My Sewing Machine & Serger
These are the industrial machines I use in my slipcover business. They are designed to sew through multiple layers of heavy weight denim, canvas, and other home decor fabrics with very high speed and much more power than a heavy duty home sewing machine.
Juki DDL-5550N Industrial Single Needle Machine with a servomotor. This machine is a workhorse! Fast, reliable and simple to use. No computerized parts, no bells and whistles. Just forward and backward straight stitch with 5 stitch lengths.
Juki Industrial Serger MO-6714DA This 2-needle, 4-thread serger with mock safety stitch produces a professional seam finish. I love how clean and precise it trims and overlocks seam edges in one smooth process. Perfect for preventing washable slipcover seam edges from unraveling.
What About Heavy Duty Mechanical Sewing Machines?
A heavy duty sewing machine could be a good choice for hobbyists who want to make their own slipcovers. This type of straight stitch machine is more powerful than a home sewing machine but it lacks the strong power output of an industrial machine. Some heavy duty sewing machines might make sewing through multiple layers of fabric easier than a home sewing machine.
Look for these features when considering a heavy duty sewing machine:
- Mechanical not computerized.
- Sturdy metal frame that provides stability and reduces vibration.
- Fast sewing speed at 860 to 1000 (or higher) per minute.
- Extra high presser foot lifter — very helpful when sewing multiple layers of fabric.
- Extension table to give yourself more workspace when sewing slipcovers.