5 Self-Threading Sewing Machines With Automatic Needle Threaders
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If you have problems with poor eyesight, poor dexterity, or just hate threading your sewing machine needle by hand, you might benefit from a self-threading sewing machine.
I mean, why worry about getting the thread through the needle by yourself when your machine will do it for you?
So, how exactly does this sorcery work? Well, self-threading sewing machines have “automatic needle threaders” that range from requiring some user input to very little at all.
The above example is the automatic needle threader on my Brother cs6000i sewing machine. The gray lever on the left and the piece with the upside-down, V-shaped hook make up the needle-threading apparatus.
When you depress the lever, wrap your thread around the metal part, and finally release the lever, the eye of the needle is threaded for you in less than a second! (You can read more about the specifics of automatic needle threading in my tutorial about how to thread a Brother sewing machine.)
Intrigued? Read on for my top picks of sewing machines with automatic needle threaders!
Best Self-Threading Sewing Machines
All major sewing machine brands have at least some machines in their line-up with automatic needle threaders, as this is becoming a sought-after feature.
And, high-end machines from these major manufacturers feature the most advanced needle threading with the least user input but cost the most, too!
Now, some brands like Bernina, Bernette, and Husqvarna Viking have needle threaders on almost all of their machines. Others, like Janome, Brother, and Singer, don’t include them on their most basic machines.
Since there are hundreds of machines with self-threading abilities, I’ve whittled down the below list of the best self-threading sewing machines to include machines that can be bought from the comfort of your couch and also won’t cost more than your car payment!
1. Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.5 pounds |
| Stitch Length and Width | 5 mm x 7 mm (0.19 x 0.27 inches) |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 750 stitches per min (spm) |
| Stitches | 70 |
| Sewing Feet | 10 |
The upgraded version of the Brother CS6000i and CS7000i sewing machines, the Brother CS7000 is one of the best Brother sewing machines for the money.
Its claim to fame is that it offers the newest and most improved needle threader over the other entry-level Brother sewing machines. (The Brother sewing and embroidery combination machines do have easier-to-use needle threaders, though.)
I’ve had this sewing machine for a while and included extra info about the needle threader in my Brother CS7000X sewing machine review!
Now, the Brother CS7000X features 70 stitches and includes 10 presser feet. Among these presser feet are 3 feet specifically designed for quilters in mind: the walking foot, 1/4″ piecing foot, and spring action quilting foot. There is also a whole slew of automatic buttonhole options.
Here are some things I love about using this sewing machine:
- Being a more advanced computerized sewing machine, the foot pedal is optional. You can instead sew with touch buttons and a slider on the front of the sewing machine.
- It also comes with a detachable, wide table. This helps hold bulky items like quilts and costumes better and spread out large projects.
- It makes piecing quilts and finishing fabric edges a breeze with all the included feet.
2. Brother CS5055 Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.7 pounds |
| Stitches | 60 built-in stitches |
| Sewing Feet | 7 |
The Brother CS5055 is the newer model of the popular Brother Project Runway CS5055prw sewing machine.
An updated machine, the Brother CS5055 now has the same new needle threader as the Brother CS7000X. (The CS5055 is also identical to the Brother CP60X sewing machine, just with a different faceplate coloring. I’m including the picture of the CP60X needle threader below.)
As with all Brother machines, the Brother CS5055 features the standard top-drop, quick-set bobbin.
It includes a bit more than the Brother XM2701 (listed below), including 60 stitches, 7 automatic buttonholes, and 7 presser feet. This provides more options when making dresses or other garments and sewing more advanced projects.
One of its sewing feet is an overcasting foot, which, when used with an overcasting stitch, can form a seam and finish fabric edges simultaneously.
As a computerized sewing machine, it offers a bit more help and accuracy to the user at times. For instance, there’s an LCD screen on the front of the sewing machine. On this screen, you choose the stitch number and alter the length and width.
Furthermore, the screen suggests a matching presser foot for your selected stitch. If your sewing machine isn’t functioning as expected, the screen also displays an error code that can help you troubleshoot problems.
3. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.6 pounds |
| Stitches | 27 built-in stitches, including one automatic buttonhole |
| Sewing Feet | 6 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 800 stitches per minute |
Complete with 27 stitches, one automatic buttonhole, and a surprising collection of accessory feet, this Brother self-threading sewing machine will impress you with its ability to sew and quilt.
A great value, the Brother XM2701 sewing machine is one of the least expensive sewing machines with an automatic needle threader you’ll find. It’s also one of the best Brother sewing machines for beginners.
If you like the ease of sewing machines that practically thread themselves, you’ll also appreciate the other automated features of the Brother XM2701 sewing machine.
Specifically, bobbin winding is accomplished easily and almost automatically on the top of the sewing machine.
The bobbin is also a top-drop, quick-set bobbin. This means you don’t even have to worry about drawing the bobbin thread up when you start to sew. The sewing machine will do that for you as soon as you start sewing.
Overall, I highly recommend the Brother XM2701 sewing machine. See more in my Brother XM2701 review!
(Update: You can also check out the newer version, the Brother GX37, which features 37 stitches!)
4. Singer 3232 Portable Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.2 pounds |
| Stitches | 32 built-in stitches, including one automatic buttonhole |
| Sewing Feet | 4 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 750 stitches per minute |
If you’re a Singer sewing machine lover, the Singer 3232 is not as snazzy as their Quantum Stylist sewing machines, but it has a nice set of features for most sewists.
With 32 stitches (you can adjust length or width using the dials) and one automatic one-step buttonhole, it is fairly comparable to the Brother XM2701 sewing machine.
There are only 4 presser feet included, but you can expand your set of accessory feet by purchasing additional low-shank compatible feet.
It’s an easy Singer sewing machine for older kids to learn on and a great sewing machine for adults as well!
5. SINGER | Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17.1 pounds |
| Stitches | 23 built-in stitches, including one automatic buttonhole |
| Sewing Feet | 4 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 1,100 stitches per minute |
The Singer 4423 is the most cost-efficient heavy-duty sewing machine with an automatic needle threader. I own and use it!
For an entry-level heavy-duty machine, the Singer 4423 offers 23 stitches, a one-step buttonhole, and 4 presser feet. What differentiates it from a standard sewing machine is its increased versatility regarding fabric selection.
As such, the maximum sewing speed is much higher, and the sewing machine frame is composed of heavy metal—that way, it won’t skip around while sewing!
Heavy-duty sewing machines, while uniquely designed to handle thick fabrics like denim or canvas, can sew easily through even thin fabrics.
So if you’re looking to routinely test the thickness limits of a regular sewing machine, I recommend considering a heavy-duty sewing machine. In general, I’ve found anything greater than about 6 mm in thickness is a stretch for my Brother CS6000i.
If you want more stitches or features, the more advanced Singer 4432 and 4452 sewing machines also boast identical automatic needle threaders. (If you’re looking for a very high-tech, heavy-duty sewing machine, consider the computerized Brother ST150HDH.)
Read more in my Singer 4423 review!
In conclusion, sewing machines with automatic needle threaders are very popular among the more fully-featured machines on the market.
Within brands, and even between brands, the threading apparatuses are very similar. Thus, your choice of machines ultimately depends on what other features you want in your machine. hether you buy a basic sewing machine or a more fully featured computerized sewing machine, you’ll enjoy having one that threads itself!
As a note, learning to use the automatic needle threader may take a few minutes of practice and a YouTube video or two to learn to use, but they’re well worth it. Just be careful with it! Within my first few weeks of use, I bent the tiny inside hook in a battle between my threader and myself. So, while these threading apparatuses may save you a lot of time and hassle, treat this tool with the delicacy it deserves.
Lastly, if you’re struggling with seeing how to sew, check out these sewing aids for poor eyesight.
Thanks for your input! Just looking for something to use occasionally for repair and minor projects. My sister suffered a stroke, and I’m no spring chicken, which makes threading more difficult!
I’m going to lean towards the singer heavy duty!
Glad this was helpful! Best wishes for your future sewing ventures!
Your information is quite good. Do you know of a sewing machine that will thread itself-my mom has very poor eyesight and she gets worn out trying to thread the needle. The machine gets unthreaded quite easily when she is sewing small quilt pieces together. Any tips are appreciated
Is the thread breaking when sewing pieces, or is it coming out of the needle during stitching? I usually don’t have problems with my machines coming unthreaded while I’m sewing unless I need to do some machine troubleshooting.
That being said, there aren’t any air-threading sewing machines I know of (although there are many air-threading sergers.) My favorite automatic needle threaders are on the Brother combo sewing and embroidery machines, although even those require some user input.
There are also many needle threader helper tools (Dritz, etc) and even self-threading/quick-threading needles (Schmetz, for example) that might also be worth looking at if you can’t find an easy-to-use machine for your mom.
Hope that helps!