Home vs Industrial Sewing Machines: Which One's For You?

Let's talk sewing machines! Home vs Industrial - which one is for you and what are the features, pros/cons, and reality of owning the Brother CS7000i and Juki DDL-8700.
*Not sponsored - I paid for these sewing machines myself. I'm not a sewing machine expert, just sharing my experiences of ownership.*

Brother CS7000i Computerized 70 Stitch Sewing Machine
Juki DDL 8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Machine w/Servo Motor
Accessory Kit with Spare Parts + Presser Feet

Juki DDL-8700 Walking Foot 🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE

Sewing Report Etsy Shop - Ready to sew beginner kits + curated supplies

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links for several different programs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Embrilliance Embroidery Software

Expressions Vinyl - cheap HTV, adhesive, craft vinyl

How to Use a Sewing Machine ✔️ Basics + Overview | Brother CS7000i

How to Sew Basic Straight Stitches on a Sewing Machine | Beginner Lesson

MY SEWING MACHINES:
Brother CS7000i Computerized 70 Stitch Sewing Machine
Brother PE800 / PE900 Embroidery Machine
Juki DDL 8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Machine w/Servo Motor
Janome MemoryCraft 7700 Sewing Machine

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[SewingReport]

*Not sponsored - I paid for these sewing machines myself. I'm not a sewing machine expert, just sharing my experiences of ownership.*
Brother CS7000i Computerized 70 Stitch Sewing Machine
Juki DDL 8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Machine w/Servo Motor
Accessory Kit with Spare Parts + Presser Feet
Juki DDL-8700 Walking Foot 🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links for several different programs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[TildaSwintonPlayingThomYorke]

I can’t lie the stitch quality is night and day. I know some experienced sewists can do mass production quality work on a domestic machine, but the straightness of the stitch, the control, and the accuracy of a juki just makes even my wonderful vintage Bernina look a little pedestrian. I know lots of folks don’t care about making mass production quality garments, but for me personal I can’t help but look at the garments I’ve made on a domestic machine and remember all the little flaws I couldn’t overcome while the clothes I’ve made on my Juki I sometimes forget I made them instead of buying them. Not everyone is going to be that nitpicky, but if you’re wondering how big a difference it can be and you’ve hit a wall with your domestic machine I can testify that it’s probably time to invest in an industrial machine *if you can*

[starbrown]

Great information for beginners. I have been sewing a long time, and have found that my Juki 2010TLQ is the best. Since nearly 100% of the time I only need a straight stitch. It’s fast and it never gets caught below the needle.

[richlovin]

My main machine is a Juki DDL-8700. I will soon add a Juki 1541. I also use a Singer 201 for light weight fabrics. Buy the machine which meets your needs.

[stefanitadio]

I listen to a bunch of quilting related podcasts and have heard of Juki but never knew anything about it. I appreciate the comparison!

[mjuarez]

I don’t have a juki, but I was able to find an industrial machine on Facebook marketplace. I paid 200.00 for it and never looked back. It’s amazing. I bought a servo motor for it and a few other odds and ends. All told I probably paid around 700 to get it in a working order that works for me including all the consumables like needles threaders bobbins presser feet. I can’t even remember the last time I touched my home machine because I use my serger or my cover stitch machines when I need to see knits or stretch fabrics.

[jazeljimenez]

I like your objective reviews and suggestions. Some years ago you mentioned about not buying embroidery designs just because they are on sale but when you actually need them and you were right, I have designs I haven't even tried so now I try to remember your words every time I feel the urge to buy. Thank you!

[Brenda_S]

An industrial Juki is my dream machine. I have a Brother XL3010 from the 80’s-early 90’s (??) that I used as a total beginner in 2018 and it worked just fine. Totally manual and can shake the table if I try to sew too fast but it has metal parts instead of plastic and it can sew thicker fabrics. I eventually upgraded to a Juki HZL F-600 and I love it. I still have the Brother and have use for it on occasion. Great review. Thank you

[frankiedewsbury]

Great review! I just bought a Juki DDL 7000 and I’m in love!! Just discovered your channel and subscribed.

[annabellelopez]

I wish i can have Juki. You’re always so thorough. Thanks. Any videos on storing fabrics and stuff. I feel like this hobby is taking over my house 😆.

[crabbegirl]

Thank you for this comparison. Even though I have no interest in buying an industrial sewing machine, I still enjoyed seeing why someone else would buy one and what features make a machine "industrial." I do like your sewing machine comparisons and will probably watch this one again in the near future. 😊

[skutovr]

Hey, Jen, you can take the Juki machine head out of the table when she goes for cleaning and service. Most professional sewing machine repair shops will have a servo motor and base to place your machine in for cleaning, testing, and repairs!

[marycooley]

Jen, thank you for your honest report

[makingnewdreamscometrue]

All moving metal parts need to be oiled. New machines need to have their shells removed so you can see their internals and put a drop of oil where needed. Unfortunately, manuals don’t have this information. They also need to be cleaned. As for your industrial machine, you can get a special screw which allows you to change presser feet easily by just pushing in that special screw attachment. I say buy a vintage machine, domestic or industrial. If you live near an industrial sewing machine shop, they may have a mechanic who can do house or shop calls for an extra fee. You also don’t need to take the machine and table together. I just take the heads but I have to have my brother help me lift it off the table and place it in a cut down box and then use a hand truck to get it out of the house to my car. Then it’s a 2 person lift on the heavier heads. As for digital pattern drafting, Adobe Illustrator is great. It’s also good for digitizing patterns from paper or a garment. However, I still draft patterns by hand.

[tracyg]

I have a brother cs6000i and recently purchased a Brother St150hdh or something like that. It's the computerized strong and tough model. It does a fair job with heavy fabrics. I wanted a juki but don't have the space and the cost was out of budget. I do have a sailrite LS1. I like how it sews but admittedly find myself getting confused on it because it's hard to switch between machines that have different features. It's not as user friendly but does a beautiful top stitch on my bags. I have roughly 6 sewing machines but always gravitate back to the Brother.

[debbiegauvain]

Hi Jenn! I love your reviews! You are always straightforward and thorough. I haven’t considered an industrial machine, but am open to checking them out at some point. I do have a couple of vintage machines that I kinda consider industrial- but just in my sewing space.
BYW, I did notice your lovely curls- how’s that Dyson curler going? Looks like you’ve mastered it well! Have a great weekend!

[LanieKelario]

Yes I'm one of that, I just learned, by watching videos, ...

[julieann]

Great video Jen. I just need a machine that can sew through elastic. I have the Brother CS6000i and have had nothing but problems with it sewing through elastic. I've tried everything and nothing works. Besides the Juki you have do you know of a good machine that can sew through elastic?

[angelareed]

Hi Jen! 👋 Thanks for the review. I have a Juki TL-2020PE and I love it! It was a birthday gift from my husband 3 years ago. It's a straight stitch but you can also quilt with it...comes with a lot of attachments. I use it to make bags, pillows, blankets, and all sorts of other items. The automatic thread cutter is my favorite thing on it. It was not cheap, but definitely worth it. Like the BTS song, it sews "smooth like Butter". 🧈💜😂

[deniseg]

Ditto sounds interesting; definitely a way to cut down on waste and save resources (paper and shipping prices are crazy)! I'd like to see this sort of thing become available industry wide.

I would suggest to the beginning sewist, if it's at all possible, to build a relationship with a local sewing machine dealer where you can test all levels of machines and get instruction/help. Often you are able to trade up within a certain amount of time with less cost. Although for a true entry level machine, online can sometimes net you a deal as you determine if this is a hobby you want to grow (right tool for the right job can sometimes make for a better experience).

I have two sewing machines and between them I can sew just about anything. One is a Brother PRW1300 - it has way more decorative stitches than I will ever use, but I like the amount of throat/harp space. The other is a JUKI TL2200 QVP mini, which is a semi-industrial straight-stitch machine (still a bit on the heavy side - but manageable). I love the JUKI and have sewn duffle bags, project bags with vinyl; it's great for quilts to - can manage piecing and Free Motion Quilting/Ruler work quite well (the bilevel foot is AMAZING for attaching binding). The only thing I would do differently, is pick a lower tier Brother (maybe a Pacesetter or one with way less decorative stitches); a walking foot for these machines will allow you to sew a much wider variety of projects.