There are a lot of people who are of the view that heavy-duty sewing machines would suffice the need for upholstery sewing machines when there is a specific machine specially designed for upholstery.
Even though the leather sewing machines can be used for upholstery, the specific machines have a lot of features that will be very useful for upholstery lovers.
In today’s guide, we will review the best sewing machine for upholstery. Before we could dig deep into the topic and start reviewing some of the best upholstery sewing machines available in the market, we’d love to let you have some insights about the topic and the features to stress on before buying a sewing machine.
Top 9 Best Upholstery Sewing Machine Comparison Table
| Image | Name | Weights | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine **Best Choice** | 14.5 Pounds | 15.5 x 6.25 x 12″ | Buy On Amazon |
 | Consew 206RB-5 Walking Foot Industrial Sewing Machine | 200 Pounds | 50 x 45 x 20″ | Buy On Amazon |
 | Juki DDL-8100 Economy Industrial Sewing Machine | — | — | Buy On Amazon |
 | SINGER | Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine **Editor’s Choice** | 7.14 Kilograms | 15.5 x 6.25 x 12″ | Buy On Amazon |
 | Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine **Best Overall** | 6.6 Kilograms | 7.87 x 16.1 x 12.21″ | Buy On Amazon |
 | Yamata Industrial Sewing Machine | — | — | Buy On Amazon |
 | SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine | 14.6 Pounds | 15.2 x 6.25 x 12″ | Buy On Amazon |
 | SINGER | ONE Vintage-Style Computerized Sewing Machine | 18.5 Pounds | 23 x 10 x 13″ | Buy On Amazon |
 | REX Portable Walking-Foot Sewing Machine | 37.3 Pounds | 18 x 10 x 0.1 ″ | Buy On Amazon |
We have done our research and listed below different types of upholstery sewing machines for you can buy today. We hope this list makes your decision a lot easier.
1. SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine – Overall Best
- SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The 23 built-in stitches including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches allow you to sew a variety of projects, such as fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER SEWING MACHINE: After following the threading path printed right on the machine, this built-in feature helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration
- HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE:The Singer 4423 Sewing Machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1, 100 stitches-per-minute, so projects can be sewn quickly. The 60% Stronger Motor provides greater piercing power for thick seams
If you are looking for a machine that would be a solid one, then this is the right choice for you. This is a high-speed machine that would suit all the basic needs of your medium to heavy-duty sewing needs. We know there are many questions that are arising in your minds. This review will give you all the answers to you in choosing the best upholstery sewing machine. We also have few other heavy duty sewing machines review in case if you need to check.
Though there are many updated versions of upholstery machines after this, this serves its purpose beautifully for beginners.
Materials it can sew
Singer 4423 is suitable for all kinds of fabric ranging from denim to canvas. It can definitely stitch upholstery vinyl if that’s the major purpose of your buying this machine. It can also stitch lighter fabrics. But this should be done with the change of needles. The choice of needles from the set that comes along with the machine should be sufficient for your stitching experience with this machine. However, needle for stitching stretchy fabrics alone might not be available.
How good is the stitches?
Working with stitches in this machine is the true charm. The ability of this machine to sew according to fabrics is just amazing. As we said before, the change of needles is required. It can provide quality stitches with both thick as well as thin and delicate materials.
This machine can stitch in 23 types which would include 6 basic stitches, 4 stretch type stitches, 1 buttonhole stitch, and 12 decorative stitches. Sounds great!
The machine also lets you change the width of the stitch that is being used here. Singer simple upholstery sewing machine needles perfectly works with longer stitch for thicker materials and shorter stitch for thinner materials.
There is a turn dial that assists in doing this. With just the turn of the dial, you can change the length from 0.5 mm to a width of 6 mm. this going to be great not only with the thickness of the fabric but also for people who want to be creative with your stitches too. The combination of long and short stitches can be a great idea of designs, specially, if you are stitching your curtains or doing a bit of embroidery or it could cover all the home decor needs of yours.
Usage
Now, if we have to answer your question for the ease of usage of this machine, then would say yes. The manual that comes along the machine would give you great insight if you are a first-time user and for people who are stitching regularly, this is going to be a breeze.
Features
But there are certain features that give a smooth experience.
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Foot control pedal
- Automatic reverse
- Snap-on presser feet
- On-board storage
- Free arm
- Foot lifter
- Needle position
- Adjustable stitch length
- Built-in LED
All the above features, make this best sewing machine for canvas and leather. The automatic needle threader allows you to thread the needle with a lot of ease. Eye strain is reduced to a greater extent. The bobbin is easy to remove and place it back. The foot pedal allows regulation of speed. This does not require high pressure from your side for high speed on the pedal which is a very sensitive pedal. It also has a storage compartment that you can store your required accessories in it handy. The free arm feature is an added advantage to reach all parts of the fabric for easy stitching. The foot lifter is very useful when you have multi-layers of fabric to be stitched.
2. Consew 206RB-5 – Best Sewing Machine for Auto Upholstery.
Highlighted Features:
- Maximum stitch length 10 mm.
- Straight stitch.
- Adjustable walking motion.
- Centralized arm lubrication.
206RB-5 by Consew is another good sewing machine for upholstery fabric which is also considered to be a very reliable product. This is a table mount machine with all the added features compared to its immediate predecessor. The first beauty of this machine is that it is a table mount. There are a lot of features added because of this.
With just a look of it, a sewer can find out that it is a tough, heavy, and big. This is the secret of the machine. The tougher it looks, its ability to face tough and challenging task is included.
Since it is an industrial upholstery sewing machine, it is suitable for repairing boats, furniture upholstery, and also automobiles. You can even stitch tents, tarpaulin, umbrellas, shoes, bags, purses, and many more. So those who are in the look of making a great start for your business, this is perhaps the right choice.
The machine comes with a separate bobbin winder, bobbin storage place, a ruler and a lamp. There is also a cone thread stand.
206RB-5 is capable of only making straight stitches. The reverse stitching lever enables you to change the stitch length. The maintenance of the system is also fast and easy.
Features like extra-long stitch length, giant bobbin, safety clutch, and centralized lubrication are added features. The extra-high presser foot is also a great feature.
It comes with a heavy-duty motor that is able to stitch materials like gunny bags, cloth bags even plastic bags. You can stitch light to moderately thick garments. It gives a stable and long-lasting performance which is designed safely with an insulated handle.
This lightweight best sewing machine for auto upholstery model is easy to operate. It is so easy that it can be worked even in one hand.
3. Juki DDL-8100 Economy Straight Stitch Industrial Sewing Machine.
Highlighted Features:
- Capable to sew 4500 stitches per minute.
- Auto lubricating.
- Full set of accessories.
- Powerful DC servo motor.
The Juki heavy duty sewing machine DDL-8100 economy was designed specially for industrial uses. This machine comes disassembled. Once you receive it, you have to assemble it. It comes with the sewing machine table.
There is a 550 watts energy saver and a DC servo motor. This motor is designed in such a fashion that this machine produces much noise. All machines produce noise, don’t they?
The features that come with this machine are it can make straight stitches only. Although reverse stitch is allowed. It is designed to stitch 4500 stitches in a minute roughly. How quick is that for you?
There is a clutch motor, built-in space for storage of accessories, on and off button, bobbin winder that is kept separately. You can also adjust the length of stitch using this machine.
This heavy duty industrial sewing machine model is a work horse that is designed for a single purpose alone. These machines can do that one stuff better than other machines. These machines don’t operate like the home sewing machines and hence these machines are best to be used by experienced people for it is easy to be used by them.
You will need added instruction set for the first-time users to thread the needle or for the use of bobbin. This machine works like very easy with just a press of a leg. These stitches so well, the quality of the stitches is simply neat and superb. It just gives perfect stitches.
DDL-8100 can stitch natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, etc. Even fine fabrics like silk and velvet can be stitched. Upholstery, fabrics like rayon, leather, fur etc. can also be stitched. It is not suitable for plastics or rubber. It cannot stitch in multiple layers as well. However, this is the best sewing machine for car upholstery.
4. Singer 4452 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine for Upholstery Fabric.
- SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 sewing machine boasts an array of features that make creating elegant garments and gifts for yourself and others fun and exciting. The Sewing machine with 32 built-in stitches includes 6 Basic, 7 Stretch, 18 Decorative Stitches and 1 Fully Automatic 1-step Buttonholes. A large variety of stitches for all types of sewing and perfect for crafts, home decor, clothing construction and much more
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER SEWING MACHINE: After following the threading path printed right on the machine, this built-in feature helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration, Machine Size - 15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches
- HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE: The Singer 4452 sewing machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches-per-minute, so projects can be sewn quickly. The 60% Stronger Motor than standard sewing machines allows it to sew through heavyweight fabrics with ease
Up next another heavy duty upholstery sewing machine is Singer 4452 which is designed to be the best heavy-duty machine for upholstery. 4452 has an automatic needle threader and hence you will have no eyestrain in threading the machine. It has a one-stop buttonhole and has a transparent cover for the bobbin which is easy to load.
There is a rotatory dial that can help you change stitches and there is also a feature to adjust the length and width of the stitches. You have a free arm that allows you to be able to stitch cuffs and sleeves.
This is the best heavy duty sewing machine for upholstery which has got the ability to stitch 32 types of stitches. You can make your choice of stitch according to your creativity and also the more the number of stitches, the more ways you get to decorate your fabric. It is very easy to select the type of stitch with the rotatory wheel. Just turn the wheel and you can select your desired type of stitch.
With the powerful motor, it can stitch through the multiple layers of materials. For a sewing machine to sew thick materials, this power is required. This machine also enables high-speed stitching at the rate of 1100 stitches per minute.
In order to reinforce your stitches, the machine comes with the automatic reverse feature.
5. Brother ST371HD Strong and Tough Sewing Machine for Upholstery.
- HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The Brother ST371HD is a strong, tough, and durable sewing machine designed to handle high volumes with precision
- VERSATILE, DURABLE & DEPENDABLE: The ST371HD can tackle a wide range of fabric thicknesses and weights, from denim to silk
- METAL NEEDLE PLATE: This sewing machine includes a metal needle plate, which protects the threading mechanism and improves thread pickup speed
ST371HD from the brother upholstery sewing machine who are very reliable supplier in the market today. They are known for their innovation and have always produced best in class machines and their accessories in home sewing and embroidery series.
Brother series is a tough sewing machine that is capable of handling multi-layers of fabric. And also suitable for all types of fabric. It has a metal needle plate so that it can able to withstand the pressure of the heavyweight needles.
Unlike the above-mentioned machine has 37 inbuilt types of stitches which feature provides versatility for the users. Apart from the various stitches that are available there is also a drop feed that lets you do free-motion sewing.
Selecting the type of stitch is completely easy with the knob that is in the side of the machine. Just a turn of the dial and you can choose from the type of stitch that you require.
The creation of button holes is just possible with one step. This feature can auto size your buttons according your button sizes. This machine is designed to sew heavy fabrics. Fabrics like canvas and leather can be sewed with ease. Not only heavy fabrics, it is also suitable for lightweight fabrics like silk.
The open arm feature and automatic threading system are added features that allow easy stitching of cuffs and collars. The 6 versatile feet helps to quickly interchange between the different feet like zipper, blind stitch, spring action zigzag. The machine can make only 800 stitches per minute.
6. Yamata FY-8700 Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine for Upholstery.
Highlighted Features:
- Full set of accessories.
- Can sew up to 5500 stitches per minute.
- Powerful servo motor.
- Straight Stitch only.
Another great choice for a combination of speed and quality for upholstery fabric sewing is FY-8700 by Yamata. This combo is also a rare one and the quality is something that everyone would prefer.
It is a versatile machine offering to sew both soft as well as hard fabric materials. The powerful ultra-high-speed servo motor with this machine can perform up to 5500 stitches in a minute. Even at this high speed, the machine produces very little noise.
FY-8700 is the best industrial sewing machine for auto upholstery that is portable and very user-friendly. Yamata FY-8700 comes with a rich set of accessories including thread stand bobbin, 10 extra needles, led lamp, table stand and more. Also, the instruction manual comes with it, so any doubt in using this machine can be clarified.
Sewing machines are not only for stitching, so FY-8700 has some great features to offer! This machine comes with an automatic lubrication facility that makes you have a strong desire towards this machine. The materials like tents or shoes or even any challenging fabrics shall be sewed using this with the help of the powerful clutch motor in it.
7. SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine for Upholstery.
- HEAVY DUTY METAL FRAME: Adds stability and provides long lasting durability
- SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES: A variety of accessories are included: all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper/lint brush, edge/quilting guide, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, and spool pin felt are all conveniently located and stored in the accessory tray. A soft-sided dust cover is also included in the packaging
- REVERSE STITCH SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER 4432 heavy duty sewing machine has a built-in reverse lever so you can sew in reverse and reinforce stitches
This machine is designed by singer to carryout heavy loads of work. It takes the slight edge over the other machines. This heavy duty sewing machine for canvas is a strong built machine which can sew all kinds of heavy fabrics as well.
It has a strong motor in order to be able to handle heavy fabrics. This makes it an efficient machine able to handle the work it has been assigned with. This is the reason for it to be the best sewing machine for upholstery. It has got 32 built in stitches in it.
The machine works fast and can stitch 1100 stitches per minute. This is less compared to the other machines in the market. The major plus of this machine is that it comes under a 25-year warranty period which is like a bonus for the customers.
This easy to operate sewing machine will suit the beginners well. All the settings and adjustments are easily understandable as well. Even though everything is easy with this machine, reading the user manual will be more helpful in case of any problem you might encounter.
Moving this machine is very easy as it weighs 14.2 pounds only and is also considered durable by many who have used this machine. The machine has 6 types of basic stitches, 18 kinds of decorative stitches, 1 button hole stitch and 7 stretch stitches. The stitch length and width can be adjusted like in other singer machines.
All these features of this machine are available to us at an affordable cost. This almost top end model comes at a lower cost and thus is the best choice.
8. SINGER ONE Vintage-Style and Stitch Sewing machine for Upholstery.
Highlighted Features:
- 24 built in stitches.
- Sewing speed 750 stitches per-minute.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Heavy duty metal frame with vintage looking.
Up-next computerized upholstery sewing machine is one vintage machine by singer. This one is suitable for beginners and even though experts will be able to enjoy the machine but they can only carry out basic things with this machine.
This singer upholstery machine is not capable of performing decorating or craft work projects. But vintage one can give an antique feel for its users. It has 24 built-in stitches and 2 buttonholes stitches. This machine can stitch at 750 stitches per minute.
The various stitches can be easily selected with the various types of stitches. It has smart threading system. That is how they call it. The machine comes with LED lights which are bright enough to lighten the surface of your stitching area.
Bobbin system of the machine is very simple. However, this machine is not suitable for heavy fabrics and not perfect to stitch multi layer of fabrics. The thin and regular fabrics are good to be used in this system but the heavy fabrics won’t be suitable and would tend to cause damage to the machine.
9. REX Portable Walking-Foot Industrial Sewing Machine for Upholstery.
Highlighted Features:
- Made of cast iron metal body.
- Multi layer of sewing is possible.
- Suitable for canvas, upholstery, leather materials.
Do you need sewing machine for thick fabric? RX-607 is the sewing machine for vinyl upholstery and leather made by Rex. Unlike from other portable walking foot sewing machine models this is most suitable for industrial needs and considered the best sewing machine for upholstery leather.
Rx-607 machine is sturdy and does not create any vibration. This machine is very mild and soft even stitching hard fabrics like leather and jeans. This is the main reason that the machine is suitable for home needs as well. It also requires stitching with a particular thread to attain the best results.
Even though we don’t have much information about this product, with the available specifications, this is the best walking foot sewing machine and a wonderful choice. The upholstery sewing machine walking foot pedal makes the usage effective.
How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine for Upholstery?
We have picked some of the best machines in the industry and served their reviews to you. One thing that you need to consider in these machines is their ability to stitch upholstery heavy fabrics and the speed which this can be done. However, these choices pertain to the choices of every individual need. One machine might be working perfectly for one and it might be a disaster for the other. This is not the fault of the machine or the manufacturer.
What type of sewing machine is best for upholstery?
Look out the various features in each machine. Compare them to your needs. Pick one that might work perfectly for you. You might be a person who is interested in designing your own clothes, for such types go for machines that offer a wide range of stitch types, a lightweight portable machine.
Look for a silent machine if you choose to use it for home purposes. The choice of needles, fabrics, features, pricing, popularity, customer support all play a great role in purchase of these products.
Never choose the wrong product and regret it later. This will not help in any kind and also for you to sell what you bought and replace it with a machine of your choice might be a tough call. So be prudent while choosing the right machine for you.
FAQ
What is the best auto upholstery sewing machine?
Can you use a regular sewing machine for upholstery?
Which sewing machine is best for thick fabrics?
What is the most reliable brand for upholstery sewing machine?
Final Thoughts
We hope by now you have a clear idea of the best sewing machine for upholstery and how to choose them. We review all the products considering the type of motor used, type of stitches available in each machine, number of stitches a machine can produce in a minute, and also a lot more. Check the pros and cons of each machine for your easy guidance.
Our reviews will help you to make the best choice and save your time and money to pursue your dream of sewing.
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