the fix the end of the bobbin manually and instead, just focus on your actual job at hand.

More About The Brother CS6000i

Another winner of the Women’s Choice Award, the Brother CS6000i is one of the fastest sewing machines on the market. It is capable of making 850 stitches every minute and has an automatic needle threader to make projects quick and painless. You can adjust the speed as you want if you aren't comfortable with something moving so quickly, as well as changing and adjusting the built-in stitches.

The LCD screen makes it easy to see what you are doing, and an extra-wide table makes it easy to maneuver your fabric, especially if you are free to arm sewing making it great for beginners. This machine gives you great value for money. It’s not exactly a heavy duty powerhouse that can sew multiple layers at once, but it does the job well for your simple daily sewing projects. You’ll love the affordable price point, additional features and ease of use.

Buying Guide: What To Look For In a Sewing Machine For Clothes

There are different qualities that you will want to look for when you are purchasing a sewing machine for making clothes. You want to choose something that is suited to your needs and what you will use, but you also want to make sure the basic characteristics are the same across the board. This buying guide will help you decide what type of machine is best for your. Our sewing machine reviews are designed to give you an in-depth look at a handful of the best machines on the market. Here's what to look for when shopping for a sewing machine.

Sewing Speed

The sewing speed is an especially important factor to consider when choosing the right machine. If it is for commercial use, you will want a high powered machine that can handle various projects regularly. One type of machine you may consider choosing is one that comes with 750 stitches per minute. Top models could run about 1100 stitches per minute, which is another great choice.

Is the Machine Compatible With Your Skill Level?

Naturally, you want to be sure that when you are purchasing a sewing machine that you buy one that matches your needs, but also your ability and experience. Machines vary from beginner to expert, with some options being great for portable sewing and others not. Starting with a beginner machine will allow you to turn your hobby and passion into an actual profession. Some machines have extra features like built-in stitches and automatic thread cutter capabilities. Make sure the machine you get matches what you need.

Variety of Built-In Stitches

The number of built-in stitches you need for your sewing machine will depend on the skills and the types of projects you are intending with your machine. Basic stitching does not require hundreds of stitches, but for more complicated projects you might consider a machine with a bit more.

Mechanical or Computerized

With that, it is important to remember that all machines are electronic, but some are simpler to handle than others. A novice may want to start with a more affordable mechanical machine without a ton of bells and whistles. A mechanical machine is good to use for simple stitches like straight stitches, zigzags, and buttonholes. If you are ready to handle a few more complicated projects, a computerized version will have more stitching options and additional features.

Free-Arm

You’ll find that most sewing machines come with a free-arm. This is especially useful for handling pant legs for example. If you’re a beginner, you’d want to look out for this feature as it makes your job a lot easier. Alternatively, people who have more experience with flatbed sewing machines might not need this feature as much.

Types of Sewing Machine for Making Clothes

Sewing machines come in all different varieties. To choose the best sewing and quilting machine for your personal needs, you'll need to consider what you are doing.

Automatic Sewing Machine

Automatic sewing machines work in the same way that a manual sewing machine would work. But everything is obviously, automatic. With the automatic sewing machine, you won’t have to worry about thread tension and sometimes, you will be able to stitch on autopilot. Go for an automatic if you’re a beginner or intermediate level of sewing.

Manual Sewing Machine

A manual sewing machine is your basic machine that can run automatically or with the use of a pedal. Most manual machines come with a built-in stitch choice that will allow you to easily customize garments.

Computerized Sewing Machine

Computerized sewing machines typically have more built-in stitches, up to 600 at times. These sewing machines can be connected to the internet where you can download firmware updates and even more stitching patterns. As long as it fits in your machines memory bank, you’ll be able to add more to the machine. The best types of these sewing machines usually have a USB port which can connect to your computer as well as a one-stitch selection option.

Embroidery And Quilting Machine

An embroidery sewing machine is a unique machine that will allow you to create intricate embroidery designs on your clothing. A lot of these types of machines will offer you a monogram function to add fun monograms to your clothing. Mostly, an embroidery sewing machine is used to connect quilting machine squares and other items.

Tips for Beginners: Making Clothes With A Sewing or Quilting Machine

Here are a few tips that will help you if you're a beginner just starting out on your first sewing adventure.

First, decide what you are going to make. How much time will you need? What machine will you need? Are you going to need both sewing and quilting capabilities?

Then you will want to purchase a sewing machine that matches your needs. Once you've done that, learn how to use your machine well. You might even benefit from taking a sewing class. Learn the basics and learn them well. Make sure you know how to thread your machine, adjust the tension, wind a bobbin, change a needle and so on.

As much as you’d like to dive headfirst into your ideal project, start with simple sewing and quilting projects first. You can always slowly move up the ranks. Then after you’ve become comfortable with your machine, you are ready to start your project.

Conclusion

Your sewing machine is an incredibly crucial part of your sewing and quilting journey. With the right machine that’s compatible with your needs and skill level, you’ll be able to enjoy creating tons of clothes through the years that you’d be proud to wear. The main thing is to be comfortable with your final choice of machine - pick one that will last you through the years and be worth the investment.