Are you in search of a top quality expensive sewing machine? Want to know the best models and brands in the market? With hundreds of models from the world’s top brands, finding the perfect sewing machine that meets your needs is a challenging task. After all, you’d want the best value for your money since an expensive machine is more of an investment rather than a regular purchase. In this article, I go deep and dissect five of the very best expensive sewing machines on the market? If you’re serious about sewing then I’m certain you’ll love at least one of these heavy-duty sewing machines.
If you go to YouTube, you’ll find hundreds of reviews, and if you search for sewing machines on the top brand’s websites, searching the best sewing machines can give you a massive headache
With this list and review of 5 of the best expensive home sewing machines in the market today, I hope to make your job easier by doing all the work.
From a machine that does only one thing to machines that do everything, here are 5 of the best expensive sewing machines that every serious sewer or quilter needs in your list of sewing machine arsenal.
Let’s begin.
Best Expensive Sewing Machines
Review : Brother SE 1900 : Sewing / Embroidery
Features :
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery field for larger designs and lettering
- Design your own custom sewing stitches with My Custom Stitch feature
- Built-in memory for importing embroidery designs
- Large color touch LCD screen, enables you to view your designs in color
- 240 built-in stitches
- 138 built-in designs
- 11 font styles
- Design combination capability
- 8 sewing feet included
- Automatic reinforcement setting
The Brother SE 1900 is a feature rich combination machine that’s packed with everything you need to get creative on your sewing projects. With 240 built-in stitches and 138 embroidery designs, plus the ability to import ready-made and custom-made designs from software, the possibilities are endless with the Brother SE 1900.
Let’s take a look at Brother SE 1900’s features to give you a better understanding on what this machine can do.
Brother SE 1900 Features Breakdown / Sewing & Embroidery Machine
You can opt to use this model as a regular sewing machine where you can make all kinds of sewing projects, from making clothes to making home decor such as table runners, pillowcases, linens, curtains, and more.
When you connect the flat-bed attachment and embroidery hoop, you can choose from a wide range of embroidery designs, fonts, and you can even import designs from iBroidery.com, where you can get thousands of designs from the Brother website for free.
This is the machine you need if you want a sewing machine and a programmable embroidery machine all-in-one.
138 Embroidery Designs and 240 Built-in Stitches
It has all the basic stitches, several zigzag stitches, overcast, satin stitch, decorative stitches, 11 fonts, 10 buttonhole designs, and 138 embroidery designs of flowers, images, hem stitches, and more!
Unlike other feature-rich sewing machines with hundreds of stitches that you have to find in a manual, this machine has all the stitches printed on the top flip, making it easy to choose which stitch or design you want to use.
This is hands down, the main highlight of the Brother SE 1900. It was designed for the creative sewer in mind, someone who loves customizing clothes and sewing projects at home. The possibilities are endless with this machine in terms of sewing and decorative needs for your sewing projects.
My Custom Stitch
With 138 embroidery designs and 240 stitches, there’s still more designs that you can do! With the My Custom Stitch feature, you can combine designs, fonts, and sizes, mirror the images, add, elongate, shorten, and more. You can create your very own custom pattern or embroidery designs and save it into the machine’s memory.
This feature takes customization to another level.
Import Designs
If you’re still not satisfied with the My Custom Stitch feature, you can import designs from iBroidery.com where you can choose from thousands of free embroidery designs from the Brother website. You can then save the design with the use of the USB stick that’s included with the machine, and it will embroider them for you.
You can also use other designs from other websites as long as they’re compatible with the file used in Brother machines.
If you have software to make your own embroidery designs, or if you know someone who can program a design for you, you can also customize any image you want.
The Brother embroidery software is sold separately but you can purchase it from the website.
5” x 7” Embroidery Hoop
The machine’s embroidery hoop is 5” x 7” which is the perfect size for the machine’s workspace. There’s only one hoop that comes with the machine but you can buy other sizes from the Brother website as well.
It must be noted that you can only use smaller hoops with the machine as larger hoops won’t fit into the workspace.
Large Color-Touch Display Screen
Each time you change a stitch, tension, presser foot, and design, you can control it on the LCD color-touch display screen. The screen is a large 3.2” size which means it’s big enough for big fingers, and easy control.
The screen also gives out reminders, such as when your bobbin needs to be refilled with thread, or when your needle needs to be up, or when there’s an error in your threading and more. If you need threading instructions, you can also find them on the screen.
Automatic Tension
What’s great about a computerized Brother sewing machine is that the tension adjustment is automatic each time you change a stitch. You don’t need to manually adjust the tension based on a stitch, design, or presser foot that you intend to use.
This feature is especially useful for beginners who have no experience with tension adjustment. It’s also beneficial for experienced sewers who want to get their work done fast without having to think about the tension, which is actually one of the most important skills you’ll have to learn as a sewer.
Other Features —
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
- Automatic thread cutter
- 850 stitches per minute speed
- Speed slider
- Can be operated with a foot pedal
Includes 7 Presser Feet —
The presser feet included with the machine are:
- Buttonhole foot
- Button fitting foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Zipper foot
- Monogramming foot
- Overcasting foot
- Spring-action zigzag foot
Included Accessories —
The Brother SE 1900 includes the following accessories:
- 4 bobbins
- 4 spool caps
- Spool net
- Eyelet puncher
- Extra spool pin for twin needle
- Scissors
- Cleaning brush
- Seam ripper
- 3 screwdrivers
- Embroidery design guide
- Needle set
- Grid sheet set
- Manual
► The Good / Brother SE 1900
The Brother SE 1900 is the perfect machine for anyone who loves getting creative with their sewing projects. If you love putting decorations and embellishments on clothes, fabric bags, bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and more, then you will love this machine. If you don’t want to do embroidery, you can still use this machine for regular sewing, which makes this a combination machine that meets all your sewing needs.
With 240 built-in stitches and 138 embroidery designs, you will have the time of your life playing with this machine. You can stitch monograms for personal gifs, create cute children’s clothes with the embroidery designs, and you can even make your very own custom stitches by editing and adjusting the ready-made patterns in the machine.
And that’s not all. With a USB port, you can import designs from the Brother website, which you can get for free, as well as from other embroidery design websites with compatible file names for Brother machines. You can even have a custom embroidery design made using Brother embroidery design software, which you can buy separately from the company.
A machine that’s great for beginners and experienced sewers, the Brother SE 1900 was made for the creative sewer in mind.
► The Bad / Brother SE 1900
A sewing machine that’s feature rich will always take time to fully understand how its features work. The Brother SE 1900 is no exception. There are a lot of things you can do with this machine and that means you need to set aside time to study how the machine works.
For a beginner sewer, this can be overwhelming. There are a lot of buttons and a lot of instructions, so if you’ve never used a sewing machine before, it might be ideal to ask an experienced sewer to help you with the machine. Or, if it’s too much for you, this might not be the ideal machine for your needs, and a basic domestic machine may be the better option for you.
When embroidering a design with a lot of details while using the same thread, the machine does not automatically cut the thread when it jumps from one detail to another.
For example, you want to stitch the name “Brother” on a canvas tote. Once the machine finishes the litter “B” and moves on to the letter “o,” it does not cut the thread as it moves to the next letter.
The result is a strand of thread in between the letters that you will need to cut yourself. While the stitches are indeed durable, there’s always a tendency that the stitches will unravel since you cut them in between stitches. To make your embroidery more secure, you may have to add backing to the stitches, such as putting glue at the end and start of the stitches.
It’s a great machine for your creative pursuits and it comes from Brother, one of the most highly rated and recognized brands of sewing machines in the world. It’s perfect for experienced sewers who want to get creative with their sewing projects, but may be too overwhelming with all the features for a beginner sewer.
Review : Elna Elnita EF1
High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
Features :
- High Speed Straight Stitch
- Bright LED with easy navigation keys
- 1,600 stitches per minute
- Max. stitch length: 6mm
- Thread tension control
- Built-in needle threader
- Auto de-clutch bobbin winder
- Adjustable thread tension
- Needle up/down
- Reverse button
OVERVIEW :
The Elna Elnita ef1 is a heavy duty sewing machine that only does one thing: and that’s a straight stitch. You might be wondering why it’s such an expensive machine when it only has one stitch, but let me tell you all about this amazing machine.
It’s an Elna domestic straight stitch machine, which is a sewing machine brand known for its basic machines that last for decades. It might not be one of the most well-known names in sewing machines but for those who have them, they love it for its ease of use, durability, and durability. Many users who’ve had them decades ago still use their Elna machines until today.
The company was established in 1940 but recently, the company was bought by Janome, making Elna essentially Janome today.
This is a domestic heavy duty machine that has a 1,600 stitch per minute, which is higher than most heavy duty sewing machines in the market. It does its job so well that many users have likened the domestic machine to an industrial machine, which can stitch up to 5,000 stitches per minute.
Let’s take a look at Elna Elnita ef1’s features to give you a better idea about what the machine can do and what you can expect.
► Elna Elnita ef1 | Features
Straight Stitch
The Elna Elnita ef1 features only one stitch, and that’s a straight stitch, which is perfect for making quilts, bags, curtains, linens, and all kinds of clothing. At 1,600 stitches per minute, this machine is meant for the serious sewer who sews on a regular basis.
It’s fast and can sew on all kinds of fabrics, from upholstery to denim to leather, to cork, while also being able to sew lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, muslin, voile, and organza.
If you have other machines at home, such as a portable machine that has utility stitches like buttonhole, zigzag, overcast, and more, and you want a sole machine that only does straight stitches, this is for you.
2-Dial Thread Tension Control
There are two dials for the tension control, which provides precise and accurate tension for all kinds of fabrics. You will have to manually adjust the tension yourself based on your knowledge and experience of sewing on different kinds of fabrics.
Side-Loading Bobbin
The bobbin is located on the side, which is useful for when you’re sewing and you run out of bobbin thread and you don’t want to remove your fabric on the workspace. The bobbin is also jumbo-sized, being 1.4 times bigger than most bobbins, giving you more thread and reducing the number of times you would need to refill the bobbin with thread.
Metal Construction and Parts
This is what makes Elna such a durable and long-lasting machine. All of its parts, except for the dials, are made of metal. It’s extremely strong and durable and no amount of heavy fabric sewn on the machine will cause it to wobble on a table.
And because it’s made of metal, it’s quite heavy at 32 pounds. If you want a heavy duty sewing machine that’s sturdy and strong but don’t want to invest in an industrial machine, this could be the next best thing.
Included Accessories :
- 5 pieces bobbin
- Accessory box
- 2 screwdrivers (large and small)
- Thumb screw
- Lint brush
- Spool supporter
- Needle set
- Cloth guide
- Spool net
- Presser foot
- Rolled hemming foot
- Knee lifter
- Foot controller
- Oil
- Instruction booklet
The Good
The Elna Elnita ef1 is a workhorse of a machine. It can sew on anything, be it canvas, layers of denim, upholstery fabric, leather, and more. While it has the capacity to sew on thick and challenging fabrics, it can also sew on lightweight fabric such as voile, chiffon, organza, and more.
The presser foot pressure is up to 11 pounds, and this means if you’ve got a thick layer of quilt on the machine, it won’t buckle up and move with your material. It’s strong and powerful and perfect for anyone who wants to work fast but doesn’t want to use an industrial machine.
It’s so basic and easy to use that it will only take you minutes to learn to set it up once you have it at home. There’s a simple thread guide that goes through metal parts, allowing the thread to slide through, and the tension dials are so efficient and precise that it will literally only take you minutes to set up and start sewing.
I recommend this machine for anyone who does a lot of sewing at home and wants a fast machine that they can move around. It’s 32 pounds, though, so it’s quite heavy but not as heavy as an industrial machine with a table that can weigh up to 100 pounds. But still, you can move it in one room to another so much easier than an industrial machine.
If you’re a beginner sewer or you’ve never sewn before, you will get bored with this machine. It doesn’t allow you to experiment since there are no other stitches, such as zigzag, buttonhole, or overcast stitch that you would need to make different kinds of sewing projects.
This is great if you have another machine that has multiple stitches or if you have other machines dedicated to other stitches and functions. And if I had the money, I would definitely buy this machine right now.
I’ve never seen a domestic machine this fast and this powerful. I can imagine it would save me so much time and the possibilities for sewing ball gowns with 6 to 10 layers of tulle would just be so easy even without the use of my super-old industrial machine.
The Bad
For me, this machine is perfect, since I’ve been sewing since I was a teenager. But, if you’re not an experienced sewer, I don’t think you’d appreciate this machine.
First of all, you need to manually adjust the tension of the dial. This machine has two dials, and if you have no experience with a manual tension dial to match the fabric you’re using, you will probably have a lot of bad stitches along the way.
Its lack of other stitches also make this machine very limited for domestic use, which entails a lot of decorative and functional needs, such as zigzag or overcast stitches. This machine only serves one purpose and one purpose only, and that’s a high quality and fast straight stitch.
Singer Legacy SE300 : Sewing & Embroidery Machine
Features :
- Embroidery Designs Included (200) : Personalize any project with a large selection of embroidery designs including floral, holiday, children’s designs, and crosstitch.
- Software Included (SE300) : Complimentary software included for accessing designs and saving to USB for transferring to machine.
- Online Owner’s Class : Learn your machine’s basics like threading the machine correctly, selecting stitches, making a buttonhole, changing the needle and more. Available online whenever your are!
- USB Design Transfer : Designs are tranferred to the machine for embroidery via a USB stick.
- Software Updates : The software can alert you when a new update is available, and can install easily.
- Endless Hoop Capability : Sew embroideries that connect end to end, creating borders for fashions, home decor and more. Use included endless embroidery designs, or create your own endless borders in the software on your PC.
- Built-In Lettering : Personalize projects with words, phrases or monograms
- Mirror Imaging : Invert stitch patterns from side to side for more creative options
- Built-In Stitches (250) : Choose from a variety of stitches for basic sewing, decorative sewing, and more
- One-Step Buttonhole (14) : Buttonholes are sewn in one easy step. Just place the button in the buttonhole foot and the machine sews a buttonhole perfectly sized for that button, delivering consistent results every time.
- Built-In Needle Threader : Effortlessly threads the eye of the needle – eliminates eye strain and saves you time
- Top Drop In Bobbin : Easy to thread and easy to see! The transparent bobbin and cover allow you to monitor your thread supply so you don’t run out of thread in the middle of a seam.
- Independent Bobbin Winding : Separate bobbin winding motor allows you to wind the bobbin without unthreading the machine
- Built-In Thread Cutter : Trim both the top and bobbin threads with the touch of a button. No need to draw up the bobbin thread to start sewing again.
- Drop Feed : Feed teeth can be lowered for button sewing or free-motion sewing – a must-have for quilters! Simply slide the Drop Feed Lever to lower the feed teeth. Slide it back and turn the handwheel one full turn to raise the feed teeth again.
- Touch Button Stitch Selection : Select your stitch with a simple touch of a button – the optimum stitch length and stitch width are preselected so you can start sewing faster, but stitch settings can be adjusted as desired to customized for your projects
- Adjustable Stitch Length : Customize the appearance of a stitch by increasing or decreasing the distance between stitches. Use this function for various stitch techniques like applique, basting and more.
- Adjustable Stitch Width : The size of the stitch from left to right is adjustable, to make the stitch sew narrower or wider as desired.
- Self-Adjusting Tension System : Select your stitch with the turn of a dial, and the machine will adjust the tensions for your selected stitch automatically, saving you time.
- Reverse (Touch Button) : Sew stitches in reverse, usually done to secure a seam at the beginning and end to prevent unraveling.
- Heavy Duty Metal Frame : The machine’s interior frame is metal, providing long lasting durability
- High Speed Stitching (800/min) : Professional speed for faster results.
- Speed Control (Push Button) : Set the maximum sewing speed of the machine
- Start/Stop Button : Allows you to sew without using the foot control, if desired. Press the button to start sewing, then press again to stop sewing.
- Needle Up/Down : Select the needle’s stopping position on demand
- Programmable Needle Up/Down : Set the needle’s stopping position as desired. Press to have the needle stop down in the fabric each time you stop sewing, great for applique, top stitching and more.
- LCD screen clearly displays your selected stitch as well as stitch settings for length and width.
- Touch Screen : Touch the LCD screen to select stitches and stitch settings, view recommended presser foot and more
- Free Arm : Slide off the Removable Storage Compartment for access to the free arm, making it easy to sew trouser hems, sleeve cuffs and other smaller or tubular projects
- Extension Table Included : A large extension table is included, providing a level sewing surface for larger projects like quilts.
- Snap-On Presser Feet : Presser feet can be easily removed and attached when needed for various sewing techniques
- Sewing Space (Needle to Tower) (7.8″) : The distance between the needle and the main part of the machine. Having a generous “C” space allows you to sew larger projects like quilts with ease.
- Bobbin Class (15 Transparent) : SINGER or INSPIRA branded bobbins are recommended for best results
OVERVIEW —
The Singer Legacy SE300 is a combination sewing machine that allows you to do regular sewing, as well as embroidery in one single machine. Converting the regular sewing machine feature to the embroidery feature involves simply attaching an extension table and replacing the presser foot with the embroidery hoop, and you’re ready to go.
With 250 stitches and 200 embroidery designs, the possibilities for customizing and personalizing garments, quilts, and home sewing projects are endless. Have fun and get creative with this top quality, durable, and feature-rich machine.
VIDEO | A Closer Look Singer Legacy SE300
Features —
Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Singer Legacy SE300 is a sewing and embroidery machine in one. It’s perfect as a regular sewing machine with a speed of 800 stitches per minute, while also being an embroidery machine with a speed of 700 stitches per minute.
You get to have the best of both worlds with this machine, as you can easily convert it into an embroidery machine with built-in designs, as well as the capacity to import designs with a compatible file.
250 Built-in Stitches and 200 Embroidery Designs
Get to play around and have fun with this machine. With hundreds of designs and stitches, there are so many creative possibilities to personalize, customize, and make sewing projects your own. There are also 6 fonts that you can choose from, allowing you to make words, monograms, and phrases on clothes, towels, handkerchief, and just about any kind of fabric surface.
The flip-top cover features a guide to all the stitches, making it easy to choose which ones you wish to use. All the 250 built-in stitches are found here, and you simply push a button on the right side of the machine to change the style.
There’s also 14 one-step buttonhole designs, from round end, keyhole, bartack, stretch and more.
Complimentary Software for Embroidery Designs
Some of the embroidery designs are built-in but some designs are found in the USB stick that comes with the machine. There’s a complimentary software, called the PWS Intro, which you can download on your laptop or personal computer, and you’ll have a copy of the designs found in your USB stick.
You can also edit the designs, such as shortening or elongating the patterns, changing colors, creating a mirror image, or combining patterns. These designs can be saved on the USB stick, and you can access them by connecting the stick into the USB port found on the right side of the machine.
You can also import embroidery designs from other websites that are compatible with the file. A PSW Deluxe software can also be purchased from Singer, which allows you to digitize images and custom designs that you can create.
LCD Touchscreen Display
Selecting your stitch, adjusting stitch length and width, changing the presser foot, and other programmable features can be done by touching the screen of the LCD display found on the right side of the machine.
It’s backlit and easy-to-use, providing you with simple and easy control of your machine.
3 LED Lights
Most machines only have one LED light to illuminate the workspace but the Singer Legacy SE300 has three, creating an extra bright workspace that makes sewing and embedding so much easier.
Includes 2 Hoops
One of the hoops has a 4” x 4” size while the bigger hoop is 10.25” x 6,” which offers a large space for larger embroidery designs.
It’s so easy to attach to the machine, too, with a snap-on presser foot. You won’t need to use a screwdriver to remove the presser foot and change it to the hoop.
Included Accessories
The Singer Legacy SE300 includes all the accessories you need to sew, quilt, and embroider. The machine’s included accessories are as follows:
- 2 embroidery hoops
- 15 plastic bobbins
- Needle set
- USB embroidery kit
- Needle plate screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Thread spool caps
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Extended table
- Free online owner’s class which you can access anytime
It also includes 11 presser feet, which are :
- General purpose foot
- Embroidery foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Overcasting foot
- Blind hem foot
- Parallel sewing foot
- Zipper foot
- Buttonhole with underplate foot
- Straight stitch foot
- Button stitch foot
- Open-toe foot
The Good
The Singer Legacy SE300 is a combination sewing and embroidery machine that’s the best of both worlds. Some embroidery machines on the market can only be used solely for embroidery purposes only, which makes this model versatile for a wide range of sewing projects.
It’s a powerful, sturdy, and well-built machine from one of the world’s leaders in sewing machine technologies. The body of the machine is made of metal while the exterior shell is made of plastic. The motor and metal body has a 25-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that should anything go wrong with the body, Singer has your back.
The most impressive feature of the Singer Legacy SE300 is definitely the number of stitches and embroidery designs. With 250 stitch styles and 200 embroidery designs, you can embellish, decorate, customize, and personalize your sewing projects as creatively as you can. There are so many possibilities for design, as well as having an applique stitch, blanket stitch specially made for quilting.
The machine also comes with a USB stick where you can transfer files from the computer and downloadable PWS Intro, allowing you to get a preview of the image, as well as edit them to the size or pattern that you want.
At 800 stitches per minute, it’s fast enough for experienced sewers and at 80 spm for the slowest speed, slow enough for beginner sewers. At 20 pounds in weight, it may not be light to carry to sewing class but if you want to use it then store it right after at home, you can do so without needing an extra pair of hands.
And because it has an extended table, quilting on this machine is made convenient and stress-free.
The Bad
While the Singer Legacy SE300 is a beautiful machine for sewing and embroidery, there are a few things that I found that are not so great about it.
One thing I read is that the embroidery designs found in the USB stick do not have a preview when you connect it into the machine. There are only names for the designs. If you’re sewing and you attach the stick and want to choose designs that are not built-in into the machine, you won’t be able to see the image.
You would need to remove the USB stick and attach it to a laptop or personal computer so you can view the designs. This also includes designs that you import from other websites, and designs that are made using the combination of patterns. It would’ve been so much easier if a preview of the designs from the USB stick would appear on the LCD screen.
Another thing that a lot of users of the Singer Legacy SE300 complain about is it takes some time to understand. Because it’s feature-rich, there’s a steep learning curve to this machine.
Another thing is that after a few months, the stitches tend to bundle up. I think it might be an oiling issue, or maybe the threading may be off. For machines that are frequently used, it needs to be oiled on a daily basis so the metal parts don’t dry and rust. Oiling everyday is a must with these machines, especially when they’re used everyday.
In cases of troubleshooting, you can head to the Singer website to talk to a customer service agent and they’ll be more than happy to help. There are also a lot of YouTube videos on how to operate the machine, and you can also check the manual that comes with it.
Review : Juki Exceed HZL F600
Quilt Pro Special Computerized Sewing Machine
Features :
- Direct Pattern Selection: One touch pattern selection. 10 popular sewing patterns, including applique stitch and blanket stitch.
- Electronic Buttonholes: Automatically measures and evenly sew on both the right and left sides. 16 buttonhole styles to choose from
- Adjustable Cutting Widths: Adjust the width of the buttonhole without increasing or decreasing the stitching size. This allows you to have thin or wide buttons, adjust buttonholes for thick or thin fabrics, and still have stable strong buttonholes.
- Quick Thread Bobbin Case: Inserting the bobbin into the bobbin case is fool-proof
- Independent Bobbin Winder:
- Quick Threading System: The automatic needle threader, threads the needle with just the push of a lever.
- Exclusive Advanced Thread Trimming: The Exceed series allows you to trim top and bobbin threads three ways: With a push of a button, automatically programmed trims and with the Exclusive foot controlled trimming system. Just rock your heel back on the foot controller, and your thread is quickly and precisely cut.
- Complete Control and On-Board Guides: You have complete control with just a push of the button. This feature allows you to program the needle up/down position, program automatic thread trimming, program a pattern or pattern sequence to stitch once or multiple times, program the foot control trimming, set the contrast on the LCD screen, change the volume on the machine buzzer, select from 8 languages settings, and open the on-board sewing guide when you need a little help.
- Powerful Feeding: Thanks to a 7-point surgical steel feed dog system, the Exceed series can handle even the heaviest off projects with ease. The industrial style box-feed system means that heavy or light fabrics feed evenly and smoothly.
- Combine, Save and Recall: Combine decorative stitches or lettering into pattern sequences and save them to the machine memory. The Exceed allows you to save up to 70 patterns, in 10 memory folders! Recall your favorite patterns with a touch of a button!
- Perfect Needle and Stitch Placement: The Exceed series not only has variable needle positions which allow you to place the needle anywhere you desire, the Exceed series has a feature that allows you to move the position of a complete pattern without changing the width.
Because the Exceed Series machines have the ability to change positions of the pattern, you can also taper zigzag stitching to the left, right or center for perfect applique, decorative sewing and more! - Nothing Quilts Better Than a Juki: Juki’s rich tradition in quilting continues with the Exceed Series of machines. Decorative stitches include stitches specifically for the crazy quilter. The Exceed F600 also contains Exclusive Juki quilt stitches known as Random Stitches.
- Drop the Feed Dogs and Go: With just a flip of the switch, you can be creating free-motion quilting stitches or free-hand embroidery with ease.
- Auto or Manual Tension Settings: With the Exceed series, tension settings are never a worry. You can use the Automatic Thread Tension or increase or decrease the tension to create different stitch effects. Perfect control is always just a turn of a dial away.
OVERVIEW —
Also known as the Exceed Quilt and Pro Special, the Juki Exceed HZL F600 is a computerized household machine from Juki, a Japanese sewing machine brand that makes one of the most trusted and best selling industrial machines in the world.
In fact, most garment factories in the world use Juki industrial machines because they’re incredibly efficient, last a lifetime, and have a stitch speed of 5,500 spm.
While the Exceed F600 only has a speed of 900 stitches per minute, Juki has incorporated some of its industrial technology into this modern household sewing machine that’s perfect for sewers and quilters.
Here are Juki Exceed HZL F600’s features :
225 Built-in Stitches
The Juki HZL F600 features 225 built-in stitches that includes basic, utility, and decorative stitches for all your creative, personalized, and custom sewing projects. It also has 4 lettering fonts and 16 professional one-step buttonholes.
You can put decorative hem details on clothes, table runners, and curtains, or you can also add applique to quilts, and blanket stitches on the edges of your sewing projects.
The machine has a stitch guide located on the top flip, providing you with a guide on the hundreds of different stitch styles.
From making clothes to quilts, to mending garments, to making fabric bags, and more, there are so many things that you can do with this machine.
Stitches Designed for Quilters
You’ll find decorative stitches that are designed specifically for quilting. This includes the applique and the blanket stitches, as well as the zigzag styles that make quilting a breeze. If you quilt on a regular basis, you’ll appreciate the number of stitches in the machine dedicated to your craft.
Custom Patterns
Just like the Singer SE300 and the Brother SE 1900, you can make your very own embroidery patterns with the Juki HZL F600. Simply combine the decorative stitches with the fonts, create a mirror image, shorten, elongate, or connect one design to another for your very own custom pattern. This design can be saved into the machine’s memory, where you can access it anytime. A total of 70 custom patterns can be saved into the memory.
Free Motion Sewing for Freehand Embroidery
The machine’s feed dogs drop, allowing for free motion sewing. Simply replace the presser foot with the free motion foot and you can immediately get started with your freehand embroidery.
There is so much that you can do with this feature. By using a stencil or by hand drawing a design on a fabric, simply guide the needle over the lines of your design, creating an outline image. Or, you can also use the zigzag stitches to create your borders on applique, or large monograms.
Digital LCD Screen
Get to choose the stitch that you want, as well as adjust the width and length of your stitches. Most machines can widen the width of the stitch at 6mm, which is the maximum width for most machines. The Juki HZL F600 takes it up a notch by having a maximum width of 7mm.
Stitches that are wider in width are great for very thick fabrics, such as layers of canvass, denim, and upholstery. Larger stitches prevent thread from building up on thicker fabrics, as well as providing a decorative detail on denim.
2 LED Lights
Most other household sewing machines only have one LED light to illuminate the workspace but this machine features 2 bright LED lights that make it easier to sew tight spots on your fabric. This is especially useful if you’re quilting or you’re doing free motion sewing and you need to properly hit small spots on your design.
Automatic Thread Cutter
You might think that cutting your thread after you sew or embroider doesn’t take up a lot of time but if you’re sewing all-day, everyday, this can add up. The machine features an automatic thread cutter that you can operate from pressing a button on the face of the machine, as well as rocking the foot pedal on its back.
It’s so convenient especially when you’re sewing a heavy fabric or quilt with multiple pieces and your hands are full. Simply step on the back of the foot pedal and the machine automatically cuts the thread from your fabric.
Other Features
Other features include a top drop-in bobbin, a separate motor for the bobbin winder, a hard case, and having a 900 spm for its speed.
Included Accessories :
- Wide table
- Knee lift
- Eyelet punch
- T-shape screwdriver
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Seam ripper
- Twin needles
- Small, medium, and large spool caps
- 4 bobbins
Included presser feet are as follows :
- Walking foot
- Quilt presser foot
- Open-toe presser foot
- Patchwork foot
- Edge sewing foot
- Buttonhole presser foot
- Manual buttonhole presser foot
- Overcasting foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Zipper foot
- Standard foot
The Good
I just want to say that Juki is one of the best sewing machine brands in the world. They’re the leading brand for industrial machines and in fact, I used one in fashion school. It was the only kind of machine that we had in school.
The motor is incredibly powerful and I find the Juki HZL F600 to be quite fast at 900 spm, which is 50 to 100 stitches faster than most regular sewing machines. Juki really is the best when it comes to fast and efficient sewing machines.
I had a Juki industrial machine but I sold it when I moved to another city. One thing about Juki’s industrial machines is that they are super heavy, so I was pleasantly surprised that the Juki Exceed HZL F600 is only 21 pounds in weight. Super fast stitch speed and light enough to carry? Wow, I’m jealous, if I had a lot of money to spare, I’d buy this machine, too!
I love the fact that this machine has 225 built-in stitches. It’s a mighty powerful and solid machine with hundreds of stitches. Usually you’d have to choose between a model that has plenty of stitches but not so powerful, or powerful but not having a lot of features.
It was designed for quilts with the extended table and stitch styles, but I think it’s ideal for all kinds of sewing needs. Whether you’re sewing for business, for personalized gifts, or for making your own quilts, it’s so sturdy that sewing heavy fabrics and big garments like a ball gown would be a breeze with this machine.
I have a penchant for super sturdy and solid machines like the Elna ef1 and the Juki HZL F600 is definitely a great choice that meets your creative and top quality needs.
The Bad
I found it hard to find any flaws with this machine other than the reports of some folks who mentioned they had trouble with the automatic needle threader. Personally, I don’t use an automatic needle threader. Maybe because I’m used to manual sewing machines? My hands automatically search for the needle and not the automatic needle threader.
If you’re not used to it, it would take some time getting used to, so maybe that’s the only problem with it.
I also do not recommend getting this model if you’re a newbie sewer and you need a machine to bring to sewing class. First of all, it’s 21 pounds, so it’s not very ideal to bring around.
Second, it has a lot of features that you won’t need if you’re only beginning to sew. This is recommended for experienced sewers who want to get more creative, or those who want to get into quilting. Or, if you’re a serious quilter, you will appreciate this machine as well.
Review : EverSewn Sparrow QE
Professional Sewing and Quilting Machine
Features :
- Large 8 inch Throat Space : Perfect for large projects or quilts. The Sparrow QE has plenty of room between the needle and machine for sewing larger amounts of fabric.
- Beautiful Stitch Quality : The EverSewn Sparrow QE sewing and quilting machine offers 70 carefully selected stitch patterns. Whether you’re doing free motion quilting, piecing or just sewing, the Sparrow QE has the right stitch.
- Straight Stitch Plate : Included with the machine is a Straight and Zig Zag stitch plate. Depending on your sewing project these can be interchanged for precise sewing and quilting.
- Knee Lift : The Sparrow QE comes with a knee lift system to give you the freedom and comfort to sew or quilt for hours. This clever tool allows you to lower or raise the presser foot without having to touch the machine so you can keep your hands on the fabric.
- Every EverSewn sewing machine is designed by engineers that sew. The Sparrow QE combines a simple user interface with a modern design that easy to use, looks great, and is affordable. Whether you are a beginner or experienced sewer, the EverSewn Sparrow QE will enable you to create anything you want without frustration.
- Accessories : Make it a full package with EverSewn’s accessories. The deluxe 8-piece Quilting Foot Kit (item #ES-QFK, sold separately) includes a variety of feet including the open toe walking foot, ruler foot, and two-quarter-inch foot.
- Machine Weight: 21 lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 19”W x 7.5”D x 12”H
OVERVIEW —
EverSewn is one of the youngest sewing machine brands in the market, with a goal of targeting a younger generation of sewers and crafters. The EverSewn Sparrow series of sewing machines is designed by Philipp Ueltschi, who is one of the 5th generation family owners of the sewing machine company Bernina.
In fact, EverSewn Sparrow QE is manufactured by Bernina, which ensures top quality workmanship and material. Sturdy and made of solid construction, the EverSewn Sparrow QE is called such because QE stands for Quilters Edition. This machine was designed for quilters in mind, by engineers that sew.
Features 70 Built-In Stitches
This machine features 70 built-in stitches that include 5 one-step buttonhole designs. The stitch styles range from utility to decorative, to styles specific for quilting such as applique and blanket stitch.
You don’t need a manual to view the different stitches since you can find them on the top flip cover of the machine. In terms of instruction of operation, there’s also a pull-out card under the machine’s body which contains the manual. This is such a great feature because most of the time, manuals are left in the box which the machine came with, or they’re placed in a drawer. And when you actually need to read it, you might not find it. So I think this is a really great detail.
User-friendly Interface with LCD Display
A small LCD backlit display for controls is found on the right side of the machine. Buttons underneath it allow you to control the stitch style, tension, width of your stitches, and other programmable details.
Large 8” Workspace
The Sparrow QE was made for quilting and this means it has a large 8” workspace that allows you to sew large pieces of fabrics. With a quilt, simply roll your fabrics into the workspace to reach farther areas or spots in your quilt.
There’s also an optional extension table made of transparent plastic that you can purchase separately. This extension table has the dimensions of 16” x 22.”
Advanced Knee Lifter System
A knee lifter is especially useful for quilters. It allows you to use both of your hands to turn and control your fabrics while being able to lift the presser foot with your right knee. This is a very handy feature that makes this machine especially ideal for serious quilters.
Those who are making large pieces of sewing projects such as curtains, comforters, linens, ball gowns, and evening gowns will appreciate this feature, which is mostly found in industrial sewing machines.
Deluxe Quilting Foot Kit
When I did my research on the EverSewn Sparrow QE, I discovered that not all marketplaces and dealers of EverSewn include this kit when you buy the machine. Some sellers include it while others do not, so if you decide to purchase this machine, make sure this kit is included. You need the presser feet in this kit for all your quilting needs.
It includes an applique foot, a ruler foot, a walking foot, an open toe walking foot, a ¼” patchwork foot, a stitch n’ ditch foot, an open toe free motions foot, and a 7mm snap on ¼” quilting foot.
It also comes in a cute little box with dedicated spots for each foot.
Other Features —
It has a drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, automatic thread cutter, speed dial that makes it great even for young sewers, automatic tension, and a ¼” marking on the plate, which is perfect for guiding seams on quilts.
It also has a sewing foot pressure dial that you can adjust depending on the kind of fabric you use. You can make the pressure tighter for lightweight fabrics such as chiffon organza, and loosen the pressure for thicker fabrics such as denim, canvas, and sewing fabrics with multiple layers.
The EverSewn Sparrow QE includes the follow accessories :
- 4 bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Screwdriver
- Brish
- Small spool cap
- Needle pack
- Spool cap
- Dus cover
- Needle plate for straight stitch
- Knee lift level
It also features 6 presser foot, which are:
- Regular presser foot
- Satin foot
- Overcast foot
- Blind hem foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
► The Good
Because EverSewn Sparrow QE is manufactured by the company that makes Bernina, users can rest assured that what they’re buying is a sturdy, durable, and long-lasting sewing machine.
With 70 built-in stitches, sewers and quilters alike can get creative with a wide range of sewing projects with the machine’s utility and delicate sites. EverSewn‘s target market is the young sewer, which means their machines are easy to use, feature basic operations, and have user-friendly features. The QE may stand for Quilter’s Edition but I think beginner sewers will love this machine. There’s also a speed control for salwar stitching, perfect for teenagers to get started on their crafting, quilting, and sewing hobbies.
At 850 stitches per minute, it’s fast enough for serious sewers and quilters. And at only 16 pounds, this is the lightest machine we have on this list of expensive sewing machines.
It’s sturdy, well-built, easy to use, and comes completely with everything you need to get started to enjoy more creativity with your sewing and quilting.
► The Bad
For a quilter’s sewing machine, I really think the extended table should be included when you purchase the machine. Sadly, you have to buy it separately. When making a quilt, you need a large workspace for the large pieces of fabrics you will be sewing, and without the extended table, you’ll only have 8” of workspace, which, I think, is not enough. EverSewn should’ve included the table as part of the machine.
I also don’t like the fact that the Deluxe Quilting Foot Kit is not included in some marketplaces and dealers. The presser feet in this kit are necessary for quilting. You can’t quilt without these accessories. To be safe, it’s best to purchase the machine from the EverSewn official website, or make sure the kit is included when you buy the machine from a dealer.
Benefits of Buying an Expensive Sewing Machine
Why would you buy an expensive sewing machine over a regularly-priced machine? Well, before I answer this question, let’s define what an expensive sewing machine is.
Regular sewing machines average around $200 to $400 in price. When you go over $500 or close to $1000 in price, that can be considered an expensive machine. A regular sewing machine will give you all the basic features you need for domestic sewing but an expensive sewing machine gives you more than that.
All of the machines I reviewed range from $799 to $1599, which make them expensive sewing machines.
Okay, so let’s go back to the question: why must you invest in an expensive sewing machine? Here are some benefits to having one at home:
Sturdy and Well-Built
An expensive sewing machine is sturdy and well-built. These machines have a metal or aluminum body that make them very durable and solid in construction. If you want your machine to last a lifetime, then a solid body is a must.
All of the machines I reviewed also have warranties on the body and motor. All of them have a 25-year warranty on the body, except for EverSewn, which only has a 10-year warranty.
Because the machines break down less, it means you’re getting mileage from your investment.
Feature-Rich
Except for the Elna ef1, all of the other machines are feature-rich. This means they have plenty of stitches, with some of the machines having embroidery features.
With Elna ef1, which is the most expensive on our list, it’s an exception because of its powerful motor, which can reach 1600 stitches per minute. It’s also made of metal components, with only the dials being plastic, making it a lifetime machine that you can pass onto the next generation.
Potential Return on Your Investment
This applies to sewers and quilters who are selling their work. If you don’t work in a factory, or you don’t have a sewing business, or you don’t quilt full-time, these machines are a great alternative for industrial sewing machines.
All of these models are workhorses – which means they can handle a lot. If you have a side hustle making clothes, mending garments, making custom-made linens, curtains, or quilts, these machines will give you a fast return on your investment because they work fast, they stitch well, and they’re incredibly durable.
Do You Need an Expensive Sewing Machine?
If you’re on the hunt for a sewing machine and contemplating whether or not to buy a regular or an expensive model, then here are some things to consider:
Are You a Beginner or an Advanced Sewer?
If you’ve never sewn before, or if you’re still attending sewing classes, I do not recommend an expensive sewing machine. This is because you need something more basic since you’ll be experimenting with sewing projects that you may or may not like.
I remember in fashion school when every semester, our class would get smaller and smaller in number. We were a total of 24 students during our first year and first semester, and down to 19 during 2nd semester, and by 2nd year, we were down to 12.
This is because there are so many misconceptions about sewing. A lot of people think it’s easy and glamorous but the truth is, it’s exhausting, stressful, and it really tests your patience. With all the trial and error, troubleshooting problems, and challenges, sewing really is a craft and skill that is reserved for those who are really passionate about it.
If you buy an expensive machine but realize you actually don’t like sewing afterall, then you’ve wasted a good amount of money.
But, if you’re an advanced sewer or you realized you love to sew after taking a few classes, then an expensive sewing machine is for you. It’s a lifetime investment that you can even pass on to your children and even grandchildren.
Type of Projects You Intend to Make
Do you plan on making quilts? Or maybe you want to make children’s clothes? Or maybe you only want a machine for mending garments?
Determine what projects you want to make and choose the machine that meets your needs. You probably don’t need an expensive machine if you only plan on making a few pillowcases for your baby’s christening party next month, or you only plan on buying one for mending clothes at home.
If you sew on a regular basis, if you have a sideline business making clothes and other sewing projects, but you also have a full-time job or you’re not on your machine 8 hours a day for 6 days a week, an expensive home sewing machine is for you.
Designated Workspace
An expensive sewing machine needs a designated workplace where you can place it on a table or desk and not have to move it around. The machines I reviewed are heavy. The least heavy is the EverSewn at 16 pounds, but still, that’s quite heavy to move from one desk to another.
It also needs to be in a place where it’s not exposed to a lot of dirt and dust. You need to maintain your machine to keep it working well. Oiling the machine each time you use it will keep the metal parts working smoothly. Frequent brushing inside the bobbin, on the throat plate, and other visible parts is also needed.
If you don’t have a designated workplace yet, you might want to think about creating a space where you can store and use it before you take one home. It’s a big purchase, you should keep it in a place where it is protected from accidental falling and from the elements.
Final Thoughts
If you have the money to buy an expensive sewing machine and you are a serious sewer or quilter, I highly recommend that you buy one. It will make your job so much easier, and it will last you many years of continued use.
With features such as automatic tension, automatic thread cutter, knee lift lever, embroidery designs, hundreds of built-in stitches, and the ability to sew any kind of fabric, be it thick and lightweight, these machines are the next best thing to an industrial sewing machine. With more features, these models allow you to get creative and explore hundreds of design possibilities.
Made of extremely durable material and technology that’s designed to make any sewer’s life easier, an expensive sewing machine is definitely worth every penny.
