Sewing Machine Types, Explained
Mechanical sewing machines set stitches with dials, computerized ones add screens, automatic tension and more stitches, and sergers do a separate job.
By Elliana SmithContributing writer.
On this page
The short answer
Sewing machines split two ways. First by job: a standard machine sews seams, a serger trims and wraps edges, and an embroidery machine stitches designs. Then by controls: mechanical or computerized.
Of the 338 sewing machines listed on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026, 99 are standard sewing machines, 92 are embroidery machines, 67 do both sewing and embroidery, and 49 are sergers.
Mechanical vs computerized sewing machine
A mechanical machine uses dials and levers to choose the stitch, length and width. A computerized machine uses buttons or a touch screen and a chip to set them. Singer's company history dates the first electronic sewing machine to 1975 and the first computer-controlled one to 1978.
Baby Lock's own comparison chart shows the usual split within one brand's range:
| Feature | Mechanical models | Computerized models |
|---|---|---|
| Thread tension | Manual | Automatic |
| Built-in stitches | 15 to 25 (one model is straight stitch only) | 80 and 190 |
| LCD screen | None | Yes |
| Speed control | Not listed on most | Yes |
Other features, such as a built-in needle threader and a drop-in bobbin, appear on both kinds in that chart, so check the spec list rather than the label.
On Wiki Shopping, 52 listings are marked as computerized sewing machines.
How to choose a sewing machine for beginners
- Start with the job. Decide whether you need seams (a standard machine), finished edges (a serger) or stitched designs (an embroidery machine).
- Check the stitch list. Make sure the stitches your projects need, such as zigzag and a buttonhole, are there.
- Look for helpers. A needle threader, a drop-in bobbin and a speed control can make the first projects easier.
- Think about the fabric. If you plan to sew denim or canvas, look at machines sold as heavy duty.
Wiki Shopping lists 40 sewing machines for beginners and 59 heavy-duty sewing machines.
What needle size for a sewing machine
Needles carry two numbers, such as 90/14. Singer explains that the first is the European metric size and the second the American size, and that a higher number means a thicker needle. Its guide matches size to fabric:
| Fabric | Needle type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer to lightweight woven (voile, chiffon) | Regular point | 70/9 or 80/11 |
| Medium-weight woven (linen, poplin, corduroy) | Regular point | 90/14 |
| Denim and canvas | Denim or jeans | 100/16 |
| Lightweight knits (jersey, tricot) | Ball point | 70/10 or 80/12 |
| Medium to heavy knits (sweatshirt) | Ball point | 90/14 |
Singer suggests a new needle every 8 to 10 hours of sewing, or after two or three garments or hitting a pin.
How we count
Machine type and features are read from each store listing. A machine can carry more than one feature, and the counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Sewing Machines
Sewing
+Computerized machine with an LCD display
+Computerized operation for stitch selection and settings
$134.00-21%List: $169.99
as of 11/04/2026 14:36 PST - DetailsProduct details
$134.00as of 11/04/2026 14:36 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Computerized machine with an LCD display
+Computerized operation for stitch selection and settings
Compared with this page+Computerized: only 51 of 333 here have one
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- 60 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother CS5055 sewing machine includes 60 built-in stitches including utility, decorative and heirloom stitch functions, and 7 1-step auto-size buttonholes
- IMPROVED NEEDLE THREADER: Easier than ever to use, the automatic needle threader reliably pushes the thread through the needle. The convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin easy to load and helps ensure your bobbin stays in place
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The CS5055 includes 7 sewing feet, 4 bobbins, a needle set, a trilingual English/Spanish/French user manual and more
- METAL FRAME and FIXED NEEDLE BAR: The durable metal frame construction allows your machine to tackle any project, and the needle is fixed in place while you work, allowing for cleaner stitching and even lines
- LARGE NEEDLE-TO-ARM WORKSPACE: A larger workspace with increased width in needle-to-arm space allows users to work on larger projects
- sale voids the wThis product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale may void the warranty.arranty.
Serger
+Serger overlock machine for finishing and trimming fabric edges
+Runs 4 threads for overlock seams
+Two-needle setup supports 2, 3, or 4 thread stitching
$970.00-19%Was: $1,200.00
as of 11/03/2026 23:41 PST - DetailsProduct details
$970.00as of 11/03/2026 23:41 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Serger overlock machine for finishing and trimming fabric edges
+Runs 4 threads for overlock seams
+Two-needle setup supports 2, 3, or 4 thread stitching
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- TALL THROAT AREA - The height of the throat is 68mm (2.66"). Due to this height, the usability of the workspace improved infinitely
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER - Even for the needle thread, sewing machine users may want quick threading! With the automatic needle threader, threading is a breeze!
- EASY ROLL HEMMING - Thread tension that is suitable for roll hemming can be obtained only by lifting the roll hemming tension lever. Simply raise the selection lever for overlock or roll hemming and set the cutting width adjusting dial to 2.5 to 3.5 allow the sewing machine to perform roll hemming.
- Air-Supported Threading System
Sewing and embroidery
+Combines sewing and embroidery in one machine
+Wireless capability for connecting to other devices
$2,596.51-13%List: $2,999.99
as of 11/03/2026 23:35 PST - DetailsProduct details
$2,596.51as of 11/03/2026 23:35 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Combines sewing and embroidery in one machine
+Wireless capability for connecting to other devices
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- An abundance of built-in embroidery designs: 258 built-in embroidery designs, 140 frame pattern combinations, and 13 lettering fonts for your embroidery side.
- Plenty of sewing designs and fonts: 291 built-in stitches, 10 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes, and 5 sewing lettering fonts for your sewing side.
- Color Display: A brilliant and sharp 3.67" color LCD touch screen display welcomes you with an easy user interface. Here you can do on-screen editing, including letter editing, enhanced zoom, resizing, rotating, repositioning, drag and drop, and combining designs.
- Wireless capability: When connected to a wireless network, send designs to your NQ3550W using Design Database Transfer1 (no USB needed).
- IBroidery Designs: Explore over 5,000 designs available for individual purchase on iBroidery website. Who knows what you’ll create next
Spec score 8.7
Sewing, 200 or more
+Built for quilting projects
+Computerized with 417 stitch applications
+Includes 12 presser feet
$379.99-10%List: $419.99
as of 11/04/2026 03:36 PST - DetailsProduct details
$379.99as of 11/04/2026 03:36 PST - Details
View on AmazonSpec score8.7
Pros
+Built for quilting projects
+Computerized with 417 stitch applications
+Includes 12 presser feet
+Includes lettering stitches
+Includes an LCD screen
Compared with this page+200 or more: the most built-in stitches of the 60 here
+Computerized: only 51 of 333 here have one
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- LARGE SELECTION OF STITCH APPLICATIONS: With 417 stitch applications, explore a variety of basic, stretch, and decorative stitches for sewing, quilting, home décor, crafting, gifting, and more. Easily select stitches for professional-looking results across different projects and fabric types.
- HIGH-END FEATURES AT A GREAT VALUE: Start and stop sewing effortlessly with the one-touch Start/Stop button. The adjustable speed control lets you customize your stitching pace, while the built-in Thread Cut Button trims both top and bottom threads in one press, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
- LCD SCREEN FOR EASY VIEWING: The bright LCD screen provides clear stitch selection, length, and width adjustments. View stitch numbers and settings at a glance, making it simple to personalize your projects with ease.
- EXTENSION TABLE FOR LARGER PROJECTS: Expand your sewing workspace by attaching the included SINGER extension table. This must-have sewing essential provides extra support for quilting, home décor, and other large-scale projects, ensuring stability and ease of movement.
- SPECIAL ACCESSORY COLLECTION: Comes with 12 specially chosen, easy-to-use presser feet, including All-Purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Cording, Button Sewing, Open Toe, Blind Hem, Even Feed Walking, ¼” Piecing, Free-Motion Darning, Satin Stitch, and Parallel Sewing Foot. Additional accessories include Needles, Class 15 Bobbins, Spool Caps, Auxiliary Spool Pin, Felt Washer, Needle Plate, Screwdriver, Seam Ripper, and Lint Brush.