Sewing Machine Buyer's Guide

If you want to improve your sewing skills and take your business to the next level, then upgrading to an industrial sewing machine is your next move. To help you find the perfect machine for you and your business, this comprehensive guide will showcase the different functions and features of our industrial sewing machines.

What is an Industrial Sewing Machine?

An industrial sewing machine is a versatile, heavy-duty piece of equipment that can produce high-quality products at fast speeds. Home sewing machines can sew a few hundred stitches a minute at most, whereas industrial sewing machines can easily sew thousands of stitches a minute.

However, unlike home machines that come with a variety of pre-programmed stitches, industrial sewing machines are specialized to sew only one stitch to maximize the machine’s longevity.

In this buyer's guide, we will take you through the different types of industrial sewing machines available at Ricoma – including how they are used as well as highlighting some of the different features each machine offers.

Lockstitch
Light-to-Medium Duty Lockstitch
Medium-to-Heavy Duty Lockstitch
Heavy-Duty Lockstitch
Zigzag Lockstitch
Overlock
Chainstitch
Bar Tack
Coverstitch
Blindstitch

Lockstitch

The straight stitch, or lockstitch, is the most common stitch type used to make garments. It’s created by interlocking the top thread of the machine with the bobbin thread. Although it's a basic stitch, it's extremely versatile and can be used to sew virtually any garment or item out of any non-stretch fabric.

If you are looking to start or expand your current sewing business, you can’t go wrong with the versatility of a lockstitch machine.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the types of fabrics you use and the types of items you want to sew will also affect the type of lockstitch machine you’ll need. For example, Ricoma sells light to heavy-duty industrial lockstitch machines to suit the needs of all of our customers.

Medium Duty Lockstitch Machines

If you're looking for a machine that offers flexibility and high production output, the flat heat press is ideal. It’s a go-to option for custom apparel businesses of all sizes because it handles a wide variety of projects efficiently.

A table comparing the facets of 5 products
Facet	iKonix Flat-Bed Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	iKonix Flat-Bed Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	Yamata Double-Needle Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	iKonix Cylinder-Bed Lockstitch Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	iKonix Walking Foot Flat-Bed Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details
Price
Price	From $891.99	From $1,139.99	From $1,645.00	From $1,749.99	From $1,895.99
Maximum Speed
Maximum Speed	5,500 SPM	5,000 SPM	3,000 SPM	6,000 SPM	2,000 SPM
Max. Stitch Length
Max. Stitch Length	5mm	5mm	7mm	6.5mm	9mm
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty
Compatibility
Compatibility	Light to medium garments	Light to medium garments	Light to medium garments	Compatible with garments such as sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs; accessories like bags, hats, and belts; footwear including shoes, sandals, and boots; upholstery for furniture and padded items; and industrial applications like leather goods, automotive interiors, and sporting goods.	Medium to heavy-duty materials such as leather, canvas, upholstery
Brand
Brand	iKonix	iKonix	Yamata	iKonix	iKonix

Heavy-Duty Lockstitch Machines

Our heavy-duty lockstitch sewing machines are built to handle thick fabrics and demanding projects with ease. From leather to upholstery, they deliver clean, consistent stitches with power and precision. Designed for durability and efficiency, they're the ideal choice for professionals who require reliable performance and versatility.

A table comparing the facets of 3 products
Facet	iKonix Single-Needle Post-Bed Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	iKonix Single-Needle Post-Bed Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine with Wig Attachment (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	iKonix Double-Needle Post-Bed Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details
Price
Price	From $1,709.99	From $2,105.99	From $1,841.99
Maximum Speed
Maximum Speed	3,000 SPM	3,000 SPM	3,000 SPM
Max. Stitch Length
Max. Stitch Length	5 mm (3/16 inches)	5 mm (3/16 inches)	5 mm (3/16 inches)
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty
Compatibility
Compatibility	Medium to heavy-duty materials such as leather, canvas, upholstery	Medium to heavy-duty materials such as leather, canvas, upholstery	Medium to heavy-duty materials such as leather, canvas, upholstery
Brand
Brand	iKonix	iKonix	iKonix

Overlock

Overlock machines sew, hem, and trim fabric edges in one step, creating clean, strong seams with multiple threads from cones instead of a bobbin. They’re ideal for stretchy fabrics like t-shirts and undergarments, offering flexible stitches that won’t break. For a polished, professional finish on any project, an overlock machine is an essential tool. Ricoma offers 3-thread to 5-thread models for secure and durable stitching.

A table comparing the facets of 2 products
Facet	iKonix High-Speed Five-Thread Overlock Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details	Yamata High-Speed Three-Thread Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details
Price
Price	From $1,715.99	From $2,381.99
Maximum Speed
Maximum Speed	6,000 SPM	6,000 SPM
Max. Stitch Length
Max. Stitch Length	5.9 mm	4 mm
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty
Compatibility
Compatibility	Light to medium-weight fabrics such as t-shirts, pants, undergarments, and more	Light to heavy fabrics such as knits, denim, or even delicate silks
Brand
Brand	iKonix	Yamata

Bar Tack

Bar tack stitches reinforce high-stress areas on garments, like buttonholes, belt loops, and pocket openings, using tight zigzag patterns. A bar tack machine is essential for ensuring durability and a professional finish on clothing such as pants, jeans, and uniforms.

A table comparing the facets of 2 products
Facet	Yamata High-Speed Single-Needle Bar Tacking Industrial Sewing Machine - FY1850 (includes table, stand, & YYT2-4-1 continuous motor) View details	Yamata High-Speed Single-Needle Bar Tacking Industrial Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & YYT2-4-1 continuous motor) View details
Price
Price	From $2,297.99	From $2,777.99
Maximum Speed
Maximum Speed	2,300 SPM	2,300 SPM
Max. Stitch Length
Max. Stitch Length	16 mm	16 mm
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty
Compatibility
Compatibility	Light to heavy fabrics such as knits, denim, or even delicate silks	Light to heavy fabrics such as knits, denim, or even delicate silks
Brand
Brand	Yamata	Yamata

Coverstitch

A coverstitch is commonly used in industrial sewing to finish hems and necklines on stretchy garments like t-shirts, swimsuits, and sportswear. It features two parallel rows of straight stitches on the top and an overlock-style stitch underneath, requiring a machine with two or more needles. This stitch allows the fabric to stretch without breaking, ensuring flexibility and a professional finish. An industrial coverstitch machine is ideal for creating polished garments from stretchy fabrics like lycra, fleece, or knits.

A table comparing the facets of 1 products
Facet	Yamata High-Speed Coverstitch Sewing Machine (includes table, stand, & servo motor) View details
Price
Price	From $1,777.99
Maximum Speed
Maximum Speed	5,300 SPM
Max. Stitch Length
Max. Stitch Length	3.6 mm
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty
Compatibility
Compatibility	Light to heavy fabrics such as knits, denim, spandex, or even delicate materials like silk
Brand
Brand	Yamata

Blindstitch

A blindstitch is a sewing technique that creates nearly invisible seams by using minimal thread on the fabric's outer side. Commonly used for hems on dresses, skirts, pants, and shirt cuffs, it provides a clean, professional finish. Ideal for alterations and finishing tasks, an industrial blindstitch machine ensures efficient and high-quality results.

A table comparing the facets of 1 products
Facet	iKonix Portable Desktop Blindstitch Sewing Machine View details
Price
Price	$350.99
Maximum Speed
Maximum Speed	1,200 SPM
Max. Stitch Length
Max. Stitch Length	7 mm
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year Limited Warranty
Compatibility
Compatibility	Light to medium garments such as skirts, pants, shirt sleeves, shirt cuffs, and much more
Brand
Brand	iKonix

Choosing the right industrial sewing machine for your business can feel overwhelming, but this guide is here to simplify the process. Start by considering the type of garments and materials you'll be working with. For light-to-medium fabrics like cotton, polyester, or denim, a light-to-medium-duty machine is ideal. If you're working with heavier materials such as leather or canvas, a medium-to-heavy-duty machine will be a better fit.

Next, think about the stitching styles you'll need—whether it's a lockstitch, chainstitch, overlock stitch, or another specialty stitch. Each machine is designed with specific stitch capabilities and features, so identifying your stitching priorities will help narrow down your options.

Many businesses find value in owning multiple machines to accommodate various stitch types and production needs. This guide is your starting point for identifying the best fit for your sewing goals and business demands.

Happy sewing!