Gather ’round, small business owners! Gone are the days of stitching by hand and risking your precious fingertips with needles. It’s 2023, and sewing machines are the new must-have tool for your biz. But with so many options out there, choosing the best sewing machine for small business can be a stitch in the side.
That’s where we come in. Our team of engineers and textile scientists put 11 different models to the test, from computerized to mechanical, to find the perfect fit for your stitching needs. I checked for performance, ease of use, and value, and even tested for thread breaking, tension, and visibility on the fabric (because we don’t want your seams to be more visible than your designs).
So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the best sewing machines for small business in 2023. Because who needs a human seamstress when you’ve got a robot one? Just kidding, we still need jobs. But seriously, sewing machines are pretty awesome.
Best Sewing Machine for Small Business
SINGER | 9960 Sewing Quilting Machine
- 600 stitches per minute
- Electronic automatic pilot mode
- 2-piece feed dog system
- Quiet motor
- Accessories included
- Takes a long time to thread the needle
The Singer 9960 gives you the performance you want right out of the box. This machine is everything that our former top pick, the Brother LS2, is. It’s an excellent machine for hobbyists, seasoned seamstresses, and quilters who want a reliable, pattern-matching machine that’s easy to set up and use.
It’s also perfect for small sewing shops and small businesses where space is at a premium. The electronic auto pilot mode is a nice touch, and the long-arm quilting stitch options are impressive.
I found that this is the only machine in My test group that supported 11-needle drop feed (the highest number in our group), and it’s the only machine that automatically adjusts its stitch length for different fabric weights. And unlike other machines I tested, the Singer is lightweight enough to carry in one arm. There are a couple of things to keep in mind:
First, this sewing machine is more expensive than the rest of our top picks, and you have to pay extra for the electronic auto pilot mode. Second, this machine is louder than many of the others, so you may not like it as much if you’re using it at home. But the Singer 9960 is still the best embroidery sewing machines for home business in our group.
Brother PQ1500SL Sewing And Quilting Machine
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Highly affordable
- High quality construction
- Optional extras include quilting guide system and storage area
- Only 4 included feet
The Brother PQ1500SL is a great machine for beginners to intermediate sewers at a very reasonable price. It’s a little different in look and feel than our current pick, the Brother NX1000, but it’s a good pick for almost the same price as industrial sewing machine, so we recommend both of them.
The PQ1500SL has a larger, 10-inch sewing area, so it’s more comfortable to sew on than the larger Brother NX1000, which also has a wider table. The PQ1500SL is a bit louder than the NX1000 and does not have an auto-threading feature, but it has most of the same features and stitches, and it’s easier and less expensive to set up than the larger model.
The Brother NX1000 is a better choice if you want a machine for sewing leather, bulky fabric or fleece. The PQ1500SL also has lots of extras, such as seven included free quilting feet, including zig-zag, zipper, buttonhole, rolled hem, embroidery, quilting and blind stitch.
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SINGER | HD6700 Electronic For Small Business
- Includes 411 stitch applications
- Automatic thread cutter
- 8 built in sewing feet
- 5 presser foot lift options
- 5 presser foot lift positions
- 6mm stitch width
- Limited weight capacity
- Not ideal for larger hands
Many people rely on sewing machines to create or repair essential pieces of clothing, but a lack of sewing machine knowledge is a real problem. The HD6700 Electronic Sewing Machine from Singer is an affordable option for those who struggle to buy the best heavy duty sewing machine for small business. What’s in the box?
The Singer HD6700 sewing machine comes ready to go out of the box and is designed to be easy to use. There’s some plain white packaging to keep costs low, but it gets the job done. Inside the box you’ll find a user guide, a bottle of oil, a spool of thread, and a motor brush. The sewing kit isn’t particularly thorough, offering some elastic, scissors, and needles. The standard stuff, certainly.
There’s also a reinforced adjustable table, as well as one extra spool for the sewing needle, with more thread included. You get 25 metres of extra thread, which is more than enough for most small sewing projects. To set up and test the Singer HD6700, I plugged in the machine, set the foot control to the correct height, and then installed the bobbin, thread and bobbin winder. I loaded the needle, and the machine gently hummed as it started working.
My two stitches were straight and zig-zag. The needle moved gently and effortlessly to the middle, and out the other side, never missed a beat. The motor was powerful enough to sew through multiple layers of denim, although its soft start function meant that the machine didn’t catch every stitch. I tested the Singer HD6700 out by making a few patches and repairs. If you’re a beginner, or simply don’t feel comfortable using a machine, this electronic machine offers a gentle motor that can hold its own against heavyweight fabrics.
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I ran straight zig-zag stitches down the edges of denim and cotton using thick thread. Even though thicker, heavier fabrics, the 4.5km/h motor never skipped a beat. With a walking foot, the machine worked smoothly through the seams, and the stitching looked tight and professional. The Singer HD6700 even worked through a jumper, although I’d recommend sticking to lighter fabrics.
It struggled up through thicker areas of fabric, and it’s likely that this machine wouldn’t be able to manage sewing through thicker materials such as denim and jumper material. The needleplate needed to be raised to feed thicker material through the machine. Unfortunately, you have to raise the needle plate manually, it’s not automatic. This also meant that I couldn’t use the overlocker function, which is disappointing at this price point.
The Singer HD6700 worked well for me, and I would make heavy use of the straight stitch, zig-zag stitch and overlocker function. It’s a solid machine, but could do with further accessories, such as sewing machine foot attachments and an extension table. The machine also isn’t adjustable, so I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners or those who prefer their machines to be adjustable.
The Singer HD6700 is a modestly priced sewing machine, but it’s lacking in features. Those looking for basic stitches will get the most out of this machine, but experienced sewers may want to look elsewhere.
Brother SE1900 Embroidery Machine For Small Business
- 140 built-in stitches
- 240 stitches available with optional accessory
- 5″ x 7″ hoop area
- Adjustable length and width of stitching
- Automatic needle threader
- Limited built-in stitch selection
The Brother SE1900 is a highly capable computerized machine that does almost everything you want in an entry-level embroidery machine for small business. It’s easy to use and carefully constructed of durable, high-quality parts. Several things really stand out about the SE1900, though, starting with its 138 built-in embroidery designs and 24 stitches, including 7 specialty stitches.
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It also has 240 built-in sewing stitches, including 3 buttonholes, 1 stretch stitch, 1 monogramming stitch, and 1 buttonhole stitch. It also has an automatic needle threader, adjustable speed, automatic bobbin threader, and a lockstitch feature. The SE1900 has a 4″ x 5″ embroidery area, and there’s a 3.2″ LCD screen for previewing designs. There’s also a USB port for transferring patterns from your computer.
The SE1900 is a thick, solid machine, weighing almost 9 pounds, and it has a sturdy metal base, a removable arm, and a generously sized workspace. The arm can hold a 5″ x 7″ hoop, and like many computerized machines, the SE1900 doesn’t have a foot control for sewing or for pivoting the fabric (if you choose to sew without a hoop, the arm automatically pivots the fabric).
It also has an on/off switch, a start/stop button, and two forward/back buttons, as well as several built-in stitches, including a zig-zag, a straight stitch, a backstitch, a running stitch, a buttonhole, and a stretch stitch. There’s also a needle threader. Finally, the SE1900 has a built-in needle threader.
Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Versatile, easy to use, excellent value
- Built-in needle up/down sensor
- Large LCD screen
- Automatic thread cutter
- Easy-to-use stitch selector
- Slower speed than Brother SE1900
- Difficult to load bobbins
Janome’s MC6650 is well-built with a sturdy frame and comfortable arm. Its basic features—including a detachable bobbin case, automatic needle threader, and adjustable stitch length and width—are good, but the machine’s more advanced features—like the LCD touchscreen, automatic thread cutter, and built-in needle threader—are even better.
The machine’s automatic needle threader works faster than most and much faster than a manual one. The LCD touchscreen makes working with this sewing machine easier by letting you change the stitch length and width, as well as thread tension and stitch length, without looking away from the fabric. The MC6650’s standard feed dogs offer better feeding than on many sewing machines in this price range, and it boasts superior feed thanks to a rotating top-loading bobbin.
The automatic thread cutter easily trims long strings of thread in the back without ever having to stop, and the built-in needle threader takes care of that tedious task for you, too. This all makes the MC6650 a machine you’ll really love using for your sewing business. The only complaint we had was that the MC6650 can be difficult to set the correct tension, which is a pain for beginners.
Heureux Computerized For Small Business
- Great selection of stitches
- LCD Display
- Automatic needle threader
- Does not come with a manual
The Heureux Sewing and Quilting Machine Computerized will change the way you think about sewing. The Heureux has 200 built-in stitches, including 11 one-step buttonholes. It also has an automatic needle threader, twin needle capability, and a variety of size and decorative stitches. It also offers a 70 stitch sewing speed range, so it’s perfect for both beginner and expert sewers in.
The LCD screen makes it easy to select stitches, and it’s easy to start and stop sewing with the foot pedal. I like to quickly turn the machine on and sew for a few minutes, then turn it off and sew a few more minutes, then turn it off and sew a few more minutes, and so on, until I have sewn several layers of fabric. The Heureux also has a 4-step buttonhole stitch, 2-step buttonhole stitch, and blind hem stitch.
The Heureux features an angled table for flexible sewing positions and a removable hard case that helps keep the machine clean. And it’s lightweight, so you can take it anywhere. This machine sews all types of fabric well, whether it’s woven, knit or textured. I especially love the zig-zag stitch.
Juki Heavy Material Industrial For Small Business
- Large size (24” x 12”) and capacity (1,500 stitches per minute)
- Heavy duty, industrial grade
- Includes needle threader
- Table and servo motor assembly required
The Juki Heavy Material Straight Stitch Industrial Sewing Machine has long been one of the most popular and widely used sewing machines on the market, and for good reason. The Juki sewing machine comes standard with 100 needle pierces, 100 straight stitches, a 5-piece feed dog, a 100 stitch with advanced needle threading system, a 100 stitch with zig-zag advanced needle threading system, 3 needle position positions, 4 thread tension adjustments, and automatic needle threader.
The Juki Heavy Material Industrial sewing machine is heavier and stronger than Juki’s previous models, making it more durable and more reliable. A 4 step feed and 2 step presser foot height adjustment ratchet system helps keep the bobbin and needle in the optimal position for proper stitch formation. The large, easy to read LCD screen provides clear instructions for the beginner and professional alike.
This best sewing machine for small business also features a quick set bobbin with a wave cut threading system making thread changes quick and easy, Auto-Reverse, a stitch length of 0.5 to 3.5mm, and a 1-step buttonhole. The machine’s heavy gauge metal frame and bed make it more durable and long lasting, and the automatic needle threader makes threading a needle quick and easy. A 5-year limited warranty also backs the Juki Heavy material industrial sewing machine for business.
Reliable Barracuda 200ZW Zig-Zag
- Reliable performance
- Strong metal construction
- Adjustable stitch length/width
- Quiet operation
- Strong motor
- Difficult threading compared to Juki Heavy machine
The Barracuda 200ZW is a high spec zig-zag sewing machine that performs brilliantly, but has no frills. This machine is a solid, relatively powerful zig-zag sewing machine that is focused on its job. It has a 160mm-wide zig-zag foot and five other feet, and stitches up to 800 stitches per minute, which is fast for a sewing machine. Some models at this price point only have a zig-zag stitch, but this is powerful enough for your business.
Other high specification machines have fancy pattern selection options, but we really don’t need them. The Barracuda 200ZW is a sturdy machine, with a solid metal casing. It weighs about 3kg, so it’s a little heavier than the average sewing machine, but more than manageable. It has all of the standard features, including a screwdriver-free electronic box, needle threader and two storage facilities for extra space. It’s got a foam-lined protective case so you can put it away safely.
At 354mm long, the Barracuda 200ZW is much smaller than the average sewing machine. This makes it great for packing away when you’re not using it and taking up less space. The bobbin is located within the frame, rather than externally, and a transparent cover covers it for easy changes. The instruction manual is written in quite a straightforward manner, so it doesn’t get too complicated. The Barracuda 200ZW’s LED display provides all the info you need, including stitch length and type, speed, and tension settings.
The machine comes pre-threaded so all you need to do is put in the bobbin thread. Like most sewing machines, the Barracuda 200ZW has a needle threader within the machine. It comes with a screwdriver to make changing the needle a breeze. The needle sits vertically in the machine, unlike many sewing machines that have a horizontal needle. It’s easy to clean the sewing machine of fabric, thanks to its angled exit point.
The Barracuda 200ZW has a menu button on the bottom of the machine that can be pressed to turn the machine on and off and to select different stitches. The menu screen displays an overview of your stitches, as well as information about the bobbin thread tension. There are three different automatic buttonholes available. To use the auto button, simply choose a buttonhole, press the button and press the sew button. The machine will do the rest.
The machine has a total of 13 stitches. It defaults to a straight stitch, but you can switch to zig-zag, reverse sewing, chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, zig-zag with stretch, and four different overlock stitches. As with most sewing accessories, it’s best to keep the threads tidied and topped up. The Barracuda 200ZW has all of the usual accessories. These include sewing feet, thread clipper, seam ripper, screwdriver, cleaning cloth, case, and instruction book.
There’s also a warranty card, which all Sewing machines should include. Despite performing well and being well-built, the machine has a few drawbacks. Firstly, the manual is quite simple for the model, but it is written in a rather convoluted manner. This makes it difficult to distinguish certain functions from other features. Secondly, the fabric feed is quite sluggish.
The straight stitch is fine, but it’s a noticeable difference compared to most models. The Barracuda 200ZW is strong, powerful machine that works well and is quick. It’s easy to use, has all of the usual sewing accessories, and is reasonably priced. However, the fabric feed is a bit sluggish, and some of the manual is difficult to understand. Overall, the Barracuda 200ZW is a great sewing machine for your small business that is reasonably priced, but it’s far from useless.
SINGER | Heavy Duty 4452
- Easy-to-use
- Large workspace
- Easy-to-read LCD display
- Built-in thread cutter
- 163 built-in stitches
- Comes with all the accessories you need
- Requires some assembly
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine. This sewing machine is heavier than most, and it takes a while to get used to cutting cloth through its wide throat. It’s best designed for quilt making, not your everyday home sewing. For a job like this, the SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine is faster, but in its price range, you could argue the Bernina 840D is more portable and easier to carry around. If you’re looking for a fully blown, heavy-duty machine, this tool may fit the bill.
Tough material and wide-throat needle The SINGER 4452 is a beast. Its frame is made from solid metal, and it’s a bit heavy – it’s solidly built, with no cheap bits or pieces that it feels mean and nasty. The 4452 Sewing Machine’s needle holder is made from two metal bars with an intervening metal roller; it doesn’t feel flimsy at all. The 4452 Sewing Machine’s bobbin, cover and spool are all metal. The tension system uses two metal needles, one of which sits above the other.
There is no visible way of adjusting the tension. This machine machines tend to come with a -3,6 mm zig-zag width and a 6mm straight stitch width. There’s a 14 thread capacity across the bottom plate, and a 6mm presser foot. The 4452 doesn’t come with an automatic needle threader; I prefer a machine with this feature, as the manual one is flimsy. The machine is made from heavy gauge metal, and the lever that drops the feed dogs is simple to operate.
It also has four feed dogs, and three colours appear on its light, so you can distinguish between each dog, which makes it easy to set the left-right balance. The threader is accessible at the back, but it’s pretty fiddly to navigate. The main dial also controls the tension, which is set at 11. This is a mid-range machine, with a decent amount of stitches and a lengthy, pretty extensive list of stitches. It’s the best machine for quilt making – you can zig-zag, straight stitch and overcast all in one pass.
The stitch selection dial is simple to operate, with large, useful, deep numbers. The needle threader is at the rear. It contains a plastic wheel, so the thread changes rapidly. There’s a bobbin threader, which works well. The needle threader mechanism has a bit of feedback. When you’re threading through the presser foot, the machine will identify the thread size and automatically set the right tension. The thread spool produces a lot of noise on rewinding.
The SINGER 4452 has heavy gauge metal parts, making it more sturdy than some more flimsy machines. It’s also designed to operate on lower-tension, which is ideal for thicker fabric, as you can leave the feed dogs on their lowest setting, which makes it easier to get the feed dogs set right. The machine has a maximum stitch width of 6mm, which is fine for most things, especially quilt making. Overall, this is a solid machine, but at times it can be a bit of a beast to use. It’s robust, and you don’t need to worry about breaking it, but it’s best for heavy-duty work.
VEVOR Industrial, Table Stand Commercial
- Powerful motor
- Reliable and sturdy
- Large workspace
- Fast sewing speeds
- Best for small business
- A bit noisy, but sound insulation does a good job
For a sewing machine in kit form, the VEVOR Industrial Sewing Machine strikes an excellent balance between price and functionality. That means you get some features, such as a 550W motor, that you won’t find on a sewing machine priced anywhere near this price. However, it might not have the heft and build quality of the machines at the higher end of the price scale. Still, for the money, it’s a worthwhile option.
Sewing machine kits have become a hugely popular way to enter the hobby. The ability to buy a machine, delivered, for far less than the cost of buying each component separately, makes these machines a very attractive prospect. There’s also something to be said for kits because they remove the temptation of faffing about and buying too many tools. A multitude of tools means you can’t be sure if you’ll be able to make a simple repair at home should the worst happen.
I’ve previously used a sewing machine kit before, and rather than making it an easy task, it made the project more time consuming and frustrating. This VEVOR Industrial Sewing Machine 550W, however, has changed my mind about sewing machine kits, as it offers a decent level of functionality and far more features than you’d expect from a machine. Annoyingly, the kit didn’t come with a foot pedal, which would have been preferable to sewing without it.
This isn’t all you get with the VEVOR Industrial Sewing Machine 550W though. It’s equipped with a 550W motor, and a 4-step pedal that determines the speed of the sewing. This is great for when you’re working on quilted work, and other patterns that are difficult to time. There’s also a needle threader, and thread cutter, which are both important tools to have, in my opinion.
There’s also a stitch pattern memory function, allowing you to customize your stitches. You also get a 6×4-inch (15x11cm) drop feed system, which means you can adjust the amount of fabric that falls away from the needle. This, in turn, allows you to play around with different settings and fabrics while you work. These are particularly useful if you want to test out different stitch lengths, or use different fabrics. There are a ton of stitch patterns for quilting, as well as basic zig-zag and straight stitch functions.
There’s also a speed control function, allowing you to slow the sewing speed down, should you always just sew in one speed. This is a great function, especially for beginners and hobby sewers. It’s somewhat disappointing that the VEVOR Industrial Sewing Machine 550W doesn’t include a pedal, or thread tension adjuster as standard.
It’s to be expected, however, and for a beginner or hobby sewer, this isn’t such a bad thing. It means that you don’t get tempted into buying additional tools. It comes packed with a warranty, too, which is reassuring. The VEVOR Industrial Sewing Machine 550W has an expected lifespan of between 2-3 years, which is in line with a good machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Embroidery Machines for a Small Business?
The Brother SE1900 Sewing, SINGER 4452, and HD6700 (Singer) are three popular small business machines. All three machines have a few extra stitches not normally found on a sewing machine, which are useful if you have a lot of custom designs. A basic computerized small business machine will cost about $300 to $1,000.
Is Sewing a Profitable Business?
Sewing can be a profitable business if approached strategically and with a solid business plan. Factors that contribute to profitability include skill level, market demand, pricing, and efficiency. Specializing in a niche market, offering unique products or services, and building a strong customer base can increase the chances of success. Additionally, careful cost management, effective marketing, and a focus on quality can contribute to profitability in the sewing business.
Is Sewing a Good Small Business?
Sewing can be an excellent small business option for individuals with sewing skills and a passion for creating. It offers flexibility in terms of working hours, location, and the ability to start with minimal investment. A small sewing business can cater to various markets, such as alterations, custom clothing, home décor, or handmade products. Success largely depends on factors like market demand, competition, marketing efforts, and the ability to provide high-quality products and services.
What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Sewing Business?
The equipment needed to start a sewing business can vary depending on the specific type of sewing you plan to do. However, some essential equipment commonly required includes a sewing machine (domestic or industrial), sewing needles, thread, scissors, measuring tools, cutting tools, an iron, a cutting table or surface, and storage solutions for fabrics and supplies. Depending on your specialization, you may also need specialized equipment like an embroidery machine or a serger. It’s important to assess your business needs, research equipment options, and invest in quality tools that match your sewing business requirements.
Final Thoughts
So, after looking at all of the different types of sewing machines and I’ve narrowed down what I feel are the best sewing machines for small business. But, if you don’t see one that’s perfect for you, you should still be able to find a different one that will suit you and your needs. I hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about which sewing machine is best for you and your business. So, if you haven’t found what you were looking for, please let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you.
