We tested and researched the best sewing machines to help you find the perfect machine for all your crafting needs, evaluating setup, ease of use, features, weight, price, and durability. Our top pick, the SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine, is ideal for sewers, quilters, and crafters of every skill level as it comes from a well-respected brand and offers 100 stitch options, six buttonhole options, and an expansive accessories kit. Here are the best sewing machines for all skill levels and projects. The SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine is a mid-tier machine that’s super ideal for both beginners and more advanced sewers alike. The computerized model—which is made by one of the most trusted brands for sewing machines—features 100 different stitches ranging from basics like a zigzag to intricate decorative stitches that’ll add pizazz to your projects. During home testing, we loved that this sewing machine automatically adjusts the stitch length, width, and tension to match the stitch. However, you can also manually adjust these settings as needed. This SINGER sewing machine comes with a variety of accessories, including eight different presser feet—you’ll get the general purpose foot, zipper foot, blind hem foot, buttonhole foot, and more. Speaking of buttonholes, the machine comes with six different styles, including the basic bartack style, round end, and keyhole. Our at-home tester noted it’s extremely easy to select the type of buttonhole you’d like and change to the necessary presser foot. The brand also offers online video resources, as well as an owner’s class, to walk you through the machine’s various functions. There are plenty of other noteworthy features, as well. This SINGER machine has a built-in needle threader, a programmable needle (you can choose if it stops in the up or down position), a free arm, and mechanical speed control. Our only real complaint is that the machine solely comes with a plastic dust cover. If you want a hard cover to protect your investment, it needs to be purchased separately. Besides that, this sewing machine is a reliable and well-priced option that can handle a wide variety of tasks. It’s our top pick because it’s sure to please both novice and expert crafters alike. Price at time of publish: $230 The Janome Sewing Machine has two retractable spool pins on top, and it can accommodate all thread types, including large thread cones. It has a front-loading bobbin system, and there is a step-by-step loading guide right in the bobbin area—a useful detail for beginners. A removable storage compartment gives you access to a free arm, and the machine comes with four different presser feet, including ones for zippers and blind hems. Other accessories include bobbins, needles, a seam ripper, and a darning plate, but it’s worth mentioning that there’s no automatic needle threader or thread cutter. You’ll have to do both the old-fashioned way. Price at time of publish: $199 While using this sewing machine, you can select and optimize stitches on the 5-inch color touchscreen. You’re also able to change the stitch length and width via knobs on the front of the machine. It has an integrated dual feed, also known as a walking foot, that ensures your material is being fed evenly from above and below. This feature is ideal for sewing several layers of fabric or fine materials, as it helps to prevent puckering. Other noteworthy features include an automatic tie-off and a thread cutter, a semi-automatic needle threader, and programmable foot control with a back-kick function. The main pain point of this sewing machine is its electrical components. The electrical parts are only covered by a two-year warranty. Additionally, the high-tech nature of the touchscreen makes it significantly more expensive to repair. Price at time of publish: $1,499 The Sailrite sewing machine has a mechanical walking presser foot that feeds fabric through at a consistent speed for even stitching, and its spring-loaded lever makes it quick and easy to switch stitching directions. Plus, the presser foot features a built-in welting tunnel for sewing piping, and its needle is offset, allowing you to sew zippers without changing the foot. The machine comes with a wooden base to provide stability as you work, as well as a thread stand, bobbins, and other necessary accessories. Because this sewing machine must be manually adjusted, it can take some time to get used to the tension setting. You can increase the versatility of the machine by purchasing additional accessories—such as a binder attachment or alternative presser feet—but many of these tools are fairly expensive. Price at time of publish: $795 Overall, the Magicfly’s design is quite simple, offering 12 basic stitches and three presser feet that allow you to sew buttons and zippers. It comes with three needles for fabrics of various thicknesses. But, the manufacturer warns that the machine doesn’t perform well on thin or soft fabric. The machine also comes with an extension kit to expand your work area. A threading guide printed right onto the body is helpful for beginners, but keep in mind that it doesn’t feed the fabric through the machine, so you’ll need to advance the material manually. All in all, for a portable pick, it will certainly get the job done and checks several boxes. However, if you’re a beginner, you may want to look into other options, as navigating the quirks of this machine and the user manual can be a little difficult. You can make your stitch selection on the machine’s LCD screen and adjust the stitch length and width. There’s even an option to set the maximum sewing speed. The needle can be programmed to stop in the up or down position, and the machine also comes with an extension table to help support large projects. Plus, when you’re working on other sewing projects, the SINGER 7285Q has six buttonhole options to choose from, as well as a tie-off button and high-speed stitching up to 750 stitches per minute. While this SINGER sewing machine is a great value and has many features for quilters, it does have a few shortcomings. Its built-in light isn’t the best, and you’ll likely need a supplementary light source as you work. Additionally, the throat is 5.5 inches wide, which is good for most projects but might be a little tight when you’re working on large quilts. Price at time of publish: $470 This sewing machine is controlled by an easy-to-read LCD screen with a touchpad on the side for easy navigation. It has a removable storage compartment that turns the machine into a free arm for those times you need to stitch small openings, and its Superior Plus Feed system delivers more even stitching. The machine can even remember stitch patterns, as well as whether you want the needle to stop in the up or down position. The one major downside is that the machine doesn’t automatically adjust tension when you switch stitches. Depending on your skill level, this might not be a big deal, though. Notably, the machine does come with a hard cover for easy storage. Price at time of publish: $699 You can adjust the stitch setting on this machine via the front dial, and a numbered threading diagram right on the machine guides you through the setup process. There are dials on top of the machine to adjust the stitch length and tension, and there’s a removable storage compartment that allows you to access a free arm, which is ideal for sewing small openings, such as a shirt sleeve or pant cuff. Because this sewing machine is compact, it’s not the best choice for large projects, such as bulky quilts, and our tester did note that the accessories often fall out of the storage compartment. Price at time of publish: $220 In addition to its embroidery capabilities, this sewing machine has 240 stitches and comes with eight presser feet, including ones for buttonholes, zippers, overcasting, blind stitching, monogramming, and more. The machine has an automatic needle threader and lets you create your own custom sewing stitches if desired, and it even comes with a knee lifter to keep your hands free as you work. One quirk to be aware of is the machine doesn’t like certain flash drives, forcing you to reformat them. However, once you find a device that’s compatible with the machine, you shouldn’t have any issues. Price at time of publish: $1,100 This serger has a durable metal frame, and it can handle multiple layers of denim or other heavy fabrics. It has a color-coded upper thread guide that makes it easier to set up, and you can adjust the stitch width and thread tension to suit your project. There’s even a removable free arm for sewing cuffs, and the machine uses standard sewing machine needles, so you don’t have to buy specialty ones. As for the negatives, the serger doesn’t come with a hard case—you’ll have to purchase one separately—and doesn’t have a built-in thread cutter, so keep your scissors nearby. Price at time of publish: $280 When you’re first starting out, an entry-level model with a few simple stitches will likely be enough. “A basic sewing machine for a sewist or quilter needs just a few functions—a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and the ability to reverse [the] stitch. Any other features are a bonus,” says Lakir. Once you’ve moved on to more intricate projects, you may want to look for a sewing machine with decorative stitches, multiple buttonhole options, and even embroidery capabilities.
Presser Feet
Similarly, most sewing machines come with multiple presser feet, and these attachments allow you to complete different sewing tasks. Most machines have separate feet for general sewing, buttonholes, zippers, and blind hems. More advanced models may also come with specialty feet, such as options for darning, overstitching, and more. Consider the types of projects you plan to do while looking at different presser feet. “Don’t buy a machine based on the number of features ‘just because,’” says Lakir. “Figure out your sewing project goals and buy accordingly.”
Type
There are two main styles of sewing machines available today: computerized (or electronic) options and mechanical (or manual) machines. “Computerized models set stitch tension automatically, and stitch settings are also preset,” explains Cheryl Hoffman, manager of product education for Brother. “When using a mechanical machine, each of these settings must be adjusted manually with each stitch selection. With a computerized model, you spend your time sewing rather than focusing on setting up the machine.” However, keep in mind that computerized models have more advanced inner workings, which often makes them more costly to repair and purchase upfront.
Weight
Compact sewing machines may weigh as little as 10 pounds (sometimes even less), while heavy-duty machines can be 25 pounds or more. If you’re planning on taking your sewing machine to classes or sewing retreats, you’ll likely want a lightweight model that’s easy to carry. The same holds true if you don’t have a designated workstation for your sewing machine—a lighter model will be easier to pack up and store after you’re done using it, especially if it comes with a hard case.
Durability
If you’re planning on working with heavy fabrics, like denim, leather, or canvas, or completing bulky projects, you’re going to need a more durable sewing machine. A durable sewing machine is meant to handle these tougher fabrics and may come with a wider throat, extension table, thick or backup needles, and more to expand your quilting space, distribute the weight of your fabrics evenly, and help feed your fabrics through. Quilting and upholstery projects, for example, require more power and thicker needles. Without them, you may end up breaking your machine’s needles or having uneven stitching. If you’re looking to complete these kinds of projects on your machine, opt for one that’s particularly durable.
Local Servicing Options
Like a car, sewing machines require regular servicing for optimal performance, so you’ll want to see if there’s an authorized service facility for your chosen machine nearby. “Higher quality brands have their own dealer stores with better maintenance and repair options,” explains Lakir. “Check your local area for a dealer near you, they often have used models for sale, and many include sewing lessons in your purchase.”
Standout Features
Automatic Needle Threader
The eye of a sewing machine needle is typically quite small, which is why many people prefer sewing machines with automatic (or at least semi-automatic) needle threaders. This feature saves you the trouble of painstakingly guiding a thread through the machine’s needle by hand—instead, you simply put the thread into the correct position, and the machine takes care of the rest.
Built-in Thread Cutter
Another popular feature on modern sewing machines is a built-in thread cutter. As its name suggests, a thread cutter makes it easy to quickly cut off threads as you work. Some thread cutters are simply a small blade where you can slice threads manually. Certain high-end sewing machines cut the threads for you with the push of a button. Either way, it saves you from having to keep a pair of scissors on hand as you sew.
Hard Case
Most sewing machines come with some type of storage case, which keeps dust and dirt off your appliance. However, a hard case offers more protection than a dust bag or soft-sided case. With a hard case, you’ll be able to store or transport your sewing machine more easily, without worrying about it being banged around. This is particularly useful if you’re someone who plans on taking your machine to classes, retreats, or a friend’s house.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. She learned to sew when she was a teenager and furthered her skills while studying fashion during college. Today, she uses a hand-me-down Janome sewing machine to make reusable tote bags—sadly, the exact model has been discontinued, but it’s still going strong over 15 years later. Next, place a spool of thread onto your machine’s thread pin and guide it through the thread guide on the left. From here, the thread typically needs to go around the U-shaped guide and then through the take-up lever. Once that’s done, you can pull the thread down to the needle, where it can be threaded through the eye. Finally, use the needle position knob or button to lower the needle all the way down and back up again to catch the bobbin thread. Check out the user manual for your specific machine if you’re having trouble. Manuals often offer visual aids that can help you find where you need your thread to go. While researching the best sewing machines for your next project, she spoke with several experts: sewing expert Marissa Lakir of Stitch Clinic; Cheryl Hoffman, manager of product education for Brother; and her close friend Kate Ellsworth, a hobbyist quilter with several years of experience. Following their guidance, she selected sewing machines from well-respected brands, looking for models that offered a range of stitch options, accessories, and additional features.
