The Best Sewing Machines

Sewing machines have been around since the first was patented in 1846, and they’ve come a long way in the years since. Sewing machines are made with many different features and options designed to streamline your projects. Ultimately, a sewing machine will help you create and fix things faster and more efficiently than doing it all by hand. Here are some amazing sewing machine options we recommend.

Buying Guide for Sewing Machines

Why buy a sewing machine?

A sewing machine is a great purchase for those who enjoy crafting but want to be more efficient. Sewing machines allow for much speedier and easier project completion than hand sewing or some other crafting methods. Basic sewing machines can handle clothing, craft projects, and even heavy fabrics, including quilts. Sewing machine owners can do their own clothing repairs, create their own pieces, or start their own crafting business; the possibilities are as vast as your imagination!

What should you look for in a sewing machine?

• Quality: Sewing machines are complex devices with a lot of mechanical parts that can fail. It’s important that you do your research before purchasing one to make sure the build quality meets your standards. Look for sewing machines labeled as heavy-duty and made with premium materials to ensure you’re buying a good quality machine that will last.
• Features: Another thing you’re going to want to consider is the features you want. Some are controlled by buttons and/or knobs; others are computerized. Computerized sewing machines can be especially handy for beginners since they’ll often display how to thread the machine, fill a bobbin, etc. Most models will have at least a few built-in utility, specialty, or decorative stitches. Some can handle more complicated tasks like buttonholes, zippers, and sleeves. Others will have expandable or larger platform trays to better hold bigger pieces of fabric or other useful features like an automatic backstitch, multiple speed options, a safety needle guard, and a built-in light.
• Cost: Like many pieces of technology, sewing machines can run a bit on the pricey side. Even for a beginner-friendly model, be prepared to spend some money on your new tool. That doesn’t mean you have to empty your bank account to buy a sewing machine. If you want all the bells, whistles, and adjustable knobs, you’re likely going to have to spend a pretty penny. But if you’re okay with something more standard, we’ve rounded up some more budget-friendly options.

What will you be able to make with a sewing machine?

Sewing machines are used for so much more than just making or mending clothes. A simple Google search will reveal there are dozens of projects and ideas out there for sewing machine owners, like pillowcases, bean bags, masks, or lampshades. The great advantage of owning a sewing machine is that the possibilities for creation are almost endless.

Our Picks for the Ultimate Sewing Machines

Pros: Sewing is a breeze with the Brother GX37 machine, which has 37 built-in utility and decorative stitches. This machine is great for constructing garments, adding appliques, and more. The machine has the stitches conveniently printed on it, and selecting one just requires you to turn the dial. The Brother GX37 also comes with accessories, including a zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, blind stitch foot, and narrow hemmer foot, as well as an instructional DVD to get you started.

Cons: The LED light on this machine might not be bright enough for all users. The machine is definitely suited for lighter projects and hemming, so if you’re looking to do heavy-duty or daily sewing, it might not be your top choice. Whichever fabric you use should also be tested to make sure it’s compatible before you start using it.

Bottom Line: The Brother GX37 is a solid choice because of the features it provides. Users will enjoy its full range of accessories and can consider it a worthwhile machine to learn on. It’s a user-friendly machine that will help you hone your sewing skills.

 

Pros: This unique and easy-to-use computerized sewing machine is a durable choice for beginning sewers. Improve your creative capability with 110 unique stitches, allowing you to craft garments, quilts, and more. This sewing machine is equipped with a large LCD screen that has a computerized selection for stitches and free arm capability and drops feed for free motion usage. Additionally, the machine comes with eight quick-change presser feet, including zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, overcasting, blind stitch, monogramming, and quilting feet. The Brother XR9550 also comes with a hard protective case and a wide table to accommodate your larger quilt projects.

Cons: This machine comes with a self-threading needle, but for some, it can be difficult to see. This machine isn’t compatible with all materials, so users should check to see if the fabric is the right thickness before beginning a project.

Bottom Line: With all the features of this machine, it’s a sturdy and great choice for beginning sewers. It comes with a detailed guide that’s easy to follow, and most users should enjoy its accompaniments.

 

Pros: This mini sewing machine is great for beginners to start out with because it’s simple and comes with a convenient extension table to complete the sewing kit. The machine can run on an AC/DC outlet or batteries, making it small and portable if you need to take it on the go. The extension table gives you more room to work, and the machine can be turned on easily with the foot pedal. It also has a built-in light to help you have a better vision of your project at hand. The kit it comes with has additional sewing accessories, and there’s a detailed instruction pamphlet included with the purchase.

Cons: While this machine is great for beginners, it only features one stitch. The machine is also small, allowing for smaller projects but not substantial ones. The bobbin is small and can be tricky to re-thread if the thread breaks while you’re working on your project. Only thin materials are compatible with this machine.

Bottom Line: This sewing machine is great for those who are just starting out with sewing and those planning to work on smaller-sized projects, like quick wardrobe fixes. It’s a small machine that can save a lot of space in your home.

 

Pros: This handheld sewing machine is portable and easy to carry and take with you. It’s quick-hitting and easy to handle. The advantage of this handheld sewing machine is that it works with a variety of materials and is excellent for hem jobs. It can even repair heavier items such as drapes. It can mend a tear or torn pockets in just minutes, and it won’t take up a bunch of room in your home.

Cons: This machine can’t handle materials thicker than 1.88 millimeters. It also requires a DC power adapter or four AA batteries that are not included. The machine is a single thread, so you do have to tie a knot by yourself. This machine also only has a single stitch setting, so it’s not meant for more advanced projects.

Bottom Line: This handheld sewing machine is great to have on hand for sewing emergencies that could come up while working, at home, or even traveling. It’s an efficient tool that provides a quick way to handle unexpected repairs.

 

Pros: This singer sewing machine is a classic tool that’s excellent for heavy-duty use. It has 23 built-in stitches, including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches. This variety allows you to sew many different projects, such as clothing pieces, home decor, quilts, pillowcases, and more. The needle automatically threads and works at 1,100 stitches per minute for quick stitch projects. The motor is 60% stronger and provides great piercing power for thick seams. The Singer 4423 is made with a heavy-duty metal interior frame, and it will last longer and provide the utmost stability.

Cons: If the bobbin thread/automatic threader becomes caught or jammed while working, it can make a mess of your project. This sewing machine is able to work through most thick materials but is better suited for thinner fabrics.

Bottom Line: This machine is quick, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners. Its ease of use and low noise level are benefits, plus you don’t need to adjust the machine’s tension. The sturdy machine is built to last and will provide a wonderful user experience.

Final Thoughts

Sewing machines can be an excellent investment for both beginners and advanced users. There is much to be learned when using sewing machines, and they provide many unique stitchings that are not an option for those working by hand. With a good instruction manual, almost anyone can learn how to sew. The purchase of a sewing machine will increase the speed of crafting and allow the user to develop their sewing skills.