Sewing can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, and one essential tool for any aspiring seamstress or tailor is a sewing machine. Sewing machines can save time, increase efficiency, and offer a range of stitches and features to enhance your sewing projects. If you’re a beginner, understanding the basics of a sewing machine is a great starting point. Here’s an introduction to sewing machines for beginners:
Types of Sewing Machines:
- Mechanical Sewing Machines: These machines are manually operated and are suitable for beginners. They are straightforward, durable, and often less expensive.
- Computerized Sewing Machines: These machines come with advanced features and are controlled by a computer. They offer a variety of stitches and often have LCD screens for easy customization.
Basic Parts of a Sewing Machine:
- Needle: The needle is a crucial component that pierces the fabric, creating stitches.
- Bobbin: The bobbin holds the lower thread and works with the needle to create stitches.
- Presser Foot: This is a metal attachment that holds the fabric in place while sewing.
- Feed Dogs: These are metal teeth that move the fabric through the machine as you sew.
- Stitch Selector: Allows you to choose different types of stitches.
Setting Up the Machine:
- Threading: Follow the user manual to thread the upper thread through the machine properly. Make sure the bobbin is also correctly inserted.
- Tension Control: Adjust the tension according to the fabric you’re using.
- Presser Foot: Lower the presser foot before starting to sew.
Basic Stitches:
- Straight Stitch: Used for basic sewing and seaming.
- Zigzag Stitch: Ideal for finishing edges and decorative stitching.
- Buttonhole Stitch: Used for creating buttonholes.
Practice on Scrap Fabric:
- Before starting a project, practice stitching on scrap fabric to get comfortable with the machine.
Maintenance:
- Keep your sewing machine clean by removing lint and dust regularly.
- Oil the machine as per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure smooth operation.
Best Sewing Machine on Amazon
Embarking on your sewing journey is an exciting venture, and having the right sewing machine can make all the difference. As a beginner, you’ll want a machine that strikes the perfect balance between user-friendly features, versatility, and affordability. Luckily, Amazon offers a wide range of sewing machines tailored to meet the needs of those just starting on their sewing adventures. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best sewing machines for beginners available on Amazon, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your skill level and sewing aspirations. 7 best Sewing machines on Amazon are—
Our Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- Display panel with a large backlit LCD
- Monogramming sewing font (Built-in)
- Large table for bigger tasks
- Customizable sewing speed
- Automatic needle threader
- Super bright and large working area
- Handy stitches
- Quick set bobbin helps your set the bobbin easily
- Adjustable blind stitch feet
- Foot controller pedal
- Built-In Lettering Fonts
What could be better than Brother HC1850 for beginner-level sewists? The Brother HC1850sewing machine is ideal for sewing, quilting, decorative stitching, and basic monogramming. This sewing machine also features with 120 plus stitches font for beginners. It also includes auto-size buttonholes, heirloom, and one-step sewing.
This machine is enhanced with specialty quilting features, including a detachable wide table, a spring action quilting foot, and the ability to do free-motion quilting.
The HC1850 machines are featured so that beginners can easily adapt to them. It has a removable broad table, free-motion quilting, and a spring quilting foo, all of which make it ideal for quilting. Customizable sewing speed helps beginners prevent going too fast at the learning stage.
Pros
- Easy threading
- Included accessories (3 spool caps, extra spool pin, screwdriver, seam ripper)
- Full metal body
- For portability, it’s lightweight with a built-in handle
- Provide technical support via online
- 25 years limited time warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for thick fabrics
- Some reviewers complained that it had too many functions they never used
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
Our Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- Janome 4120QDC is a sewing machine with a built-in computer.
- It has an LCD screen that shows you the stitch count, needle position, and other information
- Jam proof bobbin system
- Free motion quilting
- It has a built-in LED light
- Handy function button
- Automatic buttonhole
- Included reverse button
When your machine is showing its age, or you’re ready to upgrade to a more sophisticated one, the 4120QDC may be the sewing machine for you. Built on a robust quality base, this versatile and portable Janome sewing machine is an excellent choice for any household.
The Janome 4120QDC is a 2-operating-arm machine designed for beginner to intermediate sewers. It’s equipped with 22 built-in stitches and 1,000+ stitch designs. With the touchscreen interface, it’s easy to navigate your way through all the options available to you.
The 4120QDC features a 180 stitch maximum speed, a 35 stitches per second minimum speed, and an integrated needle threader for hassle-free embroidery.
Pros
- Stylish and fashionable
- Full metal body
- It has a built-in computer with an LCD screen
- Large built-in work area
Cons
- Expensive
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
Our Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- Built-in embroidery design software
- Automatic needle threader
- Included accessories storage
- Speed control system
- 80 built-in embroidery designs
- Large LCD screen
- Included feet – monogramming foot, overcasting foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, embroidery foot, and zigzag foot
- Automatic buttonhole
Brother SE600 is one of the best machines for a beginner. It is one of the best machines in its price range and has more features than most other sewing machines available at a similar price. It will handle any fabric, stitch over 40 different types of stitches, and even sew through thick materials like denim.
It has various features that will make your embroidery process much easier, like the easy-to-use Platform Software, 12 Built-In Stitches, and 9 Embroidery Patterns. The Brother SE600 also has a spool holder that can store up to 150 yards of fabric, so you can sew with confidence, knowing that you’ll have enough fabric to get the job done.
Pros
- It has a lot of features
- It is easy to use
- Full metal body frame
- Limited time warranty
- Technical support
Cons
- Expensive price
- Not portable
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
Our Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- It has a built-in LED light
- Automatic needle threader
- It has a built-in bobbin winder
- Easy dial pattern
- Adjustable stitch wide and length system
- Free arm and front-loading bobbin
- Reverse Stitching
- 1 four-step buttonhole
The Janome 2212 is a wonderful sewing machine for beginners. The powerful motor and the low-profile design make it perfect for beginner’s sewers. It has all the features you need to get started, including an embroidery foot that allows you to work with fine fabrics and delicate lace. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use sewing machine, this one should be at the top of your list.
It has a wide selection of stitches, including decorative and basic straight stitches, zigzag and overcast stitches, and monogramming. It can also do blind hem stitch for those difficult curves and waistband stitching. In addition to the standard presser foot, it has a feed dog for up to five different types of fabrics.
The speed is fast enough to produce very fine fabrics like silk or cashmere. The machine’s frame is made of metal and has a pneumatic system that makes it lightweight.
Pros
- It has a lot of features that make it easy to use
- It’s lightweight and portable so that you can take it anywhere
Cons
- Little bit expensive
- It doesn’t have a lot of accessories
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
Our Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- 97 basic stitch application
- One-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Adjustable presser foot
- Front-loading bobbin
- LED lighting
The SINGER | MX231 is a commercial sewing machine that boasts a high-performance needle, thread, and bobbin loading system, as well as an easy-to-use LCD screen. This machine also features a special top-loading bobbin case and a needle up/down adjustment knob for precise threading. The result is amazing quality and excellent value for money.
MX231 Serger machines are simple to use and maintain, with manual controls that have shown to be reliable throughout time. Built-in stitches, basic stitching, home crafts, adjustments, and more may all be handled.
Whether you’re stitching a dress, a cushion, or a stylish bag, the SINGER MX231 has 23 different stitches to cover practically all of your sewing needs. You can sew with precision thanks to the adjustable stitch length and width. Make buttonholes single step and easily hem pants and sleeves with your free arm. The retractable storage compartment contains basic equipment.
Pros
- Maximum durability
- Full metal body
- Easy and quick threading
- 25 years warranty
- Easily portable
Cons
- Noisy
- Not suitable for thick fabrics
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
Our Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- It has a built-in bobbin winder
- 57 Stitch Applications
- Buttonhole and zipper feet included
- Adjustable blind stitch feet
- Adjustable stitch wide and length system
- Four-Step Buttonhole
The Start 1304 sewing machine from SINGER features six basic stitches to pick from, all of which can be chosen with a simple dial turn. This machine has no guessing since the thread length and width are fixed, making it ideal for a crafter or even a novice.
For basic stitching, use a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch to sew a simple appliqué, a blind hem stitch to repair a hem, or a beautiful scallop stitch to adorn practically anything. The Four-Step Buttonhole function lets you add buttonholes to items such as pillows, children’s apparel, styles, and more in four simple stages.
SINGER 1304 sewing machine can sew four threads at once, cutting down on stitching time and making it possible to create gorgeous garments that are impeccably constructed. The built-in spool holder makes changing threads a breeze, while the speed control allows you to adjust the needle speed for different types of fabrics.
Pros
- Simple Stitch Selection
- Full metal body
- Durable
- Easy and quick threading
- 25 years warranty
Cons
- Complicated bobbin case
- Not portable
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
Our Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
- Double switch for choosing foot pedal or hand
- Double speed for choosing high or low speed
- One basic stitch application
- It has a built-in LED light
- 2 metal body bobbin
If your budget is cheap and you don’t want to spend much, HAITRAL is a good option. HAITRAL sewing machine is very effective for occasional use instead of regular use.
It performed well on felt, stitching through four layers without difficulty at times. Threading is simple, and both speeds are simple to use. It was very portable, fitting into a little bag. Extra needles, a threader, three bobbins of thread (2 white, 1 black), and two empty bobbins were included. Cord lengths are appropriate.
This small sewing machine is lightweight, compact, and portable, with double speed, double thread, and no reverse button. It’s ideal for little tasks or teaching children and novices how to sew.
This Sewing Machine is a beginner’s machine that can only stitch thin materials and sew certain heavy fabrics (such as thick jeans). There are two power supply modes: power and battery, but the power and battery cannot be utilized simultaneously. If they are utilized simultaneously, the machine may be damaged.
Pros
- It has a one-year warranty
- It is easy to use and portable
Cons
- Noisy
- It’s not very durable
Design
Quality
Price
Effectiveness
FAQ
Q1: What should I look for in a sewing machine for beginners?
- A good beginner’s sewing machine should be user-friendly with easy threading, basic stitches, and clear instructions. Look for features like adjustable stitch length, a variety of built-in stitches, and a simple bobbin winding system.
Q2: How important is the number of built-in stitches for a beginner?
- While a higher number of stitches can offer versatility, beginners often find success with machines offering 15-30 essential stitches. Focus on straight, zigzag, and buttonhole stitches for a variety of projects.
Q3: Are computerized sewing machines suitable for beginners?
- Yes, many computerized sewing machines have user-friendly interfaces, making them suitable for beginners. They often offer additional features and automated functions that can enhance your sewing experience.
Q4: What type of projects are suitable for beginners?
- Start with simple projects like pillowcases, tote bags, or basic garments. These projects help you practice fundamental skills before tackling more complex items.
Q5: Is it necessary to buy additional accessories with a beginner’s sewing machine?
- Most beginner machines come with essential accessories, but you may want to invest in additional items like extra bobbins, quality needles, and fabric scissors for a well-rounded sewing experience.
Q6: How do I choose the right sewing machine needle for my project?
- Select needles based on the fabric you’re using. For lightweight fabrics, use a smaller needle size, and for heavier fabrics, opt for a larger size. Always refer to your machine’s manual for guidance.
Q7: Can I use a beginner’s sewing machine for quilting?
- Yes, many beginner-friendly machines are suitable for quilting. Look for features like a large quilting table, walking foot compatibility, and adjustable presser foot pressure for optimal quilting performance.
Q8: How do I troubleshoot common issues with my sewing machine?
- If you encounter problems like skipped stitches or tension issues, start by rethreading the machine and checking the needle. Consult your machine’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps, and don’t hesitate to seek online tutorials for additional guidance.
Q9: What maintenance is required for a beginner’s sewing machine?
- Regular maintenance includes cleaning out lint, oiling (if your machine requires it), and replacing needles regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual to keep your machine in good working condition.
