Best Sewing Machines for Beginners
Are you looking for an easy-to-use, not too expensive, reliable sewing machine for a beginner sewer? We help you choose the right one for your needs.
Listed below are some recommendations for beginner sewing machines that are not too intimidating for the novice sewer.
Any of these easy to use beginner sewing machines would be great for children, students, beginners, or just the casual sewer. They are good for mending, quilting, everyday sewing projects, and perfect for anyone just learning how to sew. There’s nothing too fancy or complicated about them; even the computerized sewing machines are easy-to-use.
We know how overwhelming and intimidating it can be when contemplating the purchase of a sewing machine, especially when there are so many to choose from. We hope that these recommendations will at least give you some place to start.
We can make no guarantees on any of the following recommended sewing machines. We base our recommendations on the opinions of our readers and online buyer ratings and reviews.
Check Out Our Beginner Sewing Machines Comparison Chart Here
Our Beginner Sewing Machine Recommendations:
The following are some of our recommendations for a few less expensive, easy to use, beginner sewing machines in the $50 – $270 range, sorted from low to high.
We are adding three new beginner sewing machines to the top of this list, the Singer Pixie-Plus Craft Machine and the Janome Sew Mini in three new colors: Beachcomber, Honeycomb, and Merlot.
Singer Pixie-Plus Craft Machine
The Singer Pixie Plus is the craft machine you need for all your crafting, hemming, and mending projects. Small and portable, the Pixie Plus runs on either AC power or four AA batteries (not included).
- Crafting machine with four stitches
- Included accessories
- Sew with either AC power or batteries
- Sews monofilament
- Weighs 5 pounds
- Measures 11 by 5 by 10-1/2 inches
- 110 volt machine designed for United States and Canadian use only
- Includes Foot Pedal
Singer Pixie-Plus Craft Machine – View on Amazon.com
Janome Beach Sew Mini Sewing Machine
The Janome Beach Sew Mini is the same as the Janome Merlot Sew Mini and the Sew Mini below, which is one of the most popular beginner sewing machines. This one is Beachcomber/light blue.
Janome Beach Sew Mini Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Janome Honeycomb Sew Mini Sewing Machine
The Janome Honeycomb Sew Mini is the same as the Sew Mini below, which is one of the most popular beginner sewing machines. This one is honeycomb/yellow.
Janome Honeycomb Sew Mini Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Janome Merlot Sew Mini Sewing Machine
The Janome Merlot Sew Mini is the same as the Sew Mini below, which is one of the most popular beginner sewing machines. This one is Merlot/purple.
Janome Merlot Sew Mini Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Janome Sew Mini Sewing Machine
Small in size. BIG on features!
If you are looking for a toy sewing machine, you are looking at the wrong machine. Sew Mini is made by Janome, the world’s leading manufacturer of home sewing machines. In fact, Sew Mini is made in the same factory as Janome’s larger machines, and incorporates many of the same helpful features. This is the perfect second machine for the experienced user, or a great starter machine for the young enthusiast.
- Top loading bobbin
- 2 stitches
- 4-piece feed dog
- Manual thread
- tension control
- Clip on presser feet
- Push-pull bobbin winder
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Stitch selection dial
- 3 stitch width adjustments
- 5 stitch length adjustments
- Weighs only 5 lbs
- Machine Size W 10.5″ x H 9″ x D 5.8″
- This is not a toy. Recommended for ages 8 to adult.
- Available in 3 great NEW colors: Honeycomb, Beachcomber, and Merlot
Janome Sew Mini Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com!
Michley Lil’ Sew & Sew LSS-505 Combo Mini Sewing Machine, Electrical Scissors and 100-Piece Sewing Kit
Here is another inexpensive sewing machine that sells for under $50.00. This sewing machine is not a toy, and it would make a great first sewing machine for a child, or a good travel machine for small sewing projects and mending.
Product Description:
The LSS-505 from Michley is a multi-purpose sewing machine that features double thread, double speed, 8 built-in stitch patterns, forward and reverse sewing and automatic thread rewind. Sews sleeves and had a built-in sewing light. Use hand switch or foot pedal to start. Drawer, thread cutter, foot pedal, adaptor, and thread bag included. Uses DC 6V power.
LSS-505 Combo Mini Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com!
Brother LS2125I Easy-To-Use Lightweight Basic 10-Stitch Sewing Machine
Brother LS2125i Easy-To-Use Lightweight Basic 10-Stitch Sewing Machine
The Brother LS2125i sewing machine is compact and lightweight, weighing only 15 pounds, with a built-in handle for portability. It has a quick bobbin wind, automatic four-step buttonholer, and tension adjustment dial. It has 10 built-in stitches and 25 stitch functions, including hem, elastic, satin, straight, and zigzag stitching.
Features:
The Brother LS2125i is user-friendly and perfect for basic sewing and mending. It operates with a foot pedal, is user-friendly with quick bobbin wind, tension dial, and snap-on presser feet.
Brother LS2125i – View on Amazon.com!
Janome Portable Sewing Machine
Janome Purple Thunder Portable Sewing Machine
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These models come in six vibrant colors and have many of the same features as full size Janome machines, just in a slightly smaller size. This is a great starter machine for the beginner sewer, and would make a good second machine for the experienced sewer.
Six Color Options
Choose from one of six fun colors: Pink Lightning, Turbo Teal, Buzzin’ Blue, Fastlane Fuchsia, Orange Blaze and Purple Thunder.
Janome Portable Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Brother XM2701 Lightweight, Full-Featured Sewing Machine with 27 Stitches, 1-Step Auto-Size Buttonholer, 6 Sewing Feet, and Instructional DVD
Brother XM2701 27-Stitch Sewing Machine
This is a versatile, lightweight machine that is great for sewing, quilting, and decorating clothing. It operates with a foot pedal, and comes with 27 built-in stitches, a thread cutter, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, six quick-change presser feet, and a one-step automatic buttonholer. This is a great feature, considering most inexpensive machines come with a four-step buttonhole, which requires four steps instead of just one.
Special Features:
- Easy-to-use, value-packed and versatile, perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects
- 27 unique built-in stitches, with 63 stitch functions, including decorative, blind hem, zigzag and stretch stitches
- One-step auto-size buttonholer for virtually perfect buttonholes
- Included are six quick-change sewing feet, with buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, narrow hemmer, blind stitch and button sewing feet
- . Plus, enjoy the ease of sewing cuffs, sleeves and pant legs with the built-in free arm
- Designed for ease of use, the XM2701 comes with a built-in easy needle threader, and brightly lit LED built-in light
- Jam-resistant Quick-Set top drop-in bobbin, and an automatic bobbin winding system.
- Includes instructional DVD, bilingual user manual, 25-year limited warranty and free technical phone and online support for the life of the product.
- Expand your creative potential with this easy to use, versatile machine
Inside the Box:
- XM2701 Sewing Machine, 6 accessory sewing feet (Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button fitting foot, Narrow hemmer foot, Zigzag foot), 3-piece needle set, twin needle, screwdriver, extra spool pin, bobbins (4), darning plate, Power cord, Instructional DVD, English/Spanish operation manual, and 25 year limited warranty
Brother XM2701 27-Stitch Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Singer 2259 Tradition 19-Stitch Sewing Machine
Singer 2259 Tradition 19-Stitch Sewing Machine
Just learning? Just perfect. The Singer 2259 Tradition.
The Singer 2259 Tradition has the features to make starting a new hobby easy. This sewing machines features an automatic four-step buttonhole, easy stitch selection, and snap-on presser feet. Thread the machine quickly and easily. Just follow the arrows on the machine, and you are threaded in a snap.
Nineteen basic, stretch, and decorative built-in stitches provide options for everything from the most basic garment alterations to more elaborate home décor designs.
Singer 2259 Tradition 19-Stitch Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Singer 1507WC Sewing Machine
Singer 1507WC Sewing MachineThe Singer 1507WC is a nice sewing machine for beginners as well. If you are a beginner sewer or are looking for a machine to do some basic mending and sewing, this 8-stitch sewing machine could be the machine you need. The machine features a 4-step buttonhole; 2 needle positions to help get your stitching in just the right spot; an easy bobbin winder; a free arm for sewing those pant legs and sleeves; horizontal threading for smoother stitching; and adjustable presser foot pressure (useful for heavier fabrics). Includes four snap-on presser feet and operates with a foot pedal.
Singer 1507WC Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine with Metal Frame
Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
The Singer 4411 Sewing Machine is a true workhorse. With a heavy-duty metal interior frame, stainless steel bedplate, extra-high sewing speed and powerful motor, the 4411 Heavy Duty can sew through just about anything you throw at it. Convenient features including a top drop-in bobbin, drop feed for free-motion sewing, automatic four-step buttonhole, and adjustable presser foot pressure add a new dimension of ease to heavy-duty sewing.
Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com
CS5055PRW Brother Project Runway Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine
Treat the Designer in you to a range of professional features in the CS5055PRW, a Project Runway™ Limited Edition computerized sewing machine with 50 built-in stitches, including 5 styles of auto-size buttonholes. Use the bright LCD display screen with computerized stitch selection to choose from a range of decorative, quilting or heirloom stitches to embellish your wardrobe. Experience virtually effortless sewing on denim, tweed and other thick fabrics with the exceptional feed system. Complete with an advanced needle threading system that makes threading easy, fast bobbin winding system, Quick-Set™ bobbin and super bright LED-lit work area, the CS5055PRW will help you turn clothing into runway style creations in no time!
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Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine is a quality low level model that is another fantastic buy from Janome. It is lightweight and easy to use, and at the right price. The Janome 2212 features 12 built-in stitches, including four adjustable length stitches, and a four-step buttonholer. Dial pattern selection and stitch width adjustment and length adjustment ensures ease of use. Operates with a foot pedal.
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Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine with 23 Built-In Stitches
The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine has all of the great features of the Singer 4411 and more! It has 23 built-in stitches (including 4 stretch stitches), a fully automatic one-step buttonhole, and automatic needle threader, one of sewing’s biggest timesavers.
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Brother CS6000i Sew Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine
This is our personal favorite. The Brother CS6000i is not only great for beginners, but the avid sewer as well. Don’t let the low price fool you! This lightweight sewing machine is incredible, especially at such a low price for a computerized sewing machine. It has a foot pedal and 1-touch button for start, stop, and reverse stitching; and dual LED light. The one-step buttonhole alone would make this a great choice because most inexpensive machines come with a four-step buttonhole. Not only that, there are seven buttonhole styles to choose from.
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Brother XR9500PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Quilting Machine with Table
Brother XR9500PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine with 100 Built-in Stitches and Quilting Table
With 100 unique built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches, the XR9500PRW Project Runway™ Limited Edition sewing machine is the ideal machine for embellishing virtually everything, from clothing to home décor items, and for creating unique quilt designs. The machine is equipped with a large back-lit LCD screen which enables computerized stitch selection, and a unique flip-stitch guide. Becoming a sewing fashionista has never been easier! Whether you want to use the built-in 55 alphanumeric stitches for lettering or basic monogramming, select one of the 8 styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes or use the oversized wide table to accommodate your larger quilt projects, the XR9500PRW can do it all—and then some! Lightweight and portable, this computerized machine offers a wide range of convenient features. Get started on your runway creation with the XR9500PRW.
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Juki HZL-27Z Sewing Machine
The Juki HZL-27Z is a high quality, light weight, portable sewing machine with 22 stitch patterns and a 4-step buttonhole. Juki Industrial sewing machine technology in every stitch, this sewing machine can handle just about any sewing task. This would make a great starter machine, backup or for travel. This would also make a great gift for yourself or your favorite sewer.
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Check out Best Selling Learn To Sew Books For Kids – Click Here!
Singer 7258 Stylist 100-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine
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The Singer 7258 Stylist 100-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine has many of the same features as a higher priced machine.
Offering 100 built-in stitches, the Singer 7258 Stylist includes a large variety of stitches for all types of sewing, such as fashion sewing, quilting, heirloom, crafts, home and decorative sewing.
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Janome Hello Kitty – Pink
Just the basics! The Hello Kitty 11412 is a great machine for someone who is just starting out, or who wants a machine that can tackle any of their basic sewing needs.
Like the Janome 2212 Same 12-Stitches Sewing Machine
Includes 4 Step Buttonhole, Auto 4mm Stitch Length, up to 5mm Zigzag Stitch, Heavy Duty Metal Casting, 3 Presser Feet, Weighs 13 Lbs, up to 860 SPM Speed
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Janome Hello Kitty
The Janome Hello Kitty 11706. “Sew Pretty, Sew Perfect.” Don’t let the cute design fool you. This adorable sewing machine is a fully functional 3/4-size model that is perfect for the beginning sewist! It offers a free arm and a carry handle for easy portability. This 12-lb. machine offers 11 stitches, including 2 stretch stitches and a built-in buttonhole. Operates with a foot pedal. Standard Janome quality and durability make this the perfect machine for a first-time sewist as a quilting machine to take to classes. There are three models available at Amazon.com:
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| Janome Hello Kitty 11706 Sewing Machine | Janome Hello Kitty 15822 Heavy-duty Sewing Machine | Janome Hello Kitty 18750 Computerized Sewing Machine |
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Singer One Easy-to-Use Computerized Sewing Machine
The Singer One sewing machine features a one-touch automatic needle threader using the SwiftSmart Threading System. The Drop & Sew Bobbin System is a top drop-in bobbin system that doesn’t require you to pick up the bobbin thread for a quick and easy start. The presser foot sensor ensures that your presser foot is in the correct position for sewing, the perfect feature for beginners.
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Best Selling Sewing Machines By Brand
Brother Sewing Machines
Brother – Inspired by Life, Created by You. Affordable and fun to use, Brother machines ignite your creativity and simplify your sewing tasks. From the first-time stitcher to seasoned veteran, Brother has a machine that fits your skill level and your budget. If you’re looking for sewing, look to Brother – Your Total Sewing Solution.
Brother International Corporation has earned its reputation as a leading supplier of innovative products for home sewing and embroidery enthusiasts. The company is recognized for its high-quality, state-of-the-art machines and accessories, offering ease of use and flexibility at affordable prices. Brother is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brother Industries Ltd.
Janome Sewing Machines
In Japanese, the word Janome (pronounced Ja-NO-me) means “eye of the snake.” The company earned the name in the 1920s when founder Yosaku Ose, a pioneer in Japanese sewing manufacturing, began to use a round metal bobbin system instead of the traditional long shuttle. The Japanese thought the new round bobbin looked like a snake’s eye, and from the innovative design, a name was born.
Janome has been leading the industry with such innovation ever since. The company now has sewing divisions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand as well as agents in Africa, Central and South America and throughout the Pacific Rim of Asia. The company’s manufacturing prowess has also made it a world-leader in the production of high precision robots.
Juki Sewing Machines
Juki, manufacturer of home sewing machines since 1947. Juki household sewing machines are simple, fun and creative! Juki values the related concepts of “Mind & Technology” and Juki’s “Customer-Oriented” policy. Together these concepts form the basis of the JUKI brand of today.
Michley Sewing Machines
Michley has been manufacturing home appliances and consumer electronics since 1991. Internationally head quartered in Canton, China, Michley Electronics Inc is located in Silicon Valley, CA.
Singer Sewing Machines
SINGER is sewing made easy.
Singer, best known for over 150 years as an innovative global retailer of sewing products.
Founded in 1851, Singer is one of the world’s leading sellers of consumer and artisan sewing machines, and one of the world’s most trusted and recognizable brands. The company has a long history of innovation, having produced, among other breakthroughs, the world’s first portable machine, the first zigzag machine and the first computer-controlled machine.
By making simple, easy-to-use machines, Singer has provided the gateway to sewing for people around the world. From home décor and clothing construction to embroidery and quilting, Singer is dedicated to helping people express themselves through sewing.
Purchasing Online:
When price matching, always check for bonuses or extras that may be included at no extra charge, or for less than it would cost to purchase accessories separately. Some vendors offer the same merchandise in different combinations or packages (Allbrands is great for this). For example, you might find additional accessories or add-ons at a lower price when purchasing as a bundle. Make sure you take that into consideration when comparing values.
While you won’t receive sewing lessons or personal assistance when buying, the machines cost less and you can save money by purchasing online. Also, take into consideration the cost of shipping. Most online retailers have free shipping on many in-stock items.
You may also find the following posts helpful:
Check out the following links at our parent site, The Right Stitch:
Sewing Machine Recommendation and Reviews:
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- Computerized Sewing Machines
- Industrial Sewing Machines
- Top Embroidery Machines
- Top Sergers/Overlock Sewing Machines
- Top Sewing Machines
Arts, Crafts & Sewing:
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Check out our parent site for more articles, sewing equipment and reviews at The Right Stitch.
Happy Sewing!
