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Buying a versatile sewing machine that’s easy to use is a crucial first step if you want to learn how to sew. It’s an overwhelming decision for a beginner because there are hundreds of options and it’s hard to know what features you even need. I’ve done some research and narrowed it down to a few beginner sewing machines that I think would set you up for success.
Beginner Sewing Machines Under $300
There’s no reason to spend a lot of money on a sewing machine if you’re a beginner. It’s better to get a basic machine until you’ve proven you’ll actually use it. When you’re ready to upgrade your sewing machine, you’ll also have a better idea of the features you want.
The following sewing machines all have more than enough stitches for a beginner and they are durable, budget-friendly, and easy to use.
Brother CS6000i
The Brother CS6000i is my top pick for people learning to sew because of the shear amount of YouTube videos and blog posts to show you how to use it. This is a big advantage if you want to learn how to sew. Plus, the Brother CS6000i has 60 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and a one-step buttonhole feature. What more could you want?
Janome 2212
The Janome 2212 is another beginner-friendly option. It has 12 built-in stitches, knobs for changing your stitch width and length, and a lever for engaging your backstitch. It is a mechanical sewing machine, so you won’t need to worry about learning any fancy computerized features. It is also more durable than the all-plastic machines you typically find.
Some things to know before buying the Janome 2212 is that there are four steps to creating buttonholes with this machine. That can be challenging to a beginner. The Janome 2212 also does not have an automatic needle threader.
Singer Heavy Duty 4423
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is another beginner sewing machine with a lot of YouTube videos. You can also easily find this machine at chain stores like JoAnn Fabric. It has 97 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole feature, and higher speeds than most basic sewing machines. Based on features alone, I think the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 offers you the biggest bang for your buck in this lower price range.
I once read on a forum that sewing machine repair shops see a lot of Singer Heavy Duty machines come in. I initially thought this was a bad sign, but it could simply be showing how popular they are. I’ll let you decide.
More Beginner Sewing Machine Options
It’s tempting to buy a sewing machine with all the bells and whistles as a beginner, but I think that is a mistake. You don’t really need hundreds of stitches. Plus, all the “extra” features you can get will just cause you confusion and frustration. However, if you really want to buy a machine that you’ll be able to use forever, I recommend getting a sewing/embroidery machine combo.
Brother SE600
If you have around $500 to spend, get the Brother SE600. This beginner sewing machine has a small embroidery unit (4″x4″) so you can add letters and small pictures to the things you sew. The Brother SE600 is easy to use, has 103 built-in stitches, 80 included embroidery designs, an automatic needle threader, and a one-step buttonhole feature. There are also tons of YouTube videos on how to use this machine. That’s why I think it’s a good sewing machine for people learning to sew.
The Brother SE600 is the upgraded model of the SE400. I owned the Brother SE400 before upgrading to my current machine and I liked it a lot. I only upgraded because of an unfortunate accident where my toddler pulled my machine off the table. (I don’t really want to talk about it.)
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Review
Brother SE1900
If you’re completely new to sewing, I don’t suggest you spend $1,000 on a sewing machine. However, if you’ve taken sewing classes in school and you know the basics, it might be nice to buy a sewing machine you’ll be happy with for years to come. The Brother SE1900 is basically the same as the Brother SE600, but you get more built-in stiches and embroidery designs, as well as a bigger embroidery hoop (5″x7″).
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Review
Bernette b79
If you’re curious what sewing machine I own, it is the Bernette b79. It cost me about $2,000, but I think it was worth every penny. I wouldn’t really recommend this sewing machine to a beginner because of the high price tag, but it is extremely user friendly and it has more features than I ever knew I needed, such as a presser foot knee lever, lockstitch function, and a 6″x10″ embroidery unit. If you want to buy an amazing machine that you’ll never have to replace, I highly recommend the Bernette b79.
Bernette b79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Review
Did you know that some sewing machines cost more than $15,000? It’s true… If you want a sewing machine that has an embroidery unit larger than 8″x10″, you’re going to have to shell out a lot of money to get it. And if you have that kind of money, please stop looking on the internet and head to your closest sewing machine dealer. You might as well buy a fabulous sewing machine and get classes to go with it!
For the rest of us normal folks, I hope that the sewing machine options I’ve presented here will work for you. That being said, you can learn to sew on any sewing machine. If you were gifted a machine, there’s no reason to go out and buy a new one. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to take your sewing machine in for a tune up.
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What is the best sewing machine under $200? I am low at budget