Best Sewing Machines

Welcome to Sewing Guru, here you will be able to find the best sewing machine reviews on the internet. Having spent many years growing up using sewing machines of all shapes and sizes, I felt that creating a website to help others find the satisfaction of a good model was the logical next step for me. In all honesty, I personally have used over fifty sewing machines in my life and still frequently use many of them today. In addition to my own experiences, I aim to provide you all with detailed technical specifications of each model, their pros and cons and a conclusion that will hopefully enable you to make a truly informed decision before making a purchase.

I feel that spending some time determining which sewing machine will be suitable for your needs is extremely important, particularly as the majority of people only have one model and they tend to stick with it for some time. There are many elements that make a sewing machine extraordinary, however I have found that it is usually a mixture of personal preferences and exclusive features that tick the boxes for most people. The best sewing machines for beginners are usually fairly simplistic in how they function, however they also usually boast a wide range of features too. I find that first time buyers are easily confused as to what model is best, this is usually due to the number of contrasting benefits and weaknesses of the various brands’ sewing machines. I will try to indicate how you can avoid such confusion so you will be able to find the perfect one for you.

All of my sewing machine reviews have the same structure as one another, they are designed to provide information about how much each product costs, how they are designed, what they are made out of, the technical specifications of each feature and what additional components are also provided. Each of my reviews will illustrate the positive and negative sides of these machines and will give you a great idea of how well suited they are for your specific requirements.

Below I have provided a list of all of the best sewing machine reviews, these are honestly my favorite models and those that I regard the highest. This includes very cheap sewing machines, ranging right through to the most premium models that you can currently buy on the market. Click the below button to visit the comparison table right away.

I apologize for the length of this post, I have tried to make it as extensive as possible for your own benefit. Please make sure that you use the below content links and my comparison table as you read on. I hope that I am able to help find the perfect sewing machine for you.

Brother CS6000i

Without a doubt, the Brothers CS6000i is one of the most popular sewing machine models to date. In our extensive list of Brothers sewing machine reviews, the CS6000i remains the highest rated of all and there are simply so many reasons why. Firstly, it is widely regarded as being one of the best sewing machines for beginners, this is a huge claim in itself, however it is extremely user friendly right out of the box and it has the functionality to match some of the most expensive models too.

Some of the stand out features of the CS6000i include having a huge selection of built in stitches to choose from, all in all there are 60 – which is more than enough for a beginner learning how to sew. Not only that, but it also provides a selection of decorative stitches that can be utilized for more eccentric designs that you may have in mind. Similarly there are 7 different types of buttonhole and 9 different presser feet too, this allows you to customize to your heart’s content, exactly what beginners want and need.

Another excellent addition to the CS6000i is the gorgeous LCD design that it boasts, this quality screen enables you to easily discern what stitch you are using, the speed of the stitching mechanism and more. Similarly, the buttons easily allow you to edit these functions and so you really do have complete control.

Yet another handy feature is the built in flash light that is helpful for situations where you require an extra bit of clarity or for particularly tedious sewing jobs. I personally found the stitch type diagram that is located on the front of the CS6000i to be very useful, this enabled me to effortlessly switch between modes, this leads to a very streamlined sewing process. When you add in the detachable and over-sized sewing table to the mix, you begin to see just why this product is so revered within the sewing community. This feature alone is extremely useful as it allows you to easily tackle small and large projects alike. Embroidery and quilting are not an issue for the Brother CS6000i.

I believe that the compilation between the affordability and user friendliness of this sewing machine is what makes it really stand out from the crowd. Easy to operate, simple to use and it is capable of anything that somebody new to sewing could ever require and so much more – this makes it perfect for those who want to learn how to sew. I can’t think of many things that Brother could have improved with this sewing machine, they have done an absolutely fantastic job from top to bottom and I will be keeping my CS6000i for years to come. I also believe that this stunning model is also one of the best sewing machines for kids too.

Take a look at our detailed Brother CS6000i Review for even more information about this extraordinary sewing machine.

Brother SE400

It will not be a surprise to many of the experienced seamstresses to see yet another of the best Brother sewing machines on this list. The Brother SE400 is a sewing machine that was also designed with the novice in mind, it has a very low price in comparison with many of the other Brother sewing machines and indeed those of Janome or Singer too.

This is not only one of the best beginner sewing machines, but it is also one of the most customizable sewing machines around on the market today. This particular model is well suited to absolute newbies, right through to the aspiring fashion designers of the future. Brother have done a fantastic job of ensuring that the SE400 has absolutely every feature that you could possibly desire.

It comes complete with a detailed LCD display, which unlike previous models, is actually a touch screen version. Many competitor models have tried and failed at providing a responsive LCD screen, however this is certainly not the case with the SE400. There are a total of 67 stitch variations, 70 embroidery variations and a whole host of frame variations too. Utilizing the SE400 to its true potential and it is possible to view stitching guides, change stitch pattern and customize a variety of different technical features too.

To add to this already outstanding model, there is a small embroidery area that can be added or removed to the Brother SE400, this facilitates control and ultimately enables stunning designs to be created with relative ease. Above all, my favorite feature is the capacity to download embroidery designs online and then directly import each of them into the machine. This opens up an absolutely huge library of embroidery opportunities and so I feel that this machine is truly ideal for beginners and experts alike. There is a growing number of websites online today that are wholly focused on providing new designs for seamstresses around the world.

The Brother SE400 is very reliable sewing machine that is guaranteed to not let you down – and being hassle free is something to be desired in the notoriously temperamental world of sewing machines. It comes with a set of 7 point feed dogs that, in parallel with the drop in bobbin, enables wonderfully smooth stitching without fail. I really do believe that Brother are on to a winner with this model and that it belongs well within the category of best sewing machines of 2017.

If you would like to learn more about this gorgeous sewing machine then please read our Brother SE400 Review now or click here to read more Brother sewing machine reviews.

Singer 4423

The first Singer entry on my list goes to the esteemed Singer 4423, this heavy duty sewing machine is a truly unfaltering piece of kit that is an example of true quality. As you will see in all of our Singer sewing machine reviews, the Singer 4423 is a reliable, powerful and above all outstanding sewing machine. Many people believe that you cannot be considered a true seamstress until you have owned a heavy duty model.

There are many other reasons for why people consider a heavy duty sewing machine however. These products are designed to be powerful, sturdy when sewing and to stand the test of time. This certainly cannot be said of the cheaper models that exist. The Singer 4423 is built using a heavy, as the name suggests, steel frame. The obvious effect of this is additional weight over other models, this supplementary weight however really does benefit the user. You can expect the 4423 to be completely stationary during use, despite it being a very high powered unit.

If you are spending a lot of time sewing then it’s definitely worth investing in a machine that is capable of stitching at a higher frequency than a standard model. Similarly, if you are planning on using more tactile materials that are difficult for a cheaper model to thread smoothly then you should also seek out a heavy duty machine like the Singer 4423.

While this particular model isn’t the most customizable, nor does it have all of the flashy features, it is extremely reliable and does a brilliant job. Don’t expect to be replacing components every few months following excessive use, this machine simply will not break due to being comprised solely of quality parts. One thing that is essential to note is that despite being heavy duty, it is still very portable. While it is definitely heavier than your average machine, the Singer 4423 is durable and won’t be damaged by any knocks in transit unlike other brand’s models.

The Singer brand has a stellar reputation within the sewing machine community for good reason and so you should always have confidence when you are considering one of their products. They are a truly internationally recognized brand that produces some of the best sewing machines in the world – and the 4423 is indeed one of them.

To find out more, check out my thorough Singer 4423 Review or any of my other Singer sewing machine reviews.

Brother 1034D

Surprise, surprise – another of the Brother sewing machines is on my list of the best sewing machines. This is a relatively special entry for me too, predominantly because the Brother 1034D is actually a serger sewing machine. The best serger sewing machines are excellent time savers for when you have a lot of stitching ahead of you and in many cases they can shave hours of time off your workload.

Due to the capacity of serger machines to make jobs far more efficient processes, they are often used in industry by professional sewers. In these instances you will often find that traditional sewing machines are only really utilized for particularly detailed pieces of work. When it comes to completing any work in bulk, a serger sewing machine is frequently the way to go. The Brother 1043D is a well refined three or four thread serger machine that can easily be setup to craft elegant designs. It can be used on a wide range of different fabric to provide high quality designs.

I personally believe that the Brother 1034D is one of the best ways to quickly progress from being a beginner seamstress to a more advanced level. Serger machines are capable of crafting a wide selection of different effects such as ruffles and intricate embroidery. This is an advanced model that is truly deserving of its place within the best sewing machines. With the Brother 1034D it is very easy for novice users to create spectacular effects such as a rolled hem or a 3/4 thread overlock.

Brother have spent an awful lot of time configuring the machine to function at a high stitch speed, whilst maintaining its outstanding levels of precision. The Brother 1034D is capable of over 20 stitches per second and so it is guaranteed to save you countless hours of sewing time if you’re an adept seamstress.

This extraordinary serger sewing machine does all of the basics and so much more, it comes with a very thorough induction video that guides you through all of the many features it has. Despite this, it is a fairly user friendly machine on its own and so the majority of users won’t require any assistance to get started with it. It is fairly lightweight and very portable, it comes with an adjustable foot pedal and a huge 25 year warranty – this is standard now with all Brother sewing machines, a real assurance from the brand that their product is truly quality. Read my full Brother 1034D review online today.

Brother XM2701

Whether you class yourself as a beginner, intermediate or veteran seamstress, you will likely be aware of the prestige that surrounds the Brother brand. Synonymous with quality sewing machines, they very rarely drop the performance bar in any of their products, premium or entry-level. This is exactly the same story with the Brother XM2701, it is easily, hands down one of the best sewing machines available at this price point. One thing is guaranteed when purchasing this beauty, and that is the fact that you’re grabbing an absolute bargain.

The Brother XM2701 is a well built, sturdy, but lightweight sewing machine. It is exceptionally portable and has a number of features that are exclusive to this model. Complete with 27 built in stitching modes, the XM2701 is a brilliant first sewing machine for a beginner and definitely an upgrade on its predecessor, the Brother XL2600i. Another reason that this product is suited for novices is the fact that it possesses a drop in bobbin. Drop in bobbins are unlikely to jam, as opposed to the front loading versions that are fairly temperamental, to say the least.

If you find yourself reluctant to spend hundreds of dollars on your first sewing machine, then the Brother XM2701 could be the perfect model for you. It really does cut through the rubbish and gets the job done efficiently. So many sewing machines that are released nowadays are overly complicated for people that are new to sewing and so it is very easy to get confused.

Ultimately Brother have ensured that the XM2701 is capable of tackling almost all fabrics and certainly all of the most commonly used ones. All complications seem to have been removed, the features that are built into this model are essentials and so there is little tweaking required to get going. While this is undeniably one of the cheaper sewing machines around, you wouldn’t be wrong to query if there were any faults with it.

However, having spent countless hours stitching with this product alone, I can honestly say that it really is outstanding. I managed to test it out on a variety of tough materials such as leather, canvas and even denim too. Needless to say the Brother XM2701 had no difficulties whatsoever. If value for money is your agenda, then look no further. I believe that this is quite possibly the best budget sewing machine around today.

Learn more about Brother sewing machines or specifically about this model with my full Brother XM2701 review.

Singer 2250

Many of our Singer sewing machine reviews start out by outlining the history of the brand and discussing how they are without a doubt one of the finest manufacturers around today. Singer produce quality sewing machines for entry level users, right through to industry professionals and they are regarded highly by all. The Singer 2250 is a lightweight and straightforward to use traditional sewing machine that has been specifically designed to be capable of a wide range of functions.

If you’re new to sewing then you will want a machine that is not too complex, but that does all of the basics with potentially a few additional extras. The Singer 2250 is exactly this, you will be able to use this exact model to do about any job a beginner is likely to ever want to do – mending clothing, designing customized decorations or a whole host of other ideas too. Easy to use, lightweight and full of actually useful features for beginners and professionals alike, Singer have done a brilliant job at producing a well rounded sewing machine that is designed to stand the test of time.

Singer have catered to the novice to make this product one of the top beginner sewing machines in the world right now. Some of the features that have led it to such high acclaim is the 8 separate built in embroidery patterns that it boasts, 10 different stitch variants and an automatic winding bobbin that is considerably less likely to fail than other types. All of this is powered by an 85 watt motor that is more than capable of tackling a wide selection of fabric types, examples include denim, cotton, silk, canvas and much more.

If you’re a beginner seamstress and would like to hear more about the specific technical details of this model then read my full Singer 2250 review.

Singer 9960

Part of the so called “Quantum Stylist” range of sewing machines, the Singer 9960 is an outstanding sewing machine that is well deserving of its place on this list of the best sewing machines. Built to be a complete product that is able to perform a diverse array of tasks. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 was designed with customization in mind, for a beginner this model may appear fairly daunting due to the large number of buttons placed alongside the premium LCD screen. However, these are highly useful and enable the user to specify exactly how the machine will sew.

This highly computerized sewing machine comes with a total of approximately 600 built in stitches, this is considerably more than the majority of products on this list. To add to that, it is also extremely user friendly to switch between each of them, plus Singer provide a diagram of each stitch on the 9960’s lid. The Singer 9960 is a heavy duty unit that will remain completely stable when sewing, no matter whether it is ramped up to high velocity or not. Similarly, the machine is extremely quiet too, despite being fairly powerful in comparison to many of its competitors.

The LCD screen it yields provides a wealth of information about what stitch pattern is being used, the speed of the machine and also various options that you can edit too. Another thing that I loved about the Singer 9960 was the fact that it effortlessly performed well on a range of different fabric types. This is an important characteristic to consider when you’re purchasing a sewing machine, ultimately because you are unlikely to get yourself another one for many years. You should always ensure that any sewing machine that you buy is able to work exactly as you require it to.

If you liked the sound of this sewing machine then check out my full Singer 9960 review today.

Singer 7258

The Singer 7258 is an award winning sewing machine that is another digital Singer sewing machine that has made it onto my list of the best sewing machines for 2017. Singer’s sewing machines always tend to perform well across the board and therefore appeal to a huge audience. At one point the Singer 7258 was the highest rated sewing machine on Amazon and still today it is fairly close to regaining that title. Designed to be a real high performance model, the 7258 comes complete with over 100 stitching patterns, including a range of embroidery settings and 10 different feet presser variants too.

Examples of some of these presser variants include zipper, button hole, rolled hem, long and short overcast, zig-zag and more. On the front panel of the machine you will see a list of all the different types of stitches and so this machine is very well suited for beginners. The small LCD display provides information about the current setup that is useful when sewing, you can also easily edit these options using the 6 buttons situated right below it.

The Singer 7258 comes with an automatic needle threader that prevents the machine from jamming, this is an issue that new seamstresses will frequently come across on cheaper alternatives. Another great addition to the 7258 is the LED light that clearly illuminates the sewing surface, this enables you to really focus on your sewing job and minimize the risk of making a mistake. It comes complete with a top-loading bobbin and so it is easy to get going right out of the box by simply inserting the bobbin.

Singer have also included a DVD with the 7258 for those who are unsure how to use the sewing machine, although I did not personally require this, may novice users will. As with all of Singer’s products, you can expect a high quality finish and a sewing machine that is guaranteed to last – hence the incredibly long warranty that you receive with the machine itself.

Learn more about this gorgeous sewing machine with my full Singer 7258 review today or check out my other Singer sewing machine reviews.

Singer 4411

Singer as a brand do a brilliant job of producing high performance manual and computerized sewing machines. The Singer 4411 is a manual sewing machine that is often forgotten about in the world of the more technical sewing machines that is today. I personally think that this is a huge shame because this gorgeous, classically styled machine is capable of so, so much. Firstly I would like to touch on the fact that the 4411 is capable of over one-thousand stitches per minute with its high powered motor.

The fact that it is a heavy duty sewing machine with a powerful motor, it easily tackles the more durable fabrics that you may wish to sew with. Additionally, it also comes with 11 built in stitches and a 4 step button hole. This is the definition of a sturdy machine, within its frame Singer have placed a heavy stainless steel shaft that is fairly heavy to keep it still while the motor is functioning at its maximum velocity.

The drop in bobbin is a nice touch and it has certainly increased the reliability of the machine. All in all, the Singer 4411 is unlikely to fail like cheaper models on the market. It won’t be missing stitches or vibrating on a table, it is more than capable of running at maximum speed for hours on end without overheating. While it certainly is classed as a budget sewing machine, it’s one of the more refined versions that can be purchased right now, without all of the unnecessary flashy exterior housing that other brand’s boast about.

If you find yourself short of money, but in need of a reliable sewing machine, then the Singer 4411 could be the ideal product for you. Read more about my thoughts of this classically styled piece of kit in my full Singer 4411 review.

Janome HD3000

This is the first Janome sewing machine that finds itself on my best sewing machines list for 2017, however don’t let that sway you from the brand. Janome have historically produced some of the finest sewing machines and today they continue to do so. The Janome HD3000 is a mechanical sewing machine that out performs many of the computerized models of today. It is retro styled and is extremely reliable, like many of the mechanical models from the past.

I believe that beginners would learn a lot more about how to sew properly if they began by purchasing a cheap mechanical model to begin with. However, as time has passed on, this has been largely forgotten with the rise of almost endless amounts of technical advancements. In fact, most professional seamstresses started their careers using one of these products and still have one readily available for certain jobs.

First time users are often confused by the vast number of options available on the more technically advanced models and so it’s counter intuitive to purchase one. The Janome HD3000 has an outstanding reputation within the sewing community and there is a reason why it is still selling all across the world today. A heavy duty sewing machine that has a solid, sturdy metal frame to hold it completely stationary whilst activated. The HD3000 is capable of tackling almost all fabrics and its ease of use makes it so accessible for children and adults alike, in fact we put it as one of our best sewing machines for children.

Janome’s mechanical HD3000 stands out from the crowd because it makes sewing such an easy task. While it may take considerably longer to do a big piece of work on this machine, compared to a computerized model – if you have a relatively simple task to complete then the 18 built in stitches is plenty. Likewise, the automatic needle threader improves the reliability of this product and it also comes complete with a seven piece feed dog too.

While the Janome HD3000 is far from being my favorite sewing machine, it is definitely one of the finest mechanical models of today and is likely to remain a real competitor for years to come. Check out my full Janome HD3000 review for more information.

Under $100

There aren’t many sewing machines, mechanical or computerized, that are worthwhile purchases for under $100. Many relatively unknown brands exist within this price bracket and so it’s important to do your research before investing in them. Fortunately, the highly acclaimed brand Brother has produced an absolute masterpiece in the Brother XL2600i and this can be purchased for just under $100. In my eyes this is the best sewing machine under $100, it is a lightweight model that is extremely transportable due to its relatively minimal size. Add to this the fact that it is very user friendly and you have yourself the perfect entry level sewing machine, another fantastic product by Brother.

For Beginners

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best sewing machine for beginners is the Brother CS6000i computerized sewing machine. Beginners are always seeking out sewing machines that are specifically user friendly and affordable, and that is what the CS6000i precisely is. To add to that, this well refined product has a huge selection of options that can be triggered, over 60 different types of stitch with embroidery options added in too. Ultimately, the CS6000i is one of the finest sewing machines around, and it is particularly impressive when you consider that you can grab one for such a low price too.

For Kids

Once again we have to crown the Brother CS6000i as the most ideal sewing machine in this diverse category. However, after spending hours reviewing all of the potential options, it became clear to me that it is also the best kids sewing machine too. This truly multifaceted sewing machine is capable of so much, it is well designed for children due to its simplicity and ease of use, however it also offers the opportunity for them to progress onto more complicated stitch designs over time. The CS6000i is a great option for young children learning how to sew for the first time, it’s also very affordable, lightweight, portable and resistant to damage too – what else could ever be needed for your young ones.

For Quilting

If you’re seeking out a sewing machine for quilting then you will want to find a model that has a large number of built in stitch designs. The Brother HC1850 has over 130 stitches and in our eyes is the best sewing machine for quilting, this popular computerized machine has been awarded Consumer Digest’s “Best Buy” sewing machine twice in recent years. This praise alone illustrates why you should consider this model for quilting, however there are so many other reasons too. The HC1850 comes with 8 automatic one-step button holes and 10 presser feet, an automatic needle threader and a stainless steel frame to maintain stability. All of these beautifully work in symbiosis to enable a wonderfully smooth sewing experience for seamstresses of all abilities.

For Industry

There are a number of high quality sewing machines for industry, in my opinion, the best industrial sewing machine is the Juki DDL-8700, a fairly well known model that has been developed considerably over the years by the experts over at Juki in Japan.

Heavy Duty

There are an increasing number of heavy duty sewing machines being released in recent years, this is great news for us seamstresses because it enables us to be picky. Heavy duty models are required to tackle the hardiest fabrics and the best heavy duty sewing machines are those that enable you to do so with ease. I first got my hands on the Janome HD3000 a few years ago and it still stands out in my mind as one of the best sewing machines that I have ever used. It facilitates precise movements while working with a high velocity machine and so you can really create some lovely pieces of work with it.

Computerized

In a world where there is an absolute abundance of technology, it was only a matter of time before this translated into there being more computerized sewing machines. I personally have reviewed well over thirty different models, ranging from having only a few simplistic buttons, to having high definition LCD displays. I honestly believe that, to date, the best computerized sewing machine is the Singer 9960. This machine has over 600 different stitch modes and so you can really tailor each and every design you produce, you have so much control and yet the 9960 is a highly user friendly model too.

Mechanical

Many people see mechanical sewing machines as being old-school and not useful in today’s age. However, I couldn’t disagree more. I believe that the best mechanical sewing machines are capable of providing a simplistic sewing experience that is well tailored to beginners and those of us looking for a hassle free model. The Janome HD3000 is my favorite mechanical model, it has all of the necessary features that you would expect and it is extremely reliable too.

Serger

If you are an experienced seamstress then you will recognize the Brother brand and likely also be familiar with the established Brother 1034D model too. This gorgeous model is certainly one of, if not the, best serger sewing machines to date. I’ve used a variety of different thread sergers in my years of sewing and am yet to find one that I prefer. The 1034D has 3 and 4 thread overlock potential and over 20 stitch variations too. You can expect all of Brother’s sewing machines to last a significant amount of time, if not the full length of their warranty. They are completely reliable and in my eyes outperform their Singer and Janome competitor models.

Embroidery

The Brother SE400 was, in my honest opinion, the best embroidery machine this year. In all of my years of sewing, I’ve never once come across a better model. It has exactly what you need to get any job done, regardless of size or scale.

Before you decide to purchase any sewing machine, there are a number of things that you should consider first before spending any money whatsoever. I’ve listed each of these recommendations for your review below with the intention of helping you find the best sewing machine.

Budget – One of the best ways to help decide which sewing machine to purchase is to set yourself a maximum spend budget. There are simply so many sewing machines that cost hugely differing amounts, ranging from as little as $50, right up over $1000 too. Additionally, it’s also important that you don’t overspend, by setting this limit before searching for a specific model you will end up buying a sewing machine that is affordable for you. Don’t forget that you can always purchase a more expensive model in the future and it is not crucial to spend many hundreds of dollars on a machine if you are a complete beginner with no experience of sewing.

Brand – Below I have provided a brief description of each of the brands that you will come across most commonly on this website. Each of these brands has somewhat unique characteristics that can work as an advantage or disadvantage based on your specific requirements.

Without a doubt the most popular of the three main brands found on my website, Singer sewing machines are often well priced, have a wide range of functions that are well suited for beginners, right through to the most seasoned professional seamstresses.

Brother sewing machines have certainly grown in popularity over the past decade, this is largely in part due to the high specification of their models. Regardless of how much you spend on a Brother product, you can expect it to have high quality components that will perform as well as the most premium models of other brands.

Janome is another well-known brand that has been around for many years, Janome sewing machines are typically designed to be used by a diverse array of people. Many seamstresses start out by using a Janome machine, and typically end up keeping one throughout their careers. Janome offer a larger range of machines, but many of these aren’t of the same quality as their alternatives.

Number of Stitches – Another essential consideration that you should make prior to making any purchase is how many stitch patterns you require. Ultimately, you don’t really need a huge library of stitch designs to get by, in fact in the past there was only ever two different patterns. However, it can certainly be far more efficient to have a varied selection to choose from. Some machines come built in with 10 designs, some with 100 and others can download designs directly from the internet too.

Variable Stitch Length – In the distant past it simply wasn’t possible for you to constantly vary the stitch length of your sewing machine. However, now that it is, it is an essential function that you should be seeking out on whatever model you decide to purchase. The majority of sewing machines have this functionality as standard, but there are a few cheaper models that don’t so do be aware.

Mechanical vs. Computerized – One thing that usually leaves people confused when it comes to buying their first sewing machine is the age old debate of mechanical versus computerized models. A mechanical sewing machine contains actual gears within their structure, they require specific adjustments to their switches prior to any usage.

Examples of this include specifying what stitch style is required and manually editing the tension in the thread. Mechanical sewing machines do require electricity like their computerized counterparts, however they are slightly more laborious to use. There are some advantages and disadvantages to using one, ultimately the main benefit is the fact that mechanical models cost very little and so you can buy one at a bargain price. They are also more suited to novice users due to lacking additional features and they are great for learning the trade too.

Computerized sewing machines have far less mechanical components within them, they function instead through the use of computer chips instead. They are far more complicated, cost more money, but are ultimately considerably more versatile sewing machines.

Power – Typically, the more power a sewing machine has, the more capable it will be at piercing a variety of different types of fabric. The best sewing machines are usually those that are the most versatile and so they require a powerful motor. Heavy duty machines typically tick this box and so they should be on your radar when it comes to making a purchase. You will often find that the more powerful a machine is, the heavier it is. Weight is not necessarily a bad thing for sewing machines because it enables the machine to remain stable when in use. Likewise, if you want a portable machine then you should probably look for a less powerful and therefore lighter option.

Noise – One thing that is often forgotten about sewing machines when it comes to buying a new one is just how much noise they are capable of making. If noise is likely to be an issue for you then you should seek out a quieter model. Some sewing machines are so loud that they will be a real issue for people trying to sleep in the same building as you.

Planned Usage – Ultimately, if you are only planning to use your sewing machine every once in a while then it is probably not the best idea to spend thousands of dollars on one. I believe that, for your first machine you should probably limit yourself to under $400 so that you can assess how much use your machine will get. If you are using your sewing machine regularly, then it may be worth upgrading to a premium model with additional features.

Sewing Purpose – The sewing machine that you end up purchasing should largely depend on what you plan on utilising it for. There are so many different types of machines that each have certain strengths and weaknesses, it is for this reason difficult to determine what is the best sewing machine. Some jobs are relatively straightforward with a budget sewing machine, whereas other jobs require more technical components that only come with the more expensive models.

Sewing Capabilities – If you are relatively new to sewing, as I anticipate you are seeing as you are reading this buying guide, then you are likely not going to require a very expensive model. Take some time to assess your personal skill level before investing hundreds of dollars on what you think is the best sewing machine.

Additional Attachments – Everybody loves having supplementary components added in for free, fortunately this is a fairly common feature of the best sewing machines. What attachments your sewing machine comes with is a very important consideration because they really can drastically improve the quality of your work. Many sewing machines come with some attachments as standard, while they usually offer a more extended range as a separate product. Some products to keep your eye out for include a variety of button hole feet, embroidery feet, zipper feet and hem feet.

Here I will be discussing the various different types of component that can be found on any sewing machine, hopefully this will outline any particular terminology that you are unsure of.

Bobbin – A bobbin is a very small cylindrical or conical shaped holding thread, yarn or even sometimes wire that is used in sewing machines. The sewing machine will thread these pieces together in order to form your stitch design pattern.

Foot Pedal – Some sewing machines come with a foot pedal, this can be used to precisely control the speed of the sewing machines threading mechanism. If you press down hard on the pedal then the sewing machine will increase in speed and vice versa to stop.

Feed Dog – A feed dog is a small toothed section of the sewing machine that actively pulls the fabric towards the needle when the sewing machine is active.

Pressing Foot – This excellent bit of early technology exists to ensure that the fabric is pulled gradually toward the needle while effectively utilising the feed dog. One important thing to note is that there are a variety of different types of feed dog, each with their own pros and cons.

Foot Lifter – Some machines lack a foot lifting mechanism, however those that have it can force the presser foot to lift or retract.

Hooking Mechanism – The hooking mechanism is found adjacent to the needle, this actively pulls the thread through the bobbin so that the sewing machine can stitch. Automatic hooking mechanisms are generally more reliable and are found on a growing proportion of sewing machines sold today.

While the components I discussed in the previous section can be found on almost all sewing machines, those that I mention below are unique to only some Brand’s models. Typically the more money spent on a sewing machine equates to more features, however there are some occasions where it is possible to add these on as optional extras following your purchase. The best sewing machines usually have a wide range of these features as standard.

Sewing Lights – One extremely useful additional feature that some sewing machines have is a light bulb that is used to illuminate the sewing surface. This might sound like a relatively minor addition to an already complex machine, however it enables seamstresses to be extra precise with their sewing. In fact, some of the better devices will actually come complete with numerous lights, offering additional benefits.

Velocity Control – A feature that many of the best sewing machines have is a precise velocity control element. Some of the cheaper models will only have two speeds, others four and the best will have a variable knob. Obviously, the more control over the speed of your stitching mechanism, the better.

Needle Functionality – Most sewing machines have a needle that is constantly set in one solitary positions, however the more premium models can be specified more precisely. Being able to set the needle in an exact location will improve the quality of your sewing’s end result.

Reverse Stitch Mechanism – Being able to back stitch would be highly beneficial for most seamstresses, usually this is in the form of a button, however sometimes machines will have a separate lever instead.

Stitch Library Volume – Old fashioned sewing machines could only do one type of stitch, however over the years this has evolved into the machines of today possessing 100’s of potential designs. In fact, in recent years we have begun to see machines that can download patterns from online libraries via WiFi.

Bobbin Winder – A bobbin winder actively passes the thread around the machine’s spool so that it does not become jammed at any point.

Varied Presser Feet – Cheaper sewing machines will come with a very limited supply of presser feet, whereas the best sewing machines will have an abundance of them. Usually you can purchase these separately and so it is not crucial to find a machine that comes with lots out of the box.

Stitch Recorder – If you have designed a unique stitch for any particular project, then having a stitch recorder will be incredible useful. This is a mechanism that simply records and replays any given stitch and it is useful for repetitive or long jobs.

Sewing Material – Obviously if you intend on sewing you will require some form of fabric and so it is a fairly crucial component of any seamstress’s arsenal. If you regard yourself as being a veteran then you will almost certainly know what I mean by the excitement I get when I see a place to buy some more.

Sewing Machine Table – It is extremely easy to forget the importance of a good, sturdy sewing machine table. However, I can think of an awful lot of times where I’ve become frustrated with mine vibrating. I can’t recommend highly enough the importance of a good quality, stable table for any project you plan on working on.

Replacement Needles – The most frustrating thing in the world is starting a new project and five minutes in, your needles breaks. It’s super important that you consider what type of needle your particular project will require because there are various different types, all specialised for one individual fabric. Essentially, some fabrics need thicker needles, while others need thin versions.

Scissors – This is something that most households, or workplaces, will have regardless. But a pair of scissors are highly useful for when you are sewing, as I’m sure you will all recognise.

Extra Patterns – Clearly, without the presence of patterns, you won’t actually be able to get any sewing done. These are vital for any serious seamstress and you will often find that you vary which one you use from project to project.

Memory Card – If you have a mechanical sewing machine then you can ignore this part, however most computerized sewing machines will have the capacity to hold a memory card. These can be used to upload designs, patterns and much more.