The Best Sewing Machines, According To Our Testing

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Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned sewist, these are the best sewing machines for your shortlist.

In This Article

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

When fast fashion, ripped jeans, and slouchy everything dominate our sartorial choices, sewing machines may sound like a relic. And while we’re not exactly waiting for the latest Butterick sewing patterns to hit store shelves, sewing machines still have a place in most homes.

Whether it’s leaning into your creative side with crafts, sewing costumes for the kids’ school play, or hemming your new bootcut jeans, these household helpers can be indispensable.

But choosing one can be easier said than done when you don’t know what you don’t know. The first step toward finding the right sewing machine is being clear on how it will be used, finding a good match to your skill set, and maybe comparing a few machines for good measure.

We tested 27 sewing machines in the lab and at home so you don’t have to. We unpacked, plugged in, threaded, and stitched to come up with this list of the best sewing machines.

Great stitch quality

Packed with great features

Intuitive

Hard to work with lighter fabrics

Our pick for the best sewing machine overall is the Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine. Equipped with 70 built-in stitches, including utility, heirloom, decorative, and quilting stitches, this machine is almost a one-and-done unit.

Overall, we felt the quality of the straight stitching was good on the woven cotton and denim we tested. The machine handled a straight stitch effortlessly, and the tension looked good throughout. The zig-zag quality was good as well. And while we noted that chiffon was a bit difficult to work with on this machine, the buttonholer was fantastic.

Additional features include a drop-in bobbin, seven buttonhole stitches, an automatic needle threader, and an automatic bobbin-winding system. This machine also features an LCD screen with a digital display (this is where you select the stitch you want and adjust its length and width).

Avid quilters and newcomers to the craft will be happy to know that this sewing machine comes with a comprehensive quilting suite that includes a quilt guide, stitches, a quilting table, and feet.

This sewing machine weighs 14 pounds (standard for this type of machine) and comes with a hard protective case, so if you need to move it from room to room, it’s easy enough to do so. Adding to its versatility, users will find a small free arm and an extension table.

After two months of continued use, we're still pleased with this machine. The quilting board attachment proved to be especially helpful as it keeps the fabric level so it's not draping off the edge, creating strange angles while sewing. We suspect seasoned sewers will also appreciate the accessibility and visibility of the top-loading bobbin.

Overall, this machine is a solid choice for both newbies and more experienced sewers. The features seem well thought out and useful, and the machine is pretty intuitive. It's great for simple sewing tasks but not packed with bells and whistles that may overwhelm rookies. That said, there are plenty of features and stitch settings that experienced sewers can appreciate.

Type: Computerized | Dimensions: 16.3 x 12.2 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Stitch Options: 70 | Speed: 750 stitches per minute

Lycra stitch for stretchy fabrics

Programmed presets

Excellent quality stitches

Pricey

Big learning curve

Bernette B05 Academy Sewing Machine offered so many fantastic features we had to include it on our roundup as a runner up for best sewing machine overall. You'll find a fast motor, 30 exclusive stitches, and the pièce de résistance—a blanket stitch and Lycra stitch for stretchy fabrics. Other bells and whistles include 12 presser foot soles (for any and every sewing task imaginable), a finger guard, and tons of sewing space courtesy of the extension table.

The ability to customize or edit decorative stitches, the option to upload your own embroidery designs, and a buttonhole function round out a nice list of features.

This machine may look intimidating and overwhelming; however, after two months of testing (with the help of the manual and a few YouTube tutorials), we discovered programmed presets, which make sewing a breeze.

Other winning features of this machine include the automatic threading tool, a thread cutter that will do a backstitch prior to cutting the thread, and a button that will sew items automatically. Once you get past the learning curve, this machine shakes out to be pretty fantastic.

More importantly, it simplifies the process of sewing exponentially. The option to program hotkeys cuts down on time, and the "autopilot" sewing button creates beautiful, high-quality straight stitches. Both of those functions only double down on the premium features of this machine.

While testing this unit, we found that the quality of the straight stitches was incredible. After two months of testing, however, we found that the decorative stitches weren't executed as well as we'd hoped.

Other opportunities for improvement include a more informative quick-start guide and clarity in the error messages. For example, whenever the machine became unthreaded, the touchscreen displayed an error message stating as much. However, whenever we ran into issues with embroidery or decorative stitches, the machine failed to clearly state what the cause for the issue was (like needing to swap out the presser foot or plate). And while this machine has a lot going for it, a shy price tag isn't one of them. Ultimately, this may not be the best option for budget shoppers or those who aren't tech-savvy.

After using this sewing machine consistently for six months, it has held up quite well. It offers a wide array of functions and is effortless to operate once presets are created. Hiccups include a buggy embroidery feature and decorative stitches that don't execute as clean and flawless as we'd hoped.

Type: Mechanical | Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 12 inches | Weight: 19.26 pounds | Stitch Options: 30 | Speed: 1,100 stitches per minute

Perfect for beginners

Entry-level features

Reliable

Odd foot-pedal operation

May be limited for experienced sewers

Priced at less than $150, Janome’s Easy-To-Use Sewing Machine hits our list as the best budget option, but don’t let its humble price tags food you—there’s plenty to unpack with this sewing machine.

Out of the box, you’ll find 15 built-in stitches, a four-step buttonhole stitch, a front-loading bobbin system, and a removable free arm with concealed accessory storage. Seasoned sewists will be happy to see this machine has an extra-high presser foot lift, adjustable stitch length, and zigzag width, a three-piece feed dog system keeps the fabric moving as you work, and the darning plate nicely does its job to eliminate bunching.

It’s also worth noting that this machine is available in some pretty unique colors like Arctic Crystal, Couture Blue, and Pink Sorbet. So, for anyone looking to brighten up their craft room or give it a cute retro feel, this is it.

In terms of performance, we found that winding the bobbin, threading the machine, changing needles, selecting stitch patterns, and adjusting speed and tension were all easy. But while this machine sits comfortably at an entry-level price point, it may present some unique challenges for beginner sewists.

While threading was pretty straightforward, and it only took about four minutes to thread the machine, the front-loading bobbin presented some challenges: Essentially, the components of the bobbin housing aren’t locked in place, and the pieces come apart when the housing is opened. Getting the parts back in order is likely to be confusing for a novice. But in general, the machine is easy to understand and use and would be fine for basic sewing and dressmaking.

We will say that the foot pedal takes a little bit of getting used to. Anyone using this machine will find that when they push the foot pedal, they’ll be halfway to the ground before the machine starts.

Overall, this might be considered an elevated entry-level machine. It’s perfect for beginners, great for those who don’t want to spend too much on a machine, and plenty useful for seasoned sewers. This machine has plenty of entry-level features, and we certainly don’t feel like anything is lacking, but a built-in thread cutter would be a great addition to future iterations of this machine. Ultimately, Janome’s Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine is convenient enough for a myriad of basic to intermediate projects but it might not be shortlist worthy for anyone looking to go beyond.

Six months in, and this was still going strong. It’s easy to use and has proved to be flexible enough to navigate all types of projects. There’s no loss of integrity in the stitches; they’ve remained even and clean. It’s also been easy to switch out the foot when necessary, and there are no hiccups to note.

After six months of use, we think this machine may be best for someone with beginner-to-intermediate experience. Those with a higher skill level may find it too basic and maybe even boring. Anyone looking for a reliable machine that doesn’t break the bank will find it here.

Type: Mechanical | Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 7 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Stitch Options: 15 | Speed: 800 stitches per minute

Loaded with great features

200 built-in stitches

175 built-in embroidery designs

Full-color LCD touchscreen

Steep learning curve

Not the best for quilting

If you’re well past rookie status when it comes to sewing and looking for a machine that can do more than repair a fallen hem or mend torn shirts, you might consider this machine by Janome. With a $2,000 price tag, this sewing machine comes jam-packed with great features—as expected.

First, this machine features a full-color LCD touchscreen where you can navigate the 200 built-in stitches and 175 built-in embroidery designs. The machine has a top-loading bobbin, thread tension that automatically adjusts for the fabric type and thickness being passed through the feeder, and a one-hand needle threader. Unlike the other machines on our list, this one features a start/stop button that lets you sew without using the foot pedal.

As we progressed through the testing machine, things just got better and better. Each feature we tried was better than the last. While the buttonholer required some work to set up (changing out the presser foot), the feature itself is incredible. The machine autodetected the size of the buttonhole, and the stitching was straight, even, and clean. And when we checked the accuracy of the autodetect feature, it was a perfect fit.

Otherwise, the machine gave us some incredible-quality stitches, and the backstitching feature on this machine was clean and easy to use. We found that it ran smoothly regardless of the pressure on the pedal, and while a computerized machine may take some getting used to, it’s pretty amazing and worth the time and investment.

With continued use, we found this machine handled straight stitches exceptionally well. The quality of the stitch was perfect, and even with regular use, it didn’t change. When we played with the decorative stitches and alphabet stitches, we were impressed with their quality as well.

This machine is a solid pick for those who typically do light sewing tasks around the house, but quilters may find it frustrating. It comes with a ¼-inch seam allowance foot for quilt piecing, but in order to achieve that seam allowance, we had to go into the quilting stitches and select the No. 2 button, which then moved the needle into position. And once you shut the machine off, it resets, forcing the user to change the setting each time, which isn’t ideal.

Additionally, we found that the fabric gets pushed down into the feed dogs. While a straight stitch plate would eliminate this risk, the design of the machine makes it impossible, as the needle needs to be free to move to accommodate the ¼-inch seam allowance. Ultimately, we suspect quilters will find this quite frustrating.

While this machine performs as it should otherwise, we noted that setup functions like winding the bobbin and threading the needle weren’t quite as intuitive. Our seasoned sewers had a rough go of it, so this might be a deal-breaker for rookies.

Six months in, this machine has become easier to use as we became more familiar with its functions. With continued use, threading the machine and winding the bobbin became second nature, and the machine continued to work beautifully. Overall, we’d recommend this machine, particularly to those interested in embroidery. We’re especially impressed with the decorative stitches this machine can do.

Type: Computerized | Dimensions: 12.4 x 18.7 x 8.8 inches | Weight: 22.9 pounds | Stitch Options: 200 | Speed: 1,000 stitches per minute

Consistently ran smoothly

Transitions well between fabric types

Easy to thread

Short cord

T-shirts and sweats are ubiquitous fashion staples, so while sergers are a specialty machine that doesn’t often make it into most homes, they may be a worthwhile addition. Threading this machine might be panic-inducing and a deal-breaker at face value (and understandably so), but clearly marked thread paths made it pretty easy. It took us about 11 minutes to fill the bobbins and thread the serger.

To unravel a few more details of this machine, you will find one-rotation thread tension dials on the face of the machine with normal tensions highlighted for simple, consistent tension adjustment, a multipurpose presser foot, and a built-in roll hemmer that takes the guesswork out of creating fine, narrow edges.

We found the Juki ran smoothly and transitioned well between all three types of fabrics used, with only minor adjustments, and the built-in roll hemmer beautifully handled chiffon.

Like other sergers, this machine has a lot going on, and while it’s small and compact, it remains steady.

It was easy to access this serger's inner workings (you slide off the front and side opening), and basic tools were included. And while we noted that the foot pedal wasn’t touchy, we found the cord to be on the short side, so anyone working at a standing craft desk may want to keep that in mind.

Overall, this would be the perfect machine for beginner or seasoned sewists alike. This machine does a lot, and it’s well worth the money.

Type: Mechanical | Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 x 7.7 inches | Weight: 15.5 pounds | Speed: 1,500 stitches per minute

Includes good standard features you’d expect to find

Intuitive

Clear instructions

Limited stitch options

If you’re just getting started, the Baby Lock Zest is a good choice for beginners with an attractive price point to match. While other machines on our list boast over 100 stitches, this one sits comfortably with 15 stitches that don’t over complicate matters. Other features include stitch length adjustability, a buttonholer, a front-loading (high-capacity) bobbin, and built-in accessory storage.

Overall, we found this machine to be pretty intuitive. It’s basic with standard features, which makes it ideal for beginners. There’s plenty to work with and no extra bells and whistles that end up causing confusion.

From unboxing to threading, the whole process took less than a minute. While we found the machine performed better with woven cotton fabric, the quality of the straight stitches was exceptional on each fabric type we tested.

New sewists will find everything they need in the box, including three clear plastic bobbins, a seam ripper, a needle set, assorted presser feet, and a darning plate. We should note here that the seam ripper is tiny, and getting a good grip on it was difficult.

Baby Lock may not be a well-known brand among sewing machines, but we think it’s a good value, and for beginners, it will be money well spent.

After six months of use and testing, we're sticking to our claim that this is the best machine for beginners. And while trial and error can go a long way toward learning the ins and outs of this machine, the instruction guide deserves plenty of praise.

While it provides detailed pictures and instructions on how to use everything on the sewing machine, it also shows you how to adjust the tension depending on what your thread looks like when it's sewn on the fabric. Ultimately, this makes the machine more approachable and user-friendly for beginners.

Type: Mechanical | Dimensions: 12.5 x 15.5 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Stitch Options: 15 | Speed: Not listed

Efficiently handles multiple layers of thick fabric

Exceptional stitch quality

No decorative stitches or buttonhole features

Avid quilters and new hobbyists alike will enjoy Juki’s sewing and quilting machine. Out of the box, there wasn’t much to the setup aside from attaching the foot pedal and power cord.

While sewists will find the usual suspects, like a bright LED operating light for ease of use and an automatic needle threader, this machine has a few unique features worth noting. Specifically, it has a foot controller with a thread trimming function, a manual thread cutter on the left side of the needle, and a knee lifter lever that lifts or lowers the presser foot so you can keep on keeping on. We should note that this feature may be helpful with angled turns in a stitch line, but if you have never used a knee-lever while sewing, there’s a learning curve. Getting your hands, feet, and knees to work together certainly takes some practice.

Overall, this is a lightweight machine that performs quite well. The machine isn’t preloaded with decorative stitches or buttonhole features, but it’s still an excellent option for household use.

We found this machine elegantly straddled the line between industrial performance and household use. With 9 inches of space between the needle and the body of the machine, there’s ample room to work.

The machine performed exceptionally well on four layers of denim, so we suspect quilting should be a breeze. According to the manufacturer, it can handle fussy fabrics like georgette and velvet and work just as well on heavier materials like leather—semi-industrial might be an apt description.

We found the quality of this straight stitch to be superb. However, we noted the stitching speed was a little fast—so much so novices may find their stitches getting out of line if they’re not careful. We didn’t find a lot of extra accessories, but the bobbins were good quality metal, and the thread cutters eliminated the need for scissors.

Type: Mechanical | Dimensions: 9 x 17.8 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 25.4 pounds | Stitch Options: Not listed | Speed: 1,500 stitches per minute

Good for beginners and experts

Automatic needle threader

Stitch control

Pricey

While many sewing machines may not appeal to beginners and experts, the Juki HZL-LB5100 manages to do just that. It offers a full range of basic functions, plus it's compact and portable, coming in at 12 pounds. An automatic needle threader, stitch control, drop feed, and a needle up/down function round out a nice list of features.

The machine operates quietly, and it makes the prep work to get started (i.e., winding the bobbin and threading the needle) incredibly easy. It's well-made, and the stitches come out clean, straight, and consistent every time.

While an embroidery machine might seem intimidating, the instruction manual did a great job explaining different stitching settings—beginners should find this pretty user-friendly.

Type: Computerized | Dimensions: 7.17 x 15.98 x 11.73 inches | Weight: 12.32 pounds | Stitch Options: 100 | Speed: 700 stitches per minute

Lightest on our list

Packed with great features

Intuitive and automated

Stitch quality was inconsistent

If your sewing skills are in high demand and portability is a high priority, Brother’s HC1850 is a good choice. This machine is the lightest on our list at just over 10 pounds, and it’s plenty portable.

This machine comes loaded with everything you need to sew, quilt, and monogram. More specifically, you will find 130 stitches, a sewing font for basic monogramming, eight buttonhole styles, decorative stitches, and stitches for quilting, clothing, and heirloom sewing. This machine also features a large backlit LCD display, a wide table for larger projects, and a stitch speed slide control.

In the lab, we found this machine produced varying results on different fabrics. While it produced even straight stitches with no puckering on denim, the straight basting stitches on cotton were fine on the top side and puckered on the back. The buttonholer was easy to use, but the stitches were fairly consistent on the front side and inconsistent on the backside.

Additional accessories include a seam ripper and bobbin, and the accessory tray can be used to raise the level of the machine if you need some height adjustment while you’re working.

After six months, this machine proved that it's certainly not your grandma's sewing machine. Seasoned sewers and crafters can definitely get excited over this one.

This machine looks and feels premium, and "fancy" is a word we often use to describe it. It's also pretty intuitive and automated, so most people won't have to invest or waste a lot of time tinkering and tweaking the tension and other settings to get the machine to work properly.

Overall, we would recommend this machine based on its versatility. It can handle both sewing and quilting features, so anyone interested in either of those things could use this machine easily.

Type: Computerized | Dimensions: 15.2 x 12.5 x 19.2 inches | Weight: 10.1 pounds | Stitch Options: 185 | Speed: 850 stitches per minute

While we tested 27 sewing machines both in the lab and at home, we found the Brother CS7000X Sewing & Quilting Machine to be the best of the bunch. This machine is jam-packed with plenty of great features like 70 built-in stitches, seven buttonhole stitches, and an LCD screen with a digital display and a generous quilting suite.

Although this machine hiccupped a little with chiffon, we found the quality of the straight stitching to be quite good. And when you factor all of the above into the price point, that’s a lot of bang for your buck.

We tested 27 sewing machines in the lab and at home. We began each test by unboxing the machine and conducting an inventory of the sewing accessories (scissors, seam rippers, bobbins, thimbles, needle threaders, etc.). Next, we assessed the time it took for a complete setup as well as the ease (or difficulty) of winding the bobbins and threading the machine.

Once the setup was complete, we evaluated the sewing machine’s performance by working on at least two different projects using the sewing machine. First, we tested its performance with a variety of fabrics, including at least one sturdy fabric (like denim, canvas, or heavy-weight cotton) and one delicate fabric (like chiffon, silk, or lightweight cotton).

Next, we experimented with at least three different stitching patterns, noting the quality of the top and bottom of the stitches. Finally, where applicable, we tested the special features of each machine, such as buttonhole functions, decorative stitches, and embroidery features. We will be long-term testing the top-performing models and updating this review with fresh insights as we have them.

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Sewing machines are either computerized or mechanical; your choice between the two is just a matter of preference. Typically, mechanical machines are more affordable and easier to repair. Adjustments are made by toggling, turning, and flipping. If you like that “hands-on” feel of doing something creative, you might prefer a mechanical machine.

If you like leaning into your inner nerd, computerized machines might be the way to go. As you might have guessed, these machines are typically more expensive (to buy and repair), but they do a lot at the touch of a button. It’s not uncommon for computerized models to whip out a buttonhole while you watch.

Beginners might want to stick with old-school mechanical models as their computerized cousins are likely to come with a lot of bells and whistles that you’re not ready to handle.

“If you are really focused on mending and alterations or attending classes, then a smaller machine is a better choice,” says Dean Brindle, president of North America and global chief marketing officer at SVP Worldwide, which makes Singer, Husqvarna Viking, and Pfaff sewing machines.

Ultimately, if you’re planning on traveling with your sewing machine or your workspace at home serves double duty, then size and weight matter. If you’re a hobbyist who only sews in the privacy of your own home with a dedicated space for your sewing machine, size and weight shouldn’t be a factor.

Sewing blogger Elise Chase-Sinclair says, “The size of your sewing machine shouldn’t be the main concern. The only advantage to a larger sewing machine would be for quilting, and many machines come with a larger sewing area attachment for quilters. In terms of weight, often heavier machines are built stronger with more metal parts and tend to sew heavier fabric better than lightweight plastic machines.”

“In terms of stitches, some models boast lots of decorative stitches,” says Chase-Sinclair. “This might sound great, but if you mostly sew clothes, you won’t use them very often. Chase-Sinclair adds, “The most important stitches are straight stitch, zig-zag, and buttonhole, which you’ll probably use 90 percent of the time for your sewing projects.”

For those just starting out and regular household use, a machine equipped with basic stitches should be plenty. Brindle adds, “If you are going to sew knits, then you need a machine with a stretch stitch as well as stitch adjustments.”

When shopping for a sewing machine, you have a choice between front-loading bobbins and top-loading bobbins. Essentially, front-loading bobbins offer more precision and easier adjustments, while top-loading bobbins allow you to readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin. Additionally, top-loading bobbins are easier to refill and replace.

According to Brindle, SVP’s research shows experienced sewists are equally divided between top-loading bobbins and front-loading bobbins. “While the top load is often easier for newcomers, many advanced sewists prefer the adjustments on a machine with a front load bobbin," says Brindle.

Brindle notes that while SPV’s “advanced consumers do look for faster speed, sometimes even up to 1,300 stitches per minute, the reality is that any machine over 500 stitches per minute is going to fit the needs of a majority of consumers.” And while hobbyists may not necessarily need a faster machine, Brindle reminds us that “stitching speed is often an indication of the motor power. So, a faster machine is often more capable of many things.”

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Singer HD500 Classic Sewing Machine: Hands down, this unit wins the award as the best-looking sewing machine. Essentially, it marries the vintage appeal of a classic Singer sewing machine with modern-day conveniences like an automatic needle threader, a buttonhole function, and adjustable stitch lengths. If you're into throwbacks, this is it.

Brother 1034D Serger: This serger comes threaded right out of the box, and it performed quite well in our Lab testing. We were able to adjust the stitch length, stitch width, and thread tensions easily and noted the machine responded quickly to those adjustments. The stitches were evenly spaced, and the tension held up just fine. This machine didn’t make our final list because its functionality is limited to being a serger. There are no options for decorative stitches or buttonholes, and that can be a deal-breaker for some.

With continued use, we found this serger to be durable, reliable, and high quality. And while it handles hems with utmost ease, users should know that's really all it does. This machine can't tackle other sewing jobs, so the splurge may be a hard sell—unless you're a hemming phenom.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine: The features of this machine were quite extensive. Just when we finished using one feature, we discovered another. While this machine is great for experienced sewists, it might be too complicated and panic-inducing for novices. Additionally, all input for the machine is via the LCD screen, and most of the communication was done with pictures rather than text, so for those new to sewing, that could also be a challenge. And finally, we found that for such a hefty price point, this one felt less sturdy than others we tested.

With continued use, we discovered a few functions that make this machine incredibly enjoyable, like the thread-cutting button, an interface that doesn't change with a light touch, and the extension table that helps sew larger items. Overall, we felt this machine was well-designed but ideally better for advanced sewists. Rookies may be overwhelmed by its robust features, and the LCD screen isn't straightforward, so users should be relatively tech-savvy.

Sewing machines are available at every price point, from budget options to splurges. Our research shows that you can find sewing machines with plenty of bells and whistles priced at $2,000 and budget models for $145 that’ll do just fine for light household sewing tasks.

While Brindle notes that he’s partial to Singer, Viking, and Pfaff, our Lab testing shows that Brother, Juki, and Janome are also good brands.

Most sewing machines come with all the accessories you’ll need, like seam rippers, bobbins, and additional presser feet. So you probably won’t need to buy additional accessories initially. Brindle notes you may want additional hoops and accessories if you’re crafting and creativity leads you to embroidery.

This article was written by Sharon Brandwein, Certified Sleep Science Coach and freelance commerce writer. Over the last five years, Sharon has written product reviews and roundups for a variety of online publishers. To compile this list, we tested 27 sewing machines in the lab and at home, evaluating each on its instructions, features, design, effectiveness, and value. Sharon spent a considerable amount of time sifting through the results of our testing and researching the sewing machines that made the cut. She also checked in with Dean Brindle, President of North America and Global Chief Marketing Officer at SVP Worldwide, as well as Elise Chase-Sinclair of Elise’s Sewing Studio.