If you are a beginner sewer and don’t know where to start, this page is the place you want to be! Throughout this page, you will learn about the best starter sewing machine options for overall use, quilting, embroidery, kids, budget, and portability.

Top 6 Best Starter Sewing Machine Options

1. Singer 2277

The Singer 227 is best for overall use and comes with everything a beginner needs!

It comes with a built-in needle threader to help save time, as well as an adjustable stitch width and length to prevent the fabric from bunching and to keep the seam strong. With a frame built from heavy-duty metal, the machine is durable and designed for skip-free sewing.

It has 97 stitches and an automatic buttonhole for professional results. This machine also provides warranties including a 90-day warranty for attachments, a 2-year warranty for electronic components, and a 25-year warranty for the sewing machine head.

Overall, the Singer 227 has had great reviews, most of them stating the ease of use for beginners. The machine also comes with a DVD that is reviewed by many beginners as helpful. 

Features

  • An automatic needle threader 
  • Adjustable stitch width and length 
  • An automatic 1-step buttonhole 
  • 97 stitch applications
  • Heavy-duty metal frame
  • Many warranty options 

Pros

  • Easy to control
  • Sturdy build
  • Free arm
  • Great price
  • Great accessories

Cons

  • Reverse lever and pedal are poorly designed
  • Not well-stabilized

Check it out here on Amazon

2. SINGER Start 1304

This Singer sewing machine is a durable high-quality metal frame and is a basic, simple-to-use sewing machine for beginners. It is lightweight, weighing only 7 pounds, to allow for easy portability.

With an automatic bobbin winding, you will be able to save time and frustration. This machine has 57 stitch applications that are set up with the length and width so you can select your stitch easily and start sewing right away. It also has 6 types of stitches and comes with 3 presser feet.

Beginners will love all of the great accessories equipped with this machine including an all-purpose foot, a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot, a scallop foot, a pack of needles, a needle plate screwdriver, spool pin felts, a lint brush, and a seam ripper.

Overall, the Singer 1304 is great for children and beginners and comes with an easy-to-read starter manual. 

Features

  • Free arm
  • 7 pounds 
  • Automatic bobbin winding 
  • 110V
  • Starter manual 
  • 6 types of stitches
  • 57 stitch applications 
  • Different feet options 
  • Durable high-quality metal plate 

Pros

  • User-friendly
  • Great cost
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Limited stitches to choose from
  • Occasional thread jams

Check it out here on Amazon

3. Janome 4120QDC-B

There are many possibilities for sewing due to its 120 built-in stitches. You can easily quilt labels and more with the built-in stitches, along with the automatic needle threader to help beginners easily get started.

With an easy LCD control panel, beginners can easily select their type of stitch, color, and much more at the touch of a button. The bobbin system is jam-proof and easy to change; this is great for new quilters because they don’t need to worry about running off the edge.

There are many more great features including a start/stop button for precise stitch work, an easy reverse button to keep seams secure, and a locking stitch to tie the end of the thread all under 3 buttons.

With all of the great features and accessories the Janome 4120QDC-B includes, if you want to get a solid overall quilting machine, this is the one for you. 

Features

  • 120 built-In stitches 
  • Automatic needle threader 
  • LCD panel
  • Jam proof top-loading bobbin system 
  • Handy function buttons 
  • Hardcover
  • Extension table
  • Instructional DVD
  • 19.8 x 12 x 16 inches
  • 24.2 pounds 

Pros

  • Overall performance is great
  • LED lighting
  • Wide variety of stitch options
  • Very easy to use
  • Many accessories
  • Many useful features

Cons

  • Expensive

Check it out here on Amazon

4. Brother SE625

This Brother sewing machine has many great features including a 4 x 4-inch embroidery field, an LCD to easily view and adjust your stitches, and an embroidery arm, loop, and foot.

This machine also has 80 embroidery designs with 200 more designs on an included CD, 104 stitches, and a USB port to import your personalized designs. With an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin, a free arm, and an LED light, beginners will be able to learn and pick up embroidering quickly.

Beginners will also love the embroidery drag and drop feature to easily position their embroidery design with the touch of a finger.

Features

  • LCD touch screen 
  • 80 built-in embroidery designs
  • 200 embroidery designs with an included CD
  • Embroidery drag and drop feature 
  • Built-in color palette 
  • 103 built-in sewing stitches
  • 21.06 x 16.42 x 15.28 inches
  • 25.3 pounds

Pros

  • 2-in-1 sewing and embroidery
  • High stitch quality
  • Color touch screen
  • Designs are easy to edit
  • Built-in fonts/designs
  • Quiet
  • USB port
  • Extendable free-arm

Cons

  • The built-in embroidery designs are in Japanese characters
  • Thread can be a pain

Check it out here on Amazon

5. Brother XM 2701 

If you are a beginner and want to save money, the Brother XM2701 is a good fit for you!

Just under 100 dollars, this sewing machine offers everything you need to get started. It’s easy to use and packed with many features including 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and a jam-resistant top bobbin.

Other accessories included are a 3-piece needle set, a free arm, 4 bobbins, 6 sewing feet, an instructional DVD manual, and sewing projects for beginner to advanced sewers.

Features 

  • 27 built-in stitches
  • Automatic needle threader 
  • Drop-in top bobbin
  • 6 sewing feet
  • Instructional DVD
  • Versatile free arm
  • Everyday sewing projects
  • 4 bobbins
  • 3-piece needle set 
  • 12.1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches
  • 12.6 pounds

Pros

  • 800 stitches per minute
  • 27 built-in stitches
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to setup
  • 6 sewing feet

Cons

  • Not built for more advanced projects
  • Tension adjustment can be difficult

Check it out here on Amazon

6. Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine

If you’re looking for a smaller sewing machine to carry around, the Magicfly is a good option to choose.

It is a mini sewing machine that is lightweight, petite, and durable. The Magicfly is an electric sewing machine as well, making it easy to sew anywhere.

It also comes with all the basics: lighting, a thread cutter, two-speed settings, and more. The speed button can be put in a high or low setting and has a double thread design, making the stitch stronger.

The sewing machine comes with 36 bobbins, 5 needles, a threader, a pair of scissors, a tape measure, an extension table, and a portable bag.

Features

  • Electric
  • High or low sewing speed 
  • 5 needles, 36 bobbins
  • Portable bag 
  • Threader
  • Beginner-friendly
  • 12 x 11 x 9.5 inches
  • 3.69 pounds 

Pros

  • Well built
  • High-quality
  • Easy to operate
  • High-quality and strong stitching
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Not meant for heavy-duty use

Check it out here on Amazon

Key Features  

Automatic Needle Threader

This is one of the top features a beginner should use. An automatic threader will thread the needle for you so you won’t need to struggle threading the needle by hand. 

Built-In Stitches 

Beginners will want a machine with at least 10-20 built-in stitches. Most beginner projects will only need around this many stitches. 

Top Drop-In Bobbin 

A drop-in bobbin system loads a new bobbin into the machine and is the easiest way to reload the bobbin. 

Number of stitches 

As a beginner, you only need 2 stitches: a straight and zigzag. You want to keep in mind though that as you get better, you will want more options. 

Weight 

Think about where you will be using your sewing machine to determine the proper weight for your sewing lifestyle. If you are bringing it to classes, a friend’s house, etc… You will want to consider a lighter weight.

Ease of use 

As a beginner, your first machine should be simple and easy to use; it should still be sturdy, durable, and have helpful features, though. To make sure it’s easy to use and understand, you may want to avoid confusing features that you won’t use. 

Top Picks

Best Overall: Singer 2277

We believe that the Singer 2277 This machine has all the essentials and features a beginner needs, along with a detailed instructional DVD.

Best Budget: Brother XM2701

Just under 100 dollars, the Brother XM 2701 will offer you with everything you need to get started.

Best for Quilting: Janome 412QDC-B 

The Janome 4120QDC-B offers many possibilities for sewing due to its 120 built-in stitches. You can easily quilt labels and more with the built-in stitches along with the automatic needle threader to help beginners easily get started.

Best for Embroidery: Brother SE625

The Brother SE625 is great for learning how to embroider. It comes with an easy-to-understand manual, has 80 built-in embroidery designs, and has 200 more designs on an included CD that are designed for beginners.

Best for Young Sewers: Singer Start 1304

This is an easy-to-use machine that is great for young ones. The Singer Start 1304 is equipped with everything you need and has a straightforward manual.

Best Portable: Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine

The Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine is a take-along sewing machine that is easy to use and comes with everything you need to sew right away.

Conclusion 

Hopefully, you have an idea of what you feel is the best starter sewing machine! This is an exciting adventure to tackle for your first time, and I know you’ll be ready. With these easy to use, simple sewing machines, you’ll be improving your skills in no time!