Mechanical sewing machines are known as basic sewing machines. These sewing machines are designed with some strong and simplified features. Some mechanical sewing machines come up with automatic and advanced settings.
It is better to make lists of your requirement. You can find the perfect sewing machine at the beginning. Most importantly, beginners need a sewing machine to learn and practice sewing.
So, you don’t need to invest a big amount in your first sewing machine. Though some people suggest buying a computerized sewing machine at the beginning, a mechanical sewing machine can be a good choice for beginners.
When choosing a mechanical sewing machine, you have to focus on a heavy-duty metal frame, body material, and robust motor. Thus, you will need more features like built-in stitches, needle threader, good stitch quality, drop feed, one-step buttonhole, free arm, needle positions, and stitch selector dial. A large workspace with LED lighting is also essential for beginners.
Besides, mechanical sewing machines are easy to set up and comfortable for use. As you are a beginner, you should choose a portable sewing machine. Many brands manufacture lightweight mechanical sewing machines for new sewers. Finding the right mechanical sewing machine can be tough for beginners. We read many reviews of mechanical sewing machines.
Here, we have listed the 5 best mechanical sewing machines.
Our Top 3 Recommendations – Mechanical Sewing Machine
“Following are the top three recommended products based on personal experience and customer feedback”
- Singer Classic 44S Heavy-Duty Mechanical Machine – (Best Overall)
- Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine – (Best Home Use)
- SINGER Mechanical MX60 Sewing Machine – (Best Budget)
Top 5 Best Mechanical Sewing Machines Reviews
1. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Mechanical
| Brand | Janome |
| Model | HD3000 |
| Weight | 18.7 Pounds |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimension | 10 x 19 x 15 inches |
| Color | White |
Janome manufactures some good mechanical sewing machines for beginners. The sewing machine provides exclusive features and heavy-duty mechanisms.
Key Features
In this sewing machine, you will get 18 stitches such as basic, utility, decorative stitches, and 1-step buttonholes. It comes up with a full rotary hook bobbin system and a reverse stitch button. For having professional sewing experience, it has a 5-piece feed dog capacity. Thus, you can sew different fabrics even with multiple layers.
The sewing machine includes an extra high-pressure foot lifter, foot pressure adjustment, and stitch selection dial, and push-pull bobbin winder. It has Snap-On presser feet like zig-zag foot, blind hem foot, rolled hem foot, and overedge foot. You will get a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute. This is made with a robust aluminum body and metal frame.
Janome HD3000 has 6.5 mm of maximum stitch width and 4mm of maximum stitch length. Besides, you can adjust the stitch length and width according to your requirement. It provides a solid motor, 6 needle positions, and topstitch quality. This sewing machine offers bobbins, needle packs, spool holders, hardcovers, and lint brushes.
Pros
- User friendly
- Heavy-duty
- Easy stitch selection
Cons
- Manual tension capacity
- Dim lighting
- Noisy
- Expensive
2. EverSewn Sparrow 15 Mechanical Sewing Machine
| Brand | EverSewn |
| Model | Sparrow 15 |
| Weight | 16.47 pounds |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimension | 18.1 x 13.7 x 9.4 inches |
Ever Sewn comes up with mechanical sewing machines with basic features. It is compatible with beginners and mid-level sewers.
Key Features
This sewing machine has an automatic bobbin winder, LED lighting, manual needle threader, and thread cutter. You can sew fashionable clothes, home décor items, and DIY craft products with the sewing machine. It has a heavy-duty metal frame that ensures the durability of the sewing machine. In sewing machine, it has free arm capacity and a metal bobbin casing.
The automatic needle threader helps you to work easier. However, this sewing machine includes a 150mm workspace and thread tension adjustment that support you to set up the thread tension. It has a maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute. With the reverse sewing lever, you can generate backward stitches.
EverSewn Sparrow 15 provides presser feet like button sewing foot, zipper foot, sliding buttonhole foot, and zig-zag foot. There are 32 built-in stitches such as 15 utility, 6 decorative, and quilting stitches. It includes spool caps, seam ripper, spool pin, lubricator, right seam guide, a set of needles, an L-shaped screwdriver, and a dust cover.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good for beginners
- Easy to learn
- Great customer support
Cons
- Not durable
3. SINGER MX60 Mechanical Sewing Machine
| Brand | SINGER |
| Model | MX60 |
| Weight | 12.23 pounds |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimension | 16.3 x 13.54 x 8.9 inches |
| Color | White |
For beginners, SINGER MX60 can be a suitable choice. Because this model is made with robust materials and simple features.
Key Features
When it comes to durability, SINGER offers various facilities in their sewing machine. It has 57 stitch applications and one-step buttonholes. This sewing machine provides LED lighting in the work area. Nevertheless, you can easily choose your favorite stitch from the stitch selector dial. To ease your trouble, it has the preset stitch length and width.
Furthermore, it is a lightweight sewing machine. You can carry the sewing machine to your sewing classes. The sewing machine offers 6 built-in stitches including basic, utility, and decorative stitches. Along with these features, it provides adjustable thread tension that supports you to make your work faster.
For a smooth sewing experience, it is covered with a heavy-duty metal frame. This sewing machine has a free arm, front-loading bobbin, twin needle feature, and good stitching techniques. Besides, it includes accessories like a power cord, spool pin felt, foot controller, pack of needles, bobbins, lint brush, darning plate, screwdriver, lint brush, and a quick start guide.
Pros
- Easier to use
- Good performance
- Portable
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- No manual
- Front-loading bobbin
- Poor stitch quality
- Tension issues
4. SINGER 1409 Mechanical Sewing Machine
| Brand | SINGER |
| Model | 1409 |
| Weight | 13.66 pounds |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimension | 9.06 x 16.54 x 14.17 inches |
| Color | White |
SINGER comes up with some exclusive basic sewing machines for new sewers. It is designed with sturdy materials and features. But they include only basic kinds of stuff in the sewing machine.
Key Features
This sewing machine provides 9 built-in stitches such as 6 utility stitches, 2 decorative stitches, and a 4-step buttonhole that you can choose from the stitch selector dial. It is a lightweight sewing machine. With the free arm feature, you can sew the cuffs, collars, and corners. The heavyweight frame gives you a smooth sewing experience.
It comes up with an extra-high presser foot lifter, twin needle spots for topstitching, an automatic reverse feature for increasing stitches, and an onboard thread cutter for trimming without scissors. This sewing machine offers an all-purpose foot, zipper foot, and button sewing foot. Besides, you can maintain your sewing machine without any help.
SINGER 1409 sewing machine can sew various kinds of fabric including canvas, cotton, satin, velvet, and multiple layers of fabrics. You will have accessories like 4 extra bobbins, a pack of needles, a quilting guide, a darning plate, a screwdriver, and a lint brush. The company provides 25 years limited warranty as well.
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- No automatic needle threader
5. Singer Classic 44S Heavy-Duty Mechanical
| Brand | SINGER |
| Model | Classic 44S |
| Weight | 17 Pounds |
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Gray |
| Dimension | 16.5 x 7.25 x 13.2 inches |
It is a budget-friendly sewing machine for beginners. You will be satisfied with the sewing machine.
Key Features
The sewing machine offers 23 built-in stitches like a basic, stretch, and decorative stitches. You can sew fashionable clothes, home decorations, curtains, cushions, and pillow covers. However, the drop feed helps you to work on quilting and fashion projects. It provides a top drop-in bobbin with a transparent cover that reduces the jammed bobbin.
SINGER Classic 44S has adjustable presser foot pressure that supports you to sew different kinds of fabrics light to heavy. You will find 3 needle positions, stainless steel bedplate, and a metal frame. All the features ensure good quality and facilities. With the included LED light in the workspace, you can easily work on long projects.
In the sewing machine, you will get an automatic needle threader that eases your hassle. The powerful motor guarantees its durability and long-lasting service. Thus, it has a maximum sewing speed of 1000 stitches per minute and better stitch quality. This sewing machine comes up with a compact box, accessories, tools, and storage space.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sturdy frame
- One-step buttonhole style
- Professional Finishing
- Pressure foot
- Heavy-duty
Cons
- Limited stitches
- No instruction manual
FAQ About Mechanical Sewing Machine
Are You Looking For Mechanical Sewing Machine? Here’s What You Need to Consider
Many people prefer to purchase a mechanical machine for their sewing needs over a computerized or electronic variant. There are lots of reasons behind their choice of this machine.
One of the common reasons is the price factor as these are much lesser than the others. Moreover, they are also easy to maintain and can last a long time with people who are into sewing.
The money spent on maintaining a mechanical machine is a lot lesser when compared to its variants. Oiling it regularly and keeping it clean would be adequate in most cases for these machines. Servicing it at regular intervals is also easier and does not require professional help.
However, once you have decided to purchase a machine-driven device for your sewing needs, you may have to consider a few things. We have tallied some of the prominent aspects you ought to look at before investing in one of these machines.
Ease of Operating
One of the aspects that you would have to notice is how you can operate the machine. Although a mechanical machine is simpler for your stitching, there are ones in the market that are a little complex.
Ideally, you would have to select a machine that matches your level of expertise. This would ensure that you can create pieces of excellence with fabric once you put them to use.
Weight and Budget
Sewing machines that are machine-driven are lighter in weight when compared to their variants like electronic or computerized. This is because they do not have a computer inside the machine.
Purchasing a machine that is light in weight can do wonders for you. However, you might not want to compromise on the machine parts that might not be in metal. Metal parts last longer than their plastic counterparts.
Keeping a budget separately for a mechanical sewing machine should also be of prominence. Purchasing one that is too costly may end up being a complex machine.
In the alternative, investing too little would mean that you purchase a machine with fragile plastic parts. You would ideally be able to hit the balance between the two.
Doing a Trial Run
Taking a fabric along with you while you go for a purchase may be a good idea. This would allow you to try the machine if possible and try some of the important patterns you wish to do on the mechanical machine.
In case you are purchasing it online, it would be a great idea to read reviews and testimonials before you do. It can give you an idea of how good the machine is for sewing with different fabrics and patterns.
Accessories and Compatibility
Usually, mechanical machines for sewing might not come with a lot of accessories. However, you might want to check if they are compatible with them to accommodate different accessories you can purchase from the market. This is one important thing that many people miss out on.
Purchase from a Local Manufacturer
Purchasing a mechanical machine will be a good idea if you do so from a local manufacturer. This is because your servicing and maintenance needs would be met with a good response if the machine is locally manufactured.
In the case of a product that is made by a foreign company, the chances are that you might not get the type of service and support that you expect.
Simplistic Features
Last but not least, of the aspects that you would have to look at is the features. The simpler the mechanical machine features, the easier it would be for you to operate and maintain.
It would also allow you to do different manual stitches with it than the more complex ones. Although it may increase your workload, it would give you a better finish to your completed stitching project.
Conclusion
Some experts and experienced sewers recommend purchasing a mechanical sewing machine for a beginner. As you know mechanical sewing machines are affordable and ensure a long-time warranty.
Though the features, built-in functions, and quality matter the most, you should consider your budget before buying a mechanical sewing machine. You don’t need to worry about durability if you choose a reliable brand of sewing machine.
For durability, there is a perfect brand like SINGER that produces excellent sewing machines since 1851. If you are looking for a long-lasting sewing machine, you can choose SINGER Classic 44S or SINGER MX60 mechanical sewing machine.
On the other hand, SINGER 1409 offers basic features for little sewers. If you want to buy a heavy-duty sewing machine, Janome HD3000 can be a good choice for you.
Ever Sewn Spring 15 is a good quality sewing machine with great stitch quality. You can also
pick this sewing machine for reliable customer service. After using any of the best mechanical sewing machines, you can upgrade your sewing machine if you want to take sewing as your professional career. Thus, you can choose from these sewing machines based on your requirement and budget.
MANY thanks for your review. Janome has the 3000 series and the 5000 series. Not a big difference in price once you commit to paying CDN600 bucks or so. I read that the 3000 series was developed for the school market; the 5000 series has some nice features, but I wanted your opinion on whether there are other differences in stitch quality, fabric handling (chiffon to suede/denim), etc.
Thanks again,
Yours,