What Sewing Machine Should I Buy?

Whether you are a seasoned sewist or just starting out, if you want to sew you’re going to need a sewing machine, but what sewing machine should you buy?

Below are my top tips for picking the right sewing machine for you.

What kind of sewing are you doing?

Different sewing machines do different jobs so it’s important to ask your self a few key questions before you start looking.

Are you just starting out or have you been sewing a long time? If you are new to sewing you probably want something a bit more budget friendly with only a few features and stitch options. If you have been at this a while you might be ready to invest in something with a few more bells and whistles specific to the kind of sewing you do.
Do computerized gadgets leave you feeling frazzled or excited? I personally prefer using an old-school sewing machine that is not computerized, but I know a lot of seamsters who love all the lights, buttons, and progammability of a digitized sewing machine.
Are you sewing items that require button holes, zippers, and top-stitching or do you prefer so sew simple silouettes out of jersey? For the former a traditional machine is the way to go, but if you plan on sewing lots of t-shirts and other simple jersey pieces, a serger is the machine for you.
Do you love machine embroidery or quilting? If so there are some specialty machines you must take a look at!

Test Out a Loaner Machine Before Committing to a Purchase

If you are a true beginner, and have never touched a sewing machine, it might feel a little bit daunting to purchase a $300 machine just to try a hobby out, and justifiably so. If you are in this boat, I would look for local sewing classes that provide sewing machines for the class. This will give you some hands-on experience to see if you even like sewing.

Another good way to get your hands on a sewing machine is to go to a store and try them out. You can go to brick-and-mortar sewing machine stores and they will give you a demo of the machines you are interested in and then let you try them out.

Going to a store in person can be an excellent way to get acquainted with different brands of sewing machines.

If you’re curious about sewing but are not so sure it’s for you, check out this post for some sewing inspiration.

Sewing Machines for Beginners

If you are just starting out you will want to buy a basic sewing machine with these features.

Straight Stitch
Zig-Zag Stitch
Reverse
Button Hole Stitch/ Foot
Zipper Foot

Keep it simple. Once you learn how to use these functions you will easily be able to create beautiful garments, quilts, and crafts. You will be able to use this sewing machine for everything and will not need to buy a machine again as long as you take care of your machine’s regular maintenance (oiling and servicing your machine every couple of years).

Here are a few of my favorite machines for those just starting out:

The following machines are reliable and affordable machines for those just starting out. If you are a hobby seamstress then one of these will be the only machine you ever really need.

Brother ST531HD Sewing Machine:

Brother ST531HD Sewing Machine

The Brother St531HD Sewing Machine is a great budget machine and retails for $299.00. You can get it for $229.00 when you purchase here or any of the links on this page

Brother Sewing machines are reliable and affordable machines for those just starting out. If you are a hobby seamstress then this will be the only machine you ever really need.

This little machine is built with a lot of heft, and is able to sew through silk all the way up to six layers of denim!

It has all the basic features I listed above and it is even self threading which is a great feature if you have a hard time seeing small details or you suffer from arthritis.

Baby Lock Zeal Sewing Machine – From the Genuine Collection:

Baby Lock Zeal Sewing Machine – From the Genuine Collection

This little machine packs a punch with 25 stitch options you will be creating masterpieces before you know it! It also has a built-in buttonhole feature that I say is a must for any machine.

The Baby Lock Zeal retails for $499.99 but you can get it here for just $299.99.

This machine is also self threading which will save you time and headaches.

Bernina-Bernette

Bernette B35 Sewing Machine

My all-time favorite brand, and the brand that I sew with, is Bernina. If you want a machine that is reliable and consistently puts out crisp stitches, Bernina is the way to go.

The Bernina is a higher-end brand and therefore more expensive. The Bernette line was created by Bernina as a means to compete with bigger brands price points without sacrificing quality.

The Bernette B35 Sewing Machine retails at $379.00 but you can get it here for just $279.00. It will give you beautiful and consistent results for years to come.

Sergers for the Soul

If you often sew with stretch fabrics, or just want a factory finished look, then the serger is for you. This magnificent machine will sew your edges to perfection and leave your seams looking flawless! A serger really is a magnificent thing to behold.

Toting four to five spools of thread, these machines create sewing magic! Sergers simultaniously braid an intricate web around the edge of your fabric and cut off the excess seam allowance leaving you with a prefectly encased edge.

Serger Lingo

There are generally two main functions of Serger sewing machines: Serging or overlocking and coverstitching.

Serging/Overlocking

“Serging” or “overlocking are interchangeable terms that refer to the knitting style of sewing that the machines do that encase the raw edge of a sewing project while simultaneously cutting off the seam allowance .

Coverstitching

Coverstitching machines create beautiful finishing touches such as top stitching and hems. It is an extremely helpful way to add stretch to finished hems such as when sewing bathingsuits and t-shirts.

Here is a really well written post about the difference between overlock and coverstitch.

*Not all sergers are capable of coverstitching but some are. Below I specify which machines have this feature.*

So without further ado, here’s the list.

Brother 1034D 3 / 4 Thread Differential Feed Serger with Rolled-hem Stitch and Easy Lay-in Threading System

Brother 1034D 3 / 4 Thread Differential Feed Serger with Rolled-hem Stitch

The Brother 1034D is a great starter serger as it is an extremely user-friendly machine. With great reviews and a rock bottom price this little serger will finish your edges without breaking your bank account.

This serger has a color coded thread guide that makes threading this machine a cinch, even for the beginner.

The Brother 1034D retails for $349.99 but you can get it here for $249.00.

Here are the main features of the Brother 1034D:

Free arm/flat bed convertible sewing surface. Great for sleeves and cuffs
F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system
Differential feed improves results when sewing stretch, knitted or thin fabrics
Eliminates the wavy or stretch appearance of stitches on some fabrics
Instant rolled hem for scarves, napkins, and apparel
Tension disc release assures thread placement into tension discs
Perfect overlock stitches on all types and weights of fabric
Uses standard sewing machine needles
Electronic speed control

*The Brother 1034D is NOT capable of creating a coverstitch.

Baby Lock Vibrant Serger Machine – From the Genuine Collection

If you’re looking for excellent quality and a low price the Baby Lock Vibrant Serger is the way to go! Baby Lock is a high quality and reliable brand. For just $349.99 this serger is a great option for a smaller budget.

Here is a full playlist of information about the Baby Lock Vibrant Serger to get you started:

Here are the Main Features of the Baby Lock Vibrant:

4/3/2 Thread serging
4-thread seaming
3-thread narrow or wide overlock
Narrow rolled hem
Flatlock
Blindhem
Easy color-coded threadingLay-in tension system for loopers
Differential feed ratio of 0.7 – 2.0
Rolled hemming
Flatlock stitching
Dial adjustable stitch length: 1 – 4mm
Dial adjustable stitch width: 2.8 – 7.0 mm
Retractable thread cutter with push lever
Presser foot pressure adjustment

*The Baby Lock Vibrant Serger Machine is NOT capable of creating a coverstitch.

Bernette Funlock 48 Overlock Coverstitch Machine

Bernette Funlock 48 Overlock Coverstitch Machine

Lastly, I, again, present to you my favorite brand, the Bernette Funlock 48 Overlock Covestitch Machine by Bernina. A great buy for someone who wants it all without having to buy more than one sewing machine. This gem is capable of sewing BOTH coverstitch and overlock!

It is a bit more of an investment but if you consider that it is a hybrid of two different machines and from a brand that is one of the best quality on the market it is definitely worth it.

This machine retails at $1339.00 but you can get it here for $999.00.

Here are the Main Features of the Bernette Funlock 48

2, 3, 4 and 5-thread seams
Accessories in the looper cover
Bright LED light
Differential feed infinitely adjustable while sewing
Easy threading due to the colour-coded threading paths
Including waste collector
Large working area to the right of the needles: 87mm
Manual needle threader
Sewing speed up to 1300 stitches/minute

Stitch Widths

Combo stitches: up to 10 mm
Coverstitches: 2.8 / 5.6 mm
Overlock stitches: 3-7 mm
Rolled Hem stitches: 1.5 mm

Machines for the Seasoned Seamster

If sewing is a big part of your life you may be ready to upgrade to a higher quality machine. If you have been sewing a long time, and consider yourself a journyman or master sewer, then you know exactly what you like and don’t like about the sewing machines you have used. Now is the time to evaluate your own preferences and then find a sewing machine that meets that criteria.

My Sewing Story

Growing up I had always used my mom’s sewing machine. When I got married she told me I could pick any machine I wanted.

We were going to be moving a lot in the first years of marriage and so I wanted a machine with a steel frame that I wouldn’t worry about its cracking during a move. I chose the Bernina 1008N because it makes beautifully crisp stitches and has the durability of my grandmother’s steel-framed Singer.

My Personal Preferences

It was also important to me to have a completely mechanical machine as I am not a tech lover. The Bernina 1008N has a steel frame with lever and knob operated features, perfect for this old-school gal.

The Bernina 1008N has been a work horse for me since 2011 when I got it. I have never had it serviced (I don’t recommend this) although, I do somewhat regularly oil and clean it. In spite of my abuse to this machine, it has held up and continues to do an amazing job.

I haven’t had any small parts snap off even though it has been knocked over a time or two (I don’t recommend this either). The fact is, I know that life happens, and my family and I are a rowdy bunch so I wanted a machine that could stand up to the test of time, AND this circus I run.

I absolutely love this machine. It is not available online through my supplier, so you will have to find a local Bernina shop to purchase it. I do make a small commission from these links (at no cost to you), but I so highly recommend the Bernina 1008N I would rather you find a way to purchase it even if that means sending you elsewhere.

Here is a link where you can simply read about it, Bernina 1008N.

“What Sewing Machine Should You Buy” is the Real Question

Having spent my entire childhood and young-adult life at a sewing machine, I had a very specific list of features I wanted in a machine.

Sit down and write out all the features you would like your sewing machine to have. Computerized? Mechanical? Industrial speed? Lots of bells and whistles? Quilting Specific with free motion stitching? Longer arm? Smaller base for the sewing of baby and/or doll clothes? Machine preferences are extremely personal and based on your craft and comfort.

So ask yourself, what do you want in a machine? Here are a couple of options of higher-end machines that might just be perfect for you! And if you don’t see the machine that fits your list below go ahead and click on one of the links on this page or the drop down box labeled “Sewing Machines” to explore more machines. I am simply listing my very favorite brands, and machines that I have had the most experience with, to give you the most accurate and honest information that I can.

Your Perfect Machine is Waiting to Be Discovered

Brother PQ-1500SL High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

Brother PQ-1500SL Sewing Machine

If speed is what you are looking for the Brother PQ-1500SL High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine is what you are looking for. This completely mechanical machine is able to stitch 1500 stitches per minute.

The Brother PQ-1500SL High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing Machine retails for 1,199.99 but you can get it here for just $799.00 which is a steal when it comes to the more advanced machines.

Who is the Brother PQ-1500SL For?

The Brother PQ-1500SL sewing machine is the perfect machine for the home fashion and clothing sewist or etsy shop owner.

One feature of this machine, that I completely wish I had on my own machine, is its removable knee lift that raises the presser foot hands free. There have been so many times that I have been precariously holding onto an item and needed both hands to steady it while I brought the presser foot down and, boy howdy, this would have come in handy.

Larger bobbins on the Brother PQ-1500SL means you don’t have to stop as often, which can be a drag, especially when you are in the middle of top-stitching or other detail work.

Because this is a high-speed straight-stitch machine it lacks the capability to do a zig-zag and therefore cannot create a button hole. High speed zig zag machines have a very different and more complicated engine so if speed is important to you a speed straight stitch machine is the more budget-friendly option.

If you are considering a high-speed machine, though, it is probably because you sew for a career or serious hobby and have a sewing machine already. Keep your first machine for it’s button hole capabilities and you will be able to sew with the speed you are looking for without missing out on key features.

Bernina B 530 Sewing Machine

The Bernina B 530 is an amazingly well-designed machine. With 117 decorative stitches, 12 quilting stitches, a digital interface, and many add-on options, this sewing machine is a dream!

The Bernina B 530 has an easy, digitial interface that you can program in your preferences to save custom stitch lengths and configurations. Even for a non-tech person like myself, I am drooling over all the features and how easy this machine is to use!

The Bernina B 530 sewing machine is a close-out item so you can get it right now for just $1499 if you hurry!

Included Accesories

This machine comes with an array of feet including an overlock foot if you want some serger features without buying an actual serger. The buttonhole settings and a slide buttonhole foot that come with the Benina B 530 sewing machie make acurate measuring and buttonhole creation as easy as pie. It also includes Zipper foot 4D which allows for dual feeding of the the fabric through the machine. This means that the foot itself has a feed dog attatched and walks the fabric through from top and bottom to insure that your fabric stays neatly in place and and your zipper is lined up just right

For more indepth information about the Bernina B 530 you can take a look at the brochure.

Add-Ons

One of the coolest Add-Ons that I have seen is the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR). This little foot allows you to top stitch with free motion and is motion sensing so when you slow down the movement of the fabric the needle slows down and idles while you are stopped!

Unfortunatley this item isn’t for sale online and therefore you will have to find a brick and mortar Bernina store to buy this handy little foot!

Who Should Buy the Bernina B 530 Sewing Machine?

This machine has such an array of features it would be great for the quilter/clothing sewist combo. The Bernina B 530 is a Tech-Lovers dream but is very user friendly for even the mechanical lover like myself.

Janome Memory Craft 6600 Professional Sewing and Quilting Machine

Who is the Janome Memory Craft 6600 for?

The Janome Memory Craft 6600 is the perfect machine for the home quilter on a budget. If you love to quilt but aren’t ready to spend $3000+ dollars on a long arm machine, the wide sewing bed and quilting features of this machine have got you covered.

Features of the Janome Memory Craft 6600

The sewing bed on the Janome Memory Craft 6600 is a whopping 9 inches x 5 inches (225mm x 120mm). It also comes with a 23.6″ wide x 15.75 deep extension table. This huge work-space helps keep your quilt in place so you’ll never have it slip off again.

This sewing machine comes with 404 stitch options, of which you can find 150 stitches, 7 buttonholes, and 127 monogram options. You will be able to make wedding quilts for the new bride and groom in your life, and cute monogram quilts for all your grand babies.

The Janome Memory Craft 6600 Professional Sewing and Quilting Machine retails for $2499.00 but you can get it here for $2199.00. It also comes with the standard Janome 25 year limited warranty.

Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 Sewing, Embroidery, & Quilting Machine BONUS PACKAGE

Next we have the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 Sewing, Embroidery, & Quilting Machine If you want the option of sewing, embroidery, AND quilting capabilities without buying three different machines then this machine is for you.

This machine comes with all the standard sewing features I listed in the beginner’s machine guide above, plus, 400 decorative stitches, 13 one-step button hole settings, and a Stitch Composer feature which allows you to create your own stitches right on the computer screen.

You can buy the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 here for $6,499.00.

Additionally, all Janome machines come with a 25 year limited warranty which adds a lot of peace of mind.

Who is the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 for?

This machine is great for the diverse sewist. If you like to sew clothes for yourself, your children, or your grand-kids, quilt, or embellish with intricate embroidery, this machine was made for you. It really is like buying three different machines in one!

Embroidery Features

The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 comes with a maximum hoop size of 9.1″ x 11.8″ and can stitch 1000 stitches per minute in embroidery mode. With 350 embroidery designs to choose from you will not be bored.

Quilting Features

The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 comes with AcuFil software which allows you to create beautiful and customizable decorative top stitching for quilts.

Free motion quilting is so easy with the Free Motion Quilting Open Toe Foot QO. This little foot is transparent so you can see exactly what you are sewing and never miss your sewing mark.

Specialty Sewing Machines

Embroidery Sewing Machines

Embroidery machines are in a word, fun. They bring life to your projects by giving a pop of color in a sea of monochrome or highlight an existing print.

I personally do not do machine embroidery but I do love to sit down at the end of a long day and pull out a hoop and needle for some hand-embroidery. Here is some hand-embroidery I’m working on for a special project. Stay tuned for more about that!

Embroidery is a very old tradition, dating back 30,000 years ago. It is human nature to want to add color and sparkle to things. In the modern age, we have blended science and art together to create machine embroidery where the sky, or should I say thread choice, is the limit.

There are two different kinds of embroidery machine, Single-Needle Embroidery Machines and Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines.

Single-Needle Embroidery Machines

Single-needle embroidery machines are typically what home sewists use to embellish sewing projects. These machines come with pre-programmed design software, and depending on how sophisticated a machine you want, come with the ability to create your own designs.

My Top Picks of Single-Needle Embroidery Machines:

Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine

The Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine is, in my opinion, the best option for a home embroidery machine. I have even looked at more expensive models and this one took the cake as far as software goes. An embroidery machine is only as good as it’s software. Without software you can buy this machine for $1349.00.

*Before I begin talking about the software for this machine, I do want to mention that the software is an additional cost and DOES NOT COME with the machine. I have found this to be true for all of the emroidery machines. If you know of a brand where the software IS included, let me know in the comments and I will update this post with that information. I do my best to give the most accurate information I can so your feedback is appreciated*

Anyway, this machine comes with two different software options the Artistic Digitizer for 1199.00 and the Artistic Digitizer Junior for 499.00. With both options you can create your own designs. It is for this reason that I recommend the Janome Memory Craft 400E. Here is a PDF comparing all the specifications of these two softeware packages:

Software Package Options

Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines

Melco Amaya Bravo Single Head 16 Needle Professional Embroidery Machine

Melco Amaya Bravo 16 Needle w/ Full Digitizing Software, and Upgrade Kit

For those of you who are wanting to start up an embroidery shop, look no further. The Melco Amaya Bravo Single Head 16 Needle Professional Embroidery Machine is and engineering masterpiece. I don’t even do machine embroidery and I want this thing!!

This sewing machine has 16 needles! Sixteen! The Melco Amaya Bravo has maximum hoop size of 17.25″ x 11.75″ and a stitch speed of 1100 stitches per minute!

The coolest part of this machine, though, is it’s ability to sense fabric thickness and adjust the thread tension ALL. BY. ITSELF. Seriously, this is the coolest machine I have ever seen. Because of this computerized sensing you don’t ever have to worry about loose threads or puckered fabric. It get’s it right every time which saves you the headache of adjusting the thread tension before hand.

You can buy the Melco Amaya Bravo Single Head 16 Needle Professional Embroidery Machine here for $12,995.00.

Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine

Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine w/ FREE BONUS (MB4 or MB4N Upgrade)

If you want a shop-quality multi-needle machine, but just cant commit to the Melco Amaya, the Janome MB-4S Four Needle Embroidery Machine is a very good option. This machine has a maximum speed of 800, and 3MB of memory which allows you to store up to 15,000,000 stitches or up to 100 designs. It, also, comes with extra-large bobbins so you won’t have the hassle of running out of thread in the middle of an embroidery project.

You can get the Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine right here for just 4,999.00

Long Arm Quilting Machines

Long arm sewing machines are a wonder to behold. It is essentially a sewing machine with free motion capabilities that sits on a huge frame. You spread your quilt over the frame which rolls it up as you go. The machine itself is set on rollers on that frame and has two large handles which you use to move the entire machine the length of the frame. In this fashion you can sew the entire length of the quilt! For a more in-depth look at just what the long arm machine is, check out this post from The Seasoned Homemaker

Here is a video so you can see just what I mean if you are unfamiliar with this acrobatic machine!

King Quilter II Long Arm Quilting Machine

NEW King Quilter II ELITE Long Arm Quilting Machine with Bonuses

The King Quilter Long Arm Quilting Machine is a great option for the serious quilter. The only limitation you might have is space for its frame! You can either choose a 10 foot or 12 foot frame. So go ahead and measure your sewing room and make sure you will have a place for this giant quilting delight!

There is a huge sale going on right now on this machine. The King Quilter Long Arm generally retails for $13,999.99 but for a short time they are selling for just for just $6,299.00. To get this deal, click here.

I hope this post answered your questions and that you are now feeling confident about your sewing machine choice! The right sewing machine really is all about how YOU sew and where YOU are on your sewing journey.

If you have any questions leave a comment down below and I will answer you the best I can. If I don’t know the answer I know a lot of very talented sewists and will find someone who does! And if you found this helpful and want to see more sewing inspiration go ahead and sign up for my newsletter for all the latest!

One thought on “What Sewing Machine Should I Buy?”

James Craig

August 24, 2020 at 10:27 am Reply

Wow..! Great information complied in one article related to Which Sewing Machine Should You Buy. I have enjoyed every bit of this article. Thanks for sharing it.