When you enter the sewing world, you are bound to be a little bit overwhelmed. We created this website to help beginners, like you, navigate all the ins and outs of sewing in this one website. For some, an intimidating area when it comes to sewing is sewing machines. Researching sewing machines, understanding how to navigate the sewing machine, and operate it, is a lot to take in. Especially for someone that has never used a sewing machine before in their life, it can all be a bit overwhelming.
There are some sewing machines that are beginner-friendly and others that we recommend you avoid. Some machines are stated as beginner-friendly sewing machines, while most aren’t. Just because they don’t say beginner-friendly, doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of learning how to operate the machine. That being said, there are a few things you should look for to determine whether the machine is beginner-friendly or not.
High-speed stitching sewing machines like a heavy-duty sewing machine is probably not the most beginner-friendly option out there. When you’re starting to learn how to operate the machine, sewing at high speeds may be difficult to control your stitches and therefore cause a lot of issues in your sewing projects.
Functions and features are great and luckily a lot of sewing machines have tons of them. However, if you’re first starting out, you should ask yourself to do you really need all these functions? When sewing machines have more functions, they tend to be more complex and complicated to operate.
Some beginner sewers are looking to grow their sewing abilities and tackle the most complicated quilting and upholstery projects there are. Others may just be interested in learning how to patch up the hole in their jeans or create an apron. Asking yourself what your intentions are and your sewing goals will help decide if you would like a machine with the ability to adjust to you and your sewing skill overtime or something that is simple and standard like a mechanical sewing machine. Being realistic with your intentions is great to help you determine how much you would like to spend on your beginner sewing machine. If it’s something you want to keep forever, you may want to spend more rather than if you plan on outgrowing it in the near future.
Especially for a beginner, all of this can be a lot to take in. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the Best Beginner Sewing Machines at all price-points and with a wide variety of features. This way, you are able to truly find the best sewing machine for you.
Best Beginner Sewing Machines
10. Consew 9036
This Consew 9036 is your everyday, standard sewing machine model with a few extras. Although it’s not specifically designed for beginners, it’s a beginner-friendly model with standard functions and a durable body.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
750 Stitches Per Minute | Somewhat Limited |
Beginner-Friendly | |
Affordable |
Our Rating:
3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.59. Bernette Funlock 44
This Bernette Funlock 44 sewing machine is designed to be a low-cost overlocker for beginners and it accomplishes just that. This sewing machine is the perfect introduction to overlocker or serger sewing machines with all the necessary functions and features you need when serging, but without the complications that can overwhelm a lot of beginners.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Low-Cost | A Little Limited |
Ideal for Beginners | |
1,300 Stitches Per Minute |
Our Rating:
3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
8. Singer 7258 Computerized Sewing Machine
This sewing machine from Singer is a great, all-around sewing machine. It’s incredibly durable as you would expect from a Singer machine, comes with additional features and built-in stitches for convenience, and customizing it is incredibly easy with just a push of a button.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
100 Built-In Stitches | Pricey |
Easy to Use | |
25 Year Warranty |
Our Rating:
3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.57. Singer Start 1304 Beginner Sewing Machine
We’ve reviewed quite a lot of sewing machines geared towards beginners. However, the Singer Start 1304 has to be one of the most basic, beginner sewing machines out there. It has a very simple, yet reliable design and some additional features to help make navigating the sewing machine a little bit less stressful.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Basic Design | Limited Design |
Designed for Beginners | 110 Volt Only |
Affordable Price |
Our Rating:
4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
6. Brother SE600
This Brother machine stands out from the rest with its advanced computerized system and premium features, such as their USB port to download additional designs, that is typically not found in any other model. It’s a great machine for a beginner who is looking for a machine that will grow right alongside them.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
USB Port to Download Designs | Not as Many Built-In Stitches as Others |
Built-in Embroidery Designs | |
Automatic Needle Threader | |
LCD Color Touch Screen |
Our Rating:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.55. Brother XR9550PRW Computerized Sewing Machine
Beginner sewing machines are sometimes…just clearly for beginners and easily outgrown. This Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine was meant for beginners that are looking to grow with their sewing skills. Since it’s a computerized sewing machine, it has a lot of basic and decorative stitches to choose from.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Brother F.A.S.T. Threading System | Some Beginners Find It Difficult |
Wide LCD Screen | |
Great for Beginners Wanting to Learn |
Our Rating:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
4. Juki MO654DE Portable Machine
Serger machines are extremely popular for sewing perfect hems and seams. With their precision, their features can be more difficult, especially for beginner sewers. This entry-level Juki portable serger sewing machine is perfect for travel and for new serger sewer.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
1,500 Stitches Per Minute | Entry-Level Machine |
Safety Feature | |
Portable Design |
Our Rating:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
3. Bernette 33
If you’re a beginner and looking for a mid-range beginner sewing machine, this Bernette 33 is a fantastic option. It has an easy to navigate Swiss design body and some added features that every beginner sewer is looking for like a semi-automatic needle threader and built-in stitches and buttonholes.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Affordable | A Little Limited |
Ideal for Beginners | |
Easy to Use |
Our Rating:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.52. Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist
If your budget is $300 and under for your next sewing machine, look no further than the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine. This machine has over 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon and we’re not surprised. It is honestly an amazing sewing machine that can sew just about anything.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Under $300 | Some Difficulty with Operations |
600 Built-In Stitches | |
Quality Built | |
Accessories Included |
Our Rating:
5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.01. Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
You can’t really go wrong with either the Singer 4423 or the Singer 4452. Both are incredibly similar, high performing, heavy-duty sewing machines that can handle just about any size project you throw at it. At a reasonable price, this sewing machine is stronger than most others, comes with a large number of accessories, and is extremely durable.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
60% Stronger Motor | Fewer Stitches Than Comparable Model |
Best Selling Sewing Machine | |
Many Accessories Included | |
Heavy-Duty |
Our Rating:
5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0