Looking for a sewing machine recommendation? Here are the best sewing machines brands, the machines I own, and what to look for when shopping for a sewing machine.
My best sewing machine recommendations
Not all sewing machines are created equally, and I often get asked for sewing machine recommendations, which machine I have and which brands I recommend.
So today I want to share which machines I recommend, AND a few tips to help you when you’re shopping for one.
My first sewing machine
The first machine I ever sewed on was an old Kenmore machine. It was my moms, and after I got married she upgraded her machine and gave me the hand-me down. It was very basic machine with only a handful of stitching options…but really, I didn’t need anything more than that.
After the Kenmore, I upgraded to a new Janome, and since I’ve been an ambassador for Janome for the last few years so they’ve sent me upgraded machines every few years. I currently have the Skyline S9, which has so many more capabilities than I’ll ever know how to use, but I’m a huge fan of the brand, their machines are really well made, and they have a huge variety of machines at all price points.
Here are a few tips when shopping for a sewing machine:
- Choose a good brand. Janome, Brother, Bernina and Singer are some of the best brands with good machines at lower price points. These brands also have machines that are very expensive. There are a lot of little random brands that make machines, and they’re just not going to be as well made or last as long. You get what you pay for, so go for a trusted brand.
- Don’t buy the very cheapest model. A lot of brands, even trusted brands, make low quality machines in addition to their high quality machines. So don’t buy the cheapest model.
- Look at online ratings. Since it’s hard to know if a machine is good just by looking at it, it’s helpful to read reviews and see what other users are saying. This Brother sewing machine gets over 4000 reviews and 4.5 stars, so you can bet this is a good option. This Janome one has over 100 reviews and also 4.5 stars. These are good indicators that these are good choices.
- Choose one that fits your needs. There are different features for each machine, with various stitches, accessories, and sizes. Don’t forget to look at the dimensions, weight, or included accessories before purchasing! Some machines, like this Janome machine, come with a wider table which is helpful for larger projects or quilting. Some machines, like this Singer machine, have an automatic needle threader that threads the machine’s needle for you. So do your research and choose one that’s best for your needs!
Let’s talk about serger sewing machines.
I bought myself a serger machine about five years ago when I started getting serious about sewing. I purchased THIS BROTHER because it was not too expensive and had good ratings, and it’s been a great starter serger machine and I definitely recommend it.
I’m hoping to upgrade to the coverstitch machine at some point because the cover stitch does a straight stitch on the top and a serged stitch on the bottom like you see on your store bought clothing. One day!
Sewing Accessories:
I use my TWIN NEEDLES all the time for sewing on stretchy fabric. It makes two parallel seams on the top of the fabric and a zigzag stitch underneath, so it creates a stitch that allows for some stretch. This is a must have for sewing with knit fabric!
My INVISIBLE ZIPPER FOOT is a game changer for inserting invisible zippers. If you’re scared of doing zippers, get yourself this foot!
My go to thread is GUTTERMAN’S ALL PURPOSE THREAD and COATS AND CLARKS ALL PURPOSE THREAD.
If you have any other questions about this subject, leave a comment — I’d love to help you find the right machine!