Upholstery sewing machines are commercial-grade machines made entirely of metal with a walking foot and knee lifter. They handle difficult fabrics like denim and leather, and have various presser feet for specific jobs. They can be modified for any purpose.
A sewing machine advertised as an upholstery sewing machine is usually a commercial-grade machine. There is an upholstery sewing machine, but they vary very little in makeup from an industrial or commercial machine. Upholstery fabrics are difficult to handle on standard home machines and require a heavier machine than a consumer grade one.
It is possible for some standard home machines to handle heavyweight fabrics with one needle change. User manuals will list the types of fabrics a machine can handle. At its maximum capacity, a domestic machine can take on materials like denim and even leather. Car upholstery and other extreme fabric choices will almost always damage a consumer-grade car. Home machines not intended for use with heavy fabrics could end up with problems like broken needles, thread jams, and tension difficulties like bunching.
A commercial or upholstery sewing machine has a few differences from standard machines. The most obvious difference is that they are usually made entirely of metal. In some cases, this makes them difficult to transport. Manufacturers have developed portable versions that break apart for easier handling.
The other big difference is the use of a walking foot. Regular machines pull the fabric using a feed under the fabric. The walking foot is a two-piece foot that alternates between the two halves, so it appears to walk on fabric. A presser foot always stays on the fabric and prevents the fabrics from shifting. This is especially useful when working with multi-layered projects.
The last major difference between a regular sewing machine and an upholstery sewing machine is the use of a knee lifter. On a standard machine, the only lever to raise the presser foot is directly behind the needle setting. Commercial machines have a knee-activated lever that lifts the foot. This makes it easier for users to turn corners and get around awkward places without moving their hands.
Unless otherwise noted, machines with walking feet only sew various lengths of straight stitches. If a user requires a different type of stitch, there are machines that specifically do zig-zig and other more complicated stitches. Consumers should check each manufacturer’s specifications to see which ones offer the points they need.
A commercial or upholstery sewing machine has a few options that make it even more useful. Various presser feet are available to perform specific jobs such as zippers and cording. A needle change allows you to easily switch between heavy fabrics like corduroy and delicate ones like velvet. With a few minor modifications, an upholstery sewing machine can serve any purpose the user desires.
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