Which Sewing Machine is the Best Choice?

Top Pick

We were pleasantly surprised by how much we liked this machine after testing it. It was incredibly simple to set up straight out of the box—which is a huge advantage for beginners—and it performed better than any other machine we’ve tried so far.

Setting it up was a breeze; it only took a few moments to thread both the bobbin and the needle. Perfect for beginners, it comes with a helpful quick guide, a manual that clearly explains all the features (we found this particularly useful for taking notes and tracking key settings), and a large working table ideal for handling big panels.

In terms of features, it includes a light, buttonhole capability, a needle threader, a twin needle option, several feet for decorative and quilting tasks, a seam ripper, and extra needles. We especially appreciated the design of the bobbin, which made threading simple and helped us trim any excess thread at the end.

While some tension adjustments may be required for certain features, we found the stitches to be neat, straight, and easy to work with. We would definitely recommend this machine for basic sewing, especially considering its ease of use.

The buttonhole function worked wonderfully; we tested two designs, both of which were precise and neat. The stitching was even throughout. We also tried five decorative designs from the 165 available options, all of which ran smoothly and produced some of the cleanest results we’ve seen from any sewing machine.

After six months of testing at home, we found this machine to be perfect for someone who already knows how to sew and doesn’t easily feel overwhelmed. With all its advanced features, it's more than enough for a beginner, but it's ideal for someone looking to sew for years to come.

Type: Computerized | Dimensions: 16 x 7 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 10 lbs. | Number of Built-In Stitches: 110 utility stitches, 55 alphanumeric stitches, and 8 buttonholes | Speed: Not specified

Top Budget Pick

We were really impressed by this machine, especially considering its affordable price under $200. It’s extremely quiet and operates smoothly—it felt like sewing through butter with silk, and its performance hasn’t faltered in the six months we've tested it.

While we did experience a few tension-related issues after switching needles and fabrics, a slight adjustment to the tension solved them quickly. Chiffon wasn’t ideal for the zigzag stitch, but all other fabrics performed well, and the machine ran smoothly without any snags or interruptions.

The machine felt incredibly solid and well-built. Even if it weren’t priced so reasonably, we’d still be willing to pay more for a machine that works so efficiently right from the start. The arm space was spacious too, allowing us to easily manage the fabric for large projects like a voluminous taffeta-and-tulle gown.

One aspect worth mentioning is that we wished for more stitch variety and fewer options for adjusting the needle's position. Additionally, while the machine came with an abundance of feet and accessories—some of which felt excessive—there were a few items missing, like scissors, nippers, and a walking foot.

The setup was straightforward, from threading the needle and bobbin to plugging in the machine and getting started. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and if we encountered something unfamiliar, it was simple to figure out how to handle it.

Type: Portable mechanical | Dimensions: 15.5 x 5.75 x 12.5 in. | Weight: 13 lbs. | Number of Built-In Stitches: 15 built-in stitches, 1 buttonhole | Speed: Not listed

Final Opinion

For those seeking the best sewing machine for their upcoming projects, we suggest the Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine due to its user-friendly design, consistently precise stitches, and generous wide table. If you're on a budget under $200, the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine is an excellent choice, known for its smooth, quiet performance and durable, high-quality build.

Our Evaluation Process

The journey to identify the top sewing machine began with an essential first step: unboxing. We unpacked all 24 machines, laid out the included accessories, and set up the foot pedal. Familiarizing ourselves with features such as needle thread guides, the buttonhole foot, and the bobbin insertion process was crucial. We also assessed the effectiveness of any extra tools provided, like scissors, seam rippers, bobbins, thimbles, and needle threaders.

Next, we conducted a timed test to see how long it would take to thread the machine. The goal was to measure whether threading the machine was a quick, straightforward task or if it proved challenging. We carefully timed the process to determine its efficiency.

Afterward, we tested the machine by stitching on two distinct fabrics—denim and woven cotton—and using two types of stitches: straight and zigzag. We adjusted the thread tension appropriately, selected the correct stitch, and stitched a 12-inch line from top to bottom. After backstitching to secure the stitch, we cut the threads and reviewed the stitch quality. This process was repeated for the zigzag stitch.

We also examined special features, such as buttonholes, decorative stitching, and embroidery capabilities. After completing these tests, we evaluated the overall ease of use and effectiveness of each machine's features. Following our initial evaluations, we used the best-performing models over a six-month period to ensure consistent performance and determine if they remained worthy of recommendation.

Expert Guide to Buying Sewing Machines

Computerized vs. Manual Machines

As sewing expert and blogger Elise Chase-Sinclair explains, the decision between computerized and manual machines largely depends on the type of projects you plan to tackle. If you're interested in more decorative work, such as embroidery or monogramming, a computerized machine could be the best option. These machines often come with built-in stitches and designs, making detailed work easier and more accurate.

Alternatively, a mechanical machine might be the right choice for beginners, especially if you’re focused on simple stitches and projects. With fewer technological features to navigate, these machines can be more straightforward to use and may not require as many settings.

We've made sure to include one of each type on our list, and according to Chase-Sinclair, both categories feature excellent machines that produce impressive results.

Dimensions and Portability

The size and weight of a sewing machine play a crucial role in determining its suitability for your projects. While lightweight machines are great for light tasks like mending clothes or crafting, they may struggle with heavy fabrics. As Chase-Sinclair advises, if you're planning to sew items like handbags, quilts, canvas, denim, sails, or tarps, you'll need a heavy-duty machine. She personally prefers a heavier machine for her costuming work, as it handles thicker fabrics with ease.

Stitch Variety and Functionality

Just because a sewing machine offers more stitches than another doesn't automatically make it better or more practical for your needs.

"Many of those extra stitches are purely decorative and don't serve much purpose when it comes to actually assembling a project," says Chase-Sinclair. With this in mind, it's more important to focus on the type of stitches you need, rather than the sheer number, and prioritize those you’ll use most often.

For example, if your main focus is clothing, Chase-Sinclair suggests looking for machines that offer stretch stitch options. However, if you're into quilting or other crafty projects, you may prefer a machine that offers a wide range of decorative stitches, making more stitching options a better fit.

If you're just starting out, it’s best to begin with a basic machine and upgrade later as you become more familiar with the features you actually use. According to Chase-Sinclair, beginners typically only need three stitch types: straight, zigzag, and buttonhole.

Common Questions to Consider

Which brands offer the best sewing machines?

Out of the four sewing machines we reviewed, three are from Brother. "Brother is a company that makes machinery for a living, and it really shows," says Shae Haning, owner of Tallgrass Tailor in Oklahoma and host of the Sew Show with Shae on YouTube. "They offer top-notch mechanics, the best feed system, and allow you to adjust essential features for functional sewing, rather than just offering a bunch of embroidery stitches."

While Brother is our top pick based on testing, we also found that Singer and Baby Lock (our choice for the best budget option) offer solid performance.

What’s the difference between a sewing machine and a serger?

Although they may appear similar, sewing machines and sergers are not the same. Sewing machines can offer over 100 stitch options using a single spool of thread, while sergers typically have just one stitch—the overlock stitch—but use three to four threads to create it.

Sergers sew faster than sewing machines, but they are more specialized and have fewer functions. They’re ideal for experienced sewers looking for a professional finish, as they can trim fabric edges and enclose seams in a single step. This creates a clean, polished edge that’s hard to achieve with a standard sewing machine. However, sewing machines offer more versatility for a wide variety of home projects.

Which sewing machine is ideal for beginners?

As Haning suggests, simplicity often outweighs the need for extra features. "All those additional quilting and embroidery options, and the 50 stitches on the machine lid are nice, but they're not really crucial," she says. "What matters most is having a solid, reliable machine."

Among our two recommendations, we suggest our best budget pick for beginners. It’s a mechanical machine with 15 built-in stitches and a single buttonhole option, compared to our top choice, which offers 110 utility stitches, 55 alphanumeric stitches, and eight buttonholes.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was crafted by Camryn Dilger, an associate editor at Mytour with years of experience in product research, testing, editing, and reviewing. While her sewing skills may be rusty since her middle school home economics class, she understands the importance of having the right tools for tasks, especially something as precise as sewing.

To identify the best sewing machines for various needs, we tested 24 models both in our lab and at home, assessing their ease of setup, performance, design, features, and overall value.

The experts contributing to this article include Shae Haning, owner of Tallgrass Tailor in Oklahoma and host of the Sew Show with Shae on YouTube, along with Elise Chase-Sinclair, a costumer and sewing blogger.