The Best Beginner Sewing Machine
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Our Picks For The Top Beginner Sewing Machines
- 1. Best Choice Products Automatic Beginner Sewing Machine, 42-Piece
- 2. KPCB Compact Rewinding Pole Beginner Sewing Machine
- 3. Brother XM2701 Treadle Powered Lightweight Beginner Sewing Machine
- 4. Magicfly Battery Powered Mini Beginner Sewing Machine
- 5. SINGER Tradition 2277 Embroidery Beginner Sewing Machine
- 6. Brother CS6000i Wide Table Beginner Sewing & Quilting Machine
- 7. NEX Winding & Reverse Function Beginner Sewing Machine
Bobbins, spools, a spare needle and needle threader are just a few of the extras you'll get when you go with this beginner sewing machine. The kit also comes with a measuring tape, scissors and a thimble. The machine itself has an abundance of features, such as 12 stitching patterns, a built-in carry handle and a handy storage compartment.
Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this beginner sewing machine comes in a choice of teal, pink and gray.
Since this beginner sewing machine is compact, you'll be able to take it to grandma's for a sewing lesson. It's made with a rewinding pole and can sew up to five layers of fabric without issue. As an added bonus, the machine comes with a 42-piece sewing kit to get you started.
Travel-Friendly OptionYou can power this beginner sewing machine using batteries or with the provided adapter.
This beginner sewing machine can tackle any project you throw at it, from simple alterations to intricate arts and crafts projects. With this sewing machine, you'll get 27 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, free arm option and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. You also get six sewing feet, a three-piece needle set, four bobbins and an ...
Great Features Useful highlights include 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.
Whether you're looking to teach your daughter how to sew, or you simply want to learn yourself, this beginner sewing machine is an excellent choice. It has an affordable price tag and comes in a choice of blue or purple and white. A 42-piece sewing accessory kit is included with the machine, which means you'll be able to create your first project a...
Budget-Friendly PriceThis beginner sewing machine offers two speeds and features both an extension table and a built-in light.
Buying Guide
The ability to create and mend clothing, accessories, household décor and more using a sewing machine is a priceless skill and hobby. For shoppers who are hunting for a beginner sewing machine to kickstart their hobby or introduce the craft to a loved one, there are myriad products to consider, from basic options equipped with one stitch to machines loaded with oodles of bells and whistles.
Which beginner sewing machine is right for you depends on what you plan to use it for. A machine with limited stitch options may suffice for simple tasks like mending and hemming, while a machine with dozens of built-in stitches, features and accessories are equipped to manage more complex sewing projects. Tabletop sewing machines are typically operated by a presser foot and run using electricity or batteries; and the stitches and designs are controlled by a dial or computerized LCD screen with bottoms.
Look for features such automatic needle threaders and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbins and accessories like lights, extra presser feet for buttonhole making and zipping sewing, and additional needles for thicker or thinner fabrics. If you’re planning to work with tubes of fabric like sleeves, collars, cuffs and pant legs, consider a free arm sewing machine. A free arm sewing machine is equipped narrower surface than a regular sewing machine base, offering a space between the base and your table to slip material around. The arm can often be accessed by removing part of the base.
MORE: Viral video shows we’ve been threading needles wrong our whole lives
Brother, Singer, Juki, Babylock, Podofo and Bernette are all well-known sewing machine makers and offer options for all budgets. A machine with extra features and accessories will likely cost more than one without — but if you’re planning to make sewing a long-term hobby, it is a worthy investment.
What to Look For
- A beginner sewing machine with the option to adjust tension, zigzag width and stitch length will give you more control over your projects.
- Sewing machines built with metal frames are known to have a longer life than ones made with plastic ones.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using your sewing machine.
- How often your sewing machine requires cleaning depends on how much you use it and the types of fabric you sew. Light or moderate users only need to clean their machine every few months, while frequent sewers need to clean them more regularly, particularly if they use shedding fabrics that produce a lot of debris. Refer to your manufacturer’s directions for cleaning instructions.
- Do not let children use the sewing machine unattended.
More to Explore
Here’s everything you need to start a sewing hobby
Basic Supplies You Need
Starting a sewing hobby requires that you have some essential supplies. You’ll need—at the least— a sewing machine, measuring tools (tape, ruler, etc.), pins, scissors, marking tools (such as a tracing wheel or erasable marker), needles and threaders and, of course, thread.
How To Learn
There are a number of ways you can learn to sew. If you’d like to take a class, fabric stores like Joann’s offer a number of intro sewing classes. As you get more advanced, you can take classes tailored to specific skills, like sewing zippers. You can also check your local community colleges for classes, or look for other private sewing classes in your area.
If you prefer to learn sewing on your own, there are many online tutorials. Blogs like Tilly and the Buttons offer tutorials on a number of sewing topics. Craftsy also offers online sewing classes that many beginners have found useful, some of which are free and some of which come with a fee. Skillshare has a fair share of sewing lessons, too, that can help you kick-start your new hobby.
Using A Sewing Machine
Your biggest expense will probably be your sewing machine. Before you stress about the cost, however, know that there are a number of ways you can get your hands on a sewing machine inexpensively. You can also check sites like Craigslist for used sewing machines that are in good condition.
If you don’t want to purchase your own sewing machine, you can also consider renting one out. Many sewing centers offer rentals for the day, which can be handy in the beginning when you’re just learning and haven’t formed a frequent habit.
Challenges You Might Run Into
Any time you learn a new skill, there are some initial challenges you inevitably run into. But don’t let these discourage you, as they can easily be overcome. Here are a few challenges you might face, and how to avoid them:
Your Thread Is Bunching
It’s not uncommon to find that your thread is bunching under the fabric. This often happens because there isn’t enough tension on the upper thread. To solve this, re-thread the top thread, making sure your presser foot is raised. Then, raise the take-up lever and needle to the highest position according to your machine’s manual, which will help create the right tension.
Your Needle Keeps Breaking
Choosing the right needle is an important part of sewing. First, make sure your needle is straight and not bent, which can lead to breakage. You also want to make sure your needle is the right size. Needles range from size 8 to 18, and the smaller the size, the finer the needle. Finer needles work better for fabrics such as silk, while larger needles are best for flannels and synthetic suede.
Your Stitching Is Uneven
No one wants their creations to have uneven stitching. First, make sure your needle isn’t broken or damaged. Second, make sure your tension is set right. Third, be careful to thread your bobbin correctly. If these don’t help, pay attention to how you’re handling the fabric when feeding it through the machine. Avoid pulling it, and instead work with the machine instead of forcing it.
– by Carina Wolff
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