Upholstery Sewing Machines

Usually when people are talking about upholstery sewing machines are they are talking about a commercial grade machine. While there are specific upholstery sewing machines out there, most of them are simply commercial machines. 

If anyone has ever tried to sew upholstery fabrics on a normal household sewing machine you would quickly realize how difficult it is, and how weak your regular sewing machine is. 

While some standard home sewing machines can handle the heavier fabrics if you change the needle, but you quickly realize that most machines can barely handle a thick denim or even a very thin leather. 

Another good reason to buy an upholstery sewing machine is that you can avoid damaging your own regular sewing machine, also if you use it upholstery and damage it you may void the warranty. 

Also you can avoid problems like thread jams, broken needles, and tension difficulties like bunching. 

Upholstery sewing machines have a few differences from a standard machine. One of the main differences is that they are normally made out of a metal, and not the plastics that you normally see. 

This makes them much heavier and harder to transport. Some manufacturers have made lighter and portable versions. 

The other main difference is the walking foot. While most machines pull the fabric through, upholstery sewing machines have a walking foot made of two pieces that alternate so it looks like it is walking across the fabric. The main advantage of this is that one foot remains on the fabric at all times which keeps it from shifting. This is very important if you’re going to be working with a multi-layered project. 

Another big difference is the knee lever. Usually on standard sewing machines the only lever to raise the foot is located behind the needles set up. But on these commercial machines the lever that raises the foot it by the knee.  The main advantage of having the lever controlled by your knee is that you can keep your hands on the fabric holding them in place at all times. 

Many of these machines have limited options when it comes to stitches. Some might only do straight stitches or zigzag. If you want to do more complicated stitches you should talk to the retailer to make sure that your machine has that capability. 

These machines can also do corduroy and velvet.  Also on these machines you will notice a bigger upholstery needle, bigger than the standard sewing needle. 

If you have trouble affording a new machine, you should consider buying a second hand machine. Many of these machines can be found very cheaply at second hand stores, and even at garage sales.