Image: MomJunction Design Team
A sewing machine is a useful piece of equipment to own whether you enjoy stitching or not. So, here’s our list of the best sewing machines to help you choose the right one. It allows you to sew clothes in minutes and saves you the time, money, and effort you would otherwise spend on tailoring shops. Most sewing machines provide the basic operations for home sewing, such as repairing tears or sewing fabrics together to construct an outfit. However, you may require a few special features if you want something professional. Our comprehensive list includes tested models for mending, embroidery, and quilting. So, explore the expert-approved products and features listed below to choose a machine that suits your needs.
Top Picks
15 Best Sewing Machines
1. Best Lightweight:Brother Sewing Machine
The user-friendly quilting sewing machine from Brother is easy to use and lets you stitch various designs easily. It is a good pick for beginner sewists and hobbyists who are looking for an ideal startup machine with a computerized setup. With a plastic body, this lightweight sewing machine is efficient in sewing both thick and thin fabrics.
Pros
- 60 built-in stitch options and seven buttoning styles
- Versatile and durable
- Jam resistance technology and automatic needle threader for smooth functioning
- Varied speed controls
- Easy-to-operate LCD control panel
- 25-year limited warranty
- Comes with an instruction manual in English and Spanish
Cons
- Threading the bobbin may be difficult
"I've owned this compact sewing machine for some time now. I'm currently running my own small business and have sewn multiple pieces on this easily. It's been reliable, causing me minimal issues. I would recommend it for both beginners and experts."
2. Best For Easy-Threading:Singer Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 7,526 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
The tried-and-tested computerized machine from Singer comes with multiple accessories. Its 13-buttoned control system and easy threading function make it ideal for home sewing and quilting. Thanks to its 600 stitch patterns, adjustable stitch lengths, and speed controls, this sewing machine is suitable for both beginners and expert sewists. Watch this review video outlining a tester’s experience for more details about his walking foot sewing machine.
Pros
- Convenient self-cutting thread feature
- Offers programmable patterns for creativity
- Easy-to-operate LCD control panel
- Comes with 13 presser feet suitable for various stitches
- Doubles as an embroidery machine
Cons
- Quality of the buttonhole may not be great
"I'm new to sewing and picked up this machine, bracing myself for its numerous features. Initially intimidating, it soon became a reliable tool, easily handling multiple layers of fabric. It even makes a beginner like me feel skilled! While the central presser foot didn't fit, I managed with other options."
3. Best Travel-Friendly:Cengoy Handheld Sewing Machine
The handheld mini sewing machine from Cengoy can be good equipment for spot repair and offers precise stitches. Its high strength needle can sew through silk, wool, and leather effortlessly. Its compact size and portable design let you carry it during travel to prevent any unforeseen clothing emergencies.
Pros
- Can stitch difficult and coiled positions
- Good battery capacity
- Convenient and easy to use
- Made of ABS materials for durability
- Suitable for simple domestic sewing needs
Cons
- Only offers a single stitch pattern
Did You Know?Brother Sewing Machine | Singer Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine | Cengoy Handheld Sewing Machine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum | Metal | Plastic |
| Color | Wide Table | White | - |
| Weight | 13 pounds | 20 pounds | 12.3 ounces |
| Dimensions | 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches. | 17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches. | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,451 | 7,526 | 62 |
| Price | $209.99 | $449.99 | $15.99 |
4. Best For Beginners:Handupfree Handheld Sewing Machine
An ideal choice for beginners, this one’s suitable for various types of fabric and allows you to be more creative in your projects. Compact and portable, you can carry the lightweight machine around and hone your sewing skills wherever you go.
Item Weight: 13.4 ounces
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Lightweight design
- Durable design
- Long-lasting material
- Affordable price
Cons
- Does not include batteries
5. Best For Low-Maintenance:Janome Sewing Machine
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 1,413 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
The sewing machine for beginners offers 12 stitch patterns and is low maintenance. It features an accessible drop feed and free arm sewing for effortless usage. The machine’s unrivaled stitching quality with dependable, basic, and sturdy function makes it ideal for domestic sewing purposes. Check out this instructional product testing video to learn how this beginner’s machine works.
Pros
- Facilitates ease of setup and maintenance
- Can be used for both light and heavier fabrics
- Energy-efficient design
- Adjustable stitch length and speed control
- Comes with multiple accessories such as foot pedal, needle set, and bobbins, which are essential
Cons
- Only limited to a few stitch patterns
"Despite encountering a strange initial thread tension, this machine didn't fail to impress me. Following a friend's advice, I got this and found it appropriate for beginners like myself. It's effortless to set up, from threading the bobbin to mastering its various features. I could even accomplish the thick side seams of blue jeans with ease. A great buy!"
6. Best For Bulk Sewing:Luby Sewing Machine
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 1,010 positive reviews on Amazon.
With 12 stitch patterns and a sturdy steel frame, the Luby heavy-duty machine for sewing allows stitching bulk amounts conveniently. The strong needle, combined with high-pressure sewing, can mend thick and thin fabrics effortlessly. If you are a beginner-level sewist and want to learn basic sewing techniques, this model can be a great choice.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Four-step buttonhole presser for comfortable sewing
- Suitable for domestic sewing
- Can be operated at two-speed levels
- Comes with a detailed instruction manual in five languages
Cons
- Thread cutter may be difficult to access
- Size could be small for some
"This machine has a smooth, user-friendly design. I am so glad it came with detailed descriptions, which made learning easy and fun. However, it may not be the best choice for professionals. I would recommend it if you are a beginner!"
Quick tip7. Best For Safety:Juki Portable Sewing Machine
The Juki home sewing machine is a combination of compact size and convenient features. Its safety switch prevents the machine from running when the swing cover is opened for threading. With its multiple stitch patterns, you can create decorative styles on sleeves and skirts effortlessly on this Serger sewing machine. The customized results and two-, three-, and four-thread capacity options allow maximum control over your stitch patterns.
Pros
- Color-coded thread loop aids in a smooth cut
- Suitable for both light and heavy fabrics
- Offers highly precise stitches
- Can be used for hemming
Cons
- Understanding the mechanism may be difficult
- May not be suitable for beginners
"Upgraded to this machine, and it's emerged as a trustworthy device. It's easy to use and has delivered consistent results, from beautiful stitches to unruffled hems. The threading is simple, and it's quieter than my previous sewing machine. I also like the preset options. All in all, a nifty and dependable asset in my sewing journey."
8. Best Automatic:Wadeo Portable Sewing Machine
The Wadeo beginner-friendly sewing machine can be used by connecting it to a power source or manually by its foot pedal. Its two-speed dual thread mechanism is ideal for most domestic sewing purposes. With the automatic rewinding system, you can create double stitch patterns with ease.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- In-built light for precision and safe usage
- Provides two-speed options suitable for beginners
- Comes with an extension table for convenience
Cons
- May not be suitable for stitching larger batches
"I gifted this to my wife for her crafts. She likes how beginner-friendly the design is. However, it might struggle with tougher fabrics. A decent choice overall."
9. Best For Domestic: BTY Portable Sewing Machine
The tried-and-tested BTY sewing machine is portable and can be operated using a direct power supply or foot pedal. Its 12 basic stitch patterns are ideal for beginners and domestic sewing purposes. With its simplistic design, this model offers the required results without much difficulty. The basic machine lets you stitch accurately in low light conditions, thanks to its LED light and adjustable sewing speed.
Pros
- Has seamless thread cutter and winding function
- Suitable for crafting and quilting projects
- Easy to use and maintain
- Reverse stitch button aids smooth functioning
Cons
- May not be suitable for stitching thick fabrics
"This machine is quite compact and easy to use. Although I encountered challenges threading and fitting in the bobbin, the machine is pleasantly convenient for small, lightweight tasks, and suitable for teaching the basics of sewing. The foot pedal may be smaller than expected. Overall, it's a convenient choice."
Do rememberNever oil the handwheel release, tension discs, or the belts and rubber rings on the sewing machine, as doing so can damage the machine’s performance.
10. Best Heavy-Duty:Beletops Portable Sewing Machine
The Beletops mini sewing machine is ideal for both beginners and experts. You can create neat and firm stitch patterns with its dual thread and speed options. Its lightweight and compact size make it convenient to carry while traveling. Its heavy-duty frame and presser foot pedal make it suitable for beginners.
Pros
- LED light for night time sewing
- Foot pedal offers effortless function
- Made of a heavy-duty frame for durability
- Easy to use and maintain
- Ideal for advanced projects
Cons
- Not suitable for clothes thicker than 0.08in
"The machine features a simple design and comes with minimal stitching options. Threading this machine was a bit tricky for me, but watching an instructional video solved the problem. Its LED night light is a plus. For a beginner, it certainly does the job."
11. Best For Adjustable Speed:Varmax Sewing Machine
If you’re looking for a compact sewing machine with an extended sewing surface, the Varmax machine could be a good choice. Its lightweight design is useful for crafts and other domestic sewing requirements. It has an adjustable speed and an in-built thread cutter for convenience. It runs on batteries, so you can take it when traveling.
Pros
- Comes with multiple needle sizes for versatile stitches
- Can be also be used with a foot pedal
- Beginner-friendly model
- Ideal for stitching numerous materials
Cons
- Base may tumble
"This compact device runs quietly, which is a winning feature. Quite surprisingly, the quality it delivers is decent. The portable design is pretty convenient."
12. Best For Efficiency:Heureux Sewing and Quilting Machine
The lightweight, computerized electronic sewing machine from Heureux is suitable for quilting and crafting. It has multiple function buttons and an easy threading guide for beginners. The LCD screen backlight and the LED light near the needle make it efficient during nighttime. Moreover, this stitching sewing machine gives you 200 unique patterns to suit all your stitching needs. This computerized machine can sew multiple layers of fabrics and has been tested on 16 layers of denim fabric successfully.
Pros
- Automatic needle threader to reduce eye strain
- Can be used to sew a variety of fabrics
- Compact size and easy to set up
- Made of durable material
- Comes with an instruction manual and video
Cons
- May not be suitable for thick fabrics
"I was impressed by this machine. It is reliable and sturdy, and the performance is quite satisfactory. However, it could benefit from a few improvements. Despite some operational issues, I would recommend it for its convenience and features."
13. Best For Precise Stitching:KPCB Sewing Machine
The KPCB mini sewing machine is a basic tool designed for beginners who are still getting acquainted with the sewing process. It offers 12 basic stitch patterns for domestic sewing and mending stitches. The pedal foot also helps in using the right pressure for each stitch type.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to sew sleeves with its slide-able flatbed
- Comes with a buttonhole feature and a storage compartment
Cons
- Needle may not pick up on the lower thread easily
"I've purchased this machine twice due to its lightweight design and appealing red/white exterior. Its has a simple design with clear labels, a reachable backstitch button, versatile speed controls, and work light indicator. I just wish it had a handle for easy transport. It has been a worthwhile investment, though."
14. Best For Easy-To-Use:Bernette Swiss Design Sewing Machine
The Bernette sewing machine combines a traditional and a mechanical sewing machine. It comes with 15 in-built stitch patterns and five different sewing feet. The semi-automatic needle threader makes thread insertion easy and convenient. Thanks to its easy usage mechanism, this model is ideal for beginners.
Pros
- Durable and solid body
- Adjustable stitch width
- Convenient-to-use knobs
- Comes with all the basic requirements needed by a beginner
- Ensures ease of operation
Cons
- May not be noise-less when operated
"This sewing machine impresses with its tension control, low noise, and numerous features. Although not great for larger quilting projects, its simple and efficient design, along with consistent stitching, make it a user-friendly choice. Overall, a satisfying purchase."
15. Best For Zigzag Stitch Patterns:Sew Mighty Sewing Machine
The mini sewing machine from Sew Mighty is powerful with two-speed motors. It can be operated by hand or with the help of its foot pedal. Its simple design and mechanism make it suitable for beginners and experts. With its adjustable stitch size and zigzag stitch patterns, you can use the machine for professional and domestic sewing purposes.
Pros
- Contains 12 stitch patterns
- Convenient stitch dial
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with accessories such as replacement needles, buttonhole foot, needle threader, and measuring tape
Cons
- Untangling thread stuck in the machine maybe difficult
"My daughter adores this portable and user-friendly sewing machine. Its reverse function is a nice touch, and it's pretty sturdy for a mini machine. A pleasing purchase overall!"
How To Choose The Right Sewing Machine?
Most sewing machines meet the basic stitching requirement. But based on your proficiency level, you may need a few add-on features.
- Machine type: Based on your area of work, you may need to choose a type. A few models with strong needle pressure are ideal for quilting, while models with multiple stitch patterns can also be used for embroidery. Any model can be used for household purposes. You can also choose between handheld and tabletop models based on the place of usage.
- Number of stitches: Beginners usually require two types of stitch patterns, straight and zigzag. The manufacturer has to certify the models suitable for embroidery or quilting. Features such as stitch length adjustment and speed control offer versatility and creativity to the stitches.
- Frame material: Durable models are constructed with metal. Plastic framed models are inexpensive but may not offer longevity.
- Speed: If you need a sewing machine for professional purposes, speed could be a limiting factor. Look for a model with speed control features. Domestic machines usually function at lower speed levels.
- Accessories: Stitching requires multiple accessories for a good output. Every machine must include a bobbin and pressure foot for smooth operation. A buttonhole foot, an expandable table, and a storage unit may add to the functionality.
- Fabric flexibility: Based on the needle’s pressure and strength, the sewing machine is compatible with a fabric of limited thickness. It is an important factor to consider when buying a machine.
- Additional features: Few machines come with an automatic thread cutter and needle threader,making the sewing process easier.
Rachel Nelson, a professional seamstress, says, “Before deciding what sewing machine to purchase, take some time to think about what types of items you want to sew. For example, if you are interested in learning to sew clothing, a machine capable of special stitches, such as an overcasting stitch or a zig-zag stitch, is essential.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can I expect a sewing machine to last?
Sewing machines last more than five years. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can last for more than ten to 15 years.
2. Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?
This happens when the seam is not held in a stationary position when the needle is rising. Also known as flagging, this is one of the common reasons your sewing machine is skipping stitches.
3. What makes needles break frequently?
Needles of sewing machines can break for many reasons. Some common reasons include using the wrong needle for the wrong fabric, not inserting the needle correctly, repeated striking of the needle on the hook, or placing the bobbin case incorrectly.
4. Can I use a regular needle in a sewing machine?
Regular needles and sewing machine needles have different sizing numbers. However, some regular needles might be compatible with mini-sewing machines.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sewing machines are essential home products that ensure you remain prepared for any occasion. Wedetso Chirhah, who writes extensively about household products, brings you this list of the best sewing machines after exploring several websites and considering the customer reviews and ratings. In addition, he has added the pros and cons of each product and included a buying guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing a sewing machine.
The Bottom Line
Being able to sew your clothes or even perform minor repairs is a superbly valuable skill to have. And learning or pursuing this hobby becomes easier when you have the best sewing machine at home. The options listed here are versatile, durable, and easy to operate. They also come with modern attachments and accessories so that you can sew anything you fancy efficiently. Whether you choose it for professional or personal use, you shouldn’t forget to consider factors like the number of stitches, frame material, speed, and fabric flexibility of the machine. Our favorite picks include the Brother Sewing Machine with jam resistance technology for beginners, the Singer Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine, which facilitates 600 stitch patterns, and the Janome Sewing Machine, which comes with multiple accessories.
Infographic: How To Use A Sewing Machine Properly?
From simple stitches to intricate designs, sewing machines cater to a wide range of stitching needs, making them a must-have for hobbyists and professionals alike. However, it is essential to use them cautiously to prevent injuries, shocks, and damage to the machine. Explore the infographic below to learn how to use sewing machines efficiently and safely.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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