Sewing Machine Speed Control: Top End & Low End Sewing Speeds

How does your sewing machine handle sewing dense assemblies? We set out to test the top end and low end sewing speeds of our three Sailrite® machines when sewing a thick, dense assembly with a large needle and thread size. Any sewing machine can sew slowly when sewing lightweight material. But we wanted to test the toughness of our machines by challenging them with a super-dense canvas assembly. We sewed through 10 layers of a solution-dyed marine grade canvas with a #20 needle and Tex 90 thread on each machine: the portable Ultrafeed®, the industrial Fabricator® and the compact Leatherwork®.

Whether you already own a Sailrite machine or are in the market for one of our top-of-the-line machines that can handle your toughest sewing assemblies, our speed test videos are a must-watch. Discover exactly how slowly you can sew through a dense assembly on every current Sailrite machine and how this slow-speed control can benefit your sewing career.

Testing the WorkerB® Power Pack Speed Control on the Sailrite Ultrafeed Sewing Machine

The WorkerB Power Pack Motor System gives your Ultrafeed Sewing Machine unbeatable power and control. The dial on the control box allows you to adjust your top end and low end sewing speeds so you can sew at your comfort level. But there’s more! By regulating your pressure on the foot control pedal, you can sew as slow as 1 stitch per second with the WorkerB® Balance Wheel that comes included with all Ultrafeed machines as of February 2023. If you upgrade to the Monster® II Balance Wheel, you can cut your speed in half! This level of slow speed control surpasses any sewing machine speed reducer on the market.

With WorkerB Balance Wheel:

• Low End Speed: 1 stitch per second.
• Top End Speed: 550 stitches per minute.

With Monster II Balance Wheel:

• Low End Speed: 1/2 stitch per second.
• Top End Speed: 260 stitches per minute.

Watch the speed test video below:

Testing the Speed Reducer on the Sailrite Fabricator Sewing Machine

The industrial Sailrite Fabricator delivers outstanding power and slow speed control. But how slow are we talking? We tested the top end and low end sewing speeds with the original pulley that comes standard on all Fabricator machines, as well as our upgraded Speed Reduction System pulley and belt. By regulating your foot pressure on the treadle, you can sew as slow as 3/4 stitch per second or up to 1,108 stitches per minute with the original pulley. If you swap that pulley and belt for our Speed Reduction System (part of #124057), you can sew 1/2 stitch per second. Now that’s slow-speed control!

With Original Fabricator Pulley:

• Low End Speed: 3/4 stitch per second.
• Top End Speed: 1,108 stitches per minute.

With Speed Reduction Pulley:

• Low End Speed: 1/2 stitch per second.
• Top End Speed: 640 stitches per minute.

Watch the speed test video below:

Testing Sewing Speeds on the Sailrite Leatherwork Sewing Machine

Leatherworkers need slow, controlled sewing — and the Sailrite Leatherwork Sewing Machine delivers! We tested the top end and low end sewing speeds with the Workhorse® Servo Motor and built-in speed reducer that come standard on the Leatherwork. By regulating your foot pressure on the treadle, you can sew as slow as 1/2 stitch per second or up to 412 stitches per minute. With that level of slow-speed control, you will become a master leatherworker. Create handmade leather wallets, bags, belts and other accessories with this economical, entry-level leather hobbyist sewing machine.

• Low End Speed: 1/2 stitch per second.
• Top End Speed: 412 stitches per minute.

Watch the speed test video below:

Are you in the market for a sewing machine? After watching these videos, which one are you most excited to order? Let us know in the comments below!