In the past, there were a lot more. That’s one of the most depressing aspects of the commercial world. The best brands come and go. There is no guarantee that they will endure longer than 50 years. With sewing machine brands, this is the norm. Some of them have been around for quite some time.
As far as we know, Bernina is the only sewing machine firm still run by a single family.
Continue reading to discover more about the various sewing machine manufacturers. So that you know who to trust with your sewing machine bucks, we’ve included as many as feasible in this post.
Table of Contents
How Many Brands of Sewing Machines Are There?
To include more than just the American companies, there are over 100 sewing machine manufacturers worldwide. There might be more, but their names aren’t all over the place.
Many imposters have surfaced since the sewing machine was invented in 1846, setting up business and selling a few machines before disappearing into the history books. Additionally, it might be difficult to track down these businesses since many have chosen to name their sewing machines after patents rather than the conventional company names.
One of the best sewing machine brands of all time was White. It also manufactured a high-end sewing machine. When Electrolux purchased it, it was no longer in business. Since 2006, White sewing machines have not been manufactured.
Bernina is a legendary brand that’s still going strong. Family-owned and operated throughout its history. The Bernina and Bernette sub-brands are readily available for sewing machine purchases. However, their equipment is prohibitively expensive.
Which Sewing Machine Brands Are the Best?
There is no doubt that Bernina is one of the most popular brands of sewing machines. Despite having a small part of the sewing machine market, their machines are of high quality and hence expensive. Bernina sewing machines may cost thousands of dollars.
Singer
Founded in 1851, the Singer Corporation was formerly known as Singer & Co. and was founded by Edward Clark, a New York lawyer, and Isaac Merritt Singer.
In 1963, the La Vergne, Tennessee-based Singer Corporation changed its name to the Singer Company.
Over the years, Singer has become a leading sewing machine company and has continued to make time-tested sewing machines that have changed over time since the creation of their first sewing machine for residential use.
Singer’s 8060 is a top-seller on the market, and for good reason. You may use it to sew on any kind of cloth or material since it comes equipped with everything you need. The Singer 7258 is another product that immediately springs to mind when thinking about Singer. Beginner to intermediate fashion designers can benefit greatly from this sewing machine.
Brother
Another popular sewing machine brand is Brother. There is just one drawback: They produce more electrical equipment than sewing machines. However, they still produce a high-quality equipment despite their wide range of offerings.
In the beginning, the firm was known as Yasuj Sewing Machine Co., but it later changed its name to Brother International Corp. Brother Industries Limited was subsequently renamed.
In Taiwan, Brother makes digital sewing machines whereas in Zhuhai, China they make mechanical ones. In Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, it just established what some believe to be the world’s biggest one-brand sewing machine production factory.
Over 60 million home sewing machines have been made by the firm as of May 2023, with some of their products ranked highly amongst sewers throughout the globe.
Among the best sewing machines on the market today, the Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine is always included. The CS6000i is very versatile since it can be used for a wide range of tasks, from crafts projects to sewing buttonholes, and much more.
However, Brother XM2701 is a budget-friendly sewing machine that enables professional fashion designers to travel with it. It’s also a good choice for those just getting started with a sewing machine.
Baby Lock
Baby Lock is a Japanese corporation that has been in business for more than 50 years. At first, they only made overlock machines, but as time went on, they also made sewing machines and cross-over types. Sewing, embroidery, quilting, and serging machines are all part of their product line, which now numbers over 50 variants.
Janome
Japan-based Janome Sewing Machines has earned its place at the top of the sewing machine industry for decades. The first computerized sewing machine was created by this business.
Pfaff
Since the 19th century, Pfaff, like both Singer and Bernina, has been making sewing machines Sewing machines of the highest quality have been produced by this German company since its inception.
Husqvarna
With a long history dating back to the early 1860s under the Husqvarna brand name, Viking Sewing Machines are best recognized for its high-end computerized models. The same firm that owns Singer and Pfaff sewing machines also owns Janome. Despite their small size, Viking sewing machines are well-designed. The machine’s metal components are housed in a sturdy plastic casing. This makes Viking sewing machines more robust and simple to repair than many other models available.
Bernina
An international sewing machine company established in Switzerland is Bernina. People buy them from them in nations like New Zealand and Switzerland as well as in countries like Australia and Austria as well as other European countries. An pricey high-end product with excellent manufacturing standards, this brand is a bit more expensive. However, they do have electrical sewing machines as well as computerized sewing machines.
Toyota
In the textile industry, Toyota has been producing high-quality sewing machines and textile equipment for than a century. Toyota has a wide array of sewing machines to meet the needs of each customer.
Highlead
Highlead is a Chinese sewing machine manufacturer headquartered in Shanghai, China, with a major production facility. Nearly 500 people are employed on the plant’s 200,000-square-foot campus. In 1993, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Japan, inked a business and technical partnership agreement with the firm.
A number of Mitsubishi products were able to be produced on the Highlead line thanks to this collaboration.
The Friedlander Sewing Machine Company is the only U.S. distributor for Highlead sewing machines, and Shangai Biaozhun Hailing Sewing Machinery Co. Ltd. is another partner of the Highlead brand that specializes in marketing their goods.
Over the years, Highlead has created a number of excellent sewing machines. Single-needle high-speed lockstitch industrial sewing machine, GC128 MD3 Single-needle UBT lockstitch with auto thread trimmer and stitch program, GC188 MDZY-4 Direct-drive sewing machine with auto thread trimmer, and stitch counter panel are some of the goods that spring to mind.
Juki
Also of Japanese descent, Juki Despite competition from the likes of Brother, Singer, Bernina, and Pfaff, their sewing machines remain the most popular in the world. Since the company makes both household and commercial models, it is likely that this is the reason why.
Melco Holding, Inc.
In 1975, Makoto Maki founded Melco Holdings Inc. as a family-owned business based in Japan.
Buffalo is a well-known brand under Melco Holding. Melco Holdings Inc. has a total of 14 subsidiaries, including Buffalo Inc. Prior to expanding into other ventures, the firm began by producing audio equipment.
For a long time, embroidery machines and embroidery design digitizing software have been a part of Melco’s diverse product line of embroidery machines. A number of prominent apparel manufacturing businesses, such as Nike, IZOD and Tommy Hilfiger, have collaborated with them throughout the years.
The EMT16 Plus embroidery machines from Melco are among the best in the company’s catalog. Designed and built to satisfy all of your sewing machine and design demands, the EMT16 Plus is the ideal machine for you.
The Ricoma International Corp.
Sewing machine manufacturer Ricoma International Corporation has its production facility in Shenzen, China, and its corporate headquarters in Miami, Florida.
The factory in China is a large facility with cutting-edge equipment that is well-managed to suit the requirements and requests of the customers.
Ricoma takes great pleasure in meeting the needs of its global client base with timely and high-quality goods and services.
For industrial and semi-industrial application, Ricoma’s RCM-1501 TC-7S Embroidery Machine is ideal. It may be used to design on practically any sort of cloth, including hats, shirts, and shoes.
The Consew Sewing Machine
Consew is the manufacturer and designer of the Consew Sewing Machine. The firm was founded in 1898 and through the years has built a reputation for creating one of the most durable sewing machines on the market today.
They make a variety of sewing, pressing, and cutting machines. Other items associated with the fashion and textile business are included in this category.
In addition to its extensive global distribution network, Consew has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and New Jersey. As a result, they will be able to respond quickly when you need it most.
The Consew 206RB-5 walking foot industrial sewing machine is one of Consew’s most popular machines.
When it comes to professional sewing machines, the Consew 206RB-5 is the undisputed leader. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable devices now on the market. It’s ideal for leather, automotive, furniture, canvas, and marine applications. “
Necchi
Many sewers choose Necchi sewing machines. What sets them apart from the rest? Why should you go with Necchi instead of the rest? For more information on what makes Necchi unique and why they could be the perfect choice for your next buy, read on. Necchi is a well-known manufacturer of sewing machines. In fact, Necchi offers a number of traits that set them apart from the competition. What makes Necchi so remarkable and why they should be part of your sewing machine collection will be explained in this article.
In the industry, Necchi machines are commonly referred to as “the Cadillac”. Ambrogio Necchi created Necchi in Pavia, Italy, in 1919, and the company has been around ever since. Since its inception, the firm has remained a family-owned business and has retained many of its original design characteristics. Sewing machines made by Necchi are renowned for their excellent build quality, attention to detail, and ingenuity. Because they make sewers feel like professionals every time they sit down to work, sewers who use Necchi can appreciate these specific traits.
Most people believe that Janome owns Necchi. Is Janome the manufacturer of Necchi sewing machines? Although Necchi was formerly handled by Janome, it now produces its own high-quality sewing machines, which it was renowned for in the past. According to the Necchi USA website, Janome is no longer the official vendor of Necchi sewing machines.
Sewing machines made by Necchi stand out from the competition due to the high level of precision and quality in their engineering. One hundred years after its founding, Necchi continues to make some of the best-quality sewing machines on the market today. As a result of these attributes, they have earned a place among the top machine manufacturers.
Elna
André Varaud and Dr. Ramon Casas Robert launched Elna in Switzerland in 1934. Elan is a well-known brand of sewing machines. It’s easy to sew using Elna sewing machines since they include a variety of functions. For more experienced sewers, computerized quilting and embroidery machines are also available from Elna, in addition to a wide range of straight stitch models.
Elna sewing machines were manufactured by Janome, and they are being manufactured by Janome today. They are produced in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand by Janome, the company that owns the facilities.
There are a wide range of useful features on Elna sewing machines, making them ideal for stitching. In addition to stitching and embroidery, the sewing machine may be used for both home and commercial sewing tasks. High-quality equipment from Elna include needles with a titanium coating for fast threading and strong zigzag stitches for efficiently cutting through difficult cloth. Elna sewing machines are particularly well-known for their high-quality motors, which are renowned for their impressive power.
Make stitching simpler using the needle threader that is included in this sewing machine’s package of options. Also included are five different presser feet, an adjustable sewing foot pedal, and a needle threader. Using an Elna sewing machine is as simple as it’s ever been because to the many functions that come standard on these machines.
Even though there are more, these are the top 15 manufacturers of sewing machines. If you’d like to see your favorite brand on this list, regrettably we can’t include all of them.
List of Sewing Machine brands
We may not be able to include all of the sewing machine brands that are still in business, but this is an excellent starting point. This list is not arranged in a descending manner from greatest to worst.
- Brother.
- Husqvarna.
- Janome.
- Viking.
- Bernina.
- Elna.
- Bernette.
- Jia Ling
- Juki.
- Kenmore.
- The Tacony Corporation
- Toyota Asin Seiki
- SWF.
- Usha.
- Yamato.
- The Jackk Sewing Machine Company
- The Feiyue Group
- Necchi.
- Union Special
- VI.BE.MAC. S.P.A. is an Italian company.
- Kingtex.
- Merrow.
- Pfaff.
- Singer.
- Sunstar.
- Fortuna.
Some of the most well-known sewing machine brands of the past
The sewing machine business has seen a number of firms come and depart throughout the years. The following is a brief list of companies that failed because they were unable to compete in the market at the time:
- The National Sewing Machine Company, Inc.
- Sewmor
- Manufacturers of Taft-Peirce
- Tikkakoski.
- The White Sewing Machine Company
- The Davis Sewing Machine Company
- Jennie June
- Jones Sewing Machine Company
- Kimball and Morton of Glasgow
- The Leader Sewing Machine
Many of these unsuccessful efforts are too many to detail here. In the United States alone, there are at least 30 and maybe as many as 50 names. Several mitigating events and conditions may have contributed to their failure.
Their dreams of becoming great in the sewing machine sector were shattered by bad business decisions. Alternatively, the larger, more established corporations either bought them out or cut their pricing so that the upstarts could no longer compete.
There are just a few of genuine sewing machine manufacturers remaining in the business, for reasons unknown. If you’d like to view the whole United States list, please click here.
Even the tiniest of sewing machine manufacturers may be found on this list. In addition, it’s useless to consult Wikipedia, since it doesn’t include all of the major brands or sewing machine manufacturers.
Different Brands of Sewing Machines
It’s not always easy to figure out which companies own which brands. Larger firms typically set up minor enterprises to provide low-quality sewing machines at low prices.
Bernina, for example, is the owner of Bernette. Nevertheless, the new company does not produce or sell sewing machines of the same quality or price as Bernina. In the household, sewing machines are the most often utilized tool.
The Bernette sewing machine is a nice alternative for those who can’t afford a genuine Bernina. The same may be said about Husqvarna. SVP owns Singer, Pfaff, and Viking in addition to the sewing machines they sell.
SVP also owns Husqvarna as a result of this ownership. Elna is owned by Janome, while Necchi is owned by Toyota. Even though there are many high-quality sewing machine companies out there, the sector isn’t as big as one may think.
Brands and Prices of Sewing Machines
As a result, some of the most well-known businesses are wary of losing sales or market share. As a result, they have developed portable and entry-level sewing machines that cost less than $50.
This technique aids the company’s bottom line while ensuring that everyone has access to a high-quality sewing machine. If you’re in the market for a machine, Brother is a good place to start. At $100, this is the most expensive option.
Between $200 and $300, there are various options. Many of their devices are kept at a low price point. There are a number of Singer models in the low $100 range as well as a few that go for as much as $400.
But a top machine from Janome costs about $700, with one model going as high as $800, while the company also offers more affordable models priced between $200 and $300.
For this reason, the pricing of Juki sewing machines might be much more exorbitant than the previously stated models. While one machine costs about $700, another costs $1,000, and a third costs more than $1000.
Bernette’s prices start at around $200, and there are a wide choice of styles to choose from. One of their best devices costs more than $1,000, however.
Top-of-the-line machines from Bernina may cost thousands of dollars. The good news, though, is that Amazon has a Bernina for around $2,100. On the same website, other Berninas retail for between $1400 and $1600.
Inquiring about sewing machine prices from Pfaff proved to be more challenging. Nothing came up when we looked everywhere, even on their website. No sales pricing could be seen on their promotion page, either.
It’s possible that Pfaff is sold via a network of dealers, whose pricing may vary from one dealer to the next. Varmax offers a $30 small sewing machine if you’re looking for the cheapest option. Exactly how long it will last is anyone’s estimate at this point.
Sewing Machine Brands Made in USA
It was formerly common for American sewing machine firms to manufacture their goods in the United States, but this practice has faded away. Manufacturing is outsourced to nations other than the one in which they have their headquarters.
We were only able to locate sewing machine manufacturers in the United States that manufactured machines for quilting. Handi-Quilter was the final known manufacturer, however it is unclear whether the firm is still operating in the United States.
Also known as “Made in America,” there are no American-based sewing machine manufacturers. Despite their “manufactured in America” label, the sewing machines are not really built in the United States.
China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the nations that manufacture sewing machines for well-known brands. Bernina Switzerland is the sole European manufacturer of its own equipment.
A sub-brand of that firm, Bernette, sources all of its equipment from Thailand. Sail Rite is one of the firms that delivers the components to the United States and then assembles the machines here at home.
The Merrow Company is the only exception to this rule that we’ve come across. Earlier, we spoke about a group of people with a low number of members. However, Joseph Merrow’s great-great nephews operate the business and retain manufacturing in the United States.
There is a possibility, though, that their primary concentration will be on commercial and industrial equipment, with a few more affordable options available. A gunpowder manufacturer since 1822, the firm produced the first crochet machine in 1877.
The only other major sewing machine manufacturer that manufactures in the United States is Janome. Other than that, the only components created in the United States will be the odd ones out.
Top Manufacturers of Industrial Sewing Machines
Merrow may be included to the list since they produce high-quality sewing machines for industrial and commercial use. Their machines seem to be able to handle a wide range of sewing tasks and a wide range of various textiles.
Crocheting machines are still available, but there are no end-to-end seaming options. Industrial sewing machines have been the exclusive emphasis of this firm for over two centuries.
Juki, a Japanese firm, would be the next on the list. For industrial sewing machines, they’re more focused. The company’s Juki Mo 6714S industrial serger machine is often regarded as the finest on the market today. For those looking for an industrial-quality sewing machine that can be used at home, Juki’s TL 200 Qi model is an excellent choice.
Their Juki DDl 8700 followed. It’s said to be a whisper-quiet machine that can easily stitch through ten layers of vinyl. Consew and its 206B-5 model follow Juki. It has no problem with heavy textiles at all. It might be because of its triple feed and high stitching force. ‘
The Yamata FY 8700 rounds out the lineup. As far as industrial machines go, this one is claimed to be the most cost-effective. It is very cost-effective and can sew 5,500 stitches per minute at a rate of one per second.
A special mention is go to Singer, which is selling three of the best industrial machines. Commercial and industrial applications are well-suited to each machine’s specific characteristics. To ensure that your commercial sewing requirements are met, this machine stitches at a speed of 2,500 SPM.
As an additional deserving contender, we’d like to call up Janome. This heavy-duty machine, the Hd 1000, seems to be able to tackle a wide range of challenging stitching tasks. As if it wasn’t enough, the Reliable sewing machine also deserves recognition. Industrial machinery manufactured by this firm are among the best in the industry.
Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
Sewing presents a wide range of issues and demands. To meet this need, a wide variety of sewing machines are now available on the market. Now is the time to get a sewing machine that is compatible with your project.
In this section, you’ll find a selection of heavy-duty sewing machines. It’s OK if you don’t agree with our list; we don’t expect you to. This is a selection of the greatest.
The Singer 4423 is a good place to start. It has a sturdy metal frame that should be able to handle even the most demanding stitching projects. It is robust and long-lasting, so you can count on it.
In addition, you have a choice of 23 pre-installed stitches. In addition, it includes a strong 1,100 spm motor. The Brother ST 371 HD is next in line.
Its 37 built-in stitches and 6 quick-change foot are its most notable features. It may be used with both heavy and light textiles, such as silk. Because of its adaptability, it’s a fantastic heavy-duty vehicle.
Janome HD 3000 is a workhorse, and it isn’t far behind in the race. And it’s a good one at that. This machine can handle a wide range of challenging stitching tasks thanks to its 18 built-in stitches and one button hole function.
Stitch speed is 850 per minute and the stitch selection dial is on the right end of the machine, making it a great choice for home sewers. The Juki TL 2000 Q1 is next on this list. Our machine has previously been discussed, and as you can see, its position on this list denotes that it is among the very finest.
If you require a machine with 1,500 stitches per minute, a built-in light and an automated needle threader, this is it. Turning the slider allows you to alter the length of your stitch.
When it comes to quilting sewing machines, the Tin Lizzie 18 could be worth a look. A company we haven’t previously discussed features a sit-down long arm quilting approach that will help you get the best results from your projects.
It has a built-in sewing table and an automated needle threader, making it ideal for quilting projects. You won’t have to strain your eyes to notice the smallest of details thanks to the integrated light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Which country is the leader in the production of sewing machines?
Japanese company Juki Corporation, based in Tokyo, specializes in the production and distribution of industrial and (just introduced) residential machinery. Juki is now ranked as the world’s top industrial sewing machine maker, with production facilities in China, Japan, and Vietnam. Juki has manufacturing facilities in China, Japan, and Vietnam.
What kind of sewing machine is best for making stitching simpler and faster?
In addition to stitching more quickly, the serger produces a stronger seam than traditional sewing machines. This machine’s system of needles and loopers creates a network of interlocking stitches that extend beyond the edge of the seam, which is why it is also referred to as an overlock machine or an overlocking system.
Conclusion
To keep track of the sewing firms and brands that are either in or out of business, it may be quite difficult. Toyota and Brother are only two examples of conglomerates that control a large number of sewing companies.
As a result, there are just a handful of sewing machine enterprises that are still run by the same family. Merrow is not directly competing with either Bernina or Merrow, who are the last two contenders. A century ago, both firms were founded.
Even though Singer is no longer a stand-alone firm, it continues to make high-quality sewing machines. There have seen a slew of sewing machine manufacturers come and go in the last several decades.
It’s a difficult slog since sewers like to stick with their favored manufacturers. If you want to get noticed, you have to compete on a computerized level, which not everyone is capable of.
A Bernina sewing machine is an excellent investment if you can afford it. They’re undoubtedly the most expensive sewing machines on the market today.
