Table of Contents
You can use a Best Sewing Machines to hem new pants, fix small holes or tears, and even make your dream wardrobe. You don’t have to be a skilled sewer to use a sewing machine, though. Whether you like embroidery, quilting, making clothes, or are just starting out and want to learn, the most important question to ask yourself when looking for a sewing machine is, “What is most important to me when I sew?”
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested 13 different sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers to find the best ones on the market. They looked at how easy they were to thread, how well they stitched on different fabrics, what new features they had, and more. We looked at how each machine was put together to make sure they were built to last and easy to use. In addition to lab tests, we looked into the best models and names to find the ones that will work best for you, including the best sewing machines for beginners.
Best Sewing Machines Comparison Table
| Sewing Machine | Type | Stitches | Automatic Needle Threader | Buttonhole Options | Maximum Stitch Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother XR9550 | Computerized | 165 | Yes | 8 | 7mm | $299.99 |
| SINGER M3500 | Mechanical | 34 | Yes | 1-step | 5mm | $199.99 |
| Janome HD1000 | Mechanical | 14 | Yes | 1-step | 5mm | $329.00 |
| Bernette 05 Academy | Mechanical | 23 | No | 1-step | 5mm | $199.99 |
| Usha Janome Dream Stitch | Mechanical | 7 | Yes | 1-step | 5mm | $122.99 |
| KPCB Tech Mini | Mechanical | 12 | Yes | 1-step | 5mm | $39.89 |
| Janome Arctic Crystal | Mechanical | 15 | Yes | 4-step | 5mm | $169.00 |
Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 165 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 10 one-step buttonhole styles |
| Needle threader | Advanced needle threader |
| LCD Screen | Large, backlit LCD display |
| Drop feed | Yes |
| Sewing Feet | 8 included sewing feet |
One GH Textiles analyst has used this standard Brother model at home for more than five years to sew clothes and craft projects. This Best Sewing Machines is easy to use like a machine for beginners and has great features like a clear LCD screen, needle up/down, and speed control. It has a bigger table for quilting and sewing jobs that are bigger.
Analysts at GH found that this machine worked well with a wide range of fabrics, such as jeans and upholstery fabric. It also has an automatic needle threader that is easy to use. Analysts at GH say that when you sew, you should always use the spool cap to keep the thread from coming off.
The Good
- Lots of stitches already built in
- Better needle threader to make threading easier
- Backlit LCD screen so you can see it better
- Drop feed to quilt and sew free-motion.
- Includes 8 sewing feet.
The Bad
- Compared to other models, the price may be higher.
- The machine might be bigger and heavier than other models, which would make it harder to move.
SINGER M3500 Sewing Machine With Accessory Kit
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 750 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 34 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 1 one-step buttonhole style |
| Needle threader | Built-in needle threader |
| LCD Screen | No |
| Drop feed | No |
| Sewing Feet | 6 included sewing feet |
This sewing machine might be the Best Sewing Machines if you want something easy for a beginner to use and affordable. This small but powerful sewing machine costs less than $200 and is great for small areas. The automatic needle threader was easy to use and could thread your needle in a few simple steps.
Analysts at GH were surprised by how well this machine worked with different fabrics, like wool and cotton jersey. Only delicate fabrics, like silk chiffon, were hard for it to handle. During testing, we did notice that the one-step opening wasn’t quite smooth and got stuck a few times, but after rethreading, it worked fine. This simple machine is great for helping to finish the edges of new clothes and fix small tears and holes.
The Good
- Affordable price point
- Built-in needle threader that is easy to use
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Six sewing feet are included.
The Bad
- Few built-in stitches to choose from
- There is no drop feed or free-motion sewing.
- No LCD screen to choose stitches or make changes
Janome HD1000 Black Sewing Machine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 840 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 14 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 4-step buttonhole |
| Needle threader | Built-in needle threader |
| LCD Screen | No |
| Drop feed | Yes |
| Sewing Feet | 4 included sewing feet |
This straightforward yet robust sewing machine from Janome is Best Sewing Machines option for seamstresses of all stripes. The construction of the Janome HD1000 is made of aluminum, which graphic designer and home sewer Tracy Ma described as being “incredibly hard-wearing.” This construction distinguishes the Janome HD1000 apart from other machines that are priced similarly. The body of most current sewing machines are made of plastic, which allows for easier portability but also has the potential to make a less expensive machine feel flimsy or wobbly.
A considerable amount of force and oscillation is concentrated in a very small area by sewing machines; a machine made of metal has the appearance of being better able to contain the horsepower that is generated. I agree with Taubensee that there is something about sewing on a metal machine that just feels nice, and she claims that current plastic machines make her feel like a bad sewer, even if this is not the truth. Taubensee is a supporter of metal machines. “I avoid using modern plastic machines since they make me feel like a bad sewer (which is not the case),” she says.
The Good
- Heavy-duty construction that will last
- Drop feed to quilt and sew free-motion.
- Needle threader built in to make threading easier
- For beginners, the design is simple and easy to understand.
The Bad
- Few built-in stitches to choose from
- No LCD screen to choose stitches or make changes
Bernette 05 Academy
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 820 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 23 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 1 four-step buttonhole |
| Needle threader | Built-in needle threader |
| LCD Screen | No |
| Drop feed | No |
| Sewing Feet | 4 included sewing feet |
Zilberman loves the Swiss brand Bernina’s Bernette 05 Academy model, which she says is great for “any beginner or person who doesn’t want to be too fussy or precious about their sewing.” She says it’s been especially helpful as her family has become “more nomadic”: “I’ve been able to take my Bernette with me wherever we’ve gone because it comes with a cute-as-a-button rolling suitcase” and weighs about 15 pounds.
She also likes that it is portable and has a simple layout and design. She says, “I can sew in the middle of the living room while my family is watching a movie because it barely makes a sound.” (Content creator Wendy Liu also suggests the brand’s similar 35 model for people who are just starting out with sewing.)
The Good
- A computerized sewing machine with a price that doesn’t break the bank
- Built-in needle threader that is easy to use
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- There are 23 built-in stitches for sewing projects of all kinds.
The Bad
- There is no drop feed or free-motion sewing.
- No LCD screen to choose stitches or make changes
Usha Janome Dream Stitch Automatic Zig-Zag Electric Sewing Machine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 550 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 7 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 1 four-step buttonhole |
| Needle threader | Manual needle threader |
| LCD Screen | No |
| Drop feed | No |
| Sewing Feet | 4 included sewing feet |
The Usha Janome Dream Stitch fits in your pocket, is small, and is easy to use because it has features that make it easy for anyone to use. The machine has a motor built in, a foot lift for extra pressure, seven artistic stitches built in, and seven ways to use those stitches. It also has a sewing light that lets you see well when you’re sewing in a dark room.
Also, it has a compact free arm, a dial pad stitch pattern selector, a thread guide, and an automatic bobbin winder to make your job easier. You can expect 550 SPM, which is good enough to impress anyone. Usha’s high name reputation and good after-sales service make it the best sewing machine for tailoring. It will also help you get out of a rut.
The Good
- Simple sewing machines can be bought for a low price.
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- For beginners, the design is simple and easy to understand.
- Includes 4 sewing feet
The Bad
- Few built-in stitches to choose from
- There is no automatic needle threader.
KPCB Tech Sewing Machine Mini with Extension Table and Sewing Kit
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 350 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 12 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 1 four-step buttonhole |
| Needle threader | Manual needle threader |
| LCD Screen | No |
| Drop feed | No |
| Sewing Feet | 4 included sewing feet |
This sewing machine is a great choice for people who want something small and portable. This great little sewing machine comes with a sewing kit and an extension table. It’s great for small jobs and sewing at home.
The small size and built-in light make it very easy to carry around. The double-thread stitching is a nice touch, and the button that lets you choose between low and fast speed is a great safety feature. This is a great machine for someone just starting out.
The Good
- The design is small and portable, making it perfect for small spaces or travel
- Simple sewing machines can be bought for a low price.
- Easy to carry and not too heavy
- For beginners, the design is simple and easy to understand.
The Bad
- Few built-in stitches to choose from
- There is no auto-threader or LCD screen.
Janome Arctic Crystal
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 650 stitches per minute |
| Stitches | 15 built-in stitches |
| Buttonhole styles | 4 one-step buttonhole styles |
| Needle threader | Built-in needle threader |
| LCD Screen | No |
| Drop feed | No |
| Sewing Feet | 4 included sewing feet |
The Janome Arctic Crystal (known in the UK as the Janome 219S or the John Lewis JL110) is a great choice if you want a good sewing machine for beginners or just a good sewing machine for your home. This sewing machine sells for less than $140 or £150, and it’s a great deal. You can also choose from three bright colors.
The Janome Arctic Crystal is a great machine for fixing clothes and other things. It has 14 stitches, a keyhole with four steps, and a darning plate. The Janome Arctic Crystal is easy to put away and set up because it is small, light, and simple.
The Good
- A computerized sewing machine with a price that doesn’t break the bank
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- There are 15 built-in stitches for a wide range of projects.
- Built-in needle threader that is easy to use
- Includes 4 sewing feet
The Bad
- No LCD screen to choose stitches or make changes
- There is no drop feed or free-motion sewing.
FAQs
A: The features to consider when choosing a sewing machine include the type of machine (mechanical, electronic, or computerized), the number of stitches available, the size and type of machine, the needle positioning, the speed control, and the buttonhole options.
A: A mechanical sewing machine is operated manually with a foot pedal and has basic features. An electronic sewing machine has more features and is operated with buttons instead of a foot pedal. A computerized sewing machine is the most advanced and has the ability to program stitches and patterns.
A: Some popular brands of sewing machines include Singer, Brother, Janome, Juki, and Bernina.