The 8 Best Sewing Machines of 2024, According to Testing

Best Overall

Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions5/5
Features5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness5/5
It created proportional and consistent stitches on both cotton and denim, and the buttonhole stitch was easy to use.

It created proportional and consistent stitches on both cotton and denim, and the buttonhole stitch was easy to use.

It is useful for sewing and quilting projects, but it cannot embroider.

It is useful for sewing and quilting projects, but it cannot embroider.

Our pick for the best overall sewing machine is the Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine. This computerized sewing machine has everything you need for a variety of sewing projects, plus a few extra features.

With 70 different stitches to choose from, this moderately priced sewing machine will help you sew clothes, curtains, bags, pillowcases, and more. The stitches include utility, heirloom, decorate, and quilting stitches, as well as seven buttonhole stitches. The machine also has an automatic needle threader and an automatic bobbin winding system to help you get your sewing projects started.

In addition to sewing, this machine will also help you with all of your quilting patterns. With quilting stitches, a quilt guide, a quilting table, and quilting feet, you have all the basics you need. We also love the LCD screen, which allows you to easily select which stitch you want to use. You can also use the screen to adjust the length and width of your stitches.

During testing, we appreciated that it only took us about 20 minutes to set up the machine and read through the instruction manual. We also liked that the manual had pictures, making it easy to understand the directions.

When we began sewing, we found that the machine created neat, consistent stitches on both cotton and denim. We were also impressed with how easy it was to use the buttonhole stitch, and it created a perfectly stitched buttonhole.

We found that the machine was an appropriate size, and we felt comfortable using it—it didn’t feel awkward or unwieldy. This sewing machine is also portable, thanks to the included protective hard case. It weighs 14 pounds, which is about the standard weight for this type of sewing machine. While it can be used for sewing and quilting projects, it doesn’t have any embroidering capabilities.

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 is beginner friendly, and it has 27 different stitch options.

This affordable sewing machine is beginner friendly, and it has 27 different stitch options.

We weren’t able to figure out how to use the buttonhole function, even with the help of an expert.

We weren’t able to figure out how to use the buttonhole function, even with the help of an expert.

For a more affordable option, the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine is our top choice because it performs well, has 27 different stitch options, and includes several accessories.

Setting up the machine was easy and intuitive, thanks to a simple design and the included instruction manuals. The instructions included illustrations that were numbered, so we could see what we were supposed to do and in what order. The machine came with several accessories, including a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, darning plate, extra bobbins, and extra needles. There is also a light on the machine that illuminated our work space.

We also appreciated that the machine had an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin. When using the machine, we didn’t experience any jams, and the machine produced neat and consistent stitches on the testing fabrics. We found that we were able to comfortably use the machine, and it was compact, making it easy to lift and move.

We did, however, experience issues with the buttonhole stitch. Even after consulting the instructions and a sewing expert, we were unable to troubleshoot the issue. Despite this problem, we still found that the machine performed well. Because of its price and features, we also noted that this would be a great option for a beginner sewist.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Splurge

Janome Memory Craft 9850

Setup4/5
Instructions4.5/5
Features5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness5/5
The stitches were professional and neat, and we were impressed with the number of design and stitch options.

The stitches were professional and neat, and we were impressed with the number of design and stitch options.

We had some trouble figuring out the automatic needle threader.

We had some trouble figuring out the automatic needle threader.

For those who are able to splurge on a high-quality machine, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Embroidery and Sewing Machine wowed us during our testing. Although it has a higher price tag, its capabilities and features make it well worth the price.

It only took about two minutes to put this sewing machine together out of the box, making setup a breeze. The machine came with a helpful and detailed instruction manual, although we did have a bit of trouble figuring out the automatic needle threader. However, with some help from our expert, we were able to successfully thread the needle to use the machine.

In addition to sewing, this machine can also be used to embroider thanks to its 175 built-in designs, which can be selected using the LCD touchscreen. This machine also comes programmed with two different fonts, and a function to monogram with either two or three letters. Unlike other sewing machines on our list, this one has a USB port so designs can be transferred.

When using both the sewing and embroidery functions, the stitches looked professional and neat, and we were impressed that the stitches looked clean whether we guided the fabric or let it guide itself. We were also pleased with how precise the stitches were on denim, even though we didn’t use a denim needle.

One of our favorite features we tested was the automatic buttonhole stitch. After adding the proper presser foot, we placed the button within it and the machine automatically detected its size. The stitching was straight, even, and clean, and we found that it was the perfect size for the button when it was complete.

Although it is more expensive, it has a variety of features that other sewing machines on our list don’t have, making it a worthy machine to splurge on.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best for Beginners

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions5/5
Features4.5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness4.9/5
It’s affordable, has a simple design, and has a helpful and detailed instruction manual.

It’s affordable, has a simple design, and has a helpful and detailed instruction manual.

The manual didn’t explain what the included accessories were, which may be a little confusing for a beginner.

The manual didn’t explain what the included accessories were, which may be a little confusing for a beginner.

After our testing, we determined that the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine works best for beginners. Like other options suitable for beginners, setting up the machine was a breeze. In fact, it only took about a minute and threading it took about two minutes. The icons on the machine and the included instructions made the threading process simple and easy, and we didn’t experience any jams or snags.

Part of what makes this machine ideal for beginners is the detailed, 55-page instruction manual. Within the manual, we found helpful directions as well as informative illustrations. The pictures were especially helpful when transitioning to a new stitch, and the illustrations clearly showed exactly what we were supposed to do. However, the manual was only helpful regarding the machine—it did not explain what the included accessories were.

When using this sewing machine, we noted that it had all the features a beginner would need, and it didn’t have any confusing features that would be above a novice level. We also appreciated the buttonhole capabilities, light, free arm, and removable extension table. There are 15 built-in stitches, and we could adjust the stitch length from 0 to 4 millimeters.

The machine was comfortable to use and didn’t feel too large or intimidating, and it was easy to switch feet, wind bobbins, adjust the tension, and change stitches. The quality of both the straight and zigzag stitches was exceptional, and we were pleased with how neat they looked.

We sewed two different buttonholes, and found that our second attempt looked much more even than our first attempt. Though the first one wasn’t as symmetrical, both of the buttonholes were functional and held together well.

For those who are new to sewing, this machine boasts helpful directions and a simple design, and delivers quality stitches. It’s also one of the more affordable options on our list, so beginners don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a machine to get started.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Heavy Duty

Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

Setup4/5
Instructions4.5/5
Features5/5
Design4.5/5
Effectiveness4/5
This machine includes accessories needed for heavy-duty projects, and it produced neat and consistent stitches on denim.

This machine includes accessories needed for heavy-duty projects, and it produced neat and consistent stitches on denim.

It didn’t include a manual, and it jammed when we tried to use the buttonhole stitch.

It didn’t include a manual, and it jammed when we tried to use the buttonhole stitch.

If you frequently work with thicker fabrics, like denim or canvas, the Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine machine gets the job done. It features 110 stitch applications, a drop-in bobbin, and a powerful motor.

To set up this sewing machine, we simply had to take it out of the box, remove the plastic, and plug it in. However, one of the biggest downfalls of this machine was that it didn’t include an instruction manual, so we had to rely on our own knowledge and our expert to use it. There were some instructions on the website, but they weren’t nearly as helpful as manuals that were included in other sewing machines we tested.

We were able to comfortably use this sewing machine while sitting down, although we did have to stand up to wind the bobbin. The dials and switches were clearly marked and easy to use, so there wasn't any confusion about what the purpose of each dial was.

When sewing on fabric, the stitches were flat and consistent—even when we used the zigzag stitch on denim. We didn’t experience any jams when using the straight or zigzag stitch, but the machine did jam when we tried to use the buttonhole stitch.

We did like that the machine has a clear cover above the drop-in bobbin so it could easily be monitored. This sewing machine also included accessories needed for heavy-duty projects, like a walking foot, nonstick foot, a pack of size 16 needles, and a clearance plate.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best for Quilting

Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions5/5
Features5/5
Design5/5
Effectiveness5/5
The machine yielded clean and consistent stitches, and it includes quilting accessories like a quilting table.

The machine yielded clean and consistent stitches, and it includes quilting accessories like a quilting table.

It takes up a bit more space than other sewing machines, especially with the quilting table.

It takes up a bit more space than other sewing machines, especially with the quilting table.

Quilters will appreciate the features and the ease of use of the Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine. With 165 built-in stitches, eight sewing and quilting feet, and a quilting table, this machine has everything a quilter needs for their projects.

Setting up this machine was simple and straightforward, and we found that it was easy to thread the needle and the bobbin thanks to the quick-start guide and user manual. The machine also comes with an instructional DVD for even more information.

We were impressed with how well this sewing machine performed, and we found that the straight and zigzag stitches were even and neat. We tested two different buttonhole stitches, and both of them yielded a clean and consistent result. Additionally, we also tested five decorative designs and found that they were some of the most beautiful stitches we produced in our testing.

Because this sewing machine was so easy to use, we noted it would be ideal for both experienced and beginner sewists. It’s also available at a relatively reasonable price, given its performance and features. Keep in mind that with the quilting table, this sewing machine takes up a bit more space than other sewing machines we tested.

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
It doesn’t take up as much space as other sergers, and it was easy to thread.

It doesn’t take up as much space as other sergers, and it was easy to thread.

We wish it came with accessories like a seam ripper or needle threader.

We wish it came with accessories like a seam ripper or needle threader.

A serger, or overlock sewing machine, is a machine that joins the edges of fabric with three or four threads for a more professional look. Sergers also have the capability to cut uneven edges of fabric, a feature that standard sewing machines don’t have. After our testing, we found the Brother 1034D Serger to be the best overlock sewing machine.

This serger was ready to use straight out of the box, and we were pleased that it was already threaded. After unthreading, we rethreaded the machine and although it was intricate, we were able to thread the machine using the diagrams in the user manual.

Despite having no experience with threading sergers, we were able to thread it in about 15 minutes. The serger also came with a few accessories including metal tweezers, thread spool covers, extra needles, and a small plastic brush for cleaning the machine.

While some sergers are large and can take up quite a bit of space, this one was comparable in size to other sewing machines we tested. It fit easily in our testing space, and it would also be able to fit onto a craft table or countertop.

When testing the machine on fabric, we found that it was effective at serging edges. The stitches were evenly spaced and consistent in size, and the tension held up well. Sergers don’t have buttonhole stitches or decorative stitches, but we did find that the flatlock stitch made hemming simple and easy.

Sergers can have higher price tags, but this one is much more affordable than others on the market. We were impressed with its quality and ease of use, even though it has a lower price point. We do wish it came with helpful accessories like a seam ripper, needle thread, and scissors.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best for Embroidery

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Setup5/5
Instructions4.8/5
Features5/5
Design4.8/5
Effectiveness4.5/5
Thanks to the LCD touchscreen, we were able to quickly and easily produce stitches and designs.

Thanks to the LCD touchscreen, we were able to quickly and easily produce stitches and designs.

We did notice some gaps in the buttonhole stitch, and thread got stuck under the needle plate.

We did notice some gaps in the buttonhole stitch, and thread got stuck under the needle plate.

For those who want to add decorative embroidery to their creation, the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine features 80 pre-programmed designs and six lettering fonts to help you customize your project.

No assembly was required for the machine, and threading it was easy thanks to the numbered instructions and labeled illustrations on the machine. The manual was also helpful when figuring out other features as well, with pictures clearly portraying how to use the features. It did take us a few minutes to figure out how to “activate” the machine for use, but we eventually found that all we needed to do was touch the screen.

The LCD touchscreen took some getting used to initially, but after referring to the user manual and playing around with the functions, we were able to figure out all of the features. Our first straight stitch didn’t seem very high quality, but after adjusting the tension, both the straight and zigzag stitches were even and consistent.

We also tested a decorative stitch and a buttonhole stitch, and while the decorative stitch turned out beautifully, the buttonhole stitch was a little lackluster. It seemed secure, but there were some bigger gaps in between a few stitches.

However, we liked how easy it was to make the stitches since we just had to select the option on the touchscreen. The embroidery functions were also easy to operate, and we were quickly able to stitch a decorative alligator cartoon on our fabric.

We did run into a hiccup in which thread was snagged under the needle plate, and the screwdriver that came with the sewing machine wasn’t the right size to remove it. We were able to remove the plate using a different screwdriver, but we wish it would have come with the appropriate size.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK