These Sewing Machines Are Equipped for Seamstresses and Hobbyists Alike (2024)

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If you aren’t an experienced quilter or embroider, a sewing machine may not seem worth the investment. But they come in handy even for non-crafty projects, like repairing a ripped seam or hemming a pair of pants. In fact, if you learn how to use a sewing machine well, you can save quite a bit of money that would otherwise be spent at the tailor, or on new clothes and linens.

There are compact manual sewing machines that offer just a few stitches for occasional mending, and high-tech, computerized models with hundreds of stitches and pre-loaded programs for complex projects. That leaves plenty of mid-range options, and that’s where it can be difficult to choose the right one for your skill level and budget.

For reviews of the best sewing machines and guidance on the most important decisions to make before you buy, check out our comprehensive guide.

Looking for more crafty tools for DIY projects? Check out our stories on the best hot glue guns, the best laminators, and the best removable wallpaper.

The Best Sewing Machines

• Best Overall: Singer Sewing & Quilting Machine (7258)
• Best Value: Brother Computerized Sewing Machine (CP60X)
• Best for Beginners: Brother Sewing Machine (XM2701)
• Best Heavy Duty: Singer Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine (4452)
• Best Computerized: Bernette Computerized Sewing Machine (38)

What to Consider

If you’re looking into a sewing machine exclusively for basic projects, opt for an entry-level model, usually in the range of $130 to $150. For complex projects like quilting or embroidery, it’s worth upgrading to a mid-range or high-end model, which typically start around $400 and go up to $1,000 or more.

Type

There are two main types of sewing machines: mechanical and computerized. Mechanical sewing machines are cheaper, but they’re often more complicated to use. They require adjusting the string tension manually—both the top and bobbin threads need to have the right tightness to create strong, even stitches—and it can take some trial and error to troubleshoot tension problems by hand, especially for beginners. (That said, making these adjustments manually is a great way to familiarize yourself with your machine and how it works.) That’s not to say mechanical sewing machines are inferior—they’re just simpler machines, and you can still get great results with them. Many seamstresses swear by them.

On computerized (or digital) models, the sewing machine’s functions and settings are complete automated. Stitching is typically smoother, so they’re easier for beginners to use. They may also offer advanced features like one-step buttonholes or embroidery. However, in addition to a higher upfront cost, repairs on computerized sewing machines are costlier than repairs on mechanical ones.

Stitches

Virtually every sewing machine offers a core selection of basic stitches, including straight and zigzag, used for sewing pieces of fabric together and hemming clothing. Most have at least one buttonhole option as well, which creates the stitched edges around the keyhole for a button.

Entry-level sewing machines typically have 30 or so different stitch options, which is plenty for basic construction, mending, or tailoring. It’s also important to be able to change the stitch length—shorter stitches are necessary for sewing evenly on lightweight or sheer fabric, while longer stitches are better for heavier materials.

Generally speaking, the more expensive the sewing machine, the more stitch varieties the machine has. High-end models often have utility stitches like overlock and blind hem stitches, which are both used to finish the edges of fabric, as well as many decorative stitches, from scallops and swirls to vines and even floral designs. These advanced machines also usually feature multiple buttonhole stitches.

If you’re interested in quilting or embroidery, it’s worth upgrading to a model with at least 100 stitches and programs, plus additional attachments, which we cover below.

Features

At the top of our list for essential features is an automatic needle threader, which saves you the hassle of poking your thread through the tiny eyehole. An LED light is incredibly helpful to light up your work area. Automatic thread cutters or tie-off functions are also handy for finishing projects neatly. Speed control is another worthwhile option, especially for beginners—think of it as cruise control for your sewing machine, keeping the needle going at a consistent pace for long stretches of stitching.

For large-scale projects like quilts, curtains, or long dresses, a feed-dog system to feed fabric through the machine makes the task less awkward. For bulky projects like blankets, opt for a model with a large throat—the distance between the needle and the body of the machine. Machines with larger throats take up more space, but they give more clearance to pass the fabric through as you work.

Accessories

There are several key accessories that come with every sewing machine.

• Presser feet: A key component of your sewing machine, the presser foot holds fabric in place while the needle makes stitches. Many machines come with multiple feet to make different types of stitches—for instance, a zipper foot is required to attach zippers.
• Bobbins: Bobbins are small spools of thread that go inside your sewing machine to form the backside of a stitch. Your machine is likely to come with a few bobbins that you can wind with different colors of thread.
• Needles: Of course, your sewing machine needs a needle to punch through fabric and make stitches. Different needle sizes are required for sewing various types of fabric.

Depending on how you plan to use your sewing machine, there are a few other accessories to add to your setup.

• Extension table: These tables create a larger work area for your sewing machine, which is useful for working on large projects like quilts.
• Free arm: When the cover is removed, a free arm offers a narrower work area that you can slide a tubular object (such as a pant’s leg) onto, allowing you to sew an uninterrupted hem.
• Cover: A hard-sided cover protects your sewing machine from damage—a must for travel.

How We Selected

To find the best sewing machines, we started our search with products from the most reputable brands, including Singer, Brother, and Janome. These manufacturers have long-standing reputations for quality, and they offer a wide selection of models, including options for beginners and more advanced users. I personally learned to sew on a (now discontinued) Janome machine, and I also used several Singer machines while taking sewing courses in college.

We compared different sewing machine models, noting their stitch options, accessories, and features, and we read dozens of user reviews to get a sense of their strengths and potential weaknesses, as well as their primary applications. From there, we selected the best models for a variety of purposes, aiming to provide options for different budgets, skill levels, and interests.