We get lots of emails asking us to recommend sewing machines, so here goes. The first thing to know is that there are three basic types of sewing machine: Mechanical (uses knobs and levers), Electronic (more precise sewing), and Computerized (fancy-schmancy stitches and such). All are good, but they do get increasingly expensive. Depending on how much you think you will love sewing and how much you want it to be able to grow with you as you learn more, you can decide how much you want to spend. A good machine can last twenty years, you just want to try to get one that has enough features and stitches that you won’t outgrow it too soon.
Just so you know, we don’t get paid by any of these people to recommend their machines, and we haven’t tried every machine out there, so I’m sure there are others that are awesome. Let us know if you have a favorite machine in the comments and it could win you the Heather Ross double gauze up there on the left. Get our sewing machine recommendations after the jump…
Sewing Machines We Like
Mechanical
For $89 you can get started sewing and make all the basics. Get it here:Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
Electronic
This one is confusing because the name says computerized but it’s not a true computerized machine. No matter, it is the best reviewed machine on Wal Mart and Amazon and I always see it recommended. Get it here: Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
. The list price is $449 but it’s only $147.50 on Amazon right now.
Computerized
I use a version of this machine and I love it. It’s a basic computerized machine, they get alot fancier from here but then you just stop being Prudent at all (though at $480 it’s not exactly cheap). Get it here: Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine
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Note: I own the Brother Innov-is 40 which was named best machine in it’s price range by Consumer Reports and is only available through sewing machine dealers. I got mine at the awesome Sew Joe Stitch Lounge from super-helpful proprietor Jeanie.
I’ve also heard non stop positivity on the Janome Sew Precise. Just wanted to add that because I considered it and heard wonderful things. While you can get a great machine online, it really is a wonderful experience to go into a dealer and speak with them about what you want to do right away with your machine, and what you hope to eventually do as you learn more. Usually the shop will also offer you classes to get to know your machine. Oh, and prices are usually very negotiable in a shop.
Now carve out some space and get to sewing!
Let us know what you think and if you have a favorite machine in the comments, it could win you the Heather Ross double gauze up there on the left.
If you’re all good with sewing machines, maybe it’s time for a serger.
