Don’t worry if you don’t know what is the difference between an industrial sewing machine and a normal one because this article will compare them in all aspects. We listed their primary differences in bullet points, so it will be easier to differentiate the two.
You might also benefit from reading what is the best industrial sewing machine. From there, you’ll notice the significant features found in an industrial model compared to a typical household machine.
Difference Between An Industrial Sewing Machine Vs A Domestic Sewing Machine
Industrial sewing machine
- Is usually only capable of a single stitch or function
- Consistent stitch quality regardless of materials
- Can withstand extended durations of sewing without overheating or jamming
- Fast sewing speed for maximum productivity
- Relatively high-maintenance to ensure that it will perform for long-term and extended sewing daily
- Pricey at $1,000 or potentially higher
Do you plan on sewing mostly heavy materials? Then, read the best sewing machines for heavy fabrics.
Domestic sewing machine
- Offers different stitch options and styles
- Can struggle with heavy materials and heavy-duty sewing
- Some household machines only sew at a comfortable pace
- The maximum usage can typically only be at 8 hours of continuous sewing
- Low maintenance, with some models only requiring cleaning
- Affordable and some may even cost under $150
Do You Need An Industrial Sewing Machine?
Identifying if you need an industrial sewing machine will depend on your sewing habits and needs. For example, an industrial sewing machine is a worthy investment for people who must sew for extended periods and long-term.
You also want a machine that will be consistent with its stitch quality, especially when making garments and projects for businesses. And if you’re working with heavyweight fabrics, you will need a powerful machine to sew through them without compromising the quality of the stitches.
Learn what are industrial sewing machines used for to know the best ways to utilize one and get the most out of it.
When should you not get an industrial sewing machine?
An industrial sewing machine is only capable of a single stitch, which can either be the zigzag stitch, overlocking stitch, lock stitch, or flatlock stitch to name a few. Therefore, you can feel limited with the projects you can do with an industrial unit.
Furthermore, you don’t need to get an industrial model if you only expect to sew light to medium fabrics. Most domestic sewing machines are capable of sewing various materials, especially those designed with industrial technology.
You can also check the features of the domestic machine, including the materials it can sew and stitches it’s capable of. This way, you’ll know its capacity and identify if it will meet your needs and expectations.
Is It Hard To Use A Industrial Sewing Machine?
It will take some time to get used to sewing with an industrial sewing machine, but once you’re using it often, then you can maximize its capacity to your advantage. Additionally, industrial sewing machines only work with a single type of stitch, which means it’s easier to practice with it as time goes on.
If you own an industrial sewing machine that uses servo for its motor, expect that you need to familiarize yourself with using the foot pedal. This means practicing lifting the pedal, leaving your foot on the pedal, and pressing on the pedal until you get used to it throughout the working duration.
Nevertheless, do not be intimidated by using an industrial unit. You can always practice and watch tutorials until you’re more comfortable with the new machine.
How Do You Sew With An Industrial Sewing Machine?
- Refer to the manual of the specific industrial sewing machine you have
- Follow the instructions for handling the fabrics or folds so you’ll know how to position your hands safely and efficiently
- Use the treadle of the machine to begin sewing without pulling on the fabric
- To avoid straining, make sure that you’re not sitting all the way back to the chair
- Get the best sewing view by positioning yourself to the left of the table and having your right eye aligned with the needle bar
Why Are Industrial Sewing Machines Better?
Industrial sewing machines are better because they are built for mass production. They can consistently work with various fabrics according to the demands of the plant or factory.
There are also different types of industrial sewing machines, which means using a specific one for each step of the manufacturing process will ensure perfect work each time. And of course, these sewing machines are better in terms of utilizing time, especially for the productivity of businesses.
Can You Use Industrial Sewing Machine At Home?
You can use an industrial sewing machine at home, but the question is if it’s worth it to buy a thousand-dollar machine if you don’t intend to use it for mass production? Furthermore, these machines are not packed with multiple features that allow you to use them for various projects.
Conclusion
And that’s it! We’ve learned what is the difference between an industrial sewing machine and a normal one, where the clue is at the name itself.
An industrial sewing machine is designed for industrial use, which means it is a powerful model capable of sewing quickly for a long time. Therefore, it’s ideal for mass production and factories, compared to a domestic machine meant for household sewing.