Best Sewing Machines To Buy

Best Sewing Machines To Buy

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Sewing machines have come a long way over the years. You can get a foot pedal guided machine or a computerized machine that does your threading for you.

It is easy to become overwhelmed while looking for the best unit for you and your goals. In this guide, we have narrowed down a list of the top sewing machine brands for you.

Sewing Machine

Summary

If you are looking for an easy to use sewing machine that does a little bit of everything, then this is the machine for you. This is especially user-friendly for beginners.

SINGER Heavy Duty 4432

SINGER Heavy Duty 4432

Backed by manufacturer warranties, this heavy-duty sewing machine packs a punch with a 60% stronger motor than other standard units.

Editor's Choice

SINGER Quantum

SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

Truly made for the creator at heart, this unit has a nice variety of stitch selections and fonts. The included accessories and tables let you keep diversity in your projects.

A generous number of extra sewing feet are included with this model. The computerized display and functions help you make projects in no time.

Singer Heavy Duty 4411

SINGER Heavy Duty 4411

The Singer Heavy Duty 4411 features a motor that’s 60% stronger than most. Versatile and great for both lightweight and heavy duty fabrics with fast speed stitching.

Brother HC1850

Brother HC1850

The flipchart on this machine really makes this the best choice for those who will be using multiple stitch types.

Brother PQ1500SL

Brother PQ1500SL

Fast acting and great for any size project, this sewing machine is simply ideal for a variety of creative projects.

Our Top Picks For The Best Sewing Machines

Brother CS6000i

Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i

Pros:

  • Great value
  • Push button start/stop/reverse
  • Lightweight and solid construction

Cons:

  • You must adjust the stitch settings each time you turn the machine on

More About The Brother CS6000i

This Brother sewing machine is user-friendly for both novices or professionals. The LCD display shows a stitch selector with 60 possible stitches, making choosing your stitch incredibly easy. Right below the display is the switch that lets you decide your sewing speed.

Threading can be frustrating, but this machine makes it simple. There is a numbered diagram on the side to assist threading the machine alongside a bobbin winding feature showing you where to place the fibers. Not only that, but there is a lever on the side for the automatic needle threader.

With a wider table than some other options, you can easily design quilts and other larger projects. This oversized table will also help you maneuver any project as you go. Even with this addition, the machine is still lightweight and portable.

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Brother CS5055

Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother XR3774

Brother XR3774

Singer Simple 3232

Singer Simple 3232

Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

SINGER 4432

SINGER Heavy Duty 4432

Pros:

  • The company backed quality with warranties
  • Heavy duty – built to last
  • Plenty of accessories are included

Cons:

  • Hand crank wheel can be stiff/hard to turn

More About The SINGER 4432

The name of this Singer machine says it all – it’s heavy duty. This sewing machine will last you years. The heavy-duty metal frame ensures that this product is durable and provides you stability while you create.

This unit comes with plenty of accessories for all your sewing needs; for example, an all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, and zipper foot are included.

Along with these, and many other accessories, you can get a limited 90-day warranty for many of the components and the limited 25-year warranty for the sewing machine head.

With a 60% stronger motor when compared to standard machines, this unit will allow you to stitch through thicker fabrics easily – and quickly, with speeds that reach up to 1,100 stitches per minute.

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Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother XR3774

Brother XR3774

Singer Simple 3232

Singer Simple 3232

Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

Pros:

  • Work area LED light is bright
  • Easy to learn
  • Needle up/down feature is helpful

Cons:

  • Bobbin threading can be difficult to master

More About The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

This Singer computerized sewing machine is part of what makes technology so amazing. The large selection of stitches and fonts for personalized projects will make your creative heart so happy.

Does that seem far fetched? It’s not – this unit comes with 600 built-in stitches and 5 alphanumeric fonts. The eight stitches that are most commonly used have a direct stitch selection located at the front of the machine.

Projects can be completed quickly and accurately with this unit’s speed of 850 stitches per minute. The built-in threader is easy to use and will take seconds to set up.  

If you have a larger project that you are working on, no worries. Pull out the extension table to give yourself a bigger work area.

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Brother CS5055

Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother XR3774

Brother XR3774

Singer Simple 3232

Singer Simple 3232

Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

SINGER 7258

SINGER 7258

Pros:

  • Manual is easy to follow
  • Runs quietly
  • Easy to thread

Cons:

  • Tight fit around the pressure foot

More About The SINGER 7258

This Singer sewing machine is computerized with several built-in options to benefit you and your projects and is a great beginner sewing machine with room to grow. There are 100 built-in stitches included for quilting, sewing, crafts, and other decorative sewing needs.

Built-In buttonholes assist you in creating the perfect sized buttonhole each time. Customize the button settings on the front panel to fit your needs.

The needle can be programmed to go up/down whenever you need it. You can also set the needle up in its highest position for your safety when you are wanting to remove fabric or stop for the day.

Included accessories include all-purpose foot, zipper foot, and buttonhole foot. You will also get a needles package and a lint brush. Along with all of this, the manufacturer offers a 25-year warranty.

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Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother XR3774

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Singer Simple 3232

Singer Simple 3232

Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

Singer 4411

SINGER Heavy Duty 4411

Pros:

  • Heavy duty and high quality metal frame
  • Strong and stable construction
  • Fast sewing up to 1,100 stitches/min
  • Great for both lightweight as well as heavy duty fabrics

Cons:

  • Occasional issues with the needle position
  • Tricky to do straight stitching

More About The Singer 4411

A brand that needs no introduction, Singer is one of the most reliable and trusted brands for sewing machines. This 4411 model is heavy duty and great for a variety of materials, whether it’s canvas or denim.

Its powerful motor allows you to complete your sewing at fast speed. This model features adjustable presser foot pressure and a motor that is 60% stronger than average brands so you can easily sew with heavy and thick fabrics.

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Brother CS5055

Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother XR3774

Brother XR3774

Singer Simple 3232

Singer Simple 3232

Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

Brother HC1850

Brother HC1850

Pros:

  • Creates tight, need stitches
  • Bobbins can be installed quickly
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • The self-threading needle can be flimsy

More About The Brother HC1850

This Brother computerized sewing machine is great for both sewing and quilting. It packs in 130 built-in stitches with 8 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes.

Can't go wrong with something that aims to make your job easier, and is a great beginner sewing machine and advanced sewing machine. This unit has a wide table that is detachable with a spring action quilting foot. It also grants you the ability to perform free-motion quilting.

Along with a nice variety of accessories, you will get a bilingual manual, instructional DVD, and access to Brother’s free customer care phone and online chat technical support.

The 25-year limited warranty is an added line of trust between you and the manufacturer.

Dark fabrics are no longer a key to frustration with the super bright LED work area. The backlit LCD display is also brightly lit and has pushbuttons to let you customize your sewing project.

No need in pressing a button repeatedly to find the stitch you need with the flip chart of stitches built right onto the unit.

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Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother Project Runway CS5055

Brother XR3774

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Singer Simple 3232

Singer Simple 3232

Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

Brother PQ1500SL

Brother PQ1500SL

Pros:

  • Fast stitching action
  • Great for thick fabrics and large projects
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Heavy machine

More About The Brother PQ1500SL

This Brother sewing machine is simple to use with a push button automatic thread trimmer. Loading is also easy with the built-in needle threader. This saves you time and allows you to stay busy creating.

This unit is extremely fast with up to 1,500 stitches per minute. Fabric control is a snap with 4 feed dog settings, a knee lifter, and a free arm table extension.

Like the other Brother models, you will get a 25-year limited warranty and great customer service.

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Brother CS5055

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Brother XR3774

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Singer Simple 3232

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Singer 4452

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

Factors To Consider When Looking For A Sewing Machine

Mechanical or computerized

Today, sewing machines come in two varieties: mechanical and computerized. Computerized sewing machines are the most popular, as they are the easiest to use.

They make sewing easy for those who are new to it and have stitch settings that change on their own, as well as an automatic needle threader and adjustable presser feet.

Mechanical sewing machines have a more basic principle, with stitch settings that need to be changed manually by the user.

Despite this, and the fact that this alone can be a hassle, they are more sturdy and generally cheaper than the fancy, computerized machines.

When thinking about this factor, take into consideration the use of your sewing machine and opt for a manual machine should you anticipate sewing tough fabrics or for extended periods of time.

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Weight

The weight of your sewing machine is an incredibly important thing to keep in mind. Lightweight sewing machines that can be easily moved are great for occasional sewing where the sewing machine will be packed away in between uses.

Heavy, bulky sewing machines are much more cumbersome and are ideal for permanent spots in sewing rooms where they won’t be moved very often. It’s important to note that mechanical sewing machines will usually weigh more than computerized machines.

Complexity

Different sewing machines come with different levels of complexity. If you’re a beginner, you may want to consider a cheaper, less complex model that has basic features and allows you to master the basics before being tempted to tackle the tougher projects.

If you’re a more advanced sewer, though, a more complex model with special features and capabilities could prove to be a good option.

Stitch length

Something that hardly ever gets thought of is the maximum stitch length of a sewing machine. It’s easy to assume that every machine has the same stitch length, however, this isn’t true. Different machines have varying stitch lengths.

It’s important to check the maximum stitch length of potential sewing machines, as their stitch length indicates what type of projects they are best suited for.

Ratings

When shopping online for a sewing machine, pay attention to ratings. Look for sewing machines that have 3 or more stars on average and that have plenty of reviews.

Don’t just read good reviews, though. Be sure to also read negative reviews and get a full picture of the sewing machine you’re looking at. Buying a sewing machine with no reviews can be a bit of a gamble, so do so carefully.

Benefits of Having A Sewing Machine

Saves money

Having your own sewing machine, be it mechanical or computerized, can save you a ton of money on seamstress bills. Need a suit to be tailored? A dress to be taken in? No problem!

You can do it yourself at home without having to pay a seamstress or tailor for his or her time and waiting days to see your finished garment.

Therapeutic

Sewing can be used as a form of affordable therapy. It requires attention and a serene calmness, which effectively works to combat stress and anxiety. It also takes the mind away from unpleasant thoughts and emotions.

The benefits of sewing are numerous, with its therapeutic abilities improving sleep quality, energy levels, concentration, and overall well being.

Improved focus

Using a sewing machine is a skill that must be learned and practiced. This being said, learning to use one for the first time or attempting to tackle a new stitch or pattern requires tremendous focus. This is ideal for those who lack focus in their day to day life and need a fun, relaxing way to improve it.

Increased creativity 

Owning a sewing machine means creative freedom. Since sewing machines can be used for so many different things and can mend a plethora of fabrics, the creative possibilities are endless if you have one in your arsenal of craft items.

Sewing machines are perfect for budding creatives, offering a quiet way to express creative ideas and try out new techniques.

A potential source of income

Sewing using your brand new sewing machine can turn into a side hustle. Everyone needs a good seamstress once in a while, so why can’t it be you?

If you know how to sew buttons and zippers, mend tears, take up hems, and add and remove pieces of fabric you already have your foot in the door.

Sewing for extra cash is an easy way to save up for trips, fancy dinners, and to pay extra monthly expenses, and you can do it on your own time. Take on as many or as few jobs as you want.

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Repurposing is easy

Have an old shirt that has seen its last days? How about a pair of fuzzy socks that you have worn a hole into and don’t feel comfortable giving to charity? Using your sewing machine, you can turn unwanted items of clothing (and anything fabric) into brand new, functional items.

For example, you can turn those socks into a sock stuffed animal by following a tutorial online and investing in some stuffing. Or, you can cut your old shirt in strips, sew the edges, and use the strips as cleaning cloths.

The Cost

If you’re not worried about the thickness of your wallet, you can find high-tech, modern sewing machines available for upwards of $1,000. However, most people are on a budget, which is more than okay. In fact, even on a budget, there are dozens of great sewing machines available.

In general, sewing machines start at around $200 but some beginner-friendly models can be found for $100 or less. These models will feature a few basic stitches and no bells and whistles but will get the job done if you’re looking for a machine to occasionally repair a popped button or undone seam.

Getting into industrial strength sewing machines, however, is a whole new ball game. These heavy-duty machines can cost up to $3,000. For this price, they offer a variety of stitches and tons of fancy features.

Generally, computerized machines will be found on the higher end of the price spectrum, as they come with more features and internal parts. This isn’t always the case, though, so make sure you shop around before settling on any particular sewing machine.

Many models come with accessories, but some accessories like extra needles can be purchased for an average of $5 per piece. Sewing feet are available for individual purchase, too, with a pack of approximately 30 costing around $25.

Conclusion

The sewing machine market is thoroughly overrun with various models these days. To cut out all the noise and narrow down straight to the good ones, start with any one of these on our list and you’ll be on the right track!

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