Best Budget

• The smooth, quiet operation is what sets this machine apart—it made us feel like we were sewing through butter with silk.

• Some fabrics may not handle certain stitches well, and we wished there were more options for switching stitches.

We were incredibly impressed with this machine, even at its budget-friendly price point of less than $200. It’s so quiet and feels so smooth—it felt like we were sewing through butter with silk and hasn’t changed a bit over the course of six months.

Even though we did have some tension issues here and there after switching needles and fabrics, they were quickly remedied by adjusting the tension a tiny bit. Chiffon didn’t handle the zigzag stitch well, but we had no issues with any other fabrics and no issues otherwise—no snags, no halts, or anything else.

It felt extremely sturdy and well made, and even if it weren’t at such an inexpensive price point, we’d consider paying more to have a machine that worked so nicely right out the gate. The arm room was expansive, too; we felt like we could make a fluffy, full-length taffeta-and-tulle dress without having any problem pushing all of that fabric wherever it needed to go.

One thing to note was that we wished there were more options for switching stitches and less options for making the needle move up and down. Also, the machine came with almost too many feet and accessories, some of which seem unnecessary, and there were a couple of things we felt were missing, like scissors, nippers, and a walking foot.

Overall, the machine was very easy to set up, insert the thread and bobbin, plug it in, and go; the instructions were clear and easy to understand as well, and if we didn’t already know how to do something, it was a simple process to figure it out.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the best sewing machine brands?

Of the four sewing machines we mentioned, three are made by Brother. “Brother is a company that makes machinery for a living, and it shows,” says Shae Haning, owner of the Oklahoma-based Tallgrass Tailor and the host of the Sew Show with Shae on YouTube. “They have the best mechanics, the best feed, and they give you the option to be able to adjust things that actually matter for functional sewing, as opposed to 50 different embroidery stitches.”

Although this is our top pick based on our testing, we also found Singer and Baby Lock (our best budget pick) to deliver good results.

What is the difference between a sewing machine and serger?

Although they might look similar, a sewing machine and serger aren’t the same thing. While sewing machines can have over 100 stitches and use only one spool of thread, sergers have one stitch option—an overlock stitch—that can be used with three to four different threads.

They sew faster than sewing machines, but they also have less functionality—they’re best for more advanced sewers who want a better finish on clothing items, since sergers can also trim fabric edges and enclose seams in one step, creating a polished look that's difficult to achieve with a standard sewing machine. Sewing machines, however, are better for those who want more versatility for different home projects.

Which sewing machine is best for beginners?

According to Haning, simplicity is often more important than all the bells and whistles. “All of that extra quilting and embroidery and 50 different stitches on the inside lid of the machine—that's all great, but it's not very important," she says. "It's important to have a good machine.”

Of our two options, we recommend our best budget pick for beginners since it’s mechanical and has 15 built-in stitches and one buttonhole, as opposed to the 110 built-in utility, 55 alphanumeric stitches, and eight buttonholes of our overall best option.

Key considerations

Mechanical vs. computerized

• Mechanical: Mechanical sewing machines keep things simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create advanced projects with them. They have many of the same capabilities and features of computerized machines except you control the thread tension, stitch length and width, and stitch choices by manually adjusting dials. These machines are easier to maintain, and they keep the sewing process as uncomplicated as possible. One is a great option for the beginner or casual hobbyist because you’ll save money and still get a great machine that will last for years.
• Computerized: Like everything else, technology has revolutionized the sewing world. And Janome is using sewing technology to the fullest. While you get a longer list of features with a computerized machine, things can get complicated, which can make the sewing process more difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s easy to get caught up in all the fancy features and pay for an expensive machine with more stitches and needle positions than you’ll ever use. Have a good idea of what features you’ll use before you shop.
  • Stitches: Where you’ll see the biggest difference between mechanical and computerized machines is in the number of stitches available. Mechanical machines might have anywhere from 15 to 80, but computerized machines are capable of an impressive 300 or more, depending on the model.
  • Speed: Computerized machines are also faster when it comes to adjusting stitch length and width.
  • Embroidery: Sewing machines that also have embroidery capabilities can store several alphabets for monogramming.
  • Quilting: Quilting combo machines are capable of free-motion sewing as well as a wide range of quilting stitches.

  Key Takeaways

  • You’ll find Janome sewing machines durable, with models tailored for beginners, heavy-duty sewing, quilting, and embroidery.
  • Models like the 2212 are beginner-friendly, while the HD3000 handles tougher fabrics, and the 3160QDC offers flexibility for quilting.
  • Memory Craft models excel in embroidery, offering advanced features like touchscreen interfaces and large workspaces.
  • Janome machines balance quality and price, competing well with brands like Brother for simplicity and Bernina for high-end precision.

  
  You’ll appreciate how Janome machines combine user-friendly controls with durable construction that handles everything from basic repairs to intricate quilts.

  Janome machines deliver durable, user-friendly performance, perfect for tackling everything from simple repairs to inspiring, intricate quilts.

  Their reliable performance and wide range of models, from beginner-friendly mechanical options to advanced computerized powerhouses, means you’ll find the perfect machine for your specific sewing needs.

  Ease of Use for Beginners

  Countless beginners find Janome sewing machines refreshingly simple to use.

  Their intuitive design takes the mystery out of sewing with clear instructions that won’t leave you scratching your head.

  What makes Janome perfect for beginners:

  1. Simple controls with color-coded threading paths guide your hands exactly where they need to go
  2. Easy setup with drop-in bobbins that click satisfyingly into place without fuss
  3. User-friendly interface featuring dials and buttons that make sense from day one
  4. Built-in stitch selectors that help you choose the right stitch without flipping through manuals

  Janome machines also offer features that support best easy to use sewing experiences, making them ideal for those new to sewing, with a design that’s invigoratingly simple.

  Durability and Long-Lasting Performance

  While Janome helps beginners get started quickly, their machines are also built to last for decades. When you invest in a Janome, you’re getting exceptional durability that serious sewers appreciate.