When you’re just starting out in the sewing world, you can find yourself more twisted than a ball of thread. How do you choose a sewing machine? What should your first project be? What do you do if you accidentally sew two of your fingers together?
We can’t guarantee you won’t go from having five fingers on one hand to four, but we can ensure you’re working with the best sewing machine for beginners. We’ve taken the time to explore all the different brands, try out tons of fun features, and discover which style of machine works best. We’ve also taken price into consideration (just in case you need some extra money for upcoming medical bills).
Before getting into all the important details, we’ve compiled our data into a comparison chart so you can pick the best sewing machine for yourself. Take a look and find out which sewing machine suits your needs.
Still overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’re here to make this fun and easy for you. We’ve explored the best sewing machines for beginners available on Amazon and written detailed reviews for you to absorb.
Once you’ve made it through, we’re sure you’ll feel confident in purchasing the best option for your goals. Let’s dive into the reviews and get you a step closer to making your first stitch.
Our Top Sewing Machine For Newbies
Brother CS6000i
Pros and Cons
Being the #1 Best Seller in the sewing machines category, this machine is a value-packed monster, great for any beginner. It’s loaded with features but not impossible to master. Despite all it has to offer, it’s one of the simplest sewing machines to use. It comes with a limited 25-year warranty and free phone support.
You’ll appreciate the oversized compartment located on the arm of the machine, perfect for storing accessories. The machine allows you to adjust stitch length from the controls, all viewable on the bright LCD display. The variable speed setting allows you to easily adjust sewing speed as needed.
If your budget isn’t a concern, this is definitely the best Brother sewing machine for beginners. It comes fully loaded at a price that can’t be beat. You’ll be able to tackle just about any project that comes your way with this machine.
Best Bang For Your Buck
Brother XM2701
Pros and Cons
The Brother XM2701 has all the required features that make it one of the best sewing machines for a newcomer. Affordable, durable, and the fact that it is highly portable has made it a favorite amongst amateur sewists.
The machine comes with a number of awesome features, including 27 built-in stitch patterns, 6 sewing feet, automatic needle threader, and much more. It’s the ideal choice for completing basic sewing tasks.
The Brother’s XL2701 sewing machine is a model targeted towards newbies and amateurs. It comes with a lot of advanced features and stitching styles and is sure to cater to many of your sewing needs.
In addition, the machine has earned several positive reviews as the best sewing machine for starters. Lastly, it is affordable and simple to operate.
Simplest To Operate
Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW
Pros and Cons
It is an easy to use, lightweight, computerized sewing machine whose simplicity makes it stand out from the crowd. It is equipped with 50 built-in stitch designs including the straight, zig-zag, decorative, and heirloom stitches.
The built-in stretch stitches allow you to sew fleece, elastic, and other stretchy fabrics with ease. It also has built-in quilting stitches that can be used to embellish or join quilt blocks. The best feature is that you get an advanced machine packed with awesome features at the price of a basic sewing machine.
The Brother CS5055PRW is an easy to use sewing machine for beginners but it has several advanced features as well. You can even use this machine for quilting purposes. Its drop feed system for free-motion quilting makes quilting easy and fun.
The best part is that it is lightweight and extremely cost effective. This model is sure to make your sewing work fun and you can confidently expect the best results.
Best From Singer
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest names in the sewing machine industry has not left out beginning sewists. Singer has always been a great choice when it comes to sewing for beginners. In fact, their 3232 model is a great product for those who are starting out.
Made with a metal frame, this machine is excellent in terms of durability and strength. This is a machine that is highly easy to use, and will enhance your skills while completing numerous tasks.
This is perfection. If you are a newbie, professional, or just exploring your options, please consider this machine. The Singer 3232 is an excellent machine.
Best With Quilting Option
Pros and Cons
This simple sewing machine is a good option if you have a larger budget. The Janome 2212 is a durable, simple to use, and highly portable machine. You can take it just about anywhere and sew to your heart’s content.
Probably the best part about this machine is that it can be used to sew many layers of fabric. It’s even great for quilting. With its precision, the machine can provide professional-looking results.
Although the machine is highly equipped, it is still pretty basic. Results are always satisfactory but you can’t expect to perform on a professional level with this machine. If you’re looking for a simple, safe, and reliable machine, this is one of your best options.
Most Comfortable
Pros and Cons
Don’t forget about the Singer 1507WC! In this model, Singer made sure that the machine was designed with comfort in mind. The machine is fully equipped to carry out the tasks it’s programmed to do, requiring little effort from the user.
Almost fully automatic and convenient in size, this model can be easily transported in a handbag. Quick, easy, and with an additional canvas cover, Singer’s 1507WC model is one of the best Singer sewing machines for beginners.
Singer has never disappointed when it comes to sewing machines. This model ensures that your basic household needs and decorative projects are completed with efficient results. Small and highly powerful, this machine gets a good rating on every seller’s site.
InfoGraphic: The Buying Process!
Why Get a Sewing Machine
Not sure if you’re ready for a sewing machine? There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before taking the plunge. The answers will help you determine if you’re ready to start sewing and which machine will help you best achieve your project goals.
Do you plan on making clothing for you and your family? Do you want to start sewing quilts for the grandchildren? Maybe you’re thinking a bit out of the box and want to make some homemade toys.
Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed just yet. By first knowing the kind of stitches you need to complete, how advanced the projects you’re looking at are, and what you want to get out of your sewing machine, you’ll be better prepared to find the perfect machine.
Identify Your Needs
If you’re new to sewing, it’s best to clarify your needs as accurately as possible. If you plan on using your sewing machine only on occasion, then investing in a heavy-duty machine isn’t the best use of your budget.
But if you plan on sewing frequently and focusing on more technical projects, a standard machine probably won’t cut it.
There are plenty of models that offer a wide variety of features. You’ll find that most projects require the use of a straight or zigzag stitch.
Just about every machine will have these types of stitches but you’ll find some machines that offer over 200 different stitch styles. Unless you plan on taking your sewing skills to a professional level, you can probably skip a machine with that many types of stitches.
Plan Your Budget
Once you have narrowed down your choices a bit based on your needs, it’s time to think about your budget. You can easily get the best sewing machine under $100 but that may not meet all your needs.
When it comes to sewing machines, the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best. The lowest priced model isn’t always the worst option either. It comes down to how you need your machine to perform.
Buying a sewing machine is an investment. If your budget has a little room to give, go ahead and splurge a bit. But if your funds are tight, find the best bargain out there. As long as it meets your needs, you’ll be happy with its performance.
Whether you’re a newbie or a professional, knowing what you need your machine to do is crucial. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a machine that doesn’t match your needs.
If you plan on embroidering, buying a machine for over-edge sewing will leave you disappointed, and vice versa. In short, you need one that:
- Fulfills needs and demands
- Fits into your budget
- Doesn’t make sewing harder than it should be
Needs Assessment for Newbies
Every sewing machine is designed around a certain technique, making it perfect for one project but less than ideal for another. There are machines that are versatile, but these require plenty of research to make sure they’ll meet your needs while offering a bit extra.
For example, many new sewists gravitate towards a computerized sewing machine. They expect the machine to do all the work while they sit back and watch their project come together.
But it’s always best to start with a more basic machine so that you can learn the basics and discover what comes easy to you and what you need to practice.
To make sure you don’t buy a machine that’s full of bells and whistles you have no use for, explore the next few sections that define your level of needs.
Level 1 – Basic Needs
If you’re brand new to sewing and need a machine that will complete everyday tasks like repairs, home decor projects, and simple dress making, you qualify for this level. You can consider cheaper and basic models.
You should look for a model that offers straight, zig-zag, and a few decorative stitches. It should be able to stitch a few different kinds of fabrics and offer at least one buttonhole setting. It should also come with a basic set of accessories.
Level 2 – Mid-Range Needs
If you have some sewing experience or plan on taking your skills to a more advanced state, a mid-range machine will do just fine.
These models offer more stitches, a better feed dog, and features that you won’t find on a basic model.
Although these are not embroidery machines or quilting machines, they will help you manage such tasks efficiently. You can expect to find an automatic needle threader and a range of different buttonholes, both which will help you stitch layers of fabric, quilt, or work with different needles for professional finishes.
You will spend a bit more money for this level machine, but the extra money will be well spent as you’ll have a machine that’s durable and able to keep up with your changing projects.
Level 3 – Expert Level Needs
Very few fall into the final level. The machines needed for the expert level are expensive, heavy, and packed full of features and advanced techniques.
This level includes machines that are catagorized as specialist machines. From automatic needle positions to impressive stitching styles, these models are fully computerized. Users can download designs and implement them instantly. It’s great technology but not required by many sewists.
You can expect to pay a large sum for these types of machines. That’s why they’re usually used by those who make a living from sewing. Most novices fall into the first or second level.
Types: Which One Should You Buy
The sewing machine market is saturated. You’ll find dozens of options that meet your needs and fall within your budget. While we love the models listed above, don’t feel limited by them. Make sure you consider all types of sewing machines before making your final decision.
The Traditional-Mechanical Sewing Machines
These machines are the ones we grew up watching our mothers sew with. Their style is classic and vintage. The machine requires you to use your own efforts, as it is mechanical. By revolving the wheel or dial on the side of the machine, you can sew light to medium weight materials.
Usually made out of metal, these machines are still used because of their durability. This is the easiest type of machine to learn the basic skills of sewing on.
The Electronic Sewing Machines
When electronic models hit the market, it changed the hobby indefinitely. These types of machines can save a lot of time and effort. The needles are electronically powered, allowing you to use your hands to guide the fabric. You’re able to control the speed of the needle by how hard or soft you press onto the foot pedal.
The Over-locker Sewing Machines
If you are determined to stitch up garments, then this is a great option to consider. The basic goal of an over-locker is to complete professionally finished hems and seams.
You’ll most likely find these types of machines in industrial sectors rather than in household settings. These are heavy duty machines which use between 2 and 9 threads and multiple needles at once.
This type of machine is a bit impractical for a newbie but it is fun working with if you ever get the chance.
The Computerized Models
By far, computerized sewing machines are the most advanced form of sewing gadgets. They come with LED’s and LCD’s with built-in memory systems, which will help you a lot if you work with a singular pattern of sewing.
The memory system helps set the tension automatically, while the more complex forms of such machines can even thread embroidered designs after programming.
Since these machines are generally more expensive than the manual or electronic ones, it is safe to say that these are not the most ideal when it comes to the best sewing machine for starters.
Overall, we recommend the Brother CS6000i. It is without any doubt the best sewing machine for beginners. It provides maximum value and functionality in a low price bracket. It’s the best sewing machine for the money and will have you completing projects in no time.