Skip to content
Stitch & Hem
Menu

Buying guide

Best sewing machines for intermediate sewers

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Janome 5270QDC: knee lifter, thread cutter, wide table

    Twelve buttonholes give a style for shirts, coats, knits and heirloom work.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    bernette 38: thread cutter, tie-off, extension table

    An automatic thread cutter and tie-off finish each seam neatly at the press of a button.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    PFAFF passport 3.0: IDT dual feed and thread cutting

    The IDT system feeds from the top and bottom, which helps stop knits stretching and silky layers creeping.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Once you can sew a dress or a zip without thinking, a beginner machine starts to hold you back. The step up features that make the biggest difference are practical rather than decorative. An automatic thread cutter saves time at the end of every seam. A knee lifter raises the foot while both hands stay on the fabric. Better feeding, such as a box feed or an integrated dual feed, keeps slippery and layered fabrics in line. More space to the right of the needle helps with coats and quilts, and adjustable presser foot pressure lets you tune the machine to the fabric. This guide compares seven machines that add some or all of these, on stitch count, thread cutter, knee lifter, feed system and stated workspace. Every fact is from the listing, and where a listing does not mention a feature we write Not stated, so check it with the seller if it matters to you.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Janome

Janome 5270QDC: knee lifter, thread cutter, wide table

A full sized Janome with 270 stitches, 12 buttonholes, an auto thread cutter and a knee lifter, plus a wide extension table and hard cover. It suits regular dressmaking and home sewing.

In its favour

  • Twelve buttonholes give a style for shirts, coats, knits and heirloom work.
  • A knee lifter raises the foot hands free, which helps when easing sleeves and curves.
  • Foot pressure adjustment, a wide extension table and a hard cover are all listed.

Good to know

  • At 10.7 kg it is heavy to carry to a class.
  • The listing does not mention a dual feed or walking foot in the box.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome 5270QDC Sewing Machine

No. 2 · Bernette

bernette 38: thread cutter, tie-off, extension table

The computerised b38 with an LCD display, automatic thread cutter, automatic tie-off, adjustable foot pressure, an extension table and a set of feet. The best all round Bernette sewing machine here.

In its favour

  • An automatic thread cutter and tie-off finish each seam neatly at the press of a button.
  • Adjustable presser foot pressure suits fabrics from fine to thick.
  • An extension table and a full accessory set are included.

Good to know

  • The listing does not give the stitch count or buttonhole styles.
  • Some listing text mentions embroidery, but it has no embroidery unit.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Bernette 38 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine

No. 3 · Pfaff

PFAFF passport 3.0: IDT dual feed and thread cutting

A portable computerised Pfaff with the brand's IDT system, which feeds fabric from above and below, plus 100 stitches and automatic thread cutting. It suits dressmakers who sew slippery fabrics and knits.

In its favour

  • The IDT system feeds from the top and bottom, which helps stop knits stretching and silky layers creeping.
  • Automatic thread cutting, a start/stop button and adjustable speed control are listed.
  • The maker describes it as portable and compact, so it suits a class or a shared table.

Good to know

  • The listing does not say how many buttonhole styles are included.
  • Two different weights appear in the listing, so check the figure if carrying matters.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: PFAFF 3.0 Passport Sewing Machine

No. 4 · JUKI

Juki HZL-G220: 180 stitches, box feed and cutter

A metal bodied Juki with an automatic thread cutter, eight automatic buttonholes, an alphabet, a box feed system and adjustable foot pressure. It suits garment sewists who value smooth feeding.

In its favour

  • The listing describes a rectangular (box) feed and pressure adjustment, which help keep layers aligned.
  • Eight automatic buttonholes and an automatic thread cutter are listed.
  • A metal housing and a wide space under the arm are stated.

Good to know

  • The listing is roughly translated, so confirm the exact stitch count and accessories.
  • No extension table is mentioned in the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Juki hzl-g220 Electronic Sewing Machine with Wire Cutter Automatic Met...

No. 5 · JUKI

Juki HZL-HT740: auto thread trimming, 6.4 inch space

A Juki with automatic thread trimming, a thread cutter button, auto needle threader, metal interior frame, stainless steel bed plate and 6.4 inches of space to the right of the needle.

In its favour

  • Automatic thread trimming cuts upper and lower threads together.
  • A heavy duty metal frame and stainless steel bed plate are listed.
  • A stated 6.4 inch space between needle and body helps with larger projects.

Good to know

  • The listing does not give the number of built-in stitches.
  • No knee lifter or advanced feed system is mentioned.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Juki HZL-HT740 Computerized Sewing Machine

No. 6 · Singer

Singer C7225: 200 stitches and start/stop

A computerised Singer with 200 built-in stitches, eight one-step buttonholes, an LCD that shows stitch length and width, and LED lights in front of and behind the needle.

In its favour

  • Two hundred stitches are listed, with the screen showing the chosen stitch and its length and width.
  • Start/stop and stitch selection at the touch of a button are listed.
  • LED lights in front of and behind the needle help when sewing dark fabric.

Good to know

  • The listing does not mention a speed slider or needle up or down.
  • The presser feet included in the box are not listed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Singer c7225

No. 7 · Janome

Janome Skyline S3 AE: 8.25 inch workspace

A lighter Janome with the same 8.25 by 4.7 inch sewing space as the S6, 120 stitches, a 7 piece feed dog system and drop feed for free motion quilting.

In its favour

  • The extra wide 8.25 by 4.7 inch sewing space is stated, with LED lighting over the work area.
  • Drop feed allows free motion quilting and a 7 piece feed dog system handles layers, per the listing.
  • At 8.39 kg it is the lightest machine here, easier to move between table and cupboard.

Good to know

  • No dual feed system or walking foot is listed in the box.
  • No automatic thread cutter or stitch regulator is mentioned.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome Skyline S3 Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine

More buying guides: Computerised machines

Stitch and Hem chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.