Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
When you are learning to sew it is important to have the right sewing machine. Learning to sew in a machine that is unsuitable will not help you improve your techniques and will end up doing more harm than good.
A sewing machine needs to have the right features, a foot pedal if you need one, and has to be of the right weight so that you can handle it.
Having proper control over the machine as a beginner will help you tackle even your most ambitious sewing project.
The sections below will help you understand what kind of sewing machine you need and you can choose one from the options given here.
5 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners
Many brands manufacture sewing machines with simpler features that can be operated without too much trouble.
But as a beginner, you should be cautious about which sewing machine you are choosing.
Even if they claim to be user-friendly, not all machines available are convenient and efficient.
Following are 5 of the best sewing machine and you will easily find a suitable one from this list.
Brother CS7000i, 70 Built-in Stitches 2.0″ LCD Display, Wide Table
If you are a beginner then you will want a sewing machine that has convenient features and is reasonably priced.
The Brother Quilting Machine, CS7000i, checks all the right boxes.
It is very easy to operate and has a ton of built-in stitches which include quilting stitches, decorative stitches as well as buttonholes, and one-step stitches.
The sewing machine is also quite lightweight. If you are not too experienced, then it will be difficult to operate a heavy machine. But with this one, you do not need to worry.
The package includes all necessary accessories. It comes with 10 presser feet; blind stitch, monogramming, buttonhole, zipper, spring action quilting, zigzag, piecing, walking, overcasting as well as button sewing feet.
There is also a quilting guide included so that you do not have any trouble stitching your first quilt.
To make this even easier, the sewing machine comes with a wide table to accommodate large pieces of cloth and it can be detached when it is not being used.
Important Features:
The features of this sewing machine are given below.
Automatic Needle Threader: The lever attached to the side of the sewing machine when pushed activates the threader and the thread automatically goes through the needle.
LCD Display: The built-in, backlit LCD display clearly shows all necessary details.
Drop-in Top Bobbin: The drop-in top bobbin of the sewing machine does not get jammed, even with frequent use.
Protective Case: The sewing machine has a hard protective case where it can be safely stored when not in use.
Pros
- The machine can be easily started with the push of a button.
- The speed of the needle can be controlled and adjusted.
- There are 70 stitches available.
- The machine is of a convenient size and therefore, quite portable.
- The instructions manual is included in the package.
- Does not make too much noise.
Cons
- It might be difficult to get the tension of the thread right.
- The needle position is not adjustable.
- The throat space is small.
Brother CS6000i, 60 Built-in Stitches, 2.0″ LCD Display, Wide Table, 9 Included Sewing Feet
The Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i, is very easy to use and comes loaded with really user-friendly features.
With 7 different styles of one-step buttonholes, and decorative stitches as well as 9 sewing feet which include overcasting, walking, monogramming, buttonholes, zigzag, zipper, button fitting, spring action quilting foot, and blind stitch, this sewing machine is ideal for a beginner.
It will help you get all your quilting and sewing projects done within a very short period of time.
Being of a convenient size and weight, you can carry it from one room to another with ease.
The hard, protective case included in the package will prevent damage and keep your machine secure when not in use.
The LCD display offers enough light for you to work at night or with dark fabrics.
There is also a free arm that is built into the machine and you can use this to sew sleeves or pant legs easily.
Important Features:
Listed below are the features of this sewing machine.
Automatic Needle Threader: The automatic needle threader pushed the thread through the needle easily, when activated with a lever.
Drop-in Top Bobbin: The drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant and quite convenient for smooth, regular stitching.
Wide Table: A wide, detachable table is included with the sewing machine and can be used when stitching large fabrics, especially for quilts.
LCD Display: The LCD display is backlit and provides all details so that you are clear about what kind of stitches the machine is doing.
Pros
- Comes with a sturdy, protective case.
- Can be operated very easily.
- The machine is durable and portable.
- The machine has an in-built speed adjustment system.
- Instructions manual as well as an instructional DVD are included.
Cons
- Cannot be used with less than 120V AC, even with a voltage adapter.
- The warranty covers a limited number of parts.
- The thread tension is difficult to adjust.
Brother HC1850, 185 Built-in Stitches LCD Display, 8 Included Sewing Feet
Like many other sewing machines by this brand, this one too is a great option for beginners.
Its automatic needle threader is excellent and pulls the thread through the needle easily.
If you are someone who would prefer to use a foot pedal for control, then this definitely is the sewing machine for you.
It comes with a detachable foot pedal.
You can attach it whenever you want and remove it to make space when not in use.
Since the machine handles quilting quite well, it comes with a wide, removable table.
This table adds extra space to your work and is quite convenient when you are stitching a large quilt.
It is easy to carry the machine around as it is quite lightweight, but that does not mean that it is flimsy.
The machine is in fact, very sturdy and durable.
The presser feet consist of the zigzag, zipper, button sewing foot, overcasting, quilting foot, buttonhole, monogramming, and blind stitch.
There is also a built-in monogramming font that has numbers from 0 to 9 and letters from A to Z.
You can easily have your own customized monogram.
Important Features:
The features of the Brother Quilting Machine, HC1850 are given below.
Adjustable Sewing Speed: The sewing speed can be controlled and adjusted whenever necessary.
LED-Lit Workspace: The working area of the sewing machine is brightly lit with an LED light and you can easily see small stitches on dark fabrics.
Quick Set Bobbin: The bobbin, when dropped, automatically pulls the thread through the slot and starts stitching very quickly.
LCD Display: The LCD display is very large and clearly shows your selection of stitches.
Pros
- It just takes the push of a button to the bobbin winding.
- The machine is equipped with a foot pedal.
- A drop feed is available for free-motion quilting.
- The feed system of the machine allows stitches on a wide range of fabrics.
- A sleeve arm is included to help stitch sleeves or pant legs.
- Has a wide range of built-in stitches.
Cons
- This sewing machine does not work well on heavy or thick fabrics.
- Might start skipping stitches after long-term use.
- Will not work with less than 120V AC.
SINGER 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Easy Sewing Machine
If you are looking for a machine that is an all-rounder and will be able to perform most stitches with ease, then this one will be a great choice.
The all-purpose foot on the sewing machine will help you complete most of your sewing projects but it also comes equipped with a zipper foot and buttonhole foot which can also be used to make slots for ribbons.
There are 100 different stitches built-in and this is what makes the machine a really versatile one.
These stitches include 9 basic stitches, built-in buttonholes, 8 stretch stitches, and 76 different decorative stitches.
The sewing machine comes with additional storage space so that you do not have to constantly move your fabrics around when you are not working.
The machine allows you to stay in control and choose what kind of stitches you want.
It is a great device to practice on, especially as a beginner.
Important Features:
Following are the features of the Singer 7258 sewing machine.
Built-in Needle Threader: The built-in needle threader threads very fast and can save a lot of time when you are sewing.
Stitch Selection: The stitches can be selected before starting and the length and width of the stitches can also be determined so that nothing goes wrong during sewing.
Top Drop-in Bobbin System: The bobbin is loaded from the top and has a clear cover to keep track of its thread supply.
LED-Lit Workspace: The workspace of this sewing machine is brightly illuminated with an LED light and you can easily stitch dark fabrics.
Pros
- There are 6 built-in one-step buttonholes.
- The needle can be programmed to stay up or drop down when the machine stops.
- There is an auto tie-off option for straight stitches.
- The machine has 6 segments in the feeding system.
- The sewing speed can be easily controlled.
- The machine is quite durable.
Cons
- Does not work well on heavy fabrics.
- Stops sewing in the middle of completing a stitch when used frequently for a long time.
- Does not have extra space for quilting or stitching large fabrics.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
Singer’s machines are extremely reliable and the Heavy Duty 4423 will suit all beginners.
This machine is especially great for those who wish to learn sewing and then move on to larger and more complicated sewing projects.
The machine works very fast and can work on most heavy-duty fabrics.
The speed of the machine is due to its powerful motor. This machine is built to last a long time.
Its heavy-duty frame, which is made out of metal, makes it much more durable than other similar devices in the market.
However, the metal frame does not make the sewing machine very heavy.
It is actually lightweight and portable.
The sewing machine comes with several accessories, including an all-purpose foot, auxiliary spool pin, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, spool pin, and button sewing pin.
There are extra bobbins provided along with needles, a lint brush, and a guide to quilting.
A cover is also provided so that your machine stays clean and dust-free.
Important Features:
The features of this machine are discussed below.
Adjustable Presser: The foot pressure can be adjusted with the presser depending on the stitches you want and the fabric you are using.
Built-in Needle Threader: The built-in needle threader threads within seconds and saves a lot of time while sewing.
Automatic Reverse: This function allows the machine to automatically reverse a stitch and reinforce it.
Top Drop-in Bobbin: The top drop-in bobbin is easy to place and then withdraw and its clear cover helps check on the thread supply.
Pros
- Can be operated and controlled easily in spite of being heavy duty.
- The machine can sew 1100 stitches in one minute.
- The Singer Sewing Assistant App included in the purchase provides tutorials and relevant details.
- The stitch length can be easily adjusted.
- The machine is equipped with an automatic 1-step buttonhole.
- There are 3 different needle positions.
Cons
- The foot pedal is not easy to control.
- Does not work well with heavy canvas material or leather despite being a heavy-duty machine.
- Metal bobbins cannot be used.
Buying guide
As a beginner, you might not know exactly what features to look for in a sewing machine.
You can be confused when you see the wide range of machines available.
But the factors given below will help you make the right choice when you go to buy your sewing machine.
Ergonomic Design:
A good sewing machine should be ergonomic so that it is easy to operate.
The foot pedal should respond to pressure and work well even when used for a long time.
If it jams while stitching large pieces of fabric then your whole work might be ruined.
A sewing machine that does not have an ergonomic design will also be inconvenient for heavy-duty sewing or long hours.
You will be tired of using it, especially if you are exerting more pressure than necessary.
Speed:
Modern sewing machines are supposed to make your work easier and therefore doped is an important factor.
The more stitches the machine gets done in a minute, the more efficient it is.
Weight of the machine:
The sewing should not be too heavy.
A lightweight sewing machine is easier to store and carry, even if that is from the cupboard to the table.
Lightweight sewing machines are also much more portable.
However, this does not mean that the machine will be made out of flimsy, low-quality materials.
It needs to be durable as well, but without weighing too much.
Automatic Buttonholer:
The automatic buttonholer helps stitch buttonholes in just one step. You will not have to fold the fabric or do anything else.
The machine will take care of it and you will have neat buttonholes within seconds.
Position of the Needle:
This function of sewing machines allows you to control the needle and move it from right to left or up and down.
Adjusting the needle position also HP’s makes sure that a stitch is not missed.
Needle Threader:
The automatic needle threader pulls the thread through the needle on its own.
You do not have to do it manually and this saves a lot of time.
Feed-Dog Adjustment:
If you want to do embroidery or darning then you will need this feature.
Not all machines come with a feed-dog adjustment and will not be able to deliver good embroidery stitches.
Control:
You should have complete control over your sewing machine.
If it has an LCD screen then that should display all preselected stitches and necessary details.
The machine needs to be of a convenient size and shape so that you can easily control it.
Tension Adjustment:
The tension of the thread should be easily adjusted.
This is important because the fabric might be affected if the stitches are too tight and if they are loose then they will simply not hold.
Presser Feet:
The more presser feet a sewing machine, the more versatile it is.
Usually, most sewing machines come with a buttonhole foot, zipper, zigzag, or multi-purpose foot.
If the presser foot is adjustable, it allows cleaner stitches without pulling or stretching the fabric.
Stitches:
Modern sewing machines come with a number of in-built stitches.
A good sewing machine should have decorative stitches, straight stitches, and zigzag stitches as well as several other types.
Power Switch:
The power switch is a safety precaution. It makes sure that electricity is not flowing even if the machine is plugged in.
If the sewing machine you want to buy does not have a power switch then you will have to make sure that you always unplug it after use or plug it in a safety strip.
Top-Load Bobbin:
The bobbin should be easy to insert and remove.
In modern sewing machines, the bobbin is loaded from the top and comes with a clear cover that allows you to see how much thread is left.
FAQs
You will probably have a few doubts regarding the sewing machines available nowadays.
The answers to the following questions will help you clear those doubts.
What accessories should a sewing machine have?
The accessories that a sewing machine must have included an automatic needle threader, an automatic buttonholer, an adjustable pressure foot, an automatic thread cutter, a top load bobbin, as well as a bobbin thread lift.
The sewing machine should also have a needle position adjustment.
If you are buying a high-end, good-quality sewing machine then you will find that most of them come with a knee lift.
Does a sewing machine consume too much power?
A sewing machine does not consume too much power. If you compare a sewing machine to other home appliances then you will find that it consumes the least amount of electricity. Most sewing machines require about 40 Watts to 70 Watts of power for the motor to run.
Does a sewing machine require regular maintenance and cleaning?
A sewing machine does require regular maintenance and it has to be cleaned properly. If you are using fabrics like cotton then a lot of lint or threads might accumulate.
If you do not clean it, then this can cause the machine to get jammed.
The machine should also be oiled or lubricated so that it works smoothly.
Buying the right sewing machine is not that difficult.
You might think that there are too many options, but you can definitely shorten your lists once you know what you are looking for.
Compare different sewing machines and look through the features that they are offering.
You will soon be able to find one with all the right features at an affordable rate.