Best Sewing Machines for Making Doll Clothes

People often ask me what type of sewing machine I use when making doll clothes. So in this post, I will go over some of my favorite sewing machines to use when making doll clothes.

Please note that these machines that I am recommending are the ones that I actually own and use.  This review is purely based on my own experience of sewing and selling doll clothes over the years.  However, I do want to include some alternative brands that I have not owned but I think will be a great choice as well.  I recommend buying on Amazon since there are tons of choices there and you can read additional reviews as well.  

 

Brother CS6001 - Best Sewing Machine for Beginners

The Brother CS6001 sewing machine is the first machine that I started with and is great for the beginner seamstress. It has all the essential features without the bells and whistles that you don't really need in sewing doll clothes so it's very straightforward and easy to use. 


The simple to read display makes it easy to switch between different stitches, and to change stitch length and width. The machine comes with 60 different built-in stitches that range from straight stitches, zig zag stitches and decorative stitches. Straight stitches and zig zag stitches are perfect for doll clothes and the machine makes it easy to adjust to their small sizes.  

Other features that are useful are the speed button that can be adjusted directly on the machine instead of by the pedal. Some of my other favorite features are the automatic needle threader and the built-in free arm that can be handy when sewing doll skirts and dresses.  

Other comparable brands that I found in the market is the Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine which is widely praised for it being beginner-friendly and reasonably priced.

Singer Sewing Machine -- Runner-up for Beginner Friendly Machine



Brother SE 600 - Best Sewing Machine for Simple Embroidery Designs

The Brother SE 600 is not just a sewing machine, but an embroidery machine as well and that's the main reason why I purchased it. It has many of the same features as the Brother CS6001, plus so much more. Much like the Brother CS6001, this machine comes with a speed control button, backstitch button, and automatic needle threader.

The embroidery part of this machine allows me to create and add fun embroidery design on the doll clothes.  I have sewn doll jeans and t-shirts before with floral embroidery design using this machine.  It is fun and easy to use for simple embroidery projects.

 Janome 4120QDC - Best Sewing Machine for Advanced Seamstress

The Janome 4120QDC computerized sewing machine is great for the advanced seamstress and perfect for a seasoned doll clothes maker.  If you are looking to advance your machine, this is the one I recommend.  This machine comes with 120 built-in stitches, which ranges from the simple straight stitch to built-in alphabets. Much like the embroidery machine, the built-in alphabet will allow users to create customized monograms on doll clothes. The easy-to-use machine allows to simply switch between stitch lengths, which is great for the doll clothes projects which usually use the shorter stitches.

This machine also comes with an array of accessories, which many can be useful when sewing doll clothes. The ¼” Seam Foot with Guide is perfect for  sewing doll clothes since most of the clothes use the ¼” seam allowance. The machine also is very popular among quilters which is the main reason why I bought this machine.  I have yet to get started on my quilting since I got to busy making doll clothes.  

Janome 4120QDC can easily be threaded and the drop-in bobbin is a feature that I love.   With 820 stitches per minute, the Janome 4120QDC is a fast machine will allows to sew quickly and efficiently. I can honestly say that I have sewn hundreds if not thousands of doll clothes using this machine.  Perhaps I can say that my favorite feature is the built-in thread cutter which saves me a lot of time.  This machine is fast, efficient, reliable and durable. I could not ask for anything more.

Another brands that I recommend are the Juki sewing machines and I actually own an industrial one which is located back home in the Philippines. My mother gave it to me and I occasionally use it when I am on vacation there.  There are several computerized ones that I found on Amazon which I think will be great for seamstresses who are looking to advance their sewing to the next level. 

Juki Sewing Machines - Most Reliable Brand for Advanced Sewing

 

 

 Brother Serger 1034D - Best Serger for Sewing Doll Clothes

 

The Brother Serger 1034D is not actually a sewing machine but a serger instead.  Basically it is use to professional finish your seams.  It is very simple to set up and easy to use.  It has an option for 3 or 4 thread but with sewing doll clothes, I only use the 3 thread option. It can also handle thin to thick fabrics without much problems.   I have owned this machine for more than 5 years and I never had any problems with it.  It's what I have been using for more than 5 years to serge the doll clothes I sell on my shop.   If you are looking to upgrade the quality of your doll clothes, I highly recommend the Brother Serger 1034D.

 

So there you go, the list of all my favorite sewing machines. I hope you find this article helpful.  And to end it, I decided to share a photo of all my sewing machines taken in my studio.  This is not how they are normally positioned but I thought of putting them side by side and added Grace for fun.

 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.