The best sewing machines for every budget—including top models from Bernina, Singer, and Janome

Whatever your budget, there’s a sewing machine to match your needs—but with countless options available, finding the best sewing machine for you can feel like a near-impossible task. So, we’ve done all the hard work for you and put popular models on the market to the test.

Our craft editor, Esme Clemo, reviewed the best of the bunch from the leading sewing machine brands. After weeks of putting the machines through their paces, looking at stitch ranges, design, price, durability, and overall sewing performance, we’ve whittled down our list to the following best sewing machines. 

Once you've chosen the perfect model for you, there's no stopping your sewing journey. From mending seams and tears on ready-made clothing, to making your own from scratch using a sewing pattern—your whole wardrobe can enjoy a fabulous makeover once you start sewing. Or, if sewing home furnishings is more what ignites your passion, there are so many things you can make once you start sewing. Why not start with a simple cushion, before practicing fastenings and stitch embellishments?

Most of the models included below are intended for those who already have some experience with a sewing machine—bar the Brother model, which is great for beginners. Higher-tech computerized sewing machines like these, with an abundance of features, will suit sewers with some stitching skills already. If you are a complete novice however, and just starting out in your sewing journey, mechanical models with basic stitches are the best sewing machines for beginners—see our guide to the best models to choose. 

What to consider when buying the best sewing machine for you

When faced with the plethora of sewing machines on the market, the technical jargon and multiple options can overwhelm even the most experienced of stitchers. These should be your key considerations when choosing the best sewing machine for you.

• Your sewing level: Is this your first sewing machine? Would you class yourself as a beginner? Mechanical sewing machines are best for newbies. Anything more than this and you'll be best to move into computerized sewing machines. These are perfect for intermediate sewers who want to expand their stitching skills and advance into embroidery, free-motion stitching, quilting and more.
• Budget: Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to become distracted by the gadgets and gizmos on offer without paying attention to the price tag—and some sewing machines can soar into the thousands of pounds. Work out what you need your sewing machine to do and buy a model that fits the bill.
• Space in your home: Work out where you’re going to sew and store your sewing machine. Size matters with a sewing machine, especially when it comes to storage, so pay attention to the model measurements. Don’t forget about the weight, too, and how this might affect your sewing space.
• Number of stitches: It’s a numbers game when choosing the best sewing machine for you, especially when it comes down to stitch types. Simple machines will have around 20, but some have hundreds. Work out what stitches you’ll actually use and find a model that can sew them.
• Extra accessories: Some models come with the bare minimum—a presser foot, a fabric cover, and maybe a seam ripper. So shop around for a sewing machine with the extras included if you want these—multiple sewing feet (especially a buttonhole foot), a hard cover for storage and an automatic needle threader will all make your sewing life a little easier.

The best sewing machines as chosen by our experts

For fuss-free sewing at speed, the Janome Sewist 780DC is for you, which is why it's one of our best sewing machine picks. As the newest model to launch from the Sewist series, the Janome Sewist 780DC boasts all the latest gadgetry. Even with these time-saving and high-tech additions, the Janome Sewist 780DC never loses its simplicity of design and ease of use. It’s the perfect all-rounder. 

Compared with the other models in our best sewing machines guide, you might be thinking that 80 built-in stitches is an uninspiring number. However, unless you’re planning on embroidering every sewing project you embark upon with letters, numbers, and names, you honestly don’t need any more than what this machine has to offer.

So, whether you’re a beginner or intermediate sewer, this is a great mid-range model to step up to from a mechanical, especially if some of the more complex computerized sewing machines are putting you off. 

Read our full Janome Sewist 780DC sewing machine review

With the Bernina 435, every single detail has been thought about, every function adapted to help the sewing machine perform faster and be easier to use—which is why we've included it in our best sewing machine round-up. For example, if you’re a sewer who likes to tackle big projects, the jumbo bobbin leads to fewer interruptions throughout your stitching and the included slide-on extension table provides ample sewing space. 

And what about the unrivaled amount of stitch patterns on offer? True, some might find this an overwhelming selection to choose from, but with an in-built memory function to save and store your stitch settings, you can return to your favorites time and again at the click of a button.

If you’re still wondering what all the fuss is about, it comes down to the color display and interactive touch screen. Feel like it’s a bit too technical for you? The on-screen Sewing Consultant can help you choose the right settings to suit your stitches and your projects, and it’s always there at the touch of a button to help guide you through.

Read our full Bernina 435 sewing machine review

The Silver 197, named after the huge range of built-in stitches, is the perfect all-rounder for both beginners and accomplished sewers. The budget-friendly price tag doesn’t reflect the comprehensive range of features it has to offer, of which there are plenty.

Speed-saving functions, like the automatic needle threader, start/stop button as a foot pedal alternative and LCD display might not set this machine apart from its competitors. However, the memory mode used to store up your favorite stitch settings, and the stitch range that includes alphabetical and numerical options, place this machine above the rest. 

It might not be the quietest machine or have the least vibration, but it makes up for these traits by being the cheapest model and best sewing machine on a budget, that offers the user the most creativity.

Read our full Silver 197 sewing machine review

The Necchi NC-102D ticks all the boxes. The first thing to note about the Necchi NC-102D is the way it looks. Its modern appearance and pop of color make it a standout model among the rest, but you’d be wrong in thinking this model is all style over substance. 

With 200 utility and decorative stitches, including an alphanumeric stitch range, this model packs in a lot of features for the mid-level price tag. There’s a rare mute button, to keep your stitching schtum, and all the usual gadgetry and automatic functions you’d expect from a computerized machine, along with a memory feature.

If that’s not enough, the included nine presser feet are sure to win you over if you want to bag a bargain. Our best sewing machine pick if you want value-for-money.

Read our full Necchi NC-102-D sewing machine review

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is a must-have machine for speedy stitchers. Compared with the computerized machines on this list, you might be wondering why we’re championing a mechanical model. The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is in a league of its own when it comes to durability and build. With a metal internal frame, this sewing machine is built to last. 

Capable of stitching up to 1,100 stitches per minute, the speed alone makes this sewing machine noteworthy. Plus, it makes very little noise and no vibration, even when pushed to these top speeds. So, if you’re looking for an option that can keep up with you, you’ve found it.

It’s easy to operate, too, with dials to select stitch options and a foot pedal to control stitching. The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 goes back to basics, but it does it brilliantly—and in a stylish grey finish, too. 

Read our full Singer Heavy Duty 4423 sewing machine review

The Pfaff 1.5 Creative delivers specialized embroidery functions for sewing pros. This modern sewing machine brand is the best on the market for computer-integrated software, so you can completely personalize your stitching experience.

Looks-wise, the Pfaff 1.5 Creative has a sleek and elegant design, which helps it to stand out from the crowd, but this isn’t a machine that puts style over substance. It produces high-speed embroideries perfectly, helped by the Original IDT system and the included master hoop attachment. 

Admittedly, this is a specialist machine, so if you’re an enthusiastic embroiderer or want to use your machine for quilting, it’s the perfect model for you, with a large sewing space and 150 beautiful built-in stitches to choose from. The best sewing machine if you're after something a bit more specialist.

Read our full Pfaff 1.5 Creative sewing machine review

The Brother Innov-is A60 Special Edition is perfect for beginners and confident stitchers alike. This machine creates high-quality, precision stitching at top speeds of 850 stitches per minute. With a vast range of 60 stitches to choose from, you can sew simple seams with the utility stitches or add decorative topstitching to a project with the embroidery options.

At this affordable price, the Brother Innov-is A60 Special Edition works hard to deliver on a range of practical and time-saving features without sacrificing on simplicity. The modern LCD display screen is so easy to use and the illustrations on the body of the machine help to guide new users around threading techniques. 

So, whether you’re a beginner or advanced sewer (though we reckon this is the best sewing machine for beginners), this machine is sure to impress.

How to use a sewing machine

If you're new to sewing, taking on one of the best sewing machine picks might seem overwhelming at first. But after getting to grips with the model, it won't be long before you're making beautiful creations. First, you'll need some good quality sewing thread—don't skimp on the price tag, cheap thread will break up on strenuous stitching and won't last a spin through the washing machine. 

Then it's a case of learning to thread your machine. Read your instruction booklet to help you but begin by placing your reel of thread on the spool pin, wind it around the thread guides and onto an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder. Wind the bobbin with thread and then place in its casing at the bottom of the machine. 

Now wind the thread on the spool pin around the other thread guides on the sewing machine and through the eye of the needle. Use the hand wheel to drop the needle and pull up the bobbin thread. Pull the two threads away from the sewing machine and you're ready to start stitching.

Place your fabric under the presser foot and control your stitching speeds with a foot pedal or a start/stop button.

For more information, take a look at our in-depth guide on how to use a sewing machine. It covers all the basics to get you started, like how to set up your machine, how to thread a sewing machine, and a deep-dive on all the buttons, sliders and dials and what they do.  

What fabric should I use?

If you’re a beginner, stick to medium-weight cotton fabrics for easy stitching. Once you’re confident with cotton, you can progress to lightweight voile fabrics or thick canvas-like fabric for robust upholstery and furnishings. Mastered that? Have a go at sewing with stretch fabrics, thin jerseys or thicker knitted styles. Remember, you’ll need to refer to your sewing machine manual to select the best stitches for your fabrics.

What equipment do I need to sew?

Once you’ve purchased the best sewing machine for you, it’s a good idea to stock up on some sewing thread and fabrics so you can get going with your sewing projects straight away. Invest in a pair of good fabric shears, Fiskars have a great range that stay razor-sharp. Don't forget about pins either, you'll need a pot to store them in and a magnet to help collect them up after each project.

You’ll also need a rotary cutter and cutting mat if you want to have a go at patchwork or quilting. Think about purchasing some sewing patterns too, there are lots of simple dress patterns available, even bags and homeware templates.  

What are the best, most reliable sewing machine brands?

While every machine we've featured above is a fantastic option, there are some sewing machine brands that truly stand out, and have become firm favorites with sewing fans over the decades. 

• PFAFF: One of the most popular and most reliable brands out there is PFAFF—and Rosie Scott and Hannah Silvani, the duo behind The New Craft House, a sewing company in London, agree. “We are huge fans of PFAFF machines. The machines sew so smoothly and never mess up. They're super well made and a true joy to sew on,” Rosie and Hannah tell us. “Almost all of the PFAFF models have what's called the IDT system, which is basically a built-in walking foot. It makes sewing fine or slippery (as well as heavy or bulky) fabrics a breeze.”
• Bernina: Many of the sewing experts we spoke to recommended Bernina, so there's no doubt they are one of the most reliable around. If your budget allows, it’s worth investing in a sewing machine that will last. "Personally I love a Bernina," says Lisa Comfort, from Sew Over It, a London-based sewing company. "They aren't necessarily entry-level sewing machines as they can be quite expensive, but they are the best on the market. They are long-lasting, very smooth and quiet."
• Janome: A staple among keen stitchers, Janome comes up trumps as a reliable brand with a large range of the best sewing machines to suit all your stitching needs. For the sewing experts we spoke to, its mid-price models seem to be the most popular. “Many of the machines come with hundreds of decorative stitches, which is lovely if you'll use them, but if you don't, why pay more for a machine that has this feature?” says Kate Underdown from The Fold Line, an online sewing pattern shop. “My current machine is a Janome M50 QDC—it's a mid-level machine in terms of price and has some great features.” 
• Singer: Another tried-and-tested brand, Singer is a stalwart manufacturer of the best sewing machines. A household name, many families will have had a Singer machine at some point, be it a vintage hand-crank model passed down through the generations or one of the later (just as dependable) machines. There's a reason they are so popular, producing reliable, long-lasting, and brilliantly made machines.