TOP 5 BEST ZIG ZAG SEWING MACHINES [2023 REVIEWS]

What is the best Zig Zag sewing machine on the market today? That’s exactly what we attempt to answer in this top 5 product review round-up.

We’ve taken a selection of zig-zag machines across a range of price points and put them through their paces.

For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For a full in-depth review of each of our chosen zig-zag models, and a detailed buyer’s guide, keep on reading.

Best zig zag sewing machine – Top 5

Best Zig Zag Sewing Machine Reviews

There are many brands, models, and designs of zigzag machines being sold in the market today.

Still, despite their differences, these machines can be rated based on their design quality, work performance, durability, and cost-performance benefits.

And that’s the rating criteria we will use now to give you the low down on our selected zig zag sewing machines.

1. BEST BUDGET: Reliable, 2300SZ High-Speed Zig Zag Machine with assembled table, Uberlight 3100TL Light Lamp

This is a high-quality, high-performance single-needle electrically-powered zig-zag sewing machine that comes along with an assembled table and an Uberlight LED lamp for illuminating the workspace during dim or dark lighting conditions.

The lamp is offered free of charge. It is specially designed for high-speed zig-zag stitching which gives the user an edge in terms of high productivity with minimal resource loss.

This machine is suited for working on both light and medium-weight fabrics, including applique, synthetic fabrics, canvas; and it can also handle heavy fabrics.

It is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise DC servomotor whose motor housing and mounting are designed to minimize vibration while maintaining superb build quality. This model is designed and built by Reliable Corp, and its model number is 2300SZ.

The compactly built sewing machine is shipped inside a well-sealed package that features a tamper-sensitive seal.

It is shipped alongside its assembled table, which features the motor mount and heavy-duty steel legs. This table has 2 legs that rest on 2 feet (a foot for each leg), with each foot resting on 2 caster mount blocks.

This also means that 4 caster wheels can be fitted to the table thereby allowing the user to wheel the sewing machine around the workplace.

The table legs have an I-shaped cross-section, and they are made from 3/32inches thick steel.

Each table leg features 2 metal frames, with the top frame being capable of sliding along the bottom frame, and this allows for the table height to be adjusted by adjusting how deep the top frame slide into the bottom frame.

The tabletop is made of high-quality plywood and features a good cut-out region surrounded by bolt holes where the machine bed of the sewing machine can be mounted and bolted securely to the table.

The LED light included in the package is the high-quality SMD-LED lamp, Uberlight 3000TL, which normally retails for USD79, but is offered free of charge.

This specialty zig-zag sewing equipment has an exceptional stitch width of 10mm. The stitch is the maximum distance the needle can move side-by-side while sewing a fabric.

Its stitch width indicates that the maximum amplitude of the zig-zag is 10mm, which is adequate for creating various types of zig-zag stitch formations.

Still, one can adjust the stitch width to an appropriate value using the easy-to-access and simple-to-use stitch width dial on the front panel of the machine.

This machine allows for stitch formations to be created in either direction (front or back) on the same workpiece.

If one is stitching the fabric in a specific direction, it is still possible to immediately reverse the stitching direction without damaging the workpiece.

This is made possible by the reverse lever mechanism, which also allows the user to easily create perfect and well-aligned back-tacks.

This motor allows the machine to make a maximum of 2,00 stitches per minute (SPM). The stitch length is adjustable, with the maximum length being 5mm. This length adjustment can be done using the stitch dial regulator.

This machine has a large hook capacity which optimizes its stitching performance. This hook assembly is manually lubricated, while the rotary hook hub is auto-lubricated as the machine runs.

The machine bed size is 18.5inches long, and its large workspace (which is 11.25inches long) allows for relatively large workpieces to be stitched together easily.

The presser foot can be raised up or lowered down, and this can be achieved using a knee mechanism or be done manually by the user simply lifting the presser foot away from the needle plate.

The knee lift can raise the foot up through a distance of 15mm, while manual lift achieves a maximum raise of only 8mm, which is still enough to fit in thick fabrics such as quilts for zig-zag stitching to be done on them. The needle bar securely holds the 135X7 needle in place.

This model comes with its easy-to-follow instruction manual along with the installation hardware toolkit and thread stand. There is also a drawer that can be fitted to the stand.

The Reliable 2300SZ is supported by a 12-month limited warranty.

Bottom-line

The Reliable 2300SZ is a well-constructed high-quality, high-performance and compactly-designed single-needle electrically-powered zig-zag sewing machine that comes along with an assembled table and a cost-free Uberlight LED lamp.

It is specially designed for high-speed zig-zag stitching; and is suited for working on both light and medium-weight fabrics, including applique, synthetic fabrics, canvas.

This non-computerized electronic machine is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise DC servomotor whose motor housing and mounting are designed to minimize vibration while maintaining superb build quality.

Its superb design quality, outstanding stitching performance, durability, and unrivaled cost-performance benefits make Reliable 2300SZ the best zig zag sewing machine in this review.

2. PREMIUM PICK: Consew 146RBL-30 single-needle, walking-foot zigzag machine Stitch Type-1A w/ Table and Motor

This is a single-needle electrically-powered zig-zag sewing machine whose long arm and large machine bed provide a 30 inches long workspace for doing heavy-duty stitching.

This industrial-grade machine is purposely built for creating both lock-stitches and zig-zag stitches. It features an extra-large bobbin, a built-in bobbin winder, and a link thread take-up mechanism. It also comes with a pneumatic foot lifter and has an extra-large shuttle hook.

It can handle all types of fabrics from lightweight synthetic canvas to heavyweight garments. It uses the drop-feed mechanism for stitching the workpiece as it is being drawn across the needle plate.

It also comes with an assembled table with the motor mount already fixed. Moreover, it is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise motor.

This model is designed and built by Consew.

The compactly-built industrial-grade sewing machine is shipped in a well-sealed package. It is shipped alongside its heavy-duty assembled table, which features the motor mount and a sturdy stand.

The tabletop is made of high-quality material and features a good cut-out region surrounded by bolt holes where the machine bed of the sewing machine can be mounted and bolted securely to the table. The color scheme of the sewing machine is white.

This specialty zig-zag sewing equipment has a maximum stitch width of 12mm, which is adequate for creating various types of zig-zag stitch formations.

Likewise, the stitch width can be adjusted to an appropriate value using the easy-to-access and simple-to-use stitch width dial.

This machine can make a maximum of 2500 stitches per minute (SPM). The stitch length is adjustable, with the maximum length being 9.5mm. This length adjustment can be done using the stitch dial regulator.

This machine has a large hook capacity which optimizes its stitching performance. This hook assembly is manually lubricated.

The extra-large bed space of this model is 7″ x 33 1/4″ (178 x 848 mm)  which allows for large workpieces to be stitched together easily. It uses an extra heavy-duty drop feed to operate its needle system.

Additionally, it features an extra-large oscillating shuttle hook.

The presser foot can be raised up or lowered down, and this can be achieved using a knee mechanism or be done manually by the user simply lifting the presser foot away from the needle plate.

The knee lift can raise the foot up through a distance of 20mm, while manual lift achieves a maximum raise of 10mm, which is incredibly large and can fit thick fabrics.

This model comes with its easy-to-follow instruction manual along with the installation hardware toolkit.

Bottom-line

The Consew 146RBL-30 is a high-quality, high-performance industrial-grade single-needle electrically-powered zig-zag sewing machine whose long arm and large machine bed provide a 30inches long workspace for doing heavy-duty stitching.

It creates superb lock-stitches and zig-zag stitches and can handle all types of fabrics from lightweight synthetic canvas to heavyweight garments. It uses the drop-feed mechanism for stitching.

• Related Content: Top 6 best heavy duty sewing machines reviewed

3. TOP PICK: Reliable 2600ZW Zig-Zag – Walking Foot Sewing Machine

This is a high-quality, medium-level performance single-needle electrically-powered zig-zag sewing machine that comes along with an assembled table and an Uberlight 9000C LED lamp for illuminating the workspace in poor lighting conditions.

The lamp is offered free of charge. It is specially designed for high-speed zig-zag and straight stitching.

This machine is suited for working on both light and medium-weight fabrics, including applique, synthetic fabrics, canvas.

It is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise DC servomotor whose motor housing and mounting are designed to minimize vibration while maintaining superb build quality.

This model is designed and built by Reliable Corp, and its model number is 2600SZ. Its construction and operational designs closely resemble those of Reliable 2400SZ.

The compactly built sewing machine is shipped in a well-sealed package. It is shipped alongside its assembled table, which features the motor mount and heavy-duty steel legs.

This table has 2 legs that rest on 2 feet, with each foot resting on 2 caster mount blocks. This allows 4 caster wheels to be fitted to the table thereby enabling the user to wheel the sewing machine around the workplace.

The table legs have an I-shaped cross-section, and they are made from 3/32inches thick steel. Each table leg features 2 metal frames, which allows for the table height to be adjusted by adjusting how deep the top frame slides into the bottom frame.

The tabletop is made of high-quality plywood and features a good cut-out region surrounded by bolt holes where the machine bed of the sewing machine can be mounted and bolted securely to the table.

The LED light included in the package is the high-quality SMD-LED lamp, Uberlight 9000C. The color scheme of the sewing machine is white.

This specialty zig-zag sewing equipment has a maximum stitch width of 9mm, which is adequate for creating various types of zig-zag stitch formations. Also, one can adjust the stitch width to an appropriate value using the easy-to-access and simple-to-use stitch width dial on the front panel of the machine.

This machine allows for stitch formations to be created in either direction (front or back) on the same workpiece. This is made possible by the reverse lever mechanism, which also allows the user to easily create perfect and well-aligned back-tacks.

This non-computerized electronic machine is powered by a SewQuiet 6000SM brushless servomotor whose 12-coil design endows it with high torque and power.

This motor can draw a maximum of 550watts, and must be powered by either 110Volts or 220Volts, 4.5amperes AC power. Likewise, it can achieve a maximum speed of 6000revolutions per minute(rpm).

The maximum power output from the motor is 0.75horsepowers (HP). Even so, this motor assembly comes without a synchronizer.

This motor allows the machine to make a maximum of 2,500stitches per minute (SPM). The stitch length is adjustable, with the maximum length being 5mm. This length adjustment can be done using the stitch dial regulator.

This machine uses a Hirose sewing hook and has a large hook capacity which optimizes its stitching performance.

This hook assembly is manually lubricated, while the rotary hook hub is auto-lubricated as the machine runs.

The machine bed-size is 15.75inches long, and its workspace (which is 8.25inches long) allows for medium-sized workpieces to be stitched together easily.

The presser foot can be raised up or lowered down manually, with the maximum lift being 6mm, which is still enough to fit in medium-weight fabrics such as quilts for zig-zag stitching to be done on them. The needle bar securely holds the 135X5 needle in place.

This model comes with its easy-to-follow instruction manual along with the installation hardware tool-kit and thread stand. There is also a drawer that can be fitted to the stand.

The Reliable 2600SZ is supported by a 12-month limited warranty.

Bottom-line

The Reliable 2600SZ is a well-constructed high-quality, medium-level performance and compactly-designed single-needle electrically-powered zig-zag sewing machine that comes along with an assembled table and a cost-free Uberlight 9000C LED lamp.

It is specially designed for high-speed zig-zag and straight stitching; and is suited for working on both light and medium-weight fabrics, including applique, synthetic fabrics, canvas.

This non-computerized electronic machine is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise DC servomotor whose motor housing and mounting are designed to minimize vibration while maintaining superb build quality.

• Related Content: Best Sewing Machine Table Reviews

4. Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 Zigzag Walking Foot Sewing Machine

This is a lightweight high-quality, high-performance, and portable electrically-powered single needle zig zag sewing machine that comes with an integrated thread stand, Flex20 LED light lamp, and a durable reinforced deluxe carrying case that has an elastic protector strap.

This machine has a walking foot in place of the standard presser foot. This portable machine can be carried around inside its carrying case which features a top handle.

This allows the owner to carry it onto ships where it can be used to stitch sails and sailcloths, or in recreational vehicles where it can be used to stitch denim or upholstery.

This heavy-duty machine can create superb straight and zig-zag stitches in light-weight, medium-duty, and heavy-weight fabrics including stitching together 10layers of heavy canvas.

It is mounted on the bottom panel of the carrying case and is powered by a 110-volt, 1.5ampere AC motor that is part of a fully-functional and well-synchronized cogged belt-and-pulley drive system.

It also uses the proprietary Posi-Pin clutching system to ensure efficient power transfer across through the needle assembly to the needle. This model is built by Sailrite, and its model number is Ultrafeed LSZ-1.

The compactly-built and portable sewing machine is shipped in its instrument-quality case and weighs about 44pounds. This case is 21-3/8inches long, 10-3/4inches wide, and 14-1/4inches tall.

This black deluxe case is made from reinforced wood. Inside the case is the assembled machine head, its accessories, and the easy-to-understand instruction manual along with an interactive DVD manual.

It also comes with 4 needles and 4 bobbins. The LED light included in this package is the high-quality Flex20 LED lamp. The color scheme of the sewing machine head is blue.

The machine head features a PowerPlus balance wheel, Combo cording/standard presser-foot, variable-speed foot control, machined idler pulley, thread stand, and a scarfed gib hook. Its thread take-up lever is of the link type.

This specialty zig-zag sewing equipment has a maximum stitch width of 5mm, which is adequate for creating various types of zig-zag stitch formations. Also, one can adjust the stitch width to an appropriate value.

This machine also allows for stitch formations to be created in either direction (front or back) on the same workpiece. This is made possible by the reverse lever mechanism.

This non-computerized electronic machine is powered by an energy-efficient, durable, and whisper-quiet 100volts, 1.5amperes AC motor that can generate high torque and power. This motor can achieve a maximum speed of 10,400rpm.

This portable model has a maximum sewing speed of 600SPM. The stitch length is adjustable, with the maximum length being 6mm.

This machine uses a Scarfed gib hook and has a large hook capacity which optimizes its stitching performance. This hook assembly needs to be well lubricated.

The machine bed-size is 14.5inches by 7inches, while its workspace is 4.5inches by 7inches, which allows for medium-sized workpieces to be stitched together easily.

This model has a needle bar stroke of 34mm, while the maximum walking foot lift is 9.5inches, which is adequate to fit in medium-weight fabrics such as quilts for zig-zag stitching to be done on them. The needle bar securely holds the 135X17 or 135X16 needle in place.

The Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 is supported by a 24-month warranty.

Bottom-line

The Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 is a lightweight high-quality, high-performance, and portable electrically-powered single needle zig zag sewing machine that comes with an integrated thread stand, Flex20 LED light lamp and a durable reinforced deluxe carrying case that has an elastic protector strap.

This heavy-duty machine uses a walking foot and can create superb straight and zig-zag stitches in light-weight, medium-duty, and heavy-weight fabrics.

5. ECONOSEW 20U93 Light & Medium Duty Drop-Feed Zig-Zag Lockstitch Machine

This is a durable, well-built, high-performance, and high-quality medium-duty electrically-powered single-needle zig zag sewing machine that uses drop-feed to create either lock-stitch or zig-zag stitch formations on light to medium-weight fabrics.

It comes with a Light 7000-series halogen lamp. This machine is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise SewQuiet 3000-DC servomotor whose motor housing and mounting are designed to minimize vibration while maintaining superb build quality.

This model is designed and built by Econosew, a subsidiary of Newfeit Corporation, and its model number is 20U93.

The compactly-built sewing machine is shipped in a well-sealed package that weighs about 200pounds if the machine head is shipped alongside a proprietary assembled table.

The machine head weighs about 76pounds and is 21inches long, 10inches wide, and 21inches high. The color scheme of the sewing machine is white.

This specialty zig-zag sewing equipment has a maximum stitch width of 9mm, which is adequate for creating various types of zig-zag stitch formations. Also, one can adjust the stitch width to an appropriate value using the easy-to-access and simple-to-use stitch width dial.

This machine allows for stitch formations to be created in either direction (front or back) on the same workpiece. This is made possible by the reverse lever mechanism, which also allows the user to easily create perfect and well-aligned back-tacks.

This machine can achieve a maximum sewing speed of 2,500SPM. The stitch length is adjustable, with the maximum length being 5mm. This length adjustment can be done using the stitch dial regulator.

This machine uses Hirose sewing hook and has a large hook capacity which optimizes its stitching performance. This hook assembly is manually lubricated, while the rotary hook hub is auto-lubricated as the machine runs. The thread take-up mode of this machine is the sliding lever type.

The presser foot can be raised up or lowered down, and this can be achieved using a knee mechanism or be done manually by the user simply lifting the presser foot away from the needle plate.

The knee-lift can raise the foot up through a distance of 9mm, while manual lift achieves a maximum raise of 6mm, which is just enough for fitting in medium-weight fabrics for sewing. The needle bar securely holds the 135X7 needle in place.

Bottom-line

The Econosew 20U93 is a durable, well-built, high-performance, and high-quality medium-duty electrically-powered single-needle zig zag sewing machine that uses drop-feed to create both lock-stitch and zig-zag stitch formations on light to medium-weight fabrics.

It comes with a Light 7000-series halogen lamp; and is powered by a durable, energy-efficient, and low-noise SewQuiet 3000-DC servomotor whose motor housing and mounting are designed to minimize vibration.

Zig zag sewing machine buyer’s guide

The needle-thread assembly

Sewing machines are professional-grade equipments designed for stitching various types and grades of fabrics using threads.

For this reason, the most important part of the machine is the needle-thread assembly, with the rest of the machine parts playing a supporting role.

The needle-thread assembly works to create various types of stitches on the fabric(s) being worked on.

• Related Content: Best walking foot sewing machine reviews (Top 5 Picks)

Multiple stitch formations

All high-quality sewing machines have the capacity of creating multiple stitch formations on fabrics.

These stitch formations can be broadly categorized into 3 types; plain formations, patterned formations, and decorative formations.

The basic formations are the plain stitch formations, and when they are manipulated professionally, they can create patterns or decorations that form the basis of the patterned and decorative stitch formations respectively.

There are 4 main categories of plain stitches; chain-stitch, cover-stitch, lock-stitch, and overlock. The chain stitch and lock-stitch are described below as they are the antecedents of the zig-zag stitch.

The chain stitch

The chain stitch is the most basic of the 4 plain stitch formations. The chain stitch is analogous to the running stitch of hand sewing and the stitch created is not self-locking.

The stitch is created when the needle bar pushes the needle through the needle plate (and the fabric placed atop it) and then pulling it out as the feed dogs drag the fabric along with the plate so that the needle can pierce the fabric in the adjacent unstitched area.

The process of the needle descending down and going through the fabric workpiece and the needle plate and then being pulled up is called a stitching cycle as it allows the needle to create one complete stitch.

Because individual stitches are not self-locked if any of the stitches are cut, a whole length of stitches can unravel till a tied (that is, a locked) stitch is encountered.

This can cause the fabric to be ripped apart. Another drawback of chain stitches is that sewing can only be done in one direction.

The lock stitch

A much-improved version of the chain stitch is the lock-stitch in which two different threads are used; one thread is attached to the needle while the other is wound around a bobbin driver placed underneath the needle plate.

When the needle goes through the fabric and needle plate, it hooks and then interlaces with the thread from the bobbin.

The interlaced threads are pulled up through the needle plate to come and rest on the underside of the fabric hence the interlaced bobbin thread predominates on the underside of the garment while the needle thread forms the stitch loop on the top of the garment.

The zig-zag stitch formation

Sometimes, one needs to use a lock stitch to join to 2 fabrics edge-to-edge or wants to stitch elastic fabrics.

In these instances, the straight lock stitch is inappropriate, and it needs to be modified such that any 2 adjacent stitches form an acute angle, and this creates a zig-zag stitch formation of lock-stitches.

To create a zig-zag stitch, the needle of the machine needs to be controlled by a cam which ensures that the needle moves side by side during each stitching cycle.

This side-by-side needle motion occurs concurrently as the feed dogs move the fabric along with the needle plate, and this ensures that the stitch made is diagonal rather than horizontal, and any 2 joined diagonal stitches start to create a zig-zag stitch pattern.

The angle between these 2 diagonal stitches, as well as the individual length of each stitch, can be adjusted so as to create wide, long, short, or narrow zigzag formations.

The blind stitch

There is also a variant of the zig-zag stitch called the blind stitch (also called blind hem) in which a pair of zigzag (that is 2 adjoining diagonal stitches) is separated from the next pair by a series of straight lock stitches.

This blind hem works well to create an almost invisible hem in the fabric.

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The zig-zag sewing machine

There are sewing machines purposely built to stitch zig-zag formations, along with the blind hem, on fabrics and garments. This specialized piece of equipment is called a zig-zag sewing machine.

There are 2 main categories of zig-zag sewing machines; the manually-operated (also called mechanical) models, and the electrically-powered (also called electronic) models. Electronic machines are further divided into computerized and non-computerized models.

Image Credits: Once upon a sewing machine, SewingMachinePlus.com