Choosing the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
When it comes to finding the perfect sewing machine for beginners, it can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, through extensive testing and research, we have narrowed down the top choices that are perfect for those just starting out on their sewing journey.
Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
If you’re a beginner sewer with ambitions to take on more advanced sewing projects in the future, this Brother sewing machine is your best bet. It includes 10 different presser feet with multiple bobbins to start your sewing journey.
In our tests, GH pros found it easy to change the presser feet and easy to thread, thanks to its drop-in bobbin in lieu of a traditional front-loading bobbin set-up, which can be trickier to master. Beginners will also appreciate that the speed is adjustable, so you can avoid going too fast while learning. The start/stop button is also handy for making a sudden stop in case of a mistake.
With 70 built-in stitches, including the basics every sewer needs, we found that it sewed through a variety of fabrics with minimal inaccuracies; that said, it was a bit more difficult to sew satin materials. Our product testers note that while the thread holder may look short at first, its height is actually adjustable.
| Machine type | Computerized |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14 pounds |
| Built-in stitches | 70 stitches with 7 buttonholes |
| Bobbin type | Drop-in |
- Drop-in bobbin
- Over 17,000 five-star Amazon reviews
- Simple threading directions with QR codes for additional guidance
- Showed some inaccuracies when sewing with polyester satin fabrics
FAQs for beginner sewers
What is a good age to start sewing?
Experts suggest that children can start learning to hand sew as early as age 4. They can be introduced to a sewing machine as early as age 6, and could potentially do some unsupervised sewing starting at age 8
Can I teach myself how to sew?
Absolutely! First, you should focus on safety concerns before you start sewing to avoid any pricked fingers or injuries. There are lots of excellent resources online for beginner sewers. When you purchase a machine, check out the brand’s offerings, as many major sewing brands have great educational resources online. Youtube is also a great resource for sewing tutorials.
What should I sew as a beginner?
A simple project that you can complete from start to finish is the perfect place to start. Before you start a bigger project, like pants or a dress, opt for a smaller accessory like scrunchies or a face mask. When you visit a fabric store, you can purchase patterns, which are guides to making different sewing projects, designed specifically for beginners. Don’t be afraid to ask the experts who work at fabric stores to help you find the right beginner pattern for you.
How much should I spend on a beginner sewing machine?
Sewing machines can retail for thousands of dollars with high-end features that can overwhelm a novice sewer. Generally, a sewing machine under $300 is a great place to start for a beginner, unless you want specific added features, like embroidery options.
How much should I spend on my first sewing machine?
A beginner should spend around $200 on their first sewing machine. This will get you a machine that is easy to use and has enough features to help you start learning how to sew. If you decide that you want to continue sewing, you can always upgrade to a more expensive machine later
I am autistic and very sensitive to sound. I have wanted a sewing machine for a long time because i sew everything by hand and some things can take hours for something very small. This machine is very easy to use for beginners, quiet and enjoyable.
I can’t really say much on weight as I’ve never owned a machine before but it’s light enough for me to carry from upstairs to downstairs when I need to use it and the case keeps it well protected.
I totally love my new computerised sewing machine. It’s transformed my sewing in a huge way. Still can’t work out how to do the automatic bobbin threader yet as I’m not sure how you put the thread around the bit above the needles so I’m doing it the old fashioned way lol. I have still kept a hold of my we basic brother machine because it’s fab too but the new one will help me do more things than before. I also have the brother overlocked which is fab too. I would highly recommend all these machines. The prices are amazing. The set up instructions easy and straightforward except the automatic bobbing threader bit. I have had my other 2 machines for about 4 years and they are still going strong. Great make and excellent customer service if you need it. I could never use another make as these machines are phenomenal. I did see another computerised brother machine which does even more and I will probably invest in further down the line. 100% recommend anyone looking at this product or the other 2 because they have never let me down.
I bought my first sewing machine in 1977 with the proceeds from the sale of our home. It cost $800! It was a top of the line, Swiss made machine and I loved it! Just a few years ago I gave that machine to my sister, an avid quilter, whose identical machine had “died” earlier (from overuse, I think😉). I bought another brand, the least expensive I could find. I wasn’t sewing much anymore but wanted to have a machine for little projects that might come along. Fast forward to a few months ago when I decided to join the PieceMakers, a quilting group at our church. My “cheap” machine was just OK so I began looking for another one. I came across the Brother CS7000X and it was being offered at a special price, hundreds less than I had paid for my first sewing machine many decades before. Even though I am computer literate, I was not sure I wanted a computerized sewing machine. I am glad I decided to ignore my doubts. I love this sewing machine! The computerization does NOT make this machine difficult to learn how to use. To the contrary, the computer assistance makes many of the things one does while sewing easier. For instance, I can set my machine to stop with the needle in either the “up” or “down” position when stopping a line of stitching. I don’t have to move the wheel to the position I want; it happens automatically. I can set the speed I want to sew, depending on what I am doing. I can set the machine to automatically reverse or reinforce stitches at the beginning and end of stitching. There are many more “computer assist” features and some without computer assist, like a needle threading device. Wonderful for these 80 year old eyes that don’t see as well as they used to!
The most fun, however, is using the decorative stitches, and there are 70 of them on this machine! With the touch of a couple of buttons (and there is a guide for this) I can choose from among the many attractive, decorative stitches and the machine does the rest. I just guide the fabric through. I have made my own “guide” with a sample of the stitches and their numbers next to them so I know exactly how the stitch looks with my fabric and my thread.
Beginning sewer or experienced, I would highly recommend the Brother CS7000X sewing machine!