5 Best Computerized Sewing Machines – Up Your Sewing Game With Advanced Features

By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
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It is easy to see why people are opting for a sewing machine which embraces modern technology. By purchasing one of the best computerized sewing machine models you can take advantage of having a computer ‘brain’ running your sewing machine, having many inbuilt controls or options to make life a whole lot easier when it comes to stitching and sewing. Whereas a manual machine requires a lot of skill and experience, you can use a computerized option for more of a ‘push button’ functionality. Choose your setting, hit a button and your machine will do most of the hard work.

We’ve looked at many of the key features for computerized machines, and what makes them stand out from the crowd. Features include the speed at which they can operate, the number of stitches they are capable of and other features including the length of warranty offered by the manufacturer, and the size and weight of the machine. Many people opt for more compact computerized sewing machines.

Our team has scoured the internet and based this guide on consumer reviews, first-hand experience, and information provided by manufacturers. Our findings are presented as a simple-view table. We also have included detailed product reviews of many of the top options out there as well as nominations of their strengths (such as the best option for beginners). There is also a full buying guide to help you establish which features are most important to you.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Juki HZL-F600
    "Speedy 900SPM sewing machine with 225 built-in stitches and a wide extended sewing table – the large throat makes it great for quilters"
  • Best Janome Computerized Sewing Machine: Janome MC6650
    "1000 SPM sewing machine with 170 various stitches, has a great balance of light weight and stability"
  • Best Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine: Brother SE1900
    "Sewing and embroidery machine combo with 240 built-in stitches and a large full-color touchscreen, includes a 5 x 7-inch embroidery area"
  • Best Singer Computerized Sewing Machine: SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
    "This is the best computerized sewing machine for home use. It features an automatic needle threader, fast sewing speed of 850 SPM and 600 stitches."
  • "Lightweight sewing machine, comes with 7 presser feet and a sewing bundle with all you need"

Top 5 Computerized Sewing Machines Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8259 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
1
Editor's Choice

Juki HZL-F600

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 225
  • Sewing speed: 900 SPM
  • Dimensions: 14 x 23 x 16 inches
  • Weight: 33.4 lbs.
  • Warranty: 5 years

Extra features: comes with extended sewing table for large working area (4x larger than average) and large LCD display, includes 10 presser feet

The Juki HZL-F600 has a lot of incredible features which have led to us to rate it the highest out of all of the computerized sewing and embroidery machines on this list.

It comes with an incredible 250 sewing patterns built-in, as well as four fonts. This makes the HZL-F600 wonderful for either decorative or just utility stitching projects, a perfect sewing machine for quilting. It works with a great level of reliability and the interface to control it is very simple. An LCD screen allows you to pick your patterns in seconds.

16 different buttonhole level types allow you further control, and the workspace area is much larger than many of the other options on the market. This means plenty of space to work in for beginners who aren’t as comfortable with their machine yet.

All of this is also backed up with 900 SPM speed, more than enough for most of our projects. Other benefits include free motion sewing which keeps the tension of your thread stable throughout. Many users have also reported this is one of the best sewing machines for avoiding fabric shrinking due to the clever box feed design.

The quality of this product is undeniable, but if you are worried about it then you should bear in mind that the manufacturers offer a five-year warranty for your protection as a consumer.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Free motion sewing with lots of stability.
  • Comes with 10 sewing feet.
  • No fabric shrinkage.
  • Extended sewing table for extra space.
    What could be better?
  • Quite an expensive option.
Also Product Ranking:
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Read full review: juki hzl f600
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5227 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
2
Best Janome Computerized Sewing Machine

Janome MC6650

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 170, 2 alphabets
  • Sewing speed: 1000 SPM
  • Dimensions: 20.3 x 11.8 x 8.6 inches
  • Weight: 24.25 lbs.
  • Warranty: 25 years

Extra features: 10″ x 4.7″ working area for quilting projects, knee lifter, 91 needle positions, foot pressure adjustment, comes with multiple accessories

Janome is an incredibly well-respected brand in the world of sewing machines. They have a huge range, and their computerized offerings include the 6650, their best computerized sewing machine.

It isn’t just for ‘sewing’ either. It is great for all kinds of quilters, seamstresses and more, as it can do many types of utility and decorative stitches at an incredible speed of up to 1,000 stitches each minute.

A relatively large 10” x 4.7” throat gives the capability of working with quilts as well as smaller fabric items. The brand hasn’t just considered large items though, they also have created a clever feed mechanism which is capable of handling even very thick materials.

Janome Memory Craft 6500P has 170 built-in stitch patterns in total and includes 2 alphabets.. This model also offers a knee lift for the presser foot allowing you to keep your hands free for the job! The automatic thread cutter is also a life-saver and avoids one of the most awkward jobs of a sewist.

This isn’t just sold as the standalone machine and it comes with a vast number of accessories including zipper foot, buttonhole foot, overedge and many other types of foot. There are also straight stitch needle plate and a seam ripper which ship in the box with your 6650P.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Great for quilters.
  • Comes with 170 stitch patterns.
  • Lots of accessories included.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Quite expensive.
  • The inbuilt light is not very powerful.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3854 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
3
Best Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Brother SE1900

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 240
  • Sewing speed: 850 SPM
  • Dimensions: 17.6 x 9.5 x 11.8 inches
  • Weight: 22 lbs.
  • Warranty: 25 years

Extra features: large LCD touch screen, comes with 8 sewing and embroidery feet, 5 x 7-inch embroidery area and 138 in-built embroidery designs, extra bright LED work area

The Brother SE1900 makes our list of top computerized sewing machines due to its amazing technological advances, ease-of-use and the fact that it is wonderful for embroidery as well as sewing.

The 3.2” touch screen allows you to edit and view designs ready for embroidering on fabric. The 5” x 7” field allows you to embroider onto relatively large areas, too.

240 sewing patterns in total can be used at up to 850 SPM speed.

All of this can be as simple as the push of a few buttons, too. It has built-in fonts with seven English fonts, 3 Japanese and even one Cyrillic. Designs can be created on computers and imported via USB. Brother has over 1000 different designs available for download on their website.

Eight different sewing feet are included, these can give a lot of flexibility and are suitable for a variety of different materials and styles.

Brother has thought about the needs of the user, too. Features include an automatic needle threader to save a lot of time and effort, and an incredibly light LED which allows you to see even dark patterns and fabrics. The format of the touch screen is also incredibly easy-to-use, even for those who are new to sewing or embroidery.

Users can also take advantage of a large network of support on the Brother website as well as their incredible 25-year warranty.

    What are its best features?
  • LED touch screen with 138 built-in designs.
  • Automatic needle threader.
  • Eight different sewing feet.
  • Download additional designs via the Brother website.
    What could be improved?
  • Not as good for thick materials and quilting compared to some competitors.
  • Very occasional reports of software errors.
Also Product Ranking:
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Read full review: brother xm2701
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7437 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
4
Best Singer Computerized Sewing Machine

SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 600
  • Sewing speed: 850 SPM
  • Dimensions: 17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 18.2 lbs. 
  • Warranty: 25 years

Extra features: built-in lettering, mirror imaging, one-step buttonhole, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin

For a machine that costs less than the latest iPhone, the Singer QS 9960 is the dream of sewists and quilters alike. It offers endless opportunities for decorative stitching, advanced designs and lettering, and even an automatic sewing mode.

But what really takes the cake with this machine is the quality and beauty of its stitches. As we have come to expect from Singer, the QS Stylist 9960 offers solid stitching abilities even when working with heavy fabric like denim.

As so many other users have attested, this machine would still be an amazing choice if it was priced at 10x the current sticker price. Make no mistake, this is an advanced sewing and quilting machine that requires some skill to use effectively. If you are just looking for a basic straight-stitching machine, this is not for you.

    Why is it special?
  • Highly intuitive control display
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Tension adjustment and many other useful features
    What are the flaws?
  • You cannot resize the stitches or use the quilting bar with the walking foot
  • You can only use Singer 15 bobbins instead of the more common 15
  • You should also use high-quality threads and Singer needles with this machine
Also Product Ranking:
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Read full review: singer 9960
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4755 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.0
Features
  • Built-in stitches: 197
  • Sewing speed: 850 SPM
  • Dimensions: 19.6 x 14 x 10.3 inches
  • Weight: 17.3 lbs.
  • Warranty: 10 years

Extra features: comes with 7 presser feet, LED sewing light, comes with sewing bundle with everything you need to get started

The Eversewn Sparrow 25 makes our list as it is an exceptional choice for those who are on a budget. It doesn’t have the same brand reputation as a name like Brother, but if you need to purchase a computerized sewing machine without spending too much money then this can be an option. It is even popular among people who think that they may not be able to afford a computerized option!

Though the thread cutter is manual, there are so many other features which are great for this price point. 14 utility stitches and an incredible 58 decorative stitch patterns are included among the 197 different built-in options.

This ships with seven different presser feet and even has a six-piece quilting foot accessory, giving attachments such as a patchwork foot to suit quilters’ needs. Automatic bobbin winders and an auto-securing function can save you lots of time.

This is another affordable model which is often popular among beginners due to the fact that it is simple to get to grips with and doesn’t have a steep learning curve. Though it doesn’t have quite the same high-tech features as some of the top models, it has plenty of capability for many sewing projects as well as quilting and embroidery.

    What stands out?
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use right out of the box.
  • Seven feet included along with many other accessories.
  • 197 built-in options.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • No automatic threading.
  • Some cheaper components.
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Buying a sewing machine can be quite a big decision, and they aren’t cheap pieces of equipment. You may already have some idea what you are looking for and which features you will find most helpful for your specific needs. Our guide will walk you through these features as well as the many advantages of a computerized model of sewing machine, and help you to choose.

Advantages of getting a computerized sewing machine

Computerized sewing machines have numerous advantages, especially for those who aren’t experienced with manual machines already. They can make the sewing process slightly more ‘automatic’ which means that it is not only simpler for the user, it can also mean more reliable and high-quality results.

Being able to use a computerized machine also opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to being flexible with your sewing, and expanding into other areas such as embroidery and quilting. Many have a variety of different foot pedals for creating buttonholes or for different projects.

As technology advances, companies introduce more and more ways computers can help, and this is no different with sewing. For instance, the Brother SE1900 allows you to download thousands of different patterns and templates from their website, something you could never have done with a manual sewing machine.

Sewing machines with computers inbuilt can also save a huge amount of time with functions such as automatic threading.

Features to consider when choosing a computerized sewing machine

est Computerized Sewing MachineSo, what do you need to think about when making the right choice of sewing machine? Which features are most important for your sewing needs? Perhaps you even need certain features meanings explained. We tackle these below.

Number of built-in stitches

This is the number of stitch patterns and settings included within your computerized sewing machine. Patterns can include sewing and embroidery options, also described as ‘utility’ and ‘decorative’. If you are simply using a sewing machine for quilts or clothes, then you may not need a lot of different types of stitches. Anything overly decorative might be overkill.

Some of the models on this list, such as the Juki HZL-F600, have over 200 different patterns. For someone who likes to try their hand at embroidery and other craft projects using the sewing machine, these options to experiment can be very helpful.

Stitch length and width

These are the settings for the actual stitches themselves. Traditionally, stitches were measured in divisions of an inch.

Having a lot of different stitch opens can open up a lot of possibilities and allow you to alter you’re the length and width based on whether you are quilting (you will probably opt for a wider stitch with more space in between) or sewing up a blouse, for example.

Computerized sewing machines should display the length and width and allow you to choose these with ease. Which options you go for will depend on the project you are working on.

Sewing speed

This is one feature which is pretty self-explanatory. How quickly does the sewing machine operate? This is generally measured in SPM or (stitches per minute). Some of the options on the market can do up to 1,000 SPM or even higher. Generally speaking, the higher this number, the better for your sewing machine. You will be able to control the speed if, for any reason, you wish to slow down the machine.

Dimensions

Traditionally, sewing machines have been quite big and bulky items and therefore provided a challenge for storage. As well as the size of the unit itself, there are lots of accessories to consider.

If you are doing the majority of your sewing in a small apartment, or just don’t want the product to be too bulky and take up valuable space, consider the dimensions. As with a lot of other technological advancements, sewing machines have started to become smaller as the components can be made to be more compact. Some of the models on our list are relatively compact, such as the Eversewn option.

What you need it for

est Computerized Sewing MachineChoosing the most suitable option for you is the key. You may need the best computerized embroidery sewing machine to allow you to embroider a huge amount of different patterns and designs. Alternatively, you might do a lot of quilting and therefore opt for the Janome MC6650 which has lots of different features suitable for larger patchworks and quilts.

Free arm

A ‘free arm’ is a more flexible way of using your sewing machine. Rather than being set in a straight position, it allows you to easily move the fabric around under the needle, and is great for any curvature or awkward areas within the sewing, such as cuffs and sleeves. Of course, you’ll also be able to sew without a free arm, but it definitely makes the whole process a lot easier, so try to get a model that comes with this feature if you can.

Weight

Just like not wanting a product that is hugely bulky and difficult to store adequately, it may be worth considering the weight of your sewing machine. This is relevant if you wish to store it somewhere and then get it out and use it in another part of your home.

It is especially relevant if you need to be able to transport your computerized sewing machine, for example, if you need it for work or need to take it to sewing classes.

Price range

The price of a computerized sewing machine can vary hugely. For a top-of-the-range model, expect to spend around $1000 or even more. For a more basic, beginners computerized machine, you will still be spending many hundreds of dollars for an acceptable model. Around $300-$400 is pretty normal for a basic option.

If you are on a budget, this doesn’t have to stop you from owning and using a computerized sewing machine. The Eversewn Sparrow is an example of a product which doesn’t cost the earth, but does have plenty of great features.

Tips on using your computerized sewing machine

  • Familiarize yourself with the patterns and the difference between a utility stitch and a decorative stitch.
  • Read through the manual of your sewing machine and learn what each of the feet included is best for. Most sewing machines will have numerous foot options included, some will be for buttonholes, others for large stitching such as quilting.
  • Spend plenty of time messing around with scraps of fabric and practicing what your sewing machine is capable of before using it.
  • Read the manual thoroughly and make sure you totally understand any LCD display controls, as this is the key way you will interact with your sewing machine.

FAQ

Can all computerized sewing machines do embroidery?

Not every computerized sewing machine is capable of embroidery, but the majority of modern options have embroidery and sewing functionality. In fact, every recommended model on our list of the top-rated computerized sewing machines has at least some embroidery capabilities.

What will I need to get started with quilting?

As well as your sewing machine, accessories such as a self-heal mat, quilting ruler, rotary cutter and an iron are all essential. Fabric will be needed, too! Make sure your computerized sewing machine has a foot suitable for quilting, such as a ¼ inch foot.

Will my kids be able to use it?

Kids should be given strict instructions, a few lessons, and even supervision when using a sewing machine of any description. However, most options have adequate safety features and with your supervision, kids can get to know the basics. There are even some specific sewing machines aimed at children.

Our verdict

The Juki HZL-F600 is undeniably our top-rated computerized machine. It has received the highest rating due to the huge amount of stitch patterns, easy-to-use interface and exceptional accessories. On top of this, the large surface makes it a popular choice for larger projects such as quilts.

The Janome MC6650 also offers top-notch sewing as well as quilting, and it can operate at a very fast speed of up to 1000 SPM. Though it isn’t the cheapest option, it is very flexible and fast. It has a rating of 9.7/10.

Another of the best computerized sewing machine options is the Brother SE1900. It has 138 embroidery presets and more can be downloaded from the Brother website. This flexibility is popular among anyone who is keen on embroidery as well as sewing. It has a 9.5 rating and an unbelievable 25-year warranty.

All of the options on this list have their merits. There are some good choices out there no matter what budget you are working with, and finding the best computerized option can save you a huge amount of time and effort, as well as opening up a world of possibilities.

9,9
Total Score
Juki HZL-F600 - Editor's Choice
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