Explore the best sewing machines on offer from popular brands like Brother, Singer, Janome, etc.
The top three factors you should consider before buying a sewing machine are your skill level, budget, and the kind of projects you’ll sew with the machine.
You want an inexpensive and easy-to-use machine, as a beginner, which helps you to learn the basic sewing skills you need. Experienced sewers should look for high-quality machines with plenty of useful features. You should also purchase durable machines that would last many years of use.
For instance, some machines are suitable for embroidering, quilting, and serging compared to their inexpensive, beginner machines.
Most sewing experts suggest that you should prioritize a few things when it comes to buying the best sewing machines. Look for a machine that is easy to use, has features like one-step automatic buttonholes, variable sewing speed, automatic threading, automatic needle up/down and adjustable stitch length and width.
Some machines also come with different presser feet for handling different sewing tasks, which is beneficial.
Buying a good machine is great, but you can enhance your sewing experience by using high-quality needles and threads that have been made for the specific fabric you want to sew.
This article reviews the best sewing machines for sewing a variety of projects.
Our Best Pick – The Singer 7258 Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine
This is just the sewing machine for all tasks. It is an inexpensive machine that should be ideal for almost any project you want to do.
There are two versions of the singer 7258. One comes with 70 pre-installed stitches while the other version has 100. It is a computerized sewing machine that covers the basic stitches (zigzag and straight) but also allows you to add some decorative stitching to your work. It can also handle heirloom and quilting stitches.
Other features include a one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, adjustable sewing speed, automatic needle up/down. This means the needle will automatically stop in the needle up or needle down position when you stop sewing.
Most of the user reviews praise the Singer 7258 for how easy it is to use. Most users also praise the machine for how quiet it is during operation. They loved how you can select different stitches with a simple press of a button.
The machine comes with an LED light that illuminates the work area. It also has a top loading bobbin, which makes it super easy to load the bobbin and know when you are running out of bobbin thread.
Although an excellent sewing machine, we are afraid this may not be the best option if you want to sew thick fabrics like leather, although most people say it could handle a few layers of denim. You may want to check out our article on the best leather sewing machine for projects involving leather.
You get a 25-year limited warranty when you buy the singer 7258 sewing machine. There’s no doubt about the quality of this machine. The frame is made from heavy-duty metal, but a few users expressed their disappointment about the fact that parts like the bobbin cover and pedal are plastic.
In the end, the price of this machine, the build quality, and the features put it on top our list of the best sewing machines.
The Best Affordable Machine – The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
This may not be the most advanced or feature-packed machine on our list, but consumers praise this affordable machine for providing value for money.
Although not a computerized machine, it still comes with many convenient features like a stitch selector, a one-step auto-sizing buttonhole maker, a needle threader, a top loading bobbin, automatic bobbin winding, and an LED light to illuminate your workspace.
You have the option to choose from 27 pre-installed stitches, which include the basic straight and zigzag stitches as well as blind hem and other decorative stitches.
Many users say the machine is straightforward to use. They love the machine’s stitch selector, which is an easy-to-use dial.
Most of the user reviews indicate that you’ll have no issues using this machine sew a variety of projects. Some say it even handles a few layers of denim with no issues as long as you use the right needle.
Some users complained that it is difficult to sew at a consistent speed because the pedal is too sensitive. Others said that the LED light is not bright enough.
You’ll get a 25-year limited warranty when you buy the brother XM2701. Over 98% of users express satisfaction with their machine, but a few were concerned about the durability of the machine.
However, this is an excellent machine to buy at the price point. It may not last decades but, chances are you’ll graduate to a more advanced machine after using this for a couple of years.
Best Mid-Priced Machine – The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist
If you are looking for a reasonably priced and advanced machine that is not quite in the high-end category but comes with high-end features, look no further than the Singer 9960.
It has excellent reviews from almost everyone that has used this machine. The Singer 9960 is a computerized sewing machine that comes with an astonishing 600 built-in stitches, although I’m confident you won’t need that many stitches for your projects. It also comes with 13 fully automated one-step buttonholes. You also get an extra 18 presser feet with this machine.
This advance machine comes with several features that add convenience and make it an easy-to-use machine.
It has features that rival those of powerful thousand-dollar machines. Some of the features include a variable speed selector, automatic needle threading, top loading bobbin, automatic needle up/down selector, and automatic thread trimmer.
Users love the working surface. It is extra-large, and the machine comes with an extension table that allows you to work on larger projects.
Another feature that most users seem to love is the one button start and stop feature. Once you set the speed you want to sew at, you can take your foot off the pedal and simply hit the button to start sewing. Push the button again, and the machine stops sewing.
It comes with an LCD screen that displays information about the currently selected stitch, the stitch length and width. The screen also advises you on which presser foot to use for your selected project.
Most users say the machine sews very smoothly and that it is quiet when sewing.
It is a high-quality machine that comes with a heavy-duty metal frame and a 25-year limited warranty.
Some users have reported minor issues with not being able to use the machine correctly. However, these issues seem to be down to the user’s ability to setup and use the machine properly.
If you’ve got a bit more money to spend on a machine but can’t afford the high-end machines, the Singer Quantum 9960 gives you the chance to experience high-end performance and features at a reasonable price.
Best Machine for Beginners – The Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
This is one of my favorite sewing machines even though I don’t consider myself a beginner. However, this machine is ideal for beginners because it comes with all the basics you need to learn how to sew.
This is not a computerized machine, so you don’t get a lot of features, but it is a machine that produces the right balance of usability, features, and performance.
You’ll get three extra presser feet, 18 inbuilt stitches, and a four-step buttonhole maker. You can also adjust the position of the needle and get variable sewing speed. Other features of the Janome Magnolia 7318 include a large work surface and a jam-proof top loading bobbin.
Many users praise the machine for its ability to produce smooth and consistent stitches, even when sewing thick fabrics. You can adjust the height of the presser foot to easily handle a few layers of denim and leather (no, it won’t sew the kind of leather used for saddles).
Some of the users claim the machine is a little bit on the noisy side while others wish it came with more presser feet. However, it is easy and cheap to find presser feet that fit the machine.
This machine may not come with plenty of features, but if you are looking for a sewing machine that can sew well and last long, you will get value for your money if you buy the Janome Magnolia 7318. I never regretted buying one and you won’t either.
The Best Quilting Machine – Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
This machine came at number one on our list of the best quilting machines, and we’re happy most consumers agree with us.
It is a quiet that does two things very well, sewing and quilting. The Brother PQ1500SL is fast, sewing at a top speed of 1,500 stitches per minute. It is not designed to do anything fancy but to sew straight stitches and sew it well.
It doesn’t come with a ton of features because it doesn’t need to. The PQ1500SL gives you just what you need to quilt all kinds of projects and fabrics, and comes with seven additional presser feet, including all the presser feet you need various quilting tasks.
If you’ve been quilting for a while, then you know just how valuable throat space is when it comes to choosing a quilting machine.
The PQ1500SL comes with a large throat space, making it easy to quilt large projects like a king-size fabric. Need more space, you don’t have to worry because it also comes with an extension table that gives you an additional 18 inches of workspace.
Convenience features include an automatic needle threader and thread trimmer, presser food knee lift, and a needle positioner.
It also comes with a drop feed dog for free-motion quilting, which is a feature most users love about the machine.
The machine also comes with a needle thread tensioner, which some users find a bit difficult to use. But again, it seems to be an issue with the user’s ability to follow instructions rather than a flaw in the machine.
You also get a 25-year limited warranty with this machine, but if the user reviews are to be believed, then you’re probably never going to call on the warranty. This machine is solid and should last several years of use with no problems.
The Brother PQ1500SL can sew very well, but I believe it’s the best sewing machine for quilting you can get under $1,000.
The Embroidery Machine – Brother SE1800 Combo Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Again, this machine topped our list of the best embroidery machines and once again, the users seem to agree with us. This is the most expensive machine on this page, but it costs that much for a reason.
It is a high-end computerized sewing machine that allows you to make impressive embroideries with very little effort.
It comes pre-installed with an astonishing 184 stitches, 136 embroidery designs, 6 fonts and an impressive 5 x 7 inches of embroidery field. You also get an extra 11 presser feet when you buy this machine. And if you need more embroidery space, the machine comes with a 5×12-inch embroidery hoop. It also comes with a bright LED light that illuminates the entire working area when you need it.
It comes with all the features you’d expect from a high-end computerized machine, including the ability to import (via a USB stick) embroidery designs you buy or download from third parties or ones you’ve designed yourself. You also get other features like a one-button automatic needle threading, needle up/down, one-button start/stop, top loading bobbin, variable speed control, and 10 automatic buttonholes.
It has a large LCD display that displays information about your current project, including a recommended presser foot.
We didn’t pick this machine as the best for embroidery lightly; it is a seriously good machine that is so much fun to work with. Most users claim that it sews like a dream, very quiet, and makes smooth and even stitches.
You get a free hard case and a number of other bonus accessories. Users also love that you can sew horizontally and vertically, which lets you sew without having to rotate the fabric. You can also sew applique and cylindrical projects like a baseball cap.
You’ll get a 25-year limited warranty with your purchase, and almost every part of the machine is made of metal. Complaints about its durability are rare.
The Best Serger – Juki MO644D Serger
Not everyone uses a serger machine, but most serious sewers have this type machine in their collection.
If you are new to serging, then you may want to take a look at our serger machine page for all you need to know about sergers.
When it comes to serger machines, the Juki MO644D offers excellent value for money. And if you believe the many users and us, it is one of the best you can get.
It is a powerful serger that allows you to make a two, three or four-thread stitch effortlessly. The included presser foot can handle different types of projects and fabrics. You can use Juki and third-party presser feet with the machine.
Some of the features of the MO644D include a differential feed, automatically rolled hem, easy threading using the color-coded threading guide, and adjustable stitch length.
The MO644D is a powerful serger capable of sewing thicker fabrics like several layers of denim and wool, and fleece. One thing you want with a serger is that it should be stable when sewing and this machine does just that. Most users are pleased with the stability.
You’ll get a 5-year warranty with your purchase of this machine. Most users will be satisfied with this machine.
Read our page on the best sewing machines to learn more about choosing a sewing machine and what to look out for.