9 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Sewing Machine (And the Best One to Buy!)

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Over time, you may find that your sewing machine no longer meets your needs. Whether it’s struggling with thick fabrics or requiring frequent adjustments, an upgrade might be in order. But how do you know for sure? In this guide, we’ll help you identify the signs that it’s time to upgrade and introduce you to the best solution — the Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine.
9 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Sewing Machine (And the Best One to Buy!)

Signs You Need a Sewing Machine Upgrade

If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it may be time to invest in a new machine:

  • Struggles to sew heavy fabric assemblies.
  • Poor fabric feeding.
  • Fabric doesn’t fit under the presser foot.
  • Stitch length isn’t long enough for your projects.
  • Frequent timing or tension adjustments needed.
  • Can’t sew with heavy-duty thread.
  • Lightweight machine moves around while sewing large projects.
  • Frequent needle breakage.
  • Hard-to-find replacement parts and instructions.

If these problems sound familiar, it’s time to explore a sewing machine that can handle your DIY ambitions — the Sailrite Ultrafeed.

Upgrade to the Sailrite Ultrafeed: A Heavy-Duty Solution

The Sailrite Ultrafeed Sewing Machine is designed for serious DIYers who work with heavy fabrics, thick threads and large projects. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. Power Through Heavy-Duty Sewing Projects

The Ultrafeed LS (straight stitch) and Ultrafeed LSZ (zigzag and straight stitch) models are built to handle multiple layers of material, including:

  • Denim
  • Sailcloth
  • Heavy canvas
  • Upholstery fabric
  • Leather
  • Vinyl
  • Webbing
  • Soft leather
  • Window material
  • Sew Foam

Unlike traditional home sewing machines, the Ultrafeed features a mechanical walking foot that evenly feeds fabric layers without shifting or puckering. This proprietary system (Patent #6499415, Claim 16) ensures consistent stitches, even on thick assemblies. In fact, the Ultrafeed has the most aggressive feed dogs and presser feet in the industry, which are able to easily climb up fabric thicknesses, making it the ideal machine for your toughest projects.

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Various components used in our Ultrafeed machines.

2. Superior Thread & Stitch Control

The Ultrafeed excels in handling thick thread while maintaining perfect stitch tension. Its specialized design minimizes needle breakage, thanks to:

  • A precision-milled bobbin case
  • A scarfed gib hook (Patent #6499415, Claim 16)
  • A larger needle crank arm for smooth thread passage

Plus, its true 6mm stitch length is perfect for outdoor projects like boat covers, awnings and canvas enclosures. With an industry-leading 3/8" presser foot clearance, sewing thick materials is easier than ever.

3. Spend More Time Sewing, Less Time Repairing

Does your current machine require constant maintenance? Ultrafeed machines are built for reliability, so you can spend less time on repairs and more time creating. Every Ultrafeed machine is assembled and calibrated in the United States at our Indiana facility, ensuring it arrives ready to sew.

We’ve supported the Ultrafeed for over 20 years, and we keep all replacement parts in stock. Plus, when you buy from Sailrite, you receive lifetime customer support via phone, online chat or email.

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Every Ultrafeed is fine-tuned at our Indiana manufacturing facility.

4. Easy Setup & Ongoing Support

Setting up and maintaining a sewing machine doesn’t have to be complicated. The Ultrafeed comes with a detailed guidebook featuring step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips and crisp photos.

Want even more help? Sailrite offers hundreds of free video tutorials on:

Sewing techniques
Machine setup and maintenance
DIY project guides

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, our resources ensure you get the most out of your machine.

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A page in our detailed, high-quality Ultrafeed guidebook.

Final Thoughts

If your current sewing machine is holding you back, it’s time to upgrade. The Sailrite Ultrafeed Sewing Machine is built for heavy-duty sewing, offering durability, precision and unmatched support.

To learn more about choosing between the Ultrafeed LS and LSZ models, check out our dedicated guide. Need assistance? Contact us anytime via email, online chat or phone.

Upgrade today and experience the difference with Sailrite Ultrafeed!

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