Top-rated sewing machine
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
4.7 stars, 19,192 reviews
$210
One reviewer compared this sewing machine to a “friendly sewing robot” due to its 14,000 five-star ratings. Numerous buyers claim it is perfect for both beginners and amateurs; one says it “fits just in between that beginning and advanced level.” Fans adore the easiness of the drop-in bobbin; one says that it is “a delight to wind and insert.” Many others point to its value, simplicity, and lightweight but durable feel. One user says that this Brother will help users discover “joy in the sewing process instead of frustration” among the hundreds of users who gush about how entertaining this machine is to operate. And in addition to the large number of first-timers, other reviewers also share their stories.
Best-rated (less expensive) sewing machine
Brother Sewing Machine, GX37
4.7 stars, 16,727 reviews
$180
This less expensive Brother sewing machine has received positive reviews from customers, particularly those who are new to the pastime. One reviewer encapsulates the overall opinion on the Brother GX37 as follows: “Pricey and simple to use. There are numerous ways to sew it. Numerous people praise the bundled DVD, even though one person calls it “very cheesy.” The self-threading function is also well-liked by critics. In the words of one, “When I lived in the city, I’d run to a random neighbor’s house and beg whoever opened the door to thread my needle so that I could hand sew things. I don’t have any neighbours right now. The self threader is hence the feature that matters the most to me.
Best sewing machine for kids
Singer Mechanical MX60 Sewing Machine
$130
4.6 stars, 4,073 reviews
Numerous reviewers have also stated that this machine is suitable for novices, with many mentioning that it is best suited for the youngest sewers. One customer comments, “My daughter likes it,” and the machine is “simple to use.” Another of the almost 40 customers who rate this machine as “simple” is a grandparent who purchased it for her 10-year-old granddaughter. “Easy, light, and perfect first machine,” she adds, noting that the setup manual is a bit lacking but that further information is readily available online. Several customers confirm to the machine’s durability despite its small weight, and one in particular likes that it has indications “to illustrate how to thread the machine and bobbin” – a useful feature for novice sewers.
Best basic computerized sewing machine
Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine
4.7 stars, 4,515 reviews
$160
With 60 stitches, reviewers love the range of this computerized machine. One compares the experience of sewing on the Brother CS5055 to using a scientific calculator: “This thing is like the Texas Instrument calculators where you may not know what you are doing but this thing can do just about anything.” The options on this might seem like extra, but, as one reviewer points out, “You don’t know how much you need obscure features until you have them and think to use them.” Dozens are impressed by how quiet it is. A reviewer sums up the consensus view by saying it “runs like a Cadillac, smooth and quiet.”
$160 AT AMAZON
Best multi-use computerized sewing machine
Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine
4.8 stars, 3,583 reviews
$220
Several satisfied reviewers note that this is their first computerized sewing machine, but, as one writes, “It is very user friendly, making the transition quite easy. The automatic bobbin threader, needle threader, speed settings, and needle placement options are particularly useful.” One customer compares this to a much more expensive sewing machine, and notes, “For a fraction of the price, this machine has many of the features that made my old one great. Already have made a bed skirt, curtains and pillows for a bed room, recovered an ottoman, and sewed several garments for my granddaughter.”
Another writes that “this machine has so many options that I still haven’t learned them all,” and mentions that the foot-free feature is ideal for quilting. And though it’s a divisive topic in the reviews, many love the automatic needle threader: “The bobbin is easy to load into the machine and the needle-threader is wonderful for the younger and older sewer alike. I’ve been teaching my three daughters that are above age 8 to sew on these machines without issue. I loved it so much, I bought one for myself.”
Best computerized sewing machine for quilting
Brother CS7000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
4.7 stars, 19,192 reviews
$220
Many reviewers who just started learning how to quilt and sew recommend this Brother sewing machine. In fact, over 60 reviewers use the phrase “easy to use” to describe it. One reviewer bought this to make their first quilt, despite the fact that “prior to receiving this, I never sewed a stitch in my life on a machine. Within a week, I was producing advanced-beginner-quality items. No one … not even me could believe it.” They add that it’s “lightweight, easy to set up, [and has] beautiful programmed stitches.” Another bought this to replace a “finicky” machine for their wife, who was interested in learning how to quilt. “She loves it,” they report. “With the machine difficulties eliminated, her enjoyment of sewing has really taken off. I may have created a monster, but it’s a happy monster.” It is not only appreciated by beginners, though; lots of experienced quilters and sewers are impressed. One, who replaced their older machine with this one, says they “love it. Lots of stitches and feet to choose from. It’s a great machine for someone who quilts for a hobby or is making clothes.”
Best longarm sewing machine for quilting
Brother High-Speed Quilting and Sewing Machine
4.8 stars, 1,146 reviews
$800
Reviewers are very satisfied with the dimensions of this longarm sewing machine, which features a wide table for larger projects and bulkier quilts. As one typical user sums up, “The motor is strong, the stitches are even (regardless of how fast you sew), and the extension table is very convenient.” Another reviewer who has used this model for five years says, “I have made table runners and queen size quilts with all over free motions quilting and it does the job beautifully.” While it can be put to general use, those who have a specific purpose in mind will be best served here. One reviewer explains, “I am a professional textile artist, and this machine, for me, is like going from a humble Honda to a freakin’ Ferrari!”
Best portable sewing machine
Singer MX231 Sewing Machine$150
now 10% off
4.6 stars, 4,073 reviews
$135
At just under 12 pounds, this Singer sewing machine is one of the lightest on this list. One reviewer says it’s “lightweight, powerful, and easy to use. I would recommend this to anyone who is just starting out with sewing on a machine.” The machine’s “nice, sturdy construction” makes it just as effective as a heavier model, says another reviewer. “Threading is a breeze, bobbin winding is a breeze … I have made a few bags and masks, and I’m loving the results! I’m having a blast!” And while it’s certainly beginner-friendly, other reviewers say it would also please more experienced sewers. “I absolutely love it and would recommend it to any one beginner or pro!” one writes. “Sturdy, reliable, [easy to] operate, nice-looking, and very functional.”
Best heavy-duty sewing machine
Singer Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine
4.6 stars, 5,922 reviews
$210
On the other end of the spectrum is this heavy-duty sewing machine from Singer, which one reviewer calls “a workhorse and a half. I chose this model based on the heavy duty description, as I really do sew for hours a day.” Another writes, “It had plenty of power to go through multiple layers of Sunbrella [upholstery] fabric smoothly. It took me a little to get to ‘know’ the machine and adjust my settings correctly, but once I got the hang of it this machine performed flawlessly.” A third, who admits they’d had some tough luck with Singer machines in the past, took a chance on this machine and is now a convert: “Let me say, WOW. Sews like butter, gets the job done and love that I can go from sewing silk and fur to canvas and denim in one sitting.”
$210 AT AMAZON
Best leather sewing machine
4.6 stars, 15,247 reviews
$200
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is also referred to by dozens of reviewers as a “workhorse” that powers through heavy fabrics with ease. “I can sew directly through leather and vinyl, and even through woven seagrass baskets and fans, which previously broke my needles instantly if I made the tiniest error,” writes one user. Another writes about this machine’s ability to sew through almost any fabric, “I also teach bag-making classes with my local guild, and have never had problems getting through multiple layers of interfacing, fabric, canvas, or batting. I’ve even been able to sew leather handles on. You gave to go slowly, but it’s totally doable.”
Best serger
Juki MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine
4.8 stars, 794 reviews
$370
Those ready for the efficiency and professional finishes of a serger should know how passionate the recommendations are for this Juki. One reviewer writes, “I pried myself away from her to go to bed at 1 A.M. I sew almost exclusively with knits, and within 30 minutes of ownership, Juki has changed my life. The feel of the machine is dense, compact, quality. Like a super expensive industrial thing. Nothing frilly or brittle or wobbly or shaky. Just — hardcore. YET — friendly and sexy and enjoyable to touch.” There seems to be a learning curve with this sewing machine: Over a dozen reviewers talk about learning how to use this machine from online videos. One writes, “Threading it was frightening at first but I found a youtube video where an experienced professional sewist shows exactly how to thread this particular model.” Once going, reviewers are pleased with its dependability; a reviewer who uses the Juki professionally “making items out of jean material, cork and vinyl fabric, upholstery fabric, and just your everyday run of the mill quilting fabric” says, “I abuse this thing and it still works like a dream! I’ve had this machine for close to three years and I’ve only serviced it once by a professional.”
Best beginner-friendly serger
4.7 stars, 9,296 reviews
$250Photo: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer
“I have been sewing for more than 40 years. Always wondered what a serger could do. A better question is what can’t it do?” writes one reviewer, who has used the Brother serger to make masks, napkins, baby blankets, and more. “It is a workhorse but additionally, so easy to repair by yourself! And I am a very non-technical 62 year old grandmother,” they write. Threading a serger is notoriously tricky for beginners, and many reviewers appreciated this model’s color-coded guide and that it arrives “set up with color-coded thread and a pre-made chain to help you understand how it all works.” One buyer wrote that “threading was super easy! Can’t believe I stressed over not getting a serger years ago from reading or watching tutorials of people making it sound so frustrating. Not with this sweet machine … I think a kid could follow the instructions and do it.” One thing to note: several people mentioned that the machine needs to be oiled before operating, and the instructions provided in the setup booklet are easy to overlook. A reviewer insists: “Word of advice … DO IT!”
Best coverstitch serger
Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Serger
4.6 stars, 789 reviews
$490
“This machine has changed my sewing life,” raves one reviewer. “I can now hem ANY stretch fabric, no matter how thin or delicate, and put a professional store-bought finish onto every top I make. I use it to sew PERFECT necklines, armholes, and hems.” Another satisfied customer explains, “A cover stitch will really bring up your game, especially with knits. Hemming is my least favorite part of sewing, followed by attaching bands like a neck band. The cover stitch machine zooms through hemming. It also creates chain stitching for decorative attaching. Cover stitch machines are definitely a splurge but if you sew a lot and sew a lot of knits it’s a good investment.” And a third avid sewer also praises the long-term value of this machine: “This machine is well worth the money, and trust me, you won’t be able to live without it once you start using it. I made a robe in about a half an hour with this machine, and no one in my family could tell I hadn’t bought it off the rack.”
$490 AT AMAZON
Best sewing machine with screen
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine$500
now 30% off
4.6 stars, 7,135 reviews
From $350
This sewing machine is beloved by Loeffler Randall founder Jessie Randall, who told us she used it to sew everything from Halloween costumes for her kids to over 1,200 face masks during the pandemic. It’s also a favorite of nearly 5,000 five-star Amazon reviewers. One of the features that sets this computerized sewing machine apart is the large, color LCD touchscreen, which, according to one reviewer, “provides clear and easy viewing of stitch functions, including stitch length, stitch width, tension settings, recommended presser foot, needle up/down position, and more.” Another reviewer is impressed with this machine’s preprogrammed stitch variety, writing, “It really is a ‘push and play’ type feature. Simply push the specialty stitch button, look at the screen display, and select the stitch you want. Right there on the display, it tells you exactly which foot you will need and then you just put in your thread, bobbin, and material and go!” As one reviewer summarizes, “I had bought this machine about two months ago now, and I absolutely love love love it. Runs quiet, and absolute perfect stitches every time. It’s very nice to be able to go to your machine, turn it on, push a button, and sew till your heart’s content. Singer, you knocked it out of the ballpark with this machine.”
Best sewing machine for crafting
Singer Stylist 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
4.6 stars, 3,961 reviews
$230
Dozens of reviewers share how excited they are about the 76 decorative, customizable stitches offered by this automated, affordable, solid yet portable Singer. As one user writes, “To my surprise, I’m enjoying the patterned decorative stitches and have used them more than expected.” Another points out that “The built-in handle makes this easy to take along for events or for a crafting get together.” But it’s also sure enough to earn it’s place at home — one reviewer says it is “Designed and built well. Solid (heavy) because the gears and important operating parts are metal not nylon or plastic.” The Singer 7258 can even exceed expectations. One admitted novice writes, “After being forewarned by these ladies at Joann Fabrics that most machines can’t do patches, I tried anyway and was blown away. I did five patches for my brother, and fixed another thicker one that was glued on months ago.”
