8 Best Left Handed Sewing Machines – 2023 Guide
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With so many sewing machine options, you’d think a left-handed option would be readily available. Surprisingly, there aren’t any machines explicitly made for left-handed people, nor are they necessary since the standard design caters to the left-hand dominant population.
Sewing machines aren’t necessarily made to be left to right-handed due to the layout of the machine they are very much easy to use whichever way. These are all regular sewing machines but with features I feel are better suited to left-handed users.
I’ve put together a list of my favourite sewing machine recommendations, whether you are left or right-handed. Let’s take a closer look at 8 of the best sewing machines to buy.
1. Bernina Bernette B23 Sewing Machine
This one is for you if you want a durable, robust machine. The Bernette B23 is popular in professional settings, schools, and universities. With 23 stitches, adjustable stitch length and width, and free-motion sewing, this machine can handle anything.
Whether you are just starting or an accomplished seamstress planning to put a lot of miles on your machine, the Bernina Bernette B23 is a great option!
The Bernette sewing machine is definitely one of the more affordable machines on the list and is very beginner friendly.
This machine has a semi- automatic threader which allows your needle to be threaded for you taking out the hassle and struggle of threading your own needle.
You can also do a range of sewing techniques with this machine as it as a 1-step buttonhole function and decorative stitches.
The accessory box of the machine provides plenty of storage space for sewing utensils, such as bobbins, cleaning brushes, presser feet and threads.
The dials, knobs and levers are all easy to hold and manoeuvre on this sewing machine which makes it perfect for beginners and left handers.
My only downfall with this machine is that the hand crank on the side may be harder to use for left-handed sewists depending on how strong your right hand is.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- 23 stitches
- Buttonhole feature
- Semi-automatic threader
Cons
- Not equipped for free motion embroidery
2. Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is a powerful machine fully equipped with 23 stitches, high-speed sewing, and enough power to handle cumbersome fabrics.
It also has an adjustable presser foot, which makes it ideal for tricky, thin fabrics like silk and satin. This machine is a fantastic, long-lasting choice for heavy-duty sewing.
The Singer has an automatic needle threader so you don’t have to strain when threading your needle. It also is a high speed sewing machine getting up to 100 stitches per minute so you don’t have to spend too long chugging away on your machine.
The machine comes with variety of accessories so you can get started straight away. These include and all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot and quilting guide.
You can also find in the accessory tray the following; needles, bobbins, screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt.
While the sewing machine is not computerised it is still a fantastic machine to use. It is perfect for left-handers as it is easy to use, heavy enough it won’t move around and the dials are large and prominent to get your hand around to change.
When turning the dial you will experience an ease of clicking as the dial changes to the next set of stitches so you can easily turn it and no guess work has to be done.
Due to the dials being located on the right hand side you may find it better suited to right-handed people but this can depend on the comfortability of how you work with your non-dominant hand.
Pros
- Super instruction manual
- Twin needle use
- Invisible hem stitch
- Buttonhole maker
- 23 programmed stitches
- Automatic needle threader
Cons
- No decorative stitches
3. Brother INNOV-IS A50 Sewing Machine
The Brother Innov-Is A50 a computerised model comes with 50 stitches, an LCD screen, a quick set bobbin, and is so easy to use! This model is great for beginners learning how to sew but can also handle advanced projects.
This machine is terrific for creative projects, with many decorative stitch options and free-motion embroidery work.
The Brother machine boasts of 50 built-in stitches both standard and decorative. It is also built to withstand many projects from dressmaking to quilting.
The easy-to-use electronic dial is perfect for those looking to make sewing easier, uncomplicated and quicker. It also has a one-action needle threader so you don’t have to waste time threading the needle yourself.
You can also experience free motion sewing with this machine as the feed dogs drop. There is also a top-loading bobbin to make set-up quicker and more efficient.
I think this is the best sewing machine because it is both simple to use but also comprehensive in what you can use it for and with.
Pros
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- 50 built-in stitches
- Buttonhole functions
- Computerised
- Perfect for quilting
- No pedal required
- Afforable
Cons
- Still requires a dial at times
4. Singer 660 Sewing Machine
The Singer 660 is a fantastic intermediate machine, but it’s also ideal for beginners. It has 60 computerised stitch settings, including four buttonhole stitches. It’s super simple to use and features both practical and decorative stitches suitable for any project.
Another feature I love about this machine is that it’s beautiful. It comes in a mint-green colour with decorative details for a beautiful and practical purchase. Naturally, as a Singer machine, it’s also incredibly reliable.
One of the best features of this machine is that it is computerised making it super easy to use for beginners, those with arthritis and left-handed users.
You can also find this machine has an automatic needle threader and variable needle positions making sewing that much easier.
There is a small sewing kit included components of this machine are an all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, pack of needles, bobbins, thread spool cap and a bag of tools including a lint brush, seam ripper and more.
This is definitely one of my top picks as it is easy to use, beginner-friendly and has many functions that you can use in a number of sewing projects.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Afforable
- Computerised
- 60 Stitch options
- Buttonhole functions
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a user manual
5. Brother LS14 Sewing Machine
The Brother LS14 machine might be the perfect beginner sewing machine. Relatively simple in design and with just 14 stitches, this machine has a button-hole function and a three-year warranty.
This machine is one of the most affordable machines on the market and is great for a hobby sewer.
If you aren’t looking for something big and fancy, the humble Brother LS14 is a beautiful choice!
The Brother LS14 is admirable for its simplicity and is definitely aimed at those just getting started on their sewing journey.
This machine is very low fuss and easy to use making it perfect for beginners and left-handed sewers.
With only 1 dial to change for stitches, this makes this machine a dream as you can spend more time concentrating on directing your fabric than on the multiple dials and digits.
It still has plenty to offer in terms of stitches, accessories and more such as 14 stitches to choose from, drop-in bobbin and a 4-step buttonhole function.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Beginner friendly
- 1 Dial
- 14 stitches
- Drop-in bobbin
- 4-step buttonhole
Cons
- No decorative stitches
- No automatic needle threader
6. Pfaff Ambition 620 Sewing Machine
The Pfaff Ambition is perfect for quilters, this machine offers embroidery options in both designs and font options, as well as free-motion sewing capabilities.
The high quality sewing machine is definitely one of the more elite sewing machines on the list but if you are looking for a sewing machine that can do more and is better suited to quilting then this is the one for you.
This amazing machine has over 100 stitches and boasts a large sewing space perfect for bulky or larger projects.
You also won’t have to strain or struggle with your fabric thanks to the IDT system.
This is a system created by Pfaff themselves which translates to Integrated Dual Feeder Technology, which helps your fabric keep moving through the feed and create a smooth and easy sewing experience.
It has a large LCD screen and is fully computerised, making your sewing project a snap! One of my favourite functions is the bobbin thread sensor, which will sound an alarm if the thread runs low.
There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of bobbin thread without detecting it, so this function is phenomenal!
The tension is set automatically for the stitch number you’re using. Adjusting stitch length and width is very user-friendly.
Pros
- Over 100 Stitches
- Buttonhole stitches
- Bobbin thread sensor
- Computerised
- IDT system
- Perfect for quilting
Cons
- The space between the needle plate and the body of the machine is too small
- The reverse button. It’s crammed into the slope above the tiny sewing space so you accidentally turn it on all the time
7. Singer 5511 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
The Singer 5511 sewing machine is one of the most versatile sewing options available. This one can handle anything from basic hobby sewing to more advanced projects.
The weight and style of this heavy duty sewing machine it can handle anything you wish to throw at it and more, making it the perfect sewing room companion.
Whether making a new garment or a fabulous quilt, the Singer 5511 can get the job done.
This machine is high-speed with the capability for font embroidery, multiple foot options, and many accessories.
While the sewing machine isn’t electronic and the dials are still very much manual you can easily work with the machine whether left or right handers.
The sewing machine is super fast with high sewing speeds making this easy to use, efficient with time and creates great results.
You can also enjoy an automatic 4-step buttonhole meaning you don’t need to do any guesswork or measuring. this machine also has 11 built-in stitches both essential and decorative.
What makes this machine suitable for left-handed individuals is the top drop-in bobbin as it is easier to fit over a front-loaded bobbin.
The Singer sewing machine comes with a number of standard parts including foot control and power cord, and dust cover. There are also a number of extras such as all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, needles and spare spools.
This machine is still great for people who sew on the left side as you can still have all the main control over feeding your fabric through while knowing all the stitches are set for you.
Pros
- Comes with lots of extras
- 11 built- in stitches
- 4-step buttonhole stitch
- high sewing speed
- Versatile & reliable
- Top drop-in bobbin
Cons
- Not computerised
8. Janome MOD-200 Computerised Sewing Machine
The Janome MOD-200 is one of the best left-handed sewing machines as it is easy to use, light and computerised.
The computerised feature was something I really liked on this machine as it makes it easier to change stitches, control back stitches and more with your non-dominant hand.
It also has many features which are desirable especially if you want to be able to fully use the full potential of the machine with 12 One-Step Buttonholes and Block Alphabet stitches.
The sewing machine also has a top drop-in bobbin so you don’t have to spend precious time trying to fit a bottom or front-facing bobbin.
The Janome also boasts of having an easy threading function with a one-hand threader perfect for anyone who is new to sewing or even finds using their non-dominant hand during sewing.
As the sewing machine is computerised you can make use of easy-to-use buttons to change settings rather than dealing with hard-to-turn dials. This machine is also perfect if you struggle with arthritis in your hands and arms to make sewing less strenuous.
Another great feature of the sewing machine is the convenience buttons like start/stop, reverse, locking stitch and needle up/down. Making this machine very easy to use and can even improve your sewing speed.
Pros
- Computerised
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Drop-in bobbin
- Auto-threader
- 12 Buttonhole stitches
- Alphabet stitches
- Comes with hard cover
- Easy to use buttons for needle up/down, on/off etc
Cons
- One of the more expensive machines