Hello, beginner sewers, how is life going?
This is 2020, and now that you have decided to buy a sewing machine, you need to be careful. There are a lot of crap machines on the market. Even the top sewing machine manufacturers have their fair share of crap machines.
I am not joking here; 90 % of the sewing machines released by the top sewing machine manufacturers in the US doesn’t make it to the top list.
There are only a handful of machines that can be called a ‘Class Apart’ from all its siblings.
Best sewing machines for beginners 2020 in simple words, a beginner needs an easy to operate, durable sewing machine with top-class stitch quality.
Honestly, this is a hard combination to get. During my early sewing days, I had a lot of trouble with choosing a good sewing machine. I have gone through a lot of crap machines and lost a lot of money as well.
But now, after all, these years of experience with sewing machines, I have acquired enough knowledge to pick the best of the lot. In this content, I will help you to find the best sewing machine that suits your needs as a beginner.
We are well into 2020, and a couple of machines that featured in the top 10 list last year has gone out, and a couple of new entries have come in.
I think 2020 has more rank swapping than last year.
Here is the list of 10 best beginner sewing machines you can get in the US. I have deliberately kept the list very reasonable because I honestly feel that it is the maximum amount a beginner spend on a sewing machine.
Of course, you can buy expensive machines if you have money, but I think you would be better of growing your skills with a beginner machine and then switch over to an advanced machine at a later stage.
Editor’s Choice Best Sewing Machines For Beginners
Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine
2017 has been a comeback year for Brother CS6000i. Last year CS6000i lost its top rank to XR9500PRW because the later was very aggressively priced. Brother CS6000i is now the best beginner sewing machine you can get in the US.
It has been on top for straight nine years (yes, it was released in 2007 and is still the best).
I think you can now call this machine a ‘Legend’ because of its successful run for such a long duration. Its features, durability, and stitch quality, has been tried and tested over all these years by thousands of users.
It is also the most sold sewing machine in the US. CS6000i ticks all the checkboxes as far as beginners are concerned. The ease of use and user-friendly features made it popular among beginners.
You can call it an all-rounder regarding stitch quality. The stitch quality is consistent across a variety of fabrics, including multiple layers of denim.
Main Features
- Computerized sewing machine
- 60 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Programmable needle up/down
- Sewing start/stop and variable speed control
What beginners will like?
Feature-packed, stitch quality, durability, aggressive pricing, and ease of use
Cons:
Not a lot to talk about. Some may say that the machine is over nine years old, and it is aging. But for me, the quality is all that matters.
Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
This machine lost its top position mainly because of the fluctuating price. However, XR9500PRW is an absolute champion regarding performance and features. It is no lesser than the previous machine on this list.
XR9500PRW has more features than CS6000i, so you can expect the price to be a tad bit higher than CS6000i.
But at times, the price gap becomes colossal, which works against XR9500PRW. The machine is so feature-packed that even an advanced sewer will find it useful, forget beginners. The stitch quality is excellent across a variety of fabrics.
The machine is pretty lightweight as well. XR9500PRW is the best sewing machine for beginners who attend sewing classes. You can easily carry them.
Main Features
- Computerized Machine
- 100 built-in stitches
- Sewing start/stop and variable speed control
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
- Programmable needle up/down
- 1 Font for monogramming
What beginners will like?
Feature-packed, stitch quality, durability, lightweight, quiet operation, and ease of use.
Cons:
Beginners will need a couple of tries to get used to the automatic needle threader. You may not get it to work straight away. There is no problem once you get the hang of it.
Singer 7258 Sewing Machine
If you ask me which is the best Singer beginner machine, I would answer Singer 7258 all day. If it is a Singer, it has to be Singer 7258, at least in the beginner category.
Quality and features are the two things that made 7258 so famous. The machine is easy to use, and it has a lot of beginner-friendly features as well. The stitch quality is excellent.
Main Features
- Computerized Machine
- 100 built-in stitches
- Sewing start/stop and variable speed control
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
- Programmable needle up/down
What beginners will like?
Feature-packed, stitch quality, durability, and ease of use.
Cons:
No drop feed option for free-motion quilting. The foot pedal could have been more responsive.
Singer 4423 Sewing Machine
Singer 4423 is very different from other sewing machines on this list. It is the only heavy-duty sewing machine on this list.
You can easily say that Singer 4423 is the best heavy duty sewing machine. The best thing about 4423 is its powerful motor. The motor can churn out 1,100 stitches/min, which makes it the fastest beginner sewing machine.
In addition to that, the machine has the beginner-friendly features like the 1-step buttonhole, top drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader, etc.
The stitch quality is excellent as well. Even though the machine doesn’t have a lot of built-in stitches, the combination of aggressive pricing, user-friendly features, and quality made it famous.
Main Features
- Mechanical Machine
- 23 built-in stitches
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
- 1-step buttonhole
What beginners will like?
Powerful motor, fast sewing, beginner-friendly features, affordability, stitch quality, and ease of use
Cons:
At this price point, you can’t expect a 100% heavy-duty machine. Yes, there are plastic parts for sure. Eight plus layers of denim are not recommended on this machine.
SINGER 7256 Fashion Mate 70-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine
Singer 7256 is a new entrant on our list. The machine has been in the US market for quite some time now. The sudden jump in the ranking is mainly due to better pricing. Unlike Singer 7258, which we already discussed, this one is an electronic sewing machine.
So this one misses out on features like programmable needle up/down, speed control slider, etc. These features are essential, especially the needle up/down button, which works like an extra hand.
So I would recommend 7256 only if it is priced significantly lower than 7258. The stitch quality of 7256 is excellent. The machine operates quietly and smoothly.
Main Features
- Electronic machine
- 70 built-in stitches
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
What beginners will like?
Affordability, stitch quality, durability, and a lot of stitch options
Cons:
The work light LED is dim. Similar to 7258, this one also lacks a drop feed option.
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
This guy just came to the stage and stole the show. XM2701 instantly eclipsed XL2600I, which is its predecessor. Brother XM2701 has become the best sewing machine in the round price capable segment.
If you are looking for an inexpensive beginner machine, look no further. It is a quality machine. The stitch quality is excellent, but you can’t sew too many layers of denim on this machine as it is not designed for such heavy-duty sewing.
The best thing about XM2701 is that it offers so many beginner-friendly features that none of its competitors have. It is a class above all other machines in the price bracket.
Main Features
- Mechanical Machine
- 27 built-in stitches
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threaded
- 1-step buttonhole
What beginners will like?
Feature-packed for the price, affordability, and stitched quality
Cons:
Not ideal for multiple sewing layers of denim (4 plus). Dim work light.
Singer 2277 Sewing Machine
This machine is a new entrant for this year. 2277 is Singer’s answer for Brother XM2701. Both machines come in the same price range.
Singer 2277 is the best entry-level Singer machine. The machine has a lot of features for the price (but not as much as the Brother XM2701).
Singer 2277’s USP is its stitch quality and affordability. The stitch quality is excellent. 2277 has many beginner-friendly features, but the lack of top drop-in bobbin is a big miss.
Main Features
- Mechanical Machine
- 23 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- 1-step buttonhole
What beginners will like?
Useful features, affordability and stitch quality
Cons:
No top drop-in bobbin. Not ideal for multiple layers of denim. Tricky automatic needle threader might require a couple of attempts.
Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
This simply has to be the best Janome machine. It is not a feature-packed sewing machine by any stretch of the imagination.
In fact, it lacks even the basic beginner-friendly features like an automatic needle threader, 4-step buttonhole, top drop-in bobbin, etc. But where it makes up for the features is in the stitch quality.
This mechanical sewing machine is a stunner regarding stitch quality. It can sew through anything you throw at it.
The build quality is top-notch and doesn’t even doubt about durability. Old mechanical sewing machines will love Janome 2212 because it seems like one from the Classical Singer era.
Main Features
- Mechanical Machine
- 12 built-in stitches
What beginners will like?
The stitch quality, ease of use, smooth operation and durability
Cons:
Misses out on so many beginner-friendly features
Brother CS5055PRW Sewing Machine
This guy has been around for a while now. CS5055PRW is an electronic sewing machine, not a digital one like CS6000i (the first machine on this list).
The stitch quality is one thing that keeps this machine in the competition. It has some excellent features as well.
Main Features
- Electronic sewing machine
- 50 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Top drop-in bobbin
What beginners will like?
Stitch quality and useful features
Cons:
Getting the right amount of tension needs practice. The machine is not ideal for four additional layers of denim. The biggest bummer of CS5055PRW is that it comes in the price range of the ever-popular Brother CS6000i. The later has better features and performs better as well.
Brother XR3774 Sewing Machine
Almost two years after its launch, Brother XR3774 has started to build some reputation. Even then I think, aggressive pricing would do the world of good for this sewing machine.
This is a mechanical sewing machine with some excellent features and good stitch quality.
Main Features
- Mechanical sewing machine
- 37 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Top drop-in bobbin
- 1-step buttonhole
What beginners will like?
Stitch quality.
Cons:
We don’t find any con in this product.
How to Choose a Sewing Machine for Beginners
Starting your sewing business is not such difficult, you may think. In the early days, the old sewing machine that was borrowed from a friend was enough to test your skills. However, if you have a dream of becoming a professional in sewing, it is worth investing in high-quality and reliable equipment.
Choosing the sewing machine for beginners is a new decision, which will have an incredible impact in the future, but it comes true if you want the right one. The process is mainly associated with learning some essential machine functions and also determining your expectations. Here is how to choose a sewing machine for beginners.
Budget
The budget is a significant factor when choosing a sewing machine for the beginner. This doesn’t mean you pick the cheapest one on the market and make you end up feeling that you didn’t get the right machine you needed.
Don’t want the expensive sewing machines if you’re on a tight budget. The budget you have stick on it. Another way in which you can consider your budget is to search for the second-hand sewing machine.
Still, it is essential to find the seller’s reliability and warranty of a machine. See the post on what you are looking for when buying the second-hand sewing machine. Purchasing a very inexpensive sewing machine that promises a lot of things very all advertisements, you need to be keen on then, or else you may end up getting a fake one.
Usage
As a beginner, for you to decide how long you will use the machine to become a vital thing to help you learn new techniques and also ways to make garments. Likewise, it would help if you had a sewing machine that has more straight stitches.
If you are going to make garments for yourself, then choose the simple machine, which doesn’t have features like zippered feet and buttonholes, for you will be disappointed at one point.
If you are fearing to learn the ways of using the new machine, the worry being much complicated; a costly machine that has many features will not be useful. You would better go for the machine with few fundamental elements which only require plugging in and threading.
Stitches
It is a question of a high level, which is hard to answer. Once you have set your budget, you can start to decide on some features you want on the computer. Typically, the first question which can arise can be several stitches available on the specific machine.
The main thing should not rely on several stitches but choose a machine that includes points which can be used to sew. At the sewing core, you only require two stitches for you to sew, which include the zigzag stitch and the straight stitch. Almost every stitch can be done with one of the stitches.
Accessories and feet
For the beginner, choosing a sewing machine will involve considering accessories and feet, which means they need to be specific on the sew you want. Quilters may wish spring action foot, one 1/4 inch foot, and walking foot.
Garments makers can look for the zippered foot, button attaching foot, buttonhole foot, and overcast stitching foot. Many sewing machines typically have all these feet, but cheaper machines may not have better access to a broader range of unique feet.
The more expensive machines can have the best selection. Also, you need to check the accessories price and the feet. Different manufacturers have different prices for the feet. Only some manufacturers will offer machines with a more specific purpose.
Types of sewing machines
Sewing machines come in different types, including a mechanical, computerized, and electric sewing machine. Everyone has their pros and cons, and you must fully recognize their needs for you to choose the one that is right for you. Mechanical machines are easy to use and are not as heavy, and they require less maintenance.
If they are greased and kept clean, they will give you a long time service, which makes them an excellent choice for those with a limited budget. The computerized machine can sew a lovely straight stitch each time. This simplifies stitch length, stitch selection, programmable stitch sequences, and buttonholes. Computerized machines almost every time have c the touch screen.
Electric sewing machines are the hybrid, which is between computerized and mechanical. They have the on/off button with some screen, though they have mechanical components. Electric sewing machines are durable, but they also offer features like stitch selection or needle position.
Noise level
The noise levels of an average sewing machine vary between 65 and 80 dB, which will depend on the quality of the construction and the operating mechanism. The sewing machine, which produces over 70 dB, is being considered the noisy machine, though it is common for the heavy machines.
If you are searching for a machine that produces relatively less noise, then look at the one which has a low noise level. This becomes a factor to consider when choosing a sewing machine for a beginner.
Work space
Another critical thing to consider when choosing a sewing machine for a beginner is where you plan to work. Various sewing machines come with different weights and sizes. These means some are mini sewing machines which have dimensions like 13x7x11.5 inches and weigh 10 pounds.
They are those which are very large, which have the dimensions of 48x36x48 inches and weigh 250 pounds. Another thing is that they can be different depending on a workspace is the level of noise that a sewing machine will make.
Warranty
Many sewing machines have sufficient warranties, which means you do not have to worry concerning expiration before upgrading it or using it. But the excellent guarantee ensures that, in case of problems, there is direct contact with the manufacturer and seek repair. If you want to be using the sewing machine frequently as a beginner, it is recommended that you maintain it regularly.
Conclusion
Choosing a sewing machine, mostly if you are a beginner, sometimes it is challenging if you don’t know the features to look at. The crucial thing to the successful acquisition is to follow the above factors.
You also need to be true to yourself and choose something which will suit you and your needs, not just because of its popularity. Now that you are having little knowledge of the characteristics and features, then you are in a better position to look for the best sewing machine.
These features can serve you and your friend about what you want the sewing machine to be, and if you have the idea of starting a sewing business, this is the right time.
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Sources…
- https://www.amazon.com/slp/best-sewing-machine-for-beginners/dw5682jt8m5p54e
- https://crafts.tutsplus.com/articles/a-buyers-guide-to-your-first-sewing-machine–craft-12119
- https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2010/12/how-to-choose-a-sewing-machine-for-a-beginning-sewer.html
Hi there! I’m a beginner and found this article super helpful. I’m starting to design and sew lingerie and want to know which machine would be the best for more delicate pieces ?
Well, my own point of view, you can try “Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine”.
Hello! I am starting to make my own outdoor gear. After I do a lot of smaller projects, my goal is to make my own ultralight backpacking tent. I will be using ripstip polyester, silpoly, and mesh. The Brother XM2701 has a ton of great reviews, and seems to have ease of use. However- I am concerned this will not be heavy duty enough for my goal project. What do you think/would recommend? Thanks a bunch!
Thanks for your comment. I think, “SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine” can be perfect for your project.
I recently bought a Singer 4432 “heavy duty“. I only did an hour’s sewing with it, off and on over a few days, when it got stuck in reverse. I had to return it for a refund. Apart from the dubious quality, it’s not a particularly nice machine for beginners, the stitch speed is too fast and the buttonhole option isn’t particularly good (the stitch is too long and it can’t be changed). Afterwards I spoke with a Singer expert who told me that, since the company went bust a few years ago, Singer machines are now made by third party manufacturers for the brand owner, to lower quality standards than previously when the brand was family owned. Also, it’s not particularly ‘heavy duty’ as some of the most important moving parts which should be metal are plastic. Overall I would say avoid it.
Thanks for your information. You will be glad to know that, “Singer 4432” is one of the best customer choice sewing machine. I want to tell you, please buy sewing machine in right place.
Hi Barbara
I am intending to do a beginner sewing class soon. Then i would ideally purchase my own sewing machine. My intention is to mainly sew for my family and myself but with the future view of sewing for clients. Please advice as to which sewing machine to purchase with the later goal in mind.
Thanks,
Hannaan
This is actually depends on your own decision.
But my own point of view, “Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine” can be perfect for you. Thank you…
Hi, this list is amazing, it really does make choosing a sewing machine less of a hassle. Am just about to start a millinery business working with sinamay fabric and thick stretchy fabrics. Which do you recommend. Thanks
My own point of view, “Singer 7258 Sewing Machine” can be perfect for you. Thank you