The 6 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners of 2024, According to Testing

Best Overall

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions5/5
Features4.5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness4.9/5
This sewing machine yielded even and consistent stitches, and it had helpful instructions with illustrations.

This sewing machine yielded even and consistent stitches, and it had helpful instructions with illustrations.

One of our buttonhole stitches had some inconsistent spacing between individual stitches.

One of our buttonhole stitches had some inconsistent spacing between individual stitches.

The best overall sewing machine for beginners is the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine. With an affordable price and a simple design, novice sewists will appreciate using this sewing machine for all their beginner projects.

The machine came completely assembled, so when we unboxed it, we simply had to remove it from the plastic. Threading the machine was also a simple process, and it only took us about two minutes to complete the task, thanks to the helpful icons and directions. The instructions were useful throughout the entire testing process, and they included illustrations that easily guided us through adjusting the needle, adjusting tension, and changing needles.

In addition to the helpful instructions, we also appreciated how simple the machine was to use and the high quality of the stitches. On both cotton and denim fabrics, the machine produced neat and consistent straight and zigzag stitches.

We tested the buttonhole function twice, and we did find that the second one turned out much better than the first one. The first buttonhole stitch had some inconsistency with the length between individual stitches, but the second one appeared to be flawless. When testing the different stitches on a couple of fabrics, we didn’t experience any jams.

After testing the machine, we determined it was the best sewing machine for beginners because of its ease of use and simple design, and we liked that it didn’t have too many features to make it feel overwhelming or intimidating. We also loved that there was a handle on top of the machine, so it would be easy to transport to a sewing class.

How It Performed After Six Months

We tested this sewing machine in the real world for six months, and during that time we made placemats, baby blankets, and basic clothing repairs with this machine. As we were learning and making mistakes, we appreciated how detailed the instruction manual was for common hiccups beginners would encounter.

“I have to give a lot of credit to the instruction guide because it provides detailed pictures and instructions on how to use everything on the sewing machine including how to adjust the tension depending on what your thread looks like when it's sewn on the fabric. This made the machine more approachable and user-friendly for a beginner like myself.” -Better Homes and Gardens Tester

We also liked that this machine has a free arm, which made it a breeze to hem shirts and pants. It was also lightweight and portable, so you could easily take it to a sewing class if needed. We wished there was an option to adjust the maximum speed of the foot control so we could learn how to use it without the needle moving too quickly.

The quality of the sewing machine remained the same as the first day we used it, and the only issues we encountered were user errors, not machine errors.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Budget

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions4/5
Features4/5
Design4.5/5
Effectiveness4/5
This affordable sewing machine has 27 different stitches and a helpful, 52-page instruction manual.

This affordable sewing machine has 27 different stitches and a helpful, 52-page instruction manual.

The buttonhole stitch didn’t work during our testing.

The buttonhole stitch didn’t work during our testing.

For those looking to start sewing but are on a budget, the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine is the best beginner sewing machine for you.

This machine was simple to set up and thread, and the quick-start instructions included numbered illustrations to make the process easy to understand. There is also a lengthier, 52-page instruction manual with details regarding the main features, accessories, and troubleshooting, which is helpful for those who have never used a sewing machine before.

We tested several stitches on both cotton and denim fabric and were pleased with the neatness of the stitches. The dial on the front of the machine has icons of each of the 27 different stitches, and it was easy to switch between stitches by simply turning the dial.

The only issue we had with this machine was with the buttonhole stitch. Even after consulting the instruction manual and our expert, we were unable to get this stitch to work correctly. Except for this issue, we didn’t experience any jams while using the machine, thanks to the jam-resistant drop-in bobbin.

A bobbin is a small spool, often made out of metal or plastic, that is wound with the thread for the lower part of the machine. Each stitch is used with a top thread from the needle and a bottom thread from the bobbin.

We appreciated the simple and easy-to-use design of this machine during testing and felt that this was one of the best sewing machines for beginners. Even though it has a lower price tag, it has similar features that more expensive sewing machines have. Because of this, it earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score for its value during testing.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Splurge

SINGER Stylist 7258 Sewing Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions4/5
Features5/5
Design4.5/5
Effectiveness4.3/5
With computerized functions, it feels a bit more modern than other sewing machines we tested.

With computerized functions, it feels a bit more modern than other sewing machines we tested.

It doesn't come with as many quilting accessories as we would have liked.

It doesn't come with as many quilting accessories as we would have liked.

If you’re able to splurge a bit on a sewing machine, we loved the Singer Stylist 7258 Sewing and Quilting Machine during our testing.

Setting up this sewing machine and threading the bobbin took less than four minutes, and we found the numbered arrows on the machine to be helpful. While this machine didn’t come with an instruction manual, it did have a QR code that linked to quick-start instructions.

Even without a physical manual, we still found the initial process to be simple and intuitive, and we gave this machine a 5 out of 5 rating for its ease of setup. We tested a few stitches on this machine, including a buttonhole stitch and a few decorative stitches.

The buttonhole stitch performed flawlessly and resulted in a well-made and sturdy stitch. Both of the decorative stitches were beautiful and consistent, and it was easy to change the stitches using the buttons and screen. There are also 100 built-in stitches to choose from, and a drop-in bobbin with a clear cover.

We liked that there was a start and stop button so we could choose whether to use the pedal or the button. While you can use the machine for both quilting and sewing projects, it doesn’t come with as many helpful quilting accessories as other quilting sewing machines do.

How It Performed After Two Months

After using this sewing machine for a couple months, it still performed well for various sewing projects including making baby blankets and mending clothes. We liked that we could see the stitch we were going to sew displayed on the LCD screen, and it was easy to switch between different stitches.

While using it, we could tell the machine was high quality and all of the features and settings functioned exactly as they were supposed to. It also felt intuitive and didn’t feel too complicated or overwhelming, making it approachable for a beginner. We wish that the power cord and pedal cord were longer, but otherwise, we thoroughly enjoyed using this sewing machine.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best for Quilting

Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions5/5
Features5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness5/5
The computerized sewing and quilting machine comes with several helpful accessories like a quilting foot and a quilt table.

The computerized sewing and quilting machine comes with several helpful accessories like a quilting foot and a quilt table.

Though it has an LCD screen, it doesn’t have a memory card or USB port to program more stitches.

Though it has an LCD screen, it doesn’t have a memory card or USB port to program more stitches.

For those learning to quilt in addition to sewing, the Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine is the best beginner sewing machine for you.

Threading the bobbin took just over four minutes, and the machine came with a physical instruction manual complete with illustrations to help us understand the machine better. This computerized sewing machine features a LCD screen that allows you to choose from 70 stitches, including quilting stitches.

The machine also comes with 10 presser feet (which help keep the fabric flat as it’s fed through the machine) including a free motion quilting foot, a quilt guide, and a quilt table to help provide a larger surface area while you work. Because of the features and accessories, this sewing machine earned a 5 out of 5 rating for its features.

To make quilting and sewing even easier, there is an automatic needle threader as well as an automatic bobbin winding system. The drop-in bobbin is jam-resistant, which proved to be effective since we didn’t experience any jams when using this machine.

We tested a straight and zigzag stitch on both cotton and denim fabric, and both stitches were even and neat. We were also impressed with how easy the buttonhole stitch was to use, and this stitch turned out beautifully as well.

Because of the features that come with this sewing machine, we felt the price was more than fair and awarded it a 5 out of 5 rating for its value. After testing the machine, we determined that this was the best beginner sewing machine for those learning both sewing and quilting.

How It Performed After Six Months

During our testing period, we used this sewing machine for quilting and used quilting needles with thick cotton quilting fabric. The sewing machine was easy to use, and we didn’t experience any issues with the functionality of the machine.

The included quilting board was helpful, and we loved that the bobbin loaded on the top rather than the bottom—we felt that this made the bobbin more accessible and visible.

“The quilting board attachment is very helpful to keep my fabric level while I am sewing so it's not draping off of the edge creating strange angles while sewing.” -Better Homes and Gardens Tester

The only issues we experienced while testing were a few bent needles—this was a user error, but we were pleased that it was simple and intuitive to change out the needle for a new one. We felt comfortable using the machine, and we didn’t feel like it was overly complicated or too confusing.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Serger

Brother Serger Metal Frame Overlock Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions5/5
Features5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness5/5
Even though some of us had never used a serger before, it was easy to thread and use.

Even though some of us had never used a serger before, it was easy to thread and use.

It does not come with helpful accessories for beginners like a seam ripper, scissors, or a needle threader.

It does not come with helpful accessories for beginners like a seam ripper, scissors, or a needle threader.

A serger is different from a traditional sewing machine because it uses three or four different threads to join or sew the edges of fabrics. Sergers also cut the uneven edges of fabric while sewing. Based on our testing, the best serger for beginners is the Brother 1034D Serger.

Right off the bat, we were pleased with this serger because of its relatively affordable price point (sergers tend to be fairly expensive) and the fact that it arrived already threaded. We unthreaded the machine to see how long it would take to thread it, and we were able to complete the task within 15 minutes, despite some of us having never threaded a serger before.

We also found the instructions to be incredibly helpful, especially for beginners. The manual included easy to understand instructions and large illustrations that conveyed the information clearly. We do wish that this sewing machine came with accessories that would be helpful for true beginners such as a needle threader, seam ripper, and scissors.

When using the machine, we made a few adjustments to the stitch length and width as well as the thread tension, and we were impressed with how quickly the machine responded to these changes. The stitches we tested on fabric were evenly spaced, consistent, and neat. While sergers don’t have buttonhole or decorative stitches, we tested a flatlock stitch and found that it made hemming quick and easy.

This was one of the best machines we tested, and it scored a 5 out of 5 rating for its value, design, effectiveness, setup, features, and instructions, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

How It Performed After Six Months

We used this machine to hem napkins, curtains, and more during our testing, and we continued to be pleased with its performance. We didn’t experience any technical issues, and it was easy to learn how to use.

“This serger has definitely made sewing projects easier. I have always felt that hems could be a little more tedious on a standard sewing machine, but this cuts and hems at the same time. Not only is it easier, but you save time as well.” -Better Homes and Gardens Tester

It worked perfectly for hemming and edging, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have all of the capabilities of a traditional sewing machine.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Colors

Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine

Setup4/5
Instructions5/5
Features4.8/5
Design4.8/5
Effectiveness5/5
It’s the only sewing machine on our list available in three colors, and it yielded high quality stitches.

It’s the only sewing machine on our list available in three colors, and it yielded high quality stitches.

The manual didn’t have any instructions for troubleshooting, and we did need to consult an expert to help us use the buttonhole stitch.

The manual didn’t have any instructions for troubleshooting, and we did need to consult an expert to help us use the buttonhole stitch.

Score both a functional and aesthetically pleasing machine with the Janome New Home Sewing Machine. Available in three different colors, this sewing machine will help you create projects while looking stylish in your craft room.

This machine is beginner-friendly thanks to its straightforward design. You can control the stitch pattern, tension, and needle position with a dial and create back stitches by pressing a lever.

It only took us about four minutes to thread the bobbin, and we appreciated the detailed instructions with visuals that came with the machine. However, the instructions didn’t provide any information about troubleshooting, which we would have liked to reference.

The straight and zigzag stitches were consistent and even on both the cotton and the denim. We also tested a decorative stitch and found that it looked attractive and was sturdy and reinforced well.

Although we needed some expert help to adjust the buttonhole stitch to the appropriate settings, the resulting stitch was perfectly executed. The quality of the stitches earned this sewing machine a 5 out of 5 rating for its effectiveness.

With 15 built-in stitches, you can learn various stitches without getting too overwhelmed by options. Because of its simple features and colorful design, it’s one of the best sewing machines for beginners.

How It Performed After Six Months

During our testing, we used this machine for several beginner-friendly sewing projects including making makeup bags and potholders, and we were even able to do some basic quilting. We didn’t experience any issues with the machine, and we enjoyed using it because it was easy to learn how to use.

The machine felt sturdy and durable, and the stitches were always clean and even. Our tester’s mother, who has been sewing for over 60 years, described the stitches as “perfect” when she tried the machine.

Because of its light weight and convenient handle, it was easy to move to another room for sewing projects, and we liked that there was plenty of surface area to feed the fabric through the machine. Beginners will also appreciate the instruction manual—we referred to it quite a few times and always found it to be helpful.

The only quirk with this machine is the pedal—it seemed to have a slightly delayed reaction to being pressed. However, this didn’t really bother us once we got used to how it worked.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK