# Best sewing machines for intermediate sewers Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-intermediate-sewers 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 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. ## 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. Juki HZL-HT740 Computerized Sewing Machine Stitches: Not stated; Thread cutter: Yes, automatic trimming; Knee lifter: Not stated; Feed: Not stated; Workspace: 163 mm (6.4 in) 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. ### 6. Singer c7225 Stitches: 200; Buttonholes: 8 one-step; Speed control: Not stated; Needle up/down: Not stated; Weight: 6.33 kg 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. ### 7. Janome Skyline S3 Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine Workspace: 210 x 119 mm (8.25 x 4.7 in); Feed: 7 piece feed dogs; Stitch regulator: Not stated; Stitches: 120; Weight: 8.39 kg 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.