What to Look for in an Upholstery Sewing Machine

Unfortunately, most upholstery fabrics are difficult to handle and don’t work well with traditional or standard sewing machines. If you’re having issues with your fabric or sewing machine while working with upholstery, it’s time to upgrade to an upholstery sewing machine. The proper machine will take your projects or crafts from disaster to masterwork in no time.

Power

The first factor to consider when purchasing an upholstery sewing machine is power. The machine should be able to sew through thick or industrial grade fabrics and will usually have the motor separate from the body of the machine, connected through a pulley.

What you really want to see with proper power is a wheel that permits easy change of direction and movement. Typically, you can find this with smaller wheels, which also provide more power.

Construction

Any sewing fan will tell you that it's important to have a nice body on a sewing machine, but when it comes to an industrial grade machine, you want something built to last through the ages. Avoid any machines that have bodies of light materials or advertisements that read "easy to transport" because they just won't last.

The Bed

A sewing bed is the section under the foot and needle. On most standard machines, this is not very large and depending on your project you may not want a very large sewing bed.

When evaluating the sewing bed of an upholstery sewing machine, consider the size of your projects. Do you want a lot of space, or would you rather have room to move around your needle?

The Walking Foot

The walking foot is the key to efficient and fun sewing projects. A walking foot is a special tool that lets the fabric move easily through stitching regardless of its thickness or durability. The walking foot is one of the primary reasons a standard sewing machine won’t hold up through typical projects. The walking foot, when paired with an industrial device, allows the machine to grab the fabric and continue the sewing process as it uses even pressure to prevent bunching. Always choose an upholstery sewing machine that has a walking foot.

Choosing Your Next Upholstery Sewing Machine

The best machine should fit a wide range of projects, making them easier and allowing you to enjoy sewing rather than spending time fighting a machine. The primary aspects to consider are finding a machine with a sturdy walking foot, a small wheel, durable construction and a sewing bed that fits your needs.

At Goldstar Tool you can find any of your sewing needs for heavy-duty projects!