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Among all the things you could possibly sew, nothing comes close than a handbag when it comes to expressing your inner fashion designer. Handbags are loved by millions across the world for very good reason: they’re both extremely stylish as a fashionable accessory and highly practical as a storage device. Now while the prospect of making your own handbags can seem daunting (after all, most would associate handbag making with the finest fashion brands in the market), you’ll be pleased to know that it isn’t quite so. Believe us when we say anyone can do it. All you need is a solid and appropriate sewing machine for the task at hand.
This is where our expertise chips in. We’ve reviewed some of the best sewing machines with handbag making in mind. We’ve picked machines that are versatile, powerful, and durable so whether you intend on specializing solely on handbag making or choose to venture into other sewing avenues, you absolutely cannot go wrong so long as you stick with our little list below.
Best Sewing Machine for Handbags
Juki HZL-DX Series Sewing Machine HZL-DX5
Kicking our list off with a wonderful product that combines both a Japanese love for ingenuity along with modern artisanship, Juki’s HZL-DX sewing machine sets a pretty high bar from the get-go.
Promising to deliver some of the most powerful and efficient sewing one could ever dream of, here you’ll be able to coax any material regardless of how thick or think it may be and transform it into a beautiful handbag through the alchemy of technological innovation.
This is made possible thanks to the high-quality stiches produced here by the Juki’s powerful motor and if you’re a fast worker, know that you’ll be able to reach sewing speeds of up to 1050 stiches per minute! We’re talking industry-grade standards here.
A cursory look at its intuitive LCD display will also reveal a number of unique features including an armory of 185 unique built-in stiches which you’ll be able to use on just about any sewing project.
Complementing all this is its “Box Feed” system that’ll enables any user to create professional-looking stiches without breaking a sweat. On its actual workstation, you’ll also find a continently placed LED Light System that’ll provide precious lighting to even the dimmest of workstations. We can’t emphasize enough how important this is when it comes to preserving your eyesight. It is quite heavy though, chipping in at 22-pounds, which is to be expected as this is a fully industrial-grade sewing machine.
From the lightest of fabrics to the sturdiest of leather, know that the Juki will work through all as though it were a hot knife cutting through butter.
Janome HD 3000 Black Sewing Machine
If the prospect of owing a heavy-duty, industrial sewing machine appeals to you but you don’t yet feel quite ready to part with large sums of money, consider opting for a machine like the Janome HD 3000. Don’t be fooled by its relatively modest price point though – you’ll still be getting a machine that’s every bit as fine as even the most expensive options out there.
The Janome features a totally removable free arm along with 18 built-in stitches which even includes a buttonhole, so you don’t have to be concerned about not being able to give life to your ideal handbag here by way of a lacking sewing machine.
With its easy-to-use needle threader along with complementary accessories which includes a hard cover and decent quilting feet, you’d be hard pressed to find another option in the market right now that’s worth its price as this option. You’ll even be able to manually control the tension of the threads you’re working with and along with its smooth-rotating dial that’ll let you adjust the length and width of any stitch, you could consider the Janome an extension of your arm.
Best of all, with a sturdy aluminum body, exposing the Janome to rough working conditions won’t ever be an issue. It’ll easily be able to withstand a little beatdown every now and then. The same can be said about its lifespan – expect it to last for decades on end with proper care.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
In the world of sewing machines, there are some names that because of the quality of their products, have garnered a respectable reputation for themselves. One such name is SINGER and believe us when we say it’s loved by sewists across the entire world. The Heavy Duty 4452 Singer Machine embodies everything the company stands for. Here, you’ll find a solid machine that practically screams quality upon first glance.
Looking a little deeper will reveal a whole set of 32 built-in stitches that includes basic stitches, stretch stitches, and even decorative stitches. Needless to say, they all should be just sufficient for even the more ambitious of sewing projects from handbags to dresses and so much more.
Its needle threader is also totally automatic which’ll be a blessing on your eyes – no need to strain them here when it comes to threading! Speed is also the name of the game in this machine. With a maximum stitching speed of 1100 stiches per minute, it isn’t a stretch to claim that this is by far one of the fastest we’ve ever seen as its price point.
Making this even better, its remarkably powerful motor makes this machine 60% more powerful than the average machine in the market which’ll allow you to work with just about any material as you please.
Even leather will bend to your will as though it were a thinner fabric with the SINGER at hand. Beyond this, you’ll also find a stainless steel build that’ll ward off rust and annoying dents along with a range of complementary accessories that include a waking foot, a non-stick foot, a clearance plate, and so much more.
Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
Designed specifically for those looking for a powerful kick in their sewing machines, Brother’s ST371HD will be the ideal pick. With a range of stiches to choose from – 37 to be exact – as well as an auto-size buttonhole, if handbag making is what you’re into, then look no further.
In this machine you’ll find an automatic threader along with a drop-in top bobbin that’ll make sewing even through the longest of hours an enjoyable and straightforward experience. Its free arm is totally versatile too and can be adapted to a wide variety of different sewing projects depending on your needs. You’ll also find numerous free accessories such as sewing feet, a detailed manual that’ll walk you through all the details, and a DVD guide if you prefer a little more visual instructions.
Now its body, as it is predominantly metal, is pretty sturdy so don’t fret about treating this machine a little roughly – it sure can take a punch. As if this all wasn’t good enough, purchasing this Brother machine will also grant you access to Brother’s extremely helpful technical support line that’ll resolve any issues you may face either through an email or even a phone call.
And yes, before you even ask note that this machine comes with a whooping 25-year warranty so if you encounter an unfortunate accident or two, make sure you have a copy of your receipt at hand!
Bernette 38 Computerized Sewing Machine
No list would be complete without at least one mention of a Bernette machine. This isn’t just a wild card though, it’s actually one of our favorites! Offering a totally computerized experience that’ll make sense to even those used to working with more traditional machines, this Bernette will astound any sewist with its lavish range of functions and complementary accessories. Inside you’ll find a powerful motor that’ll work its way through even the most stubborn of materials and along with its metal body, you can be sure that a machine like this will easily weather the long years to come.
It isn’t the most compact machine though. Sitting at 19.5 x 16.1 x 11.1-inches, we suggest that you make sure your workstation is able to accommodate for this before making a purchase if you want to avoid any discomfort and disappointment. Likewise, we wouldn’t recommend the Bernette for those looking to sew on the go (e.g. while travelling across the country).
Going back to its actual stitching prowess, you’ll find double needles along with automatic limitation here that’ll allow you to do far more than a conventional sewing machine. Controlling the machine and adapting it to deal with different materials is also a breeze thanks to the pressure foot and along with its automated tie-off function, you’ll be shaving entire swathes of time which you’d otherwise be using on menial, tiring tasks.
It even hosts an automatic thread cutter which’ll save even more time as you won’t have to reach for your pair of scissors and coupled with its totally detachable extension table, you shouldn’t be wanting for more working space here.
How to Make a Tote Bag (Video Tutorial)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use just about any type of sewing machine to make handbags?
Absolutely not. If you intend on making handbags, you should understand that you’ll probably be spending most of your time dealing with thick, stubborn fabrics. Not just any kind of sewing machine can handle things like this. You’ll need something heavy-duty that’s fully capable of working its way through all sorts of materials while still producing durable stitches that won’t disintegrate with a passing breeze.
Likewise, if you stick with our list, you shouldn’t really have to worry about this point at all – just keep this in mind though should you choose to look somewhere else.
How do I properly take care of my sewing machine?
Besides storing it properly in an area that isn’t exposed to direct heat and ensuring that you wipe the annoying particles of dust that tend to accumulate overtime, there isn’t much you need to be doing. Sewing machines are pretty sturdy as they already are.
However, the one thing you shouldn’t forget it oiling. Sewing machines are usually always pre-oiled before they’re shipped out but later down the line (we’re talking months to years) we suggest adding a couple drops of appropriate sewing oil around the bobbin case area and the handwheel to ensure things stay as smooth running as possible.
If you’re confused, consult your manual as it’ll be sure to mention something about oiling. Heck if all else fails, we guarantee that you’ll be able to find the answer online on some sewing-related forum!
How long can I expect my sewing machine to last?
This will depend entirely on you. Specifically on how often you sew and how well you store and maintain your machine. Regardless, for the average user, you can expect a sewing machine to last for a minimum of 5 years to as many as 25 years. We get that the range between the two numbers is pretty spectacular but with so many moving parts and factors to consider, we think it’s the most accurate answer to give.
All that being said, most machines come with some form of warranty that usually lasts for a couple decades – just don’t forget about it and you’ll be sure to milk out every last drop of life from just about any machine!