Best Mid-Range Sewing Machine for Demin and Jeans
Denim is the one material that (when it comes to sewing machines) distinguishes the wheat from the chaff; or better phrased, the heavy-duty from the entry-level. If a sewing machine can handle denim with ease, you can rest assured that you can take on almost any project with ease.
Denim and jeans are nearly identical, but what exactly is denim?
It turns out, denim is just cotton, but it’s woven in such a way that it forms an extraordinarily durable fabric that’s suited for tough and rugged conditions.
Did you know that the word ‘denim’ originated from the French town of Nimes that was known for their ‘serge’ (a sturdy fabric), and thus “de Nimes” was adopted as the name ‘denim’.
Initially, denim clothes were marketed to workers as sturdy and inexpensive apparel, but today, denim jeans can cost as much as a high-end business suit.
Even while it is more durable than conventional apparel, it can still be ripped or destroyed. Here’s where having a nice sewing machine comes in handy. Whether you want to repair denim jackets or jeans to make them look fresh again, or you want to create whole new designs, you’ll want to choose your sewing machine carefully.
While the entirety of the Janome and Elna range will handle denim with ease, there are some standout models that will make denim sewing more than just easy, they make it fun! This guide combs through several machines and their in-depth reviews in order to locate the most suited sewing machines for heavy fabrics.
Janome My Excel 18W
Just by looking at the My Excel 18W, you can tell that this machine is designed for non-stop heavy duty sewing (amongst many other features). While this machine only has 18 stitches, it is its motor and design that give it its title as the workhorse of the Janome range. After all, if it isn’t powerful enough for a simple jeans repairing operation, all the stitch types in the world will be meaningless.
The My Excel 18W (also known as the MW3018LE, which is the Australian equivalent to the HD3000) is often used in high schools as they are hard to break (and if a high schooler cannot damage this machine, that speaks volumes).
When it comes to denim, this machine can handle up to 12 layers (with its extra high presser foot lifter), with the right needle of course. However its true power comes from its heavy-duty motor, internal (and external) metal construction and gearing which delivers each motor revolution to the needle.
The top five features of this machine include:
- 860 Stitches Per Minute
- Superior 7 Piece Feed Dog System
- 18 Stitches
- Janome’s Jam-Proof Bobbin System
- Extra-High Lifter
Janome DC3200
The DC3200 is the ideal machine for those looking to sew on a wide variety of fabrics without having to get into the more specialised models. While considered a ‘light-weight’ machine (weighing in at 6.4kg), this machine can sew over any thickness with its incredibly powerful computerised motor. While the speed is limited to 820 stitches per minute (still one of the fasts domestic sewing machines on the market), the true power of this machine comes from its intelligent motor design; where the machine’s sensor’s can detect if it is sewing over an abnormally thick piece of material and as a result, it adjusts the amount of power going to the motor. This ensures that whether you sew through fine silk or multiple layers of heavy denim, the DC3200 can easily keep stitching.
Furthermore, this model onwards features the easy-set “Drop Sew” needle plate, which allows the sewist to easily and quickly thread the machine without having to completely remove the fabric from underneath the presser foot.
The top five features of this machine include:
- 820 Stitches Per Minute
- Computerised Motor
- Superior 7 Piece Feed Dog System
- 50 Stitches
- Drop Sew Needle Plate
Janome DC6050
The very features that make the Janome DC6050 one of the most popular mid range quilting machines in Australia are the same that give this machine the ability to handle denim and extreme thicknesses.
Similar to the DC3200, the DC6050 features a computerised dc motor, which has the ability to increase its power based on the resistance that the machine feels when going through a thickness. However, the true convenience of the DC6050 (as it relates to denim sewing) is the inclusion of the 6 point adjustable pressure dial.
As many sewists know, stitching on the “lip” of denim can be tricky, however with the adjustable pressure dial, you can quickly change the amount of force pushing down on the fabric, ensuring that every stitch goes where it is intended.
Best of all, this machine features a built-in thread cutter, which allows you to quickly and conveniently cut your threads and then move on to the next row of sewing without having to remove your project (a great time saver!).
The top five features of this machine include:
- 820 Stitches Per Minute
- Computerised Motor
- Adjustable Foot Pressure Dial
- 50 Stitches
- Built-In Automatic Thread Cutter
Honourable Mention: The Elna eXperience 550 has the same features as the Janome DC6050
Our Picks: Best Mid-Range Janome Sewing Machines for Denim Sewing
Choosing the best sewing machines for denim - A buyer's guide
While there are numerous textiles that are tough to sew, thick and bulky fabrics such as denim are among the most difficult. Will my machine be able to stitch through all layers of denim? While all Janome and Elna domestic sewing machines can hem a pair of jeans or pierce light weight denim if done slowly and with the correct needle and thread, some are better suited to stitching thicker, bulkier fabrics or numerous layers than others.
Two, Six, Twelve layers?...
When it comes to thick sewing (like stitching on denim, canvas, and leather), there are several features that ensure that you can sew with ease. The features that make sewing over thicknesses easy are:
- Powerful Motor
While the entire range of Janome Sewing Machines can sew through denim and jeans material, the stronger the motor, the faster you will be able to stitch. This is achieved by either using a heavy duty mechanical motor (like the motor featured in the My Excel 18W) or a computerised DC motor.
- Extra High Lift
Multiple layers of thick denim fabric necessitate a high presser foot lift. The more layers, the thicker the bulk under the foot. While most sewing machines have an additional lift in their presser foot, a extra high lift can add nearly an inch of extra space for the extra layers. To check if your machine has this, simply raise and hold the presser foot lift lever at the highest position (or consult your instruction manual). This ability comes in handy when stitching through thick fabrics or working on large projects like mending jeans or putting together a quilt sandwich.
Additional Nice to Have features, include:
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure Dial:
If your fabric isn’t moving smoothly beneath the presser foot when stitching on thick materials, lowering the presser foot pressure can allow for the fabric to glide more freely.
- Straight Stitch Plate:
With a Straight Stitch (SS) Needle Plate (and corresponding Stitch Stitch Foot), the fabric and the needle are cradled to reduce needle flexing when stitching on heavy materials. Additionally, the SS Needle plate is great for thin and fine fabrics as it prevents them from falling into the needle well when stitching.
Do you have any questions? Please reach out and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you with all of your sewing needs.