The Best Sewing Machine for Advanced Sewers

The best sewing machine for advanced sewers is going to be different according to personal sewing habits and what type of sewing is being done. For this article, I did my best to find sewing machine models both online and offline to meet your needs!

*Disclaimer: The selections  for “The best sewing machine for advanced sewers” ARE NOT BASED UPON MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. My selections are based upon positive online reviews from PatternReview, Quiltingboard, Sewinginsight, and various YouTube channels.  I hope pulling these resources together will help you make the best decision for your needs. 

For those who spend many hours sewing and complete lots of sewing projects per year,

…skip the home sewing machine altogether and go straight to a single needle industrial lock stitch machine. Industrial machines go much faster than a general home sewing machines and provide more professional looking stitch quality.  In addition, industrial machines are made to last longer than general home sewing machines.

These positive qualities allow advanced sewing enthusiasts to zoom thru projects fast without worrying about their sewing machine giving up. Many advanced seamstress’s burn up several home sewing machines before they decide to buy an industrial, but you don’t have to. Here is the best sewing machine for advanced sewers looking in the industrial category.

Jack A4

Jack A4 is a direct drive machine, which means it uses gears rather than a belt. This results and quieter operation and just makes for a wonderful sewing machine. It also has semi-dry operation, which means oil is stored in a sealed pan and cycled thru your machine without you having use an oil can to moisturize specific areas. To see a full review on this machine, visit Sarah Classic Sewing.

Jack A4 is no longer being sold on the Jack website. However, there are a lot of other similar models available here. 

Here are three other  great contenders.

Jack A2

This is the more economic option from the Jack A2. It has fewer computerized functions, but is still a wonderful machine. To see a full review on this machine, visit SewingJulie. This model is also no longer sold on the site. However, there are a few other similar models available.

Juki DDL8700

Many who upgrade to industrial end up with starting out with this model or the computerized step above it. I see many of them for sale on my local Craigslist. Some site wanting to upgrade to an industrial with more features, but if your looking for an intro into industrial this would be a good machine for getting started. To see a review check out Gabby Weinkauf – ENG. 

Singer 20U/or Reliable 2200SZ

This kind of machine has been around for more than 20 years. This machine only made my lists because it does a straight and zig zag stitch, which is a must-have for garment makers. To see a full review on this machine, visit Anita Rivers Classic Royalty or see AtlasLevy Sewing Machine Company.

The biggest disadvantage to having an industrial is you just get one stitch.

But, this is not a huge problem because you can easily get an inexpensive sewing machine for doing zig zag stitches and/or button holes. I found a very nice  Kenmore sewing machine on Craigslist for $30. It’s not AMAZING, but it does have a 1 step button hole and some decorative stitches.

What if you don’t have space for an industrial?

Semi industrial is the next best option. In the semi industrial category, Juki 2000qi (the later Juki 2010q or Juki 2200 QVP) is the best option.

Juki 2000qi makes a beautiful stitch. It doesn’t go fast as the industrial machines, but it’s still speedy. Juki 2000qi is marketed as a sewing machine for quilters. However, you can make Juki 2000qi work for garment sewing if you have a serger for your knits. For finished hems or necklines, simply select the most stitches per inch and use maxi lock thread for the bobbin.

To make button holes with Juki 2000qi, use the  Greist buttonholer for high shank sewing machines (Style #10)  or set up a cheap machine for just doing buttonholes. I opt for the later option because its quicker to just have a machine set up for doing buttonholes. This way you don’t have to change presser feet in the middle of sewing! To see a full review, check out this video from Jean Truelove.

What if you just don’t have money for a Juki 2000qi? Go Vintage!

Get a Singer 201-2 or 201-3 sewing machine. -2 is has a gear driven motor, while -3 is a standard belt driven machine. Both models go fast and have superior stitch quality. You’ll still get the knee lift option, but you won’t be able to set the machine to slow, medium, or fast. You also won’t have an automatic needle threader or thread cutter. These minor details aren’t a big deal for those who are accustomed to using vintage machines. Interested in seeing a review on this beauty? Visit Vintage Sewing Machine Garage.

What if you looking for the best sewing machine for advanced sewers, but want and need more than a straight stitch?

Below, I have selected a few sewing machines that go fast and have multiple stitch options for the advanced sewing enthusiasts. Disclaimer: No multi stitch machine is going to have the longevity or durability of an industrial. There is just no comparison! However, there are advantages to having a multi-stitch machine. Hopefully, you will be able to find something to your liking.

Janome Skyline S5 

You can find more on this machine and others in the series at Sewing Insight. At the time of this article June 2023, we’ve gotten all the way up to the Skyline S9. *The newer versions are not available for purchase online and may costs more.

Juki kokochi DX-4000QVP

Right now, I am loving the Juki Kokochi DX-4000 because it is a lovely machine with some exciting features. The light is bright and customizable with multiple temperature and brightness settings. Plus, Kokochi even has a two part foot control . One side of the control is just for regular sewing, while the other side allows for hands free thread snipping. For more information about this model, check out my YouTube video here. 

Originally posted February 2020  & Last Updated February 2024

Other Helpful Articles:

#1 Buying Guide The Best Overlocker for Home Use

Brother SE625 Embroidery Machine: An Honest Review

Please comment, share, and subscribe to recieve updates!