The Best Beginner Sewing Machine
We looked at the top 6 Beginner Sewing Machines and dug through the reviews from 6 of the most popular review sites including Quilter's Review, Sew Orbit, Mary Janes And Galoshes, Sewing From Home, Sewing Machine Savvy and more. The result is a ranking of the best Beginner Sewing Machines.
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Our Picks For The Top Beginner Sewing Machines
- The Best Beginner Sewing Machine
- 1. Brother XM2701 Lightweight Beginner Sewing Machine
- 2. SINGER Tradition 2277 Beginner Sewing Machine
- 3. NEX Portable Double Speeds Beginner Sewing Machine
- 4. Brother CS6000i Beginner Sewing & Quilting Machine
- 5. Lyeiaa Mini Handheld Portable Beginner Sewing Machine
- 6. Suteck Mini Portable Electric Beginner Sewing Machine
Sweet Features Useful highlights include 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.
Reliable ClassicTake advantage of cool features like 23 built-in stitches and extra-high presser foot lifter for thicker fabrics.
Easy to Get StartedExecute simple projects with 12 stitch options and two speeds; the portable machine can run off batteries or a power adapter.
Quilter’s DreamThe 60 built-in stitches and wide table are ideal for quilting or more complex projects.
Why we recommend these beginner sewing machines?
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Our experts reviewed the top 6 Beginner Sewing Machines and also dug through the reviews from 6 of the most popular review sites including Quilter's Review, Sew Orbit, Mary Janes And Galoshes, Sewing From Home, Sewing Machine Savvy and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Beginner Sewing Machines.
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The Best Overall
Brother XM2701 Lightweight Beginner Sewing Machine
Our Take
This Brother model 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 instructional video.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
NEX Portable Double Speeds Beginner Sewing Machine
Our Take
The Nex sewing machine is perfect for beginners, thanks to its 12 stitch options and two speeds (high and low); it can be controlled via a foot pedal or switch. The lightweight sewing machine is operated with four AA batteries or an included power adapter.
Our Beginner Sewing Machine Findings
Brother XM2701 Lightweight Beginner Sewing Machine
What We Liked: This Brother model 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 instructional video.
SINGER Tradition 2277 Beginner Sewing Machine
What We Liked: No matter how simple or complicated your sewing project, this Singer machine will come in handy. It has 23 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, adjustable needle threader and free arm option. Accessories that come with the machine include four presser feet and an extra-high presser foot lifter for thicker fabrics and multiple layers.
NEX Portable Double Speeds Beginner Sewing Machine
What We Liked: The Nex sewing machine is perfect for beginners, thanks to its 12 stitch options and two speeds (high and low); it can be controlled via a foot pedal or switch. The lightweight sewing machine is operated with four AA batteries or an included power adapter.
Brother CS6000i Beginner Sewing & Quilting Machine
What We Liked: This Brother machine is great for all-purpose sewing or quilting. No matter what your craft, you’ll appreciate the 60 built-in stitches, the easy-to-read 2-inch LCD display, wide table, automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. You also get a protective case, 10 sewing feet, three needles and three bobbins.
Lyeiaa Mini Handheld Portable Beginner Sewing Machine
What We Liked: Great for on-the-spot repairs, this handheld Lyeia sewing machine performs one stitch and operates using four AA batteries (or a power adapter, which is sold separately). The product also includes two needles, two bobbins loaded with thread and a manual threader.
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Our Beginner Sewing Machine 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.
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.
DWYM Fun Fact
- 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, Husqvarna Designer Epic has 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. It can be yours for a cool $7,999,00.
The Beginner Sewing Machine Tips and Advice
- 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.