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A sewing machine is a sewing machine, right? It turns out that not so much. And if you’ve just learned to sew, there are some that will make your first stitches a lot easier (and a lot cleaner). The best sewing machine for beginners is straightforward and easy to use because it doesn’t have all the features of a higher-level model. So where to start ? We suggest with one of these seven easy to use beginner’s sewing machines.
Note: Some of the following models may be temporarily unavailable due to demand related to COVID-19.
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What Should You Consider Before Buying a Beginner’s Sewing Machine?
You might think that investing in a high-quality, versatile sewing machine up front is the way to go. But all of those extra knick-knacks, settings, and abilities will make learning the basics too much of a hassle. There are only a few things you absolutely need in a beginner’s sewing machine, plus a few things to consider before choosing one.
1. First of all, there are really only two stitches you will need to get started, straight and in a zigzag fashion, although you can certainly vary the length and width of the two stitches (hence the reason why you will see numbers closer to 12 below patterns, rather than two). Leave the fancy details and advanced points for later, when you have really mastered the basics.
2. Dials and buttons should be easy to read and use so you don’t have to search for the owner’s manual every five minutes. Most of these suggested machines have apps and advice platforms, in addition to the user manual, so you can be confident in your abilities regardless of your learning style.
3. Look for a machine that comes with a variety of presser feet or one for which you can purchase additional presser feet (especially if they don’t need to be the exact same brand to be compatible. ). A presser foot is an accessory that wraps around the needle to keep the fabric flat as it moves through the machine, and different presser feet can make learning new skills easier. (For example, you would use one type of presser foot specifically to add a zipper while you would go for clear plastic for quilting and quilting.)
4. What types of projects do you want to try? Looking to make light curtains, hem jeans or make a quilt? Heavier projects, like sewing a quilt, require heavier machinery, while repairing a kitchen apron doesn’t need as much power. If you plan to use your sewing machine primarily for one task or another, make sure it is compatible with your plans. Fortunately, most of the machines on this list can help you tackle both types of projects.
Other requirements are a brilliant built-in light to illuminate your work surface, a built-in needle threader (important for the visually impaired) and an automatic buttonhole. Buttonholes are notoriously difficult to sew, so go for a machine with a four-step option or, if you’re lucky, a one-step option so you don’t drive yourself crazy working on that little detail.
One of the best things you can do to determine which sewing machine is right for you – based on your skill level, the types of projects you want to attempt, your budget, etc. – is to go to a store and talk to a dealer. or someone with advanced knowledge of all the intricate details of sewing machines for all skill levels. Now let’s move on to our recommendations.
Ideal for children
If you are looking for a beginner’s sewing machine for children, this is a great choice because of its comprehensive safety features. This simple pattern has slow speed and 15 single stitch options, including a four step buttonhole. It’s designed to be portable (weighs 13 pounds), which means you or your child can easily carry it to and from a sewing class. Ask any advanced sewer in your life and they’ll likely list Baby Lock as a respected brand for high-end machines, so you know even beginner models are high quality. Additionally, the Baby Lock website has plenty of instructional videos suitable for each model, if you are more of a visual learner.
Buy it ($ 99)
Simplest settings
One of the best things about the Janome MOD-19 is the crystal clear dials and buttons. They may have a bit of a retro vibe, but they make it incredibly easy to select the settings you want to use. As you might have guessed from the name, this machine has 19 stitch options including stretch stitch settings for knits or spandex. There is also a built-in needle threader, four presser feet, and four-step buttonhole capabilities. It also comes with a 25-year limited warranty so you can enjoy this easy-to-use machine for decades to come (and maybe even pass it on to another newbie, once it’s time for you to. upgrade).
$ 329 on Amazon
Ideal for quilts and thicker materials
Despite the name, the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is suitable for all types of projects, not just quilting or notoriously delicate materials like denim and leather. There are 23 stitches for a variety of fabrics, an upper bobbin, a one-step buttonhole and four presser feet. Although it has the ability to move at very high sewing speeds (great for thicker fabrics), the foot pressure is fully adjustable so you can start off slow before making your way to more delicate projects. .
$ 265 at Amazon
The most portable
Weighing in at just under 11 pounds, this lightweight machine is phenomenal for mastering the basics. The dials are very clearly marked for stitch type, width and length selection, and it’s even capable of reverse sewing (great for professional-looking finishes on seams). There are 13 stitches to choose from, including a four-step buttonhole, and while it’s best for those looking to sew at slower speeds, it has a high-speed ability to tackle projects with canvas or denim. It also comes with four presser feet to get you started.
Buy it ($ 99)
Best computerized option
Computerized sewing machines are almost always more expensive than non-digital versions, but this particular model has a bunch of features that beginners who are really determined to get their money’s worth (or have the cash available to spend) can. really benefit. There are 60 stitches to choose from, including seven different types of one-step buttonholes, and it uses an automatic needle threading system. It also comes with nine presser feet and a host of easy-to-follow threading diagrams to help you out. The machine buttons are very easy to use and the LCD screen used to select the stitches is clear and simple (although some prefer to be able to see all of their options at once, as you would with a dial).
$ 340 at Amazon
Ideal for embroidery
If you want to try your hand at machine embroidery, this is a great place to start. With 27 built-in stitch options and the inclusion of an instructional DVD, you can jump right in and try adding flowers, inspirational phrases, or dirty limericks to your t-shirts. It comes with six presser feet and has an automatic needle threading system, an upper bobbin and, of course, those easy-to-read dials we love so much.
Buy it ($ 233)
Most comprehensive user guide
A threading bobbin makes threading this machine a snap. The speed is adjustable, so you can start really slow and then increase as you get the hang of things. There is also an on / off button so you can stop the machine if you make a mistake and five presser foot options are included. In addition to six one-step buttonhole options, there are 30 stitches (with variations on zig-zag and straight stitches) that you can select with the push of a button and the ability to program the machine to raise the needle. when you stop it or let it down, so you can rotate the fabric you are working on. Plus, with the Singer Sewing Assistant app, you’ll have access to videos and guides on each part of your specific machine (this goes for all Singer machines, by the way).
Buy it ($ 300)
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