When you first start out making your own clothes, choosing a sewing machine can be a daunting task. What do all the knobs and settings do? What's the difference between 50 stitch settings and two? Our buyer's guide to the best sewing machines for beginners has got you covered.
In this guide, we'll help you find the best starter sewing machines to buy, based on the types of sewing projects you enjoy and your level of experience. You can also find more information on how to choose the right machine for you in our guide to the best sewing machines.
If you're just starting out, we've also added some beginner's guides to help you get to know your new machine. Head to our beginner tutorials for how to use a sewing machine or stock up on threads with our beginner's guide to sewing machine threads.
Many of the sewing machines in this guide have been reviewed by our team of experienced crafters, so make sure you read the full reviews to help you make your decision. Find out how we test, review and feature products on Gathered.
This article was updated on 20/11/2024 to ensure that all products are in stock and the prices are correct.
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Best sewing machines for beginners at a glance:
- Best overall: Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- Best beginner sewing machine for larger projects: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
- Best beginner sewing machine for quilting: Janome HD5000 Black Edition Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- Best computerized beginner sewing machine: Janome C30 Computerized Sewing Machine
- Best portable beginner sewing machine: Singer M3500 Sewing Machine
- Best value beginner sewing machine: Brother L14S
- Best lightweight beginner sewing machine: Janome 219 S
- Best beginner sewing machine for kids: Singer Start 1306
- Best mini beginner sewing machine: Silver 12 Stitch Mini Sewing Machine
- Best beginner sewing machine for jeans: Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Best sewing machines for beginners
Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Best overall
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- Pros: Heavy duty frame, 60% stronger motor for thicker fabrics, 1,100 stitches per minute, 25 year warranty
- Cons: No LCD screen, too heavy to be very portable
A beginner sewing machine needs to be affordable, easy to use, and hard-wearing. The Singer 4423 ticks all these boxes and more.
It's not an industrial sewing machine, but with a heavy duty steel and metal frame, its built to last, and even comes with a 25 year warranty to prove it.
The best beginner sewing machines don't have too many confusing stitch options and fancy features - the simple controls make this a user-friendly and intuitive option. It's lack of an LCD display may even be a pro for some users who prefer a more simplistic interface.
Overall, this is a great sewing machine for beginners, despite it not being the most portable or feature-packed.
Key specs
- Weight: 6.4kg
- Dimensions: 40 x 16 x 30.5 cm
- Stitches: 23
- Needle threader: Yes
- Carry handle/case: Carry handle
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Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
Best beginner sewing machine for larger projects
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- Pros Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, durable with hardy needles, comes with 6 sewing feet
- Cons: No LCD display, doesn't come with hard case
Considered an 'enhanced' model according to Brother's rating system, this machine is designed for garment construction, quilting, or 'strong and tough' sewing - which makes it ideal for a beginner/intermediate level.
With 37 stitches, an upper thread tension control dial and heavy duty needles, this is one of the best beginner sewing machines for larger projects or heavy-duty fabrics.
Key specs
- Weight: 6.4kg
- Dimensions: 31 x 40 x 35cm
- Stitches: 37
- Needle threader: Yes
- Carry handle/case: Carry handle
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Janome HD5000 Black Edition Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Best beginner sewing machine for quilting
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- Pros: Striking colourway, comes with bonus quilt kit, heavy metal frame
- Cons: No LCD display, too heavy to be portable
For something a little bit different, consider the Janome HD5000 Black Edition. We love the striking black colour, and the bright LED light helps to keep things illuminated, so don't be put off.
It's a heavy duty sewing machine designed for quilting, and the handy accessories tray helps keep bits and bobs organised. It comes with a hard carry case, but it's probably a bit on the heavy side to be very portable.
Key specs
- Weight: 8.4kg
- Dimensions: 40 x 28.7 x 18 cm
- Stitches: 18
- Needle threader: Yes
- Carry handle/case: Yes
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Janome C30 Computerized Sewing Machine
Best computerized beginner sewing machine
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- Pros: LCD computerized display, pink or blue colour themes, lightweight for easy portability
- Cons: Can get complicated to use, no hard-cover
The first computerized sewing machine for beginners in our list, the Janome C30 has an LCD display that serves as a perfect warm up to more complicated machines.
As it's such a small display, it doesn't offer some of the redeeming features of the larger, colour touch-screen displays found in our favourite computerized sewing machines, but it's a step in the right direction!
Use the LCD display to toggle between 30 built-in stitches, one-step buttonholes, a jam-proof drop-in bobbin, and front buttons for lock stitching, reverse, and needle movement.
Key specs
- Weight: 5kg
- Dimensions: 28 x 30.5 x 17.8cm
- Stitches: 30
- Needle threader: Yes
- Carry handle/case: Handle
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Singer M3500 Sewing Machine
Best portable beginner sewing machine
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- Pros: Very portable, affordable
- Cons: No LCD screen, not the most user-friendly to begin with, not heavy duty
This may be the best beginner sewing machine for you if your looking for something affordable and portable, however, the stitch quality leaves a little to be desired and it can be quite fiddly.
Singer are a bit cheeky in their description of the M3500, claiming that it offers 110 stitch 'applications', although this is a figure derived from combining the 32 built-in stitches with the different available stitch lengths.
Despite these downfalls, it remains a suitable option for beginners looking to tote their machine to class or a friend's house, as it's a portable and reasonably cheap sewing machine.
Key specs
- Weight: 5kg
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 18.6 x 27.6 cm
- Stitches: 32
- Needle threader: Yes
- Carry handle/case: Yes
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Best sewing machines for beginners UK
Brother L14S
Best value beginner sewing machine
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- Pros: Lightweight, easy to use, 3 year warranty
- Cons: No automatic needle threader
The Brother L14S is really easy to use and has just the one dial so you're not overwhelmed with options. The L14s is ideal for beginners and is the perfect choice for basic alterations and repairs.
It's lightweight and portable for easy storage with a strong metal chassis, easy operation and smooth quiet sewing (handy if you're working in a room with family members who want to watch the TV!). It comes with 14 stitches, an LED Sewing light, top loading bobbin and a 3 year warranty.
Make sure to check our roundup of the best Brother sewing machines for more options.
Key specs
- Weight: 5.74kg
- Dimensions: 19.1 x 44.1 x 35.6cm
- Stitches: 14
- Needle threader: No
- Carry handle/case: Handle
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Janome 219 S
Best lightweight beginner sewing machine
Available from OnBuy for £128.97
- Pros: Less intimidating manual machine, front-loading bobbin, great value for money
- Cons: No automatic needle threader, no needle-cutter, can't lower feed dogs
The Janome 219 S is a seriously handy machine that's perfect for beginners. It's a good all-rounder making it ideal for a variety of sewing projects – you can confidently tackle an array of makes using this machine from quilts to simple garments.
It's much less intimidating for beginners than many of the sewing machines on the market, with lots of great features that make it easy to use. There's a front-loading bobbin, which is easy to load, threading is a breeze and you can adjust the lengths and tension using the dials at the front.
There are a few disadvantages with the Janome 219 S that you should consider before you buy: you can't lower the feed dogs, there is no needle cutter and only a basic cover. That said, this is good manual machine for new sewers that won't break the bank.
Key specs
- Weight: 6.56kg
- Dimensions: 15 x 38 x 29cm
- Stitches: 14
- Needle threader: No
- Carry handle/case: Soft cover and handle.
Singer Start 1306
Best beginner sewing machine for kids
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- Pros: Simple to use, affordable, designed for beginners
- Cons: Not as many stitches as other models, no automatic needle threader
The Singer 1306 has been designed for beginners. It is very simple, so don't expect it to jump for joy at heavyweight fabrics and intensive sewing sessions, but it has all the basic features you need to begin sewing. It comes with 6 built in stitches plus a four-step buttonhole.
This machine is a good choice if you want to dabble with some simple sewing and have a tight budget. It would also be a great sewing machine for kids interested in taking up sewing. The controls are clear and simple so it's a welcoming option if you're not confident about where to begin.
Key specs
- Weight: 4.3kg
- Dimensions: 29 x 35 x 18 cm
- Stitches: 6
- Needle threader: No
- Carry handle/case: Handle
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Silver 12 Stitch Mini Sewing Machine
Best mini beginner sewing machine
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- Pros: Very affordable, small footprint, portable Buttonhole function
- Cons: No automatic needle threader, only designed for small projects
Completely new to sewing and want to have a dabble without committing major funds? Go for a mini sewing machine! This is a nifty little sewing machine and comes with a couple of thread spools, bobbins, needle threader and needle.
It's not suitable for heavyweight dressmaking, but you can use it to sew lightweight fabrics and it comes with 12 stitch options (including embroidery), a reverse button for strengthening your stitches, electric foot speed control and an automatic buttonhole function. It's got enough features so you can learn the basics.
Plus it's small size and lightweight meaning you can keep it as a travel machine if you catch the bug and decide to treat yourself to a more heavyweight model!
Key specs
- Weight: 2kg
- Dimensions: 26 x 30 x 14cm
- Stitches: 12
- Needle threader: No
- Carry handle/case: Handle
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Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Best beginner sewing machine for jeans
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- Pros: Sturdy build, fast stitching, perfect for dressmaking
- Cons: Not as many stitches as other models
The Singer 4411 is a heavy duty sewing machine that is capable of sewing through multiple layers of fabrics, or thicker fabrics like denim or even leather. This is thanks to its strong motor and extra foot height option.
It has 11 stitch patterns plus a 4-step buttonhole, and with a potential stitch speed of over 1100 stitches per minute, this should help you speed up your sewing and avoid those 2am sewing sessions!
This is a great beginner machine if you have plans of doing a lot of garment sewing and have dreams of making your own jeans or bags. It is also suitable mending or altering clothes you already have. So if you are trying to buy less and make the most of what you already have, this could be the sewing machine for you.
Key specs
- Weight: 6.4 kg
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 39 x 17 cm
- Stitches: 11
- Needle threader: Yes
- Carry handle/case: Soft cover and handle
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How to choose the best beginner sewing machine for you
Selecting the right sewing machine as a beginner can be a daunting task with so many options available. In this buyer's guide, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the best beginner sewing machine for you.
Budget
The first step in finding the right sewing machine is to establish a budget. Sewing machines come in a wide price range, so knowing how much you're willing to invest will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.
Sewing goals
Consider the type of sewing projects you plan to undertake. Are you interested in basic repairs, quilting, or garment making? Understanding your sewing goals will help you choose a machine with the right features. There are three main types of sewing machines for beginners:
- Mechanical: Simple and budget-friendly, ideal for basic sewing tasks.
- Electronic: Offers more stitch options and features for versatility.
- Computerized: Packed with advanced features, suitable for both beginners and experienced sewists.
Stitch options
Beginners should look for machines with a variety of basic stitches like straight, zigzag, and buttonhole stitches. Having these options will cover most sewing needs.
Size and portability
Consider the size and weight of the sewing machine. If you plan to move it frequently or have limited space, a compact and lightweight machine might be a better choice.
Accessories and attachments
Check if the sewing machine comes with essential accessories like extra presser feet, needles, and a carrying case. These accessories can save you money and provide convenience.
Brand and warranty
Choose a reputable sewing machine brand known for quality and customer support. Look for a machine with a warranty to ensure long-term reliability and peace of mind.
Remember that the right sewing machine can make all the difference in your sewing projects, so take your time and choose wisely. Happy sewing!
Best second hand and vintage sewing machines
There are lots of second hand sewing machines on websites like eBay and Gumtree. They can be very cheap, or even free in some cases so it is worth having a look. You need to be cautious as sewing machines need to be maintained and serviced to keep them sewing well, so you could end up with a machine riddled with issues. If you do buy a second hand sewing machine, be prepared to have it serviced before you start using it, and ask to see it working before committing to buying.
Although they can be incredibly beautiful, vintage sewing machines often have problems that are expensive and difficult to fix. They also don’t have the same easy-to-use features as modern machines, for example: changing a bobbin can be quite fiddly, and the range of stitches they do can be limited. Getting parts like feet can also be difficult for older models so you might have a better time buying a new machine that comes with a manual, a guarantee and after sales support.
Find the best sewing machine for you
There are so many sewing machines on the market it can be hard to know which one to choose. All the machines we've featured are perfect for beginners and range in style, size and price.
If you're a beginner, you need to buy a reliable sewing machine with limited features. If you buy a sewing machine with too many features, you'll just end up feeling overwhelmed! Take your time picking your machine and refer back to this article to find a machine to suit you.
Explore sewing machines with Gathered
Learn more about the parts of a sewing machine and everything else you need to know before you buy, with our complete guide to sewing machines.
