Choosing the Right Sewing Machine: A Beginner’s Guide

My first sewing machine was a loan from my aunt. She had a new but unused Singer manual sewing machine, she said had been gathering dust in a corner of her house. It was a beautiful machine that sat on a wooden table, a sight to behold. I used it for a year before I upgraded to an electric one.

If you are not so fortunate to get a machine from a family member or friend, you will need to buy one. To be honest I think this is the best option. Often inherited machines need to be serviced and sometimes repairs can cost more than a brand new machine. Sewing machines have also become so much easier to use with all the technological advancements. Take advantage of this.

5 Sewing machine features to look for

Singer M3220

I am partial to a Singer sewing machine because it was the first machine I used. So, when I upgraded to an electric machine, they were my first choice. Sometimes it is safe to stick to what you know. Hold that thought for one moment. The M3320 is my first recommendation for the following reasons.

• Affordable:  It is affordable. For a machine that is under $150 it is great for beginners. There is no need to invest much more than that if you are a weekend sewer or only use it to mend clothing and make some simple alterations.
• Lightweight: This is especially beneficial if you do not have a dedicated space to leave your sewing machine set up and need to put it away after every use.
• Top loading bobbin:  It is much easier to load the bobbin correctly when you can see what you are doing. Just drop it in and use the thread guides.
• 1- Buttonhole: I consider this the best feature of this machine. Maybe it is because I remember when making one buttonhole took half an hour to make. And even then, I could never get them perfectly even.
• Easy stitch selection:  Just turn the stitch selection knob to automatically set the machine for the stitch you want to use.

Brother XM2701

I can say that I have not used this machine. However, it was one of the ones I was considering when I was shopping for a machine recommendation for my beginner students based on its simplicity.

• Affordable: It is a great value for the price. For a machine that is under $150 it is great for beginners.
• Lightweight: This is especially beneficial if you do not have a dedicated space to leave your sewing machine set up and need to put it away after every use.
• Automatic needle threader: This is a great feature especially if you have trouble threading needles. If your eyesight is not that great or your hands are a little bit unsteady, look out for this feature. It is becoming a standard feature in sewing machines.  
• Top loading bobbin: It is much easier to load the bobbin correctly when you can see what you are doing. Just drop it in and use the thread guides.
• Easy stitch selection: Just turn the stitch selection knob to automatically set the machine for the stitch you want to use.

Janome Sewist 721

I have used Janome machines before and consider this brand another good choice for sewers. This model is a good entry model for beginners. Some of these features are repetitive but still worth mentioning.

• Affordable: This sewing machine costs a little more but is still under $500. If you can afford it, this is a great choice without breaking the bank.  Its basic options make it beginner sewer user friendly.
• Lightweight: This is especially beneficial if you do not have a dedicated space to leave your sewing machine set up and need to put it away after every use.
• 1- Buttonhole: I consider this the best feature of this machine. Maybe it is because I remember when making one buttonhole took half an hour to make. And even then, I could never get them perfectly even.
• Top loading bobbin: It is much easier to load the bobbin correctly when you can see what you are doing. Just drop it in and use the thread guides.
• Easy stitch selection: The machine has a selection of 19 Stitches. Keep in mind that you will not have all the decorative stitches found in other models if that is what you are looking for.

There are very many options for machines out there. Be careful that you do not pay more for the standard features that most machines already have. If you are shopping online, read the reviews. All of them. The user experience will guide your choices. I hope that this post will also be helpful to you.