Best Beginner Sewing Machines for the Novice Sewist

One of the questions I get quite often is what is the best sewing machine for beginners.

It is a good question, especially since buying a sewing machine tends to be an investment in future sewing success. You want a machine that will last but also not put you into debt.

Great list of the Best sewing machine for beginners or the Novice Sewist with recommendations for kids, teens and adults.

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Which is why today I'll be sharing with you some suggestions on finding the best beginner sewing machine for any age.

How much should a beginner spend on a sewing machine?

This is a very personal question and all depends on your budget goals. You really don't need to spend a fortune to start sewing.

If you are looking to budget for a machine, expect to spend between $70-150 if you want to come out with a decent beginner machine.

Keep in mind that brand new sewing machines that cost less are not always as well built and may contain plastic parts. These parts can break over time and will need replacing.

While more expensive machines are more durable and heavy duty and include more fancy features that a beginner doesn't necessarily need.

Where should I buy a sewing machine?

There are many options for places you can buy a sewing machine. Below are just some ideas to get your brain working and help you find the best fit for your needs.

1. Online (Brand Websites, Amazon, EBay)

Buying online is the most common way to get a machine today.

The Pros: You can read hundreds of revies from other beginners to see what they really think. Prices are often the lowest, and the machine shows up right to your door.
The Cons: The downfall is if the machine breaks or arrives damaged, you have to deal with customer service or getting it fixed. Plus, you don't get to see it first in action before you spend your money.

2. Local Craft or Sewing Stores

These stores are great for beginners because they often carry the most popular starter models.

The Pros: You can see the machine in person, try it out, and sometimes even take it home the same day. Often, these shops offer free lessons on how to use your machine when you buy from them. If you have a problem, you can walk in and talk to a real person.
The Cons: The price is usually going to be higher at a retail store.

3. Sewing Machine Repair Shops

Don't forget about your local sewing repair shop. These shops are experts on what makes a machine run well and often have new, used and refurbished.

The Pros: Many times they have new, slightly used, or even refurbished sewing machines for sale. Refurbished machines can be a total steal. May own Bernina 830 is an older model from the 70s that my husband found refurbished on eBay. It is a work horse and was a great deal.

4. Second-Hand (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Thrift Stores, EBay)

Don't be afraid to look at purchasing second-hand. You can find amazing deals and good machines in these places.

The Pros: You can save a lot of money and give an older machine a new home.
The Cons: You need to know what you want and be careful to check that the machine works properly. Ensure all parts are included like the presser feet and foot pedal.

Regardless of where you buy, I recommend that you always take a used machine to a repair shop for some maintenance to make sure everything is working well.

What is the easiest sewing machine to use for beginners?

The easiest sewing machines are going to be mechanical sewing machines. Which means they only have dials and no computerized system. They are just for sewing basic stitches and have no super fancy tricks.

However, modern computerized machines, like the Janome JW8100 have neat features like speed control where you can set it to slow so the machine won't get out of control. This is a great feature for young children.

What is the best sewing machine for beginners?

When it comes to picking the best sewing machine, it isn't as easy as giving one option. It depends on the sewists age and goals.

First think about who will be using this machine. Will it be for an adult who can se a little and really wants to take time to learn and grow? Is it for a teen that has some interest but may not enjoy sewing in a couple months or a year? Or are you getting something for a young child that just needs something basic to learn on?

Here are a few things to ask yourself before buying a sewing machine:

What will I make? Am I planning to make clothing or outfits? Am I more interested in quilting? Do I want something that can mend clothing and sew simple crafts?
How often will it be used? Every day or just once in a while?
Do I like technology? Sewing machines can be so basic they only have a couple dials or they can be very advanced and have lots of digital features.
What is my budget? How much am I ready and willing to spend now? Do I want to start small and upgrade later or just jump right in.

Once you can answer these simple question, let's look at some of the best beginner machines on the current market.

Picking a sewing machine for beginners

Now that we know our age and goals, I can recommend a few sewing machines that could work for you.

Here are my top picks based on years of teaching:

For Kids (Ages 10 and under): The Janome Easy to Use Sewing Machine or the Singer M1000 Mending Machine are great options. Both are small, with easy-to-use knobs and have fun colors like pink and green to choose from. They are perfect for small hands.
For Teens: The Singer MX231 is simple, sturdy and doesn't have too many confusing buttons but it does have 97 possible stitches and 1 step buttonhole which is perfect for adventurous teens.
For Adults: The Brother XM2701 is a lightweight machine that has 27 different stitches and 6 sewing feet. It's a great all-around machine that won't break the bank.

What is a good brand for a beginner sewing machine?

Stick with brands that have been around a long time. These companies make it easy to find repair shops or extra parts if you need them. The best brands for beginners are:

Brother: They are very user-friendly, have great user manuals and are easy to find in stores or online.
Singer: Singer are a classic sewing brand. They are easy to find and are probably the most affordable machine brand.
Janome: If you want a little more elevated beginner machine, Janome is high quality, runs smoothly and is typically affordable.

Can I teach myself to sew?

Yes! You can absolutely teach yourself. In fact, many of our readers are doing that right now.

If you need extra guidance and help, make sure to join our Free Sewing Bootcamp. You'll learn all the parts of the machine, how to thread the machine, essential tools and you'll get some great beginner friendly project ideas.

Buying your first machine is the start of a wonderful hobby. Take your time, pick a brand you want to grow with, and remember, every expert was once a beginner too!