Stiftung Warentest: The best sewing machines for beginners and professionals
6.11.2024
Translation: machine translated
Stiftung Warentest has subjected 28 sewing machines to a comprehensive test. The result: good quality does not necessarily have to be expensive.
Sewing hasn't just recently become a trend, so it's no wonder that the range of sewing machines on sale is gigantic. But which machine is best suited to your sewing needs? Is an inexpensive model from 100 euros enough or should it be the computerised overlock machine with touchscreen for 1400 euros? Answers to these questions can now be found in a detailed overview from Stiftung Warentest, which examined 28 sewing machines (including 4 overlock machines).
This is what was rated: Accuracy, ease of use, versatility
The testers had to get to grips with the sewing machines. They tested different types of stitches on different fabrics, sewed buttonholes and attached zips to assess the versatility of the machines. They placed particular emphasis on user-friendliness. Nothing is more frustrating than not even getting round to sewing because the machine is difficult to operate or even threading or winding is a pain. The testers therefore analysed how easy it was to thread the machine, wind the bobbin and change the presser feet. Suitability for sewing beginners was also taken into account to find out which models are particularly beginner-friendly.
Several sewing machines scored well. The remarkable thing is that there are considerable price differences of over 1,000 euros between the models rated as good.
The result: More than half of the sewing machines tested sew well
According to Stiftung Warentest, the four test winners among the 11 free-arm sewing machines impressed with their all-round good performance. Plus: They have a display for setting the stitch types, lengths and widths. The testers attested to these machines: "They tend to be easier to work with than the others." With a score of 1.8, the favourite among the free-arm machines is the Innovis A65 from Brother, which is in the mid-price segment of the tested machines.
Followed by the more expensive Viking Opal 670 model from Husqvarna (rated 1.9) and the cheaper W6 Wertarbeit (also rated 1.9), which is unfortunately no longer for sale as the manufacturer has withdrawn it from the market.
[/dootTranslate
The Bernina 335 Swiss Premium follows directly behind with a rating of 2.0 - the most expensive of the sewing machines tested.
Favourable models with compromises
Several of the machines tested in the lower price range achieved a solid "satisfactory" in the test, including a machine from Janome (rated 2.6), the Veritas Rubina (also 2.6) and the Smarter 160 from Pfaff (3.0). The testers emphasise that almost none of the sewing machines had difficulties with the basic tasks: "Setting straight and zigzag stitches, stitching thick fabrics, sewing jersey, fleece, imitation leather, jeans and poplin: works well or very well with almost all of them." However, they criticised the Janome machine for having difficulty sewing over thick denim seams. The Smarter 160 from Pfaff, on the other hand, shifted the fabric layers significantly when sewing together.
Header image: Roman Spiridonov/Unsplash
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.