If you’re a seamstress, then you know that there’s a lot of work that goes into sewing stretch fabrics. Find here the best sewing machine for stretch fabrics.
With the right sewing machine, you can create your own stretchy pants, jeans, and leggings—all without breaking a sweat.
But how do you know which sewing machine is right for your needs?
We’ve put together a list of five machines that are great at working with stretch materials. Want to learn more? Keep on reading!
Our Recommended Top 5 Picks:
(See our quick top 05 picks, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.)
At a glance: 5 sewing machines for stretch fabrics
Take a look at this table before diving into the details of the threads.
When choosing a sewing machine for stretch fabrics, keep in mind that zigzag and triple stretch stitch are two important features to look for.
| Sewing machine | Zigzag stitch | Triple stretch stitch |
| Brother XM2701 | Yes | Yes |
| SINGER | 4423 | Yes | No |
| Brother CS5055 | Yes | Yes |
| SINGER | 4452 | Yes | Yes |
| Janome 2212 | Yes | Yes |
However, understanding these two aspects is insufficient. So, I’ve discussed the sewing machines and highlighted their features.
There are also details on their positive aspects as well as their negative aspects. Let’s start with the first stretch fabric sewing machine.
1. Brother XM2701
Engineered to exceed your expectations, the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine is an ideal choice for every level of sewing expertise.
This light and compact sewing machine offer 27 unique built-in stitches (including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch).
Also, it includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle, a convenient drop-in top bobbin, and automatic bobbin winding with auto-shutoff.
We’ve done our homework. And we think you’ll love this sewing machine!
Features
- 27 built-in stitches, including zigzag, blind hem, decorative and stretch stitches, and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader perfectly pushes the thread through the needle
- Jam resistant, convenient drop-in top bobbin
- Good choice for a wide range of everyday sewing projects
- Suitable for beginners to advanced
Reasons to like it
- Great machine for beginners
- Drop-in bobbin works great
- Has 3 needle positions
- Very light machine
- Has more stitches than other machines in the same price range
Downsides
- Feed dogs cannot be lowered
- Spool sometimes bounces on the spool pin when sewing at higher speeds
2. SINGER | 4423
The Singer 4423 Sewing Machine is great for beginners and reliable for professional sewers.
With 23 built-in stitches and an automatic needle threader, this sewing machine is perfect for a variety of projects, including fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more.
With a high-speed needle and powerful motor built into a metal frame that can handle even the heaviest fabrics, you can be sure your sewing project will get done quickly and correctly on this machine.
Features
- 23 built-in stitches
- Includes basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches that allow you to sew a variety of projects, such as fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more
- Automatic needle threader
- For threading path printed right on the machine helps to thread needle without eye strain or frustration
- 100 stitches-per-minute
- 60% Stronger Motor for greater piercing power for thick seams
Reasons to like it
- Sew tough
- Absolute beginner-friendly
Downsides
- Automatic needle threader acts up sometimes
3. Brother CS5055
This computerized sewing machine has 60 different built-in stitches for all your sewing needs. It comes with a Brother 10mm utility attachment, which allows you to easily hem pants and shirts using a single stitch
The differential feed allows you to evenly feed multiple layers of fabric smoothly through the machine
There are 2 sets of built-in thread cutters that come in handy when you want to quickly cut threads without having to get up from your chair.
You will find a blind hem stitch foot, which creates a smooth and precise edge on hems; it also comes with a zigzag foot that creates decorative stitches and one-step buttonholes automatically.
Features
- 60 built-in stitches: decorative, utility, and heirloom stitch functions, & 7 1-step auto-size buttonholes
- Automatic needle threader pushes threads through the needle perfectly
- Jam resistant, convenient drop-in top ensures the bobbin stays in place
- Durable metal frame construction allows tackling any project
- Fixed needle position allows cleaner stitching and even lines
- Huge workspace
Reasons to like it
- Durable and easy to use
- Good machine for beginners
Downsides
- Semi-automatic threader was a little challenging to figure out
4. SINGER | 4452
Are you ready to make all your sewing dreams come true? The SINGER 4452 sewing machine is a powerful and versatile sewing machine that’s up for whatever project comes its way.
Whether you’re a beginner or have years of experience, this easy-to-use sewing machine offers a variety of features that make creating sophisticated, beautiful projects easier than ever before.
Whether you’re making a masterpiece from scratch or tackling some mending, this sewing machine is up for any task!
Features
- 6 Basic, 7 Stretch, 18 Decorative Stitches, and 1 Fully Automatic 1-step Buttonholes. perfect for crafts, home decor, clothing construction, and much more
- Automatic needle threader
- Threading path printed right on the machine
- Helps to thread needle without eye strain or frustration
- 1100 stitches-per-minute
- 60% Stronger Motor
- Sewsheavyweight fabrics with ease
Reasons to like it
- Easily cuts through stacks of Cordura, webbing, and the like
- Impressive, affordable, heavy-duty sewing machine
- Tackles tricky fabrics and weights and is durable
Downsides
- Needle down position is inconvenient for a complex hem
5. Janome 2212
The Janome 2212 12 Stitch FullSize Freearm Sewing Machine is one of the most popular Janome sewing machines and is an excellent value for the price.
It features an extra high presser foot lift, has a front-loading vertical oscillating hook bobbin, and has a built-in thread cutter. The machine is made with metal construction for durability, and it boasts quality craftsmanship from decades past!
The 5 piece feed dog allows you to easily sew multiple layers of fabric together without feeding problems.
It has a maximum 4mm stitch length of and maximum stitch width of 5mm. It comes complete with a free bonus package.
A full size machine with a front-loading bobbin that has an automatic winding system – no more worries about hand screws!
Features
- 12 built-in stitches
- Removable storage compartment turns into a free arm
- Lever for reverse stitching
- User-friendly stitch chart
- Stitch selection with clearly labeled dial
- Full metal needle plate
- 5-piece feed dog to evenly and smoothly drag fabrics
- Retractable vertical spool pins
Reasons to like it
- Great little workhorse
- Perfect machine for beginners and experts alike
- Truly simple and easy to set up and use
Downsides
- Difficult to get the bobbin in and out
To conclude
You need to take the time to buy the best sewing machine for stretch fabrics. You need one that can handle the task at hand—and if you’re making clothes or other items out of stretch fabrics, you need a machine that can handle them.
There are different kinds of machines out there, but it’s important to choose a machine that has the features you need to get the job done.
I hope this helps you choose a sewing machine from my assorted list.
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