Short answer: for the smoothest feeding on knit seams, the best machine is a serger with differential feed. Our top pick is the Brother 1034DX ($289.99 at Brother). If you want one regular sewing machine for knits, pick the Juki HZL-F600: it has a box-motion feed, stepless presser-foot pressure adjustment and a walking foot in the box. On a budget, the Janome HD3000 has adjustable presser-foot pressure for $559 list. For T-shirt-style hems, add a coverstitch machine such as the Brother 2340CV, which also has differential feed.
These picks are based on manufacturer specifications. Sewing Made Clear has not sewn knit samples on them.
The ranked picks
| Rank | Machine | Type | Knit-feed features (per maker) | Price checked October 3, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brother 1034DX | 3/4-thread serger | Differential feed; 1,300 stitches per minute; 5.0 to 7.0 mm seam width; rolled hem | $289.99 (Brother) |
| 2 | Juki HZL-F600 | Computerized sewing machine | 7-point box feed; stepless presser-foot pressure adjustment; walking foot included; stitch elongation; knee lifter | $1,499 (Amazon) |
| 3 | Janome HD3000 | Mechanical sewing machine | Presser-foot pressure adjustment; 18 stitches; overedge foot included | $559 (Janome list) |
| 4 | Brother 2340CV | Coverstitch machine | Differential feed (0.7 to 2.0 per the Amazon listing); 3 to 6 mm cover stitches, tri-cover and chain stitch | $579.99 (Brother) |
1. Brother 1034DX: best for knit seams
The 1034DX is an overlocker: it stitches and trims the seam edge together, with a 5.0 to 7.0 mm cutting width. Differential feed is the feature that matters for knits. Brother explains on its 2340CV page that differential feed changes the speed at which fabric feeds through the machine. On the 1034DX page, Brother also notes you can use it to create ruffles and gathers. The 1034DX switches between 3- and 4-thread stitching. It has color-coded threading guides, sews up to 1,300 stitches per minute and comes with standard, blind-stitch and gathering feet. Brother lists a 1/5/25-year limited serger warranty. It does not sew a coverstitch hem; that is what the 2340CV is for.
For a step up in sergers, see our Juki MO-654DE review .
2. Juki HZL-F600: best regular sewing machine for knits
Juki says the F600’s 7-point box feed moves in a box motion instead of an oval, which keeps fabric from shrinking or shifting. Its presser-foot pressure adjusts steplessly, which Juki presents as a way to get the best result on different fabric types. Juki also includes a walking foot. The F600 also has a stitch elongation function, 225 stitch patterns, a 7 mm maximum stitch width, up to 900 stitches per minute and a knee lifter. It is the most expensive pick here, at about $1,450 to $1,499 on Amazon.
3. Janome HD3000: budget pick with pressure control
Janome lists foot-pressure adjustment on the HD3000, the same kind of control the Juki has, at about a third of the price. The HD3000 has 18 stitches, a 6.5 mm maximum zigzag, a 4 mm maximum stitch length, a four-step buttonhole, an aluminum frame and a hard cover. Janome does not list a walking foot among its standard accessories, so budget for one if you sew multiple knit layers.
4. Brother 2340CV: for knit hems
A coverstitch machine sews the parallel-row hems used on T-shirts. The Amazon listing says the 2340CV’s cover stitches are “great for working with stretch fabrics, as well as creating necklines and hems.” Brother says the 2340CV’s differential feed “eliminates the wavy or stretched appearance of stitches.” It sews wide and narrow cover stitches (3 to 6 mm), a tri-cover stitch and a chain stitch, and its differential feed is set with a slide lever. Brother lists it as cover stitch only, so it does not overlock seams.
Which one do you need?
- Mostly sewing knit garments: the 1034DX for seams, plus a regular machine you already own for topstitching and hems. Add the 2340CV if you want ready-to-wear hems.
- One machine for everything, including knits: the Juki HZL-F600.
- Tight budget, occasional knits: the Janome HD3000 with a ballpoint or stretch needle.
Whatever you buy, pair it with the right needle. SCHMETZ designs its Stretch needle to prevent skipped stitches on elastic knits. Our needle types chart and ballpoint needle guide cover which to use.