I totally understand why some people would be searching precisely for the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader because it has always been one of the features that has fascinated me about modern sewing machines.
Why was I so fascinated by an automatic needle threader? Because I learned to sew on a machine that is now more than 60 years old and that still works perfectly but the threading of the needle needed to be done manually.
My grandmother taught me everything on her old sewing machine. My transition to newer models manufactured by the famous sewing machine brands was fairly easy. I was excited about discovering these improved features like a small child on Christmas morning. Although, even as an adult, I’m just as excited on Christmas morning.
Best Sewing Machines with Automatic Needle Threader Reviews
Self-threading machines take care of this operation in the blink of an eye. It can be a blessing for those with old eyes but it can also be a total win for beginners.
Frankly, I’m not going to try to explain into many words how an automatic needle threader works. You can see it in this short video here.
Moreover, each user manual will come with detailed instruction on how to self-thread your chosen model. It’s just a few steps and a very easy thing to do.
Before jumping to review some of the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader, I just wanted to let you know that these machines don’t necessarily have to be expensive.
You don’t have to imagine that you’ll have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars in order to get a machine with this feature incorporated.
An automatic needle threader is not some exotic feature that only a few precious models have. I’ll review models for a variety of budgets and from a variety of brands.
The more affordable ones will cost around $150-$200, while the more expensive models feature a variety of extra stitches, accessories, and other extra features to justify the much higher prices.
However, if you’re buying a sewing machine under $100 then you should totally know that cheaper sewing machines don’t come with an automatic needle threader. Instead, they include a threader among other few basic accessories. That’s good, too.
1. Singer Heavy Duty 4423: Overall the Best Sewing Machine with Automatic Needle Threader
If you have a budget of around $200, I sincerely recommend taking a look at this Heavy Duty 4423 as one of the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader. It’s a top choice that offers so much for the money.
Features
With a name like Heavy Duty, I certainly don’t have to tell you that this is a model that can handle all types of fabrics and all kinds of projects.
It’s perfect for professionals, experienced amateurs, and beginners.
It’s also one of the best sewing machines for leather for those on a budget. And one of the best Singer sewing machines.
97 stitches applications
We can group these 97 stitches applications in a few big categories: straight, ric rac, zigzag, multi-step zigzag, blind hem, one-step buttonhole, picot hem, decorative, straight stretch, reinforced zigzag, honeycomb, double overlook, slant overedge, and bartack buttonhole.
We get an impressive variety for a multitude of projects.
It’s not surprising that the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is so highly praised by users.
There are also negative reviews, as it’s always the case with any product so I advise you to take into consideration both the positive and the negative.
The decorative stitches are not something extraordinary but they’re good enough.
The 6.25 inches sewing space is really big.
We can also use the three needle position dial to adjust the position of the needle. It’s an interesting feature to have.
Accessories
There are plenty of accessories to take advantage of: general purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, edge/quilting guide, pack of needles, bobbins, spool caps, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, screwdriver, seam ripper/lint brush, soft dust cover.
We can also choose extra high sewing speed from the foot speed control.
Automatic needle threader
Once you turn off the machine, you can use the needle threader.
There are just a few steps to get this machine to self-thread so it’s all very simple, even if you’re a complete beginner.
2. Singer MX231: Affordable Sewing Machine with Automatic Needle Threader
This is one of the cheapest sewing machines with an automatic needle threader. It’s also a very good model. In my opinion, it offers the best value for the price.
It’s awesome both for beginners and more experienced users. All in all, it’s certainly an awesome choice if you are on a budget.
If you have a budget under $150 and you want a model with automatic needle threader and so many other useful features, you should consider the Singer MX231 as a top choice.
Features
This is a pretty basic machine but what I love about it is the fact that it works with all types of materials. That’s extremely important.
We can do all kinds of projects with this machine since it works for light, medium, and even heavy-weight fabrics.
Overall, it’s a pretty complex model for a very good price.
Moreover, it can also be a good option for those who are looking for a portable sewing machine since it only weighs 12 pounds. It’s not the lightest but it’s still pretty easy to carry.
A second affordable option is the Brother XM2701.
97 stitches applications
We get 97 stitch applications that can broadly be categorized into: straight, stretch, blind hem, 4-step buttonhole, 1-step buttonhole, zigzag.
Some will be pleased to see that the MX231 can be used to make buttonholes. I’m not very keen on making them by hand, either.
The sewing space measures 5.7 inches. It’s quite accommodating for a wide range of projects.
The stitch type is selected via the stitch selection dial.
Other smaller wheels are for adjusting tension thread, stitch length, and stitch width.
Accessories
This is another aspect that I really like about the MX231.
It has a lot of accessories included: all purpose foot, zipper foot, 4-step buttonhole foot, 1-step buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, L-screwdriver, seam ripper/brush, pack of needles, class 15 bobbins (4), edge/quilting guide, darning plate, spool holder, soft cover.
Thus, we get a button sewing foot so that the machine can sew buttons for us.
There’s also a zipper foot included so we can cover two of the most important fasteners for garments.
Automatic needle threader
The instructions for how to use this feature are included in the user manual. It’s a basic automatic needle threader so it’s pretty easy to use if you follow the instructions.
There are basically just 3 steps and 3 components involved. Just turn the power switch off before using it.
Other features that the Singer MX231 offers are free arm, reverse sewing lever, thread cutter, presser foot, buttonhole lever, horizontal spool pin, bobbin winder spindle, hole for auxiliary spool pin, handwheel, etc.
The foot speed control controls sewing speed.
3. Brother XM2701
If someone gave me the option to pick just one fabulous Brother machine, I would go with the XM2701. It’s affordable and it’s easy to use by beginners but I’m sure that more experienced amateurs will love it, too.
It’s another fairly light model and pretty portable since it weighs only 12.6 pounds. That might be another plus for some of you.
63 stitch functions
There are 27 unique built-in stitches with 63 stitch functions.
Frankly, the XM2701 has a wide variety of stitches, they’re quite impressive. We have the classic straight, zigzag, blind hem but we also have a few decorative stitches.
There are also quilting stitches included.
Moreover, to make the list pretty complete, there’s also a 1 one-step buttonhole.
It’s capable of delivering 800 stitches per minute.
Accessories
There are plenty of very useful accessories for Brother XM2701: zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, darning plate, button sewing foot, bobbin (4), needle set (3), screwdriver, extra spool pin, foot controller.
Thus, this XM2701 from Brother is also capable of sewing buttons.
The foot controller is for speed control. You can choose between 2 speeds, low and fast.
Automatic needle threader
The instructions for the automatic needle threader are not exactly as straightforward as those for the Singer XM231.
However, once you have the patience to read through them, you’ll notice that the instructions are very detailed. You just have to practice for a bit if you can’t figure it out from the first try.
Brother also informs us about the types of needles that we can use the needle threader on. As expected, smaller needles can’t be threaded automatically.
4. Janome New Home 49360
This is certainly a favorite of mine when it comes to recommending the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader.
Although, there are some users who mention that the automatic needle threader takes a bit of time to get used to. The user manual will offer instructions. But you still have problems, I recommend searching for some tutorial on YouTube.
In my opinion, automatic needle threaders on any sewing machine is quite easy to figure out. I would absolutely recommend the Janome New Home 49360 as one of the best for beginners, as well.
It has a control panel that is straightforward and easy to figure out. If we study the control panel and the few buttons that this wonderful machine comes with, we’ll also discover some interesting features that we’ll cover soon.
Janome recommends it as a full-featured machine made with a quilter’s needs in mind. It also qualifies as one of the best sewing machines for quilting. But I also like it for a wide variety of projects, it’s highly versatile and very useful.
The only thing that I could complain about the Janome New Home 49360 is the slightly expensive price. It would require a budget around $500-$600.
My last recommendation as the best sewing machine for making wigs is another model from Janome. It’s a fantastic model with many impressive features.
On the other hand, the price is not cheap and that’s why my top favorite is the Singer Heavy Duty 4423.
The Janome New Home 49360 was created with a quilter’s needs in mind but it can be used for many other projects, including for making clothes and sewing wigs.
60 stitches
These 60 stitches are fantastic and they’re more than enough. We also get 6 one-step buttonholes among them.
The user manual also includes a table that reveals the type of materials we can sew with this Janome.
For lightweight we get lawn, georgette, tricot, wool, polyester.
Medium weight include cotton, polyester, fine jersey, wool.
The fabrics also include some heavyweight fabrics: denim, jersey, coating, quilting.
As you can see, the Janome New Home 49360 is highly versatile.
It’s also one of the best sewing machines with drop-in bobbin.
Features
Besides the automatic needle threader, we get two other interesting features. These also contribute to making this Janome of the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader.
One of those is the automatic thread cutter. When we press that button with a scissors icon on it, it automatically cuts both threads.
Next, we also get a speed control button. It’s a slider that can be moved left and right to setup our sewing speed from this button instead of using the foot controller. Some people definitely love using a speed control button.
It also comes with a superior plus feed system with a 7-piece feed dog. We can drop the feed dog for free motion sewing and quilting.
And we get a very well illuminated work area. But you can buy a sewing lamp if you need more light.
Accessories
Sewing feet: custom crafted zigzag foot, automatic buttonhole foot, zipper foot, overedge foot, satin stitch foot open toe, blind hem foot, ¼” seam foot.
Other accessories: bobbin (3), spool pin felt, needle set, additional spoon pin, seam ripper, screwdriver, lint brush, small spool holder, large spool holder, spool stand, foot control, hard cover for transportation.
The Janome New Home 49360 only weighs 12 pounds. It’s a portable sewing machine, which is wonderful.
5. Husqvarna Viking Jade
For those who don’t want neither a Singer nor a Brother sewing machine, there’s Husqvarna Viking as a famous brand.
With this Jade model we’re also entering the domain of more expensive machines. At a price of around $500, this is not for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on one of the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader.
Features
I love the minimalist design that this Jade model has. When it comes to sewing machines, we’re pretty much used to seeing many buttons and wheels and stitch patterns right there in front of us so it might be weird to see the clean design that the Jade sports.
Obviously, there are plenty of buttons and wheels, they’re just hidden or made not to stand out at just a glance and I like it. Let’s see what Husqvarna Viking Jade offers for a rather expensive price.
82 stitches
The 82 stitches are categorized as: utility, quilting, decorative stitches, and 5 buttonhole styles. Their detailed list is really long, you can check it out here.
In terms of decorative stitches, there are a few that are very beautiful.
We also get 29 needle positions. I couldn’t imagine what one could do with 29 needle positions because I’ve never owned a machine with capabilities like these.
The Jade also comes with a really big sewing space of almost 8 inches.
That’s certainly amazing and the manufacturer mentions that this sewing space is the largest compared to most other models at this price point.
Accessories
The list of accessories is really long, this is not the kind of machine that absolute beginners might want to start with as their first model.
The feet for the Husqvarna Viking Jade are: utility foot, decorative stitch foot, buttonhole foot, blindhem foot, zipper foot, edging foot, one step buttonhole foot, self-adhesive glide plate.
There’s no button sewing foot that the much cheaper Singer models that I reviewed above come with.
Other accessories include: thread net, edge guide, felt pad (2), bobbins (5), screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver for needle plate, spool caps (small and large), foot control, needles.
Speed is controlled via two buttons (+ -). It’s adjustable for different levels of comfort.
Automatic needle threader
The instructions for the automatic needle threader are very simple.
We are also reminded that this self-threading feature won’t work for smaller needles, size 60 or smaller.
6. Juki HZL-F600
What better way to end these reviews for the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader than by talking about Juki HZL-F600, a model with a price around $1,000?
It’s going to be exciting to see what we can get for that kind of money.
Features
It is a computerized sewing and quilting machine.
However, a model doesn’t necessarily have to mention the words quilting in order to be used for making quilts. Even very cheap models, like the Janome Pink Lightning Basic can be used for quilting.
Let’s see what else it offers.
225 stitch patterns
To demonstrate from the get-go that the HZL-F600 is on another level, it welcomes us with 225 stitch patterns and 4 fonts.
Among these, you’ll find 16 professional buttonholes and 4 lettering fonts.
It incorporates Juki’s industrial sewing machine technology for superior stitch quality and sewing performance.
Accessories
We get a lot of accessories: standard presser foot, bobbin (4), spool caps (small, middle and large), overcasting presser foot, blind stitch presser foot, zipper presser foot, buttonhole presser foot, manual buttonhole presser foot, walking foot, patchwork presser foot, open toe presser foot, quilt presser foot, edge sewing presser foot, smooth presser foot, quilt guide, eyelet punch, twin needle, seam ripper, cleaning brush, T-shaped screwdriver, needle set, foot controller, knee-lifting lever.
It also has powerful feeding thanks to a special steel feed dog and improved presser foot construction.
Automatic needle threader
It’s very easy to use, just like with Singer and Husqvarna Viking Jade.
There are a few simple steps and you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
After using the self-threading feature a couple of times, it will only take a second to have the thread through the eye.
Besides an automatic needle threader, we also get an automatic thread tension.
Types of automatic needle threaders
These are not exactly types but I didn’t know how else to categorize them.
The thing is that this feature can differ from brand to brand or from machine to machine based on how it should be used.
Fully automated threaders will just have you lay the thread in place and push a button.
The other type will have you position the thread and then move and release a lever.
The mechanism is the same in both cases, just the action is a bit different.
This mechanism consists of: a small wire hook that passes through the needle’s eye grabs the thread and pulls it back through the eye.
Automatic needle threaders: what you should know
Thus, if you find that your automatic needle threader doesn’t work, first check that the wire hook and the eye of the needle are at the same level so that the hook can pass through it back and forth.
That’s why we are instructed by user manuals to raise the needle to its highest position. You can do that from the needle up/down button that some machines come with or from the handwheel.
If these two are not properly aligned, the wire hook can be bent when it hits the body of the needle instead of the eye.
We should also make sure that the needle is installed properly and it’s not damaged or bent.
Generally, very small needles will not be able to benefit from this feature. The eye might be too small for the wire hook. This information should be provided by the user manual but that’s not always the case.
Just the same, if the thread is too thick for the eye of the needle, there’s nothing that an automatic needle threader can do about it.
Last but not least, the machine must be turned off before threading the needle to avoid accidents. User manuals will give the same notice.
Overall, what I like the most is that the best sewing machines with automatic needle threader don’t necessarily have to be expensive in order to include this feature but there are also expensive models that experienced amateurs or professionals will be happy to use.
