The Best Industrial Sewing Machines of 2023
Below, you’ll find our reviews of the top four commercial sewing machines on the market this year.
Let’s get into it!
Our Top List
Last update on 2023-03-24 at 01:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Juki DDL-8700-Servo
The Juki 8700 is a great option to consider whether you’re looking for something for heavy use at home or at a business. It boasts an impressive speed of up to 5,500 stitches each minute. This allows you to power through all the tasks and projects you have lined up.
While this is an industrial machine, it is designed to be easy-to-use and allows sewists of all skill levels to achieve great results. Many customers have shared that the servo motor included with this machine provides optimal speed regulation, giving them complete control over the items they are sewing. The servo motor brings along other benefits including being lightweight, consuming less energy, and providing a consistent sewing speed.
You’ll be impressed with how this machine can sew through different types of fabrics with ease. It is designed to respond flexibly to all sorts of fabrics, providing you with an enjoyable sewing experience. To provide you plenty of space to sew larger items, this option leaves plenty of room between the arm and the needle for the fabric you’re working with.
Features
- 5,500 stitches per minute
- 5-millimeter maximum stitch lengths
- Automatic lubrication
- Weighs 30 pounds
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Lightweight
- User-friendly operation
- Flexible response to different fabric types
- Can sew up to 5,500 stitches per minute
Cons
- May vibrate if not properly situated
2. Consew 206RB-5
The Consew RB-5 is designed to sew even the thickest materials. This product can be used with upholstery, tens, awnings, luggage, canvas shoes, vinyl, and just about anything else.
The machine features a triple feed function (walking foot compound feed). It also has a high foot lift of 14 millimeters.
This machine has a large bobbin that you can change without having to move the item you’re sewing. It is also capable to sewing very long stitches, at 2.5 stitches per inch (about 10-milimeter stitches). You can adjust the reverse stitching feature to make it the same length as what you have the forward stitching set to.
The centralized lubrication system is designed to help you stay on top of the maintenance for this product. It also features a reservoir-oiled hook that has a micrometric control valve.
Your purchase of this product also includes a table and servo motor. Once your product arrives, you’ll be able to get right to work sewing.
Features
- 3,300 stitches per minute
- 10-millimeter stitch length
- 14-millimeter foot lift
- Walking motion height is adjustable
- 90-day limited warranty on labor
Pros
- Can sew through very thick and bulky materials
- Reverse stitching feature allows you to adjust the length of the stitches
- Centralized lubrication system to help with maintenance
Cons
- Not as portable as some other options
3. JUKI MO-6714S Industrial 4-Thread Sewing Machine
With the JUKI 6714S sewing machine, you’ll be able to quickly complete a wide variety of sewing tasks. This machine is capable of sewing up to 7,000 stitches per minute, which is more than you’ll find with most other similar products. It can sew stitches between .8 millimeters and 4 millimeters.
For as quickly as this machine sews, you’ll be impressed with how quietly it operates. The machine is specially designed to reduce noise, helping you focus on your sewing task at hand. The area around the needle is designed to be very wide to provide plenty of space for the fabric you are working with.
You can sew a variety of fabric types with ease using this product. It is designed to be responsive to different fabric weights and adjust the tension accordingly. To help it meet this goal, it features a needle-thread take-up mechanism and a looper thread take-up mechanism.
If you currently have another JUKI machine, all of the gauges and additional devices you have are also compatible with this product. This can help you save money and reduce how many additional products you’ll need to purchase.
Features
- 7,000 stitches per minute
- Stitch length between .8 millimeters and 4 millimeters
- Noise-reducing technology
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Responds flexibility to different material types
- Able to sew up to 7,000 stitches per minute
- Works with other JUKI gauges and devices
Cons
- Quite pricey
4. Yamata Industrial Sewing Machine FY-8700
If you’re on a bit of a budget but still want to find a quality machine, consider the Yamata FY-8700. This is another high-speed option that is able to sew up to 5,500 stitches per minute. Even when it is sewing at a very high speed, this machine is still able to operate quietly thanks to the noise-decreasing technology added by the manufacturer.
You’ll be able to easily sew different types of fabric, ranging from thin and delicate to thicker, industrial fabrics. The machine features a 13-millimeter foot lift to help you work with some of those thicker fabrics.
This product also has an automatic lubrication feature. With the automatic lubrication, you won’t need to worry about the machine getting too dried up and ruined, which can save you a lot in maintenance and replacement costs.
When you purchase this product, you’ll also receive a sewing machine table and a ½-horse power clutch motor. The table measures 48 inches by 20 inches. A bobbin winder, thread stand, oil pan/knee lifter, and 10 extra needles are also included with the machine.
Features
- 5,500 stitches per minute
- 5-millimeter stitch length
- Automatic lubrication
- 6-month warranty on head
- 1-year limited warranty on motor
Pros
- Operates quietly
- Able to sew up to 5,500 stitches each minute
- Sewing machine table and clutch motor included with purchase
Cons
- Assembly may be a challenge for some
Verdict & Review
- Lightweight
- User-friendly operation
- Flexible response to different fabric types
- Can sew up to 5,500 stitches per minute
- May vibrate if not properly situated
This is a reliable, fast, and versatile machine that can help you accomplish all of your sewing goals. Able to sew up to 5,500 stitches per minute, the machine will be the perfect addition for businesses and heavy-use at home.
You won't have any trouble sewing just about any fabric. The manufacturer designed this product to respond flexibly to different fabric types. It also offers provides a generous amount of space between the needle and the arm to make sure your fabric has plenty of space to pull through easily.
Another thing to love about this product is the servo motor. Compared to the clutch motors you'll find in many other machines, a servo motor provides you with more control when you are sewing.
Buying Guide
An industrial sewing machine is a necessary purchase if you use your machine very frequently or have a need to sew through thicker fabric types. Finding the right product can help ensure you’re able to easily accomplish all the tasks you need without experiencing any troubles or setbacks.
Each industrial machine is different; they offer different features and benefits. Before you make a purchase, you should consider these various features and prioritize which ones you definitely want to see in the product you purchase.
Read through our buying guide below to learn more about the different features that are available with industrial machines so you can select the best product for you.
Do I really need an industrial sewing machine?
There are a number of benefits you’ll enjoy when you purchase an industrial machine over a regular or small machine. If you’re on the fence about whether you should get one, the answer is probably yes.
Commercial sewing machines are better equipped to sew through thicker and heavier fabrics than machines designed for standard home use. If you plan to make anything out of heavy canvas, vinyl, or upholstery, then you’ll almost certainly need an industrial model.
These products can also sew more stitches per minute than standard machines. Whereas most home sewing machines top out around 1,000 (or fewer) stitches each minute, industrial models are capable of sewing 5,000 or more stitches per minute. When you’re trying to quickly produce a large quantity of products for sale, this faster speed will be invaluable.
Another reason you may need an industrial machine is if you sew a lot. Home machines are not designed to be used as frequently as industrial options, and you are risking blowing out your motor and ruining your machine if you use it too much. With an industrial product, you can sew all day and not worry about overusing it.
Sewing Speed
All industrial models are designed to sew quickly, but you’ll still find some differences between the speeds of different models. Most models can sew somewhere between 3,000 and 7,000 stitches each minute. Use this information to help you select an efficient machine that can keep up with your product needs.
Stitch Length
You should also pay attention to the maximum stitch length for the different products you’re considering. Especially if you’ll be sewing heavier-weight fabrics, you’ll want a machine that is capable of sewing longer stitches, which still being able to sew shorter ones for other fabric types and needs.
Flexibility with Different Fabric Types
A key feature to look for before purchasing a machine is how flexible it is with different fabric types. You want to purchase a product that can sew through both thick and more delicate materials with ease and precision. Read up about each model you’re thinking about purchasing and make sure it will be able to handle a variety of fabrics such as canvas, upholstery, vinyl, leather, and more.
Presser Foot Height
The presser foot height setting options impact the types/thicknesses of the fabrics you can sew. You need to be able to adjust the presser foot to be at least as high as the fabric is thick, so be sure to take this into consideration when you’re looking for a machine.
Motor
Industrial machines either have a clutch motor or a servo motor. Learning a little about each motor type can help you decide which option you’d like to see in the machine you select.
Servo motors are often a better option for beginners, since they’ll provide you with a little more control over what you’re sewing. With this motor type, you’ll be able to set your desired speed and the motor will stick to that speed. This can prevent common mistakes if you accidentally press too hard on the pedal.
Clutch motors are noisier than servo motors. However, they’re often the preferred choice of people who need to sew through heavy-duty fabrics.
Maintenance and Lubrication
Finding a self-lubricating machine is a good idea. If an industrial sewing machine is not properly lubricated, it won’t work correctly and could become damaged. With a self-lubricating machine, you’ll take the additional task of remembering to lubricate your machine off of your plate and won’t have to worry about damage to your machine.
Power Consumed
If you weren’t already aware, be prepared for the industrial machine you purchase to use a lot more power than a standard home sewing machine. If you’re purchasing a product for your home and want to prevent seeing sky-high electric bills, you’ll definitely want to compare the power consumed by the different models.
Noise
The noise produced by each machine is another factor to consider. Unless the manufacturer has included some type of noise-cancelling technology, be prepared for the machine you purchase to be quite loud when it is operating. If you are looking for a product to use in your home, you’ll likely want to look for one that includes some sort of noise-cancelling technology.
Size and Weight
Be sure to pay attention to the size and weight of the different industrial models you’re considering. Many industrial sewing machines are quite large and heavy, so you’ll want to confirm that you’ll be able to fit it in the space you want. If you’re looking for a machine that you’ll be able to transport easily between two locations, you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to how heavy each option is.
Price
When you start looking at different machines, you’ll notice that there is quite a bit of a range in the cost of different options. Keep price in mind as you are making your decision, but make sure you are also guided by the other features that are important to you. You don’t want to purchase a product solely because it costs less only to find that it doesn’t operate how you’d like it to or isn’t well-suited for the types of tasks you need to complete.
Warranties and Guarantees
An industrial machine is going to be an investment. Doing what you can to protect that investment by finding a product that comes with warranties or guarantees from the manufacturer can provide you with some peace of mind that you made a good decision. Look to see what, if any, warranties are offered by the manufacturers of the different options you’re thinking about and use this information to help you make a decision.
FAQ
Industrial machines are capable of a lot and can handle a much wider variety of tasks that machines designed for home use. Below are some of the things you can do with an industrial machine:
- Sew heavier duty fabrics
- Wind a bobbin while sewing
- Sew up to 7,000 stitches per minute
- Control stitch speed
- Sew through multiple layers of batting and fabric
Yes, industrial sewing machines can be used for quilting. Before trying to make a quilt, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to learn how to use the machine and get comfortable adjusting the speed. You’ll likely find the higher speeds beneficial when you are finishing up your quilt and sewing the larger pieces of fabric together.
Before threading your machine, you should consult with your user’s manual, as the process for each machine may be different. There are a few basic steps that should be pretty universal between different machines, though.
First, wind the bobbin and put it in the bobbin case. Next, you should take four inches of thread, place it on the machine’s hook, and feed it through the eyelet bar. Then, guide the thread through the holes, around the tension discs, and through the need.
Replacing a needle in an industrial sewing machine is relatively quick and easy. Below are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Raise the needle bar to the highest position
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw on the side of the needle bar (turn it counter-clockwise).
- Pull the old needle out of the needle bar and discard it.
- Take out a new needle. It is designed to go into the bar in one way. You should see a long groove on one side of the needle and a small cutout on the other side. The long groove should face the left, and the cutout should face the right when you place it in the needle bar.
- Insert the needle all the way into the needle bar.
- Look through the hole in the needle bar to confirm it is all the way up.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten (but not overtighten) the screw in the needle bar to hold the needle in place.
While industrial machines offer a lot of benefits, there are a few downsides you’ll want to consider as well.
One problem with these machines is that they can be very heavy. This makes them much less portable and more difficult to move than a standard machine. If you aren’t planning on moving your machine around, this may not matter as much, but if you want to be able to bring it with you to different places, it will be a challenge.
Also, since an industrial machine’s motor is mounted separately and is not contained within the machine, you really can’t move it from place to place, without taking your whole table with you.
Another disadvantage is how loud these machines are. Since they have a much larger motor than home-use machines, they make a lot more noise. Even with noise-cancelling technology, you still may notice how loud these options are.
Industrial machines are designed to be very efficient at a very limited number of tasks. They are meant to be used to perform the same task time and time again. This feature is what allows them to sew so quickly.
However, there is a downside to this as well. Industrial machines do not offer as many features and functions as standard machines do. You won’t be able to do sew as many stitch types or use as many different needle types.
You may also find that threading an industrial machine is more challenging. They don’t have an automatic threading system like most home machines. Be prepared to spend some time learning to thread your machine.
Finally, industrial options do not have a free arm. Free arms are very helpful when sewing sleeves, pant legs, and other tube-like shapes.
While it may seem like there are a fair number of disadvantages to industrial sewing machines, it is important to also remember all the benefits they offer. In many cases, you’ll just want to have a second machine designed for home use that can help you take care of some of the projects your industrial machine is not as suited for.
Yes, industrial machines need to be oiled regularly. This is an important part of caring for and maintaining your machine and will help it continue to function properly.
Some industrial machines are self-lubricating. These models are designed to oil themselves and will require less maintenance than other models. Even if you purchase a self-lubricating model, you’ll still want to consult with your user’s manual to see if there is any other regular maintenance that needs to be performed to keep the machine operating as it is designed to.
I’m a true sewing enthusiast and have spent almost the entirety of my adult life practicing this age old art. Sewing genuinely has a special place in my heart and I’m glad to be able to share all of my experiences with each of you.