While most are good enough for regular denim sewing, the best sewing machines for denim have a few additional features that allow them to handle this fabric more efficiently.
Sure, hemming a denim swatch is a breeze with even the most light-weight home sewing machine but have you tried hemming denim jeans with your machine? If it’s a regular machine, chances are you would have broken a lot of needles and finally ended up with the frayed look- on both, you and the jeans.
If you are the kind of person whose creativity goes into overdrive when you get your hands on any denim fabric, you are going to need more than your household machine to fulfill your creative pursuits.
Denim is a versatile fabric. From chic denim handbags to cool denim vests and hot denim bikinis, working with this fabric has endless possibilities. To enjoy your denim journey however, you are going to need the right machine.
What Makes Some Sewing Machines Better Than Others for Denim?
The best sewing machines for denim have powerful motors that can drive the needle through several layers of the fabric. Some machines do a better job than others and the kind of denim sewing you intend to do will be a major influencing factor when looking for the right machine.
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind when working with denim is that the fabric immediately bulks up when it is folded. This makes it especially difficult for regular machines to handle. The more layers of denim you need to sew through, the heavier the machine you are going to need.
If you are thinking heavy-duty coveralls or large volumes of denim craft projects, it may be a better idea to skip the household machines altogether and go straight into commercial or industrial machines that are designed to handle heavy, repetitive work.
Some of the best sewing machines for denim are those that have a leveling button on the general purpose foot. Considering its tiny size, this little button packs a mighty denim punch. When pushed, it lifts the tip of the foot and allows it to glide over the bumpy areas more easily. It even allows the machine to go over the multi-layer side seam that is usually the biggest problem area when hemming jeans.
Best Denim Sewing Machines: My Picks
One machine that has this innovative feature is the . In addition, its 294 pre-programmed, utility and decorative stitches and twin needle function, make this model perfect for all those denim crafting projects. Above the $400 price range, this is one of the more expensive models on the market but is well worth it for the serious denim sewer.
The is another machine that is a cut above the rest when it comes to handling denim. Its heavy duty metal frame and powerful motor combined with its stainless steel bed plate and extra –high sewing speed make those big denim projects a cinch. Its 23 built-in stitches and automatic 1-step buttonhole maker, provide endless project possibilities for denim hobbyists. All of this at less than $150!
A Final Thought…
Remember, to get the best out of your sewing machine, you will need to use the right size needles and the right type of thread when working with denim. The right combination of all three is the key to stress-free denim sewing.
