Best Sewing Machine for Buttonholes: The Ultimate Guide

I know how daunting it can be to find the best sewing machine for buttonholes. Ages ago, tailors did it by hand. Can you imagine the stress, energy, and time?

Some still do it to date. But, I wonder why you are struggling when you can get quick help. I created this product list and mini reviews to help you identify the best machine. Whether you are using light, medium, or heavy fabric, there is something for everyone.

I have compiled seven of the best machines for buttonholes. You will spot a product feature highlight to brief you about the machine. Browse through the review to see how the machine works theoretically.

The pros and cons sections highlight real-time experiences from users. Use the section to gauge if the buttonhole machine model suits you. Our reviews explain the vital features of these machines.

Some functions and features might cut across all machines. But, we share the distinguishing ones that make each unique. Let’s dive into it.

The 7 Best Sewing Machines for Buttonholes

1. Bernette 38 Computerized Sewing Machine – Swiss Design

Feature Highlight

• 8 Buttonholes
• 9.1 by 9.1 by 9.1 Inches
• 2 Years warranty on labor
• 10 Years warranty on mechanism
• 1 Pound
• 820spm Speed
• 394 Built-in stitches
• 3 Alphabets
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Extension cable
• Hardcover
• Automatic thread cutter

Bernette designers build this buttonhole machine with 394 stitches. It has eight one-step buttonholes and boasts 3 alphabets.

A stretch stitch is part of this.

It means you can use this model with ease to work on elastic fabrics. 67 of these stitches are decorative. Wait, it doesn’t mean that the machine can do embroidery.

Use supported decorative stitches for decorative sewing and borders. The machine comes with 8 presser feet, which you can adjust. Adjustable pressure comes in handy when sewing on thin and lighter fabrics.

Some notable aspects are the threader and the automatic/manual thread cutter. Its speed is 820 stitches in a minute. You can use the speed regulator to adjust your pace.

The manufacturer designs it with a memory function to store patterns you use often.

Your working area remains illuminated with the bright LED light. You want to minimize errors by all means.

There is an LCD on the top front area of the machine. It displays the settings you choose to help you remember what you are working with. You can easily reset settings or adjust them well.

Bernette includes an extension cable and bobbins. You get some freebies that you could spend some bucks if buying separately.

The Good

• Free bobbins and extension cable
• It comes with a memory function
• Automatic thread cutting
• It has decorative stitches
• 394 Stitches

The Concerns

• Foot space is slightly low

2. Brother HC1850 Quilting and Sewing Machine

Feature Highlight

• 8 Buttonholes
• 12.5 by 19.25 by 15.25 Inches
• 25 Years limited warranty
• 10.14 Pounds
• 850spm Speed
• 130 Built-in stitches
• LCD
• On-board accessory storage
• Extension cable
• Automatic drop-feed

Brother HC1850 is a lightweight machine that can sew and quilt. It has 130 inbuilt stitches and 8 automatic-size buttonhole styles. The manufacturer builds it with 55 sewing stitches in alphanumeric.

The machine has monogramming projects. Its inbuilt flip chart shows all the stitches it supports.

The chart attaches to the front area of the machine.

You can use its automatic needle threading option to save time.

The user activates it by pressing the lever. The jam-free drop-in top bobbin complements the automatic threader.

It saves more effort and time to avoid pushing thread through your needle. The machine comes with 8 presser feet and a removable foot controller to switch seamlessly between feet.

The inbuilt LED light illuminates the working area well. But, its positioning isn’t the best as your hands obstruct the light from fully shining on your space.

There are numerous controls to improve precision while sewing. It is easier to see the settings you choose on the display. The manufacturer packs it with several accessories.

You get a cleaning brush and a detachable wide table. It also comes with needles, a seam ripper, 4 bobbins, and a screwdriver. Others are spool caps of different sizes, an eyelet punch, and an extra spool pin.

The Good

• 25 Years limited warranty
• Numerous accessories
• Reference chart for stitches
• Many controls
• Auto-needle threading function
• Lightweight

The Concerns

• LED light is not in the best position

3. SINGER Simple 3232 Sewing Machine

Feature Highlight

• 1 Buttonhole
• 15 by 7.5 by 12 Inches
• 25 Years limited warranty
• 12.25 Pounds
• 750spm Speed
• 32 Inbuilt stitches
• Adjustable stitch length
• Heavy-duty frame
• Inbuilt needle threader
• Free arm

Singer 3232 is a simple machine as its name states. It comes with 32 inbuilt stitches and takes 5mm stitch width.

It supports 6 stretch stitches and 6 essential ones.

Others are 19 decorative stitches and one buttonhole.

The manufacturer designs it with 4 Snap-on presser feet. It increases the machine’s use.

You can easily and quickly thread the needle using the auto thread feature. I know how hectic it can be to thread the tiny needle by hand. Doesn’t it save you time and effort?

But it can be daunting in the first days to figure out how this function works. Unfortunately, the user manual might also not help with it. You can comb YouTube and Google for tutorials on this.

Otherwise, why would you keep threading by hand when there is an automatic feature? You can sew tiny items using the free arm. The same applies to hard-to-reach areas on fabrics and tubular pieces.

Slide off the detachable storage area to access its free arm. The manufacturer includes accessories like bobbins, needle pack, seam ripper, and foot control. More stuff is a lint brush, thread spool caps, and darning plate.

Other items in the package are a soft-side dust cover, quilting, an edge guide, and L-screwdriver. The heavy-duty metal the manufacturer uses to design this machine makes it unique. We keep wondering how such a heavy-duty material can still reduce the overall weight of the machine.

The Good

• 25 Years limited warranty
• Tons of accessories
• Automatic threading
• Free arm
• Heavy-duty and durable metal construction
• Lightweight

The Concerns

• The automatic threader is slightly hard to set up.

4. Janome JW8100 Computerized Sewing Machine

Feature Highlight

• 7 Buttonholes
• 16 by 12 by 7 Inches
• 25 Years limited warranty
• 12.7lbs Weight
• 100 inbuilt stitches
• 7-Piece feed dog system
• Memorized needle positioning
• Free arm
• Hardcover
• LCD screen

Janome JW8100 features 1000 inbuilt stitches with different categories. There are 7 auto buttonholes, 18 quilting stitches, and 28 décor stitches.

Others are 27 heirloom stitches and 20 basic stitches.

The manufacturer builds it with a 7-piece feed system for smooth fabric feeding regardless of the type.

The single-hand needle threader allows you to thread the machine with ease, saving you time and energy.

Check your user manual for all instructions on how to go about it. You can sew tricky areas of fabric using the free arm. It is part of the accessory compartment. Removing the storage means you can access the arm.

The backlit LCD screen is to display settings. You can adjust them using the navigation buttons. The buttons are near the needle.

The start/stop and reverse button is part of them. The machine’s outer frame is from durable plastic, while the interior sports metal. It ensures the durability and reliability of vital machine components.

The sewing machine is built with a feed dog that is even for easy pattern matching. It also helps you to work on heavier layers. The quarter-inch foot is for quilting and creating even seams.

It shouldn’t be difficult to manage large projects, thanks to the extension cable. The dust cover helps protect your machine from dust. You should know how badly dust accumulation in machine parts damages them.

The Good

• 25 Years limited warranty
• Backlit LCD
• Quarter-inch seam foot
• Free arm
• Seven-piece feed system
• Metallic interior

The Concerns

• The machine is costlier than others in its category.

5. SINGER 9960 Sewing Machine

Feature Highlight

• Made in Taiwan
• Electric mechanism
• Corded electric power source
• 17.25 by 8.25 by 12 Inches
• 20 Pounds
• Metallic material

SINGER 9960 is one of the best one-step buttonhole machines. It offers limitless options to all sewing enthusiasts.

The manufacturer builds it with many inbuilt features for you to experiment with various sewing projects.

It is a Quantum stylist with numerous stitches from basic and stretches to decorative options. You will love how fully computerized the machine is. The user can ass shapes and fonts to customize and personalize their creations.

Computerizing the machine means you can customize the stitches you use often. It is easy to adjust their lengths and widths. You will see all stitches you are using on the LCD.

The SINGER 9960 is a high-speed machine with 13 inbuilt one-step buttonhole functions. You want to save energy and time hence the manufacturer’s consideration. It is easy to add buttonholes to your projects, even if you are a novice.

You only need to put your button in the foot before the machine creates the correct buttonhole. It comes with an auto needle threader. The user can thread it in seconds minus straining their eyes.

The manufacturer designs the machine to load the bobbin easily from the top. It also has a transparent cover. You can choose from the five fonts to customize your projects.

SINGER says the machine can stitch 850 stitches every minute, and we have confirmed that. It has an extension cable for use with larger projects. You might not need more light, thanks to the LED function to illuminate your working area.

Use the fast speed and autopilot for long seams. But, the slow-motion will help when you need more control. It is another costly option than its competitors. Pro users will find it more useful.

The Good

• Computerized functions
• Easy to customize your favorite stitches
• 600 Stitches
• 5 Fonts
• Auto needle threading
• It comes with an extension cable
• 13 inbuilt one-step buttonhole function

The Concerns

• Another slightly expensive machine than others in its range
• Difficult to change needles because of the small area

6. Brother CS6000i Quilting and Sewing Machine

Feature Highlight

• 6.7inches Deep
• Electric application
• Corded electric power source
• 16 by 6.7 by 11.4 inches
• 5896 Grams
• Aluminum material
• Accessories included: manual, carrying case and cover, oil and brush, needles, bobbins, extra presser foot, quilting table, seam ripper, tweezers, and screwdriver.

Brother designed an averagely-prized sewing machine for craft lovers. You can use it to sew and quilt. It is the best for all sewing enthusiasts regardless of their skill level. We attribute this to its user-friendly nature.

The manufacturer designs it with a very practical yet smart dial. You can select favorites from the 60-inbuilt stitches appearing on your LCD. It is built with an auto needle threading mechanism to save energy and time.

It isn’t an issue to sew buttonholes using this machine. The powerhouse has 7 inbuilt one-step buttonhole designs for a flawless finish. It boasts nine presser feet for all quilting and sewing needs.

The machine comes with a threading guide and an on-machine bobbin. Novices and less-experienced users will easily work on their projects. You can adjust your favorite stitches to suit all your needs.

The arm allows you to make cuffs, pants, sleeves, and tubular items. You can use the extended workspace if you have larger projects. It is easy to create invisible seams because of the blind stitch foot.

The lit sewing area allows you to work even in dark times. Brother adds an adjustable sewing speed to this machine. It can go as far as 850 stitches in a minute.

The hardcover protects your sewing machine when not in use. It is recommended for novices because of its limited versatility.

The Good

• Averagely-priced machine
• Tons of interesting features
• 7 inbuilt one-step buttonhole options
• 60 inbuilt stitches
• Customizable stitches
• The arm sews tubular pieces
• Extended workspace

The Concerns

• Limited versatility hence recommended for first-time users
• It cannot sew multiple layers
• Thinner fabrics stick into it

7. SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

Feature Highlight

• 1,100spm Speed
• 23 Inbuilt stitches
• Metallic body
• 15.5 by 6.25 by 12 Inches
• 14.5 Pounds

The SINGER 4423 is part of the 44 series of this brand and all machines from this category are heavy-duty. SINGER builds this machine from high-grade metal. It boasts high durability.

Its strength comes from the bed frame of stainless steel. The machine comes with a powerful motor to stitch 1,100 stitches every minute. Crafts persons love it for its use on multiple fabric layers.

You will also appreciate its quilting capabilities. It is an electric machine with an auto needle threader. The machine comes with knobs for the user to change their stitches.

Such a feature makes it excellent for entry-level machines. The manufacturer adds several accessories when you buy the machine. It comes with bobbins, spool pin felt, buttonhole foot, and zipper foot.

As a beginner-level piece, it might not match the potency and capabilities of other sewing machines in its category. For instance, you won’t love its stitches on a denim fabric as much.

Therefore, it isn’t the best one for industrial use. I recommend it for hobbyists and craftsmen who want durable machines. SINGER 4423 is still a best seller even today.

Be confident in buying the machine. SINGER backs it up with a 25-year limited warranty.

The Good

• Durable and sturdy
• An affordable option
• Faster stitching speed
• 25 Years limited warranty

The Concerns

• It isn’t the best for heavier fabrics

Buying Guide for the Best Machine for Buttonholes

The type of sewing machine you have determines the success of your crafting project. The correct buttonhole machine gives you an easy time producing different articles. Here are some considerations on how to buy the best buttonhole machine:

Prices

Buttonhole sewing machines vary in price. Affordable options start from as cheap as $120. High-end buttonhole machines go for as much as $1,000.

Remember, that the prices of these machines don’t show the quality. For instance, some machines offer only 23 stitches but are very expensive. It could be because they are very dependable professional grade options with tons of features than cheaper ones with more stitches.

A better way to determine if the price is the best one for you is to check whether parts are of perfect quality. You can now gauge the offerings and other aspects you are looking for in the machine.

Buttonhole Styles

Buttonhole styles sewing machines can make vary depending on the machine. The bare minimum is that it should make at least straight keyhole and buttonhole stitches.

But, you need to consider the fabric types you are using as you assess available buttonhole styles. For instance, if you are working on knits, choose a machine that can do corded buttonholes.

Lighter fabrics will need machines that can do square buttonholes. The same applies to medium and heavier fabrics. Keyhole buttonholes are the best for heavier fabrics.

Easy Guiding

The feed dogs on a machine determine the efficiency with which the fabric passes through it. It also determines the quality of stitches at the end.

You don’t want a machine that you need to use your hands to guide the fabric through it. The best feed dogs to guide fabric boasts a 7-piece mechanism. It is the best for all types of fabrics and a good example is the Janome one in our review.

Stitching Speed

Stitching speed determines how fast the machine can work on an article. Its measurements are stitched per minute. You need machines with high speeds if you handle large projects regularly.

It also means you can finish small projects faster. Brother HC1850 is among the fastest in our guide. Bernette comes second in this category.

Light

Get a sewing machine with inbuilt LED light for better visibility. You will need it when sewing at night and at times when you need more illumination in your working space.

It can be difficult to see some stitches even during the day, depending on your location and the weather. Most buttonhole machines in this review come with LED lights. The positioning of the light matters.

Some machines have the light in the wrong position. You don’t want obstruction when sewing.

Weight and Dimension

The weight of your buttonhole sewing machine influences its portability. A massive machine is hard to move around. Weight and dimension go hand in hand with storage and working space.

Your machine must match the available space. Choose a lightweight model if you want to carry the machine anywhere you go. SINGER 3232 and Brother HC1850 are excellent examples of portable machines.

But, if you are restricted to using the machine in one place, you can get a heavier option. It is ideal if you won’t be carrying and lifting it often.

Accessories

Most machines come with storage spaces for your accessories. It also houses the free arm. Storage, in this case, is removable to reveal the free arm.

The feature is necessary for sewing tubular pieces. The free arm makes it easy to position fabric.

Warranty

25 years for a warranty is standard for most buttonhole machines. A sewing machine is a long-term investment. You want a cover that can protect you and it for a long time.

But, some machines like the Bernette have 10 years on mechanism and 2 on labor.

Quality Build

Most sewing machines in the market today are from high-quality plastic. It is high-grade to last long. Models like SINGER 3232 are from metal.

If you want guaranteed durability, this should be ideal. Some manufacturers use metal inside the machines and plastic outside it for structural integrity. Janome JW8100 is a perfect example.

Noise

Noise is an issue in most sewing machines. Check the dB level the manufacturer gives for every machine you search for before buying it. You don’t want irritating noises in your house.

You can test a few machines physically to get how they sound. If you can’t ask for reviews from current users.

Helpful Aspects

It will be helpful if your machine comes with an extended table. You will easily navigate bigger sewing projects. Some come with accessories like screwdrivers, bobbins, and seam rippers.

Conclusion

Our list doesn’t exhaust all the buttonhole machines in the market. But, it features some of the best. We select products after checking customer reviews and suggestions.

Bernette B38 is the best option if you are looking for a stress-free buttonhole machine. It offers plenty of opportunities. The machine boasts 394 stitches, which is a wide range for both novice and expert craftspeople.

Its stitching speed is among the fastest and highly recommended for bigger projects. But, you can also use it for smaller ones if you want to save more time.

The memory function is admirable too. Brother HC1850 struck us with its 3-in-1 function. It can be very costly to buy three separate machines for basic monogramming, quilting, and sewing. Did you know that you can get all these from one machine?

Brother, it is! It also offers various stitches and a flip chart in a strategic location. You can see all the stitches right before you as you sew. We love how lightweight it is and the numerous controls it offers.

You might be a novice looking for the simplest buttonhole machine on the market. SINGER 3232 is the real deal for you. like in its name, it is simple to operate. It might not be feather-light, but it isn’t heavy.

The metallic construction is a plus for durability. You will love the wide range of freebies it comes with and the diverse stitches.

Sewing machines can do most things but adding buttonholes is an advancement. Machines in this guide will give you limitless options. These can create designs you couldn’t imagine.

Initially, you could buy a machine to use for buttonholes only. But, manufacturers designed the above ones to do more than buttonholes only.

You can agree that all the sewing machines above boast fantastic features. Some offer various buttonhole styles. It means you can work on different types of fabrics with ease.

From user reviews, the machines above sew buttonholes perfectly and in the shortest time. If you have tried doing it by hand, you know how long it can take. Check the feature highlight to see if your ideal machine ticks all boxes.

If it doesn’t, you can check some of the other guides on our site to see if you can find your dream buttonhole machine. We have reviewed the best ones and given reasons why they feature on our list.

The ball is in your court. I hope this product list guide and reviews help you to make a solid decision.

Happy Crafting!