5 Best Sewing Machine for Tactical Gear in 2024

Need to make some tactical gear but don’t know where to get started? Well, whether it is a hobby or a profession, you should start by getting the best sewing machine for tactical gear.

Now, there are tons of options out there in the market. Whether you want one with a high sewing speed or one with an automatic thread trimmer, you will find it all.

But it all depends on which one you will be choosing ultimately. And we will help you do that right here. So what are you waiting for? Go through this article and find what you are looking for.

Fabrics Used for Making Different Tactical Gear

The most important aspect of any tactical gear is its fabric – you can’t make reliable gear without good fabric. But what would be a good fabric for tactical gear?

Well, that’s what we will be discussing in this section of our article.

Padded Inserts

Your shoulders often get tired wearing tactical – and that is where the importance of padded inserts comes in. These are mainly placed on your shoulders to distribute the weight of your backpack.

Canvas

Canvas is a plain-woven fabric that can be constructed either from cotton or synthetic fibers. It not only provides protection from water, but it is extremely durable as well.

Cotton

You will need a natural fabric when making your tactical gear – and cotton is the right option for that. It is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable.

Ceramic Dots

Now, your tactical gear needs to be abrasion-resistant – and which fabric can provide this facility any better than ceramic dots?

G-loft

Among lightweight fabrics, this is one of the preferrable ones. This is a synthetic material, which provides thermal insulation as well.

Nylon

This is a synthetic material that is very strong but very lightweight at the same time. Hence, you can wear it without any discomfort whatsoever.

Spandex

If you want a fabric that is not only elastic but durable as well, then spandex is the one you should go for.

Polyester

This is a comfortable fabric that repels water and is perfect for making tactical gear. The users will love its breathable properties.

5 Best Sewing Machine for Tactical Gear

Haven’t had any luck finding a proper sewing machine for tactical gear yet? Well, here are our top five picks, which will surely help you choose.

1. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i

Wondering how many types of sewing stitches a sewing machine can possibly have? Then get ready to be surprised with the 60 built-in stitches and 7 style buttonhole stitches of this one! There is a lot more that will surely amaze you.

Having different styles of stitches make it more suitable for tactical gears, as it shows compatibility with different fabrics. Not to mention, the adjustable speed system also improves the stitch quality – as you can change the speed according to your fabric.

As a result, you can also use this machine for canvas and leather, and many other fabrics. Since it is built using heavy metal, you won’t have to worry about this item not being sturdy enough to sew heavy fabrics.

Despite being so heavy-duty, this item is actually portable. Yes, you will be able to carry it around, and you will have no trouble when setting it up. In fact, the machine will provide convenience no matter where you use it.

Now, for sewing tactical gears, walking foot is utterly important. That is why this machine comes with a walking foot and a lot of other accessories – so you won’t have to buy anything extra.

You can select the types of seams and stitches effortlessly, thanks to the LCD display included. At the same time, the automatic needle threader will thread the needle without you stressing your eye out.

Verdict

If you are a beginner who wants top-notch versatility alongside flexibility, then this is the right sewing machine for tactical gears for you.

2. SINGER | 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

How can you expect to sew tactical gears perfectly if your sewing machine is not sturdy enough? That’s right, you can’t. That is why this item includes a metal interior frame and a stainless steel bed frame for unmatched durability.

But that is not all. With this, you might feel like you are using an industrial sewing machine, but it won’t ask for skills that you generally need for using one. It is very simple to use and rather effortless to set up – making it perfect for beginners.

Worried about the thick seams of your tactical gears? With a motor that is 60% more powerful, there is really no concern. In fact, a sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute only makes it more efficient while saving your time.

Now, tactical gears require various types of stitches. Hence, this machine comes with 23 built-in stitches, containing various butthole stitches as well. These aspects increase stitch quality, fabric compatibility as well as threads compatibility.

This machine is truly built to make your work easier for you – which is why it comes with an automatic needle threader. The benefit of this feature is that it will thread the eye of the needle without requiring you to squint your eyes throughout the process.

Buying extra accessories for your sewing machine can truly be a hassle. And you will need a walking foot for sewing tactical gears – hence, this one comes with that. However, it includes other necessary accessories too.

Verdict

To sew your tactical gears perfectly with beginner-level skills, you should get this powerful sewing machine.

3. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, XR3774

The trickiest part of making any tactical gears is that it might require multiple types of stitches. And you will need a sewing machine that offers that many stitches – like this one, containing 37 built-in stitches and a 1-step buttonhole stitch.

But that is not all. This sewing machine is built to make your task easier for you. Hence, it contains a drop-in top bobbin alongside an automatic needle threader. So you won’t have to strain your eyes out or have the threads jammed when working.

In order to work with tactical gears, you will need a heavy-duty sewing machine. And this all-metal construction frame of the product will not disappoint. You can also use this sewing machine for marine vinyl.

A walking foot is a must-have when making tactical gears, and this item gets that. Hence, it comes with a walking foot alongside any other accessories that you might need – including an extension table, instructions, etc.

The speed of a sewing machine is also crucial when making tactical gears. Hence, this machine gives you the liberty to change its speed as per necessity. So, you can use different fabrics with this while having top-notch stitch quality.

To make your work even easier for you, the item comes with a versatile free arm, which will let you use this as a serger for heavy fabric as well. Not to mention, this equipment is really easy to set up.

Verdict

Here’s a beautiful sewing machine with adjustable speed, which will only make your work more convenient for you.

4. SINGER | Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

Can you really sew tactical gears without a walking foot? Well, you can’t – and there are other accessories that are important during the process as well. Keeping that in mind, all the necessary accessories have been included with this machine – find out more.

This item is versatile enough for you to use as a wig sewing machine as well. With 32 built-in stitches and a 1-step buttonhole stitch, you can effortlessly stitch up tactical gears with top-notch stitch quality and fabric compatibility.

Now, speed is another important factor when sewing tactical gears. That is why this item comes with a maximum speed of 1,100 SPM. Other than that, it contains a motor that is 60% more powerful than that of its competitors.

The features don’t matter if the build lets you down – and that is where it will exceed your expectations. The stainless steel bedplates pair up with the interior metal frame – making sure it delivers a smooth performance.

To make it easier for you, the equipment contains an automatic needle threader. This feature will let the machine thread the needle itself – so you won’t have to strain your eye out.

On the other hand, even as a beginner, you will be able to use this machine effortlessly. It won’t require you to learn all the skills necessary – rather, it will help you learn along the way. And you can easily set it up too.

Verdict

Here’s a heavy-duty sewing machine that comes with versatile stitches and a high sewing speed for the desired performance.

5. SINGER | 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

When it comes to tactical gears, you can’t really compromise the types of stitches a machine has. And you won’t have to with this one because it contains 11 built-in stitches, which include one built-in buttonhole. Find out more about it right here.

Making tactical gears can require changing the position of your needle as well. And with this machine, it won’t be your concern. The adjustable needle position feature is easy to use – just like the rest of this machine.

You can also effortlessly set this heavy-duty sewing machine as well. Not to mention, it is very durable as well with its interior metal frame combined with stainless steel bedplates and a very powerful motor.

Speaking of a powerful motor, this machine comes with a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 SPM. Hence, you will be able to sew tough fabrics without any struggles, and the stitch quality is going to be top-notch as well.

But this item is not just suitable for tough fabrics. In fact, it can be used for sewing a wide range of fabrics. You can use this sewing machine for dog collars; or you can also use it as a shoe sewing machine.

You can’t really make tactical gears without a walking foot. And hence, this equipment comes with one. In fact, you can also adjust the presser foot pressure according to the fabric that you will be working on.

Verdict

If you are looking for a sewing machine that will make tactical gears alongside a lot of other apparel and decors, then this is the right one.

What to Look for Before You Buy?

If you want to make perfect tactical gears, then you will need the perfect equipment for it. And, of course, you can’t really get that without putting any effort into it.

Now, you might wonder – it’s just a sewing machine, what should I put the effort in? Well, there are tons of things to know and lots of factors to consider before you get yourself one.

So we will be discussing those key aspects right here, so you won’t have to look for them yourself – let’s get started.

What Is Its Sewing Speed?

When making tactical gears, you will probably be using different types of fabrics. And for different fabrics, it is advised to use different sewing speeds.

So, make sure the machine comes with variable speeds for the expected results, and make sure its maximum speed is over 1,000 SPM.

What Is It Made of?

If you work with heavy fabrics, which you will, you need to make sure your machine is heavy-duty enough to take the load. In that case, focus on the frame construction of the item.

It is good if the machine is made of metal and stainless steel – avoid plastic.

Does It Have A Walking Foot?

Without a walking foot, you can’t really sew tactical gear. The walking foot will feed layers of heavy fabrics and let you sew them in one go.

So it doesn’t matter what other accessories your sewing machine comes with, but a walking foot is an absolute necessity.

Can It Sew Heavy Fabrics?

Now, let’s say you got yourself a heavy-duty sewing machine, but it turns out it is not really compatible with heavy fabrics – would you be able to use it then?

Of course not, so at first, you should make sure that the machine is compatible with heavy fabrics.

How Many Types of Stitches Does It Have?

You will need to sew your tactical gears using many different types of stitches – and so, you can’t settle for a sewing machine that can only provide about 2-3 types of stitches.

Go for one that at least has 10 different types of built-in stitches, including a buttonhole one.

Is It Easy to Use?

There is no point in getting a sewing machine if you cannot use it – so ease of usage should be one of your top-notch priorities.

Make sure the item comes with an instruction manual, and see if it contains features that make your work more convenient for you.

Can I Set It Up Myself?

You wouldn’t want to spend hours setting up a sewing machine.

So, try to get one that is easy to install and even includes directions for the process.

Is It Worth the Money?

Whether or not you are on a budget, you should get a sewing machine that is worth the money. Now, of course, that is not something you can determine without using it first.

But you can check the reviews of the product before buying it to get more insights.

Type of Threads Used for Sewing Tactical Gear

Now that you have gotten the perfect fabrics for making tactical gear, it is time to make some progress towards the threads that you will be needing.

We will be discussing the threads you can use for tactical gears, and you can find them easily as well.

Polyester

The most common thread that you can find for sewing tactical gears is polyester threads. And instead of using polyester blends, you can use 100% pure polyester threads.

These are strong and UV resistant, so you will never be disappointed in them.

Nylon

Another great option for sewing tactical gear is nylon thread – especially bonded 3-ply nylon thread. This thread is so durable that you won’t have to worry about them getting torn at all.

In fact, these are most commonly used for tactical gears.

Bonded Threads

Now, what are bonded threads? These can be made of different materials, but no matter what they are made of, the threads contain a resin coating on their outer side.

Not only do these threads create a smooth and even finish, but they also prevent abrasion and friction.

Kevlar Threads

Often claimed as the strongest thread in the world, the Kevlar threads never disappoint. These are made while keeping strength in mind, but they are also fire-retardant.

In fact, these are said to be 2.5 times stronger than both polyester and nylon, and you won’t have to worry about them melting or decomposing.

Type of Sewing Stitches Used for Sewing Tactical Gear

You have the fabrics, the threads, and the sewing machine; now what? Well, it is obviously time to sew, but what stitches should you be using?

No need to get all worried with that because we got you – we will be discussing the types of stitches that you could use for tactical gears right here.

Chain Stitch

One of the easiest and most aesthetic stitches is the chain stitch. Although it requires more thread than other stitches, it is totally worth it.

But if you want to save some thread on your tactical gear, then you better not use it.

Buttonhole Stitch

If your tactical gear has buttons, then you need this.

Most industrial sewing machines have this stitch, so there is nothing to worry about.

Multithread Chain Stitch

Although this is very similar to a chain stitch, it is actually more durable than that.

It is because this stitch is located between layers, so the seams don’t get puckered, and you can use it for all types of fabrics as well.

Lockstitch

The lockstitch is usually very easy to sew, and more or less every sewing machine offers this stitch.

In this stitch, two threads lock together at minor intervals. And the stitch is usually much tightened, so you should use it for protective gear instead of stretchy ones.

Overlock Stitch

If you are going to use spandex for your tactical gears, or any other fabric that is going to stretch, then you should surely be using the overlock stitch.

Although this type of stitch takes up more of your threads than other stitches do, it will definitely prevent fraying and add an aesthetic touch to your gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make tactical gears without a walking foot?

It would be very difficult to make tactical gears without a walking foot, as it feeds layers of fabrics when sewing – so make sure your machine has one.

Can I use an industrial sewing machine as a beginner?

As much as the thought sounds daunting, there are some industrial sewing machines convenient enough to be used by beginners.

Is it important to have variable speed in sewing machines?

When making tactical gears, you will be working with different types of fabrics; hence, it is very important to have variable speed in your sewing machine.

Should I get a treadle powered sewing machine for tactical gear?

A treadle powered sewing machine will require you to power it with a foot pedal. And making tactical gears might need a lot of power, so if you think you can handle the load, then sure.

Can domestic sewing machines stitch tactical gear?

It is not a good idea to use domestic sewing machines to stitch tactical gear as they may not be able to handle heavy fabrics.

Final Words

A sewing machine for tactical gear that matches all your criteria and makes your work much easier for you. After all, sewing tactical gear is already tricky, and you wouldn’t want your equipment to make it much worse.

REFERENCES

1. Heavy Duty Sewing: Making Backpacks and Other Stuff
2. Military Gear