Knowing how to sew is an amazing skill to have. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need the fanciest top-of-the-line sewing machine with all the bells and whistles. The best beginner sewing machine will do the job.
The best sewing machines for beginners are super easy to use, last a long time, and provide high quality stitches – all without breaking the bank!
When browsing for a beginner sewing machine, you’ll see many sewing machines that claim they’re for beginners. However, they’re not. So how do you know which sewing machines are really for beginners?
We’re here to help. We’ve reviewed dozens of sewing machines to find the absolute best for beginners. All the below picks have great performance, are easy to use, and have great reviews.
Best Beginner Sewing Machines
Here’s more info on our picks for the best sewing machines for beginners:
1. Singer 7258 Computerized Sewing Machine
The Singer 7258 is the best overall sewing machine for beginners. Not only is it easy to get started with, but it can also handle more advanced sewing projects. You won’t need to replace it as you get better!
Forget wasting time and energy threading your machine, the Singer 7258 has an easy top drop in bobbin that makes threading your machine a breeze. You’ll also be able to adjust the speed so it won’t go too fast. If you make a mistake, there’s a start/stop button that will disengage the machine.
As you get better at sewing, the Singer 7258 comes with 100 stitch options, 6 buttonhole options, and an automatic needle threader. It can even quilt thanks to the programmable needle up/down. One small thing is you’ll have to adjust the tension to your liking. But this isn’t hard – you’ll figure it out quickly.
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2. Brother CS7000i Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother CS7000i is the most popular beginner sewing machine on Amazon. Why? Because it’s easy to start using and comes with a ton of features for when you get more advanced.
It can handle most kinds of sewing and quilting projects – even some heavy duty use.
When you’re first starting to sew, you probably don’t have many accessories. Lucky for you, the Brother CS7000i comes with plenty of them – including 10 presser feet, a detachable wide table, and a hard-protective case.
The LCD screen makes it simple to select any of the 70 stitches. It includes great beginner features, such as automatic needle threading, bobbin winding diagrams, and adjustable speed.
We recommend this one if you’re going to be working mostly with lighter fabrics.
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3. Singer 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
If you’re looking to start quilting, you’ll need the best beginner sewing machine for quilting. The Singer 9960 is perfect for you. Over 60 of the 600 stitches are specifically designed for quilting.
Everything about the Singer 9960 is easy to use. There’s a reverse button that makes backstitching easy to do. The start/stop button allows you to have more control over the machine – which is very valuable when starting out. You can also tie off the end of the thread with the convenient locking stitch button.
The feed is adjustable, making it the best beginner sewing machine for free motion quilting. It also includes several feet and a handy removable table for tackling bigger projects.
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4. KPCB Mini Sewing Machine
If you want the simplest, streamlined beginner sewing machine, then you’ve found it in the KPCB Mini Sewing Machine. This beginner mini sewing machine costs under $30 and weighs less than 3 pounds.
It’s a simple one-stitch sewing machine that comes with the basics. It features a removable extension table, built-in lamp, and a side thread cutter. It’s perfect for simple, small sewing projects.
You can even take it with you on the go. It is powered by a battery power supply. To reiterate – it’s a very basic beginner sewing machine. If you want to do anything more than a simple single stitch, you should look at other models.
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5. Brother SE600 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE600 is the best embroidery machine for beginners. It’s also insanely popular and affordable. The 4” x 4” embroidery field includes an embroidery arm, foot, and loot. The LCD display lets you easily change thread color and other adjustments. It even shows you all the designs it can do.
It comes with 80 embroidery designs and 103 stitches. You also have the option of uploading your own stitches via the USB port. Brother’s website has thousands of additional stitch options to choose from.
The Brother SE600 is also a fantastic beginner sewing machine when you remove the embroidery arm. Other great features include an LED lit work area, drop in bobbin, free arm, and automatic needle threader.
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6. Janome 011 Basic Sewing Machine
The Janome 011 is the best beginner sewing machine for kids. It’s super simple and safe to use. It comes with a finger guard that prevents your child from getting hurt.
Janome is one of the premier sewing machine manufacturers. It comes with 10 stitch options and is offered in 8 different colors. Your child is sure to love it.
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7. Brother XR9550PRW Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother XR9550PRW is the best beginner sewing machine for making clothes. You’ll be able to sew a wide variety of fabrics into clothing thanks to the numerous capabilities of this machine. It has many features that are excellent for beginners, such as the drop-in bobbin, LCD screen, automatic needle threader, and adjustable stitch speed.
As you advance, you can make good use of the 8 sewing feet, many one-step buttonholes, and wide table. This is a heavy-duty machine that can handle thicker fabrics.
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8. Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine
The Singer Start 1304 is the best basic sewing machine for beginners. It has a durable, yet simple design that’s capable of both small and large projects. There are 6 stitches, including the coveted zig zag stitch.
The Singer Start 1304 can use a twin needle and easily make button holes. Three presser feet are included. It’s under $100 and will easily handle most of your beginner sewing projects.
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9. Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
The Singer 4423 is the best heavy duty sewing machine for beginners. In fact, it’s one of the most popular sewing machines on Amazon. Why? Because it can easily handle sewing heavier fabrics such as leather and denim. The powerful motor can pump out up to 1,100 stitches per minute while easily handling thick seams.
There are 23 different stitches and several buttonhole options. Don’t be overwhelmed by the heavy-duty tag – it’s easy to use. If you plan on making thicker items such as jeans or upholstery, the Singer 4423 is a good option for you.
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10. JUKI MO654DE Portal Thread Serger Sewing Machine
The Juki MO654DE is the best serger sewing machine for beginners. Sewing will take you near the completion line, but a serger will bring you home. It works by cutting a super clean fabric edge. It then prevents frays by wrapping the raw edge with threads. The finished product will look extremely professional.
The Juki MO654DE is great for beginners because it’s easy to use and comes with plenty of features for advanced serging. It has the usual 2/3/4 threading options, in addition to the automatic rolled hem and finished edge capabilities. Once you get going, this powerful machine can handle up to 1,500 stitches per minute.
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How We Chose the Best Sewing Machines for Beginners
Our beginner sewing machine reviews were based on a few criteria:
- Brand – we tried to stick to popular, established brands such as Brother, Janome, Juki, and Singer. These are the 4 biggest brands in sewing. Their machines are reliable, durable, and affordable.
- Stitching options – we wanted sewing machines that will grow with you as you transition from a beginner to an expert. The more the merrier – both in quantity and variety.
- Ease of use – As a beginner, you’re going to want a sewing machine that’s easy to use. All of the sewing machines we reviewed were simple to operate. Most had an LCD display for easy option choosing and could be threaded within a few seconds.
- Weight – Sewing classes are a great way to learn. We wanted your beginner sewing machine to be portable.
We hope you found our best beginner sewing machine review guide to be useful.