# Best sewing machines for dressmaking Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-dressmaking Publisher: Stitch and Hem. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/how-we-pick Dressmaking asks more of a sewing machine than repairs and cushions do. Jersey wants to stretch as it feeds, silk and viscose want to slip, and a shirt front needs a row of buttonholes that all match. The machines that make garments easier feed layers evenly (a built-in dual feed, a box feed or adjustable foot pressure), offer reliable one-step buttonholes, and trim threads for you so you can move from seam to seam quickly. Weight matters too: a heavier machine stays steady over seam allowances. This guide compares six step up machines on feed system, stitch count, buttonhole styles, thread cutter and weight, using only what each listing states. If you sew mainly knits, pair any of these with an overlocker later; none of them trims and neatens the edge in one pass. ## Products ### 1. Janome 5270QDC Sewing Machine Feed: Foot pressure adjustment; Stitches: 270; Buttonholes: 12; Thread cutter: Automatic; Weight: 10.7 kg 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. ### 2. Bernette 38 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine Type: Computerised sewing; Stitches: Not stated; Buttonhole: Not stated; Key extra: Thread cutter, auto tie-off; Weight: 9.82 kg 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. ### 3. PFAFF 3.0 Passport Sewing Machine Feed: IDT dual feed; Stitches: 100; Buttonholes: Not stated; Thread cutter: Automatic; Weight: 6.3 kg (maker figure) 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. ### 4. Juki hzl-g220 Electronic Sewing Machine with Wire Cutter Automatic Metal/PVC White 44.5 x 22.3 x 29.2 cm Feed: Box feed, pressure adjustment; Stitches: 180; Buttonholes: 8 automatic; Thread cutter: Automatic; Weight: 8.7 kg 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. ### 5. Brother Innov-is F420 Sewing Machine Feed: Rectangular (box) feed; Stitches: Not stated; Buttonholes: Not stated; Thread cutter: Automatic; Weight: 10 kg An Innov-is with an LCD display, automatic bobbin winding, an automatic thread cutter and a rectangular feed system the listing says helps with jerseys and other materials. A solid all round garment machine. In its favour: - The rectangular feed is listed as helping jersey and other materials feed evenly. - An automatic thread cutter and a user friendly LCD display are listed. - At 10 kg it sits firmly on the table over thick seam allowances. Good to know: - The listing gives very few details, with no stitch count or buttonhole styles. - Included presser feet and accessories are not listed. ### 6. Brother Innov-is A80 Sewing machine, LCD screen and LED lighting White Stitches: 80; Buttonholes: 8 styles; Speed control: Not stated; Needle up/down: Yes; Weight: 10 kg A heavier Innov-is with 80 stitch programs including eight buttonhole variants, needle up or down, a twin needle mode, LED lighting and a hard cover. It suits regular garment and home sewing. In its favour: - Needle up or down and a twin needle mode are listed, useful for corners and twin needle hems. - Eight buttonhole variants give a choice of styles for shirts, coats and knits. - At 10 kg it is the heaviest machine here, so it should stay put on the table. Good to know: - Parts of the listing are poorly translated, so check the exact feature list with the seller. - A speed slider is not clearly mentioned in the listing. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.