5 Best Sewing Machine for Knit Fabrics

Sewing has been around for ages and is certainly a popular way to pass time whether you are into crafts or not. If you’re new to sewing, deciding on the best machine can be overwhelming! However, there’s plenty of brands available so finding one that suits your needs shouldn’t be too difficult. With the right machine–you will have more design options at hand which means unlimited creativity as well as an original style all your own in no time!

Picking out the best sewing machine for knit fabric could be an overwhelming experience during first-time endeavors but with all of these brands available it’s quite difficult even if experienced sewers are at hand! With one of these machines though, people have access to creating their own designs in various styles which they may claim as their own unique style.

In this article, we’ll go over some top picks on what might just work well enough for beginners who want something fairly good quality yet affordable or experts looking towards investing in new equipment rather than repairing their old sewing machine.

Best Serger Sewing Machines for Knit Fabric – Our Top Picks

1. JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine.

The Juki MO654DE is powerful and reliable for your sewing needs. With its small size, it can take care of all your fabric types with ease – whether you need to create the best design anywhere or just do some basic repairs on a button-down shirt!

The first model on our review list today is the JUKI MO654DE Sewing Machine. This little powerhouse will handle any project that comes up at home without breaking a sweat- so don’t be fooled by its compact dimensions because this thing pumps out stitches like nobody’s business!

This machine is one of the most lightweight sewing machines out there. Also, the portability of this machine is one of the key features of this machine. The weight of the product is only 7 pounds. Yes! You heard it right.

This bad boy has plenty of innovative features and options. It can perform 1500 stitches per minute, which is more than the average stitch rate. The thread options are 2, 3, and 4 with automatically rolled hem capability for personal preferences.

The Juki MO654DE comes with lots of accessories. You will get a lower knife, cleaning brush, dust cover, and many more accessories in the box. One of the most important features of this machine is a powerful knife. A “powerful knife” may sound dangerous, but you can do the cutting a lot faster and easier with the help of this knife.

Overall, this machine will be a very reliable option if you’re looking for a sewing machine with superior performance. However, bear in mind that the beginner may face some difficulties with this sewing machine.

2. Janome MOD-8933 Serger.

The Janome MOD-8933 Serger is a lightweight sewing machine known for its superior features and fantastic performance. It’s an ideal machine for those who want to sew on knit fabrics expertly. The best part is, all these excellent features come at a very budget-friendly price tag.

This machine offers you rolled and narrow hemstitches, picot edge stitches, and 3-4 thread overlock stitches. The lengths of the stitches can be altered between 1mm and 4mm. With the help of this machine, you can sew at a rate of 1300 stitches per minute.

The Janome MOD-8933 has a simple operating sewing process. You can easily open the left side of this machine’s housing, enabling you to get a crystal-clear view of the entire threading route. There’s also a color-coded thread guide, lay-in tension controls, and pretension setting slider for the left loop to accelerate the speed of threading, and so you’ll be able to sew your threads without frustration

It has a quick change rolled hem feature, which you can use for the perfect folding of the sheerest fabrics before threading. You can use this extraordinary feature on lettuce-edged sleeves, hems, etc.

It has an adjustable differential feed that can eradicate the chance of stretching on all fabric types. This feature comes in handy when you intend to make perfectly even gathers or ruffles. There’s also an easily retractable upper knife that you can use on fabrics that don’t require cutting.

3. SINGER Professional 5 14T968DC Serger.

Up next is Singer Professional 14T968DC, which is the top pick for our review of the best sewing machine for knit fabrics. It’s loaded with unique features that will make your sewing projects easy as a breeze.

This machine offers all the important types of threading. It’s a highly versatile product that provides a 5-4-3-2 stitch configuration. The cover stitch function gives it the rare ability to produce many cover stitches. Also, due to the heavy metal frame, there’s less noise production and vibrations while operating. It also has a speed of 1300 stitches per minute.

The price of the SINGER Professional 5 14T968DC is quite on the steeper side. However, the remarkable features of the machine will surely make up for it. The 5 thread overlock is the most powerful and durable.

Along with the 2 and 3 thread techniques which were also good, the 4 thread overlock combined within this machine is the best 4 thread overlocker machine among the entire serger machines on this list. It’s also backed by a 25-years limited warranty. So, you’ll be able to make the best of your investment over the years.

Final thoughts regarding this product, it’s not a good fit for beginners. If you don’t have any previous experience in sewing it’s not suitable for you. For those who are really serious about sewing, this machine is a must-have.

4. Brother 2340CV, Cover, Advanced Serger.

Another good sewing machine for knit fabrics is Brother 2340CV advanced serger. This is one of the best color-coded sergers and it helps to create a wide range of cover stitches on different kinds of fabrics. It’s an extremely durable machine that will last you for years. Also, you’ll get a 25-years warranty with this machine.

This sewing machine comes with a decent sewing speed. It has a maximum sewing speed of 1100 per minute. The speed will feel quite low if you compare to some other machines out there. However, speed is not an issue because you will be able to many threading techniques very quickly and efficiently.

Threading a serger could be painful and confusing for beginners, but the Brother 2340CV comes with a ‘Color Coded Guide’ printed on this machine that helps you find exactly where to place each thread. With the box you will get a complete needle set, 4 thread nets, cleaning brush, blind stitch foot, operating manual, and lots of other accessories.

Sometimes people find it very difficult to remove fabric from the sewing machine but with Brother 2304CV you’ll face no such situation. There are also two special features, differential feed and chain stitching that will help you create and experiment with new designs.

5. Juki MCS-1500 CoverStitch and Chain Stitch Machine.

The last model on our review is the coverstitch sewing machine for knit fabrics by Juki MCS-1500. This special machine performs both chain and thread cover stitches. With its exceptional performance, you can create fashionable outfits without any hassle.

Juki is a highly respected brand with simple features that you will surely appreciate. Their chain stitches are amazing for the waist and their thread stitches are flexible for all-around use. Along with that, it’s a compact machine and lightweight at around 7-pounds, so you can easily carry it around and store it in tight spaces.

This machine offers a 3-thread cover stitch for both narrow and wide purposes. It also has a presser foot lifter which makes it easy to place the fabric when you start sewing. You can lift the presser foot to 8mm and 10mm so that you can place thicker fabrics without any difficulty.

Also, it includes an easy looper threading feature that can be lowered with just the touch of a button. Regarding the speed, this machine can reach a maximum of 1350 stitches which is quite commendable for the price.

The Juki MCS-1500 is surely one of a kind with its impeccable performance. One thing you might feel negative about is that this machine is not as vigorous as a serging machine, but then again, there isn’t a lot to complain about. If you want your sewing projects to the next level, MCS-1500 is the perfect choice for you.

Things to consider before the purchase

Now that you know about the sewing machine for knit fabrics out there, it’s time to make the final decision. Not all regular sewing machines will meet your requirements and offer you the same level of performance. Before you invest your money, make sure you take these factors into account to make the best of your purchase.

How do I know which knit fabric to use?

Knowing the fabric is an important part to make your sewing project a blast. Knit fabrics come in different variants. Take a moment to learn more about the fabric as that will help you find the best-suited machine for the project.

1. Jersey

Jersey knits are the most common type of knit fabric out there. The regular t-shirts are made with jersey fabric. This fabric is an excellent choice if you’re planning to make comfortable and lightweight wear such as a t-shirt, pullover, blouses, etc.

2. Double-Knit

The name speaks for itself. The double-knit fabrics are made with two layers of fabric. These are an excellent choice for beginners to work with because they’re easier to handle and there’s less chance of damaging the fabric. This fabric highlights the shape of the body and it’s a great choice for making skirts, dresses, lightweight jackets, etc.

3. Sweater Knits

Fall is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to make your own sweaters. Having the best sewing machine for knit fabric will enable you to create your own custom-designed sweater to rock this winter.

What type of stitches is suitable for knit fabrics?

Knit fabrics are stretchy and they work differently than other fabrics. There are different kinds of stitches that you can do to make your sewing project a massive hit. These are some of the basic stitches that you can apply to the knit fabric.

The knit fabric needs a flexible stitch otherwise the stitch will pop out when the stitch is stretched. Doing the basic straight stitch on a knit fabric will be a total disaster and it’ll easily break out.

1. Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag stitch is the most basic and the most common type of stitch. All the sewing machines come with standard zigzag-shaped stitches. Also, all the sewing machines that we reviewed in this article come with several different kinds of zigzags stitch width that gives you a lot of sewing options.

A zigzag stitch is usually 3.5 mm wide and 1.4 mm long. Knit fabrics are already quite stretchy so, make sure that you don’t pull or drag too much as that will make the fabric look worn out and old.

2. Triple Zigzag

If you want a strong zigzag stitch with extra strength then the triple zigzag stitch is the one for you. This stitch is more suitable when you’re doing projects such as kites, tents, or outdoor gears where you need some added strength. This stitching method also comes in handy for stitching underwear.

3. Twin Needle Stitch

A twin needle looks quite a bit different than a regular needle. When you’re stitching on knit fabrics, make sure that you use a ball-point win needle as that will not create any damage to the fabric

Tips for Sewing knits

Sewing with knits can be a bit tricky for beginners and intermediate users. However, if you know some simple tricks and trips, you can sew like a pro. It’s okay to fail and create a horrible design on your first try. Well, practice makes things perfect, so keep on trying and do your best for your future projects.

• Know the Fabric

Having proper knowledge of the fabric is important. Start your sewing projects with a thick fabric as that will help you to correct your mistake easily and they’re easier to handle. Also, each fabric stretches differently. Lycra mixed fabric or 100% cotton/polyester/nylon knit fabric can’t be treated in the same way. You have to know the fiber content of the fabric. Some special knit fabric is super stretchy. Make sure that you know the stretch percentage of the fabric and pull them during the project.

• Use the Correct Needle

Knit fabrics have a thicker structure so if you sew them with a pointy needle then it’ll push the fibers apart. Ballpoint needles are the best choice for sewing knit fabrics as they don’t have an extremely pointy head.

• Use the Right Thread

An all-purpose thread is suitable for all kinds of knit fabric. Some people prefer cotton thread for knits. I feel that cotton threads tend to pull the fabric and create a hole over time. Eloflex threads can stretch, however, not as stretchy as elastic threads.

• Go for a Test Run

Before you get the machine, go for a test run to make sure you’re comfortable with it and you’re happy with the quality of the output.

Read more: Best sewing machine for leggings

How do I prepare to sew knit fabric?

Before shaping down any sort of fabric, you must wash them. Some knit garments tend to shrink after washing, So, washing them prior to the project will help you cut them in your preferred size. Knit fabrics have an unpredictable shrinking habit so make sure you wash them even if the label says it’s been pre-washed.

Also, find the stretch amount so that the garment doesn’t stretch excessively while sewing stretch fabric. You should also note the direction of the fabric it stretches more. The patterns should be sewn in the right direction to make the most out of your sewing project.

Which needle to use for Knit Fabric?

The wrong needle will ruin your entire knitting project. Before you start sewing, you need to pick the right one to make the design just as you want it to be.

• Stretch Needles

Stretch needles are an excellent choice if you’re going to opt for skipped stitches. They have a slightly round-shaped tip with a long scarf that can go deep enough to catch the bobbin thread.

• Ball-Point Needle

A ball-point needle is the best choice for sewing on knit fabrics. The tip of the needle has a smooth round shape that can easily glide through the fabric. These needles will not puncture or damage the fabric and sew to perfection.

• Universal Needle

The universal needle has a more rounded tip as compared to ball-point needles and these are suitable for both knitted and woven fabric.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to sewing, not a lot of people have the time and patience for such an undertaking. However, if you’ve got some spare hours or would like to find a new hobby that boosts your creativity while rewarding you with beautiful creations at its end result then takes up this art form! The right machine can make all the difference in how well your project turns out so be sure to do research before settling down on one final choice.

In this review, we have gathered the best sewing machines for knit fabric so that you can create custom designs and take your sewing journey to another great level. So, get your hand on the one you like the most and create a whole new wardrobe with amazing creations of your own.