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The Best Beginner Sewing Machine

Last updated on October 4, 2023

We looked at the top 9 Beginner Sewing Machines and dug through the reviews from 6 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Beginner Sewing Machines.

 

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Best Beginner Sewing Machine

Our Review Process

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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.

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.

Our Picks For The Top Beginner Sewing Machines

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Best Choice Products Automatic Beginner Sewing Machine, 42-Piece

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Best Choice Products

Automatic 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.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this beginner sewing machine comes in a choice of teal, pink and gray.

 Runner Up

KPCB Compact Rewinding Pole Beginner Sewing Machine

KPCB

Compact Rewinding Pole Beginner Sewing Machine

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.

Overall Take

Travel-Friendly OptionYou can power this beginner sewing machine using batteries or with the provided adapter.

 We Also Like

Brother XM2701 Treadle Powered Lightweight Beginner Sewing Machine

Brother

Treadle Powered Lightweight Beginner Sewing Machine

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 ...

Overall Take

Great Features Useful highlights include 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.

Pros
" Lightweight and portable at 12.6 lbs, Very affordable, Comes with a dvd for easy setup and instructions for beginners, Quiet yet powerful sewing at 800 stitches per minute"
Cons
"Not for heavy duty fabric, Low quality LED light"
 Strong Contender

Magicfly Battery Powered Mini Beginner Sewing Machine

Magicfly

Battery Powered Mini Beginner Sewing Machine

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...

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PriceThis beginner sewing machine offers two speeds and features both an extension table and a built-in light.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the beginner sewing machines available to purchase.
9

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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6

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Quilter's Review, Sew Orbit, Mary Janes And Galoshes, Sewing From Home and Sewing Machine Savvy.

64,125

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 9 Beginner Sewing Machines and also dug through the reviews from 6 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Beginner Sewing Machines.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Magicfly Battery Powered Mini Beginner Sewing Machine

User Summarized Score

8.2
7,580 user reviews

Our Take

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 as soon as the package arrives.

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.

Beginner Sewing Machine Rankings

More to Explore

  • You can thank Elias Howe for the handiness of your sewing machine. The American inventor gained a patent for his practical sewing machine in 1846. However, Howe sold the patent rights in England for $1,250 (£250) and began working abroad for a low wage. After returning to the U.S. penniless a few years later, he discovered that the machines were being widely manufactured in violation of his patent and only received royalties starting in 1854 after extended litigation to reclaim his rights.
  • Advanced sewing machines have tons of future-forward capabilities. For example, some models have a tablet-like touchscreen, a sensor system that automatically adjusts to fabric thickness, 650 embroidery designs, Wi-Fi, 120 step-by-step animated and illustrated tutorials and more.

More to explore