Sewing machine can be referred to as a machine containing a needle driven mechanically that one can use to sew or stitch clothes. It can also be computerized or electronic. Sometimes, it can be a laborious exercise to look for the best sewing machine for beginners.
It is evident that the market is flooded with several machines of different brands and from different manufacturers. In this guide, you will get information on the operation of a basic sewing machine, its purpose, buying guide, and the best sewing machine for beginners in the market.
How do sewing machines work?
The main driving force of a sewing machine is the electric motor. You can find it below the machine table. The motor is responsible for driving a large handwheel using a pulley arrangement. Basically, the needle feeds a length of thread through the fabric. As the motor runs, the needle punctures the material, rising as it pulls and tightens the thread.
Why go for a sewing machine for beginners
A basic sewing machine may not do the complicated work the most advanced machines can do. However, with a good sewing machine for beginners, you can make or repair your clothes. You can also make excellent sheets, comforters, and other items using fabric and thread. Below are our top 9 picks in 2022.
1. Brother Sewing Machine, GX37, 37 Built-in Stitches, 6 Included Sewing Feet
Brother Sewing machine, GX37, is undoubtedly the best sewing machine for beginners looking for everyday sewing and quilting machine. The machine comes with outstanding features meant to make your sewing exercise one of a kind.
Firstly, the sewing machine consists of 37 built in-in stitches. Besides, it features an auto-size buttonhole component, drop-in top bobbin, automatic needle threader to make your work easier. The 15.4-pound treadle-powered machine comes with 6 sewing feet, bobbins, needle set.
Instructional DVD and a manual to get you started immediately after purchase. With the purchase of this machine, you can get lifetime online support from the manufacturer and through chats and phone calls. The machine measures 16.26 x 12.48 x 7.01 inches.
View at Amazon: Brother Sewing Machine, GX37, 37 Built-in Stitches, 6 Included Sewing Feet
Pros
- Multiple unique built-in stitches
- Unique features meant to make your work easier
- Exceptional accessories
- Convenient
- Lifetime support from the manufacturer.
- 25 years limited warranty
Cons
- Some users had challenges with the drop-in bobbin
2. SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit – 203 Stitch Applications – Simple & Great For Beginners
SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine is another beginner-friendly machine that you can use for your sewing needs. The machine is computerized, automating most of its functions. For instance, the machine offers automatic stitch settings, needle threader, and speed control, as well as the easy presser foot for perfect seams.
Unique from most sewing machines, the corded electric SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine comes with 203 Stitch Applications, including six automated 1-step buttonhole styles. Besides, the machine consists of several accessories such as 4 presser feet, zipper foot, all-purpose foot, pack of needles, and bobbins.
Its StayBright LED light ensures your workspace is well illuminated. The machine measures 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches with 14.6 pounds weight. The manufacturer offers 25 years limited warranty.
View at Amazon: SINGER | 7258 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit – 203 Stitch Applications – Simple & Great For Beginners
Pros
- Computerized making most of its features automatic
- Beginner-friendly
- Several stitch applications
- Comes with a range of accessories
- Its LED light keeps the workspace illuminated
- 25 years limited warranty
Cons
- Have shorter foot pedals and power cords.
3. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Includes Exclusive Bonus Bundle
Suppose you need the best budget sewing machine. Janome got you covered. The sewing machine maker brings you an easy-to-use sewing machine with a bonus package to save you some coins.
You might like its easy-to-use features such as 12 built-in stitches, 1 four-step buttonhole, and drop feed. In addition, the lightweight mechanical sewing machine features a convertible free arm or flatbed type.
The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine comes with a pre-printed screen. Its maximum speed is 860 SPM. Other outstanding features include a free arm with a storage compartment, an easy-to-reach reverse lever, stitch chart, selector dial, stitch length adjustment, all-metal needle plates, and retractable dual spool pins.
The item measures 10 x 18 x 14 inches with a weight of 15.14 pounds.
View at Amazon: Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Includes Exclusive Bonus Bundle
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Convertible bed type
- Bonus package
Cons
- Some customers missed some accessories in the bonus pack
4. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, 80 Designs, 103 Built-In Stitches, Computerized, 4″ x 4″ Hoop Area, 3.2″ LCD Touchscreen Display, 7 Included Feet
If you desire to have the best sewing machine for beginners that you can use in embroidery, you might want to check Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. The computerized machine offers a few of the best and most unique features friendly for beginners.
These features include a smart color LCD that allows you to choose, recolor, and resize your designs before stitching, 9 built-in font styles, step-by-step tutorials on the LCD, an automatic needle threader, and a built-in LED light.
The best starter sewing machine comes with 80 built-in designs, 103 built-in sewing stitches, and a 4 by 4 inches embroidery field. Its maximum sewing speed is 710 SPM. Besides, the 26.2 pounds machine comes with a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. It measures 21.18 x 15.51 x 16.54 inches.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Large LCD
- Multiple built-in designs and font styles
- Gives access to step-by-step tutorials
- Built-in LED light
- Large working area
Cons
- Poor customer service
5. SINGER | M3500 Sewing Machine With Accessory Kit & Foot Pedal – 110 Stitch Applications – Simple & Great for Beginners
Are you wary of no support or customer service from the machine’s manufacturer? When you are just beginning to learn sewing, mistakes are prone to happen. This is why finding a starter sewing machine is worth it. With SINGER | M3500, you will be sure to get 24/7 support.
Thanks to the SINGER sewing assistant app. You can also rely on this machine’s easy-to-use features such as automatic needle threader, 110 stitch applications, free-arm sewing hard-to-reach area, and a 1-step buttonhole.
The best cheap sewing machine for beginners comes with accessories worth more than $85. This includes LED lighting. The machine measures 15.16 x 7.35 x 10.9 inches and has a weight of 15.17 pounds.
View at Amazon: SINGER | M3500 Sewing Machine With Accessory Kit & Foot Pedal – 110 Stitch Applications – Simple & Great for Beginners
Pros
- Simple and friendly for beginners
- Multiple stitches
- Comes with an accessory kit
- LED lighting
- Sews hard to reach areas
Cons
- Lacks a user manual
6. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i, 60 Built-in Stitches, 2.0″ LCD Display, Wide Table, 9 Included Sewing Feet
This is another good sewing machine for beginners from Brother. The machine is equipped with 60 unique stitches, including 7 auto-size buttonhole styles. The best sewing machine for beginners also consists of an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.
Apart from that, Brother CS6000 is features an LCD screen that makes your selection easy. It also comes with multiple accessories, LED lighting, and 25 years limited warranty that includes free lifetime support. The item measures 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches and a weight of 13 pounds.
View at Amazon: Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i, 60 Built-in Stitches, 2.0″ LCD Display, Wide Table, 9 Included Sewing Feet
Pros
- Several unique stitches
- Lightweight
- Multiple accessories
- Jam resistant bobbin
- LCD screen
- Easy to use
- LED lighting
Cons
- Some users reported E6 error
7. SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit, Extension Table – 600 Stitches & Electronic Auto Pilot Mode
SINGER has been around since 1851. Its spirit of creative innovation has made it reinvent itself every day to remain relevant and practical. This time, the sewing machine maker brings you a computerized sewing machine perfect for a starter.
The best sewing machine for beginners has multiple easy-to-use features such as an automatic needle threader, stitch elongation, and mirror imaging. It also comes with a heavy-duty metal frame and extension table.
One thing you might like about SINGER | 9960 is its 600 built-in stitches. In addition, it comes with 5 font styles, 13 built-in 1-step buttonholes, and a buttonhole underplate. Besides, you only need to make a single touch on its stitch selection to start sewing.
You might also like SINGER | 9960’s variety of accessories and its 850 SPM speed. The item measures 17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches with a weight of 20 pounds.
View at Amazon: SINGER | 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit, Extension Table – 600 Stitches & Electronic Auto Pilot Mode
Pros
- A large selection of stitches
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Multiple accessories
- High speed
Cons
- Some users had issues with the thread cutter
8. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 18 Built-in Stitches + Hard Case
If you are looking for a heavy-duty and durable best basic sewing machine, you might want to look at Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine. The 18.7 pounds machine features a built-in needle threader that makes threading seamless. It also comes with 18 stitches, including 1 one-step buttonhole.
If you are interested in reverse stitching, you might benefit from this machine’s reverse stitch lever. Another thing you might like about this best sewing machine for beginners is the Snap-on presser feet, the foot pressure adjustment, and its hard casing for protection. The machine measures 10 x 19 x 15 inches.
View at Amazon: Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 18 Built-in Stitches + Hard Case
Pros
- Durable
- Suitable for heavy-duty projects
- Allows reverse stitching
- Needle threader saves time
Cons
- Some users had challenges reverting the machine from reverse sewing
9. JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
For those looking for a high-speed sewing machine, JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and quilting machine is an excellent option. The final best sewing machine for beginners in our list has a sewing speed of 1500 SPM.
It also features an automatic needle threader, one pedal operation, and LED lights that increase convenience. The JUKI TL-2000Qi comes with an arm and bed made from aluminum die-cast. This reduces vibrations during operation.
It also includes an extension table that offers enough room for your sewing and quilting projects. The treadle-powered machine measures 17.8 x 8.6 x 13.8 inches. It weighs 25.4 pounds.
View at Amazon: JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
Pros
- High sewing speed
- Sturdy
- Low operation vibrations
- Larger working area
- LED lights
- Automatic needle threader
Cons
- some users had issues with tension
Buying Guide
If you are interested in a specific type of sewing machine, you will need to closely check the machine’s components before going for it. It is crucial to be aware of the purpose of the machine you want to avoid wasting time, disappointments, or even ordering the wrong machine. Below are things to check in a sewing machine before making your order.
1. Intended use
Most of the time, skilled sewers never make mistakes when ordering their sewing machine. However, if you are a beginner, you don’t need to ask the same machine. Go for the machine with simple features for basic jobs. A sewing machine with straight and zigzag stitches is recommended for beginners.
2. Size of the machine
If you have a smaller storage space or are shot, you may benefit from the compact mini-machines. For those having enough sewing area, don’t shy from going for the standard-sized sewing machine. You also benefit from its large table for undertaking larger sewing projects.
3. Features
Probably you will expect simple features in a starter sewing machine. This does not mean settling for a machine with less profitable features. The best sewing machine for beginners will have beneficial features such as self-threading capability, task lighting, and a buttonhole maker. You might also want to check on accessories such as a presser foot or any other that will fit your project needs.
4. Weight
Most sewing machines weigh between 3 pounds and 30 pounds. Most heavier machines are made from metal and tend to be more durable and stable. You may also find them great for undertaking large projects or working on heavy materials. On the other hand, lighter sewing machines can be a great choice when taking sewing classes and have to move your machine frequently.
5. Mode of operation
Before making your order understand the kind of operation you want. For beginners, computerized machines are a good option considering their automated features. Other sewing machines in the market you can go for are electronic and mechanical sewing machines.
Conclusion
It is exciting to get a new sewing machine, especially for beginners. However, if you are starting to sharpen your skills, you will want to start on the right note. Now, if you have been wondering what is the best sewing machine for beginners, I hope you found one. Our top picks above are meant to offer the best for any starter and make the sewing experience enjoyable.
With several products in the market, you will want to find the best simple sewing machine to get you started. Now, again determine why you need a sewing machine, check its features, size, weight, and the type of the sewing machine before making your decision. Then get your best sewing machine for beginners that will meet your needs.
Recommended Readings:
How to use a Sewing Machine for Beginners with FAQs
