Now that you are interested in sewing lingerie you might be asking yourself if you have the right machine. Guess what? If you have a standard home sewing machine then you do! 🙂 If you do not have a machine then I have some recommendations for you.
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What is the best sewing machine for lingerie makers?
Your standard home sewing machine is really all you need unless you plan on selling your makes. There are a few important features to look for that come standard on most machines these days. Here’s what to look for:
- Zig-zag stitch
- 3 step zig-zag stitch
- Stretch stitch – instead of an overlock but this is not necessary
- Types of presser foots: straight stitch and an all-purpose foot
Quick Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly: Singer 3116 Simple or Brother JX3135F
- Mid-range: Singer CG-590 Commercial Grade Sewing Machine or Juki HZL-K65 Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Splurge: Baby Lock Jazz II Sewing and Quilting Machine or Bernina 215 Sewing Machine
My Machines:
My home sewing machine used to be my mom’s. She didn’t really have use for it anymore and let me “borrow” it. I use a Kenmore sewing machine that I believe was bought at Sears. I have been using this machine for many years. Including when I was getting my bachelors degree in Apparel Merchandising, Management, and Production. It has seen me through many sewing projects from my very first self-drafted skirt all the way to my very first bra and many more thereafter. What a relief that the most expensive item needed to sew bras is something you already have, right? I was also lucky enough to receive a Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger as a Christmas gift from my husband. I absolutely love this machine. It is perfect to sew up a quick pair of underwear but also allows clean seams when bra making. If you are thinking about purchasing your very first serger I highly recommend this machine.
Check it out here: Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed. Runner Up Suggestion: SINGER | Making The Cut S0230 Serger
What to look for in your new machine:
I quickly touched on this earlier but let’s get into the details of what you should expect from your machine if you are planning on sewing lingerie. A combination of the four bullets below should suffice for successful lingerie making. The most basic necessity is a zig-zag stitch capability and an all-purpose presser foot. This is pretty standard but let’s explore why it is necessary.
- Zig-zag stitch
- 3-step zig-zag stitch
- Stretch stitch – instead of an overlock but this is not necessary
- Types of presser foots: straight stitch and an all-purpose foot
Stitch Type Capabilities:
- Zig-zag Stitch
- 3-Step Zig-zag Stitch
- Stretch Stitch
Zig-zag/3-Step Zig-zag Stitch:
If you do not have an overlock machine the zig-zag and 3-step zig-zag stitch are right for you. The zigzag stitch is just that- a zigzag. It is a strong stitch that locks in the raw edge of the fabric tightly but still allows stretch because of the zigzag motion of the thread. The 3-step zig-zag takes the same form but it makes three straight stitches from one point to the next point of the zig zag. The 3-step zig-zag is stronger than the standard zig-zag which is preferable for lingerie since it allows the fabric to stretch while being worn.
Stretch Stitch:
This is also known as a triple stretch stitch or rick rack stitch. The triple stitch is essentially three straight stitches in a row which makes it very strong and reduces thread popping. The rick rack stitch is three zig zag stitches which is an even stronger stretch stitch. This is great for form fitting garments such as lingerie. This stitch does not usually come standard on many introductory machines but it is good to be aware of it so you know what to look for.
Presser Foot: All-Purpose
The presser foot holds the fabric down against the feed allowing it to be stitched. Your machine should have come with an all-purpose presser foot. This type of presser foot is used for sewing most type of fabrics and stitches. If you are new to sewing and your machine, it is ok to use this presser foot for a variety of garments including lingerie. This will give you an opportunity to get a hang of sewing lingerie fabrics on your new machine.
Presser Foot: Straight Stitch
Once you gain more experience, you can consider a straight stitch presser foot. This presser foot sews a short stitch that is intended for a more delicate fabric perfect for lingerie. It can also handle heavy fabrics well if you want to sew something other than lingerie. Your machine may come with this presser foot in it’s toolkit. If so, be sure to read up on how to install it properly in your owner’s manual as well as best practices for sewing with this presser foot.
Other considerations:
Machine Needles:
Your sewing machine should have come with a universal needle. It probably came with a few extra needles as well. Those extras may just be universal or they may be a different size. When starting out you can use a universal needle but eventually you should invest in a ball-point needle or stretch needle. This is a finer tip needle that doesn’t break the fibers. Rather the needle point separates the fibers which is important for maintaining strength when sewing a knit fabric. Check out the list of affiliate links below for more machine needle options.
- Ball-point or “jersey” needle
- Universal needle
- Stretch needle
- Twin needle – creates the look of a coverstitch using a standard machine
- Overlock/Serger needle
Thread:
When it comes to bra making and lingerie sewing a polyester thread is highly recommended. Polyester thread is stronger than cotton. Cotton is likely to break as it cannot withstand the stretch necessary for bras and other lingerie. Stretch is a vital feature in all lingerie whether that be with your fabric or notions. Thread is no exception. My favorite brand it Gutermann which can find at several retailers.
Troubleshooting Your Machine:
Its bound to happen. Your machine goes on the fritz. It has happen to me many times. Some common issues are your needle needs to be replaced, your machine needs to be cleaned and oiled, you’re using the wrong thread, your thread tension is too high or too low, you did not thread your machine properly, your bobbin thread is tangled or stuck, or the presser foot is too tight or too loose. Always refer to your machine’s manual for the best instructions on how to troubleshoot your machine. Knowing your manual is a must and will make your life so much easier when problems arise.
More Info on Recommendations:
Budget Friendly Sewing Machines
These days it is hard to get a sewing machine off of Amazon.com but if you would like to support a family-owned business that specializes in machines and experts available for you to contact if you are having trouble with your machine please consider Sewing Machines Plus. Another great benefit of shopping small with Sewing Machines Plus is free shipping, price match guarantee and no sales tax outside of California.
Top Pick for Budget-Friendly Sewing Machines:
Singer 3116 Simple
This is an awesome machine for all sewists. If you are looking for a solid sewing machine that not only is great for lingerie but any sewing project this is your machine. It has several zigzag stitch presets, a bartack preset perfect for sewing bra straps, a lingerie stitch for firmer fabrics and a honeycomb stitch which can be used for underwear. I personally have never used a honeycomb stitch but I would love to try it – it looks perfect for lingerie makers. You can also easily attach lace with this machine using the multi-stitch zigzag stitch or straight stitch. This machine is equipped with an all-purpose presser foot, 3 extra bobbins and a pack of needles and last but not least – an automatic needle threader.
Singer Budget Alternative if this one is sold out: SINGER Mechanical MX60 Sewing Machine, 12.42 pounds, White
Runner Up for Budget-Friendly Sewing Machines:
Brother JX3135F
This is a great introductory machine that is stylish too! It has three interchangeable plates – floral, geometric, and animal print. More importantly, it is equipped with the functions needed to sew lingerie including several zigzag stitch presets so no need to waste time testing the stitch width and length, 3-step zigzag stitch preset, elastic stitch, zigzag presser foot and ballpoint machine needles.
Brother Budget Alternative if this one is sold out: Brother Sewing Machine, GX37, 37 Built-in Stitches, 6 Included Sewing Feet
Top Pick for Mid-Range Sewing Machines:
Singer CG-590 Commercial Grade Sewing Machine
The Singer CG-590 is not only a cool and unique looking sewing machine but it is also professional grade with a strong motor that sews faster than a standard sewing machine with a high quality stitch. It has 18 built-in stitches including the two most important for sewing lingerie: zigzag stitch and 3-step zigzag stitch and it can even do a stretch stitch which is not found in many entry level sewing machines. Other features that make it easy to use are a jam resistant drop-in bobbin, a balance adjustment lever that makes sure your stretch stitches are accurate, and an automatic needle threader. Some of the accessories include a general presser foot among others, 3 extra bobbins and an extra needle pack.
Runner Up Mid-Range Sewing Machine:
Juki HZL-K65 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Juki HZL-K65 is a solid sewing machine that is fast yet smooth and quiet. It has all the stitches you need for lingerie such as the zigzag stitch and the 3-step zigzag stitch as well as 15 needle positions. It has an automatic thread tension function which is one of the most tedious things to figure out on a sewing machine. Other great functions that make this machine so easy to use are a drop in bobbin, start/stop button, and needle threader. It comes with a standard presser foot, 4 extra bobbins and an extra needle pack.
Top Pick Splurge Sewing Machine:
Baby Lock Jazz II Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Baby Lock Jazz II is a high quality sewing machine. It has 28 built-in stitches including a zigzag stitch, 3-step zig-zag stitch, stretch stitches, and twin needle capabilities. This is a fast machine at 1000 stitches per minute with a knee lifter for your presser foot for more control of your machine and project. It features a programmable needle up/down button, built-in needle threader, quick-set/top loading bobbin, and automatic bobbin winder. It comes with 9 presser foots including a general purpose/zig-zag presser foot, 3 extra bobbins and an extra needle pack. This machine also has a great warranty including 25-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, 10-year parts, 1-year circuit board, 2-year electrical, and 1-year labor.
Runner Up Splurge Sewing Machine:
Bernina 215 Sewing Machine
Want a Bernina? This is one of the most affordable models that has high quality performance. It’s a fast machine at 900 stitches per minute. You can even change stitch settings while sewing . This Bernina has a built-in needle threader, a needle stop up/down, 9 needle positions and built-in needle threader. It is a sleek design with touch of a button stitch selection. Most important of all, it has all the stitches you need for lingerie such as the zigzag stitch and the 3-step zigzag stitch. It even has custom design skins to fit your style.
Serger/Overlock Machine:
If you want to take your lingerie sewing and bra making to the next level I highly recommend investing in an overlock machine aka serger. Listed below is the machine I use. There are plenty of other machines in the marketplace but this is a great introductory home overlock machine. I think you’ll really love it!
Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed
This machine features 22 built-in stitch functions with 4-thread overlock, 3-thread overlock, narrow, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches. It includes differential fabric feed to sew a range of fabrics. It is easy to thread and even comes with an instructional video, free phone support and a 25 year limited warranty.
Next Step Recommendations:
You can also consider investing in a coverstitch machine from here or here. A coverstitch machine sews a coverstitch on the hem of a knit fabric and allows the fabric to have maximum stretch. I do not personally own one but I know that people like it because it offers a clean, polished look to their garments not just their bras and lingerie. There is also the option of purchasing an overlock/coverstitch combo machine like this one on Amazon.com or this one on SewingMachinesPlus.com.
Hope this guide helps and happy lingerie making!
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