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Best Sewing Machines Suitable for Denim and Jeans

If there is any material that separates the wheat from the chaff, the heavy-duty from the entry-level, it’s denim. If a sewing machine can deal with denim with ease, you already have upgraded your standards considerably.

Denim and jeans are almost interchangeable but what is denim exactly?

It turns out, it’s a mere cotton, but weaved in such a pattern as to form an extremely sturdy fabric, suitable for all kinds of hands-on work. The name ‘denim’ was derived from a particularly robust fabric in the French town Nimes, de Nimes, so we ended up with ‘denim’.

Initially, garments made from denim fabric were targeted to workers, as durable and cheap clothing, but now you can find denim jeans as expensive as a classy business suit.

Although more durable than most clothing, it still can be damaged or ripped. This is where a good sewing machine comes into play. Whether you want to patch denim jackets or jeans, making them as good as new, or if you want to create completely new designs, you will want to choose carefully which sewing machine to pick for the job.

In this buying guide and in the in-depth reviews, we sift through six models in order to find the one that is most suitable sewing machine for heavy fabrics.

We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Some of the links may be affiliate in nature meaning we earn a small commission if an item is purchased. Read my full disclosure here

My Recommended Sewing Machines for Denim in 2019-2020:

Janome DC1050

Japanese companies are lauded for their striving to deliver reliable products that just work, and Janome is no exception. You will find Janome sewing machines to be on the upper end of price, but they are almost always well worth it.

Janome DC1050 is a fully computerized, professional sewing machine, thanks to the array of following features:

• 50 built-in stitches
• 3 style, 1-step buttonholes
• Memorized needle positioning
• Adjustment for speed with a control slide
• Included pack of 12 needles
• Seam foot presser
• Free arm

It is exceptionally sturdy, stable, precise, and most importantly of all – easy to use thanks to its powerful motor. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter any jams. Furthermore, it makes working with it a pleasure since its noise output is well-muffled.

Its full computerization means that you get to enjoy precision and convenience in equal measure: automatic needle threading, automatic tension control, automatic buttonhole sewing, and automatic thread cutting. All of this is controlled via the intuitive and large backlit LCD display, while the right side is entirely covered with 50 stitch diagrams.

These symbols have been standardized, so if you already have any experience working with sewing machines, you will be familiar with what kind of symbol denotes what kind of use scenario.

However, the most prominent feature of this heavy-duty sewing machine is its emphasis on auto-precision. With the automatic tension control, the needle position is ever adjusted in micro-increments no matter the type of the fabric you are working with. You will always be able to perform top-notch stitching.

Via the LCD screen you will be able to cycle through the whole range of 50 stitches, while also adjusting the width and length of stitching.

The flexible foot presser is another feature worth of note. It will be a great help in preventing the fabric from stretching and puckering, in conjunction with the removable free arm.

Overall, Janome DC1050 is a highly precise, smooth-operating sewing workhorse capable of completing any sewing work you challenge yourself with: embroidery, quilting, decorations, alterations, and garment crafting. It’s well worth the price considering Janome’s excellent reputation and a 25-year limited warranty.

Toyota Super Jeans J15

Also Japanese, but this time all-black, Super Jeans J15 tells you everything you need to know right in its naming scheme.

The special feature that makes it stand out and ‘super’ is its ability to sew through multiple layers of denim!

In fact, you can subject it to 3 – 12 layers of denim. In particular, 12 layers of soft denim, and 9 layers of hard denim. Can you just imagine the combos you will be able to make?

Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to restrict yourself to just denim layer. You can do equally well with neoprene layers too.

Furthermore, this ability is made easy with the help of the included gliding foot. As for more general features, it doesn’t disappoint:

• 15 in-built stitches, of which you can choose: blind hem, decorative, utility, overlock, stretch, applique, triple reinforced zigzag, 4-way smocking, and a 4-step buttonhole.
• Foot pressers: gliding, zipper, overcast, zigzag, blind hem, and buttonhole
• 5 needles (standard, jeans,ballpoint)
• Bobbins
• Soft cover
• Screwdriver
• Free arm for help with collars, pants legs, and cuffs
• Spool pin and cap
• Several guides and instruction manual covering specific sewing work, very helpful!

Unfortunately, as you might have noticed from the 4-step buttonhole and a lack of LCD screen (dial instead), it is not a fully computerized sewing machine, but it does have an automatic needle threader which every sewer much appreciates as it alleviates eye strain and frustration.

Also, one of the misfortunes of a non-computerized sewing machine is that you have to think about the little things. For example, there is no automatic needle up, so you need to bring it up manually every time you stop the machine. Not too much of a hassle, and it can become ‘automatic’ once you establish the working relationship with the machine.

With the top dial you can change the stitch length for the first 15 stitch patterns, between 0 – 4mm.

Lastly, the lighting is surprisingly last-gen as it has a hot, incandescent light bulb instead of the much more comfortable and cooler LED lighting. Of course, you can always opt to change it.

To conclude, its special multi-layer feature not constrained to denim, makes it well worth considering. In fact, it also features in our best upholstery sewing machine roundup!

 

You can always count on Brother to have overflowing features at twice less the cost. It’s a mystery how they manage it:

• 110 built-in stitches; decorative, quilting, and everything in between.
• Fully computerized/automatic: needle threader, buttonhole, tension, thread cutter
• 8 styles, 1-step buttonhole sewing
• Included extension table with hard case
• Large backlit LCD screen
• 8 presser feet: buttonhole, zigzag, button, zipper, overcast, blind, quilting, monogram (55 stitches)
• Free arm
• Cleaning brush, seam ripper, and other standard fare accessories

Brother XR9500PRW didn’t get the enviable ‘Amazon’s Choice’ label for no reason. In conjunction with the price and its epic stitch range and full computerization, it is a must-buy for beginners. The included DVD is especially useful if you are just starting out.

Yes, it is technically for advanced users as well, but the automatic features make it a very smooth sewing experience across the board.

Additionally, it is indeed an outstanding heavy duty sewing machine for hemming jeans, linings, straps, bags, and everything else you can think of.

Among the automation features that make your sewing flow easy-going, are the automatic bobbin wind and the precise electronic speed control that befits a sewing machine that is fully computerized.

It truly is amazing how they managed to pull off such a complete package for such a moderate price tag.

‘Amazon’s Choice’ well deserved indeed!

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Singer 4423 Heavy Duty

The cheapest of the bunch, due to not being computerized, but it does have almost an entire spectrum of automatic functions, foremost of them the ever so appreciated automatic needle threader. Nonetheless, the new and improved motor lends itself to some heavy duty denim hemming. The speed says it all:

• 1100 SPM (stitches per minute) that makes hemming denim more manageable
• 23 built-in stitches; essential, decorative, and stretch varieties
• Non-computerized but largely automatic: needle threading, 1-step buttonhole, tension control via pressure foot, bobbin wind clutch.

Beside the impressive maximum sewing speed, the heavy duty moniker also extends to its formidable stainless steel build, both for frame and bedplate. However, the total weight doesn’t exceed 14.5 lbs, so it is still a moderately compact machine.

The above average speed indicates that it is indeed an industrial denim sewing machine, despite lacking in the stitch range and not having an automatic thread cutter.

You can switch to free motion sewing facilitated by the drop feed, giving you enough leeway for top-notch top-stitching.

Despite the low price, you won’t encounter any disruptions like skipping, jamming or jerking. The internal heavy duty steel frame, as well as the steel bedplate, make sure of that. Overall, you get a very smooth sewing experience.

Most importantly, it is capable of sewing through multi-layered fabrics done via the extra-high pressure foot. And the included free arm will help with the tight holes like sleeves and collars.

Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that you would expect from Brother or Janome, this is one powerful, cheap sewing machine. That combo alone makes it irresistible!

Janome HD3000

When you find yourself with an expensive machine like Janome HD3000, one that offers merely 18 stitching types, you know that you have entered a heavy duty, specialized territory.

Yes, for 3 times less the cost you will find sewing machines that have 100 stitches and are fully computerized. However, you should ask yourself if it is capable to perform heavy work.

All the stitch types in the world will become useless, if it is not powerful enough for a simple jeans patching job. And this one is! It is our top overall pick for the best leather sewing machine you can buy!

Additionally, just because it is not fully computerized and has a dial instead of a flashy LCD screen, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have plentiful features of convenience:

• Automatic push-pull bobbin winding, saves you a lot of time in addition to being jam-proof.
• Automatic needle threading and automatic 1-step buttonhole sewing, 1 style.
• Foot pressure control, for when you are sewing multiple layers of tough, thick denim fabric.
• Reverse lever, for backing up the stitching.

In fact, the only thing that separates it from a fully computerized machine is the omission of automatic tension control. On the other hand, if you are an experienced sewer, your need for it would be significantly lessened.

With that price, it would be a mistake to not include proper accessories, so you will be glad that Janome didn’t make it as it comes with an extension table perfect for big sewing projects.

As for its build quality, it’s simply outstanding. The all-white color may be misleading you to think it’s plasticky, but fear not; it’s all-aluminum.

Furthermore, with all that power and staunch build, it runs exceptionally smooth. No frustrating noise to speak of, which is quite an accomplishment.

In short, Janome HD3000 is a testament to the fact that just looking at a list of features can be extremely misleading, as once you experience it in action, you wonder how could you have even doubted its sewing prowess.

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SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

A true industrial jeans sewing machine, with a price that goes along with it, the Quantum Stylist 9960 has indeed a quantum-level features:

• An astonishing 600 built-in stitches, and you thought that 100 was already overwhelming!
• Fully automatic: needle threading, cutting, buttonhole, auto-pilot, tension control
• 850 SPM (stitches per minute)
• 19 resser feet: zipper, all-purpose, button, buttonhole, satin, overcast, cording, rolled hem, open toe, straight, even, bias binder, fancy trim, single welt cording, stitch-in-the-ditch, quilting, darning, embroidery, braiding
• 13 buttonhole styles, 1-step (automatic)
• Extendable table with a ruler
• Transparent top drop-in bobbin, so you can tell exactly how much you have left for the project
• Start/Stop button
• Speed slider
• Lid (when opened, you can view the 600-stitch chart)
• Large LCD screen for viewing stitches, length and width adjustment, errors, and a Digital Information Advisor, which can be very useful if you explore it to its full potential.
• Free arm
• LED lighting, 2 settings for brightness
• Slightly over 20 pounds weight, definitely not a portable sewing machine

As you can surmise, Stylist 9960 is designed for the pickiest and experienced sewers who want to have a huge array of options, suitable to complete any project with outmost precision and efficiency.

For example, you can either use the electronic auto pilot or you may want to use the foot control for the same function. It will take you awhile to customize it just the way you like it, but that brings even more excitement!

Of course, all of this can be overwhelming for beginners, but at the same time you will find it exceedingly easy to use if you know exactly what you want. Furthermore, its full computerization features means that you will always produce professional-level work, at least at a technical level – perfectly straight stitches every single time!

As for its capacity to deal with heavy fabrics, you will have no trouble stitching through thick leather or denim, but multiple layers may be another matter. If that will be your common use scenario, you may find the Toyota Super Jeans J34 to be a better option.

Buying guide – choosing the best sewing machines for denim

While there are many fabrics that are tricky or difficult to sew, thick and bulky fabrics like denim are among the most problematic. Will my machine sew through all denim layers? While most basic home sewing machines are able to handle hemming a pair of jeans or penetrate light weight denim if you do it slow and use the right needle and thread.. However, for sewing thicker, bulkier fabrics or multiple layers, your home machine won’t cut it.

Two, four, eight.. even 12 layers.

Fear not, we will help you buy the best sewing machine for denim to ensure successful heavy duty stitching without hassle and anxiety!

There are two absolute must-have features:

• Powerful motor – most beginner machines are slow, have plastic parts and weak. On the other hand, heavy duty machines for denim have faster stitching speeds and strong, powerful motors that won’t wear quickly with regular use. They penetrate through these difficult fabrics with ultimate ease
• Extra high presser foot lift is needed to accommodate multiple layers of thick denim fabric. Jeans material is on the heavier materials list, so for sewing multiple layers having an extra high-pressure foot is essential. Don’t know whether you sewing machine for jeans has it? You can easily asses this by manually lifting the presser foot lift lever and holding it in the highest position. This feature is really useful for sewing through thick fabrics or bulky projects like hemming jeans or working on a quilt sandwich.

Optional (good -to-have) features:

• Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure – if you find out that the fabric isn’t moving smoothly under the presser foot when sewing thick fabrics, one thing that will definitely help is to decrease the presser foot pressure
• https://weallsew.com/will-it-sew-layers/
• Levelling button (this adjusts the presser foot according to the thickness of the fabric. It is not a must have as most machines don’t have it, and one can totally use a scrap of fabric behind the presser foot to get it started without problems or buy a height compensation tool
• Straight stitch plate – it makes sure that the fabric won’t get jammed under the stitch plate and offers an extra level of stability and security to the stitching. It will also help with sewing delicate fabrics!

FAQ:

• Do you need a special sewing machine for denim?

Yes, if you intend to do it regularly or need to work on multiple layers of denim. The denim sewing machines on this list are all heavy duty, have strong enough motors and will work through multiple layers of denim with ease. One of the machines can work on 12 layers of denim! Talk about versatility.

• Can all sewing machines sew denim?

Yes and no. Most sewing machines won’t have a problem to sew through couple of middle weight denim layers as long as you don’t attempt to sew through multiple layers like bulk seams. Just make sure you go slow in order not to skip stitches or break your needle. When you reach a seam, manually work the wheel to sew through the thicker section. Also, if you intend to sew denim on a regular home machine, I highly recommend using a walking foot attachment – it will help evenly feed both top and the bottom layers and will save you a lot of pulling and frustration. It is great, if your fabric needs extra help to move smoothly under the presser foot.

Additional Equipment and Tips for working with a sewing machine for jeans

Getting the right sewing machine for denim that enables you to easily work with this thicky fabric is just one part of the equation. You will also need to use proper needles and threads for denim in order to puncture through such thickly-weaved cotton fabric.

NEEDLES:

Fortunately, you will find such needles properly labeled as either jeans or denim needles. However, you should still make a difference between the light and heavy denim. For the former, use smaller 90/14 needles, and for the latter, use bigger 100/16 – 100/18 needles.

THREADS:

As for the threads for denim, use thread that is heavier for topstitching seams (which are necessary to reinforce seams for such heavyweight fabric), and the regular one for other seams. Additionally, if the denim is really thick, adjust your sewing length to 3mm.

How to sew denim – extra advice:

Furthermore, apply some extra advice that will make it easier to work with denim:

• Make denim more malleable for topstitching by exposing it to heat. Use your iron at its highest setting and exert plenty of pressure to get it ready.
• Don’t forget about peppering your denim design with plenty of support in the form of metal zippers, rivets, and heavy duty snaps. After all, that’s what makes denim clothing so sturdy in addition to the fabric itself.
• Pick the right denim for the job; heavy denim for pants and jackets, and lighter, thinner one for shirts, skirts, and other more comfortable clothing.
• In addition to using heat from your iron, try using a clapper to keep constant pressure. It is important to keep the material flat in order to alleviate the accumulation of errors. Hemming denim jeans can turn tricky if you don’t follow the advice in our How to sew denim article
• Keep a lookout on grainlines so that you have properly aligned stitching, either crosswise or lengthwise.
• In addition to using metallic closures, sturdiness of denim clothing is greatly helped by the finishing seam; Hong Kong, flat-felled, mock flat-felled. Depending on the alignment you should combine them as well.

Conclusion

Hone in on what you want to accomplish and you will come to the right answer.

• Do you want to work with thick fabric but don’t want to compromise on all the other bells and whistles for all other kind of work? Get the best overall – Janome DC1050
• Will you work with multiple layers of thick fabrics? Like 8 or 12 layers? Then Toyota Super Jeans J15 is for you
• Do you want a very cheap sewing machine that does an excellent job at denim and leather work, but doesn’t offer many features of convenience and versatility? Singer 4423 is the right for you!

Each of the answers to those questions is covered by one of the sewing machines listed here. All you have to do is commit to the decision, but no matter what you end up deciding, all of them are already in an elite league of sewing machines.