Are you thinking of taking up the art that is sewing? That is amazing news! Not only is sewing a fun hobby to have, but it is also an extremely useful skill as well as an excellent creative outlet for many others out there. Whether you have found yourself thinking of creating your very own clothing or simply want to hem a few pairs of pants without needing to take them into a tailor, hey you are also saving some money here, sewing may just be the best new hobby for you.
Now the question is, are you thinking of starting off by hand sewing? Or, are you thinking of purchasing your very first sewing machine? Well, look no further! Let’s go ahead and dive into the many different kinds of sewing machines as well as which sewing may be the best option for beginners such as yourself.
First, we must go over the best brands when it comes to sewing machines. We must also take into consideration the size of the sewing machine that is best suited for you as well as computerized sewing machines and how they are different from your regular, more old-fashioned sewing machines. So, without further ado, here is a list of the top 8 sewing machines best suited for sewing beginners:
1. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
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Remember when we went over the different brands to consider when looking for your first sewing machine? Well, Brother is one of the best and most highly rated sewing machine brands of all time. Why is Brother one of the best brands? Brother has been a household name for sewing since 1908. Not only have they been around for over 100 years now, but they have managed to maintain their good reputation through their sewing machines by keeping their prices accessible to a wide variety of customers Other benefits are the incorporation of many unique features into their machines.
With that being said, let’s go ahead and dive into this specific Brother model, the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine. This model includes 27 built-in stitches, including decorative, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitches, and more. This current model also includes an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. For beginner sewers, sometimes threading the needle is the most difficult part when it comes to sewing. This can either scare you or excite you. If you are worried about threading the needle, do not fear! This Brother sewing machine model has got you covered.
Who should buy this model?
Calling all sewing beginners! For those of you sewers out there who have never used a sewing machine in your life, this may just be the perfect model for you. It’s simple to use, easy to learn on, and great for any project large or small.
The Good
The best thing about this specific model is that it comes with a DVD learning guide to teach you all there is to know about using this machine.It is relatively light in weight: coming in at a good 12 pounds for this sewing machine model. This model comes with a versatile free arm making it perfect for a large range of sewing projects.
The Bad
There are not many negatives when it comes to this machine. So, with that being said, if you are looking for a more advanced sewing machine or even a computerized sewing machine, perhaps this machine is not best suited for you. Other than that, this is a great machine for all beginners out there.
2. SINGER Start 1304
Another great sewing machine brand you should be considering when looking for your very first sewing machine is SINGER. What makes this brand so reputable? Much like its competitor brand, Brother, SINGER sewing machines are easy to use and offer a large variety of unique features to each machine all while keeping their price point within a budget for all sewers out there.
This particular SINGER model is very lightweight, coming in at a solid 9.8 pounds. This model is known as the “BEST SEWING MACHINE” as it is one of the best machines to learn on. It is simple, easy to use and comes with 57 Stitch Applications. In addition to these things, this model also comes with an All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, a pack of needles, a seam ripper, a quick start guide, a needle plate screwdriver, and more. It is the perfect little machine for anyone who loves to sew or is interested in learning how to sew.
Who should buy this model?
Yet another great model for beginners. Due to the fact that this model is simply made and easy to use, it should be one of the top machines to consider on your list when you finally decide to hit purchase in your shopping cart!
The Good
- This model is lightweight and portable.
- This machine includes many different sewing accessories and other compatible options
- Automatic Bobbin Winding Sewing Machine
- This model has a 25 year limited warranty
- Useful reverse sewing option
The Bad
While this model is lightweight, this can also make it very delicate, meaning you may want to be wary of using heavier fabrics such as denim or leather when using this sewing machine.
3. Brother CS6000i
- 60 Unique built-in stitches: The Brother CS6000i includes 60 built-in sewing stitches, including decorative stitches and 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The CS6000i includes a hard protective case, wide table, 10 sewing feet, needle set including twin needle, 3 bobbins and more
- LCD Screen: Easily select your stitches with the touch of a button and view your selections on the LCD display
- 25 Year limited warranty: The CS6000i is backed by a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product
So we have found ourselves coming back to the Brother Sewing Machines. What makes this model so unique and great for beginners? This specific model comes with 60 unique built-in stitches, including decorative stitches and auto-size buttonholes. This is another machine that includes an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. One thing that makes this model stand out from the others on this list is the LCD screen. This screen allows you to easily select your stitches as well as view your selections on the LCD display- talk about helpful!
Who should buy this model?
After reading a few user reviews on this model, many people agree that this is another great model perfect for beginners as it is easy to use and simply made with added features for your benefit. As many others can agree, it is simply a great sewing machine.
The Good
- This sewing machine is quiet, easy to use, and simply gets the job done.
- The CS6000i is backed by a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product.
- There are plenty of included accessories such as the wide table, 10 sewing feet, 3 bobbins and more.
- The automatic needle threader.
The Bad
The Tension – a few users have found that the tension of this machine is difficult to adjust.
4. Brother CS5055PRW Sewing Machine
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This is another sewing machine that is designed with an LCD screen perfect for beginners. On top of that, this model has 50 unique built-in stitches as well as 5 auto- size buttonholes. Similar to the other models included on this list, this machine also includes an automatic needle threader as well as 7 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, and more!
Who should buy this model?
This Brother sewing machine is great for beginner sewers as well as more advanced, intermediate sewers out there.
The Good
- This sewing machine is durable and easy to use
- The LCD screen can be very helpful for beginners
- This model comes with an instruction manual as well as at your side support, meaning it offers free technical support via online or phone for the life of your machine
- This machine is lightweight, coming in at 10.14 pounds
The Bad
- A few user reviews have suggested that the LED light on this machine is not very bright and that this should be adjusted for future models
- The stitch choices displayed on the LCD screen can sometimes be difficult to read
5. SINGER 7258
- Adjustable sewing speed
- Push button stitch selection;This mechanism incorporates a magnet type vertical axis rotating hook that ensures smooth, quiet, thread jam-resistant sewing
- LCD screen clearly displays your selected stitch as well as stitch settings for length and width
Another beginner’s favorite.
Who should buy this model?
Yet another great and easy machine for beginners to learn to sew.
The Good
- This machine is durable and easy to use
Push Button Stitch Selection - 25 year warranty
- Excellent, unique features
- A user-friendly sewing machine
The Bad
- Limited functions
- This machine can be on the pricier side, listed at $219
6. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
- 1,500 Stitches per minute max sewing speed: Maximum stitching of up to 1,500 stitches per minute allows you to sew and quilt more in less time
- Advanced needle threading system: This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The PQ1500SL longarm sewing and quilting machine comes with a wide table, 7 sewing feet, knee-lifter, instruction manual and more. The removable knee-lifter enables you to lift your presser foot with your knee, leaving both hands free for fabric handling
- Precision pin feeding system: It's so easy to sew a wide variety of fabric thicknesses thanks to Brother's Pin Feed system for precision fabric feeding
- At your side support: The PQ1500SL quilting and sewing machine comes with Brother at your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
This machine is one of the highest rated sewing machines out there. It is also one of the more expensive machines, the most expensive on this list as it is $699.99. This machine is on the heavier side as well, coming in at almost 30 pounds.
Who should buy this model?
While beginners can surely learn great skills on this model, this is a serious machine best for intermediate sewers and quilters.
The Good
- One of the strongest and most durable machines on the market
- The best sewing machine for quilting
- This machine is powerful yet easy to use
- 1,500 Stitches per minute max sewing speed
- Advanced needle threading system including an automatic needle threader
- Comes with side support
The Bad
- This model is relatively expensive
- The auto thread can be difficult to use
7. SINGER M1500 Sewing Machine
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This SINGER model includes over 65 accessories as well as 57 stitch applications, a pack of needles, seam ripper, all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, screwdriver and more. This item is relatively lightweight as well, coming in at an easy 12.4 pounds.
Who should buy this model?
A great, lightweight machine easy for beginners to learn on. The Singer M1500 is a very popular model for beginners just getting into sewing for the simple fact that it is a simple sewing machine. Sometimes simple is better and has an easier learning curve.
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, this might be the sewing machine for you.
The Good
- Easy to use
- Buttonholes as easy as 1,2,3
- LED Lighting
- Easy Stitch Selection
The Bad
- A few users have suggested that this machine is easily jammed
- The needles on this machine tend to break easily
8. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
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This sewing machine is one of the more expensive models on this list. The reason being is that Janome is one of the top 3 best sewing machine makers in the world. This specific machine is also extremely durable and hardly has a complaint that the machine broke.
Who should buy this model?
A great sewing machine for beginners and experts alike – according to multiple user reviews!
The Good
- This machine is quiet, smooth and easy to use.
- Janome machines are durable and long-lasting.
- This machine is an excellent quality machine and worth the investment.
- This model is user friendly.
The Bad
- This specific model can be on the pricier side starting near $200
- While this machine is built to withstand heavy duty fabrics, you may need to be cautious of the needle you are using
- Consider looking for heavy duty needles.
Frequently Asked Questions from Beginners Learning to Sew
What is the best inexpensive sewing machine?
The answer to this one is not a one-size-fits-all explanation. When it comes to choosing the best inexpensive sewing machine for yourself, be sure to first ask yourself what you will be using this sewing machine for as well as what types of projects are best suited for these machines. With that being said, the top three best inexpensive sewing machines are typically known to be the Singer 1234 Portable Sewing Machine, Brother LX3817 Lightweight Sewing Machine, and the Janome 41012 Portable Sewing Machine.
Are cheap sewing machines any good?
Again, this answer is a little more complex than just a yes or a no. There are a few cheaper sewing machines that are great for beginners who do not feel ready to invest in a sewing machine until they have truly mastered their skills. However, it is important to keep in mind that cheap sewing machines are just that – cheap. This means that they may not be as sturdy or long- lasting as a typical, more expensive sewing machine.
Is it worth it to buy a sewing machine?
The answer: yes. You do not need to be a master in sewing to own a sewing machine. It is actually recommended that most homes own a sewing machine in order to fix any clothes that may need simple repairs, so instead of spending money constantly on a tailor, maybe invest in a sewing machine instead!
Is it worth purchasing your own machine and taking up the art that is sewing?
Are you ready to begin your sewing journey? If you have decided it is officially time to purchase that first sewing machine and take up the craft, it is important to remember that sewing should be a fun hobby. While it is also useful, remember to enjoy the learning process, whether that is in regards to learning to use your sewing machine or learning new stitching techniques. Be sure to browse the links above and pick the best sewing machine that’s right for you!