There has never been a better time to start developing your sewing skills. As a beginner, you have online access to a variety of helpful resources that are easy to understand and operate. And in this article, you’ll find the top sewing machines for beginners that everyone is raving about.
These beginner sewing machines work very well for daily sewing and all sorts of lightweight alterations which makes them perfect for adult beginners.
It’s also what many of you are probably looking for in a sewing machine: a nice tool to allow your children, grandchildren, and students their very first experience sewing and finding out whether they want to make time and effort to improve their skills or realize that this is a hobby some other little people might enjoy better.
For best results, use the highest quality threads and needles possible. This will make for a smoother sewing experience and neater stitches.
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Don’t expect perfection from these lower budget machines. In this price range, every machine is likely missing features if you start nitpicking.
What is the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Best Overall. Brother CS7000i Quilting and Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 60
- Buttonholes: 7 One-Step
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blindstitch, button fitting, walking, and spring action quilting.
The Brother CS6000i, the original model of this machine, is still one of the most in-demand sewing machines. And the new favorite is Brother CS7000i.
Combined with a lot of new features, including presser feet, its reasonable price and ease of use make this model a perfect opportunity for beginners to start. Undoubtedly, a great opportunity to continue exploring the potential of this beautiful hobby without thinking about changing your new machine for a long time.
For some, it may feel a little plasticky, but for all kinds of light and medium weight sewing and mending tasks, it certainly delivers great stitches.
- It’s very easy to figure out for beginners
- Control the speed with the touch of a lever and forget about the foot pedal
- An extension removable table is included
- It works for freehand quilting as you can drop the Feed Dogs
- Includes a hard case for protection and easy transport
- Very easy to store in a small place
- Walking Foot Included for even feed with all kinds of fabrics
- Beware of new quilters; the throat space is small as it is a small machine
Best Value. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 12
- Buttonholes: 1 Four-Step
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: All-Purpose, Blind Hem, Buttonhole, Zig-Zag.
The Janome 2212 is lightweight and easy to use, perfect for beginners who want a versatile machine for all kinds of basic sewing.
Its drop feed dog feature and its fairly decent throat size are ideal for sewers who need a basic machine to start quilting or taking to lessons. Besides, it can be easily carried, and the price is very reasonable.
For beginners and even children who want a machine to get creative and learn this new skill, this Janome is an excellent choice. In addition, it has so many features that all its possibilities will continue to be explored for a long time by any beginner.
The only situation when I wouldn’t recommend you buying this machine is if you’re going to continuously be working on heavy duty projects because, although it runs perfectly through tougher fabrics, the engine was not designed for that purpose and will ultimately stop working.
- Perfect for beginners and even advanced kids
- Nice beginner throat size for quilting
- You can drop the feed dog for free-motion quilting
- Easy to carry around and take to lessons
- It doesn’t include a needle threader, helping beginners learn the very basic of threading
- Great quality
- Fair price
- Avoid for continuous use on heavy-duty fabrics
Best Basic. Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 6
- Buttonholes: 1 Four-Steps
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: General Purpose, Zipper and Buttonhole.
This machine is a bit tricky as it takes some experience to actually thread it and put it to work for the first time, but it’s a great machine for beginners. First-time users will need a more experienced sewer to teach them the fundamentals of threading and tension.
If you’re persevering and mechanically inclined, the internet is an excellent place for those willing to learn whatever they want. It becomes very intuitive once you’ve taken that step and works very well for daily sewing and all kind of lightweight alterations.
Make sure you use it for basic sewing and stitching tasks. For a small investment, it’s a great little machine.
- Good for daily small sewing alterations
- Friendly budget
- Easy storage
- You must first remove the free arm to change the bobbin
- You may want to sew your own dust cover as it’s not included
Best Selling. Brother CS6000i Quilting and Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches:
- Buttonholes:
- Free Arm:
- Included Feet: A.
As a beginner, ideally, you want something that will be simple enough in the short term but advance enough to be used in the long term for more advanced projects.
The Brother CS6000i gives you both. Besides, it’s strong, well-designed, easy to store, and provides a lot of the more advanced features. For instance, the speed slider will help you focus all your attention on handling the fabric alone or give you the perfect constant speed while learning how to sew or free-motion quilts. It also features a needle threader that is a joy to use with practice which will help you revive your love for sewing.
Truly, for a small budget, this sewing machine is very good value. After all, it’s been the favorite beginner’s machine for years.
- A hard case is included in the pack
- Also, there is a wide table included that helps you sewing more comfortably
- A speed slider is a must for beginners as it allows you to keep a constant speed while forgetting about the foot pedal, also included
- This machine has a twin Needle feature for parallel stitching
- None for the price
Best Budget. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 27
- Buttonholes: 1 One-Step
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: Buttonhole, Button Sewing, Narrow Hemmer, Zipper, Blindstitch, Zigzag.
For beginners, it’s a good sewing machine for learning the basics of sewing. If you’re going to be sewing light fabric and not more than 4-5 layers, it works great.
Ultimately, this is not a heavy-duty machine, but it is quite good and affordable for basic sewing and mending. The metal-made models usually start at three times the price of this sewing machine so, even though it feels a little plasticky, know the price you pay is worth it. In addition to this obvious reality, the Brother XM2701 is well-designed, quick to use, and intuitive enough for a beginner.
- More decorative stitches than average for a very fair price
- Great number of presser feet included as you can see on the chart above
- Not suitable for heavier materials or several layers
Best for Quilting. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Speed per minute: 850 spm
- Built-In Stitches: 600
- Buttonholes: 13 One-Step
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: General Purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Satin, Blind Hem, Open Toe, Cording, Darning/Embroidery, Even Feed/Walking, Overcasting, Button Sewing, Narrow Hem, Quarter Inch.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll find that the Singer 9960 is very easy to use and very intuitive. The bonus bundle makes this one a perfect chance to get a hold of several accessories for an affordable price. You won’t need to buy an extra foot, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer.
This machine will take you from a beginner level to an experienced one, without having to upgrade to a new machine. With the Start/Stop button and Speed Controller option, you can leave your pedal foot aside for an even more intuitive experience. Furthermore, you’ll also save loads of time for future tasks due to the automatic threader and the thread cutting feature.
Every time you have to cut threads, you’ll be amazed at how effective it is to avoid getting the scissors out. Noticed the included walking foot above in the chart box? If you often work with piece quilting or Minky fabric, it’s an incredibly useful accessory to have in your sewing room that you can’t easily find within the sewing packs at this price range.
- Included Walking Foot among many others
- Extension table Included
- Hard Dust Cover Included
- Needle Up/Down for free motion quilting or apliqué
- Thread trimmer Button
- Built-In Needle Threader
- Metal Frame
- Perfect for quiet sewing at night
- Sensitive buttons near the sewing area
- No presser foot pressure adjustment although easily fixable with included walking foot
Best for Making Clothes. Brother CS5055PRW Quilting and Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 50
- Buttonholes: 5 One-Step
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: General Purpose, zig-zag, zipper, buttonhole, button, blind stitch, overcasting, monogramming.
This limited-edition Brother sewing machine was the star of the TV Show Project Runway, so it’s more than ideal to start making your own clothes and for all kinds of projects. Either if you’re beginning to sew or have some experience, this computerized sewing machine is a nice choice to have in your new sewing room.
You’ll love how quiet it is as well as the more than enough decorative stitches plus advanced features. It can also be a fairly good quilting tool and certainly ideal for taking to classes.
- Drop in bobbin system
- Very good price for all the things you can do
- Very lightweight, making it perfect for taking to your lessons
- Built-In needle threader is not very good
Best for Embroidery. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: All-Purpose, …
- Decorative Stitches: 103
- Speed per minute: 710
- Free Arm: Yes
- Built-in Designs: 80
- Speed per minute: 400
- On-Screen Editing: Yes
- Area: 4″ x 4″
The Brother SE600 is excellent for beginners to sew and embroider because it’s super easy to learn how to use its features. I can’t think of a better sewing machine for a beginner with embroidery capabilities or a lower price for the product’s value and efficiency.
- Create your own decorative stitches
- Low budget price
- Low learning curve
- Free Arm
- Small embroidery hoop
You may want to read a full review of the Brother SE600 embroidery machine.
Best Heavy Duty. Singer 4423 Sewing Machine Review
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Speed per minute: 1100 spm
- Built-In Stitches: 23
- Buttonholes: 1 One-Step
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot.
The Singer 4423 could be perfect for you as the engine power and speed are surprisingly efficient for a household model. It may indeed take some time for a beginner to get used to this machine’s power, but it is really very easy to use and could be perfect as a sewing machine for beginners or as a backup.
In addition to thin stretch jerseys, it plows through several layers of thick stretch fleece fabrics and denim types. Moreover, the stitch quality is excellent and the bobbin winder is easy to thread and operate.
In general, I think it’s a good cash machine and would recommend it to anyone wanting a mechanical machine with a few basic stitches.
- Built-In Needle Threader
- Friendly ease of use
- The inside frame is made of light metal
- Masculine Look
- High power and speed
- Noisier than average because of its stronger engine
- It has no advanced features
Best Serger. Brother 1034D Serger Machine Review
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Standard Multi-Purpose, Gathering.
- Speed per minute: 1300 spm
- Number of Threads: 3 – 4
- Included Feet: All-Purpose, Blind Hem, Buttonhole, Zig-Zag.
No serger can compete with the overall performance and price of the Brother 1034D. Even if you’re a professional sewer, spending twice the money isn’t going to reflect on what you’re going to get for your new serger.
Once you’ve tried a serger, you’ll realize it’s an indispensable machine that, for a very reasonable price, will allow you to get creative making rolled hems, blind hems, ruffles, and finishing hems on different fabrics and quilts.
And let’s not forget that this model has been a bestseller in the Sergers Category for years now. That has to mean something.
- Designed for Left Handed
- Fast and simple threading
- It has an auto-tension feature, perfect for beginners who are unaware of tension issues.
- Lightweight and compact
- Outstanding quality for a reasonable price
- A Gathering Foot comes Included
- No Seam Guide to indicate the edge width, but an elastic band can be placed around your machine’s shoulders to solve the issue
- A bit noisy, although it can be easily lessened by placing a cork base beneath the machine
- Light Bulb, but it can be replaced with a table lamp
Best for Kids. Janome Fastlane Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Protective Presser Foot.
- Built-In Stitches: 4, 10 variations.
- Buttonholes: None
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: All-Purpose, Blind Hem, Buttonhole, Zig-Zag.
This machine is more like a cute toy for little kids who want to have their first sewing machine. One that is pleasing to their eyes and is great for learning or creating their very first little projects.
Understand that this machine can’t in any way be as powerful or durable as regular machines. Some of the beginner sewing machines come with speed slider control to help children learn this new skill. Yes, they’re more expensive, but they’ll be a much better option in the long run. If you think about it thoroughly, your child is likely to outgrow it in about one or two years.
In my opinion, the Janome Fastlane is a great option for little children as a gift. You could also use it as bait to see how they react to sewing before buying a more expensive choice, as children are constantly discovering new hobbies.
- Great for little people starting their very first little projects
- Affordable enough to see how your child reacts to this new hobby
- Your kid might outgrow it sooner than later
- It’s got no light
Read our General Buyer’s Guide to learn more about the main things to consider when purchasing a sewing machine and ways to help you narrow down your search.
Best Sewing Machines for Beginners Comparison Chart
Machine | Features | Other Features | Accesories | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL Brother CS7000i Read Review | - 850 spm* - 70 Stitches - 7 One-Step Buttonholes - 7 mm Stitch Width - 5 mm Stitch Length | - Free Arm - Automatic Needle Threader - Drop-in Top Bobbin - Twin Needle Function - Speed Control System - Start/Stop Button - 17lbs - 16" x 6.7" x 12" | - Included Feet: ¼” piecing, zigzag, spring action quilting, walking, buttonhole, overcasting, button, monogramming, zipper, blind stitch. - Hard Case - Extension Table | |
BEST VALUE Singer 1304 Read Review | - 6 Stitches - 1 Four-Step Buttonhole | - Free Arm - 13" x 7" x 11.5" - 10 lbs | - Included Feet: All-Purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole. | |
BEST SELLING. Brother CS6000i Read Review | - 850 spm* - 60 Stitches - 7 One-Step Buttonholes - 7 mm Stitch Width - 5 mm Stitch Length | - Free Arm - Automatic Needle Threader - Drop-in Top Bobbin - Twin Needle Function - Speed Control System - Start/Stop Button - 13lbs - 16" x 6.7" x 11.4" | - Included Feet: buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blindstich, button fitting, walking, spring action quilting. - Hard Case - Extension Table | |
BEST BUDGET Brother XM2701 Read Review | - 800 spm* - 27 Stitches - 1 One-Step Buttonholes - 5 mm Width - 4 mm Length | - Free Arm - Automatic needle threading - 12.6 lbs - 15.3"x 5.9"x 12.1" | - Included Feet: Buttonhole, Button, Narrow Hemmer, Zipper, Blindstitch, Zigzag. | |
BEST for QUILTING Singer 9960 Read Review | - 850 spm* - 600 Stitches - 13 One-Step Buttonholes - 7 mm Stitch Width | - Free Arm - Drop-In Bobbin - Needle Threader - Thread Trimmer Button - Needle Up and Down - Drop Feed - 20 lbs - 17.25" x8.25" x12" | - Included feet: General Purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Satin, Blind Hem, Open Toe, Cording, Overcasting, Darning/Embroidery, Even Feed/Walking, Button Sewing, Narrow Hem, Quarter Inch. - Extension Table - Hard Dust Cover | |
BEST for MAKING CLOTHES Brother CS5055PRW Read Review | - 750 spm* - 50 Stitches - 5 One-Step Buttonholes - 5 mm Stitch Width - 7 mm Stitch Length | - Free Arm - Drop-in Top Bobbin - Automatic Needle Threader - Twin Needle Function - Free Motion Sewing - 10.14lbs - 19.48" x 10.75" x 15.96" | - Included Feet: General Purpose, zig-zag, zipper, buttonhole, button, blind stitch, overcasting, monogramming. | |
BEST for EMBROIDERY Brother SE600 Read Review | SEWING - 710 spm* - 103 Stitches - 10 Buttonholes - 7 mm Stitch Width - 5 mm Stitch Length EMBROIDERY - 650 spm* - 138 Designs - 11 Fonts - 4" x 4" Area** | - Color Touch LCD -On-Screen Editing - Free Arm - Automatic Needle Threader - 11.82 lbs - 21.2" x15.5" x16.5" - Needle to Arm: 163mm/ 6.4" | - Included Feet: Buttonhole, Zipper, Overcasting, Blindstich, Monogramming, Zigzag, Embroidery, Button. | |
BEST HEAVY DUTY Singer 4423 Read Review | - 1100 spm* - 0.7 Amps - 23 Built-In - 1 One-Step Buttonhole - 6 mm Width - 4 mm Length | - Metal Frame - 5 Piece Feed Dog - Needle Threader - Presser Foot Lift: 13mm (1/2") - 15.5" x 6.25" x 12" - 14.6 lbs | ||
BEST for KIDS Janome Fastlane Read Review | - 4 Stitches, 10 variations. - No Buttonholes | - Free Arm - 5 lbs - 10.5" x 9" x 5.8" | - Included Feet: Protective Presser Foot. | |
BEST BASIC Janome 2212 Read Review | - 860 spm* - 12 Stitches - 1 Four-Step Buttonhole - 5 mm Width - 4mm Length | - Free Arm - Drop Feed - 13 lbs - 15.2" x 11.6" x 6" - Work Space 6.5" x 4.7" | - Included Feet: All Purpose, Blind Hem, Buttonhole, Zig Zag. | |
BEST SERGER Brother 1034D Read Review | - 1300 spm* - 3-4 Thread Stitches | - Free Arm - #1 Bestseller | - Included Feet: Standard Multi-Purpose, Gathering. - Hard Case Included |
*Speed Per Minute: referring to the number of stitches a machine can perform in a minute.
Some other articles you may want to read:
FAQs
Because there isn’t one sewing machine that is best for beginners we have created a full article helping you decide what’s the best beginner sewing machine for your needs. Give it a go!
There are several household sewing machines that might do the trick for you. The most important thing is to understand your actual needs before choosing one model. That’s what made us create a full article with the best sewing machines to buy according to everyone’s needs. We hope you enjoy it!
There’s not only one as it really depends on your needs and budget. However, most of the sewing machines included in our article about the best sewing machines for beginners are also inexpensive.
If you want to learn a little bit more about the different brands and their quality, check our buyer’s guide and learn more about the best sewing brands.
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