The 5 Best Sewing Machines
There are a number of reasons why someone would be interested in owning a sewing machine at home. Perhaps you're a serious sewer who has been stitching your own clothes and fabrics for years, maybe you're a curious amateur who is interested in do-it-yourself design projects, or maybe you just want to save money on tailoring costs. Regardless of whether you're a beginner or an expert, buying a new sewing machine can be a daunting task. Here to simplify your life is our top choice of sewing machines. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)
What Is a Sewing Machine?
A sewing machine is a machine that is used to stitch together fabric and other materials. There are many factors to think about when shopping for a new sewing machine. Among the most important is to consider your skill level and needs. You'll want a machine that can handle everything that you plan to throw at it, and maybe a little more — considering your skills will likely improve with practice. However, you don't want to blow several thousand dollars on features that you don't ever plan to use.
Best 5 Sewing Machines
Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
A recommended beginner's sewing machine from Good Housekeeping, the Singer 4411 comes in a heavy-duty metal frame with a powerful motor that can sew 1,100 stitches a minute. This particular model is recognized for its ease-of-use and can handle most basic tasks with little to no issues. Simple and straightforward, the Singer is perfect for those looking to do basic sewing. Currently $119.99 on Amazon.
Brother XL2600I Sewing Machine
The Brother XL2600I is considered one of the best affordable sewing machines on the market by hundreds of user reviews. With 25 built-in stitches, each with multiple stitching functions, most agree that this machine performs admirably for most simple sewing and decorating projects. Currently $85.00 on Amazon.
Brother CS6000I Computerized Sewing Machine
A computerized, upgraded version of the previous Brother model, the Brother CS6000I is another user favorite that is lauded by most as the best computerized sewing machine available. With a selection of 60 built-in stitches, LCD display, stitch speed slider, automatic needle threader and oversized table, the CS600I is known for its accessibility and ease-of-use. Currently $154.97 on Amazon.
Singer 8770 Curvy Computerized Sewing Machine
A more advanced model recommended by Good Housekeeping, the most prominent feature of the Singer 8770 Curvy is the SwiftSmart Threading System, which allows sewers to spend less time threading and more time actually sewing. This machine also has 225 built-in stitches, including 207 decorative stitches for creative projects. Currently $299.99 on Amazon.
Brother SQ9000 Computerized Sewing Machine
Another advanced sewing machine recommended by Good Housekeeping, the Brother SQ9000 comes with 80 built-in stitches for a total of 120 total stitch functions. The machine also comes with a backlit LCD screen for computerized stitch selection and an oversized table to handle larger projects. Finally, users state that it can handle materials of any thickness and through multiple layers. Currently $212.00 on the Amazon Marketplace.
These are our recommendations for the top 5 sewing machines. Remember, there are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a new sewing machine, so be sure to do your homework before buying. Also, if possible, try to test out the machine that you're looking at before making a final decision. Hopefully, you'll be stitching your own clothes and designs in no time! Be sure to check out the Wise Bread Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
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I always suggest first that folks shop around Craigslist for an older model machine, preferably a metal one. Those babies are/were workhorses and their parts are still available.
While the idea of a threading system is nice, the time I spend threading a needle is negligible.
A good machine is purchased from a sewing machine dealer that provides support ,repair and inspiration to sew. They also explain the features of a machine and find one best suited for your need and budget.
Good advice! And a really good sewing machine dealer/repair will also have excellently refurbished machines that are much less expensive than a new one, but run well. I have a Bernina serger, a Morse workhorse and a 1970's Necchi, so my favorite repair shop/dealer is worth the 30 mile drive.
The SINGER Stylist is an award-winning 100-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine. Bought this for my daughter. Wanted a machine that she could start with but grow into and keep for a long time. This machine fit the bill and sews like a charm. Great machine for a fair price
More info: http://ibookmarkedit.com/singer-stylist-award-winning-100-stitch-compute...
The machines reviewed above are all inferior and cheaply made. The tension and timing will be the first to go and jamming will be a major issue. Anyone who enjoys sewing will choose a better made sewing machine.
I agree. Regretfully I learned the hard way. From experience I know that the Singer "Heavy Duty" is not heavy duty at all, I'm told that Singers' quality in general has been going down the drain since the late 90s or so. The modern Brothers are plastic and fragile, their timing is iffy (and they are ugly too).
In my opinion the best machines out there are not these glued together plastic machines as mentioned above, they're made for an early grave at the junk heap, and making you buy more machines. The best ones come from brands like Gritzner, Pfaff, Elna, Necchi, Bernina and the like. And even these you have to check. Ask which materials are used inside, metal or plastic/nylon. If it says "no-oiling needed" it means it's mostly plastic and personally I would avoid those. The power of the motor is important too.
I can't believe someone said these are the best machines. Maybe to just make a repair once in awhile but not for serious sewers and especially not for quilters. They are so cheaply made that they are not going to hold up to serious use or sew with the smoothness and precision of the better machines needed for accurate seaming when quilting. I agree, you are much better off buying a quality used machine then buying this cheap junk new to keep the cost down.
I've taught a beginning sewing class for years now and I've seen students walk in with all kinds of different machines, including the models on your list. What bothers me about these machines is that they are throwaways. Initially they are not expensive but when repair is needed, the owner learns that the cost of repair is greater than what they paid for the machine. My recommendations are to buy the best quality machine you can afford and to try some machines out before you buy. A good quality machine will be easier to sew with and you will congratulate yourself on your good sense every time you use it. You don't need hundreds of stitches; most of us who have lots of stitches never use them. For sewing, you need a good straight stitch and a zigzag stitch and an automatic buttonhole would also be great. Even if you decide that the machines sold by dealers are too expensive for you, go and try out the machines there. You will learn what is out there in terms of features and what you want to see in your machine. The only thing I would watch out for with the dealers is that they really push embroidery machines and those things are crazy expensive. If you're easily swayed by salespeople, leave the checkbook and plastic at home while you take that first look.