When you enter the world of sewing machines, it’s rather easy to get lost among these super-smart Behemoths that can sew, embroider, make you coffee, and pick up the kids from school. As a beginner, do you really need one of those? Of course not!
Your first sewing machine needs to be intuitive and easy to use, as well as be equipped with everything you need to experiment with different types of sewing. If you want to learn what are some of the best mechanical sewing machines for beginners and what to look for in them, read on.
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What to Look For
Stutch library
Don’t buy a machine that doesn’t have all the stitches you need to tackle both stretch and woven fabrics. You may decide to buy a serger at some point so you can make sportswear, but until then you will need a good collection of stretch stitches so you can experiment.
Decorative ones are optional, but a good set of utility stitches is mandatory. That means the straight and the zigzag stitch, a broken aka 3-step zigzag, blind hem, and at least one overclocking stitch. Bonus points, if the machine has a triple stitch as well because that stuff is magic.
Automatic or a 3-step buttonhole
A machine these days would rarely come without these settings, but they do make life easier. It’s a feature that you can’t do without if you decide to make a classic button-down shirt.
And you should spend time learning how to make couture buttonholes by hand, then waste it trying to figure out how to set your zigzag stitch for doing them on a machine.
Twin needle friendly
A twin needle is essential for copying the work of a cover stitch machine. It also makes sewing pintucks and pleats super easy.
Ideally, the machine should come with two spool pins pre-installed on the top of the machine, but it will be fine if it only comes with an extra pin in the accessory kit.
Accessory-friendly
In short, can you mount a walking foot on it or not? Some more budget-friendly models don’t even allow you to change from the basic presser foot, much less attach the most useful accessory that you could ever own.
And that’s just the number one spot on a very long list of notions and attachments that can make your sewing a lot easier.
Intuitive controls
Some machines that have more than 5 stitches can sometimes resemble a puzzle from an Egyptian pyramid. Take Pfaff mechanical machines for example – they may be quite excellent, but without the cheat sheet in the lid, you’d be at a loss trying to figure out how to activate a stitch you need.
As a beginner, you will need to concentrate on your sewing skills, not trying to reverse engineer a sewing machine.
Affordable price
Let’s be honest, at this point, you don’t know if the machine will end up collecting dust after a couple of months. Not to mention that you also have all these other accessories and pieces of equipment you need to buy as well.
There will be time to drop 4 digits on a sewing machine, but that time is not right now.
Best Mechanical Sewing Machines for Beginners
Top Pick – SINGER 4423, Heavy Duty Series
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- Built-in stitches: regular and triple straight and zigzag stitch, broken zigzag, honeycomb, blind hem, overclocking, joining, and decorative stitches.
- Buttonhole: 1-step automatic.
- Needle position change: left, center, and right.
- Twin needle friendly: yes when the additional spool pin is installed.
- Accessories and extras: a couple of presser feet and a standard accessory kit.
- Best for: both beginner and expert sewists.
What makes it good?
This sewing machine series was a gamechanger when it came out and had quite a few brands trying to copy their success. It didn’t always work out, though.
The monicker Heavy Duty is there for a reason: the is a metal machine with a minimum amount of plastic components. Just like that sewing machine your grandma bought when she was a young girl and still uses today. These guys are meant to last and be able to tackle almost every project.
But unlike those machines, this one comes with 23 built-in stitches for every type of sewing project, automatic threader, automatic buttonhole, drop-in bobbin, and even a clear guide on how to thread the machine. It’s pretty much one of the most versatile yet most intuitive machines on the market today.
My two cents
This is the best sewing machine in this price range I’ve ever used. Outside of being slower, I would have thought I was using an industrial sewing machine. If I did not get spoiled with 21 different needle positions and a fraction of a millimeter stitch length changes, this could be a good candidate for a forever machine.
You’ll find 3 more models in this line, but I don’t think they measure up. The 4452 has 10 or so more stitches, while 4411 has only basic/woven fabric stitches. They are still good, but 4423 is easier to get used too. And you are far more likely to use all of the stitches it offers.
Runner-Up – Brother ST371HD, Strong & Tough Series
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- Built-in stitches: straight, zigzag, triple straight and zigzag, broken zigzag, honeycomb, jersey, blind hem, joining, overclocking, and decorative stitches.
- Buttonhole: 1-step automatic buttonhole.
- Needle position change: multiple positions available by turning the stitch width dial.
- Twin needle friendly: yes when the additional spool pin is installed.
- Accessories and extras: 6 presser feet and a standard accessory kit.
- Best for: a very active home sewist.
What makes it so good?
Though the outside is made of plastic, the inside of this machine is also all metal parts. It’s suitable for working on both heavy-duty fabrics like denim or upholstery canvas, to delicate lace and silk.
It’s also packed with numerous features ranging from a generous stitch library to the automatic needle threader, to the innovative drop-in bobbin system that is designed to prevent jams.
The only reason why this model is a runner-up is the price. Oh, and the aforementioned plastic casing as well.
My two cents
Even though it has more stitches and is pretty much similar to the Singer when it comes to durability, this machine has one annoying flaw: that stitch number display. It’s just bad design – if they chose that color palette, they should have gone with something that is at least 50% bigger.
Other than that, the machine sews like a dream. It took a while to remember that the jam-resistant drop-in bobbin exists, but that’s totally down to user error.
Best Budget Option – AONESY Sewing Machine for Beginners
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- Built-in stitches: straight, zigzag, broken zigzag, blind hem, lighting bolt stitch, no overlock or decorative stitches.
- Buttonhole: 3-step.
- Needle position change: no.
- Twin needle friendly: no.
- Accessories and extras: standard accessory kit plus black and white thread.
- Best for: kids and young adults just learning how to sew.
What makes it good?
The price is an obvious advantage, but there are a couple of interesting features that you don’t usually see in cheaper sewing machines. For starters, a thread cutter – something that is usually not included in most budget options.
However, the most fascinating discovery is the lightning bolt aka stretch stitch (14). This particular stitch is usually impossible to find on mechanical sewing machines and can be sometimes rare on computerized ones as well. What’s so special about it? Only the fact that it’s the best possible stitch for sewing stretch fabrics on a regular machine.
My two cents
This is the only machine on this list that you will outgrow very quickly. There’s even a chance you will have to redo some of your projects once you upgrade to a better model. In short, you get what you pay for.
But, outside of trying your luck on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll not find a cheaper machine that can do as much as this one can. Usually, models that are in the double-digit price range only have 5 or 6 stitches, so it’s quite amazing that this one offers 20 different stitch patterns.
Best Bundle – JANOME HD1000 Sewing Machine with Exclusive Bonus Bundle
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- Built-in stitches: regular and triple straight and zigzag, broken zigzag, blind hem, regular and stretch overlock, no decorative stitches.
- Buttonhole: 3-step.
- Needle position change: no.
- Twin needle friendly: yes, with a twin needle included in the accessory kit.
- Accessories and extras: a couple of presser feet, good quality needles, seam guide, a carrying bag, and standard accessories.
- Best for: all sewing projects.
What makes it good?
This is a good solid machine that is almost semi-industrial in nature. It has no frills and the manufacturer was concentrating on making that handful of stitches come out stable and even. There’s also not much that you have to learn about it – pretty much just take it out of the box, power up, and sew.
The bundle may seem modest at first sight, but it has everything you need to complete beginner-level sewing projects. All you need to provide are sheers, pins, and thread.
My two cents
This is a pretty solid basic sewing machine. It has a better straight stitch than most machines in this price range. It can also handle long hours of work.
The only issue is that you can’t change the needle position at all. It’s not the end of the world and you can compensate with a zipper presser foot, but I need multiple needle positions for more than piping and basic topstitching.
In short, if you plan on making a lot of frilly lingerie or doing some corsetry, also plan to struggle a bit.
Best Portable – JUKI HZL-27Z, 3/4 Sewing Machine
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- Built-in stitches: straight, zigzag, triple straight and zigzag, blind hem, broken zigzag, regular and stretch overlock, decorative stitches.
- Buttonhole: 3-step.
- Needle position change: center and left.
- Twin needle friendly: yes with included spool pin.
- Accessories and extras: standard accessory kit.
- Best for: most garment and toy sewing.
What makes it good?
This machine is tiny so it fits into any bag as well as any nook in your sewing space. Still, it is not a toy or a kid’s machine. It shares most of the features with full-sized mechanical machines in that tiny body.
Inside it’s all metal parts and frame, so this technically makes it a heavy-duty machine as well. It’s a good choice for someone who plans on possibly sewing 80% of their wardrobe from scratch.
My two cents
It sews denim well, but I would not make it a primary machine for that job. Stretch and slippery fabrics definitely need a walking foot.
Outside of that, it’s a pretty solid machine for a hobbyist who likes to sew a lot ad who’s looking for something that can keep in a small apartment or an RV.
FAQ
Can a beginner sewing machine become my forever machine?
Yes, especially if you chose to go with a mechanical one and you take good care of it.
Mechanical sewing machines can last decades (even a lifetime) if you service them regularly and don’t misuse them too often. That being said, every machine has everything most home sewists will need to finish their projects, and it will not matter if you’ve switched to another or stuck with your very first machine.
How do I know that I have to upgrade my sewing machine?
This truly depends on what kind of sewist you are or you will become. If you plan to go pro, either full-time or as a side gig, you will have to go for at least a semi-industrial model. And if you decide to go into quilting (even if you stay somewhat casual about it), you will need to pick a model with a lot of sewing real estate (aka long-arm machines).
Also, you can do some embroidery with any machine that allows you to drop the feed dogs, but to take the next step you’ll have to get a special computerized sewing machine.
All in all, you will see after a while if your machine is good enough for the type of projects you’ll usually work on, and if that machine is limiting your abilities and creativity in any way.
How do I take care of my sewing machine?
First, find a protective cover or a bag for the machine. Vintage sewing machines used to come with wood and (later) plastic covers all the time, but you will have to provide one now. Anything will do as long as it can protect the machine from dust and minor accidents.
Next, get into the habit of cleaning the bobbin case every single time you have to change it. You’ll need to remove all the bits of thread and fabric fibers that collect in there. Use a brush or, even better, a keyboard vacuum.
Oiling is super important if you want your machine to run smoothly and not have parts wear out easily. Read the instructions carefully about how to do it properly for your particular model.
And finally, schedule regular maintenance. If you don’t work on more than one project a week, you can send the machine to the shop only once a year. Think of it like going to the dentist before you wake up with a major toothache.
For bonus points, make friends with the mechanic and they will teach you how to deal with minor emergencies so you can at least power through and finish the work at hand before you have to go to the shop.