By Jasmine Harding | Published Mar 15, 2022 8:24 AM

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Sewing machines can look intimidating to novice crafters, but with the right sewing machine for beginners, anyone can learn how to sew. A sewing machine is a useful, creative tool to have at home, allowing crafters to hem and mend garments or household items, or make something entirely new. Read on for some features to consider when shopping for a new sewing machine as well as the best sewing machines for beginners.

Sewing machines can seem complicated, especially to a beginner. New fabric artists should look for a sewing machine that is easy to use but with enough features to tackle a range of projects. Ahead are some factors to consider when choosing the best beginner sewing machine.

There are various product types for shoppers to consider, and the best sewing machine for home use depends on the crafter’s sewing requirements. Some common sewing machine types include:

Sewing machines come in a range of sizes, from compact options made for travel to larger machines that can take on thicker materials and heavy-duty projects. A sewing machine should be used on a sturdy table (and with a comfortable chair), so consider the size of your work space when choosing a machine. Also decide if the sewing machine will be a permanent fixture, or if you’ll want a smaller, more lightweight machine that is easy to stow away when not in use.

Another feature to consider is portability. Lightweight and battery-operated sewing machines are available for those who want to take it on the road to sewing classes or hobby groups, or for those with limited space. However, smaller machines tend to sacrifice some functionality for their compact size.

Also consider the size of your projects. It can be difficult to maneuver large swaths of fabric through a tiny machine. For quilting, look for a sewing machine with expandable arms. Keep in mind that while expandable arms make quilting much easier, they are heavy and take up more space.

When choosing a sewing machine, you’ll want to consider not only the projects you want to do, but also the fabrics you plan to work with.

For smaller projects, or items made with thinner fabrics like cotton and polyester, most standard sewing machines will suffice. Larger and heavy-duty sewing machines are better for heavier fabrics, like denim, velvet, and upholstery fabrics, or for heavier projects like making coats, jeans, and home decor, like drapes. For quilting, look for a machine that can sew through thick layers and with a larger work space or an extension table.

Those interested in more decorative projects should consider a machine with decorative stitches and the option for free-motion stitching. Combination sewing and embroidery machines are a good choice for decorative designs and can be programmed to embroider decorations instead of free-handing patterns.

It can take several stitch types to pull a piece together, and you’ll want your sewing machine to be able to handle the stitches you need. Most sewing machines allow for some stitch adjustments, although some of the more basic models may only offer a straight stitch. Even as a beginner, it’s a good idea to look for a machine with various built-in stitches so the machine can keep up with your projects as you learn.

Stitch options can range from a few basic stitches to more than 100 stitch options. Consider the stitches you will likely use; for beginner projects, this can include common stitches like a straight stitch, a reverse stitch, a zigzag stitch, a buttonhole stitch, and stretch stitches. Many sewing machines also have the option to change stitch length, width, and tension.

Regardless of the sewing machine, one of the first steps to get it running is to thread the machine. Getting the thread through the small needle eye can be challenging, especially for beginners. Even for experienced sewing machine users, threading the needle can be tough, especially for those with poor eyesight or hand dexterity.

Fortunately, many sewing machines have automatic threaders that make the job easier. These mechanisms, usually located right next to the needle, save time and hassle by threading the needle for you with a user-friendly built-in mechanism, usually consisting of a couple of small levers and hooks.

Sewing machines can include a range of additional beginner-friendly features, including:

With user-friendliness, cost, and versatility in mind, we narrowed down the best sewing machines for beginners. These machines make it easy for users to get set up and start stitching quickly. The novice-friendly sewing machines ahead open the door to a whole new world of creative projects.

Mechanical sewing machines are a popular choice for new sewists because their simpler design makes them easier to learn how to use. The Singer M3500 is an excellent mechanical machine that is easy to use but also goes beyond the basics.

It includes 32 built-in stitches, with the basics that every sewist needs, as well as decorative and stretch stitches. Users can adjust stitch width and length and take advantage of 110 stitch applications that are ideal for beginner projects and beyond.

Other novice-friendly features include an automatic needle threader and an easy one-step buttonhole mode. Learning the controls on this machine is easy with its simple manual dials. To handle bigger projects down the line, this machine has a heavy-duty metal frame for long-lasting durability.

Get the Singer M3500 Sewing Machine on Amazon, at The Home Depot, or at Michaels.

Sewing doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby. The Janome Derby Compact Sewing Machine is the best affordable sewing machine for those who want to start sewing on a budget. Although affordable, this sewing machine has all the must-have basic features for a solid start in sewing. It features 10 built-in stitches, including multiple essential straight and zigzag stitches, with two needle positions. An easy-reverse lever makes it simple to backstitch at the start and end of each stitch.

Other beginner-friendly features include a drop-in bobbin with a clear cover and clear threading diagrams on the machine. Built-in accessory storage helps users keep track of small pieces. This machine is also impressively lightweight, weighing only 5 pounds, so it’s a great choice to take to sewing classes and craft groups. This machine comes in several colors, and the bright design is fun for adults and children alike.

Get the Janome Derby Compact Sewing Machine at Michaels or on Amazon.

With 600 built-in stitches, the Singer 9960 can handle almost any project a beginner sewist can throw at it, as well as a ton of projects made by experienced crafters. For beginners, this computerized machine features an automatic needle threader, speed controls, and a built-in thread trimmer. A drop-in bobbin with a clear cover case makes it easy to install the bobbin and monitor the thread supply.

Among the 600 fonts are several basic, stretch, and decorative stitches, including five different alphanumeric fonts for monogramming and 13 one-step buttonhole stitches for sewing clothing. Several stitches can be mirrored or elongated for even more creative options. One-touch stitch selection makes it easy to find your intended stitch. This heavy-duty machine can also handle tough fabrics and quilting, and it comes with an extension table for when a larger working area is needed.

Get the Singer 9960 on Amazon, at Wayfair, or at Walmart.

Computerized sewing machines offer more features than mechanical versions, and all are controlled with the touch of a button. The Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine has several beginner-friendly features, including an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin, and adjustable sewing speed, plus an instructional DVD and access to Brother’s technical support.

For those who want to expand into quilting projects and more, this sewing machine includes a detachable wide table, eight accessory feet, and the ability to do free-motion quilting. With 185 built-in stitches, which includes 55 alphanumeric for monogramming, users should be able to tackle a range of designs.

Even though this machine can handle heavy-duty projects, it’s still lightweight and portable. At 13 pounds, it’s easy to tote around or to pull in and out of storage.

Get the Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine on Amazon and at Brother.

For those with limited work or storage space, a mini sewing machine is the ideal choice. The Singer MX231 Sewing Machine is a full-featured machine with a relatively small footprint. It’s also reasonably lightweight at 12 pounds. A built-in carry handle makes this machine an excellent choice to take on the road.

Although this machine is small, it doesn’t skimp on beginner-friendly features. It has 23 built-in stitches to tackle a range of projects, including basic stitches, decorative stitches, and a convenient one-step buttonhole stitch. Adjustable stitch length and width settings and an adjustable presser foot help users tailor the machine to their needs.

This machine also features an automatic needle threader. It has a front-loading bobbin, but it is still easy to wind and insert.

Get the Singer MX231 Sewing Machine on Amazon and at Walmart.

A heavy-duty sewing machine can easily handle heavy fabrics and tough projects. The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine is an excellent choice for beginners who want to tackle big projects. This sewing machine has a sturdy metal interior frame and a powerful motor to zoom through thick fabrics like denim, leather, canvas, and multilayered projects. A fast maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute allows users to finish their projects quickly.

Both beginners and experienced sewists can take advantage of the automatic needle threader, easy-to-follow threading guide, the one-step buttonhole stitch, and the drop-in bobbin with a clear cover. Even though it’s a heavy-duty workhorse, this sewing machine still isn’t too heavy at 14.5 pounds, and a built-in handle makes it even easier to move around.

Get the Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine on Amazon and at Walmart.

Beginner quilters will find the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine is packed with novice-friendly features, all at a reasonable price. This computerized sewing and quilting machine has an automatic needle threader, a drop-in jam-resistant bobbin, variable speed settings, and an easy-to-use backlit display. Users can choose from 60 stitches, including seven one-step buttonhole stitches, which are useful for a range of sewing and quilting projects.

Quilting can take up a lot of space, so this sewing machine includes a detachable wide table for sewing quilts as well as large garments and costumes. LED lighting provides a brightly lit sewing area so users can easily see their project’s every detail.

Get the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine on Amazon.

The Janome JW8100 Sewing Machine is another full-featured choice for new sewists who hope to expand their skills. This computerized machine has several novice-friendly features, including a drop-in bobbin, a speed control slider, and an automatic needle threader.

With 100 stitch options (including seven buttonhole stitches) and an included extension table for larger projects, sewists can continue using this machine as their skills grow. This computerized machine chooses optimal stitch length and width settings for each stitch, but users can also override this feature to customize projects.

Besides its stitch options, this machine includes several convenient buttons, including two that are particularly beginner-friendly: a start/stop button allows users to sew without using the foot control, and an easy-reverse button makes it simple to backstitch and lock seams.

Get the Janome JW8100 Computerized Sewing Machine on Amazon, at JOANN, or at The Home Depot.

The Singer M3500 Sewing Machine is the best starter sewing machine for most; it strikes an excellent balance between affordability, utility, and a straightforward design. For those who want to learn how to sew on a stricter budget, consider the ​​Janome Derby Sewing Machine. It’s the best cheap sewing machine option since it has all the basic features to start learning, but at a very affordable price.

Sewing is a rewarding hobby, but getting started can be overwhelming. The good news is, there are plenty of sewing machines suitable for novice sewists. When evaluating the best starter sewing machine options, we kept ease of use, price, and sewing functions in mind.

Through extensive product research, we found sewing machines that are packed with user-friendly features, as well as backed up with excellent shopper reviews. Features like versatile stitching options, automatic threading, and simple-to-load bobbins were beginner-friendly features we looked for.

Hobby novices usually don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on their craft, so we kept affordability in mind. In addition to affordability, shoppers want a sewing machine that is reliable enough to serve a range of uses, whether for hemming a sweater or for crafting new curtains. Lastly, to ensure reliability, we chose sewing machines from well-established and trusted brands.

Learning how to sew is a fun and useful pastime, and with a sewing machine, you can create even more intricate creations. Choosing the right sewing machine can feel daunting, since the options and features feel endless. If you’re still deciding on the best home sewing machine for your needs, consider the frequently asked questions and answers ahead.

There are several excellent beginner-friendly sewing machine options under $200. Spend what feels comfortable for your budget.

Absolutely—by following the instructions in the manual (and using online tutorials, when needed), anyone can teach themselves to sew using one of the best starter sewing machine options.

It depends on the type of sewing machine and fabrics you choose to work with. There are some up-front costs to get started, but sewing doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby.

Getting started isn’t difficult; it’s easy to learn how to use one of the best basic sewing machine options. Mastering sewing is much more difficult, but practice makes perfect.

To get more accustomed to the machine, use a simple pattern for your first project. Some easy first-time sewing projects include making a napkin, a pillowcase, a tote bag, a headband, or an apron.

Many sewing machines will come with the basic tools to use the machine. Other tools you should have on hand include thread spools in your chosen thread colors, sewing scissors, pins, a measuring tape, an iron and ironing board, and a seam ripper in case of any mistakes.

When learning how to sew with a sewing machine, one of the most important methods to master is the straight stitch, a foundational stitch for many sewing projects.

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