A Sewing Machine Buying Guide for Beginners

In this sewing machine buying guide for beginners, you’ll find great sewing machines sure to get you started with your very first sewing project.

Before we even get into the sewing machine buying guide for beginners, we’ll need to talk about the very important criteria for finding a sewing machine.

The criteria are as follows. You’ll need:

• 4 or more feed dogs for easily pulling fabric thru the machine
• A feed dog drop for doing things like free motion quilting and button hole making
• Speed of 850 or better for quickly finishing projects
• Adjustable foot pressure for controlling the amount of pressure on your fabric

There are a few features buyers covet but later regret focusing upon. 

A) Heavy Duty

Heavy Duty means NOTHING because it is a gimmick to get you to buy a machine. Most sewing machines will sew leather or jeans material. But, it doesn’t mean you should sew leather or jeans material on a regular basis. If the machine wasn’t made specifically for the tasks at hand, don’t run it thru sewing thick materials all the time. Or, you’ll break the machine.

B) Basing the buying decision off stitch count

90% of the time you will be using utility stitches like your straight stitch and zigzag. You’ll only occasionally use decorative stitches. So in the grand scheme of things, decorative stitches really aren’t important.  If you would like to learn more about specific buying criteria for garment making, embroidery,  bag making, and/or quilting, check out The Ultimate Sewing Machine Shopping Guide.

We cannot do a sewing machine buying guide for beginners without talking about vintage sewing machines.

Vintage sewing machines are excellent for beginners because they are durable and cheap. Durable machines come in handy for all the mistakes you are sure to make. Plus, you can often find vintage sewing machines on eBay or at a garage sales for a cheap price. This means you won’t invest too much money into a hobby you’re unsure about.

The #1 benefit to buying vintage is that you often get a better quality machine. Honestly, most of the vintage sewing machine will outlive you. However, the downside to buying vintage is that you’ll need to have the machine serviced and/or buy replacement parts. The other downside is that you wont have a machine with modern amenities like an automatic needle threader, needle up/down, auto speed control, etc.

Here’s 3 vintage sewing machines ideal for beginners.

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1. Kenmore 158.19412

Any Kenmore sewing machine made before the modern era of plastic gears is wonderful. 158.19412 released in a time when plastic was becoming more common placed. But, this machine gives you the best of both worlds because it has a free arm for sewing around armholes and other tight spaces. Plus, the machine has mostly metal construction.

2. Singer 401

It is one of the first lightweight models made of aluminum instead of the usual iron/steel. It has a lot of great features, including a slant shank so that you can see better when sewing. Its highly sought after and sure to keep you sewing many years to come.

3. Bernina 1010

The Bernina 1010 is a very versatile machine ideal for the home sewing enthusiast. It comes with a lot of presser feet and has fantastic piercing power.

*For a more in-depth review of the vintage machines, check out The Best Vintage Sewing Machines To Buy Now.

Not interested in scouring thrift stores, going to auctions, or simply hitting up eBay for a vintage sewing machine? Get a brand-new one.

New sewing machines allow you to start sewing with a fresh slate. The benefits of having a brand-new sewing machine are:

• You’ll find tutorials online for how to operate the machine.
• There won’t be any questions about service history because you’ll be the first and only owner.
• New machines will come with cool features like an automatic needle threader and a top loading bobbin. Top loading bobbins, with clear needle plates, are an extra bonus because they allow you to see when the bobbin is about to run out.

Here’s 4 new sewing machines ideal for beginners.

All of the machines chosen are ones that can grow with you as you increase in skill level and sewing ability.  They are as follows.

1.Viking Emerald 118 or Viking Emerald 116

Viking Emerald is a very simple and straightforward model to use. 90% of users are satisfied with this model of sewing machine. However, I do know it is soon to be discontinued. So, buy while you can!

2. Bernette Academy B05

This is the most child friendly sewing machine on this list. It has a finger guard and speed control to prevent children from getting hurt. Likewise, the machine is built very solid and is sure to last new users for a long time.

3. Brother Strong & Tough ST150HDH

This machine has an impressive 7 feed dog system for feeding fabrics thru the machine. Plus, it is able to power thru some pretty thick materials. However, it doesn’t make my doesn’t make my #1 because it doesn’t have adjustable foot pressure.

4. Singer Heavy Duty 4452

Singer 4452 is ultra beginner friendly. It is readily available and the sewing machine you buy to just see if sewing is something you would be interested in. This machine has a lot of great features and is ideal for learning how to sewing. However, I place this sewing machine at the very bottom of this list because other machines on this list, exceed it in performance.

Originally posted July 2018  & Last Updated July 2023

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