Best Sewing Machines in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 29, 2024
If you want to ply needle and sew beautiful, outer clothes for yourself or your family, you should acquire a decent sewing machine. ...Read more
PROS
High sewing speed cuts down time on garments tailoring. An internal heavy duty metal frame reduces vibration during sewing. A large metal bed allows you to sew heavy and dense fabrics.
CONS
The adjustments and operation are quite intricate so following instructions is advisable.
OUR VERDICT
The best fit for a professional sewer who requires a heavy-duty sewing machine for regular use. High-efficiency operation along with a variety of commercial available additional accessories makes this model the best sewing machine.
detailed parameters
TYPE OF SHUTTLE
Horizontal, Top load drop-in bobbin system
BUILT-IN STITCH PATTERNS
23
BUTTONHOLE SEWING
Automatic
SEWING SPEED
Up to 1100 stitches per minute
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Twin needle setting, Automatic needle threader, Free-arm feature, Reverse stitch
ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustable stitch length (up to 4 mm) and stitch width (up to 6 mm), Upper thread tension control, Adjustable presser foot pressure, Three needle position
INCLUDED PRESSER FEET
All-purpose foot, Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot
PROS

Janome's 2200XT sewing machine comes including a complete set of feet, needles, a couple screws as well as some other additional tools required for comfortable sewing experience. 

CONS

The wheel is a little stiff. 

OUR VERDICT

This electromechanical sewing machine from Janome, which features 22 stitch selection and provides the option to thread the needle in a semi-automatic way, is well suited both for beginners looking for a portable and easy-to-use machine and for more experienced users in need of a nice backup sewing machine. 

detailed parameters
TYPE OF SHUTTLE

Vertical Oscillating Hook

BUILT-IN STITCH PATTERNS

22

BUTTONHOLE SEWING

Semi-automatic

SEWING SPEED

Up to 750 stitches per minute

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Twin needle facility, Free-arm feature, Snap on feet, Drop feed, 4-step buttonhole

ADJUSTMENTS

Manual Tension, Adjustable stitch length (up to 4 mm) and stitch width (up to 5 mm)

INCLUDED PRESSER FEET

Sliding buttonhole foot, Satin stitch foot, Standard foot, Zipper foot, Overcasting foot, Hemmer foot

PROS
This versatile sewing machine stands apart from the competition as it comes with the biggest set of accessories and additional features.
CONS
Lack of adjustable presser foot pressure has been issued by a few users.
OUR VERDICT
The top rated sewing machine. Intuitive controls make it easy-to-operate, even a beginner is able to use it. Suitable for both home usage and semi-professional purposes.
detailed parameters
TYPE OF SHUTTLE
Horizontal, Top load drop-in bobbin system
BUILT-IN STITCH PATTERNS
25
BUTTONHOLE SEWING
Automatic
SEWING SPEED
Up to 800 stitches per minute
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Twin needle setting, Automatic needle threader, Free-arm feature, Reverse stitch, Automatic bobbin winder
ADJUSTMENTS
Thread tension control, Adjustable stitch length (up to 5 mm) and stitch width (up to 4 mm), Automatic shut-off when a bobbin is full
INCLUDED PRESSER FEET
Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button fitting foot, Narrow hemmer foot
PROS
Reinforced 7-point feed dog and a special button at the presser foot (it places a needle parallel to the throat plate) provide you with an opportunity to sew multiple layers of fabrics.
CONS
A little bit noisy while in use.
OUR VERDICT
This portable sewing machine that offers plenty of functions will become an irreplaceable unit for every tailoress. With this machine, you can sew different garments of both tough and fine fabrics.
detailed parameters
TYPE OF SHUTTLE

Horizontal, Top load drop-in bobbin system

BUILT-IN STITCH PATTERNS

22

BUTTONHOLE SEWING

Automatic

SEWING SPEED

Up to 550 stitches per minute

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Automatic needle threader, Reverse stitch, Free-arm feature, Twin needle setting, 7 point feed dog
ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustable stitch length (up to 4 mm) and stitch width (up to 6.5 mm), Automatic shut-off when a bobbin is full, Changeable needle position
INCLUDED PRESSER FEET
All-purpose foot, Buttonhole foot
PROS
Comes already pre-threaded so you can start sewing straight after unpacking the device.
CONS
This machine offers limited sewing capabilities with 1 straight stitch.
OUR VERDICT
This sewing machine is the cheapest model in our review. An ordinary and efficient unit for mending jobs that don't require plenty of functions.
detailed parameters
TYPE OF SHUTTLE
Horizontal, Top load drop-in bobbin system
BUILT-IN STITCH PATTERNS
1 (a straight line)
BUTTONHOLE SEWING
Manual
SEWING SPEED
Up to 200 stitches per minute
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Reverse stitch
ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustable stitch length
INCLUDED PRESSER FEET
All-purpose foot

Sewing capabilities

If you're looking for an inexpensive, heavy-duty sewing machine, then Singer is just what you need. Thanks to a powerful motor, this model works at a speed of up to 1100 stitches per minute. So, SINGER is a way more powerful sewing machine in comparison with other models in our review. SINGER offers 23 built-in stitch patterns: essential, stretch and decorative. This model also features an automatic 1-step operation buttonhole creation. It is obvious that garments tailored on this machine will be of high quality.

Type of shuttle

A horizontal shuttle and a heavy duty metal frame ensure almost whisper-quiet operation. SINGER 4423 sewing machine has a clear view cover and a top load drop-in bobbin system. Thus, it is easy to insert a bobbin in a shuttle and keep track of thread supply. You can be sure that this sewing machine will last for years. It's got a powerful motor, stainless steel components and parts and heavy duty metal construction for extended use and durability - all you may need to sew quickly, professionally and enthusiastically.

Additional features

SINGER 4423 is a universal, heavy duty sewing machine for professional users who’d like to sew through various types of fabric and tailor high-quality clothes. From casual dresses to shoulder bags, it will do a nice piece of work and ensure excellent results. SINGER 4423 comes with a rich set of accessories and presser foot attachments for sewing on most types of fabric regardless of their thickness and quality. It’s a great device to use for finishing edges, trimming and decorating clothes with elaborate stitches. All this makes it one of the leading sewing machines on the market, and not without reason. If you're looking for a professional unit to do hand-tailoring, mending and sewing clothes, there's hardly a better choice.
Last updated price £269.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B003VWXZQ0

VIDEO

The Right Kind of Simplicity

The Janome 2200XT is one of the most inexpensive models from the said company. That said, the machine actually has quite a lot going for it, with the biggest advantage being its simplicity. Instead of a complicated LCD screen, the model presents you with a couple of dials. The first dial will allow you to choose one of the 22 sewing stitches. While the second provides the ability to adjust the length of the stitch, all the way up to 5 mm.

Despite the fact that this is easily one of the most affordable Janome sewing machines out there, it does not trail behind when it comes to sewing speed. With the ability to deliver 750 stitches per minute, the model will allow you to put together a piece of clothing in no time at all. Of course, it isn't a perfect product and it does include a drawback or two. For instance, the fact that the needle threader is semi-automatic means that you will have to put in a bit of effort to help the machine thread the needle. That said, it is still far easier and definitely more convenient than doing so entirely on your own.

As per usual, there's the freearm feature that offers the circular sewing option. The drop feed that is used for freehand embroidery is present as well. Finally, the manufacturers also didn't forget about including a respectable number of accessory feet, so you won't be limited in terms of your sewing options.

All in all, the Janome 2200XT Sewing Machine is a great budget option that offers more than enough versatility for your average customer. With this model at your disposal, you should be able to put just about any sewing plan in motion and make sure that it comes to fruition.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £189.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B003ELWJBA

Sewing capabilities

Brother is the best sewing machine in our review as it is ideally-suited for both a novice and a pro. This versatile model offers 25 quilting, decorative and heirloom stitch patterns that allow you to tailor any garment you want using delicate and non-dense fabric. For your convenience, the machine comes with a dial that you can set to the desired stitch. The sewing speed is about 800 stitches per minute, which is surely enough for sewing various clothes and sewing them fast. Brother sewing machine offers a function of one-step automatic buttonhole creation that takes only one second. With this model your garments will be of high quality and tailoring won't take much time. Though it is recommended to use fine fabric, natural and synthetic fibers and knits.

Type of shuttle

This sewing machine comes with a horizontal shuttle and features a top load drop-in bobbin system. This system lets you thread a sewing machine easily and quickly. An automatic needle threader also shortens the preparatory works. Moreover, owing to a clear view cover on this sewing machine you can easily see the quantity of thread on a bobbin. So, you will never face a problem of a running thread in the middle of a stitch. Brother is a user-friendly and easy-to-use device that ensures efficient operation.

Additional features

Brother sewing machine offers a wide variety of additional features, adjustments and accessories that help you tailor high-quality garments. With the proper adjustment of thread tension and stitch length you can create durable and perfect stitches and ensure long-term wear of your mended garments. Moreover, this machine comes with 5 presser feet for different purposes. So, you can easily create buttonholes, sew on buttons and a zipper. And what is more important, Brother is the only sewing machine in our review that comes with a narrow hemmer foot. This foot allows you to bind an edge of cloth, so you do not need to buy an overlock sewing machine.
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000F7DPEQ

VIDEO

Sewing capabilities

JUKI HZL-27Z sewing machine offers you a wide variety of helpful features that give customers an opportunity to put into life their out-of-the-box ideas. This model has 22 stitch patterns and is equipped with a semi-automatic 4-step buttonhole. Owing to a big number of built-in stitches, you can use this machine for sewing stretch and elastic fabrics along with hemming clothing. The sewing speed about 550 stitches per minute is surely slower than the average speed of a professional sewing machine but more than enough for a novice user. The most outstanding feature about JUKI HZL-27Z sewing machine is the 7-point feed dog. It is able to sew through several layers of fabric without any problems. That's exactly why this heavy duty sewing machine is the best choice for those who work with tough or thick fabrics.

Type of shuttle

This sewing machine weighs only 13 pounds, so it can serve you as a portable sewing device and can be easily moved around. Additionally, JUKI HZL-27Z features a horizontal shuttle and a top loading drop-in bobbin system with a clear cover. Hence, it is really easy to insert a bobbin and to replace the thread just in time. Moreover, the availability of the automatic needle threader simplifies the whole sewing process. We are sure that this very model will suit any tailoress.

Additional features

JUKI HZL-27Z offers all the necessary features every sewing machine should have. The stitch length and width along with the thread tension may be adjusted by using the dial on the machine's body. This good sewing machine allows you to tuck a stitch (using the reverse option) or hem the T-shirt edges. You can even tailor narrow items like a sleeve cuff as the machine is equipped with a free-arm. JUKI HZL-27Z comes with only 2 presser feet: all-purpose and buttonhole. But! You can purchase presser feet for other purposes to expand sewing opportunities.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B004C04YI8

VIDEO

Sewing capabilities

Dyno is the best sewing machine for beginners because it offers only necessary operation functions. This machine has only an ordinary straight stitch and a manual buttonhole creation style. The sewing speed is about 200 stitches per minute which is surely enough for a novice. With Dyno sewing machine it might be hard to create a masterpiece but for most mending jobs it's more than allright. This machine efficiently works with natural fibers. So, if you are taking classes in sewing, you can easily start with this machine.

Type of shuttle

Owing to a horizontal shuttle, this sewing machine can be a perfect choice of a novice seamstress. Simple construction together with a step by step manual will let even a child make his or her first mending jobs. Dyno 25001 is not that type of a sewing machine that could be used for hand tailoring, but for small mending and sewing jobs, it’s a reasonable and affordable choice. The machine comes pre-threaded, so you’ve got very little to do when yank it out of the box.

Additional features

Being battery-operated, this sewing machine offers portability and extra convenience in use. You can place it literally anywhere and comfortably sew. The unit is very lightweight, hence moving it around is going to be easy and quick. Dyno 25001 lacks adjustments and accessories that of more expensive, professional sewing machines, but it’s just a different class sewing machine. It comes with an all-purpose foot, has a reverse stitch and adjustable stitch length - all the basic features a beginner would need.
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B002X3JUJO

What is a Sewing Machine

Sewing machines were invented in the late 19th century and since then rung up the efficiency and productivity of the clothing industry worldwide. Operation of those machines required considerable efforts while the end products still missed the desired quality. Today, a sewing machine has become not only the first assistant of any woman, but also an easy-to-use and straightforward device. Modern sewing machines are engineered with a built-in motor, thereby simplifying and speeding up a working process on the whole. Having got a proper sewing machine, you may tailor garments for yourself or for sale and with additional features and different stitch patterns, you can take an innovating approach in sewing.

If you're fond of sewing and handiwork, you may also benefit of reading our review of overlock machines, as well as scrapbooking cutting machines and get a solid device for creating prints on your clothes.

What Features to Compare

Sewing Capabilities

Before you decide on any particular model of sewing machine, you should firstly determine what for you are going to use it. And, in accordance with your requests, you can choose a device with suitable sewing capabilities. If you are a beginner or just about mending clothing, you don't need a computerized marvel. It would be enough to purchase an ordinary sewing machine that offers only several stitches. However, if you are a qualified tailor, it is doubtless that you need to opt for a heavy-duty multifunctional device. Professional sewing machines offer up to 25 built-in stitches for different types of fabrics and clothes. For example, some models feature stretch stitches that are perfect for sewing stretch and elastic fabrics and don't make them ravel. So, it is obvious that the more features a sewing machine has the more capabilities it provides. This also directly affects the price. Professional sewing machines are usually more costly than that with basic functionality.

The sewing speed which is measured at a number of stitches per minute will tell you how fast you'll be able to sew. Different models work at different velocities and their sewing speed usually varies from 200 to 1100 stitches per minute. Some sewing machines offer adjustable sewing speed so that a user can change it during the process. It is also preferable to choose a device that creates a wide variety of buttonhole styles, so you may attach a button of any form to your clothes. Sewing machines offer automatic, semi-automatic and manual buttonhole sewing types. An automatic type requires a one-step operation to create a buttonhole while a semi-automatic type works in a 4-step operation pattern and hence takes more time on sewing.

Type of Shuttle

You should also pay attention to a type of shuttle as it is one of the most important components in a sewing machine. A shuttle is engaged in the process of stitch forming. The most widespread type is a horizontal shuttle that features a top load drop-in bobbin system. This type is notable for a convenient bobbin placing due to a built-in shuttle. To start working you only need to do drop-in a bobbin and pull the thread through the slot. Sewing machines with a horizontal shuttle also feature a clear cover so that you can see when the thread is running low. A vertical oscillating hook offers a front load bobbin system and has a dismountable shuttle. So, to start using a machine, you firstly need to spool the thread on a bobbin and drop the bobbin into the shuttle. Secondly, you need to pull the thread through the slot and set the shuttle into a shuttle race. Sewing machines also differ in the type of fabric and thread they accept. Machines with a horizontal shuttle work more efficiently with fine threads while devices with a vertical oscillating hook accept threads of any thickness. It should be mentioned that vertical oscillating hook requires permanent lubricating to prolong the life span of a sewing machine.

Additional Features

The last but not least feature to consider is additional features that ensure comfortable and efficient working process. It is preferable to consider a machine with a twin needle setting, so you can make hemlines on your cloth without an overlock machine. With the reverse option, you can reinforce the stitch. Some sewing machines feature an automatic needle threader and a bobbin winder. These options are meant to simplify the working process. There are also machines that allow free-arm sewing if you need to tailor narrow items, for example, sleeves, cuffs, trousers. Sewing machines may also include different presser feet that also increase working efficiency. The quality of tailored clothes depends on a sewing machine adjustments either. Owing to adjustable stitch length and width, it's easy to trim your clothes. This also comes in useful when working with different types of fabric. Certain types of fabrics also request specific thread tension, therefore manufacturers offer both automatic and manual thread tension control. Although other sewing machines have a dial to adjust the tension manually. It is not the full list of options that sewing machines can offer, every model has its own peculiarities and benefits. But we do hope that our review will help you choose the right sewing machine for your specific needs.

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