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If you have made the effort to buy a professional sewing machine with computerized applications, you probably want the full package too. You want to gain the advantage of every feature in the book and make sure your designs stand out in the crowd.
Whether the machine requires it or you simply need extra space, deciding on the best memory card for sewing machines may seem a little difficult. At a first glance, it looks simple – you only want the memory. But as you dig deeper, you realize there is more than just that.
Best Memory Card for Sewing Machines of 2020
What To Look For In The Best Memory Card For Sewing Machines
There are a few different things to look for in a card.
Type
Make sure you get the right type of card. Some machines rely on SD cards, while others can only take microSD cards, which are smaller than thumbnails. You can, however, use an adapter for a microSD card and turn it into an SD card, but it will be slower.
Size
How much memory do you need? Bigger is usually better, but then, extra size could also be a waste of money. Think about the size of a design, as well as the amounts of designs you may need in the future.
Speed
Not all cards are the same in terms of speed. Speeds are given in three different standards – video speed, ultra high speed and speed. The video speed class is the fastest in this industry.
Brand
Finally, stick to a reputable brand. Otherwise, you risk ending up with a no name card and no customer support at all in case something goes wrong. Plus, the warranty could be useless if you cannot get in touch with the manufacturer.
Now that you know how to buy a memory card for your sewing machine, what are the best-rated options on the market and why?
HuaDaWei Memory Card
This memory card is compact and comes with 16GB of memory – more than enough to store hundreds of different designs, regardless of how sophisticated they are. It can be used for other devices as well, such as smartphones, digital cameras or computers – great for documents, music and other multimedia files.
Make sure your sewing machine can take such cards though. If you plan to use it for other devices too, it can still support photography in DSLRs as well. Furthermore, it can be used out of the box and features a protective case. Given the price, it provides good value for money as well.
Pros
- Compatible with more sewing machines
- Suitable for other devices as well
- Great value for money
- Can be bought in more sizes
Cons
- Not the best option for some popular Brother sewing machines
Liliwell Memory Card
Liliwell’s best memory card for sewing machines comes with not less than 32GB of storage. It is excellent for hundreds or even thousands of designs – depending on how sophisticated they are. It is rated to be a high speed memory card, so reading and writing on it should be a matter of seconds only.
The compact flash memory card is designed with heavy duty purposes, so you are less likely to damage it, regardless of how many times you take it in and out. It is suitable for other devices that accept such memory cards too, from digital cameras and smartphones to computers.
Pros
- Good for a plethora of different sewing machines
- Plenty of storage
- Heavy duty design
- Suitable for other devices too
Cons
- While very fast, there are better options if you are after speed
Verbatim Memory Card
Verbatim is one of the leading names on the market when it comes to storage solutions and its memory cards stand out in the crowd. This could be the best memory card for sewing machines if you want reliability and value for money. It is compatible with most operating systems as well.
It can take 2,000 operating shocks, so it is designed with heavy duty purposes. It has a low power consumption and it brings in 2GB of data. It is great if you only have a few dozen or hundred designs to store, yet you can always erase it empty for more – or simply store your designs on your computer instead.
Pros
- Compatible with almost every operating system
- Rugged and durable design
- Almost no power consumption
- Can be bought in more sizes
Cons
- Memory may not be enough for industrial applications that deal with hundreds of designs
SanDisk CompactFlash Card
This could be the best memory card for sewing machines if you only use yours for personal designs rather than business applications. It is also suitable for older machines that can only take 512MB of storage. While there are bigger alternatives, older models are often limited in size.
The ultra compact memory card is compatible with almost any operating system. It can take all kinds of files and can be used for other devices too – with limited capabilities, of course. You can throw it into your satnav system or perhaps your camera, but high quality pictures require lots of space though.
Pros
- An excellent choice for older sewing machines that are not compatible with bigger alternatives
- Durable design
- Good value for money
- Suitable for more devices
Cons
- Not enough memory for business or industrial applications
Brother Memory Stick
Brother’s USB memory stick comes with 4GB of storage. It is great for transferring your designs from your computer to your sewing machine – simply make sure your machine has USB connectivity. Some older models only take memory cards, meaning the stick becomes completely useless for your applications.
The stick is durable and can take lots of applications. it comes with a small hole at the end, so it can be kept by your keyring. Given its compatibility with pretty much any system on the market, it is great for car audio systems, computers and laptops – as long as you need to transfer or store some data, it can do it.
Pros
- Compatible with many modern sewing machines
- Suitable for both personal and business applications
- Portable
- Can be kept on the keyring
Cons
- Just because it is made by Brother, it does not mean that it works with all Brother sewing machines
SanDisk Extreme SDCFXSB-032G-G46
SanDisk’s best memory card for sewing machines brings in 32GB of storage – more than enough for both personal and commercial applications. You can store hundreds or thousands of designs. You can also buy it in other sizes, such as 64GB or 128GB – just make sure your sewing machine can take such sizes.
The memory has extreme speeds – reading speeds up to 120MBs. It has a limited lifetime warranty and it is easy to tell why – it has RTV silicone coating and has been taken through a series of tests for shock and stress. Other than that, it is compatible with other devices too, such as digital cameras.
Pros
- Built to last for a lifetime
- Super high reading and writing speeds
- Solid and durable design
- Can be bought in more sizes
Cons
- Not compatible with older sewing machines – too big
Funturbo Memory Stick PRO Duo
This is the most modern option on the market if you are after some flexibility. It is not an actual memory card, but an adapter. Practically, if your sewing machine can only take SD cards and you have a microSD card, this adapter will make your life easier and make the two compatible.
It is compatible with most microSD cards out there, but only up to 64GB. It works with microSD, SDXC and SDHC cards. It is compatible with other devices that take such cards, such as digital cameras and even modern gaming devices. Given the price, it brings in great value for money as well.
Pros
- Compatible with most types of cards
- Well built and sturdy for longterm uses
- Works with all kinds of devices, including PSP
- Good value for money
Cons
- Only compatible with cards up to 64GB in size
SanDisk Memory Flash Card
If a memory card is likely to last for years, a pack will most likely last for a lifetime. Whether you run a business or you tend to lose such things, this pack from SanDisk is extremely cost efficient and brings in not less than five different memory cards. All cards feature the same storage memory – 16GB, 32GB or 64GB.
Each card comes with its own plastic case. You have ultra high speed ratings for various applications. Moreover, the cards are compatible with SDHC and SDHC enabled devices. You have a lifetime warranty, but you are less likely to use it anyway. Moreover, cards work with most operating systems and can be used for other similar devices too – digital cameras, smartphones, computers and so on.
Pros
- Excellent value for money – five memory cards at a heavily discounted rate
- Great for business and commercial applications
- Compatible with most operating systems
- Ultra high speed ratings
Cons
- Might be a bit too much for those who use their sewing machines for personal purposes
Final Thoughts
Bottom line, you do not have to be a genius to choose the best memory card for sewing machines. Make sure you know precisely what kind of card your machine can take. You can always use adapters for your computer or laptop.
Other than that, choose the value for money and memory based on your personal needs.