How To Choose The Best Sewing Machine For A Beginner

What sewing machine should I buy?

What sewing machine is right for me? How do I choose the best sewing machine for a beginner?People ask me this question a lot. Usually, it is from parents who have children who are beginning to sew, but I have also been asked by adults who are true beginners and looking to buy their first machine. There are many different brands available. They vary extremely in price. A nice sewing machine can cost upwards of $8000. Luckily, $100 sewing machine will work for all ages and skill level. I have a compressive list below of the best sewing machines for beginners. Sewing machines can last a lifetime. It’s really important to buy the right one! (This post contains affiliate links)

Computerized vs. Manual

Most sewing machines are computerized, but there are still a few on the market that are considered a “manual” machine. The sewing stitches are automatic and the manual machine still requires electricity to run, but all the other buttons are manual. The needle raise is manual along with the reverse lever and stitch selector. These machines are typically a little cheaper to purchase. As long as they have the recommended features, a manual machine will work well for a beginner. I usually recommend an a computerized machine. There are more options available on these machine with just a little more investment up front.

A great option when choosing a machine is to go to an authorized dealer and sew with the machine prior to purchasing. Most of the big sewing machine makers have dealers across the country where they will allow you to try the different sewing machine options to see what you like. If you have any questions, they are a great resource.

Key Features to Look for When Buying your First Sewing Machine

1. Adjustable Stitch Length: This feature is really important when sewing heavier or finer fabrics. Simply lengthening the stitch length can make sewing heavier fabrics easier and vice versa for finer fabrics.

2. Adjustable Stitch Width: Adjusting the stitch width is a really important feature especially for using a satin stitch and appliquéing.

3. Fully Automatic Buttonhole: It is really imporatnt for your sewing machine to make at least one buttonhole type. The more automatic buttonholes it can make, the better.

4. Move Needle Position: Being able to move the posititon of your needle is a must have feature. This makes sewing zippers much easier or placing decorative stitches.

5. Bobbin Winder: I haven’t seen any sewing machines lately that do not have an automatic bobin winder, but this is an absolute must have.

Additional Features that are helpful

1. Needle Threader: This feature is really important when sewing heavier or finer fabrics. Simply lengthening the stitch length can make sewing heavier fabrics easier and vice versa for finer fabrics.

2. Thread Cutter: Adjusting the stitch width is a really important feature especially for using a satin stitch and appliquéing.

3. Presser foot pressure adjustment: It is really important for your sewing machine to make at least one buttonhole type. The more automatic buttonholes it can make, the better.

4. Backstitch in place: Being able to move the posititon of your needle is a must have feature. This makes sewing zippers much easier or placing decorative stitches.

5. Speciality Stitches: I haven’t seen any sewing machines lately that do not have an automatic bobin winder, but this is an absolute must have.

Key Sewing Machine Feet That Should Be Included

1. Basic Machine Foot: This foot comes with all sewing machines and the primary foot that you will use for most sewing projects.

2. Zipper Foot: This is a must have for zipper insertion. An alternative to using a zipper foot is a walking foot, but this is a much more expensive foot. You can not sew a zipper without one of these 2 feet.

3. Button Hole Foot: This is a must have presser foot. For an automatic buttonhole, you will need a specialized foot to make the stitches.

4. Blind Hem Foot:  A blind hem foot is really great for hemming pants and dresses. This will allow the hem to look invisible and is a really pretty finish.

Other Helpful Sewing Machine Feet

1. Quilting Foot:

2. Walking Foot:

3. Invisible Zipper Foot:

4. Blind Stitch Foot:

Brother Sewing Machines – Best Computerized

The first sewing machine that I purchased for myself was a Brother sewing machine. I was able to make beautiful clothing and bags with this machine. After 11 years, it is still running (just not by me). If you are purchasing your first machine, a good multipurpose sewing machine is a great choice, like the one pictured below. I have recommended this exact machine to several people and have sewn with it. It is a great starter machine. This is best overall computerized machine. This is my go to recommendation the Brother CS 7205 Computerized Sewing Machine.

This machine is perfect for all ages. I have recommended it to many parents who were looking to buy machines for their children. With this machine you can make garments, quilts, home decor items, and bags. A good sewing machine can last a lifetime, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Brother Sewing Machines – Best Manual

If you are looking for a less expensive option, I also have recommended this Brother XM2701 Manual Sewing Machine. It is a great machine with all manual button and knobs which decreases the price. Since it is a completely manual machine, the price is much less. You do not lose any of the function and this is a great sewing machine for a true beginner.

Singer Sewing Machines

Another great brand of well made sewing machines is Singer. I learned to sew on a singer machine in my grandmother’s sewing room. They are similar to brother in the range of products as well as affordability. If you would prefer to buy a singer machine, I have included a great choice below. (affiliate link) With this machine, it is much easier to make buttonholes. It is about $50 more expensive than the Brother machine, but worth the extra cost if you plan to make items with buttons. This singer HD 6700 is a great computerized machine.

Bernina Sewing Machines

Ahh, Bernina!! This is the current type of sewing machine that I’m using. They are great machines for sure. I usually do not recommend them to beginners because they are so expensive. The most basic Bernina Sewing machine which is pictured below starts around $1400. It’s great to keep these machines in mind if your love for sewing becomes a business or if you sew more than 2 – 3 hours everyday (which I do). At that point, it would be worth investing in a super durable machine. I think that this machine will stand the test of time! An expensive machine requires servicing every year by a reputable provider. This is an additional cost to consider for an already expensive machine. This is not a great machine for a beginner sewist.

There are many other brands that I’m sure are just as high quality such as Elna and Babylock. The companies that I have covered are the ones that I have used personally and love. What’s your favorite machine? Please leave comments below.

Now that you have a machine… check out my free tutorials and great beginner level patterns in my shop!