The zig zag sewing machines aren’t something we use in our everyday sewing, but they are quite important when you want to make zig zag stitches on the edges of your fabric, to enclose edges of your seams, or to make zig-zag patterns for your design.
The right zig zag sewing machine can make a world of difference to your designs and your sewing, and an important sewing machine to have around.
Although the best zig zag sewing machines are mostly seen in large garment factories and the garment industries, they can be useful sewing machines to have around the house.
Best Zig Zag Sewing Machine Reviews
These are the top zig-zag sewing machines in the market at the moment, but they are all extremely useful and handy.
1. Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
This computerized sewing machine from Janome isn’t just a sewing machine, but an entire set in itself. Apart from the machine, you get as many five different foots for different types of sewing, including a Overedge “C” Sewing Foot, a Zipper “E” Sewing Foot, a Satin Stitch “F” Sewing Foot, a Blind Hem “G” Sewing Foot and of course, a Zig-Zag “A” Sewing Foot. With this Zig-Zag sewing foot, you can apply zig zag sewing patterns on your fabrics and even seal the edges of seams and corners easily.
Beside the five very different kinds of sewing feet, you also get 120 Built-In Sewing Stitches in this machine, and a Built-In Alphabet stitch. You can stitch text and your brand into your clothes without the hassle of adding tags. The built-in automatic needle threader helps to easily thread your needles without putting any strain on your eyes.
Besides, there is an easy to use control panel and an LCD panel so that you can control the machine easily and make your stitching choices. The jam-proof top-loading bobbin system is also quite handy when you are in the middle of a large project, making it easy to change your bobbins.
The thread cutter button will cut the bottom and the top thread with just a push of a button; the sewing machine also comes with a hard case and an extension table, an instruction DVD and a ¼” seam foot with guide.
The Janome 4120QDC Computerized can make 840 stitches in a minute and comes with a Assorted Needle Set, Spool Holder (Large), Spool Holder (Small), Extra Spool Pin, Bobbins, Screwdriver, Lint Brush, Seam Ripper, Stitch Chart, and an Instruction Book.
Features:
- Five different foots for different types of sewing
- Comes with a Zig-zag “A” sewing foot
- 120 built-in sewing stitches
- Built-in alphabet stitch
- Built-in automatic needle threader
- Easy to use Control panel and LCD display
- Jam-proof top-loading bobbin system
- Built-in thread cutter button
- Comes with a hard case, a ¼” seam foot with guide and an extension table
- Makes 840 stitches in a minute
- Comes with a Assorted Needle Set, Spool Holder (Large), Spool Holder (Small), Extra Spool Pin, Bobbins, Screwdriver, Lint Brush, Seam Ripper and Stitch Chart
2. Reliable Barracuda 200ZW Zig-Zag Sewing Machine
Not just a regular sewing machine with a zig-zag foot, but this is actually a zig-zag sewing machine that is perfect for all kinds of edge sewing and sealing seams. This machine can make more than 800 stitches in a minute, but the speed of the machine can also be reduced for intricate work.
With 8 layers of Sunbrella Plus 8m clearance under the foot, it is easy to sew through up to 8 layers of fabric at the same time. For the toughest jobs, you can use the built-in speed reducer to reduce the speed of the machine.
The heavy duty carrying handle makes it easy for anyone to carry the machine with you. The reverse lever mechanism works very easily as well, simply by pushing down the reverse lever.
With a 0-5mm adjustment lever, you can adjust the width of the stitch from 0 to 5 mm, according to your design’s preferences. This machine can make as many as 4 stitches per inch of space, giving your work a more secured and detailed look.
Features:
- Specialized zig-zag sewing machines
- Makes 800 stitches in a minute
- 4 stitches per inch space
- The stitching speed of the machine can be lowered
- 8 layers of Sunbrella Plus 8m clearance under the foot
- Can sew through 8 layers of fabric at the same time
- Built-in speed reducer
- Heavy-duty carrying handle
- The reverse lever mechanism works by pushing down the reverse lever
- 0-5mm adjustment lever for adjusting the width of speed
3. Family Zig-zag Semi Industrial Sewing Machine
From Family Sew, this is a portable but effective and semi-industrial sewing machine that comes with a 150 watt heavy duty motor and 1.5 amps, which is twice the power of a regular home sewing machine. This portable machine fits most cases or cabinets and is easy to store and use.
This semi-industrial sewing machine can sew through leather, sail, sunbrella and vinyl with zig-zag and regular stitches. With the ¼” clearance under the high lift walking foot, you can sew through a lot of hard and thick materials. The maximum width of the zig-zag stitch is 0.2” with a needle bar stroke of 1.334”.
This sewing machine from Family Sew can make upto 800 stitches per minute and comes with a 5”x7” arm space for sewing. The machine also has a dual belt drive and weighs only 35 pounds. Not just the sewing machine, this is actually a complete sewing set that comes with an accessories box, bobbins, needles, oiler, and screwdriver.
Features:
- Semi-industrial and heavy duty zig-zag sewing machine
- Comes with a 150 watt heavy duty motor and 1.5 amps
- Twice the power of a regular home sewing machine
- Fits most cases or cabinets and is easy to store
- Can sew through leather, sail, sunbrella and vinyl
- ¼” clearance under the high lift walking foot
- Maximum width of the zig-zag stitch: 0.2”
- Needle bar stroke: 1.334”
- Makes 800 stitches in a minute
- 5”x7” arm space for sewing
- Has a dual belt drive
- Weighs 35 pounds
- Comes with an accessories box, bobbins, needles, oiler and screwdriver
4. Zoje ZigZag 20U33 Straight Reverse Sewing Machine
Perfect for a zig-zag stitch on most kinds of fabrics and materials, this is a straight, reverse and zig-zag sewing machine from Zoje that comes with a 110 volt, ¾ H.P., 1 Phase and 0 to 3300 RPM.
A complete set that comes with not just the sewing machine but also everything from a drawer, a belt, tools and instruction manual. This sewing machine comes with a bed the same size of a singer 20U sewing machine.
With the Zoje sewing machine, you can adjust the width of the zig-zag machine up to 8 mm in size. With a three needle position, manual lubrication system and a reverse lever, using this machine is very easy. The straight stitch can be adjusted to up to 5 mm, which is great for most kinds of stitching and sewing.
Features:
- Comes with zig-zag foot and a straight stitching foot
- Comes with a 110 volt, ¾ H.P. and 1 Phase
- 0 to 3300 RPM
- Comes with a drawer, a belt, tools and instruction manual
- Comes with a bed the same size of a singer 20U sewing machine
- Maximum width of the zig-zag stitch: 8 mm
- Maximum width of the straight stitch: 5 mm
- Has a three needle position and a manual lubrication system
- Comes with a reverse lever
- Easy conversion to embroidery or zig-zag or straight stitching
- Possible to make buttonholes
- Maximum specifications speed: 2000
- Clearance Under Foot : 1/4″ (6mm)
- Bed Size : 505 x 230 x 415
- Work Space : 8-3/16″
5. Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine
From the heavy duty to the portable! This is a small, lightweight and portable sewing machine from the Magicfly Store that comes with 3 replaceable feet, including zig-zag stitching. This portable machine can be used to sew buttons, zippers and even invisible zippers.
With such a simple and small machine, you can actually make 4 types of straight lines, 2 decorative lines, 2 buttonhole lines and 3 bind hem lines.
This sewing machine also uses 3 types of needles, and the machine comes with 3 different types of the thread of different thicknesses and types. For lightweight fabrics, 80/11 needles should be used and for medium weight fabric, 90/14 needles are used; for heavyweight fabrics, size 100/16 needles are used.
This machine comes with a complete set of pool accessories and a tape measure, assorted thread spools, a pair of scissors, a needle threader, and a thimble. This machine has an enlarged expansion table, which is convenient for sewing large pieces of fabric. The machine comes with an easy-to-carry handle and runs on two power supply methods: battery and power supply.
Features:
- Small, portable and lightweight sewing machine
- Comes with 3 replaceable feet
- Comes with zig-zag stitching feet for zig-zag stitching
- Can be used to sew buttons, zippers and invisible zippers
- Can make 4 types of straight lines, 2 decorative lines, 2 buttonhole lines and 3 bind hem lines
- 3 types of needles for lightweight, medium weight and heavyweight fabric types
- Has an enlarged expansion table
- Comes with an easy-to-carry handle
- Runs on two power supply methods: battery and power supply
- Comes with pool accessories, tape measure, assorted thread spools, scissors, a needle threader and a thimble.
- 12 built-in stitches
- Reverse Sewing option
6. Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
With 60 built-in stitches and 9 included sewing feet, the Brother CS60001 is definitely a remarkable sewing machine. This machine comes with individual sewing feet for making buttonholes, monogramming, overcasting, adding zippers, blindstitches, fitting buttons, walking stitches, spring action quilting, and of course, zigzag stitching.
With this best zig zag sewing machine, you get 7 styles of one-step buttonhole making, decorative and regular stitches – a total of 60 built-in stitches. This machine has been designed with an extension table, an automatic needle threader, and a free arm to work on sleeves, pants and skirts. You can adjust the speed of the stitching to fit your level of expertise.
There is a 2” LCD display to easily choose the different options and a well-lit work area that helps you to work in the dark. Besides the machine and the sewing feet, you also get a set of twin needles, bobbins, and needle sets with this set.
Features:
- 60 Built-in stitches
- 9 included sewing feet
- Can be used for buttonholes, monogramming, overcasting, zippers, blindstitches, fitting buttons, walking stitches, spring action quilting and zig-zag stitches
- 7 styles of one-step buttonhole making
- Extension table for quilting and large projects
- Automatic needle threader
- Free arm for sleeves, pants and cylindrical projects
- Adjustable speed
- 2” LCD display
- Well-lit work area
- Comes with set of twin needles, bobbins and other needles
7. Usha Janome Wonder Stitch Sewing Machine
With this automatic zig-zag electric machine, you get a complete sewing and stitching kit that contains 18 spools of thread, 12 buttons, 1 pair of scissors, 5 needles and a measuring tape. This sewing machine has 21 stitch functions, including a triple-strength stitch.
The machine comes with a carrying handle so that you can easily carry the sewing machine with you anywhere, and even travel with it. It has a detachable free arm that comes in handy when you are working with long sleeves, pants or skirts, or any cylindrical projects. The free arm can be easily removed when not needed, making it a portable and small sewing machine.
Other important features of the Usha Janome Wonder Stitch include an automatic needle threader and a thread cutter on the face plate.
Features:
- Automatic zig-zag stitching machine
- Comes with an extensive sewing and stitching kit
- Contains 18 spools of thread, 12 buttons, 1 pair of scissors, 5 needles and a measuring tape
- Comes with a carrying handle
- Comes with a detachable free arm for cylindrical projects
- Automatic needle threader
- Thread cutter on the face plate
8. SINGER Start 1304 Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Finally, a name that everyone trusts when it comes to sewing machines – Singer! This portable sewing machine from Singer is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Weighing only 11.46 pounds, this machine comes with 6 built-in stitches to choose from, as well as 57 stitch applications.
All the stitch applications come with their own stitch width and length so you’ll simply have to choose the one that fits your preference the best. All you have to do is to select a stitch and immediately start to stitch.
The Singer Start 1304 comes with a complete stitching kit that contains an All-Purpose Foot, a Zipper Foot, a Buttonhole Foot, a Darning Plate, a whole Pack of Needles, a few Bobbins, a Needle Plate Screwdriver, some Spool Pin Felts, a Seam Ripper, a Lint Brush, a Power Line Cord, a Foot Control and a Quick Start Guide,
Features:
- Portable and lightweight sewing machine
- Perfect for beginners and professionals
- 6 built-in stitches
- 57 stitch applicators with fixed stitch length and width
- Comes with a All-Purpose Foot, a Zipper Foot and a Buttonhole Foot
- Stitching kit contains a Darning Plate, a whole Pack of Needles, a few Bobbins, a Needle Plate Screwdriver, some Spool Pin Felts, a Seam Ripper, a Lint Brush, a Power Line Cord, a Foot Control and a Quick Start Guide,
- 110V machine
- Automatic Bobbin Winding system
- Weighs only 7 pounds
- Perfect for travelling with or taking to sewing class
What is a Zig-Zag Sewing Machine Used for?
If you are a beginner, a hobbyist or an embroiderer, the best zig-zag sewing machine isn’t something you would be very familiar with. Unless you want to make certain zig-zag patterns on your fabric, the use of a zig-zag sewing machine is completely different.
A zig-zag sewing machine is actually quite a versatile machine since the zig-zag stitch is a very versatile and useful stitch. A zig-zag stitch is used in finishing off seams, applying appliques to our designs, making bartacks, stitching satin, and many other reasons.
The zig-zag stitch is named so because it resembles a zig-zag pattern. It is possible to make this design by hand, but using a zig-zag machine makes it much faster and much more accurate to achieve.
Therefore, a zig-zag sewing machine is used to make zig-zag stitches for a number of reasons, including:
- Seam Finishing. Zig-zag stitches are used on the edges of fabric to keep them from unraveling. Unless the seams are sealed with zig-zag patterns, they will come apart and start to unravel. Zig-zag stitches on the edges of fabric when making clothes or embroidering can make the project last much longer.
- Appliqueing. One of the most popular stitches happens to be the satin stitch for machine applique, which is created with zig-zag stitches. These zig-zag stitches are placed around applique pieces to attach them to the main fabric as they are more stable than regular stitching.
- Couching. Couching refers to using a zig-zag stitch to make interesting embellishments on the surface of fabric. These stitches are made with lightweight yarn or cords placed between the zig-zag stitches and sewn over any kind of fabrics to create shapes and patterns.
- Decorative Stitching. Zig-zag stitches are also used to create contrast designs or marks on fabric, for which a zig-zag sewing machine is extremely important. These stitches can be made in a small segment of your fabric or the whole piece of fabric, depending on the design you have in mind.
- Attaching Trims and Ribbons. For attaching ribbons, trims or extra pieces of fabric to your work, zig-zag stitches are more effective than regular stitches. A zig-zag sewing machine or a sewing machine with a zig-zag foot is more effective in making these stitches than by using your hands.
- Button Sewing. Zig-zag sewing machines use this stitch to sew on or attach buttons to fabrics. Although buttons are better attached to fabric using the buttonhole foot, not all sewing machines have that additional foot. If your sewing machine doesn’t come with a buttonhole foot, you can use a zig-zag foot to attach buttons.
- Inserting Elastic. For inserting elastic or sewing on elastic to your fabric, using a zig-zag sewing machine or a zig-zag foot is a must. Regular straight stitches are completely useless when it comes to adding elastic to your clothes, and only a zig-zag stitch can help secure the elastic to your fabric.
- Lettering and Monogramming. Most monogram feet that come with a sewing machine use a zig-zag stitch to make letters and monograms. However, if your regular sewing machine or your zig-zag sewing machine doesn’t come with a monogramming foot, you can use a zig-zag sewing machine to make letters, designs, and monograms on your fabric.
- Attaching Lace. Not just for attaching trims and ribbons, for any kind of sheer or transparent lace around the edges or in the middle of your fabric, it is very important that you use a zig-zag sewing machine. These kinds of stitches cannot be possible with your hand or a regular stitch, so you would need the help of a zig-zag sewing machine or zig-zag sewing feet.
- Finishing Seam Edges. When you have to join two pieces of fabric together, a zig-zag stitch is a perfect stitch for the job. Although an Edge Joining Foot can be used for this purpose, it is not a very common foot to come with sewing machines. A zig-zag sewing machine can do the job perfectly.
For all these reasons, a good zig-zag sewing machine or even a zig-zag foot for a sewing machine is a good addition for your work table. With the right kind of zig-zag sewing machine, you can take off a lot of important parts of your stitching, sewing and dressmaking.
Which is Stronger: Straight or Zig-Zag Stitches?
Both straight and zig-zag stitches are pretty common stitches that are used for a number of reasons: both practical and decorative reasons.
The straight stitch is thought to be the strongest stitch used in sewing and making clothes, but the zig-zag stitch is considered to be the most durable one. The zig-zag stitch, besides being durable, can be made even stronger in a few ways.
If you use a triple zig-zag stitch instead of a regular zig-zag stitch, it becomes stronger than a regular straight stitch. Plenty of clothes are created with triple zig-zag stitches because they are meant to be durable and last a long time.
These triple-layered zig-zag stitches are used in underwear and men’s boxers because these garments are meant to be used for a long time.
Another way to make your zig-zag stitches stronger is to use the right thread, i.e. the strongest thread. The strength of any stitch depends on the thread being used for it, which makes a great change in the strength of the stitch.
Nylon is the most durable thread for all kinds of stitches, including for zig-zag stitches. Nylon thread comes with a special resin coating that makes it more durable.
By using nylon thread in your zig-zag stitches, you can make it stronger than straight stitches.
A zig-zag stitch is the only choice in a number of situations, but only by making a few changes, you can make it the strongest stitch, even stronger than regular straight stitches.
Can you Do a Zig-Zag Stitch with a Walking Foot?
A walking foot is one of the most common and popular stitching feet that comes with most sewing machines. This foot can be used not just to make straight stitches, but also for other kinds of stitches, including zig-zag stitches.
Because a zig-zag stitch has a straight forward movement, it can be done with a walking foot. A walking foot works only on forward-moving movements, which is why it can be used to make a zig-zag stitch with a walking foot.
When quilting, a walking foot can be used to make zig-zag stitches to join all the pieces together. For this, you need a walking foot but also a sewing machine that can make multi zig-zag stitches, not just a straight stitch. If you have that, you can definitely use a walking foot to make a zig-zag stitch.
Conclusion
A zig-zag sewing machine might seem like an additional tool, but it can be quite important for any professional or amateur quilter, tailor or dressmaker. You can use a zig-zag sewing machine for a lot of functions with your sewing, not just making zig-zag patterns and designs.