What are the best sewing machines for beginners?

Everyone’s sewing machine for beginners will be different! Everyone wants to achieve different things with their sewing, so we look for the different features in a sewing machine. It’s just like buying any appliance; we have individual preferences!

Whatever your experience, the truth is just as with anything else that’s worth doing; sewing is a skill you will learn over time. The big advantage we have today is that there are some really great sewing machines for beginners that are sure to make your sewing efforts rewarding.
You will come to know the value of your sewing machine when you have owned it for some time and it has proven its worth many times over!

Beginner sewing machines to consider

Brother GX37	Brother CS6000i	Burnette 33	Janome 2212
Solid performing Mechanical sewing machine Value	Great beginner machine Computerised sewing & quilting	Beginner friendly Mechanical sewing machine	Easy to use Mechanical sewing machine
37 stitches 850 stitches p/m Auto needle threader	60 stitches 850 stitches p/m Start/stop button + foot pedal	15 stitches 850 stitches p/m 4 step buttonhole	12 stitches 860 stitches p/m 4 step buttonhole
Sew Vac Direct Ken's Sewing Amazon	Sew Vac Direct Ken's Sewing Amazon	Sew Vac Direct Ken's Sewing Amazon	Sew Vac Direct Ken's Sewing Amazon

We need to answer this question: What do you look for when buying a sewing machine for beginners?

What are your requirements – what will you be sewing?
Will you be using it for just regular sewing and buttonholes, or do you plan to do quilting, crafts or heavy-duty stitching.

How to find the best sewing machine for beginners – With so many sewing brands and models to choose from, it’s best to use the following features to select the right one for yourself.

Important features to consider before you buy:

You will find there are some of the basic differences in sewing machines:

Types of machines: The range is; sewing machine, embroidery machine, quilting machine, serger or overlocker machine. There are some combinations of these machines. Also, there are domestic or industrial sewing machines.

How it works: Is it, electronic or mechanical? Computerized or automated? Decide if you want something manual or computerized. Computerized versions are more advanced and cost more than the manual machines but they have many useful automatic features.

Let’s look at some of the basic sewing machine features to get you started

Stitches

Choose based on the number and type of stitches you want and will be using.

Models with built-in stitches help you make different patterns and designs for decorative projects. Experts may need a wider selection of stitches in comparison to beginners. It’s always better to buy a model that lets you adjust your stitches as per your requirements, especially if you will be using the machine for embroidery, designing or decorative purposes. Stitch lengths varying from a maximum of 5mm 7mm or 9mm.

Number of stitches  There are machines with amazing arrays of stitches! Think about which ones you are likely to use and try not to be too carried away with the options available.

Stitch width you want stitches to be adjustable for example the range maybe 5mm – 7 mm

Buttonholes If you are going to be sewing clothes then having an automatic buttonhole feature will make your sewing experience so much better. The process is can be so easy and the results professional.

Bobbin loading      

Bobbins can load 2 ways: either front-loading or drop-in or bottom loading. The front-loading bobbin was in the original machines with drop-in bobbins replacing them in many modern sewing machines. Front loading bobbins are harder to change, and you will probably have to fiddle with it to get the right tension in your stitches. If the tension isn’t right your machine won’t sew the stitches correctly. So a sewing machine for beginners should have a drop-in bobbin.

Motor and quality of build

If you plan to do some heavy-duty sewing, then look for a durable model with a powerful motor. If you think you might sew with denim, for example, it is considered a heavy material. Consider the length of time you want to sew, for example, sewing all day versus a quick mending job.

Machine size and weight
A compact, lightweight and portable machine is a better choice if you plan to carry it to your classes and for storage reasons. If you need an extendable table, then look for one with a detachable table for easy storage

Noise
This may be a factor you need to consider depending on your circumstances. Where wll you be sewing? Are there young sleeping children nearby? Will you be sewing late at night? More powerful machines tend to be noisier. Industrial machines will be noisier than home sewing machines.

Speed is how many stitches per minute are sewn. Fastest is not always best when you are learning. Check the speed of the sewing machine as stitching speed does vary. Some do as many as 1000 stitches a minute, which proves helpful to quickly complete big projects. Speed dials let you control the speed as required. Having an adjustable speed option is useful in a sewing machine for beginners so you ahve more control as you learn.

Maintenance and use guides
You will come to know the value of your sewing machine when you have owned it for some time and it has proven its worth many times over!
Having information on how to use and look after your machine is important. Machines come with a variety of guides; booklets, DVDs and even some with an app. You will need this to get the best out of your machine and to undertake the important maintenance.
How you look after your machine will play a role in how it performs for you, so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and look after it.

Budget
Aim for the best machine you can buy. Set your budget before looking for your appliance. Most people looking for beginners sewing machines usually look for cheaper models. However, be aware of buying a machine that’s too cheap because these models may make sewing difficult and not produce the quality of stitching you want. It may also make you lose your sewing enthusiasm!

Buy the best machine you can in your price range. This can improve your sewing experience and give you more sewing options as you learn the skills of sewing.