Top 10 Best Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer Reviews

10 Best Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer Reviews

1. Brother Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine

After an absolute beginner machine that can handle embroidery and sewing with ease, the Brother LB6800PRW comes with an endorsement from Project Runway. A machine that can easily handle embroidery and sewing, the Brother LB6800PRW comes with an endorsement from Project Runway.

Of course, an endorsement isn’t the same as a recommendation, but fans of the show will love the carrying bag that comes with this machine, apart from its other great features.

Indeed, this machine (like any other piece of technology) will require a bit of learning, but thankfully it is aimed at beginners, and the learning process is relatively simple.

There are a few complaints with the machine – for example, the default stitch will have the needle at the left side of the foot instead of the center. However, it shouldn’t take long to adjust to switching the machine before you start your stitches.

All in all, this machine came most recommended among all sewing-embroidering combos out there, and it comes with all the quality that the Brother name implies.

Plus, it’s got a cute storage bag that can be used to hold your machine or your other supplies. If you weren’t using the bag, it would be cheaper to buy the PE540D, as it tends to be lower-priced and has the exact specifications, aside from the bag. We liked the bag, though, so it was well worth the extra cost for us.

Please check the video below for an in-depth review of the Brother LB6800 in specific, as well as a user guide for embroidery machines in general.

2. Brother PE540D 4×4 Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer

Yep, it’s another Brother machine – this time, the Brother PE540D. This machine has a 4×4 grid, and current users compare its simplicity to “using a printer.” Sure, printers can be difficult in their own right, but remember when I said all technology implies a learning curve? This is no different.

Unpacking and setting up the best embroidery sewing machine for beginners is a snap.

Several excellent little bonuses are included, which won’t win any awards, but offer enough to get you started. Once you’ve learned a bit of your machine (and the secrets of mastering impressive embroidery projects), you can easily upgrade to better equipment.

This particular machine will stop if a thread is snapped (which is common when using cheaper threads, such as the white one that comes with the machine). This is great because it allows you to back up a few steps once you’ve re-threaded and continue as if nothing ever happened.

Our only real complaint with this machine was that the storage capacity for downloaded designs is not very big – but considering there are some machines that don’t let you add your designs, we can live with only having a smaller sample.

Besides, suppose the machine had more storage. In that case, we’d undoubtedly spend all our money on buying new designs – and not have enough left to purchase fabric and better thread! (Plus, there are Disney-licensed designs included – great for kids’ stuff and the 20-somethings who aren’t ready to let go of their childhood yet.)

3. Brother PE770 5X7 inch Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer

The Brother PE770 is a great embroidery machine that offers a 5″ x 7″ hoop area that is significantly larger than the PE540D above for those who want to play around with larger designs.

Of course, there will be some sacrifices with the larger size, but we found that these sacrifices were minor and hardly impacted our use of the machine. (Although we were sad that this didn’t come with the Mickey Mouse designs as the PE540D did.)

Most of the preloaded designs with this machine are a bit “cutesy,” so we used it for doing lettering for the most part. And, let me tell you – this thing does a beautiful job with lettering.

Like other Brother machines, the PE770 gives you the option of loading designs that you’ve purchased and downloaded, as well, as long as they fit within the 5×7″ frame.

Our biggest complaint with this machine was that the display was in black-and-white – not the most convenient when you’re trying to decide on something quickly. There are programs available to let you see the design in color, though, so if you don’t mind a few extra steps, this isn’t much of a problem.

4. Brother Designio Series DZ820E Embroidery Only Machine

You know, I had hoped that this list wouldn’t be dominated by Brother machines, but… What can I say?

They are one of the first names that come to mind when you’re thinking of the best embroidery sewing machine for beginners for a good reason. The Brother DZ820E is a bit more expensive, but this extra cost translates to a better experience overall, so it’s not so bad. This machine, like the others on our list, comes with everything you need to get started.

Most of these included items are of essential quality, but the needle threader seems to be this machine’s biggest strength. Automatic needle threaders genuinely are an incredible innovation, and this particular unit has one that’s better than most.

There are, of course, some drawbacks to this machine as well, mainly that the retail price is so high – thankfully, Amazon generally offers significant discounts off the “sticker price.” At this review, Amazon provided around 42% off the list price, although that may have changed since.

Our biggest complaint with the machine purchased from Amazon was that the needles seem to be hit-and-miss; that is, you should be sure to carry plenty of extra needles on hand, as you’ll probably need to replace them more than you’d expect.

There have been days when I’ve gone through 3 and 4 needles in a single day of heavy use. You can minimize this by ensuring that you’re using the right needle for the fabric you’ll be embroidering on, but you would still be advised to buy your needles in bulk – just in case.

5. SINGER | Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer

The SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 is an impressively built sewing machine that hits every single need of a mid-learner.  It prides a wide range of features that make it perfect when blending high-speed sewing to quality results.

This machine sews at a speed of 1,100 stitches per fabric, so you have no reason to delay your sewing sessions. It also comes with an automatic threader to help with threading the eye of the needle effortlessly.

This machine should handle any material with a needle with excellent thickness, stretchy fabric, heavy felts, or leather. Save for the extra-high foot lifter; the machine allows you to manually change your stitching pressure and speed depending on your work material. The sewing bed is smooth enough to prevent jamming and has onboard storage that allows you to access necessary accessories without moving.

Singer Heavy Duty 4452 comes with 32 in-built stitches for various roles; 6 stitches are for basic sewing, 7 for stretch fabric, 18 for decorative stitches, and 1 for automatic buttonhole creation. You can use it for home decoration, embroidery, construction clothes, and do other advanced crafts with all these.

Key Features:

• 110stich applications
• Extra high sewing speed
• Seven presser feet included
• Automatic 1-step buttonhole
• Heavy-duty metal frame
• Automatic needle threader
• Drop feed expands capabilities
• Easy-to-Load Top Drop-in Bobbin System

Pros:

• Three control dials for adjusting the stitches
• Foot control pedal perfect for adjusting the speed
• It comes ready to use with a press of a turn on a dial
• Versatile for use on any material
• It comes with a drop-in bobbin that is very easy to insert

Cons:

• Produce low noise that can be a bit distractive 

6. Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer

Are you looking for an enlarged sewing table that is perfect for sheets and larger fabrics? Well, if that is your primary consideration, then the best embroidery sewing machine for beginners by Magicfly is for you.

This little machine is not only compact; it weighs only 7.65 pounds, making it ideal for use in any place. It is capable of reverse, straight, zigzag, and buttonhole sewing and design. To make all these functions a breeze, it features 12-built in stitches that are also adjustable to suit any material.

Magicfly uses both corded electric sources and batteries so that you can use both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, it comes with a complete set of spool accessories, a tape, and a large working table. All these accessories are ready for use with minimal setup.

It also features three needles with different sizes—8/11 for lightweight fabrics, 90/14 for medium-weight materials, and the last 100/16 for heavy-duty materials.

Key Features:

• Three replaceable presser foot
• Reverse sewing
• 12 different stitch patterns
• Ideal birthday and Christmas gift
• Multi-use accessory

Pros:

• Versatile for use in any thickness of a fabric
• With this threading guide, you can thread fast and easily
• Designed to be compact and easy to store, it comes in an attractive design
• For use during a power outage, it comes with a rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Not ideal for materials that are too thin

7. SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine

Step up your intermediate-level skills by purchasing the 100% computerized SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 now. Just as its name goes, this machine comes with all the features you need to craft, design, embroider and customize your finishes to desired styles.

This machine works at an unimaginably high speed of about 600 stitches per second, making it perfect for bulk work. On autopilot mode, it does its magic while leaving you with the only work of positioning your fabric on the stitcher. If that is not enough, this machine has you covered with an extension table to spread larger fabrics.

The automatic needle threader threads this machine in a split of a second hence saving you time. Once done, you can use any of the ten available feet to darn, embroider, quilt, overcast, design straight, stitch in zigzag, and a lot more. Since it comes with a walking foot, this machine matches your desires if you need something that guarantees an even feed.

Key Features:

• 600stitch applications
• 13 built-in perfectly sized buttonhole styles
• One-touch stitch selection
• Built-in needle threader
• Heavy-duty metal frame
• Electronic twin needle settings
• Extension table

Pros:

• It comes with a large selection of design features
• Creates buttonholes in only a one-step procedure 
• The stitch elongation works perfectly for customizing stitches
• Comes with mirror imaging feature that misses in most variants]
• Comes with a screen that displays the fonts, and tells you when it is unthread

Cons:

• It takes time to understand all the features

8. JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine

Advanced stylists love machines with the knife system since the design allows for stitching precisely along any line. The Eighth in our review is the JUKI MO654DE, a 6.9kg machine that uses the same technique for a flawless result.

This machine is built of aluminum alloy for durability and painted all-white for a stunning look incomparable to none. It works perfectly when sewing light to heavyweight materials—sheets, woolen jackets, stretching sweaters, and leather accessories. On average, it works at a speed of 1500 stitches per minute.

JUKI arrives pre-threaded and ready to offload you of any sewing task available. Once corded and plugged, it powers on with a press of a button and starts working immediately. Plus, the package comes with image instructions that guarantee a perfect learning curve, even for beginners.

JUKI threads straight, zigzag, or around oval lines. It also accepts unique feet such as beading, curved pearl, piping, and the universal blind stitch foot.

The machine comes with a cone thread, but you are not limited since it accepts other brands. It has enough torque to surge through the thickest fabrics, such as hem and denim jeans, without causing any damage to the needles.

Key Features:

• Powerful knife system
• Safety switch machine
• Sews both light and heavyweight fabric
• Automatic rolled hem

Pros:

• Works with any needle and thread
• It comes with adjustable stitches for more creativity.
• Works perfectly with customized sergers
• It comes in a durable body for years of use.

Con:

• It does not have an automatic threading setting.

9. Varmax Sewing Machine with Sewing Kit

Mini machines are not only portable but also support a few fundamentals for faster learning. Varmax sewing machines consist of only one mode—the straight stitch mode. It is ideal for novice and intermediate learners who want to scale up their skills in joining two or three pieces together.

Varmax comes with manual and video tutorials that explain the nitty-gritty of straight stitching and how to use the machine. To tune to its easy learning curve, it is best to watch all the videos and read the manual to the end before jumpstarting the machine.

The base is a foot controller at the machine that you can use to thread and control its speed. It also comes with an adapter that works perfectly for changing the styles from straight to reverse stitching.

If you are mending soft children and adult clothes, this machine covers you from all angles. It works perfectly on small, lightweight fabrics such as masks, soft baby sheets, T-shirts, polo shirts, or fitting zippers.

Key Features:

• Beginner-friendly
• Manual and video
• Foot controller and adapter
• Sewing kit

Pros:

• It comes with an extended table at the base for moving your fabric.
• Navigating from reverse to straight stitching is easy.
• Provides long-lasting stitches that can only be undone through cutting
• The components in the kit are easy to attach and use

Cons:

• It does not have the automatic thread function.

10. Aonesy Portable Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer

Are you looking for a highly portable mini-sewer that you can take anywhere with you? If yes, this machine by Aonesy covers you from all angles.

It comes in a compact size of 12.5 x 6 x 13.5 and weighs only 5.48 pounds, making it easy to carry around. You can also store it in any place without having to worry about the space. That’s not all, and it comes in an appealing design with white and pink colors to match.

Aonesy uses foot pedals that are easy to use and with the right learning curve. It comes with 12 stitches, including blind hems, buttonholes, decorative stitches, and many more.

The more exciting part is that this machine works well on all lightweight and soft fabrics that form the drawers’ main components. It pays attention to every detail when crafting or designing soft denim, silken clothes, and cotton. It will work magic when working on polo shirts, T-shirts, masks, and a lot more.

Aonesy starts with a press of a power button.  The same button also stops the system once you are done with your stitching ordeal. You will also find thread bobbins, a metal thread cutter, an AC adapter, and a manual in the package. Once plugged, you only need to thread the bobbin, and you are ready to start working on any piece.

Key Features:

• Portable
• Ease to use
• Perfect for both beginners and advanced users
• The package includes a button foot printer, thread bobbins, metal thread cutter, needles, manual, and AC power adapter.

Pros:

• Lightweight for easy portability
• Works with batteries for remote and outdoor use
• It comes with an automatic threader and thread cutter for fast and efficient service.
• Works faster with the press of the foot pedal

Con:

• Not ideal for heavy fabrics and leather 

What To Know Before You Buy Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer?

As with any other significant purchase, it’s best to know what to get before you spend any money. Here are the primary things to think about before you start looking at embroidery machines:

How Many Experiences do You Have?

Beginners may benefit from a machine with fewer features since too much to learn at once can make your machine more difficult to use (check here for some cool ways to use an embroidery machine). However, more experienced users might want to create custom designs or download more designs via a computerized interface.

What is Your Budget?

Embroiderers on a budget might not need all the features available in a higher-priced. By knowing which features are essential to you, you can select one within your price range. This will allow you to get the best value for your money.

What is the Brand?

In the world of arts and crafts, certain manufacturers stand out above the rest. When it comes to embroidery machines, the top brands include Singer, Brother, and Janome. Our list currently consists of all Brother machines because they are the top-rated overall at this review.

Do You Need a Combination Machine?

Some embroidery machines are labeled as “sewing combo” machines. This means that they will do regular stitching as well as letters and logos. While it can be tempting to go with a lower-priced single-function machine, choosing a combination machine in the first place could be more affordable than buying the two machines separately.

What Material(s) Will You Be Working With?

Not all embroidery machines can handle all fabric types, so if you are working with leather or hats, you might need a stronger machine than someone who will only be working with cotton or polyester clothing.

What Types of Designs Will be You Working With?

Many machines for home use are built for either monogramming (such as names and initials) or logos. These machines might be inexpensive, but most embroiderers would like the ability to switch between the different types of embroidery. If possible, look for a machine that lets you select from a large variety of designs.

What Types of Machine is Best for You?

• There are single needle machines, and there are multi-needle machines.
• Single machines work best with one point of hoop attachment and will require you to change your embroidery thread manually – and often.
• On the other hand, multi-needle machines are more efficient for those running a home embroidery business, as they allow you to set up your thread all at once. Often, multi-needle devices will have a larger hoop than single needle machines.

Can You Add Your Fonts and Designs?

• With any home-use embroidery machine, you will get the most incredible variety if you can import your third-party fonts and designs into your machines.
• Some can be hooked up to a computer and automatically updated. Others may let you purchase additional fonts and designs, but only from their catalog.
• Be sure to check the Consumer Reports for your machine to see what it offers.

Types of Sewing Machines

Sewing machines are divided into various categories depending on the design and mode of stitching. The most popular types of sewers available include:

Mechanical Treadle Machines

These machines are hand-operated. They come with mechanical wheels that rotate when pressed using the feet. The treadle plate moves up and down as the wheel spins to drive the stitching needle up and down. The mechanical treadle machine performs straight stitching and reverses stitch only.

Electronic Machines

This category consists of two main types of sewing machines—100% electronic and electro-mechanic machines.

The 100% electronic machines work when plugged into the grid. Some variants are also battery-powered for use in remote areas away from the grid. In contrast, some are rechargeable for use during occasions such as power outages. Most electronic sewing machines have advanced features that allow users to stitch in zigzag, reverse lines, and buttonholes.

Electro-mechanic sewing machines come with both AC adapters and mechanic wheels. They can work when plugged or as the wheels rotate. Electro-mechanic models are advanced because they also stitch in zigzags, reverse lines, buttonholes, and many more.

Computerized Sewing Machines

These sewing machines have computerized panels and screens that display all functions available. They have multiple buttons to press to power the device, navigate the functions, and power off when done. They also support a wide range of stitching modes from straight stitches, buttonholes, zigzags, and many more.

Mini-Portable Machines

These machines are small and compact for portability. Most mini-portables are computerized and electric-corded to function efficiently. On the downside, they cannot stitch through heavy-duty fabrics such as leather and are not ideal for bulky work. Their speed is also meager compared to most types of sewing machines in the market.

Embroidery Machines

These machines work best when for embroidery. They come with a USB port that stores various designs and styles to import and use depending on your projects’ needs. In terms of price, these machines have the highest price tags in the market.

Quilting Machines

These machines are built with projects with bulk quilting in mind. They stand out for their long arms that allow materials to pass through them.

FAQ on Sewing Machine for Intermediate Sewer

Which sewing machine is the best for home use?

The best machine for home use should meet your basic needs. If you have small children, the Aonesy Portable machine is enough to cater to your needs. It works perfectly on soft fabrics, making it ideal for designing and stitching children’s clothes.

However, if you have a large family with teen children, you’d wish to land a multipurpose machine that works on both light and heavy-duty materials. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 is your ideal bet for such a family.

Do handheld sewing machines work?

Handheld machines work best for small projects. They are your perfect options when stitching lightweight fabrics such as cotton shirts, silken clothes. However, they may not guarantee value for money if you have bulky work at hand. 

Conclusion

Sewing is a craft that follows basic skill levels, from novice to intermediate, to expert.  At the intermediate level, your hands are not shaky. You can stitch along specific lines without missing your course.

To reach perfection, you need an embroidery sewing machine that can help you notch up your skills. An intermediate sewer comes with all supportive features for middle-level learners. It will let you do more advanced seam finishes, rolled hems, facings, bindings, piping, and many more.

It can be very costly to buy a beginner’s embroidery machine. This is why you should take your time and do your homework. You can then make sure that the machine gives you the performance you desire without blowing your budget.