The best sewing machines for beginners in 2021

A sewing machine can seem like a big investment in space, money, and time, but there are plenty of machines that are perfect for beginners, making the prospect easier for novices and kids just starting out.
Sewing machines come in a range of prices and styles, loaded with various features and stitch applications. Here are the best sewing machines for beginners, available now from Walmart or Amazon.

Best Choice Products 6V Portable Sewing Machine
This Best Choice Products sewing machine looks immediately approachable. The machine’s two speeds allow any beginner to feel comfortable sitting down to it, while the automatic thread rewind, thread cutter, tension dial, and sewing light make sewing a breeze. The 42-Piece kit includes bobbins, spools, a spare needle, and needle threader, as well as 12 patterns to provide some immediate direction.

Brother LX3817A 17-Stitch Portable Full-Size Sewing Machine
The Brother LX3817A is easy to set up and comes with enough instructional material to make it easy for novices too. With 17 unique built-in stitches, and one 4-step auto-size buttonhole, there’s plenty of room to grow with the machine. Controls allow you to dial in tension, while the free arm makes it ideal for everyday sewing projects.

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
The Brother XM2701 is like the bigger, full featured sibling of the LX3817A. With 27 stitches and six feet (buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, narrow hemmer, blind stitch, and button sewing), as well as a free arm for ease of use, it’s designed to please a range of users. Though it’s a bit more expensive than the LX3817A, it’s just as lightweight and portable.

SINGER Start 1304 6 Built-in Stitches
SINGER is another trusted name among sewing machines, and the Start 1304 is the perfect introduction to the brand for those just starting out. The cute design and 11-pound construction make the machine adaptable to beginners, but there’s serious technical ability behind those looks, with 57 stitch applications, all with pre-set stitch width and stitch length.

Janome Basic 10-Stitch Portable Sewing Machine
At just five pounds, the Janome Basic 10-Stitch Portable Sewing Machine might be the most portable of all the portable options, and its compact design also makes it a good option for any young enthusiast just dipping their toes into sewing. It features 10 stitch options, left and center needle positions, a tension control dial, and a four-point feed dog system.

Kylinton Mini Sewing Machine for Beginners
Everything is set up to work right out of the box with the Kylinton Sewing Machine, which is designed to be especially accessible to young first-timers. It provides all the essentials: electric foot pedal, high and low speed automatic sewing, reverse sewing, tube sewing, automatic winding -- basically everything you need for straightforward, basic work.

Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine
This 42-piece mini sewing machine from Magicfly comes with a little extension table to make it a bit easier to spread out, but the machine also allows for great portability due to its compact construction and optional battery power. Two speeds and plenty of safety features make it a winner for little ones who want to start sewing.

SINGER M3330 Making The Cut Sewing Machine
Featured on “Making The Cut,” the SINGER M3330 is an elegant, attractive machine for the beginner with big intentions. It includes 97 stitch applications for all your sewing needs, needle threader to save time and front loading bobbin, and four accessory feet. Moreover, the metal frame will ensure the machine holds up as long as you continue sewing.
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