The 4 Best Sewing Machines for Your Online Apparel Business

At some point in every craftsperson's life, they're likely to hear the words, "This looks so good, you should sell these!" If someone has said this about the clothes you've made, it may be time to consider starting an online apparel business.

As all great sewers know, no home apparel business is complete without a great sewing machine. In this article, we'll explain what you need to look for in a sewing machine for clothes making, and share four of the best sewing machines for starting an online apparel business.

What to Look for in a Sewing Machine for Making Clothes

Not all sewing machines have the same specialties. Some excel at quilting, while others make quick work of complex embroidery designs. Whether you are making children's clothes, men's clothes, costumes or accessories, when shopping for a sewing machine that specializes in clothing work, you'll want to make sure that it has some or all of the following features.

• One-step buttonhole : A one-step buttonhole will help save you time compared to a more complex four-step buttonhole. Machines with this feature tend to be slightly more expensive, but the expense is well worth it if you plan to regularly sew clothes that require buttons.
• Overclocker: An overclocker (sometimes called a serger) is a sewing machine feature that makes it easier to finish hems. This helpful function trims the fabric and sews the hem simultaneously. While this feature isn't recommended for inexperienced sewers, it imparts a clean, professional look onto finished garments.
• Adjustable needle position : The ability to adjust your needle position is essential for those who sew complex garments. This feature makes it easier to tackle hemming, sewing on zippers, and other detail-oriented clothing features.
• Adjustable speed controls : Sewing experts may not need a machine with speed controls, but if you're a beginner or even an intermediate level sewer, we highly recommend them. Having the ability to adjust your stitch speed will help cut down on mistakes and make it easier to sew those tiny details.

But that's not all you need to care about. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you end up with the sewing machine that's right for you.

• How much are you willing to pay? More expensive sewing machines often have more features and can create more complicated garments than more affordable models. If your online apparel shop is your primary source of income, a more expensive machine could be a worthwhile investment.
• What stitches do you need? The answer to this question depends on the complexity of the garments you want to make. A wider range of stitch patterns means more freedom when designing clothes.
• What is your skill level? Some sewing machines have a steeper learning curve than others. Make sure that you're comfortable with the basic functions of whatever sewing machine you choose to buy.
• Do you need a computerized machine? Computerized sewing machines often cost more than their mechanical counterparts, but prolific sewers are likely to save time with automation capabilities. Consider how much clothing you intend to sell when choosing whether to get a mechanical or computerized sewing machine.

Now that you know what to look for when selecting a sewing machine for your online apparel business, take a look at four of our favorite machines for making clothes.

Best Overall: Juki Exceed HZL-F600

Available now for $1049.00

The Juki Exceed HZL-F600 has long been touted by clothing designers as a near-perfect machine. This professional grade machine capably tackles all kinds of clothing. Whether you're designing a beautiful dress or making a form-fitting dress shirt, the Juki Exceed HZL-F600 can bring even your most spectacular designs to life.

To aid the blossoming fashion designer and at-home clothes maker, the HZL-F600 boasts the following features and more:

• 255 pattern choices
• Four different fonts
• Computerization
• Juki's patented box feed technology (Superior Feed System)
• Automatic needle threader
• Seven-point feed dog system
• Adjustable needle position
• LED light for work surface illumination
• Large LCD display

Best for Beginners: Janome 4120QDC-B

Available now for $699.00

The Janome 4120QDC-B boasts a beginner-friendly design, dozens of features, computerization, and does it all for a price that can't be beat! We recommend this machine for newer sewers who are looking to start an apparel business online. The wide range of features mean that this machine can grow with you as you become more skilled, so you don't have to worry about being held back by a beginner-level machine.

Best for Bulky Clothing: Janome HD3000

Available now for $429.00

This powerful sewing machine is crafted from a single-piece aluminum casting, making it durable and powerful. It's the perfect machine for tackling bulky clothing projects such as quilted jackets, coats, overalls, and work shirts. It also comes equipped with the following features:

• Stitch length control
• Buttonhole lever
• Thread cutter
• Thread tension dial
• Hook cover plate and hook cover plate release button
• Needle plate
• Free arm
• Drop feed lever
• Presser foot lifter

Best for Embroidered Clothing: Brother Innov-is NQ3600D

Available now for $3,499.00

For the clothes making professional who needs the full range of features in their machine, Brother offers the Innov-is NQ3600D. It boasts a large working surface, an automatic height adjuster, and a pivot function that allows you to tackle projects both large and small. Best of all, this machine is perfect for adding custom embroidery to your one-of-a-kind apparel. Here's a quick sampling of the features you'll find in the Brother Innov-is NQ3600D.

• 291 built-in stitches
• 233 pre-loaded embroidery designs
• 11 embroidery lettering fonts
• Large LCD touchscreen display
• Automatic feed thread cutting system
• Maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute
• USB port for importing custom designs

Power Your Online Apparel Business with a New Sewing Machine Today

Now that you know how to spot a good clothes making machine and have seen some of our favorite selections, you're ready to add one to your home workspace. Purchase one of these machines today or explore our wide range of sewing machines and accessories to find the perfect sewing machine for your online apparel business!