Looking for the best sewing machine for altering/custom work? You’re not alone. That’s because, while many people see sewing as only making clothes or home décor items, there are also those who have discovered the many different ways to use a sewing machine.
If you’re one of these people, then you’ll understand how valuable it is to own a sewing machine. As such, you’ll want to check out the following article for some insight on the best sewing machine for alteration.
Reviews of 7 Best Sewing Machines for Alterations and Better Look
The best sewing machine for alterations should be able to handle heavy-duty projects, be easy to use and come with great features at a reasonable price.
Here is the best sewing machine for alterations in 2023.
1. Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
It has many built-in stitches, including decorative and heirloom stitches. It is durable and easy to use.
An ideal sewing machine for both hobbyists, beginners, and professionals. Easy to use, lightweight and sturdy, the BrotherCS6000i is equipped with 60 unique built-in stitches which include decorative stitches and 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes
With its automatic needle threader and drop-in, top bobbin features your thread gets easily pushed through the needle and a convenient jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. You can easily choose your stitches with just a push of a button, you can also preview your designs before stitching on the LCD display which it’s super bright lights also brighten up your workspace.
The Brother CS6000i sewing machine also comes with some included accessories such as a hard protective case, a wide table, 10 sewing feet, a needle set that includes a twin needle, 3 bobbins, and more. you’ll also get a 25-year warranty and free technical support for the life of the product.
Highlighted Features:
- 60 unique built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- LCD screen to preview your selected design
- Wide working table for a wide range of projects
- Brightly lit work area
- 25-year warranty with free technical support
2. SINGER MX231 Sewing Machine
This is a powerful sewing and quilting machine that offers the ultimate convenience, performance, and versatility.
At $139.99, the Singer MX231 sewing machine offers much more performance and feature-wise than its value. Constructed with a metal frame and equipped with 97 stitch applications for all fabrics and projects, and 23 unique stitches which include straight, zig-zag, scallop, and twin needle sewing.
Its one-step buttonhole creates buttonholes elegantly to suit your preference. there is also an adjustable presser foot pressure which can be used to make adjustments when working on very heavy and very fine fabrics. you can also easily adjust your stitch length and width.
With its built-in needle threader, you’ll have access to quick and easy threading without straining your eyes or going through any form of frustration you might face while doing the threading yourself.
It also comes with a front-load bobbin which you can easily wind and insert. The machine also comes with accessories such as presser feet, pedals, and bobbins.
Highlighted Features:
- 97 stitches applications for basic, decorative sewings and more
- One-step buttonholes for consistent results
- Stitch selection dial to choose your stitch
- Automatic needle threader that prevents eye strain
3. Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is an all-round performer that can take on virtually any type of sewing you want to do.
Its easy-to-use interface makes it an ideal machine for beginners, but it can get the job perfectly done for professionals as well.
Comes with 185 unique built-in stitches which include 130 sewing stitches, 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches making it a perfect machine for basic monogramming, and creating quilts, adding decorative stitches to clothing and craft projects, sewing buttonholes, and more.
Designed for flexibility and stress-free use, the machine is equipped with an automatic needle threader that efficiently threads the machine with just a touch on the lever, a detachable table foot controller, and 8 different presser feet. There is also a push-button stitch selector to choose your preferred stitch design.
In addition, it comes with an LCD display screen to view your selected stitches and LED light to brighten up your workspace and provide clear visibility of your projects. The machine speed can also be adjusted to suit your preference.
There is also a quick-set drop-in bobbin and an outstanding feed system that move your fabric smoothly to give you more precise formed stitches.
Highlighted Features:
- Large b
- Backlit LCD display screen
- 1 built-in monogramming sewing font
- Wide table for larger projects
- Handy stitches flip-chart
- Super bright work area
- Adjustable sewing speed
- Easy threading with automatic needle threader
- Quick-set bobbin
4. SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
It is a must-have for sewers and quilters who want to create beautiful garments, soft toys and other craft projects.
One of the well-known heavy-duty sewing machines out there, its stainless steel bedplate allows smooth fabric flow while its heavy-duty interior metal frame provides skip-free sewing. Its 32 built-in stitches include 6 basic, 7 stretches, 18 decorative stitches, and 1 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes.
With its maximum sewing speed of 1100, you can finish up your project in no time. Sewing through fabric like leather and denim is also easy on the Singer Heavy-duty 4452 thanks to its strong motor which is 60% stronger than that of the standard sewing machine.
Its size 16 needles can also easily go through multiple layers of fabrics and you can make use of the non-stick foot for challenging fabrics like leather and vinyl.
Its automatic needle threader threads the machine effortlessly and prevents eye strain and frustration. It also comes with other sewing accessories like even feed/ walking foot for layers of fabric, a 5-pack of size 16 needles, and a clearance plate for thick seams. The machine top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert, remove and monitor thread supply.
Highlighted Features:
- 101 stitch applications for basic, decorative sewing and others
- 7 presser feet included for enhanced capability
- The maximum sewing speed of 1100 stitches per minute
- Automatic 1-step buttonhole
- A heavy-duty interior metal frame ensures skip-free sewing
- Automatic needle threader
- Easy to load top drop-in bobbin system with clear cover
- Drop feed expand capabilities
5. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing Machine
It’s packed with features that makes it a great sewing machine for alterations and better look. It’s easy to maintain.
A high-end sewing machine with great quality, efficiency, and professional performance, and an unrivalled workhorse yet quiet and lightweight. the Juki HZL-F600 comes with 255 built-in stitches which include basic, stretch, decorative, letters, and buttonholes stitches designed to meet your various needs for embroidery patterns.
With a simple touch on its large LCD screen display, you can easily set, preview, and select your preferred stitch. Its box feed design allows the material and the dog feed to be in contact for long and prevents your fabric from getting shrunk. Its automatic needle threader easily threads the machine and prevents eye strain and frustration that can be faced when it is done by yourself.
Its in-built sturdiness gives it the ability to virtually sew anything including thick materials. It also has a free-motion sewing feature thanks to its consistent and stable thread tension. The Juki HZL-F600 also comes with lots of accessories that can be used for your everyday sewing projects which are neatly stored in the accessory tray.
Highlighted Features:
- Sturdy and durable designed sewing machine
- Large varieties of patterns and stitches
- Highest quality industrial style buttonholes
- user-friendly designed LCD screen
- Limits fabric shrinkage
- Provides large workspace
6. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
This computerized machine is a great fit for home sewers and quilters who want to stitch creatively.
A fast, lightweight, and sturdy body that can withstand consistent heavy-duty industrial use, its maximum sewing speed of 1500 stitches per minute allows you to finish up a pile of work effortlessly and efficiently. With the touch of a button, the top and bottom threads get cut neatly and instantly reset.
Its needle position can easily be programmed to be in the up or down position when the machine stops for easy fabric rotation and with its thread tension adjustment dial, you can accurately control your thread tension. The machine expanded 11” x 21.5” wide table and 5.7” x 8.6” needle-to-arm space provides a roomy workspace for large projects and bulky quilts.
With its LED lights, your workspace becomes brightened up and your project becomes more visible ensuring great sewing results. You can also easily sew a variety of fabric thicknesses with its pin feed system which ensures precision fabric feeding. You can also make use of the knee lifter, with this you can lift the pressure foot with your knee while both of your hand becomes free for operating the machine or holding your material.
You’ll also get a machine cover, seam guide, fabric separator,5 bobbins, needles, cleaning brush, 2 screwdrivers, lining plate screw, and an English/Spanish instruction manual to put you through.
Highlighted Features:
- Advanced needle threading system and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Precision pin feeding system for easy fabric management
- 4 built-in feed dogs position
- Included knee lifter which leaves both hands free
- Roomy workplace for larger projects and bulky quilts
- Thread tension adjustment dial
- Advanced features for fast and efficient sewing
- Customize the needle stop position to suit your preference
- Comes with 7 presser feet
- Automatic thread trimmer
- LED light to brighten up your workspace.
7. SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine
It is ideal for beginners and experts alike. Durable and gives better performance than an average sewing machine.
Want an efficient machine at a reasonable price with a superior performance level, that’s what you’ll get with the Singer 9960 sewing machine. constructed with a robust build and heavy-duty frame strong enough to withstand the consistent heavy-duty industrial use.
This heavy-duty machine is equipped with 600 built-in stitches which include 5 alphanumeric fonts, and 13 built-in 1-step buttonhole underplates. It also provides mirror imaging and stitches elongation all to bring out your creativity on a professional level.
Its extension table allows you to work on larger fabrics such as curtains and quilts effortlessly while its two bright LED lights brighten up your workspace and provide visibility on your projects to achieve an outstanding sewing result.
There is also a start/stop button, an automatic thread trimmer, and a needle threader that easily threads your machine and prevents eye strain. There is also a stitched button that allows you to select your preferred stitch pattern. With a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute, you can easily finish up your projects efficiently in no time.
Highlighted Features:
- 600 stitch applications for full creativity
- 850 stitches per minute for high-speed sewing
- 13 presser feet included for enhanced capability
- Automatic 1-step buttonhole
- One button stitch selection
- Built-in needle threader
- Heavy-duty metal frame
- Extension table to work on large projects.
Do I Need a Sewing Machine to Alter Clothes?
When it comes to altering your clothing, you might be wondering if you need a sewing machine to do it. After all, you can always just take your favorite clothes to a tailor or seamstress and pay them to make changes.
Does that mean you need a sewing machine to alter your clothes? If you’re willing to take the time, it’s not that difficult to alter your clothing without a sewing machine. In fact, you can do it without spending a lot of money on any special equipment, either. It just takes a little patience, a lot of determination, and a willingness to learn.
Is Altering a Dress Worth It?
To answer this question, you need to know what alterations your dress needs. If the dress is too big in the hips and waist, it will be worth it. If you’re trying to get a little more length because you plan on wearing heels, then it may not be worth it.
Determining if altering a dress is worth it first requires that you measure your dress and find out what alterations are needed by looking at the back of each pattern envelope. Once you’ve found out what type of alterations are needed, you can determine if they are worth the time and money needed for alterations.
Is Alterations the Same as Tailoring?
If you want your dress to fit you perfectly, it may need alterations. Tailoring is a process where a dress is tailored to fit an individual’s body measurements. In other words, if you plan on wearing your dress to a formal event, the tailor will take into account your height, weight, and other features that make you unique.
If you want a more casual look for a day out with friends, tailoring isn’t as necessary. The important thing to remember is that altering doesn’t just mean taking in or letting out the waist of your dress; it also includes taking in or letting out the sleeves and hemline as well as adjusting for height and weight.
How Long does it take to Get a Dress Altered?
There are many variables that can affect the time it takes to get a dress altered. If you have a place in mind where you want to get your dress altered, and they have the time available, it shouldn’t take more than a week. If you’ve never had your dress altered before, this may take longer because you need to see how much fabric needs to be taken in or let out.
The tailor will need some sort of reference point for how much fabric should be removed from where it’s sewn together – Usually based on the pattern of the dress. You also want to think about what type of pattern your dress is.
If it’s an intricate lace pattern, for example, this could delay the process due to the difficult nature of removing the fabric from those types of patterns.
Can a Dress Be Altered to a Smaller Size?
It’s possible to alter a dress to a smaller size, but it will depend on the style of the dress. For example, if your dress is strapless, you may need to add fabric to the top and sew it onto the dress. If you want your dress to be more fitted, you can take in the sides.
If your dress is floor-length, you may want to shorten the length of the skirt so it falls just below the knee. You should always make sure that any alterations done to a formal gown are done by a professional tailor who understands formalwear. It’s best not to try and make these adjustments yourself as it could result in structural damage or an uneven hemline.
Conclusion
When it comes to the alteration of clothes, nothing comes close to having a good sewing machine you can rely on.
With the best sewing machine that we’ve reviewed here, you won’t be making get it wrong with any of the products above.