The Best Sewing Machines, According to Testing

One GH Textiles analyst has used this classic model from Brother, at home for over five years to sew clothes and craft projects alike. This machine combines the simplicity of a beginner machine with excellent features like a clear LCD screen, needle up/down and speed control. It includes a wider table to support bigger quilting and sewing projects. We found that this machine sewed through a variety of different fabrics with ease, including denim and upholstery fabric. It boasts an intuitive automatic needle threader, too. We recommend always using the spool cap when sewing to prevent the thread from sliding off.

If you're in the market for a beginner-friendly option that won't break the bank, this sewing machine might be your best match. You'll spend less than $200 for a small and mighty model that's perfect for tight workspaces. In our tests, the automatic needle threader was simple to use and can thread your needle in a few easy steps. We were impressed by how well this machine moved through different fabrics, including wool and cotton jersey; it only struggled with delicate fabrics like silk chiffon. During testing, we did notice the one-step buttonhole function got stuck a few times, but it ran smoothly after rethreading. This simple machine is ideal for hemming new clothes and repairing tiny tears and holes.

Beginners need a machine that is intuitive but has enough features to tackle more advanced tasks as they learn. This model from Brother is up to the task: it has clear threading and bobbin winding directions and still boasts a variety of button-holes, 70 stitch options and a needle up/down button. In our Lab evaluations, we found it easy to thread, change the presser feet and adjust the speed. It sewed through a variety of fabrics with minimal inaccuracies, but we found it handled satin materials with a bit of difficulty. Note that the thread holder may look short at first, but its height is actually adjustable. It includes 10 different presser feet with multiple bobbins to start your sewing journey.

If you're completely new to sewing and want to buy your first machine — or even gift one to a teen — we recommend the Singer Start 1304. It's a simple machine with easy-to-use controls that won't overwhelm a novice sewer. Its small size (and light weight) makes it perfect to bring to sewing classes, and the metal frame ensures it'll last. Online reviewers especially appreciate the easily accessible back stitch and the simple controls for easy learning.

One of the most popular heavy-duty sewing machines on the market, the Singer Heavy Duty 4452 sewing machine is great for sewing through challenging fabrics like denim and leather. The needles are size 16, which can penetrate multiple layers of tough fabrics like denim. A non-stick foot is included for other challenging fabrics like leather and vinyl. The pressure of the presser foot is adjustable, so you can use less force when sewing more lightweight fabrics. With 32 built-in stitches, this machine is great for heavy-duty and standard fabrics alike.

Designed specifically for beginner quilters, this sewing and quilting machine features manual speed controls for those who have difficulty keeping consistent and even pressure when using a traditional pedal. For those who don't like pedals at all, the start-stop function allows you to sew without using the foot control. It has over 100 built-in stitch applications including basic and decorative ones—and with each new stitch you select, the tension is automatically adjusted.

During testing, using the automatic buttonhole function was a breeze and we like that it has six different style options programmed into the machine — just select which style you prefer on the LCD screen with the tap of a button. We were impressed with how easy it was to change the presser foot with the quick-snap design. The automatic needle threader is also simple and easy to use. For a more advanced quilting option, we also like this luxe option from SINGER too.

Juki sewing machines are popular for being sturdy, long-lasting quilting machines that can tackle multiple layers of fabric easily – ideal for sewing large quilts, canvas and other thick fabrics. Some of our GH analysts actually learned how to sew on Juki machines!

This Juki machine boasts features designed just for quilting like automatic thread cutting, a knee lifter, presser foot pressure adjustment and free motion capabilities. The bright light makes it easy to see your detail work. Reviewers love that this advanced machine stays quite still when sewing quickly and makes minimal noise.

If you plan to use your sewing machine mainly for fashion sewing, you want certain features like free arm capabilities for sleeves and cuffs, presser feet designed for hems and zippers and a variety of stitches and buttonholes. This Baby Lock model is ideal.

We found it easy to select stitches from the bright LCD screen and it includes a larger stitch guide to make it even easier to know which stitch you need. The machine will even remind you which presser foot to use with each stitch. With great ease-of-use features like adjustable speed, drop feed capabilities and seven included presser feet, we were impressed with how beautifully this machine sewed over a variety of different fabrics and produced accurate buttonholes every time. Plus, this machine has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute for the speedy sewer.

If you want to treat yourself to a top-of-the-line model, opt for a luxury sewing machine that can withstand constant use and offers excellent features for an expert sewer. Synonymous with high quality, this luxury Bernette sewing machine offers embroidery, quilting and standard sewing capabilities. We were blown away by the innovative features like automatic thread cutting and the ability to draw your own stitches on the touch screen with the included stylus.

With a massive library of 500 stitches and 17 buttonhole options, this machine can create your own combinations by remembering your exact stitch specifications for specific fabrics in its short- and long-term memory. It sewed through all types of fabrics with ease, including silk chiffon, polyester satin and wool. Although it is a pricey pick, it’s one of the most affordable Bernette models available.

Make sure to shop for an embroidery machine, in particular, if you want embroidery capabilities. This model offers excellent features at a reasonable price. We were amazed by how easy it was to set up embroidery designs on the Brother machines we tried.

The large color LCD screen makes it easy to preview and edit all embroidery designs. Although the machine already has 80 built-in designs, there’s a USB port to import your own, plus thousands of options from Brother online to upload. With free motion sewing, a bright work area and an automatic needle threader, this machine can do both embroidery and standard sewing. You can make your own clothes and then personalize them with embroidery designs and text.

Sewing machines help projects come together, but sergers finish them with a professional look. This Baby Lock Vibrant Serger helps finish edges with four, three or two thread edges and rolled hems. There’s a retractable thread cutter for easy trimming when finished. If you’re new to using a serger, this machine has a color-coded thread system to follow to make it easier. The feed and tensions can be adjusted for a personalized experience when sewing on different fabrics. We love that this machine includes over 30 accessories that you’ll need to keep this machine in excellent condition for years to come.

Although it weighs under 3 pounds, this mini sewing machine can handle many different sewing projects. Young sewers can benefit from the simple design for easy threading and the finger guard to prevent injuries. It has two different speeds, which is great for kids who are learning. This machine includes different colored threads and bobbins, scissors, a measuring tape, a seam ripper, needles and more to get started. Plus, it costs just about $40!

Once your child masters this machine and can sew safely, we recommend upgrading to a higher-end beginner model for more advanced projects.