Buying a new mechanical sewing machine? We’ve reviewed the best mechanical sewing machines in this post. Everything from beginner sewing machines to advanced and heavy duty sewing machines. Find out what features you should look for in a new mechanical sewing machine. Then find your perfect new machine here.
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Best Mechanical Sewing Machine
Best All Around
- Best rated mechanical sewing machine
- Great for beginning and advanced sewers
- Drop-in bobbin
- 37 built-in stitches
- Auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- 25 year warranty
Best Heavy Duty
- Best rated Heavy Duty mechanical sewing machine
- All Metal Frame
- 60% stronger motor
- Drop-in bobbin
- 32 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- 25 year warranty
Best for Beginners
- Best mechanical sewing machine for learning
- Great for beginning and advanced sewers
- Metal frame
- Front load bobbin
- 23 built-in stitches
- 25 year warranty
1. Best all Around: Brother GX37 Sewing Machine
The Brother GX37 sewing machine is the best mechanical sewing machine if you judge by reviews alone. This is one of the best mechanical sewing machine for beginners. With 37 different built in stitches, this machine is great for more advanced sewers too. it is great for sewing clothes, appliques, home decor, and more. This machine has an automatic needle threader, drop in bobbin, can do an auto-size buttonhole, and can do free arm sewing. This machine comes with multiple different presser feet (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, blind stitch, and a narrow hemmer foot). It comes with Brother’s 25 year limited warranty. This machine is our top pick for a mechanical sewing machine.
Product Features:
- 37 built-in stitches
- 800 stitches per minute
- Auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Includes six sewing feet: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, narrow hemmer, and blind stitch
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- 25 year limited warranty
2. Best Heavy Duty: Singer Heavy Duty 4432
The Singer Heavy Duty 4432 is the best heavy duty mechanical sewing machine. This thing is a beast. It has a metal interior frame and a 60% stronger motor for greater puncturing power. Don’t be fooled by the “Heavy Duty” – this machine can handle lightweight sheer fabrics too. This machine can sew at 1,100 stitches per minute. It comes with 32 different built in stitches, from basic and decorative stitches to stretch stitches. It also has a built-in 1-stop buttonhole stitch. This machine has many great features for making sewing easier – automatic needle threading, automatic bobbin winding, drop in bobbin, and free arm sewing. This is a great sewing machine for most any sewing project – sewing clothes, sewing upholstery, sewing canvas and denim. This machine can tackle most any project with ease. It comes with four different presser feet: an all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole and button sewing foot. It has a 25 year limited warranty.
Now, some people might say that the Singer 4423 should be here instead of the Singer 4432. The Singer 4423 is a well loved sewing machine with tons of positive reviews. The Singer 4432 and Singer 4452 are basically the same machine as the Singer 4423, with the addition of some more stitches and accessories. For the slight cost bump, the extra stitches are worth getting a Singer 4432 if you have the option.
Check out our in depth Singer 4432 review!
Product Features:
- All metal frame
- 60% stronger motor
- 32 built-in stitches
- 1,100 stitches per minute
- Auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Includes four sewing feet: all-purpose foot, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- 90 day / 2 year / 25 year limited warranty
3. Best for Beginners: Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother XR3774 is the best mechanical sewing machine for quilting. This machine is based on the highly rated Brother GX37 above, but includes additional features that make it great for quilting. Like the GX37, the Brother XR3774 has 37 built in stitches. These include basic, decorative, and a one-step buttonhole stitch. It also includes dedicated quilting stitches. This machine has the automatic needle threader and the drop in top bobbin that are so convenient. It can do free arm sewing, which is great for sewing clothes. This machine also comes with a detachable extension table that is great for quilting and working on large sewing projects. Having an extra large table like this lets you get more of the material up to level with the sewing needle, and causes the fabric to pull less when you are working on large projects. This machine comes with eight different sewing feet: a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zigzag foot, blind stitch foot, narrow hemmer foot, walking foot and a quilting foot. It has Brother’s 25 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- 37 built-in stitches including basic, decorative, stretch and quilting stitches
- 800 stitches per minute
- Auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Includes eight sewing feet: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, narrow hemmer, quilting foot, walking foot and blind stitch foot
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- Has a detachable extension table for sewing large projects
- 25 year limited warranty
4. Singer Tradition 2277 Sewing Machine
The Singer 2277 Tradition is a great mechanical sewing machine for beginners. Of the mechanical sewing machines, this is the best sewing machine for beginners. This basic Singer mechanical sewing machine comes with 23 built-in stitches and an automatic 1-step buttonhole. This machine comes with many nice features like the automatic needle threader, front load bobbin, and the ability to do free arm sewing. This is a great choice for someone looking for a basic sewing machine for general sewing. It is perfect for sewing clothes, sewing home decor pieces like pillow covers and table runners, and for some basic quilting. This machine comes with three different presser feet: an all purpose foot, buttonhole, and button sewing foot. It has Singer’s 90 day / 2 year / 25 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- Heavy duty metal frame
- 23 built-in stitches
- 750 stitches per minute
- 1-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and front load bobbin
- Includes three sewing feet: all-purpose foot, buttonhole, and button sewing
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- 90 day / 2 year / 25 year limited warranty
5. Janome Graceful Gray Sewing Machine
This Janome sewing machine is the best small mechanical sewing machine. At five pounds, this thing is super light weight and easy to take to a sewing class or sewing session with friends. This lightweight mechanical sewing machine has plenty of features too. It can do 11 different built-in stitches and sew in reverse. It can do free arm sewing, and comes with a drop-in top bobbin. This machine also comes with a unique presser foot with a finger guard making this a great mechanical sewing machine for learning to sew. This sewing machine is not as fast as others on this list, and it does not have as many features. However, the small size makes it really convenient for travelling with. The smaller size also makes it easier for children to handle and work with. If you are looking to teach a child to sew, this is the best mechanical sewing machine for kids. This machine comes with a 1 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- Five pounds!
- Perfect for beginners, alterations and sewing on the go
- Presser foot with finger guard protects beginner sewer fingers
- 11 built-In stitches
- 350 stitches per minute
- Can do free arm sewing
- Does NOT have a light
- 1 year limited warranty
6. Singer Simple 3232 Sewing Machine
The Singer 3232 Simple Sewing Machine is another great mechanical sewing machine. This machine is perfect for beginning sewers. It has plenty of stitches and capability for more advanced sewers too. This machine comes with 32 different built-in stitches including a 1-step buttonhole. It has a heavy duty metal frame that is common to Singer sewing machines. It also has a front loading bobbin. This machine can do free arm sewing and comes with a sewing light. It has four different presser feet included: an all purpose foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, and a zipper foot. This machine comes with Singer’s 25 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- Heavy duty metal frame
- 32 built-in stitches
- 750 stitches per minute
- 1-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and front load bobbin
- Includes four sewing feet: all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole, and button sewing
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- 90 day / 2 year / 25 year limited warranty
7. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
The Janome 2212 sewing machine is from the well loved Janome brand. This Janome sewing machine comes with six different built in stitches and one buttonhole stitch. This machine can do both basic and stretch stitches. It has a front loading bobbin and a very bright sewing light. It can do free arm sewing, and can sew in reverse. This is a great basic mechanical sewing machine if you are looking for something to get started sewing with. To qualify for the Janome warranty, make sure you that the machine is marked as “ships from and sold by Amazon” or “ships from and sold by [Dealer Name]”. Then check out the dealer on Janome’s website here to make sure they qualify as a registered dealer.
Product Features:
- Six built in stitches
- 860 stitches per minute
- Four step buttonhole
- Can do free arm sewing
- Front load bobbin
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
8. Janome HD1000 Sewing Machine
The Janome HD1000 sewing machine is a mechanical sewing machine with an all metal frame and cast aluminum body. This is the best all metal sewing machine that is mechanical. This heavy duty sewing machine can sew the thickest materials – denim, canvas and leather sewing are no problem for this machine. Just make sure that you are using the appropriate needle and thread for the material you are sewing. This heavy duty sewing machine has 14 built in stitches and a four step buttonhole stitch. It comes with an all purpose foot, zipper foot, hemmer foot and a buttonhole foot. This machine has a nice light over the sewing area. It is a front load bobbin style sewing machine. This machine can do free arm sewing. To qualify for the Janome warranty, make sure you that the machine is marked as “ships from and sold by Amazon” or “ships from and sold by [Dealer Name]”. Then check out the dealer on Janome’s website here to make sure they qualify as a registered dealer.
Product Features:
- Cast aluminum body
- All metal frame
- 14 built-in stitches
- 860 stitches per minute
- Four step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- Can do free arm sewing
- Front load bobbin
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
9. Juki TL-2010Q Portable Sewing Machine
This Juki sewing machine has one stitch – straight. It does this stitch amazingly well. This machine is made of die-cast aluminum to ensure it’s sewing perfection. This is an industrial quality sewing machine, and it shows. It can sew at speeds of up to 1,500 stitches per minute, or you can throttle that down with the onboard speed control slider. This sewing speed slider technically connects to a micro computer to ensure perfect material feed and stitches, so this is not a 100% mechanical sewing machine. This machine does still use a foot pedal to control the speed of the machine. This Juki sewing machine is perfect for quilters or clothing designers looking for a great sewing machine. It has advanced features like an industrial grade sub-tension system and automatic thread end cutting. When you stop sewing, this machine automatically leaves the needle down. This way when you are pivoting your material or doing free motion embroidering you can easily turn the fabric without having to worry about messing up your stitch alignment. It has a button that lets you easily set the needle up or down. This amazing sewing machine even comes with a knee lift lever allowing you to lift the presser foot with your knee – and sew your projects even faster. This machine has a large throat and a extra large detachable extension table, making it perfect for working on large sewing or quilting projects.
Product Features:
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Detachable extension table
- One built-in stitch – straight
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- Has a sewing light
- Does NOT do free arm sewing
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
10. Janome Pink Sorbet Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine
This Janome Pink Sorbet sewing machine is in a super fun color, but this machine also packs in the sewing features! This Janome mechanical sewing machine has 15 different built in stitches and a four step buttonhole. This machine has a metal interior frame for more durability, and a front loading bobbin. It comes with a sewing light. This mechanical sewing machine can do free arm sewing for easier hemming, sleeve cuff sewing, and sewing kids clothes. It has four different presser feet included with it: an all purpose foot, zipper foot, sliding buttonhole foot, and a blind hem foot. It is the perfect mechanical sewing machine for someone looking for some whimsy, while also sewing clothes, home decor pieces, and even some light quilting. This machine comes with a 25 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- Metal interior frame
- 15 built-in stitches
- 800 stitches per minute
- Four step buttonhole
- Front loading bobbin
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- Front load bobbin
- Four included presser feet: all purpose foot, zipper foot, blind hem foot, sliding buttonhole foot
- 25 year limited warranty
11. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
The Janome HD3000 is a heavy-duty sewing machine. This machine is great for all of your thick materials like sewing denim, sewing leather, and sewing canvas. This heavy duty Janome sewing machine has a powerful motor and an aluminum body for more durability. It comes with 18 different stitches which include basic stitches, stretch stitches. and a one-step buttonhole stitch. This heavy-duty mechanical sewing machine is a great choice for sewing thick fabrics.
Product Features:
- Metal interior frame
- 18 built-in stitches
- One-Step buttonhole
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Can do free arm sewing
- Has a sewing light
- Drop-in top bobbin
- Four included presser feet: Zig-zag foot, blind hem foot, sliding buttonhole foot, rolled hem foot
- 25 year limited warranty
What is a Mechanical Sewing Machine?
A mechanical sewing machine is a sewing machine where all of the settings are changed mechanically. These are non computerized sewing machines. They use dials, levers, and buttons to change the settings of the machines. Stitch selections are often made by a dial, same with stitch length and width. Needle position can be set with a lever, reverse by another lever or a button.
The most important way to determine if a sewing machine is a mechanical sewing machine is how the settings are changed and saved. If they are saved and changed by physical buttons, levers, and dials then the machine is a mechanical sewing machine.
What Should I Look for in a Mechanical Sewing Machine?
Mechanical sewing machines come in all different shapes, sizes, and even colors. With all of the choices out there, it can be overwhelming if you do not know what to look for in a sewing machine.
The four most important things to look for in a mechanical sewing machine are:
- Suitability to the sewing task
- Durability of the sewing machine
- Reviews of the sewing machine
- Warranty
If you think about these four basic things before you start looking at mechanical sewing machines to buy, then you will be able to easily weed out the machines that will not work for you. Decide now, before you start shopping, what a machine would need in these four basic areas. Then you know that the sewing machines that meet these needs would work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two types of sewing machine?
The two main types of sewing machines are computerized and mechanical. Computerized sewing machines have an onboard computer that lets the user select settings for the machine. This can include stitch selections, stitch width, stitch length, and more. Computerized sewing machines can be basic sewing machines, or they can be elaborate embroidery and quilting machines.
Mechanical sewing machines have all of their settings controlled mechanically. These machines have dials, levers, and buttons for changing the settings. They do not use a computer at all.
Why do people like mechanical sewing machines?
People like mechanical sewing machines for many reasons. Some common reasons why people prefer mechanical sewing machines are because they are like the sewing machine they learned on, they are more ‘basic’ to use, they are perceived as being more durable, and they are cheaper to repair.
Many people who sew learned from a friend, instructor, or family member. If the person who taught them how to sew had a mechanical sewing machine, this could influence people to prefer a mechanical sewing machine when they buy a machine since they are familiar with it already. Mechanical machines have nostalgia attached to them that can make people more fond of them.
Mechanical sewing machines are more basic to use. Generally, mechanical sewing machines have levers and buttons to make changes to how the machines sew. These include mechanisms for changing the stitch selection, length, width, presser foot up and down, reverse, feed dog teeth, and presser foot pressure. There may be more or fewer settings depending on the machine. Once you know how to use one mechanical sewing machine, it is pretty easy to figure out another one. They are all generally similar in setup and use. This makes it easy to switch from one mechanical sewing machine to another.
Mechanical sewing machines are perceived as being more durable. These machines use levers and dials to change settings. There are no finicky computers and touch screens involved. Since everything on a mechanical sewing machine is set by a physical control that people interact with, these machines are seen as being more durable. In reality, the durability of the machine is specific to each machine.
Mechanical sewing machines are seen as cheaper to repair. In general, this is true. Mechanical sewing machines do not have expensive computers and touch screens or LCD screens that can break. Mechanical sewing machines have gears and belts and that’s about it. Since the parts on a mechanical sewing machines are so much simpler, fixing them is easier and often cheaper than repairing a computerized sewing machine.
Are expensive sewing machines worth it?
Expensive sewing machines are not necessarily worth it. Just because you pay a lot of money for a sewing machine does not mean that it is a good sewing machine. The best sewing machine is going to be something that fits the sewing task at hand, and is durable. When buying a new sewing machine, make sure to take into account what type of sewing you will be doing with it. Are you going to be doing fashion sewing, or will you be sewing thick and heavy materials for your boat? Knowing what you intend to sew can go a long way to making sure you have the best sewing machine for your needs.
Are mechanical sewing machines easier to use than computerized machines?
Mechanical sewing machines can be harder to use than computerized sewing machines. So if you are considering ease of use when buying a new sewing machine, you might be interested in a computerized machine instead. With a mechanical sewing machine, the user manually configures all of the settings for the machine. This can include selecting a stitch from the stitch patterns, to setting the stitch length and width. Mechanical sewing machines will also need their thread tension set manually, which can be a very daunting task. Computerized sewing machines have many great feature that can handle these tasks for you automatically or with the push of a button. These extra features may make a computerized machine the perfect sewing machine for you.
In summary
These are the best mechanical sewing machines available today. These machines range from beginner and children’s sewing machines to heavy duty and industrial grade sewing machines. When you buy a new sewing machine, make sure you keep the four basic needs for your new sewing machine in mind – the task you are getting the machine to do, sewing machine ratings and sewing machine reviews, and what warranty the machine comes with.
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In testing, the one-step buttonholes were easy to execute with the included button foot. The machine stops sewing automatically as soon as the buttonhole is finished, making sure all the buttonholes look neat, even, and consistent.