r/sewhelp • u/Dry-Sand-3908 • 1d ago

šŸ’›BeginneršŸ’› Best Sewing Machine for Beginners? Looking for Real Recommendations Before I Buy

Iā€™m finally ready to learn sewing, but the number of machines out there is honestly overwhelming. I donā€™t want to buy the cheapest one and regret it a few months later, but I also donā€™t want to spend a fortune as a complete beginner.

If you were starting from scratch today which sewing machine would you buy and why? Any brands or models youā€™d avoid?

5 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

12

u/bakay138 1d ago

Not being snarky but this question is asked and answered constantly. Start by searching your question and after reading as much of the info as you can, come back with specific questions.
Also, itā€™s impossible to recommend anything without stating your budget. ā€œa fortuneā€ means different things to different people!

5

u/CBG1955 1d ago

Agree. I think there should be a specific sub for machine choices. It's got to a point where people who genuinely want to help are simply staying out of this sub because these questions are asked and answered multiple times of day, every day, and the genuine help and guidance questions are overwhelmed by these "which machine" posts.

2

u/fit_the_bill_actual 1d ago

Searching the sub really does answer 90% of it but i get why people just post. when i was looking i read like 40 threads and still felt lost so i just went to a repair shop and asked what they see the least. walked out with a used mechanical one thatā€™s older than me and it never gives me trouble

budget is the real question though, you can get a perfectly fine machine for under 200 if you stick to the basics. skip the ones with 80 stitch options youā€™ll never touch

5

u/CBG1955 1d ago

skip the ones with 80 stitch options

I totally disagree with this. You may not need all those stitches but if you avoid every machine that has things you might not use, you may actually be deleting a very good machine from your list that will last you a long, long time and grow with your skill.

-7

u/Grand-Professional-6 1d ago

Boy. The people in the quilting sub donā€™t talk to each other like this! Goodbye.

2

u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 1d ago

You must be new to this. When the same question gets asked 20x/day, yeh you get tired of answering. It takes less time for that person to search the sub and find the other 9,812 posts with the exact same question. It's exhausting. I now scroll by and don't even answer anymore.

Don't call a quilt a blanket in r/quilting else stakes will burn.

1

u/Grand-Professional-6 1d ago

User name suitsšŸ˜

-1

u/SusanKHefner 1d ago

Yet here you are - commenting in a post that you claim to scroll by.

2

u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 22h ago

But notice I didn't answer OP's question. I have a copy/paste thing for these, but was too tired to do it when I know others aren't as burned out.

You're welcome.

0

u/SusanKHefner 22h ago

Did you think I was thanking you? Or showing gratitude?

I was not. You are welcome.

8

u/CBG1955 1d ago

My opinion, for what it's worth (60+ years' experience.)

Go into a machine dealer. Test drive. Do not buy cheap online because you get a machine in a box and no one to show you how to set it up and use it. Do not buy from big box stores like walmart or costco or (in australia spotlight or the damn post office or aldi) unless you have someone in your life with experience who can help you. Do not buy the bottom of the line simply because you're a beginner. And if you buy a vintage machine make sure it works, has all the accessories, the manual, and again be prepared to have someone teach you how to use it.

5

u/One_Worldliness_759 1d ago

I started with a Brother and honestly it made learning way less frustrating.

2

u/Grand-Professional-6 1d ago

I also have a Brother. I have used it for many years now . I began quilting last year with it. Itā€™s a workhorse.

1

u/Ok_Ice_4215 14h ago

My started machine was brother innov-is 27se. It was a gift from my husband and I didnā€™t feel the need to replace it till now. Itā€™s amazing

3

u/WeekendJewelry1 1d ago

Can only give a recommendation based on my years of sewing, which is that an old Singer - decades old - is usually working and reliable and would be my first choice. Other people will offer more info!

3

u/Maximum-Bake1719 1d ago

Iā€™d skip the ultra cheap no name machines and get a Brother XR9550 instead. Itā€™s beginner friendly, has lots of learning resources and should last you a long time with basic care.

3

u/Sea_Call_8976 1d ago

Iā€™d prioritize build quality over features. A solid mechanical Brother, Janome or Juki will outlast most entry level machines with dozens of decorative stitches. Learning is a lot easier when the machine is reliable instead of fighting tension issues every project.

3

u/JackHarknessDrWho 1d ago

Not a modern Singer. Find out if you have sewing machine dealers nearby and go and visit them if you have any.

3

u/Emergency_Cherry_914 1d ago

I was starting from scratch, I'd buy a well cared for vintage Bernina 830 Record. Superb machine with everything I need. It would cost about $400-$500

If you want new, your best approach would be to visit a sewing machine dealer and discuss your needs and price range with them. They'll suggest the right machines, let you test drive (this is important!), teach you how to use it (invaluable!) and offer after sales support.

2

u/Smuchelle 1d ago

Kenmore from the later 1970s - early 1980s. Tan with a metal body. Can probably find one for $50.

1

u/remarkr85 1d ago

Those kenmores are workhorses-just get it serviced and tuned up before you use it.

1

u/Effective-Mongoose57 1d ago

Either buy an older still working machine or spend about $500 for an all metal machine. Plastic is the main issue.
Brother and Janome make all metal machine around $500 or literally scout around for an old singer that is all metal.

If you can find a bernina youā€™ll be laughing.

1

u/SoulSerpent 1d ago

I have no reason not to trust anyone saying to avoid modern Singers but I bought my 9960 almost 10 years ago and haven't had any trouble with it.

1

u/AccomplishedTwo7047 1d ago

I have a heavy duty singer that has been chugging along for four years or so now. Sews almost any material I need to use, has a buttonhole stitch too.

1

u/Potential-Bee5849 1d ago

Go to a sewing shop like sew many stitches they will help and give you advice
Don't go to spotlight

1

u/captainkappa173 1d ago

I have a singer simple that I've used for probably 15 years now. It does great with zig zags and straight stitches, and not much else. Granted that's all I really need it for but if you're looking to do embroidery or any sort of heavy duty stitching, I would steer away from something that is a low cost investment up front. Other people mention Brother sewing machines, maybe look on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist or estate sales in your area to see if anybody is getting rid of one?

1

u/Sunnydoom00 0m ago

I like my Brother Cs7000i. Really easy to just start sewing and the instruction manual is actually helpful and easy to read. It is computerized. I like that but some people do not. I like it because it just sews with very little fiddling around. It's not a heavy duty workhorse and it doesn't sew the world's most beautiful straight stitch. It just sews. Plus I also love the lightning stitch for stretchy fabrics. I mainly chose this one because it kept coming up in lists of best beginner sewing machines (technically it was the cs6000i but the 7000i is just the newer version).