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The 10 Best Sewing Machines of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Built to keep up with any project

Best sewing machines displayed on a white desk in a pink room

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

I’ve been sewing since I was about 6 years old, so you can only imagine my excitement when I learned that we were testing 24 popular sewing machine models in The Lab. I’d say I’m biased in that I learned from the best teacher, my grandmother, who has over 60 years of experience sewing and designing her own clothes. I have sewn on both Pfaff and Baby Lock machines. It’s important to remember before you start shopping that sewing machines are not a “one size fits all” product. Finding a machine that works for you is a personal decision based on your comfort level and ability level above anything else. 

The latest features on sewing machines from top brands like Singer, Baby Lock, and Janome include thread-cutting buttons and “self-driving,” made for seasoned crafters piecing intricate quilts, attractive wall hangings, and more. While it may seem exciting to purchase a machine with over 500 stitch options and a snazzy interface, a higher-quality, less-equipped machine, can be the better investment, advises sewing expert Marissa Likar of Stitch Clinic, especially if you're in the market for a beginner sewing machine or if you’re refreshing your skills. A machine with metal parts is sure to be reliable and long-lasting for someone with any skill level.

During testing, we evaluated the features, overall design, and setup of each machine, using a straight stitch on cotton fabric and zig-zag one on denim to evaluate stitch quality and tension. We had an expert with over 50 years of experience on-site to ensure we properly threaded the machines, and made sure every tester had experience with a sewing machine beforehand, so they could evaluate the machines properly. For quilting, embroidery, quick garment fixes, and everything in between, we gave these options high marks.

A close-up of the stitches guide on the Brother HC1850 Sewing Machine.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

What to Know Before You Get Started

  • Mechanical sewing machines are better suited for beginners because of the straightforward setup and features. Computerized machines will offer more innovative features like automatic buttonhole capabilities, thread-cutting buttons, and automatic tension settings, which help both experts and beginners.
  • Sewing machines will each come with their own variety of presser feet, but the three essential ones to look for are a universal presser foot, a zipper presser foot, and a buttonhole presser foot. 
  • Drop-in bobbin housing is located near the needle plate while a front-loading bobbin housing is found by removing the free arm extension and flipping down a cover. Drop-in bobbins can be easier for beginners as they don’t have a removable case that must be aligned properly like front-loading bobbins.  

You can find even more information about these sewing machine features in our What to Look for in a Sewing Machine section below.

Editor's Note: This review was revised in March 2024 with new buying considerations for our 10 favorite, tested sewing machines.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine

Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to operate

  • Comes with wide table extension

  • Lightweight

  • Intuitive threading guides

What We Don't Like
  • Walking foot not included

We had several sewing machines earn perfect scores during our testing, but we’ve deemed the Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine the best overall because it has all of the modern functions that you’d want in a sewing machine without any fluff. However, that isn’t to say that this machine isn’t advanced or lacks competitive features. We enjoyed how easy this machine was to set up, especially thanks to the intuitive thread guides illustrated on the machine. The bobbin is also drop-in style with a thread guide that snips away excess length. 

This machine can handle both lighter cotton and higher-density weaves like denim. It’s easy to cycle through all of the 165 stitch options on the digital screen, which also suggests which compatible presser foot to use. In addition to your standard functional stitches, of which there are 110, the remaining 55 stitches are alphanumeric options so you can even try your hand at monogramming. However, there is only one font. We loved using this sewing machine with the wide table extension, which would make quilting and larger clothes projects easier to manage. This machine is also just over 10 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest options in our roundup, and it has a carrying handle and hard cover case. Carrying handles are not uncommon on machines, but we think this model would be a more portable option for trips to sewing classes or different work areas. 

We didn’t experience any major frustrations while using this machine, but we do wish it came with a walking foot. Walking feet can be great tools for ensuring an even top and bottom fabric feed, especially with slippery or thick fabrics, such as silk and felt. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker for us, and you can purchase a walking foot separately if you plan on working on more advanced projects like designing quilts or creating thick jackets. This machine is well-suited for any sewing level from beginner to intermediate. Even experts will enjoy the simplicity and reliability of its stitching.

Those familiar with the Brother brand won’t be surprised by this review, as they’ve been a popular contender in the sewing industry for over 100 years offering a range of machines for all levels of users. All in all, we loved what this sewing machine had to offer because it was easy to use, has a strong stitch variety, and can easily be upgraded with separate purchases, such as a walking foot, to grow with your skills. Beginner may experience a slight learning curve getting used to a larger set of stitches and presser feet, but it's top-notch otherwise.

Type: Computerized | Number of Stitch Options: 165 | Buttonhole Options: 8 | Speed: 850 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 8 | Bobbin Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 20 x 13.5 x 17.9 inches | Weight: 10.12 pounds

Stitch Options

Beginner sewists should look for stitch options in the range of 15 to 100. Mechanical machines typically have less than 20 stitch options. The stitch options on computerized machines are much more varied. The highest total in our roundup is 600, which is more than sufficient for intermediate and expert users.

Best Value

Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine

Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Simple interface

  • Fun color

  • Detailed and easy to read manual

What We Don't Like
  • Bobbin housing is not fully secured

Aside from being an investment of time, sewing (and all of the required accessories) can be a very expensive hobby, so we were thrilled to find a machine under $200 that’s durable and easy to use. The Janome New Home Blue Couture Sewing Machine was an easy favorite for us—not only for its reliable stitching but also for its vibrant blue hue. It’s also available in a crystal aqua and sorbet pink that will make it a standout in your craft room. This machine’s mechanical interface additionally makes it an ideal candidate for a novice sewist, when compared to computerized options on our list that can sometimes have a mind of their own. Sometimes the errors displayed on a computerized model’s machine can be confusing and unexplained unless you dive into the user manual, so a mechanical model does have its perks as the user is entirely in control of its entire mechanism without the mind of a computer attached.  

We initially didn’t think this machine required any setting up out of the box, but the bobbin housing (known as the shuttle or hook race unit) was not fully secured when we opened the front-loading bobbin compartment. Several small pieces came out of the machine, which required reassembly and securing before we could begin threading. We suspect that these pieces weren’t secured to prevent any jams during shipping, but we do wish that a warning sticker was placed on the machine, along with instructions for reassembly. If you’re not familiar with how to replace these parts, this online Janome manual provides visual and written instructions. 

Once we were past that initial hiccup, we found that this machine is very easy to use. The dials for adjusting stitches, tension, and buttonhole steps are straightforward. Plus, if you’re not familiar with how certain features should be used, the manual offers detailed insights. However, the manual doesn’t offer as much help as we might have liked in the way of troubleshooting. For example, the information on how to replace the shuttle race unit was buried in the manual, rather than being located with the other bobbin housing explanations. We also had some difficulty understanding all of the sewing jargon associated with the buttonhole function, and we wish the Janome designers had taken greater consideration of readers who were completely unfamiliar with sewing machines and their parts. Despite our gripes with the instruction manual, we were still pleased with the amount of detail and images provided for operating the machine.

Compared to our best overall, this machine is still relatively small and lightweight and also has a carrying handle. It’d be a great option to quickly pull out if you don’t have an expansive table to work on. You can also purchase a carrying case for it if you plan to travel with it. You won’t find all of the latest technology loaded on it—or features like LED lights and an automatic thread cutter, which make sewing more convenient on any level—but it’s a durable model from a trustworthy brand. It's exactly what a beginner sewist needs to get started, too.

Type: Mechanical | Number of Stitch Options: 15 | Buttonhole Options: 1 | Speed: 800 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 4 | Bobbin Type: Front-loading | Dimensions: 16 x 7 x 12 inches | Weight: 12 pounds

Buttonhole Types

Mechanical models feature a four-step buttonhole, where you’ll have to pivot the fabric to create each side of the buttonhole. Computerized models have automatic buttonhole settings, which function similar to your typical stitch selection. You can choose the style of buttonhole you want and the presser foot detects the size you’ll need based on the button you insert into it.

Best Splurge

Janome Memory Craft 9850

Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Embroidery and Sewing Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Full-color touchscreen display

  • Automatic thread cutter

  • Locking stitch button

  • Larger working area

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

  • Manual lacks troubleshooting page

While we would not recommend this machine for the average user, an experienced and avid sewist could spend hours learning all of the features loaded onto the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Embroidery and Sewing Machine. With 200 built-in stitches and a maximum sewing speed of 1,000 stitches per minute, you’ll be well on your way to creating some fabulous pieces. After testing this machine, we feel it's safe to say that every basic function is slightly elevated. 

For starters, this machine has a needle up and down button, which is common on most computerized models; however, this machine’s button memorizes your preferred needle position when you finish sewing, so you can easily make adjustments with the needle still down or free your fabric quickly when the needle is up. In addition to a standard reverse stitch button, you’ll also find a locking stitch button, which is a great feature when you’re using zig-zag or decorative stitches. The automatic thread cutter is also a fun add-on that will make you wonder why every machine doesn’t have one.

Working with denim and cotton on this machine was a breeze for us, and the straight and zig-zag stitches both came out with even tension on the top and bottom of the fabrics. Since this machine also has embroidery capabilities, we conducted an additional test to see how it functioned with different-size hoops, which hold your embroidery fabric taut and vary in size so you can change them out for various size projects and patterns. We were impressed that the embroidery pattern we selected easily maneuvered our lightweight cotton, without the addition of any starch sizing or fusion fabric to bulk its weight. The real thrill of this machine for avid embroiderers will be the 175 built-in embroidery designs, with the option to also transfer designs with a USB plug. You can easily find new embroidery patterns online and you can also purchase CDs and transfer patterns from them to a USB drive. An embroidery machine can read the patterns, which are formatted and packaged for these machines. 

Our only wish for this machine is that it came with a walking foot. Although the 7-piece feed dog system offers smooth stitching, a walking foot would be great for bulkier projects. The instruction manual, although thorough, also lacks a troubleshooting page, which we think might be helpful for the common errors that pop up on the LCD screen. You’ll also notice this machine is the heaviest in our roundup, so it’s not the easiest to pack up for a sewing class. Finally, it has one major quirk that we think quilters should know: the 1/4-inch presser foot does not actually achieve a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and you much select a stitch option within the quilting stitches each time you want to use that presser foot. We found it tiring to go through this process each time we had to set up the machine.

With that said, we think this machine is best suited for someone with a more permanent and advanced sewing setup, where they wouldn’t have to carry it around very much. We don’t consider these flaws to be true dealbreakers and still love all of the capabilities that are packed into this machine. 

Type: Computerized | Number of Stitch Options: 200 | Buttonhole Options: 6 | Speed: 1,000 stitches per minute | Feet Included: Not listed | Bobbin Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 38 pounds

Feed Dogs and Stitch Speed

The feed dogs are the metal teeth that appear under the presser foot on a machine. On quilting machines, these can be dropped (also known as lowering the feed dogs) to allow for free-form stitching.  Additionally, pay attention to the speed listed on sewing machines. While not always indicative of a sewing machine’s effectiveness, the speed (measured in stitches per minute) can give you an idea of how quickly a machine can sew.

Best First Sewing Machine

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

Baby Lock

What We Like
  • Easy to operate

  • Detailed user manual

  • Vertical spool pin

What We Don't Like
  • May not be best for advanced quilting and clothes-making

If you’re hoping to gift a sewing machine to a younger user who may not know the basics, this machine would be a great choice. The Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine is one of the brand’s simplest machines in design and function. We’ll admit that initially we were slightly disappointed by this machine’s elementary design as Baby Lock has an array of computerized machines and this one is not. However, with a new perspective, we’ve deemed the Zest a reliable, and reasonably priced, option for those who have never used a sewing machine. 

We loved that this machine came with a detailed owner’s manual, so you can easily learn all of its functions alongside illustrations. The dials are even labeled so you know which one to turn for stitch selection or stitch length. Not all sewing machines have labeled dials, which makes this design unique and a great choice for users unfamiliar with all of the functions. We also appreciate that the reverse stitch lever has a recessed finger rest, which makes it less likely to be accidentally activated compared to other mechanical machines, and also makes it more comfortable to press on. This machine also has a vertical spool pin, which many sewists prefer on machines compared to horizontal spoon pins, which, if set up incorrectly, can change thread tension. 

As could be expected, this machine’s basic functions may also be its biggest drawback. For advanced sewists, this machine may be a bit limiting in nature, but younger users and first-time learners will appreciate the straightforward design with labeled parts. We do wish that the reverse stitch lever was located closer to the needle, but it's still fairly easy to accomplish smooth backstitching on this machine. Additionally, we're getting used to the amount of pressure required on the foot pedal, so speed control would have been a great feature as well for beginners.

Type: Mechanical | Number of Stitch Options: 15 | Buttonhole Options: 1 | Speed: Not listed | Feet Included: 4 | Bobbin Type: Front-loading | Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 13 pounds

Best for Beginners

Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Automatic buttonhole presser foot

  • Comes with walking foot

  • Quick guide and detailed instructions

What We Don't Like
  • Dim light

For anyone who has previously sewn but isn’t looking for the advanced features of some of the more expensive machines in this roundup, we recommend the Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine as a great beginner sewing machine. We love that this model has advanced features while still being easy to understand. Although this machine looks very similar to our best overall pick, it doesn’t have alphanumeric stitches or the same amount of quilting and appliqué stitches.   

However, much of the rest of this machine’s operation is identical to our best overall pick. We’re big fans of the automatic buttonhole presser foot on this machine, especially for beginners, as it makes the task of matching your button size much less daunting. Similarly, we love that a walking foot is included among the 10 different presser feet that come with this machine. A walking foot is essential for quilters and sewists working with thick layers. Plus, the quick start guide makes it easy to thread the machine and get started right away, especially if you’re already familiar with Brother’s line of machines. The manual is a great resource, though, for learning how different stitches and presser feet work on this machine. 

If we had to complain about one feature of this machine, it would be the dim light located near the needle housing. It’s not quite bright enough to help illuminate the entire flatbed, which can be frustrating for already strained eyes. However, lighting is always a challenge with sewing machines, especially those with longer extension tables, so we don’t consider this design issue a dealbreaker. While it's slightly confusing to have the reverse and needle up/down buttons beside each other, this hasn't been a major issue as we can quickly glance up to ensure we're pressing the correct one, too. Overall, we still think this machine is an excellent option for beginners who want a computerized model they can easily become familiar with. 

Type: Computerized | Number of Stitch Options: 70 | Buttonhole Options: 7 | Speed: Not listed | Feet Included: 10 | Bobbin Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 16.26 x 6.65 x 12.21 inches | Weight: 14 pounds

Lighting Your Workspace

You’ll find limited lighting on most sewing machines, so we recommend purchasing adhesive machine strip lights or a desk light if you want a well-illuminated workspace.

Best Heavy-Duty

Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine

Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Automatic thread cutter

  • Knee lever attachment

  • Walking foot creates perfect speed

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

  • Quirky thread cutter shortcut on pedal

Industrial-style machines are some of the highest-quality models on the market, and we loved using the Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine. Despite the fact that it is purely designed for straight stitching, we think this machine is worth it purely based on its durability and quality. As its 25-pound weight suggests—despite a more compact frame compared to our best overall and best for embroidery picks—this machine is a heavy-duty model that’s meant to deal with heavier and thicker fabrics. From denim to upholstery fabrics, advanced sewists and quilters will love how this machine easily handles bulk. 

We initially thought the sewing speed was a bit fast, but once we added the walking foot, we found it adjusted the speed to what we consider to be the perfect pace. Like other computerized sewing machines in our roundup, this Juki does have an automatic thread cutter button. However, we also learned that the foot pedal has a thread-cutting shortcut (the blue raised pad on the top of the pedal), which we accidentally pressed while in the middle of our stitching. This could certainly be a frustrating quirk while working on any project, so we suggest keeping your foot lower on the pedal. If you feel coordinated enough or are familiar with it, you can always switch out the foot pedal for the knee lever attachment—which functions the same as the foot pedal, except you raise and lower your knee to make the machine run.

Overall, the basic design of this Juki sewing machine only further emphasizes how some of the frills of computerized machines aren’t always necessary, even for the most advanced sewists. However, this machine certainly isn't for every sewist, especially if you want a model that offers more than one stitch.

Type: Mechanical | Number of Stitch Options: 1 | Buttonhole Options: 0 | Speed: 1,500 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 2 | Bobbin Type: Front-loading | Dimensions: 17.8 x 8.6 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 25.4 pounds

Best for Quilting

Singer Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine

Amazon Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extension table included

  • Slow stitch button

  • Stitch selection buttons

What We Don't Like
  • Thread guides are difficult to see

Ample room and reliable feed dogs are some of the most important functions of a quilting machine. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing and Quilting Machine has both of those and other features that make detailed quilting projects easier to complete. This machine was a standout model during our testing. We found ourselves saying, “Oh my gosh!” every few minutes because of all the advanced options packed into its interface. A thread-cutting button, stitch-tacking button, and sliding speed adjuster just scratch the surface of what we loved about this machine. 

With a whopping 600 stitch options (the most on our list), and plenty of alphanumeric and decorative stitches to choose from, it’s safe to say you’ll always have plenty of options for adorning quilts with unique borders and quilting designs. We also love that this machine has buttons for all of its functions, rather than dials. While dials are typically fine on mechanical models, it’s easy to accidentally change the stitch type just by brushing against the selector knob on newer computerized options. 

A larger extension table with a ruler is included when you purchase this machine, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a compatible extender separately. We also liked the bright LED lights built into this machine, which helped to illuminate the space under the free arm. We found it interesting that this machine has a slow stitch button, which can be especially useful when using the start and stop button. The slow stitch function works by slowing down the speed of the machine when using it in its “self-driving” mode (with the start and stop button rather than the pedal). It can be especially helpful for pulling out pins or making turns and curves while sewing.  

The only issue we had while testing was initially threading the machine because the thread guides are raised on the body of the machine, rather than printed like other machines. You have to have the right lighting to be able to see all of the details. However, we will note that threading this machine is not too different from the standard process on any other machine.

We love that the size of decorative stitches can be enlarged, so you may find it easier to cover larger squares and quilt patterns more efficiently. Additionally, the stitch selection keypad is very intuitive to control despite the overwhelming number of stitches. We don't think this machine is the best option for carrying to classes, as it is very heavy, so it's best left out in a dedicated space. All in all, though, you’re really getting a machine that’s packed with capabilities for a wide variety of projects outside of quilting as well. 

Type: Computerized | Number of Stitch Options: 600 | Buttonhole Options: 13 | Speed: 850 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 13 | Bobbin Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches | Weight: 20 pounds

Threading a Sewing Machine

Most machines thread the same exact way! The first few steps may vary based on the size of the machine, but once you know how to thread one machine you should feel confident doing it on any household machine. However, we always advise double-checking an instruction manual or quick guide just to be safe.

Best for Embroidery

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Touch screen selection

  • Quick guide offers insightful starting tips

  • Large workspace

What We Don't Like
  • Steel plate is difficult to remove

Sewing clothes and quilts are just two of the ways you can use a high-quality sewing machine. For those who prefer the art of embroidery, we highly recommend the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. While it doesn’t have quite as many features as our best splurge pick, the Brother SE600 is a great entry-level embroidery machine that can also accomplish an array of standard sewing tasks. The colored touch screen makes it easy to scroll through stitch options and customize embroidery designs with different colors. 

We recommend taking your time to familiarize yourself with all of the functions of this machine’s screen before using it. There is a slight learning curve, especially if you’re not used to computerized machines. The quick guide was a great resource to learn how to operate all of the basic components of this machine. We referenced it throughout our testing. This machine is also larger (dimension-wise) than the other options in this roundup, as it has a great workspace to easily attach the embroidery hoops and work with larger pieces of fabric. 

While we do wish a few more presser feet and stitch options were provided, we love how this machine is embroidery-first. The standard sewing capabilities are just as reliable as other machines on our list, but we recommend playing around with the machine’s tension. The only snag we ran into was a literal snag and thread tangle under the steel plate. Our top thread severed during an embroidery design, which required us to re-thread the machine, and then when the design resumed, it created a big knot under the needle plate. The screwdriver that was provided in the accessories box was not the perfect size for the plate’s screws, so it took some effort to remove the plate and cut out the thread. However, we were able to resolve the issue and did not experience any other complications during testing. 

We recommend keeping a close eye on the amount of thread you have on your bobbin and spool before starting a detailed embroidery design and be sure to also carefully watch the needle throughout the design process. 

Type: Computerized | Number of Stitch Options: 103 | Buttonhole Options: 10 | Speed: 710 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 7 | Bobbin Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 21.18 x 15.51 x 16.54 inches | Weight: 26.2 pounds

Best for Clothes

Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comes with extension table

  • Strong starter set of presser feet

  • Quiet operation

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t come with walking foot

Designing and making clothes is likely the craft most people think of as a reason for owning a sewing machine. The Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine checks all of the boxes for functions you could want on a modern machine. Unlike quilting and embroidery machines, you won’t find a machine that’s marketed as the best for clothes, so pay attention to the accessories and features of a machine to find what’s right for your skill level and needs. For starters, we really enjoyed the extension table provided with this model, which makes maneuvering larger projects much easier. This also cuts down on the number of separate purchases you make over time, as you continue to invest in the craft. 

We also appreciate that this machine comes with eight different presser feet, including feet for a blind stitch, zipper, and buttonhole. It’s also easy to know which foot is most compatible with the 185 stitches available because the screen displays the corresponding foot letter. However, this machine does not come with a walking foot, so you will have to purchase that separately if you plan on working with thicker fabrics, or want to ensure the top and bottom fabrics are fed evenly through the machine. 

Most notably, we found this machine to be very quiet during our testing. It easily handled our testing swatches of cotton and denim without any major stitch flaws, but we do suggest paying attention to your tension settings on different fabric weights. This machine has a maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute, which is the same speed as our best for quilting pick, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine, and we love that an adjustable speed slider is located on the front of the machine. While this machine lacks some advanced features like a stitch tack button and a thread cutting button, we think the reliable stitching and easy interface make it a strong contender for anyone starting to sew their own clothes.

Type: Computerized | Number of Stitch Options: 185 | Buttonhole Options: 8 | Speed: 850 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 8 | Bobbin Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.5 x 15.2 inches | Weight: 10.1 pounds

Best Serger

Brother Serger Metal Frame Overlock Machine

Brother Serger 1034D Heavy-Duty Metal Frame Overlock Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Differential fabric feed

  • Easy-to-follow threading instructions

  • Suitable for novice sewists

What We Don't Like
  • Must rethread machine to reset overlock

Sergers are not designed for typical straight stitch sewing and binding layers of fabric together. These machines are meant for finishing the edges of fabric that unravels easily such as cotton. We let our expert, Eleanor Lofte, test this machine in our lab and she thought the Brother 1034D Serger was very effective after completing our tests. Despite sergers typically being an intimidating machine, Lofte noted that this model came with four different color spools of thread, which made it easy to properly thread the machine and keep track of the stitch’s tension. Plus, the instruction manual has pictures and written instructions that make it easy to understand which thread follows which path. 

Additionally, we love that this serger is equipped with differential fabric feed, which ensures that your stitching comes out even no matter the type of fabric you’re working with. In addition to the standard overlock presser foot, this machine also comes with a blind stitch foot and a gathering foot, so you can easily take your skills to the next level with hidden hems and gathered sleeves. You must completely re-thread the machine to reset it to the standard overlock stitch; however, we found this process to be less daunting thanks to the detailed instructions. 

While sergers are typically deemed as essential only for advanced sewists who are making clothes for everyday wear, Lofte said she thought this serger would be suitable for anyone from novice to intermediate in skill. We've found this serger really speeds up projects that require a lot of hemming. We've been able to speed through napkins and curtains with ease since our initial lab testing, and haven't run into any major frustrations—though, it's not an ideal machine for projects outside of hemming and finishing stitches.

Type: Mechanical | Number of Stitch Options: 3 or 4 thread functions | Buttonhole Options: Not applicable | Speed: 1,300 stitches per minute | Feet Included: 3 | Bobbin Type: Not applicable | Dimensions: 11.73 x 10.98 x 13.19 inches | Weight: 13.45 pounds

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick, the Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine, is a great choice for any level of sewist, and we love that it’s a lightweight model so you can easily transport it. With a wide extension table and over 150 stitches to choose from, you’re well-equipped to design clothes or quilts with ease. Our best value pick, the Janome New Home Blue Couture Sewing Machine, is a mechanical machine that has a fun color—hello bright blue—intuitive controls, and a thorough and easy-to-read manual. While it’s not revolutionary in technological features, we loved how well it stitched and found it a simple machine to use.

Other Options We Tested

Baby Lock Jazz II Sewing and Quilting Machine: This is a very nice sewing machine that we would recommend purchasing if you’re an avid quilter. While it’s mechanical and doesn’t have all of the latest buttons, it sewed beautifully during our testing. Compared to the other models we tested, this machine just has a higher price point. However, it could be worth the splurge if you’re looking for a high-quality machine and don’t care for the computerized functions of certain models.  

Bernette 79 Sewing & Embroidery Machine: Bernina machines are some of the most expensive machines on the market and for good reason. This model is loaded with top features and has an extensive manual to match, but we did have to go online to access the full instruction manual. We loved all of the features packed into this machine, but we found it a bit overwhelming to navigate in our allotted testing time. If you love embroidery, then this machine may be worth its almost $3,000 price, but we couldn’t justify adding it to our list without further testing first. 

Singer 4452 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine: Formerly our best heavy-duty pick, the Singer 4452 is aptly named as a heavy-duty machine. We really had no major issues while testing this machine, but we were disappointed that it didn’t come with a complete user manual. Only a two-page quick guide was provided for threading the machine and setting up the bobbin, so we struggled to understand the automatic buttonhole on this particular model. However, we do think it could be a great choice for someone who wants similar performance to a Juki or other industrial machines without spending over $300.

Bernette 79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Henry Wortock

How We Tested the Sewing Machines 

Due to the complexity of sewing machines, we completed a tons of research before purchasing and testing a variety of machines in The Lab. We consulted Eleanor Lofte, a seamstress at Something Blue Bridal, to learn what features she considers essential. With her advice in mind, we finalized our methodology and purchased 24 different sewing machines. Two of these machines were sergers, so the testing varied slightly. We also made sure that all of our team members participating in this test had previous experience working with sewing machines to ensure a fair evaluation of features and functionality. 

For testing, we kept whatever needle was originally installed in each machine, and only tested cotton and denim fabric swatches. We used a straight stitch on the cotton fabric, because we noticed the zig-zag stitch had a tendency to bunch and pucker the cotton, since we were working with thin swatches, which is not uncommon. We tested the zig-zag stitch on the denim, because of its denser weight and durability. For both of these fabrics, we analyzed the stitches to see if they laid flat and had proper tension (the red needle thread only appeared on the top of the swatch, and the blue bobbin thread only appeared on the bottom). 

For sergers, our stitch testing varied slightly because these machines are designed for finishing, rather than assembly. So, we used two pieces of cotton fabric and stitched the edges together. 

Close-up of a piece of fabric with thread design done by the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

  • Setup: After unboxing and plugging in any necessary cords for each of the machines, we laid out all of the accessories that came with them. We familiarized ourselves with needle thread guides, any presser feet provided, and the bobbin threading process. To better monitor stitch tension and distinguish the bobbin and needle thread, we used two thread colors. Blue thread for the bobbins and red thread for the needles.
  • We timed how long it took each machine to fill a bobbin with thread. Once the needle was threaded and the bobbin was in place, we stopped our timers and recorded the total time. Our median threading time was 8 minutes and 5 seconds. Once you’ve become familiar with a sewing machine, this time can be as quick as 2 minutes. We had some instances where we factored in reading the instruction manual, which is a fair gauge for those who have never used a machine. You can expect to spend at least 20 minutes browsing through a machine’s manual before actually setting it up.
  • Instructions: Throughout this process, we were referencing instructions, when provided. Quick guides came in handy for the initial setup, but we found thicker, detailed manuals to be super essential for learning about specific features and capabilities. Overall, we found the instruction manuals to be detailed, but we were disappointed that a few of the machines we tested did not come with printed manuals. We had to look them up online which took more time and was slightly disorienting compared to flipping through a booklet. 
  • Features: When evaluating the features available on each machine, we made note of any buttons that offered advanced operations such as thread cutting or stitch tacking. We also tested the buttonhole presser foot and function for each applicable machine. For machines with a variety of decorative stitches, we selected a few to see if they replicated the image on the machine. We also made sure to test the embroidery function for machines with it. We noted how easy it was to attach the hoop and select a design. We then monitored the machine as it started stitching the design. 
  • Design: We considered whether the machine felt more appropriate for a beginner by looking at the accessories provided, and the detail provided in the instructions and outer interface of the machine. We also considered factors like weight and size, which impact how a machine can be used, like toting it to classes or setting it up at a permanent station.
  • We considered how easy it was to use a machine in general and whether we felt that it provided enough working room for a variety of projects. We also noted any issues that came up during any step, whether it was a broken needle or a loose, uneven stitch. 
  • Value: Since all of the team members participating in this test had previous experience using machines, we compared our tested machines to those that we were familiar with and used in our own homes. We then also looked at the price of each machine and thought about what type of sewist it would be best suited for.

After formal lab testing, our favorite sewing machines went home with our team so we could use them when working on our own projects, and get to know their features, design, and quirks even more over the course of six months.

Watch Us Test the Best Sewing Machines

What to Look for in a Sewing Machine

The Machine Type: Computerized, Mechanical, or a Serger?

Computerized

While you may think it’s easier to reach for a computerized sewing machine since we’re living in a computerized age, the options on a computerized model may be overwhelming for a beginner. These machines offer some conveniences for setup, but you lose some of the understanding of the mechanics in the process.

“Computerized models set stitch tension automatically, and stitch settings are also preset,” explains Cheryl Hoffman, manager of product education for Brother. For more context, a machine’s tension determines how tight or loose the thread is when it's woven through fabric. Computerized machines eliminate the guesswork of determining the appropriate tension on your machine by automatically adjusting it when you change a stitch setting. “When using a mechanical machine, each of these settings must be adjusted manually with each stitch selection,” says Hoffman. “With a computerized model, you spend your time sewing rather than focusing on setting up the machine.” 

Computerized models allow advanced sewists to focus on projects and give the flexibility of using “shortcuts” to ease the workload of crafting quilts, extensive embroidery projects, or creating garments. These shortcuts are typically in the form of advanced buttons for tacking stitches and cutting thread, or more presser feet to lessen the amount of hand sewing. However, keep in mind that computerized models have more advanced inner workings, which often makes them more costly to repair and purchase upfront.

Mechanical

Beginners are better off using a mechanical model, so they can focus on mastering several basic stitches while also understanding why stitch tension needs to be adjusted for certain fabrics and projects. Our best value pick, the Janome New Home Blue Couture Sewing Machine, is a mechanical model that we found very easy to adjust during testing. Despite being a basic model, it’s also well-designed with a metal interior for durability. There’s also some freedom in having a simpler machine because you’ll quickly become familiar with all of its functions, so you’ll know exactly what you need to adjust to complete a project. 

Sergers

Additionally, sergers can be a wonderful tool for more advanced sewists, and even novice sewists who want to further invest in the craft. Unlike computerized or mechanical sewing machines, a serger is specifically designed to finish the edges of fabric seams. “You can seam two pieces of fabric together, however, sergers are typically used to edge finish fabric to prevent woven fabrics from fraying,” says Lofte. “Sergers can be used to assemble stretchy, knit fabrics to allow the fabric to continue to stretch as needed to fit on a body.” 

Our best serger pick, the Brother 1034D Serger was the standout model of the two that we tested. It was fairly easy to thread thanks to detailed instructions, and we appreciated that it came with four different thread colors, so you could easily test out the tension on a scrap of fabric before finishing a project.

A person putting the caps on the spools of thread that are sitting on the Brother 1034D Serger Machine.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

The Stitch and Presser Feet Options

As we mentioned above, stitch options aren’t determinants of a machine’s value or effectiveness. However, as your skills progress, additional stitches can be a wonderful tool for more advanced projects. 

When you’re first starting out, an entry-level model with a few simple stitches will likely be enough. “A basic sewing machine for a sewist or quilter needs just a few functions—a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and the ability to reverse [the] stitch. Any other features are a bonus,” says Marissa Likar of Stitch Clinic. Once you’ve moved on to more intricate projects, like fitted shirts or garments with pockets, you may want to look for a sewing machine with decorative stitches, as well as many buttonhole options, and even quilting options.  

Similarly, most sewing machines come with multiple presser feet, and these attachments allow you to complete different sewing tasks. Most sewing machines have separate feet for general sewing, buttonholes, zippers, and blind hems. More advanced models may also come with specialty feet, such as options for darning, overstitching, and more. Our best for beginners machine, the Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine, has 70 stitch options and comes with 10 presser feet. We found the array of stitches to be sufficient for sewists just diving into the craft, and there were more than enough presser feet to accomplish a variety of projects.  

Consider the types of projects you plan to do while looking at stitch options and the number of presser feet. You’ll notice that some machines are better equipped for handling projects, such as designing clothes, because they come with an array of garment-oriented presser feet. Most basic machines come with a general-use presser foot, which is compatible with middle, left, and right-oriented needle positions. Think of this presser foot as a go-to option. Other common feet include a buttonhole foot and button attaching foot, a decorative stitch foot, and a blind hem foot.

Blind hem presser feet can be a wonderful attachment for finishing garments like pants and skirts. “Don't buy a machine based on the number of features 'just because,'” says Likar. “Figure out your sewing project goals and buy accordingly.”

Close-up of the Brother CS7000X Sewing Machine's presser foot.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

The Machine's Weight and Durability

Compact sewing machines may weigh as little as 10 pounds (such as our best overall, Brother's XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine and our best for clothes, the Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine), while heavy-duty machines can be 25 pounds or more. Our best splurge pick, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Embroidery and Sewing Machine, weighs in at 38 pounds.

If you’re planning on taking your sewing machine to classes or sewing retreats, you’ll likely want a lightweight model that’s easy to carry. The same holds true if you don’t have a designated workstation for your sewing machine—a lighter model will be easier to pack up and store after you’re done using it, especially if it comes with a hard case.

If you’re planning on working with heavy fabrics, like denim, leather, or canvas, or completing bulky projects, you’re going to need a more durable sewing machine. A heavy-duty machine is meant to handle these tougher fabrics and may come with a wider throat (the distance between the needle and the control panel), extension table, thick or backup needles, and more to expand your quilting space, distribute the weight of your fabrics evenly, and help feed your fabrics through. The Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine, our best heavy-duty pick, is basic in function with just a straight stitch, but it's incredibly durable and created consistent stitches on our testing fabric swatches.

Your Local Servicing Options 

Like a car, sewing machines require regular servicing for optimal performance, so you’ll want to see if there’s an authorized service facility for your chosen machine nearby. “Higher quality brands have their own dealer stores with better maintenance and repair options,” explains Likar. “Check your local area for a dealer near you, they often have used models for sale, and many include sewing lessons in your purchase.”

A person sewing different patterns onto a piece of fabric using the Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Standout Features

An Automatic Needle Threader

The eye of a sewing machine needle is typically quite small, which is why many people prefer sewing machines with automatic (or at least semi-automatic) needle threaders. This feature saves you the trouble of painstakingly guiding a thread through the machine’s needle by hand—instead, you simply pull down the automatic needle thread and place the thread into its guides. Once you release that lever, the spring action will pull the thread through the eye of the needle and you can easily feed the rest of the thread through without straining your eyes.

Seven of the sewing machines listed in our roundup have an automatic needle threader. Mechanical machines, like our best value, Janome New Home Blue Couture Sewing Machine, and our best first sewing machine, the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine, do not typically have this function; sergers also do not have needle threaders.

Our Tip for Using Your Needle Threader

Our biggest tip is to ensure that the presser foot on your machine is down before attempting to use the threader on your machine, because the presser foot interferes with the tension that the treader creates to send the thread through the eye of the needle.

A Built-in Thread Cutter

Another popular feature of modern machines is a built-in thread cutter. As its name suggests, a thread cutter makes it easy to quickly cut off threads as you work. Some thread cutters are simply small blades where you can slice threads manually.

Certain high-end sewing machines cut the threads for you with the push of a button. Our best for quilting pick, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine, has a thread-cutting button that we loved using during our testing. No matter the style your machine has, it saves you from having to keep a pair of scissors on hand as you sew. 

A Walking Foot

Think of a walking foot as the best friend to your sewing machine’s feed dogs. This attachment (which can also be found pre-installed on some higher-end machines) works by allowing your top and bottom fabric to feed at the exact same time. With the right speed, you can even skip straight pins.

For advanced sewists and quilters, this component is non-negotiable. While not all of the machines on our list have walking feet, a few models did come with them including our best for beginners (Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine), best for quilting (Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine), and best heavy-duty (Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine) machines. Thankfully, manufacturers do sell walking feet that are universally capable with their machines, so it's an easy purchase to pick up if you deem it necessary for advanced projects.

A person sewing using the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Embroidery and Sewing Machine.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce. She has written about a variety of products for The Spruce including home decor items, air quality products, vacuum cleaners, and home storage solutions. This particular article was especially exciting for her, as she’s an avid seamstress in her free time and has been sewing since she was 6 years old. Phelps owns a Baby Lock machine but grew up learning on a Pfaff, and she also volunteers as a sewing teacher for beginner learners in a weekly class.

She continues to use our best for quilting pick, the Singer Quantum Stylist, after several months of having it at home for sewing projects and loves its versatility. She's crafted both larger and smaller items including makeup bags and dining room chair cushions.

Because of her personal experience with sewing machines, Phelps also assisted our research and testing team by making product purchasing suggestions and reviewing the methodology for our lab test. Once our testing was complete, she made the product selections you see in this roundup based on their performance, features, and more.

Our Experts:

  • Marissa Likar of Stitch Clinic
  • Cheryl Hoffman, manager of product education for Brother
  • Eleanor Lofte, professional seamstress at Something Blue Bridal
  • Sharon Johnson, sewing expert, with more than 50 years of sewing experience
  • Marisa Viglione, senior editor at The Spruce
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