5 Best Sewing Machine for Making Wigs
Today I will introduce you to the best sewing machine for making wigs. But first, let me give you some context on why I am here.
Growing up in an Asian family, I always believed that girls should never chop off their hair, let alone dyeing them. Perhaps it’s the irrational taboo or stereotype that society has propagated.
But when I was in college, one of my friends showed me hair extensions and wigs that she uses for her cosplay.
As a matter of fact, I hadn’t had enough money back then to buy one, so I make my own wig using a sewing machine. In fact, you can also make one. Be it a blond hair wig or just an extension.
But since the sewing machine I used wasn’t advanced, my wig wasn’t appropriately made. Hence, I started narrowing down the best quilting machines which are best for crafting a wig. Let’s check them out.
IMAGE | DESCRIPTION | RATING | ACTION |
Best Overall  | Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
|
Why Would I Need A Sewing Machine for Making Wigs?
Before anything else, I want to make something absolutely clear. You can make a wig without the help of a sewing machine, but a sewing machine will make the process fast and smooth. Also, the end result would be uniform and identical to those expensive store-bought ones.
Now, a sewing machine will provide two exclusive functions that’ll make your wig making process hassle-free. These are:
All the machines that we have discussed excel at these two functions. Thus, you won’t be disappointed picking any one of them.
5 Best Sewing Machine For Making Wigs
Here I have compiled 5 best sewing machines that ideally contribute to making wigs from scratch. These machines come in handy because of their in-built stitch styles, ease of ease, faster use, and free arm convenience for smaller quilts.
1. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine
Features
- Type: Computerized
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Built-in Stitches: 60
- Stitch Length x Stitch Width: 5 mm x 7 mm
First, you have the Brother sewing and quilting machine that consists of 60 in-built sewing stitches, including decorative stitches. But while crafting a wig with this wig sewing machine, you will need the zig-zag stitching style.
Hence, before you start making your wig, you have to select the stitching style by pressing a button that’s located on the machine’s body.
When you touch the button, you will instantly witness your chosen style on the LCD display of the Brother sewing machine for wigs. Moreover, using this machine is an absolute breeze.
You don’t have to be a perfectionist neither an expert to make this happen. Even if you are a novice, you can acquire it by following basic and simple tactics. Furthermore, you don’t need to embed the hair strands back on forth as the automatic needle threader takes care of it. Thus, this one can be regarded as the best sewing machine for wigs.
PROS:
CONS:
2. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine, grey
Features
- Type: Mechanical
- Speed: 1100 SPM
- Stitches Number: 23
- Stitch Length x Stitch Width: 4 mm x 6 mm
Here, you have the Singer 4423 sewing machine in a sophisticated grey profile. Well, I presume every household has one mechanical sewing machine from Singer. Perhaps the model varies, but the brand is immensely prominent. Now speaking of its popularity, you have already grasped that it’s a heavy-duty quilting machine that is built to last.
Apparently, it costs more than the first product, but gladly it works like a rebound as well. I mean, its efficiency pays back!
Now, while crafting your wig using Singer 44423 quilting machine, you have to adapt the same zig-zag stitching style. Here, you can accomplish the task within a very short time.
Because it has 1,100 stitches per minute sewing speed; hence, this wig making machine allows you to sew your wig in a jiffy.
Also, the motor is 60% sturdier in terms of distributing significant piercing power for thicker seams. So, if your using multiple layers in your wig and the strands are thick, then you don’t have to worry about breaking the needles. This singer sewing machine for wigs can easily withstand thicker strands and complete the task without any eye frustration. And that’s why it has taken up a place in our best wig sewing machine list.
Lastly, the sewing bed of the machine is of flat type, which is ideal for making wigs at a fast rate.
PROS:
CONS:
3. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
Features
- Type: Mechanical
- Speed: 800 Stitches Per Minute
- Number of Stitches: 27
- Weight: 12.6 lbs
The XM2701 sewing machine of the brother store weighs only 12.6 pounds while having a very competitive price. It’s definitely a value for the money.
I believe that the lightweight feature of this hair sewing machine will benefit you in many ways if you are only looking for a portable sewing machine that is ideal for utility stitches or DIYs.
While making hair extensions with this machine, you have to choose the zig-zag sewing pattern from the 27 built-in stitches.
Once you are done choosing the sewing style, you can push the wefts of your wig through the needle. Within a quick snap, your wig will be ready, and not to mention the stitches won’t come off.
Sometimes due to poor stitching, the best thread for wig making comes off, but this economic sewing machine guarantees stable and consistent stitches. To conclude, you will have an instructional DVD that will help you decipher the using method and other specifications precisely. And these are hallmarks of a good sewing machine for hair wigs.
PROS:
CONS:
4. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
Features
- Type: Mechanic
- Speed: 850 Stitches Per Minute
- Number of Stitches: 155
- Stitch Length x Stitch Width: 5mm x 7 mm
Next, you have another creation of the Brother store. This sewing machine is relatively heavy as well as pricier.
When looking for a budget-friendly machine with storage convenience, then this might not work for you. However, it can be very useful in making wigs if you have a flexible budget. With its 1,500 stitches per minute maximum sewing speed, you can finish the sewing task within few minutes.
Also, the extension table will allow you to work on wider and longer hair extensions. Just select the zig-zag sewing style and follow the instruction for operating the machine accordingly. You will do just fine.
Additionally, you’ll be glad to know that this machine is regarded as the best Brother sewing machine for thick fabrics by some people, and it works as a sewing machine for marine vinyl too. Thus, all your sewing tasks will become effortless.
PROS:
CONS:
5. JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
Features
- Type: Mechanical
- Speed: 1500 stitches per minute
- Built-in stitches: Only straight stitches
- Stitch Length: 6 mm
Lastly, you have JUKI TL-2000 Qi sewing machine that facilitates one-pedal operation. This will allow you to control the speed intensity. The more you press the pedal, the more speed it produces.
No wonder this industrial wig sewing machine gives you utmost control over the entire operation and helps you complete the task with ease.
Now coming to the process of how you are gonna make your wigs with this quilting machine, I hope you already know the process.
Because it’s all the same except for the diversity in use. As all the machines have a certain way for their operation, you should first evaluate all the parts and configurations.
Then find the zig-zag stitching style on the control panel.
If you fail to notice, read the instruction manual to obtain a clear idea. Here JUKI distributes 1500 stitches per minute so that you can finish your task smoothly. Besides, you will get LED lights for a better and clearer view. Besides wigs, you can do other fun projects, like sewing Ellen Griswold white keyhole blouse, on this sewing machine.
PROS:
CONS:
How to Make a Wig Using a Sewing Machine
Here I will tell you the easiest way to make your own wig by using a sewing machine. Make sure you know the basics of sewing to prevent any sort of inconvenience.
Grab Some Hair
First thing first, you will need some hair. Here you can either use frontal or closure. Then pair it up with few more bundles of hair. You can take the equal length of hair strands or longer. It depends on your preference. If you want 2 bundles to be 6 inches and the other two in four, then you can definitely do it.
Get a Wig Cap
Next, take a wig cap, which is basically a mesh dome cape where you are gonna attach the weft. Then take a white or metallic marker to drag some lines on the cap where you want to attach the weft.
Start Sewing Using the Machine
So the most crucial step to make a wig with a sewing machine is to doubling the weft.
Now choose the ‘zigzag” pattern on your sewing machine, take the doubled weft, and lay it underneath the presser foot. Here you will proceed with sewing.
Continue sewing it until you reach the end of the weft. Once you are done, repeat the same process with all the hair bundles.
Sewing the Weft/ Strand of Hair Onto the Mesh Dome Cap
Here the first thing you gotta do is to place the dome cap under the presser foot of your sewing machine. Now take the weft and start placing them up on the dome cap where you have traced the lines.
Once you have everything aligned, you need to lower the presser foot. Now start the sewing process.
Make sure to drop the needle and then use the foot pedal in order to start sewing. Here you are going to use the zig-zag stitching style.
Provide Some Tension
This step is optional, but if you want to ensure stability, then you can provide some tension while stitching the hair strands on the dome cap.
However, avoid dragging or stretching the cap as it can cause shrinking. Also, take a pause while sewing so that you can check either the weft is properly aligned or not.
Reverse Sewing
If your machine allows reverse sewing, then consider activating the reverse function. You can use this function to secure the ends so that it doesn’t come off.
Once you are done, cut the weft and the thread by using the thread cutter.
Take a Mannequin Head
Here you have to get a mannequin head where you are going to assemble the wig.
Now pin down the frontal or the closure so that you can hand sew this on. As you continue to sew down the frontal or the closure, you want to sew through it and want to make it more secure.
Make sure that the needle penetrates within the dome cap too. Continue sewing until the frontal or the closure is attached to the wig properly. And you are done! Now, you can use the best hot comb for wigs to straighten it if necessary.
How to Sew a Wig by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide
If a sewing machine sounds too costly for you, then you can try this process:
What You Need:
Prep Your Mannequin Head
Place the dome cap over the mannequin head and ensure it’s centered. Then, use two T-pins at the nape of the wig cap to hold it in place, right where your natural hairline would end.
Attach the Closure/Frontal
Position your frontal or closure on top of the dome cap, making sure it’s centered. Pin or clip it in place, keeping the front 1/4 of an inch in front of the cap. Once it’s secured in the center, pin down the sides, working your way around to the dome cap. Temporarily pin or clip your frontal/closure up and out of the way.
Mark the Weft Placement
Grab your marker and draw where you want your wefts to be sewn. First, trace around the frontal/closure on the dome cap. Then, draw the lines to guide your weft placement. If sewing by hand, draw the lines slightly closer together than if you were using a machine. Keep in mind how many bundles you have when spacing your lines.
Thread the Needle
With your curved needle and thread, cut about 30-40 cm (roughly an arm’s length) and run the thread through your needle. Ensure the needle and thread are even, then tie two knots at one end to secure it.
Sew the Wefts
Starting at the bottom of the dome cap, align your first weft with the marked line. Sew the weft to the cap, creating a stable knot at the beginning and end of each weft track. Make sure you sew through the cap and around the weft track to maintain the weft’s longevity.
Continue Sewing Following Your Guided Lines
As you progress, remember to double knot at the start and end of each row, and follow your drawn lines to ensure proper spacing. Once you’ve covered the entire head, untie the frontal/closure and comb the hair together.
Congratulations! You’ve Made Your First Wig
Now that you know how to sew a wig by hand, you can create your own custom hairpieces to fit your personal style. Happy wig making!
Which Type of Threads is Suitable for Wig Making?
There are a few different types of threads that can be used for wig making, including cotton, polyester, and nylon.
But you gotta first understand the requirements of your wig making threads.
What are the requirements, you ask?
Considering the above parameters, there’s only one winner. Can you guess it?
It’s Nylon. While it’s not as breathable as cotton the other properties of this thread trumps cotton and thus it’s the first choice for most hair stylists.
Polyester threads typically have moisture regain of 0.4% compared to nylon’s 4.0%. So, it’s obviously inferior to nylon. Plus, it’s no match for nylon’s strength and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sewing machine for making a wig?
First of all, you need to be aware of the fact that making a wig involves the use of both hand sewing and machine sewing. You can sew the entire wig using your hands but not the other way around.
Now, as wig making requires the use of zig-zag stitches and reverse stitching, we found the Brothers Sewing and Quilting Machine to be superior in every scale of measurement. This one makes the strenuous task of wig making extremely fast and effortless.
What are the 8 different types of sewing machines?
There are 8 types of sewing machines the standard sewing machine, the overlocker, the serger, the cover stitch machine, the heirloom sewing machine, the embroidery machine, the quilting machine, and the specialty sewing machine.
Each one has a unique purpose that helps with different types of stitching. For example, an overlocker is used to create a neat seam on fabric edges, and a cover stitch machine is used to hem stretch fabrics.
What are some causes of wig bunching up?
Wig bunching up is an extremely annoying problem that many wig wearers are familiar with. It can be caused by many different factors, but improper hair care is the number one reason why wigs bunch up.
Improper care can lead to tangling or matting of the wig, which can cause it to bunch up in certain areas. Additionally, if the wig is not properly washed and conditioned, it can become dry and brittle, which can lead to the fibers of the wig sticking together and bunching up.
What is the difference between single and double sewing machine?
A single sewing machine has one needle. A double can create smaller, more concise stitches and has different abilities to help you sew things together or decoratively. The main difference between the two types of machines is that there are two needles on a double sewing machine.
One needle will make your life easier with its limited capabilities when compared against the other’s wider stitch on the backside which can reinforce seams and prevent breaking points from occurring in certain fabrics especially those that are lightweight such as denim earthquake resistance shirts.
How to sew two wigs together for cosplaying?
End Quote
So these are the best sewing machine for making wigs and a brief tutorial on how you are going to make the wigs from scratch. I hope it was helpful. Let me assure you that if you follow this method, you can sew the wigs using any of these 5 sewing machines. However, if you need any further help, make sure you leave a comment.
REFERENCES
