It is easy to see why people are opting for a sewing machine which embraces modern technology. By purchasing one of the best computerized sewing machine models you can take advantage of having a computer ‘brain’ running your sewing machine, having many inbuilt controls or options to make life a whole lot easier when it comes to stitching and sewing. Whereas a manual machine requires a lot of skill and experience, you can use a computerized option for more of a ‘push button’ functionality. Choose your setting, hit a button and your machine will do most of the hard work.
We’ve looked at many of the key features for computerized machines, and what makes them stand out from the crowd. Features include the speed at which they can operate, the number of stitches they are capable of and other features including the length of warranty offered by the manufacturer, and the size and weight of the machine. Many people opt for more compact computerized sewing machines.
Our team has scoured the internet and based this guide on consumer reviews, first-hand experience, and information provided by manufacturers. Our findings are presented as a simple-view table. We also have included detailed product reviews of many of the top options out there as well as nominations of their strengths (such as the best option for beginners). There is also a full buying guide to help you establish which features are most important to you.
Extra features: comes with extended sewing table for large working area (4x larger than average) and large LCD display, includes 10 presser feet
The Juki HZL-F600 has a lot of incredible features which have led to us to rate it the highest out of all of the computerized sewing and embroidery machines on this list.
It comes with an incredible 250 sewing patterns built-in, as well as four fonts. This makes the HZL-F600 wonderful for either decorative or just utility stitching projects, a perfect sewing machine for quilting. It works with a great level of reliability and the interface to control it is very simple. An LCD screen allows you to pick your patterns in seconds.
16 different buttonhole level types allow you further control, and the workspace area is much larger than many of the other options on the market. This means plenty of space to work in for beginners who aren’t as comfortable with their machine yet.
All of this is also backed up with 900 SPM speed, more than enough for most of our projects. Other benefits include free motion sewing which keeps the tension of your thread stable throughout. Many users have also reported this is one of the best sewing machines for avoiding fabric shrinking due to the clever box feed design.
The quality of this product is undeniable, but if you are worried about it then you should bear in mind that the manufacturers offer a five-year warranty for your protection as a consumer.
Extra features: 10″ x 4.7″ working area for quilting projects, knee lifter, 91 needle positions, foot pressure adjustment, comes with multiple accessories
Janome is an incredibly well-respected brand in the world of sewing machines. They have a huge range, and their computerized offerings include the 6650, their best computerized sewing machine.
It isn’t just for ‘sewing’ either. It is great for all kinds of quilters, seamstresses and more, as it can do many types of utility and decorative stitches at an incredible speed of up to 1,000 stitches each minute.
A relatively large 10” x 4.7” throat gives the capability of working with quilts as well as smaller fabric items. The brand hasn’t just considered large items though, they also have created a clever feed mechanism which is capable of handling even very thick materials.
Janome Memory Craft 6500P has 170 built-in stitch patterns in total and includes 2 alphabets.. This model also offers a knee lift for the presser foot allowing you to keep your hands free for the job! The automatic thread cutter is also a life-saver and avoids one of the most awkward jobs of a sewist.
This isn’t just sold as the standalone machine and it comes with a vast number of accessories including zipper foot, buttonhole foot, overedge and many other types of foot. There are also straight stitch needle plate and a seam ripper which ship in the box with your 6650P.
Extra features: large LCD touch screen, comes with 8 sewing and embroidery feet, 5 x 7-inch embroidery area and 138 in-built embroidery designs, extra bright LED work area
The Brother SE1900 makes our list of top computerized sewing machines due to its amazing technological advances, ease-of-use and the fact that it is wonderful for embroidery as well as sewing.
The 3.2” touch screen allows you to edit and view designs ready for embroidering on fabric. The 5” x 7” field allows you to embroider onto relatively large areas, too.
240 sewing patterns in total can be used at up to 850 SPM speed.
All of this can be as simple as the push of a few buttons, too. It has built-in fonts with seven English fonts, 3 Japanese and even one Cyrillic. Designs can be created on computers and imported via USB. Brother has over 1000 different designs available for download on their website.
Eight different sewing feet are included, these can give a lot of flexibility and are suitable for a variety of different materials and styles.
Brother has thought about the needs of the user, too. Features include an automatic needle threader to save a lot of time and effort, and an incredibly light LED which allows you to see even dark patterns and fabrics. The format of the touch screen is also incredibly easy-to-use, even for those who are new to sewing or embroidery.
Users can also take advantage of a large network of support on the Brother website as well as their incredible 25-year warranty.
Extra features: built-in lettering, mirror imaging, one-step buttonhole, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin
For a machine that costs less than the latest iPhone, the Singer QS 9960 is the dream of sewists and quilters alike. It offers endless opportunities for decorative stitching, advanced designs and lettering, and even an automatic sewing mode.
But what really takes the cake with this machine is the quality and beauty of its stitches. As we have come to expect from Singer, the QS Stylist 9960 offers solid stitching abilities even when working with heavy fabric like denim.
As so many other users have attested, this machine would still be an amazing choice if it was priced at 10x the current sticker price. Make no mistake, this is an advanced sewing and quilting machine that requires some skill to use effectively. If you are just looking for a basic straight-stitching machine, this is not for you.
Extra features: comes with 7 presser feet, LED sewing light, comes with sewing bundle with everything you need to get started
The Eversewn Sparrow 25 makes our list as it is an exceptional choice for those who are on a budget. It doesn’t have the same brand reputation as a name like Brother, but if you need to purchase a computerized sewing machine without spending too much money then this can be an option. It is even popular among people who think that they may not be able to afford a computerized option!
Though the thread cutter is manual, there are so many other features which are great for this price point. 14 utility stitches and an incredible 58 decorative stitch patterns are included among the 197 different built-in options.
This ships with seven different presser feet and even has a six-piece quilting foot accessory, giving attachments such as a patchwork foot to suit quilters’ needs. Automatic bobbin winders and an auto-securing function can save you lots of time.
This is another affordable model which is often popular among beginners due to the fact that it is simple to get to grips with and doesn’t have a steep learning curve. Though it doesn’t have quite the same high-tech features as some of the top models, it has plenty of capability for many sewing projects as well as quilting and embroidery.
Buying a sewing machine can be quite a big decision, and they aren’t cheap pieces of equipment. You may already have some idea what you are looking for and which features you will find most helpful for your specific needs. Our guide will walk you through these features as well as the many advantages of a computerized model of sewing machine, and help you to choose.
Computerized sewing machines have numerous advantages, especially for those who aren’t experienced with manual machines already. They can make the sewing process slightly more ‘automatic’ which means that it is not only simpler for the user, it can also mean more reliable and high-quality results.
Being able to use a computerized machine also opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to being flexible with your sewing, and expanding into other areas such as embroidery and quilting. Many have a variety of different foot pedals for creating buttonholes or for different projects.
As technology advances, companies introduce more and more ways computers can help, and this is no different with sewing. For instance, the Brother SE1900 allows you to download thousands of different patterns and templates from their website, something you could never have done with a manual sewing machine.
Sewing machines with computers inbuilt can also save a huge amount of time with functions such as automatic threading.
So, what do you need to think about when making the right choice of sewing machine? Which features are most important for your sewing needs? Perhaps you even need certain features meanings explained. We tackle these below.
This is the number of stitch patterns and settings included within your computerized sewing machine. Patterns can include sewing and embroidery options, also described as ‘utility’ and ‘decorative’. If you are simply using a sewing machine for quilts or clothes, then you may not need a lot of different types of stitches. Anything overly decorative might be overkill.
Some of the models on this list, such as the Juki HZL-F600, have over 200 different patterns. For someone who likes to try their hand at embroidery and other craft projects using the sewing machine, these options to experiment can be very helpful.
These are the settings for the actual stitches themselves. Traditionally, stitches were measured in divisions of an inch.
Having a lot of different stitch opens can open up a lot of possibilities and allow you to alter you’re the length and width based on whether you are quilting (you will probably opt for a wider stitch with more space in between) or sewing up a blouse, for example.
Computerized sewing machines should display the length and width and allow you to choose these with ease. Which options you go for will depend on the project you are working on.
This is one feature which is pretty self-explanatory. How quickly does the sewing machine operate? This is generally measured in SPM or (stitches per minute). Some of the options on the market can do up to 1,000 SPM or even higher. Generally speaking, the higher this number, the better for your sewing machine. You will be able to control the speed if, for any reason, you wish to slow down the machine.
Traditionally, sewing machines have been quite big and bulky items and therefore provided a challenge for storage. As well as the size of the unit itself, there are lots of accessories to consider.
If you are doing the majority of your sewing in a small apartment, or just don’t want the product to be too bulky and take up valuable space, consider the dimensions. As with a lot of other technological advancements, sewing machines have started to become smaller as the components can be made to be more compact. Some of the models on our list are relatively compact, such as the Eversewn option.
Choosing the most suitable option for you is the key. You may need the best computerized embroidery sewing machine to allow you to embroider a huge amount of different patterns and designs. Alternatively, you might do a lot of quilting and therefore opt for the Janome MC6650 which has lots of different features suitable for larger patchworks and quilts.
A ‘free arm’ is a more flexible way of using your sewing machine. Rather than being set in a straight position, it allows you to easily move the fabric around under the needle, and is great for any curvature or awkward areas within the sewing, such as cuffs and sleeves. Of course, you’ll also be able to sew without a free arm, but it definitely makes the whole process a lot easier, so try to get a model that comes with this feature if you can.
Just like not wanting a product that is hugely bulky and difficult to store adequately, it may be worth considering the weight of your sewing machine. This is relevant if you wish to store it somewhere and then get it out and use it in another part of your home.
It is especially relevant if you need to be able to transport your computerized sewing machine, for example, if you need it for work or need to take it to sewing classes.
The price of a computerized sewing machine can vary hugely. For a top-of-the-range model, expect to spend around $1000 or even more. For a more basic, beginners computerized machine, you will still be spending many hundreds of dollars for an acceptable model. Around $300-$400 is pretty normal for a basic option.
If you are on a budget, this doesn’t have to stop you from owning and using a computerized sewing machine. The Eversewn Sparrow is an example of a product which doesn’t cost the earth, but does have plenty of great features.
The Juki HZL-F600 is undeniably our top-rated computerized machine. It has received the highest rating due to the huge amount of stitch patterns, easy-to-use interface and exceptional accessories. On top of this, the large surface makes it a popular choice for larger projects such as quilts.
The Janome MC6650 also offers top-notch sewing as well as quilting, and it can operate at a very fast speed of up to 1000 SPM. Though it isn’t the cheapest option, it is very flexible and fast. It has a rating of 9.7/10.
Another of the best computerized sewing machine options is the Brother SE1900. It has 138 embroidery presets and more can be downloaded from the Brother website. This flexibility is popular among anyone who is keen on embroidery as well as sewing. It has a 9.5 rating and an unbelievable 25-year warranty.
All of the options on this list have their merits. There are some good choices out there no matter what budget you are working with, and finding the best computerized option can save you a huge amount of time and effort, as well as opening up a world of possibilities.
