Industrial Sewing Machines

Learning the differences between industrial and home sewing machines can help consumers better determine what types of sewing machines to purchase. There may be advantages to either depending upon the volume of a sewing project, the precision needed, and/or the swiftness with which a project must be completed.

Industrial vs. Home Sewing Machines

While industrial sewing machines may lack some of the creative options allowed by home sewing machines, the tradeoff they offer is speed, power, and ultimate precision. Industrial sewing machines include the sewing machine mechanisms as well as a power stand, the latter of which houses the motor. In league with the high powered motors, the pulley size also affects the machine's speed. High speed industrial sewing machines stitch at a rate of about 4500 to 5500 spm (stitches per minute), whereas most home sewing machines run at about 800 spm. The immense power offered by an industrial sewing machine can be like a speeding train, not meant to be to slowed or stopped, which is why many prefer standard home sewing machines in the event that they wish to add or take away elements of a design project at will.

Why Industrial?

Obviously the greatest need for industrial sewing machines is in a factory; however, there are many instances in which consumers can benefit from the power and accuracy of the industrial sewing machine. While speed may be the most appealing to barons of industry, it is often the promise of a professional, meticulously finished product that urges many experienced tailor/consumers to opt for an industrial machine. Many extra features are also available, including: lock stitch, overlock, blindstitch, button sewers, buttonhole machines, drapery pleaters, and cloth cutters. With an industrial model the user can ensure that their resulting project will be virtually indistinguishable from a "professional" or store-bought garment.

Industrial Market Options

Nearly every sewing machine company offers an industrial counterpart to its home sewing machines. Some of the best options in this regard are offered by Singer, Brother, Viking, and Janome. Below are some resources to better understand industrial sewing machines as well as shop for them.