For people who like to make their own clothes, linens, and other fabric items, or simply to make repairs or alterations, sewing machines are indispensable. The two main factors you should consider when purchasing a new sewing machine are your skill level and your budget. In our guide, we note which experience levels will benefit most from each machine, including which ones will continue to serve you well as you develop your abilities.
For the most part, the sewing machine industry is dominated by Singer, Janome, and Brother. Singer is the top brand with almost half of sewing machine sales. The company offers features and styles that are designed for all skill levels. Brother holds a quarter of the market share and focuses on balancing easy usability with advanced technology and functions for a variety of experience levels and budgets. Lastly, Janome is known for its more expensive and advanced computerized machines.
If you have a limited budget, you need to pay closer attention to the features and extras that you really need. For the most part, added functionality comes with a price, but there are deals to be found if you are willing to live without some accessories. For example, some of the more affordable units don't come with carrying cases and have limited stitch options. This might be fine if you have a dedicated space for your machine and are not interested in monogramming or embroidery.
While researching the best sewing machines, we read through hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of dozens of models. Our guide features machines that have a track record or performance, durability, and versatility.
Prices and links are current as of 02/19/2020. Added related buying guides.
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine only has 23 stitches — six basic, 12 decorative, four stretch, and a one-step buttonhole — but it's a workhorse with its heavy-duty mechanical design.
It has the ability to make 1,100 stitches per minute so you can complete your projects faster. The top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert, and the clear cover allows you to monitor how much thread is left. The built-in needle threader is also convenient for effortless threading with minimal frustration.
The kit comes with a soft-sided dust cover, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, quilting guide, seam ripper/lint brush, and all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet — all at a relatively affordable price.
Wirecutter recommends the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine for beginners and casual sewers because it's affordable, can handle an array of fabrics, and is easy to use. It found that a beginner could sit down and use this machine without spending much time reading the manual. It also makes excellent buttonholes perfectly sized for your button. However, the reviewer points out that there only appear to be two speeds, fast and slow. And, the machine gets quite noisy.
Sew Orbit and Best Sewing Machine for Beginners Today blogs also recommend this machine.
Pros: Achieves up to 1,100 stitches per minutes, handles heavy-duty fabrics, easy to use, makes great buttonholes, affordable
Cons: Only two speeds and 23 stitches
While our top overall pick is a great machine to grow with, if you're looking for something even simpler that can get you sewing right away with no stress, we recommend the Singer Start 1304.
With just six stitches to choose from — straight, zig-zag, satin (a.k.a. tight zig-zag), scallop for decorative trim, blind hem, and four-step buttonhole — it's incredibly basic, and for someone who's never touched a sewing machine before, that's a good thing. You won't have to spend hours reading manuals and how-to guides. You can simply thread your bobbin, choose a stitch, and begin sewing.
The Singer Start 1304 is also already pre-set with an average stitch width and length that will work for a wide variety of fabrics. Experienced sewers may find this lack of control frustrating, but newbies will appreciate another variable being removed as they get their feet wet.
We included the Singer Start 1304 in our guide for best sewing supplies — a guide focused on helping beginner sewers stock their supply closet with the best basic gear they can find.
Pros: Its simple settings get you sewing right away
Cons: More experienced sewers may be frustrated by the lack of customizability
The Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine features a small backlit LCD screen that lets you choose from 30 stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes. Using the touch buttons, you can also see what stitch length and width you've selected. There are convenient buttons for tying off the end of the thread, reversing direction, and starting/stopping.
This machine comes as part of six different kits, and the price is currently the same for all of them. So, before buying, take a moment to find the kit that is best for your needs. For instance, I would recommend going with one of the bundles that has a tote case if you plan on moving your 7330 around regularly.
The Janome 7330 is one of the most highly rated machines on the comprehensive expert site Erin Says Sew. The reviewer appreciates that the bobbin is jam-proof and top-loading. Also, she was impressed with how one can start and stop sewing with the push of a button, rather than relying exclusively on the foot pedal. However, she would have preferred more decorative stitches, a dust cover, and adjustable presser foot pressure.
The Grandma Likes to Sew blog found that this is a terrific unit for sewers of all levels. The reviewer liked the superior stitch-work and how durable and reliable the 7330 is.
Pros: Useful for sewers of any skill level, runs quietly, durable, automatic button sewing
Cons: Only 30 stitches
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