Best Sewing Machines for Beginners in 2023: A Guide to Getting Started

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners

Apr 14 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners

How Do You Chose the Best Sewing Machines for Beginners?


Our beginner sewing machine reviews were based on a few criteria:

  • Brand – we tried to stick to popular, established brands such as Brother, Janome, Juki, and Singer. These are the 4 biggest brands in sewing. Their machines are reliable, durable, and affordable.
  • Stitching options – we wanted machines that will grow with you as you transition from a beginner to an expert. The more the merrier – both in quantity and variety.
  • Ease of use – As a beginner, you’re going to want a machine that’s easy to use. All of the sewing machines we reviewed were simple to operate. Most had an LCD display for easy option choosing and could be threaded within a few seconds.
  • Weight – Sewing classes are a great way to learn. We wanted your beginner sewing machine to be portable.

When it comes to selecting the ideal sewing machine for beginners, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you want a machine that is user-friendly and straightforward, ensuring that you can learn the basics with ease.

Additionally, durability and reliability are vital, guaranteeing that your machine will withstand countless hours of practice and experimentation.

After careful research and evaluation, we have determined that the best sewing machine for beginners is the ultimate definition of convenience and quality. These outstanding models combine simplicity and versatility, allowing novice sewists to explore their creativity while mastering essential techniques.

With its intuitive design and user-friendly features, these sewing machines guarantee an enjoyable and frustration-free learning experience.

Let’s not forget about portability! As a beginner, it’s important to have a sewing machine that you can easily transport.

Imagine being able to take your newfound hobby with you wherever you go, whether it’s to sewing classes, crafting parties, or even on vacation. A portable sewing machine for beginners is a game-changer, granting you the freedom to stitch on-the-go and explore endless possibilities anytime, anywhere.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of sewing and unleash your inner creativity, don’t miss out on the incredible benefits offered by the best portable sewing machine for beginners. With its user-friendly features, durability, and unmatched versatility, these sewing machines will undoubtedly become your trusted companion on your sewing journey.

The 5 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners

Now that you’ve decided that you want to take up sewing, it’s time for the shopping part — buying a sewing machine!

We’ve selected some of the best sewing machines for beginners to help you choose the most appropriate model for your sewing needs and your bank balance.

Here are our top picks for what we judged as the best sewing machines for beginners.

Brother CS6000i

Beginner-Friendly Features

  • Clear and intuitive LCD screen
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Super easy bobbin winding system
  • Electronic variable speed control
  • Extra large sewing table
  • 7 styles of 1-step automatic buttonholes
  • Brightly lit LED work area

The name of this feature-packed sewing machine speaks volumes!

The range of 60 available stitches and settings may seem a little overwhelming to a beginner, but this is a machine that will grow with you as your skills improve, and there are plenty of features that make this machine easy to operate for the inexperienced user.

The jam proof bobbin system stops thread from turning into a tangled mess and blocking the inner workings of the Brother CS6000i, and the stop start button provides adjustability and speed control for perfect stitching.

It also offers easy bobbin winding, auto-size buttonholer and automatic needle threader to get your sewing off to a quick and stress-free start.

It’s a bestseller for a reason.

We think this is one of the best sewing machines for beginners.

Pros

Cons

  • Not so good on thicker fabrics
  • No automatic tension control

We gave the machine a 4.1/5 rating in our official review:

We love the Brother CS6000i — it’s one of the best sewing machines for beginners on a budget. It’s reasonably priced, easy to use and will grow with you as you grow in experience.

It’s not great on multiple layers and the jury’s still out on how well it can handle denim, but it’s perfectly good for most sewing and quilting projects.

Key Takeaways

  • You’ll find Brother machines most beginner-friendly with their automatic needle threaders and drop-in bobbins that simplify your first sewing projects, particularly models like the CS7000X which includes 70 built-in stitches.
  • Singer offers reliable mechanical options like the Tradition 2277 for budget-conscious beginners, while their Heavy Duty series provides extra muscle when you’re working with tougher fabrics like denim or canvas.
  • You’ll want to prioritize essential features in your first machine, including adjustable speed controls, clear bobbin covers, and simple stitch selection that will help you build confidence while learning.
  • Consider your specific needs when choosing between mechanical and computerized models – mechanical machines offer simpler operation and lower repair costs, while computerized versions provide more precision with automatic settings but come with a steeper learning curve.

You’ll find Brother sewing machines equipped with useful features like automatic needle threading and drop-in bobbins that make your first sewing projects less frustrating.

Brother machines transform beginners into confident sewers with frustration-free features that make learning feel natural.

Key Features and Benefits for Beginners


Brother sewing machines shine with beginner-friendly features you’ll appreciate.

The CS7000X offers an automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin system that reduces frustration.

You’ll find the adjustable speed control perfect for learning at your own pace.

With durable construction and clear instruction manuals, these machines offer excellent long-term value while maintaining high stitch quality—even on your first projects.

Stitch Selection and Ease of Use


When choosing a Brother sewing machine, you’ll appreciate their thoughtful stitch selection.

The 4 Best Beginner Sewing Machines The Spruce Has Tested

Emma Phelps is an Editor at The Spruce, specializing in bedding, home improvement, and home design. You'll find her byline on various topics, including sewing machines and percale sheets. She loves testing out the latest sheet sets, throw blankets, and home fragrances on the market.

Updated on 01/03/25