The Best Beginner Sewing Machine

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.

• 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.