In a marketplace chock full of sewing machines, research matters. And when you’re a beginner trying to find the right sewing and quilting machine to learn with, such research is crucial to finding the right deal at the right price.
While it pays to bank on trusted sewing machine brands like Singer, Brother, Janome, and Baby Lock, that’s only a tiny step in the right direction. To find the best quilting and sewing machine for your particular needs, there are several key features to look for and consider:
Built-In Stitches & Sewing Designs
The more built-in stitches available with your particular sewing & quilting machine, the more complex designs and specialty sewing projects you can accomplish down the road. You may even find built-in stitches that push you to try something different!
In addition to built-in stitches, built-in sewing designs allow you to try out previously loaded projects without searching for them and downloading them on your own.
Hoop Size & Multi-Hoop Options
How large is the hoop for your quilting and sewing machine? If the stock hoop is too small and there are no added options included in the box, you may have to skip out on some larger design projects.
And if you’re a tailor or seamstress looking to work on multiple projects at one time, multi-hoop capability is a fantastic get. Not having to scuttle previous progress to clear a hoop is a heck of a luxury to have!
Computer Memory
The more memory that your sewing machine computer has, the more information it can carry at one time. If you have a computerized sewing machine with ample memory, you can store hundreds of desired designs at one time without having to clear space. Machines with limited memory limit the depth and breadth of your design queue.
Editing Capabilities
A good quilting and sewing machine allows you to tinker with a design template before getting to work. The ability to edit design templates for color choices, sequencing, and sizing could make all the difference between putting together an ordinary project and producing an extraordinary piece of art.
Personal Computer/Bluetooth Syncing
The ability to sync your computerized sewing & quilting machine to your laptop, desktop, or smartphone expands your design possibilities exponentially. You could download new designs and sync them to your machine, or even create your designs for use and easy transfer. The possibilities are endless and are dependent on your imagination.
Price
High prices don’t always lead to the best results. You can find a high-quality sewing machine in the $100-200 range. Three of the four machines profiled in this article regularly retail in that range! There are some amazing devices out there for $300-500 or more. Yet, budget-conscious aspiring tailors and seamstresses can rest easy knowing they won’t have to break their bank for a great quilting/sewing machine.
Now that you’ve got a good idea about what to look for out of a quality quilting and sewing machine, we’re here to separate the wheat from the chaff for you with our definitive list of the 4 best options worth considering right now.
So what is the best quilting sewing machine for a beginner?
The 4 Best Quilting Sewing Machines For Beginners In 2021
Singer M1500 Sewing Machine
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A lightweight device perfect for the beginner on the go, the Singer M1500 Sewing Machine is an entry-level masterpiece. The inclusion of an instructional DVD is a fantastic addition for those who learn better by watching rather than reading. And with 57 built-in stitches, 65 included sewing accessories and a built-in needle threader, you can do some pretty complex stuff with this low-cost standout. It may not have the capacity for some more demanding quilting projects. Yet, it’s a good starting machine to get to that level!
Specs
Sewing Machine Dimensions: 14.57 x 7.12 x 11.34 inches
Sewing Machine Weight: 12.4 pounds
Warranty: 25–year limited, 1-year labor
Batteries Required? No
Assembly Required After Purchase? No
Included Accessories: Needle Pack, Singer Class 15 Transparent Bobbin, Darning Plate, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, All-Purpose Foot, Spool Pin Felt, Needle Plate Screwdriver, Lint Brush/Seam Ripper
Pros
- If you’re looking to get out of the gates running, this sewing machine offers quick setup and novice-friendly controls.
- The goodie bag of included sewing accessories will save you a trip to the craft store.
- The built-in needle threader is a godsend.
Cons
- It’s not as feature-packed and customization-friendly as other devices on this list.
- The lack of an onboard computer is a bit limiting.
Brother HC1850 Quilting and Sewing Machine
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With 170 built-in stitches in five design categories, the Brother HC1850 Quilting and Sewing Machine offers options for an endless array of home and commercial projects. Threading is intuitive and simple to execute, allowing novices to skip the tangles and get to try things out. This device also includes a built-in monogramming font set that allows you to interweave lettering and colorful stitching. It may not have the capacity to be a serious commercial quilt contender, but it’s a fantastic home buy!
Specs
Sewing Machine Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.5 x 15.2 inches
Sewing Machine Weight: 10.14 pounds
Warranty: 25-year limited
Batteries Required? No
Assembly Required After Purchase? No
Included Accessories: Multiple Presser Feet (Quilting, Button-Sewing, Blind Stitch, Buttonhole, Monogramming, Zigzag, Overcasting, Zipper), Foot Controller Pedal, Wide Table, 16-Piece Accessory Pack, English/Spanish Instruction Manual, English/Spanish Instructional DVD
Pros
- In terms of built-in stitches per dollar spent, there isn’t a better machine out there for an imaginative sewing novice.
- The included monogramming set is fun and super useful.
- The addition of a bilingual instructional DVD/manual combo is a cool touch.
Cons
- This machine doesn’t have the juice and capacity for serious quilting endeavors.
- The included pack of needles isn’t the highest of quality.
Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine CS6000i
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One of the most user-accessible sewing machines ever released, the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine is a beginner’s dream. We’re huge fans of the bright LCD screen. It makes picking between the 60 built-in stitches an absolute breeze! Setting up the device is so simple, and adjusting designs is also a snap. Usable with or without a foot pedal, this is an entry-level device that does so much more than expected.
Specs
Sewing Machine Dimensions: 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches
Sewing Machine Weight: 13 pounds
Warranty: 25-year limited, 1-year labor
Batteries Required? No
Assembly Required After Purchase? No
Included Accessories: Tweezers, Screwdriver, Multiple Presser Feet, Seam Ripper, Bobbins, Needles, Quilting Table, Carrying Case, Cover, Oil, and Brush, Instruction Manual
Pros
- The included quilting table is one heck of an added bargain!
- Threading and full machine setup are intuitive for beginners and experts alike.
- The LCD screen is easy to read and easy to use.
Cons
- The stock needles may need replacing in short order.
- The light is oddly placed and doesn’t illuminate that well.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
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What it lacks in portability, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine makes up for customization and design possibilities. With 600 stitch options, five font choices, the ability to mix fonts and decorative stitches, and a host of decorative stitch adjustments to play with, this is the ultimate home sewing & quilting machine. It may cost more than the budget options on this list, but it’s one heck of a deal regardless.
Specs
Sewing Machine Dimensions: 17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches
Sewing Machine Weight: 20 pounds
Warranty: 25-year limited, 5-year electrical, 1-year labor
Batteries Required? No
Assembly Required After Purchase? No
Included Accessories: Needle Pack, Class 15 Bobbins, Lint Brush, Seam Ripper, Spool Pin Felt, Auxiliary Spool Pin, Two Screwdrivers, Two Spool Caps, Extra-Wide Extension Table, Quilting Bar, Seam Guide, Presser Foot Shank, Clearance Plate
Pros
- Beginners should always look for a sewing machine that can grow with them. This device can do simple tasks and complex intermediate/advanced quilting projects in the same breath.
- The sheer depth of things you can do with this machine is kinda mesmerizing.
- The five included font choices are really fun to play with.
Cons
- The machine setup process requires help from both the instruction manual and included video tutorials.
- This is the most expensive sewing/quilting machine on this list.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing is to find a machine that suits your needs and skill level. After all, you’ll be sewing with it for years—and every time you use it will feel like the first time. From free classes on machines at local fabric stores to online tutorials from YouTube stars, there are plenty of resources available for beginners who want to get started sewing or quilting as soon as possible. But no matter what kind of beginner you are, when it comes down to picking out a new machine, research matters more than ever before!