These top 5 beginner sewing machines all cost under $100 and have outstanding reviews. These are full size home sewing machines that can last for years, offer basic utility stitches plus some extras, have the highest consumer ratings, and are great for kids, too!
Click on the price options in the table for any machine to quickly check current pricing.
Top 5 Beginner Sewing Machines
| Rank | Sewing Machine | Best Price | Reviews, Ratings, and Stitch Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brother XL2600i | Click to see price at: | # of Reviews: 646 Average Rating: 4.4 # of Stitches: 25 |
| 2 | Brother XL2610 | Click to see price at: (Sometimes the price is just under $100 - sometimes it's just over $100 - check to see) | # of Reviews: 88 Average Rating: 4.4 # of Stitches: 25 |
| 3 | Singer Simple 2263 | Click to see price at: | # of Reviews: 309 Average Rating: 4.0 # of Stitches: 23 |
| 4 | Brother LX3125 | Click to see price at: | # of Reviews: 195 Average Rating: 4.1 # of Stitches: 14 |
| 5 | Brother LS2125i | Click to see price at: | # of Reviews: 253 Average Rating: 4.0 # of Stitches: 10 |
The table gives only the basic information about these beginner sewing machines but the list was whittled down based on a ton of information. Following are the specifics of each model.
Brother XL2600i
The Brother XL2600i has one very important feature for anyone new to sewing: a drop-in bobbin system. Beginners often find this bobbin system is much easier to work with and is less prone to jamming than front-loading bobbin system.
It also comes with a great set of built-in stitches.
Additional features include:
- Built-in stitches: 25
- Presser feet: 4
- Weight: 11 pounds
- 1-step buttonhole
- Free-arm sewing
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Drop-in bobbin
- Variable needle position
- 3 bobbins
- 3 needles
- 1 twin needle
- Extra spool pin
- Screwdriver
- Darning plate
- See through bobbin cover
Brother XL2610
The Brother XL2610 is a recent addition to this list (as of May 2012) because the price has come down to JUST under $100. Sometimes it’s a few dollars more which makes it a borderline option for this category but I can’t ignore it based on the high ratings and reliable performance.
However, it’s the same exact sewing machine as the XL2600i which is #1 and the only difference is the color of the trim. (For some, the extra few bucks is worth it to get away from the blue trim and get something that’s pink.)
Other features:
- Built-in stitches: 25
- Presser feet: 4
- Weight: 11 pounds
- 4-step buttonhole
- Drop-in bobbin
- Free-arm sewing
- Twin needle capable
- Variable needle position
- Adjustable stitch width and length for more stitch functions
- Needle
- Bobbins
Singer Simple 2263
The Singer Simple 2263 is not only cute and easy to use, but you get a nice set of built-in stitches. While the bobbin system is front-loading, not drop-in like the #1 & #2 options, it does have horizontal thread delivery which is another operating plus.
Additional features include:
- Built-in Stitches: 23
- 3 presser feet
- Weight: 14 pounds
- 4-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- Free-arm sewing
- Front-loading bobbin
- Pack of needles
- 3 bobbins
- Darning plate
- Additional spool pin
- Twin needle capable
- Variable needle positions
- Horizontal thread delivery
- L Screwdriver
- Seam Ripper/Brush
Brother LX3125
The Brother LX3125 is a great basic sewing machine for mending and small home projects. It’s ideal as a portable backup or for kids who want to learn to sew. If you’re looking for a sewing machine as a gift, don’t miss Walmart’s model of this machine, Fashion Faces, that comes with slick add-on covers in pattern designs to personalize the look of the machine front. Costs a bit more but makes a great present.
Other features include:
- Built-in stitches: 14
- Presser feet: 4
- Weight: 15 pounds
- 4-step buttonhole
- Free-arm sewing
- Darning plate
- 1 bobbin
- 1 needle
Brother LS2125i
The Brother LS2125i includes all the most used utility stitches, is light weight and easily portable. It has a strong consumer rating and solid construction. For it’s price, though, you can see that other options had more built-in stitches so this machine comes in at #5.
Sewing machine features include:
- Built-in stitches: 10
- Presser feet: 4
- Weight: 15 pounds
- 4-step buttonhole
- Free-arm sewing
- 3 pack of needles
- Twin needle
- 4 bobbins
- Darning plate
- Screwdriver
- Additional spool pin for twin needle
Building the Top 5 Sewing Machine List
Sometimes, the more options you have, the harder it is to make a decision. This site has expanded to include sewing machines across a number of price bands but if you’re looking for a reasonably priced sewing machine for yourself or for a child, it might just be easier to cut right to the chase so a list of the top 5 machines under $100 seemed very worthwhile.
To build this list of beginner sewing machines, a set of criteria were selected. The machines on the list:
- Cost under $100
- Are as resistant to thread jams as possible
- Incorporate at least a couple of decorative stitches along with the basic utility stitches
- Weigh 15 pounds or less
- Have at least 50 online reviews
- Have an average consumer rating of 4.0 or better
- Are readily available online
This list works for adults looking for their first sewing machine as well as for those shopping for children. No toy sewing machines were included, however, with reason. One thing my mother has burned into my head is that those things do not hold up. In fact, try as I might I could not find one under $100 that had decent reviews at all. If you know a child interested in sewing, a machine that will break quickly is not the best encouragement. Considering the reasonable prices of the models in this list, you could very well get a real sewing machine for kids that will hold up over time.
How was this list compiled?
- Searched for every home sewing machine on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Overstock that was priced under $100 and added it to a spreadsheet.
- Noted the price, number of reviews, and average rating for every machine on every one of those online retail sites.
- Calculated the lowest price option, the total number of reviews, and the weighted average consumer rating for each sewing machine.
- Sorted the sewing machines by consumer rating (high to low) to find the top 5.
- Reviewed the consumer reviews and the sewing machine manuals to identify the number of stitch patterns available, stitch names, the machine weight, and the features that helped to eliminate thread jams.
- Made final adjustments to the order of the top 5 based on additional features that added value to the sewing machine.
I come from an aggressive line of comparison shoppers and accountants and we tend to get a bit analytical in our comparisons. Not many would use entire Excel spreadsheets to compare products but I’m a numbers geek, too, so…well…we do what we do. 🙂
The objective, though, was to get all of this information in one place to speed up your own decision making process. A number of sites had to be considered, not all machines were available in each store, and not all product listings are created equal. Weeding through the detail to boil down a solid set of beginner sewing machines with great ratings will hopefully save you from having to do the same to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Thank you!! My grandfather was an upholsterer, my mother was an upholsterer and furrier, and I took all six weeks of Home Ec to make a sleeveless dress with one seam. 🙁 Now in middle age, I want to make simple alterations on a simple machine, but didn’t know how to choose one.
Oh, how I can relate! I think I made that same dress in school. 😉 I don’t know why the urge to sew has waited so long for me, too, but I can’t tell you how excited my mom is that she can talk “sewing” with one of her girls finally! I’ll never put out the creations she did but I tell you I’m having a lot of fun even with small projects like repairing my boys’ shirts and pants. Glad this could help.
I just wanted to say how helpful this website was for me. I’m a beginner at sewing and didn’t even know where to start in purchasing one. Thanks for the help!
Lindsay – So glad we could help!! Thanks for letting us know, too. Makes my day! 😉
Erin
where is the price on the sewing machines i want one!
Shannon – All of the machines mentioned in this post are under $100. Click on the price column for any machine in order to find its current price.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks for making this list! I’m largely looking to purchase a machine to hem pants. I hope to learn more than that, but hemming is my big goal. Will any of the machines you listed have problems working with thicker fabrics like denim?
Thanks much!
Gigi – They’re all capable of handling denim but you want to really make sure to use the right needle and thread and take it slow if you’re going through multiple layers. I know the XL26000i does a good job hemming jeans, if that helps. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I’m replacing a 40 year old Kenmore machine that didn’t survive a project using heavyweight sunbrella fabric. I could never get the stiches to have right bobbin tension after that,even after servicing it. Do you think the heavyweight sunbrella fabric would stress out the XL26000i- if so, what machine would you recommend.(I don’t need many special functions in a machine). Thanks
Kathy – Oh, I’m so behind lately! I’m usually all over the comments on this site but I’ve been distracted (and not even with a sewing project…sigh).
I can’t say for sure how well the XL26000i would hold up with that fabric. It should and it very well could, but I couldn’t tell you that with any certainty as I’ve not had to test the machine under any lengthy period of time with that kind of fabric. Alternative options, though, might be costlier. Do you only need it to do a straight stitch? If so, something like the SINGER 4411 might do well. This machine is like a home version of the commercial machines that punch through yard after yard of heavy duty material without a hitch. It only has a few stitch patterns but it moves FAST – 1100 stitches per minute – so it shouldn’t have a problem at all going through your heavyweight material.
Now, the Singer costs twice as much as the XL26000i and if that’s too much then I’d stick with the XL2000i. In this price range, it stands the best chance of being able to handle the project. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
i need a simple sewing machine for shortening the pents and skirt hem.
i like it sew heavy material liking blue jen.
tks.
Lily – The Brother XL2600i will handle jeans and is really a great deal for a start sewing machine under $100. it will do the hemming and alterations of pants and skirts and is really easy to use.
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello Erin – Thanks for posting this list. I would like to purchase a sewing machine to make hooded towels for my kids and for other fun projects (Halloween costumes etc.). Will the 5 listed above be ideal for towels too?
Felicia – As long as you use the right thread and needle combination and perhaps a walking foot, yes, these machines will handle towels. I’d really consider the Xl2600i in particular because of the drop in bobbin and it’s high ratings. It’s pretty amazing how much functionality you can get out of that machine!
Sincerely,
Erin
Great selections!
Im a beginner but was considering the XL2600i.
However, I need it to sew through things like leather, and leather patchwork for making purses and clutches
Would this sewing machine work? If not, can you recommend something else sturdier, even if its a tad bit pricier? Thanks
Chey – Going through a layer or two of leather every now and then wouldn’t hold up the XL2600i too much. However, if you’re going to be sewing often and considering the thick layers of leather you’d come across at the corners of a purse or clutch, you probably want something with a little more power. I’d take a look at these:
Singer HD 4411 (Read about it here)
Brother CP 6500 (Read about it here)
Let me know what you think. They’re a little more expensive but I’m afraid that XL2600i wouldn’t hold up as well for you if you were sewing a great deal of leather.
Sincerely,
Erin
I checked out both and the Brother CP 6500 seems like a better choice. Ive been told to not look into singers unless I was looking for older models because they dont perform up to par.
What do you think?
Does the weight of a machine matter? I always thought the lighter, the worse because the more plastic it is, and easier to ruin/break.
Now im considering the CP 6500 ! lol
Btw, what do you think about buying a machine like a Janome, or Bernina etc etc.
I dont want anything more than 150 but i do want a quality to last me awhile.
Sorry for all the questions!
Chey – For the most part, I agree with that advice on Singers EXCEPT for a few, very specific models that have come out recently and appear aimed at helping Singer recover its reputation. The Singer HD4411 is one of them. The Singer 7258 is another – but it’s more lightweight. There are a few more but, yes, you want to be a bit selective when looking at Singers.
Brother has put out some really great machines including many extremely affordable home models. That CP6500 is identical to their most popular model, the CS6000i which has over 1000 reviews and a super high consumer rating. It’s a great machine.
Of course, Janome and Bernina are top of the line sewing machines but they don’t offer as many models under $200. I have the Janome Magnolia 7330 and I absolutely love it but I do wish I’d taken a look at one of the Brother machines when I was buying (that was before I knew as much as I know now…) because I miss having more stitches.
Weight is important more these days because if you work on large quilts or heavy, large pieces of material, the lighter machines can get pulled over by the weight of the fabric hanging to the side or back of the machine. A rubber non-skid mat underneath can help with that, though.
That Brother machine is pretty neat, isn’t it? I’m already declaring it and it’s slightly upscale “brother”, the CP 7500 as the top sellers for this year’s holiday shopping season. We’ll see!
Sincerely,
Erin
Sounds Good! Im definitely keeping brother in mind considering that i will be working with leather.
Im worried about using a computer machine, but hopefully it wont give me trouble.
I should go around to try out other machines just in case.
I do appreciate all your help, you saved me some time !
Thanks for the list – a good place to start! Let me start by saying this: I don’t sew. My mother is fabulous, but I refused to learn. All I really used was the seam ripper. =) Hated it. My daughter will be turning 10 and has asked for a sewing machine for her birthday. (She has done quite a bit of hand-stitching, just making designs etc., for fun.) I want the one that will be least frustrating for us and preferably, that she can do as much on her own as possible! So, I guess I’m asking you to reduce your list of 4 down to just 1. =)
Julie – Without a doubt, it would be the Brother XL26000i. The top drop-in bobbin makes it much easier to use than the others and it’s got the best overall user rating. It’s a great beginner machine. Your daughter might not even need the seam ripper…. 😉 (And Happy Birthday to your daughter!)
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks so much!! That’s the one I’ll be getting!
Thanks for doing the “SEWING MACHINE FOR DUMMIES” list!! I recently took a class and spoke to several experienced sewers and most just said get a Sears Model, but your information makes me feel confident that I’ll make the right “first” purchase. Thank You.
There are 3 Kenmore models that Sears makes that are actually manufactured by Janome and near identical to their higher priced Janome siblings for $100 to $200 less, just to throw a monkey wrench in your search. 🙂 The Kenmore 19110 is the Janome DC2010 (read about that one here), the Kenmore 19233 is the Janome DC5100 (see my page here) and they have two mechanical models manufactured by Janome also. If I didn’t have my heart set on the TB30 otherwise I would have absolutely considered these, you received good advice. Good luck in your search!
See, here you went to all this work and I took forever to get to the post – stuck in my review folder…you’re so good I need to hire you! You know what’s sad is that when I had the programmer build me that little machine wizard tool on the front page, I had him include Kenmore as one of the brand name options with the thinking that I would eventually get to adding reviews of those machines and…well…you an see where that’s gotten me. 🙂 Behind the 8 ball, as always. LOL!
Nate – Ha! Love that title! Glad the list could help. This post is one of the most popular on the site. When you’re just starting out a great little machine for under $100 is a great way to go!
Good luck and let me know if you need any help. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin. Thank you so so much for your detailed research and information, I just purchased my very first sewing machine thanks to your wonderful advice!
I guess now that I’m taking some baby steps towards sewing I have a few more questions – mainly about accessories. For example, sewing tables. I didn’t even think about them until I was watching a few sewing instructional videos and realized they all had these super extravagant sewing tables. Should I get one as well/do I need one? And are there any other I guess ‘common sense’ type of add-on’s I might need?
Sorry for all the questions! I guess because I’ve never sewn before there are so many things that I don’t have a clue about!lol
Thank you!
Eliza
I sent my little Brother (purchased over 10 years ago) to Mali with my mom earlier this year and it is holding up well there (despite the dirt and dust!) but we are missing it here and I was looking for info on what is the best replacement as my daughter is really getting into sewing and my mom’s old Kenmore (we swapped) either needs major service or has just had enough. After reading your excellent list and analysis the Brother XL2600i it is!
Hi,
I haven’t sewn for a while, but I intend to start on it soon again, but preferably to get something less than $100. I am pretty much ready to go out and get 2600i, but one thing I would really like to know is, can I use the 2600i often on super stretchable fabric like lycra?
I love to dance and I would probably use the machine to make costumes. 🙂
Also which stitch would you recommend for super stretchable fabrics?
Last question: You mentioned in your cons of Brother 2600i – “No presser foot pressure adjustment. Tension dial is very particular so can be challenging to find the right setting when you change fabrics.”
What does pressure foot pressure adjustment do and why does it matter?
I would really appreciate your answers so much!
Thank you!
Thank you! I have taken days searching for the right machine for my granddaughter! She loves to sew on my machines but I didn’t want to give either one of mine up. I had just about made up my mind on the Brother XL26001 and now I know I’m going to get it for her. I’m glad it was the first on your list also! Again thank you!
Maria – Great choice and you are very welcome. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I’m completly new to sewing. My main goal is to make military name tape bracelets. What would be a good sewing machine for that?
Thank you so much for your website/advice! I just ordered the Brother 2600i for my 10 year old after looking in the stores (very confusing), and gathering advice from two of my friends that sew. Your reviews helped me immensely! Maybe even I will get into sewing now!
I am starting a sewing school out of my home. I am looking a t buying another machine for younger sewers. What do you recommend?
Terry – The Brother XL2600i is a great starter machine for younger sewers. It’s easy to use, inexpensive, and the controls are large enough that little hands can work the levers and knobs without issue. I also like the fact that it has a drop-in bobbin.
If you’re looking for something with a little more functionality, check out the Brother CP-7500 (here’s my detailed overview). It’s twice the price but has significantly more stitches.
Both are highly rated by other users, too. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I appreciate your putting together this list, but the top machine, the Brother XL2600i did not work for me. I bought the machine only to take up hems, mostly jeans. This machine DOES NOT take up thick hems like jeans, even when carefully hand turned and with the manufacturer’s recommended size of thread and needle. There was one review on Amazon that said this, but I ignored it as all the other reviews were so glowing. It was great for everything else but simply is not a good enough machine to handle simple hemming on thick seams. I took it to the Brother repair place, and the technician there told me that the machine would NEVER be able to do that type of sewing because its parts were plastic instead of metal. He also said the machine could not handle the thicker-sized thread recommended in the machine’s manual for denim. It’s a shame, because it is good in every other way, but if you ever think you will need it to take up hems on denim or other thicker materials, then this will not work for you.
I’m new to sewing and wanted help with the best beginners machine to do curtains and comforters, also quilts… Really need help!!!!
Kisa – A lot depends on how much you want to spend but to do large projects like you’ve described, you really want to make sure to get a machine with a good sized work space between the needle and the control panel of the sewing machine on the right hand side. Here are a few options:
Brother SQ9050: It comes with attachments for quilting and costs under $200 (Read more)
Brother CP 7500: Also under $200 and comes with quilting accessories. Highly rated and one of the most popular machines for those who are just starting out. However, it doesn’t have the largest throat area. (Read more)
Singer 9960: This is about twice the cost of the others but it comes with so many features and is ideal for large projects that it’s hard to pass up. It has very strong ratings. (Read more)
Janome HD1000: This is a mechanical sewing machine instead of a computerized one but it’s a total power house for quilting projects. It doesn’t come with all the quilting presser feet you might need but it’s a solid, reliable machine by one of the most respected brands in the industry. (Read more)
Take a look at those and then let me know what questions you have when you compare them and I’ll help out.
Sincerely,
Erin
This is great information!!! I’m looking for a machine to hem jeans, make throw pillows and make simple clothes. I’m just starting out but want to use the machine for more than just hemming pants. Would you still recommend the top five you mentioned above such as the Brother XL2600i or is something else better that will hold up? I don’t want to spend too much money, but want to make sure I get something that won’t fall apart.
Thank you!
Tanya
Tanya – Since you want a machine that will do the basics PLUS allow you to explore other kinds of projects, it would be worth getting something with at least a few more stitches and some additional accessories than the ones that come with these models. There are a few great options that don’t cost too much more but because they have more built into them, you won’t outgrow it any time soon.
My first suggestion would be to look at the Brother CS6000i or the CP6500 or the CP7500. They’re roughly the same machine except the 7500 has 10 more stitches. They all cost nearly the same.
My other suggestion would be the Singer 7258. It’s very reasonably priced but has more automation, stitches, and accessories. (It’s cute, too!).
You can find the reviews for any of these options on the Comparison Table link in the top navigation menu for the site.
Let me know if that gets you pointed in the right direction or if you need additional information about those options.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Erin
Wonderful list! I find this very helpful. I am a beginner. I have a Singer that was given to me. I find the bobbin so difficult to work with. I end up getting no where. I work with fleece mostly. I make “cage curtains” for my Sturdi Cage set up (I show my Household pet in CFA). It involves making hems using simple stitches. Do you have any recommendations for a machine that would be easy to work with that has an easy user friendly bobbin system?
Niki – I completely understand. Once a bobbin is a pain, the whole process becomes a nightmare, doesn’t it? There are a couple of machines I’d have you take a look at. The recommendations are all under $200 to keep your price as low as possible.
First is the XL2600i on this page. The bobbin is a drop-in, easy set up system. It has enough stitches and power to make your curtains. It’s the most basic option on the list so no extra automation.
Second is the Janome Jem Gold 660. It’s a 3/4 machine but really nearly the same size as the XL2600i. It’s also mechanical so not a lot of automation but Janome is one of the best at making jam proof bobbin systems and they are consistently solid performers.
Third is the Singer 4411 Heavy Duty machine. This one is basically a straight stitch machine that sews about 25% faster than the others on this list. It’s built to plow through straight stitch work.
Finally, take a look at the Brother CS6000i (or its twins the CP6500 and CP7500). These are computerized options with more bells and whistles but in the same price range.
You can find reviews for all of these on the Compare tab in the top navigation menu. They’re all highly rated and have been well received by consumers.
Take a look at those and then let me know if you have any questions about them.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin,
Like some other commenters I too took a HS class and made a skirt I wouldn’t wear if my life depended on it but now home with grade school kids I’d like to do some projects and at elast be able to sew on a cub scout patch, hem some pants with a machine instead of roughly by hand or asking my mother in law to do it! I love the site and all the information thanks!!
Donna – Wouldn’t that be a funny post if I could gather images of all the projects most of us made in high school? I can still picture the dress I made (and never, ever wore – one arm longer than the other…) but I don’t have it anymore. Who would have thought I could have used it in a blog in the future? 😉
So glad you like the site and thanks for commenting!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello,
I’m in the market for a sewing machine and you seem to be the expert! I know next to nothing about sewing machines, but I want to learn as I go. (Learning about sewing machines without one to play with seems impossible)Therefore, I would like to buy and affordable machine (one off of this <$100 list) I would like to sew things like curtains, pillows, christmas tree skirt etc., and maybe a quilt once I get good at it. Which machine would you suggest?
Thank you!
Heather
Heather, from this list and based on your projects I’d go with the XL2600i. It really offers the best combination of stitches, features and price on this list and is a great choice for someone who wants to get started without paying a fortune. And, yes, it’s much easier to learn to sew when you have a machine in front of you – although I make a lot fewer mistakes when I do “virtual” sewing in my sleep. 😉
Take care!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hey Erin – what do you think of Gibsonia as a place to spend Christmas?
I think it sounds cold and snowy!!! But we’ll love every second of it! 😉
Thanks for this. I am looking for an inexpensive machine as a Christmas gift for granddaughter. Sorry to find the Fashion Faces no longer in stock at Walmart.
Irene, I do think they stopped making this one which is too bad because it was cute AND functional. I’d go with something like the Brother XL2600i and I believe you could dress it up with some clear plastic stick-ons like the kind you might use for a laptop or a window. They have this in white with pink trim, too, under model number XL2610 but it usually costs $20 more than the white with blue trim.