No, you don’t have to have an industrial sewing machine. But it helps. I’ve also used my old Bernina 830 record with very little problems. Just realize that with layers of these heavier, dense fabrics you might have some difficulty with some machines.You need the power and punch from the motor, and the inexpensive machines from big box stores might not cut it. I’m not trying to discourage you- it often depends on the density and how many layers you will be working with. It doesn’t hurt to gi