There is no more critical time to buy a great sewing machine than when you are buying your first sewing machine. For a beginner who has always wanted to learn how to sew — and is finally taking the steps to do so — the first sewing machine they encounter can either thrill them with their new ability to use a machine to make repairs and to create new clothing and projects at home or overwhelm and discourage them with tricky operating mechanisms and complicated functionality. The fact that a first sewing machine can make or break a sewing novice means that it’s essential to find the best sewing machine for beginners.

Before a beginning sewing artist can tap into their creative side to work on the projects they’ve always dreamed of, they must first master the sewing machine’s basic functions, including threading the bobbin, threading the machine, loading the bobbin from front, top, or side—depending on the machine, and setting up a workspace to get started.

So for someone who is brand new to the world of sewing, be it saving a favorite sock or mastering the art of quilting, it’s important to find the best sewing machine for beginners; one that offers ease of set-up and function, and comes with helpful guides, instructional materials, and diagrams printed in key places on the machine itself.

Thankfully, many of the sewing machine brands most trusted by experienced users offer simple, user-friendly machine options to get a sewing novice easily introduced to the world of creativity that will soon unfold before them.

We’ve done the research and identified ten of the best sewing machine choices to bring out the crafty designer in every beginning sewing artist.

If you are looking for one of the best sewing machines for beginners from the name you trust most, the Singer Tradition 2259 Portable Sewing Machine for Beginners may be the sewing machine for you. The simple, compact design and easy function features make this ideal for beginners, or for advanced sewing artists who are looking for a portable machine with all the necessary features. The built-in carrying handle allows for easy transportability for classes or sewing groups.

The Singer Tradition 2259 Portable Sewing Machine for Beginners includes 19 built-in stitches for both basic and decorative stitching with an easy dial stitch selector.. It also has a built-in 4-step buttonhole feature and adjustable stitch length and zigzag width. An extra high presser foot lifter and adjustable tension allow for versatility in your sewing projects.

The Singer Tradition 2259 Portable Sewing Machine for Beginners has a four segment feed dog system and a lever controlled drop feed for monogramming and embroidery to embellish creative products. It also features multiple needle positions and a reverse button, as well as a front loading bobbin and built-in storage for accessories.

Accessories include 4 presser feet: all-purpose, buttonhole, button sewing and zipper with easy to switch feet. It also comes with a screwdriver, an edge or quilting guide, 2 spool caps, bobbins, a lint brush and seam ripping tool, and a foot pedal, as well as pack of extra needles.

The Singer Tradition 2259 Portable Sewing Machine for Beginners is lightweight and simplistic in design, making it one of the best sewing machines for beginners, but offers enough advanced features to also make it a great choice in portable sewing machines for more experienced sewing artists.

Key Features
  • Compact, portable sewing machine for fun and easy projects
  • Free-arm sewing machine
  • High presser foot lifter
  • Essential accessories included with accessory storage drawer
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 19
  • Number of Included Needles: 6
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 750 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Brand: Singer
Pros
  • Conveniently located thread cutter
  • Easy, simple machine to operate and maintain
  • Automatic presser foot pressure control adjusts to different fabrics
Cons
  • Lightweight may cause some slipping during operation
  • Manual needs upgrading and some consumers report only Spanish manual is included

One of the best sewing machines for beginners for versatility and ease of use is the Brother Lightweight Sewing Machine XM2701. While this is an easy-to-use model that’s appropriate for beginners it also has enough special features to work well even for advanced sewing artists. With six easy to change feet and 27 stitches, this machine is highly versatile and works for nearly any sewing project, while it still functions in a manner simple enough for new learners.

The 27 stitches includes straight stitches, blind stitch, zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, narrow hemmer and many more decorative stitches for superior versatility. The stitch selector is designed to be easy to use in a dial which offers 27 built-in stitches. The drop-in top bobbin is designed to resist jams by helping the bobbin to stay in place for even, reliable stitching quality.

The Brother Lightweight Sewing Machine has an automatic needle threader with an easy-threading system. This feature is conveniently located on the side of the machine to easily push the thread through the sewing machine’s needle.

With the Brother Lightweight Sewing Machine it is easy to sew cuffs, sleeves, and pant legs, even for those new to the sewing art. The attractive purple floral design makes this machine look great in any work area.

While this is a compact and portable machine, it’s much more durable in design and function than many similar machines. The flexible features and ease of use, as well as complete instructional DVD makes this one of the best sewing machines for beginners as well as more experienced sewing artists.

Key Features
  • Free arm versatile sewing machine
  • Includes six fast changing sewing feet
  • User-friendly machine for beginners
  • Easy dial switch selector
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 27
  • Number of Included Needles: 4
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 25-year limited
  • Brand: Brother
Pros
  • Jam-resisting bobbin stays in place for even, reliable stitching
  • LED lighted work space
  • Easy-threading with automatic threader
Cons
  • Buttonhole device needs upgrading
  • Foot operated peed control is not as beginner-friendly

The Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine may be the best sewing machine for beginners who appreciate a trusted name in sewing. The setup process is quick and easy, making it ideal for beginners. This easy-to-use sewing machine comes with six built-in stitches including straight stitch, satin stitch, zigzag stitch, scallop, blind hem, and buttonhole. All stitches have pre-set stitch width and length. The buttonhole feature is an easy four-step automatic function to result in beautiful buttonholes.

The Singer Start 1304 comes with easy stitch selection with a simple stitch dial for changing your stitch with one simple step. Threading is also easy with threading diagrams printed clearly on the machine for fast and simple set-up.

This Singer sewing machine has a heavy duty frame of sturdy metal to maintain ideal alignment to prevent skipping during your sewing session. Three presser feet are included: an all-purpose foot suitable for most basic sewing projects, a buttonhole foot for adding buttonholes and a zipper foot for adding piping and cording, as well as zippers.

The Singer Start 1304 comes with a darning plate, pack of three extra needles, a needle plate screwdriver, bobbins, spool pin felts, lint brush with a seam ripper in the handle, foot control, power line cord and a complete instruction manual as well as a quick start guide. A thread cutter is conveniently located on the left side of the sewing machine.

This easy-to-use Singer sewing machine is the perfect way to boost creativity and get started on a first sewing project without the overwhelming number of features included on other machines, or as a simple machine for basic sewing for a more experienced artist. The simplicity and easy functionality of the Singer Start 1304 makes this one of the best sewing machines for beginners.

Key Features
  • Heavy-duty frame to ensure no skipping
  • Stainless steel bedplate and metal frame
  • Smooth fabric feed feature
  • Easy turn-dial stitch selection
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 6
  • Number of Included Needles: 4
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 350-400 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 25-year limited on head/2 years on motor and electrical components
  • Brand: Singer
Pros
  • Easy four-step buttonhole feature
  • Removable extension table and free arm for hems
  • Lightweight, portable design
  • LED light included
Cons
  • No speed control setting
  • A heavy-duty needle for denim and tough fabrics is not included

One of the best sewing machines for beginners is the NEX Portable Sewing Machine for Beginners. This compact-sized sewing machine has a built-in handle for easy portability and can be used even outdoors with the battery power option. This multifunctional machine includes a hand switch and comes with a foot pedal to allow users to use foot operation and work with both hands. It includes 12 stitch patterns that are easily adjusted with a switch on the side of the machine. Stitch patterns include straight lines, variety patterns, curved lines, and buttonholing. Both high and low speeds are available for versatile sewing functions, along with forward and reverse stitching.

The NEX Portable Sewing Machine for Beginners provides double tread, double speed and 350 stitches per minute at top speed for fast sewing. The design is simple and easy enough to be suitable for both beginners, and more experienced artists who are looking for a compact, portable design. An easy storage drawer is included to store accessories such as bobbins and extra needles. This sewing machine comes with 4 needles, presser foot, bobbins, threader and foot pedal.

The NEX Portable Sewing Machine features LED lighting above the sewing foot for better illumination. The metal and plastic design is lightweight enough to be easily portable, but also sturdy enough to be durable, reliable, and to prevent skipping during the sewing process due to the anti-slip design.

The battery and power supply cannot be used at the same time, but the battery operation feature makes this one of the best sewing machines for beginners who need portability.

Key Features
  • Two speed selections
  • Automatic bobbin rewinding
  • Compact, portable size
  • Foot pedal speed control
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 12
  • Number of Included Needles: 3
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 280 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Brand: NEX
Pros
  • Battery supply for outdoor use
  • Decorative blue and white design or pink and white design available
  • Built-in carrying handle for easy portability
  • Storage drawer included
  • Three stitch lengths
Cons
  • Only holds small-sized thread spools

One of the best sewing machines for beginners is the Luby Portable Sewing Machine. It’s small and lightweight enough to be easily portable, but secure enough to prevent slippage. It’s simple to set up and use, with the user-friendly features making it a great choice for beginners or for children, but also works well for more advanced sewing artists who require a portable machine. An easy interface for beginners is provided with a numbered diagram printed on the machine for threading. An instruction manual and user-friendly video is included.

The Luby is compact and space-saving compared to traditional sewing machines and easy to carry and transport.

The Luby Portable Sewing Machine has an easy turn-dial switch for stitch selection and provides 12 stitches and a four-step automatic buttonhole feature. Stitch tension is easily adjustable and the machine is equipped with a helpful LED light to improve work space visibility. Two speeds are included for more versatility so your speed can increase along with your sewing acumen.

The Luby Portable Sewing Machine has an automatic threader to further ease threading for beginners or a traditional threader is also included. A removable table allows easy sewing on shirt sleeves or pant legs. A simple lever switches the machine for a reverse stitch.

The Luby Portable Sewing Machine includes an extra needle, foot pedal, power adapter, buttonhole presser foot, threader, two bobbins and two spools of thread to get a beginner started, or for an easily portable machine for experienced sewing artists. The battery power options allows work to progress outside or away from power sources, making this one of the best sewing machines for beginners to carry with them on the go.

Key Features
  • Two-speed sewing machine with 12 stitches
  • Double-thread stitching
  • Small and space-saving
  • Easy turn-knob stitch selecting
  • Lightweight, user-friendly design
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 12
  • Number of Included Needles: 2
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 350 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: No warranty: 25 day money-back guarantee
  • Brand: Luby
Pros
  • Detailed instructional video included
  • Useful for beginners and advanced sewing artists who need a more portable machine
  • Great choice for kids as well as adult beginners
Cons
  • User manual needs improvement
  • Only includes two needles
  • No warranty: 25 day money back guarantee

One of the best sewing machines for beginners who appreciate LCD technology stitch selection and other user-friendly features is the Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Machine. It offers a range of features from basic functions for beginners to more advanced functions for more experienced sewing artists, making this a sewing machine that can work with the user as they advance to more difficult and creative projects.

The Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Machine has an LCD screen for selecting stitch functions with 100 stitch patterns from basic to advanced and decorative stitches ideal for quilting and other household sewing projects.

The Juki Computerized Sewing Machine features an automatic needle threader at the push of a lever and a slide out drawer with open chart to view total stitch selection. The easy to read LCD screen makes stitch selection fast and easy, and stitch width and length can also easily be adjusted. It is powerful enough to sew through thick fabrics such as denim and leather and the 7-point feed dog allows easy sewing for all types of fabrics from edge to edge. Two automatic lock stitches make it easy for automatic reverse stitch or lock stitch at the end of straight line sewing.

The accessories included in the Juki HZL-LB5100 Computerized Sewing Machine are extra foot features including zipper foot, blind hem foot, satin stitch foot, overedge foot, and more. A seam ripper and lint brush is included as well as extra needle pack, hard case, spool caps spool seat, screwdriver tool, spool pin, spool felt, bobbins, and foot control pedal. Also included is a complete instruction manual and introductory DVD, making this one of the best sewing machines for beginners as well as more advanced users.

Key Features
  • Computerized sewing machine with LCD screen
  • Easy to use functions from basic to advanced
  • One-step buttonhole
  • Compact design
  • Decorative stitches for quilting
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 100
  • Number of Included Needles: 4
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 700 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Brand: Juki
Pros
  • Works for even thick or layerd fabrics
  • Quiet operation with no vibration
  • Contains many quilting stitches
Cons
  • Lights could use upgrading
  • Speed may be variable

One of the best sewing machines for beginners who don’t wish to be limited in their stitch choices is the Spiegel SP3201 Sewing Machine. This is an easy-to-use sewing machine that is simple enough for beginners to use, but contains enough advanced features to allow user creativity to grow and move forward to more complex creations and embellishments.

The Spiegel SP3201 Sewing Machine offers 32 basic and decorative stitches so choices are not limited. The simple, top-loading bobbin is easy enough for beginners to use, and the one step automatic buttonhole feature allows easy buttonhole creations. A conveniently located on-machine thread cutter is included, along with a bright LED light to illuminate the work space. The automatic needle threader makes threading the sewing machine fast and easy so you can immediately launch into your sewing creation with less bother and in under ten seconds. An easy switch dial allows fast and simple stitch selections, and the thread tension is easily adjustable in stitch length and width.

The Spiegel SP3201 also offers reverse sewing in an easy level selector. A free arm feature is accessed by simply sliding the accessory box to the left. This feature makes it simple to sew sleeves, pant legs, and cuffs. Accessories included in the box are a seam ripper and fabric brush, L screwdriver, three bobbins, spool holder, spool pin felt, one pack of three #12 needles and an edge guide.

While the Spiegel SP3201 Sewing Machine is one of the best sewing machines for beginners, it offers many advanced features, making it also appropriate for experienced sewing artists who need an additional machine, or a lighter weight machine that is more easily portable. A top handle on the machine allows easy carrying for transportation.

Key Features
  • Sewing machine with easy top loading bobbin
  • Includes 32 basic and decorative stitches
  • Fully adjustable thread tension
  • LED lighted work area
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 32
  • Number of Included Needles: 3
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 750 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
  • Brand: Spiegel
Pros
  • Built-in thread cutter
  • Simple, drop-in bobbin
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy instructions printed on machine
Cons
  • Plastic bobbin cover is easily breakable
  • Speed is only controlled through foot pedal

One of the best sewing machines for beginners who are looking for portability and battery operation is the Neala Portable Electric Sewing Machine. This machine is small enough to be both easy to store and easily portable. The simple operation and ease of use make this a good choice for both sewing novices, and more experienced sewing artists who are looking for a small but powerful machine for transportability.

The Neala Portable Electric Sewing Machine includes 30 built-in stitches, including many basic and decorative stitches to meet most home sewing needs. It includes LED lighting to illuminate the work space for clear visibility. And an LED display screen for stitch selection. The machine bottom includes a non-slip pad to prevent the machine from moving, sliding, or slipping during operation.

While the simple design and ease of function make this sewing machine ideal for beginners, it also includes enough advanced features for more experienced users such as adjustable stitch length, fabric pleating, replaceable metal presser, winding function, adjustable stitch tightness, reverse sewing, metal threader, and winding function. These features make this machine versatile enough for any home sewing project.

The Neala Portable Electric Sewing Machine comes equipped with storage drawers and complete accessory kit including extra needles, a needle threader, two bobbins, two spools, a shirring foot, an overcast foot, an open toe embroidery foot, and nail withhold foot. Also included is a foot pedal and an AC/DC adapter.

The battery-option and LED stitch selector makes this one of the best sewing machines for beginners, as well as for portability for more experienced users.

Key Features
  • Small machine for easy storage
  • Adjustable features such as reverse sewing and stitch tightness control
  • Changeable presser foot
  • Adapts to battery use
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 30
  • Number of Included Needles: 4
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 380 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Brand: Neala
Pros
  • Anti-slip pad on bottom
  • Built-in storage drawers
  • Capable of sewing up to five layers
Cons
  • Machine operation begins as soon as speed is selected rather than waiting for pedal

The Janome Arctic Crystal Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine is one of the best sewing machines for beginners who need a durable, heavy-duty machine with built-in-diagrams for use and comes with informative tutorials for learning. This machine is not only cute and vibrantly colored, it also has a strong metal interior frame, allowing superior stability and preventing skipping or sliding during use. The front-loading bobbin system has instructions and diagram located right on the machine, making this an easier task for beginners to accomplish.

While this machine is easy enough for beginners and comes complete with learning materials, it also offers enough advanced features to make it appropriate for experienced sewing artists as well. It offers easy stitch selection and 15 stitches, both basic and decorative, as well as a four-step buttonhole process.

The Janome Arctic Crystal Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine has simple, customizable features such as adjustable stitch length. The width of the zigzag stitch is also adjustable. It offers reverse stitching in an easy lever adjustment. The free arm is removable for easier sewing of cuffs, sleeves, and pant legs. A convenient concealed accessory storage case is built into the machine.

The Janome Arctic Crystal Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine includes four presser feet, a general purpose foot located on the machine, as well as blind hem foot, four-step buttonhole foot and zipper foot. Also included are accessories such as bobbins, extra needles, a seam ripper, darning plate, and a quick start user-friendly instruction manual.

At a top speed capability of 800 stitches per minute, the Janome Crystal Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine is not only easy enough for beginners, it is also advanced enough for more experienced users.

Key Features
  • Easy-to-use sewing machine for beginners and advanced users
  • Includes 15 built-in stitches
  • Adjustable stitch length
  • Includes reverse lever
  • Removable free arm for easy cuff and sleeve sewing
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 15
  • Number of Included Needles: 4
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 25-year limited
  • Brand: Janome
Pros
  • Built-in bobbin diagram
  • Tutorial videos included for beginners
  • Available in fun colors
  • Heavy-duty interior frame for durability and stability
Cons
  • No thread cutter on machine

The Singer Simple Handy Sewing Machine is one of the best sewing machines for beginners with easy to use features and a simple but sturdy design for optimal creativity. The interior frame of this user friendly sewing machine is sturdy metal, making this machine more stable during use to prevent skipping, sliding, or moving. The exterior of the machine comes in three vibrant color choices including raspberry, petrol, and honey.

The Singer Simple Handy Sewing Machine makes sewing projects fun and easy with simple-dial stitch selection and 23 built-in stitches including basic and decorative as well as a simple four-step buttonhole stitch. A high presser foot lifter allows stitching through several layers of fabric and lifts even higher for easy positioning for your sewing projects.

The Singer Simple Handy Sewing Machine comes with free arm for easy access to work on cuffs, sleeves and pant legs. An automatic bobbin winding feature makes this a great choice for beginners, with a numbered diagram printed directly on the machine. The bobbin stops automatically when completely full.

The Singer Simple Handy Sewing Machine comes with built-in storage for accessories. The accessories included are an all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, thread spool caps, handy screwdriver, a darning plate, two bobbins, a pack of three extra needles, an auxiliary spool pin, seam ripper, lint brush, dust cover, foot pedal, and complete instruction manual and introductory DVD.

The Singer Simple Handy Sewing Machine features adjustable stitch length and zigzag width for versatility in your sewing creations.

One of the best sewing machines for beginners from a name you trust in sewing, is the Singer Simple Handy Sewing Machine.

Key Features
  • Simple handy sewing machine for household projects
  • Easy stitch selection
  • 23 built-in stitches
  • Automatic bobbin winding
Specifications
  • Number of Stitches: 23
  • Number of Included Needles: 4
  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 750 stitches per minute
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Brand: Singer
Pros
  • Easy bobbin winding instructions on machine itself
  • Instructional DVD included
  • Heavy-duty metal frame for slip and skip proof sewing
Cons
  • Bobbin is side-loading rather than drop-in

When choosing your first sewing machine, or a first sewing machine for someone you love, it’s important to find a great balance between a machine which offers simple setup and ease of function, and a machine offering enough features to also encourage forward movement as a beginning sewer learns and masters new skills and wishes to advance. This means that besides being user-friendly, the best sewing machine for beginners should also not be too limiting in the features that are offered.

Manual, Mechanical, and Computerized Sewing Machine Options

Manual sewing machines are often found in vintage shops or in your grandmother’s attic. They offer only foot pedal operation and are not electric. While these can be fun to experiment with, they offer limited stitch options, and are not recommended as a first sewing machine.

Mechanical sewing machines are the most commonly used machines today. These are the ones experts recommend for beginners. They are easy to set up and simple to maintain.

Computerized sewing machines are typically much more complicated and offer features that only highly experienced experts will ever use. While some brands offer computerized models for beginners, most beginners will do better with a mechanical option.

Basic Features to Look for in the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners

When looking for the best sewing machine for beginners, you may want to find a machine which offers enough stitches for versatility and creativity, without being too overwhelming for a beginner. Stitch selection doesn’t have to be as severely limited if the mechanism for stitch selection is simple. In today’s best sewing machines for beginners, stitch selection is typically easily accomplished through a simple turn dial with the stitches diagrammed onto the switch, making stitch selection fast and easy. Some models also offer computerized LCD screen stitch selection.

Another fine balance to strike in choosing the best sewing machine for beginners is finding a machine that is lightweight and easily portable, and yet is heavy and sturdy enough to offer a stable workspace with no skidding, sliding, or skipping during operation. Many of the best models are lightweight, but have metal interior frames. Another feature to look for is non-slip pads or slip-proof feet at the base of the machine. Having these added to the base of the machine allows for a more lightweight sewing machine without sacrificing stability.

Other Important User-Friendly Features

Experienced sewing artists tell us that the best sewing machines for beginners should also have built-in needle threaders. Threading will be done many, many times during sewing projects and a built-in threader will go a long way toward minimizing frustration.

Top-loading drop-in bobbins are also highly recommended as the easiest type for beginners to master.

Free arm capability is also critical for a sewing novice. This offers versatility and the ability to sew sleeves, pant legs and cuffs.

If you are a beginner who is taking sewing classes, a lightweight, portable model is also an important feature for consideration.

Whichever model you choose, don’t give up if you run into difficulties. It typically takes some time to master the basics of operating a sewing machine before you can begin to fulfill your most creative sewing fantasies. But the most important first step toward being able to create your dream projects is to find one of the best sewing machines for beginners that will work for you! Before you know it, using your sewing machine will become second nature and part of your routine, and you'll use it as easily as you do your computer or washing machine.

Enjoy your sewing!

Resources— My Blue Print, Sewing Machines Plus, Sewing Authority

Share this Buyers Guide About The Author