Starting your sewing journey is exciting, but choosing among the plethora of available sewing machines for beginners can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand what features to look for in a sewing machine and recommend some reliable beginner-friendly models that fit your budget.
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Mechanical vs. Computerized
Should you get a mechanical or a computerized sewing machine?
One of the biggest decisions when choosing a sewing machine is whether to go for a computerized or a non-computerized (mechanical) model. Each type has distinct advantages and drawbacks, which can help guide your decision based on your needs and preferences.
- Mechanical sewing machines offer reliability, simplicity, and excellent value for money. Their straightforward design and manual control wheels for stitch selection, tension, and other adjustments, make them easier to service and less prone to malfunctioning. Typically, they feature around 10-30 stitches, which is usually enough for basic sewing projects. They’re an excellent choice for beginners who prefer a hands-on approach to sewing and want to understand the mechanical aspects of the craft.
- Computerized sewing machines usually offer advanced features and convenience — I’ll list these features below. Computerized machines typically come with a wide range of stitches (at least 60+!) including decorative stitches. You select stitches and adjustments through buttons and using an LCD screen for monitoring. While they might appear intimidating at first, computerized machines are super user-friendly, even for beginners, and you can easily get used to all the luxury features. However, they come at a higher price point, and repairs can be more expensive.
Still don't know what to choose?
If you're starting out and not sure if the hobby will stick, get a mechanical machine. I guarantee you that 90% of the time, you will only use 10% of your stitches, which a mechanical model completely makes up for. It also allows you to learn the basics of how a machine works.
A computerized machine is really only worth it if you are willing to put in more budget for features that really make a difference.
Essential Features
Which essential features matter in a beginner sewing machine?
Here is a list of the top features you should have in your beginner’s sewing machine, ranked from the most important to the least important
- 4 basic stitches: The straight stitch, zigzag stitch, overcast stitch and automatic buttonhole stitch are foundational for most sewing projects, and with them, you will be able to sew 90% of your garments, both wovens and knits.
- Adjustable stitch length and width: Having the flexibility to adjust stitch length and width allows you to customize the look of your stitches for different fabrics and projects. This has a decorative function (for example when top-stitching) and is also very functional (e.g. when you’re using your longest stitch length to create a basting stitch). I’m pretty sure 99% of reputable machines brands offer this function, but I still wanted to share this!
- Adjustable needle position: Being able to shift your needle to the left or the right is particularly useful for tasks like topstitching, inserting zippers, and achieving precise seam placements.
- A drop-in bobbin system simplifies the process of loading and monitoring the bobbin. I don’t find front-loading bobbins user-friendly at all because there’s a lot of manipulation with sewing machine parts involved. Also, drop-in systems let you easily see how much thread is left, which reduces your chances of playing “bobbin chicken”.
- Speed control is a game-changer for beginners. It allows you to sew at a pace that feels comfortable, which helps build confidence and reduce mistakes. Most pedals will allow you to control speed, but getting the feeling right is a big learning curve. The speed control slider (or dial) will throttle maximum speed and gives you more control over tricker parts of your sewing process such as topstitching. This feature is mostly seen on Brother machines!
- A mechanical needle threader saves time and eliminates the frustration of threading the needle by hand. This is a mechanism where you simply hook your thread through a spring that will do the job for you!
Finally, while it is not a feature in and out of itself, look out for a lightweight machine that is easier to move and store. This is ideal if as a beginner, you do not have a dedicated sewing space and/or you plan to take your machine to sewing lessons or sewing outings with friends (which I highly recommend you do!). Around 5-6kg max. should be an acceptable weight for a beginner sewing machine.
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Recommended Models
Sewing Machines for Beginners: Recommendations
Disclaimer: I personally started my sewing journey with the Brother CX70PE model, which is a computerized model that is no longer available. This machine served me well for years without any hiccups and still does. I have since upgraded to a high-end machine, but if I had to start from scratch, these are the machines I would look at.
* The links are NOT affiliate links. Some model names may also vary by region!
Mechanical Machines
- Singer M2100 (Link) — around $120
- Pro: lightweight, small and affordable
- Cons: no speed control slider, no needle threader, no adjustable needle position or stitch length — very spartanic machine
- Brother XM2701 (Link) — around $130
- Pros: Has all the “essential” features such as needle threader, drop-in bobbin, adjustable stitch width, 6 extra feet included
- Cons: no speed control or needle shift
- Singer Heavy Duty 4423 (Link) — around $200
- Pro: 23 stitches, a classic, reliable model that comes with 3 extra presser feet and adjustable stitch and needle position
- Cons: no speed control slider, a bit bulky and heavy at 8.5kg
Computerized Machines
- Brother CS7000X (Link) — around $240
- Pros: has all the features from my “essentials” list including the covered speed control dial. Also comes with 10 presser feet. It has over 70 stitches, but that’s not really something I personally tend to focus on.
- Cons: $100 pricepoint jump from the non-computerized model. Weighs 7kg
- Singer Heavy Duty HD6600 (Link) — around $260
- Pros: Only $60 pricejump from the non-computerized model, over 100 stitches, fully adjustable stitch and needle position
- Cons: no speed dial, heavy (8kg)
Still undecided?
While many sewists like to go for lighthouse models that appear all over Instagram or TikTok (aka the Singer Heavy Duty), having done the comparison, I'd much rather go for a model that's less expensive yet features more essentials function. That's my personal opinion.
If I wanted a mechanical machine and could live without the needle shift, I'd go for the Brother XM2701 without hesitation. However, if I cared about the needle shift, I'd jump over the famous Heavy Duty, and straight to the Brother CS7000X to get more bang for my buck.
Brand vs. Off-Brand
Should you buy an off-brand beginner sewing machine?
Brand-name sewing machines for beginners, such as those from Singer, Brother, Janome, or Bernina, are known for their reliability, durability, and customer support.
Additionally, parts and accessories for brand-name machines are more widely available — which ensures you’ll enjoy your machine for a long time, beyond its manufacturer’s guarantee and can easily upgrade.
Off-brand machines, while often more affordable, can be a mixed bag. If you’re a beginner, this could drive up your frustration levels if something goes wrong, and it can become a limitation.
My short answer is: go for a brand machine.
Sure, it’s an initial investment. But the moment you’ll want to add a few more presser feet to your collection or buy new needles, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of white-label/off-brand accessories which work perfectly fine.
A few important tips
- Start with woven fabric. When starting out, choose medium-weight, stable fabrics like cotton fabric or cotton-linen blends. Avoid stretchy, slippery, or very delicate fabrics until you’ve developed more confidence with your machine.
- Don’t give up – mistakes are part of it. The number of times you reach for your seam ripper does not have to be emberrassing. It’s a normal part of the learning curve. And if it gets too frustrating, step away or start another project to clear your head!
- Pattern choices matter, too! Just like fabric selection, choosing appropriate sewing patterns for your skill level is crucial for building sewing confidence. As a self-taught sewist, I know how frustrating it can be to work off inaccurate or poorly explained patterns. So as a pattern designer, I’ve created a collection of patterns that supports sewists at every stage of their journey, from absolute beginners to advanced sewists. Each pattern comes with clear instructions, detailed illustrations/videos, and personal support. You can check them out here.
Start small, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun.
And if you want to join a supportive community of sewists and learn sewing hacks, please follow me on Instrgam at @Sew.Into.That in case you don’t already!
