Ready to invest in your very first sewing machine? When it comes to domestic sewing machines, the options seem endless. This can be overwhelming to a beginner, but have no fear! Read on for a simple explanation of the different features to look for and questions to ask when shopping for a basic home sewing machine.

Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machine Features

As you are choosing your first sewing machine, we’ve compiled some features to look for. Always remember to read reviews on a machine you’re considering—you may even find a good video online showing how it works!

Mechanical or Digital

While a mechanical sewing machine simply plugs in and sews, a digital machine runs on a computer system and gives beginners many helpful options (like an error message to explain when the thread is tangled or you’ve left the presser foot up, for example). Fans of mechanical machines say that they last longer, but we recommend a digital machine if you’re starting fresh!

Number of Stitches

When you first get started with sewing, you don’t need a sewing machine with loads of different built-in stitch designs. A simple straight stitch and zigzag stitch will do! As you get more into your hobby, you may want to look for a machine with built-in buttonhole stitches (perfect for garment sewists) or other decorative stitches like alphabets, vines, and flowers.

Size and Weight

Do you plan on traveling with your machine, or bringing it from room to room? If so, look for a lightweight or travel-sized sewing machine. If you have a larger, dedicated space to use your sewing machine, you may want to look at a larger model.

Bobbin Location

Another consideration is the location of the bobbin. The bobbin holds the thread for the bottom layer of stitches, and it can be located either on the side or front of the machine (side-loading or front-loading bobbin) or just on top of the needle plate (this is called a top drop-in bobbin). The drop-in bobbin is easy for beginners to load—just “drop” it in—so this is the option we recommend! A side-load bobbin takes a little getting used to, but it’s not impossible to learn.

Needle Threader

Another common sewing machine feature is a needle threader. This can help beginners work the thread through the eye of the needle much more easily. Some advanced sewing machines have an automatic needle threader that operates with the push of a button!

Slow Speed

Adjustable speeds, including a slow speed option, is extremely helpful for beginners. This will let you stitch straight lines with more control as you get comfortable on your machine.

Light Source

Finally, a sewing machine with a light source is extremely helpful for beginners. This can help light up your workspace so you can keep your stitches consistent. If your machine doesn’t include a light, you can always use an adjustable table lamp.

Free Arm

Many sewing machines let you slide off a part of the sewing surface to expose a free arm, which makes it possible to sew tube shapes, like shirt sleeves, pant legs, or tote bags.

Upgrade Options

As you get more advanced in your sewing journey, you may wish to upgrade to a machine with more options. Think about what items you will be sewing most often—clothing, quilts, home decor, embroidery, or general crafts.

• A wider throat space and a quilting table is a helpful feature for quilters. This larger working surface area allows you to more easily glide a bulky quilt through the sewing machine.
• Embroidery sewing machines contain digitized patterns that can be stitched in an embroidery hoop directly onto material. These machines can be quite a bit more expensive than standard sewing machines.
• If you’re going to be sewing denim or leather to make bags or home décor, you may want to look for a heavy-duty sewing machine. These are created with more power and speed to handle thicker fabrics and go through many layers efficiently.
• All types of sewists can appreciate a simple LCD screen. This is a digital display on the machine that shows you which stitch pattern, length, and width you’ve selected, and top-of-the-line machines may even have touchscreens to let you select a pattern with your finger or a stylus.
• Another fun option is a start/stop button. This lets you start or stop the stitching action without using a foot pedal.

Where to Buy a Sewing Machine

You may be wondering where the best place is to buy a sewing machine. If you have a local shop that carries sewing and quilting machines, stop there first! These retailers are dedicated to providing beginner sewists with top-notch service. They sell high-quality machines from reputable brands like Baby Lock, Bernina, Janome, Juki, and Pfaff. In general, we recommend that new sewists buy the best machine that you can comfortably afford. This way, you can enjoy crafting on a well-made machine that has plenty of features to keep you inspired, but you don’t need to break the bank on a machine that has too many bells and whistles. Your local independent sewing machine dealer is interested in gaining you as a customer for life, so they want to put you behind the right machine that fits in your budget.

There are many advantages to shopping at a local independent sewing machine dealer. For instance, they usually provide you with classes on how to use your machine including threading the machine, cleaning it, and changing the needle. Many retailers provide creative classes to help you grow in your sewing. Plus, the independent sewing machine dealer will service your machine. In addition, dealers are experts on the sewing machines they sell, can talk you through the different options and help you find a machine that can grow with you as a sewist! Prices range from $150 to $500 for an entry-level machine (such as the Baby Lock Genuine Collection) to more advanced options in a higher price range. If you are willing to spend $1,000 and up for an advanced sewing machine, you’ll likely find a number of cool features that will make your jaw drop!

Many department and craft stores carry basic sewing machines, and an online search can help you compare different models and prices. You’re likely to spend $50 or less on a small sewing machine aimed at kids and $100 to $300 on a basic sewing machine when shopping online. The disadvantage to shopping online is a lack of customer service. But if you have a friend or family member who can teach you to set up the machine, that’s a great start!

If you’ve read through this buying guide and are still having trouble deciding what sewing machine features are best for you, we highly recommend visiting your local quilt shop or sewing machine dealer and ask for recommendations! Sewing machine retailers are highly trained at helping beginners find a machine that’s right for them as well as helping them get comfortable with their new “best friend.”