7 Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machines

So you've decided to look for your first sewing machine, congratulations! There's a whole world of crafts, projects, clothing, embroidered items and quilts waiting for you to create. But before diving in, you have to decide on a machine.

We get a lot of inquiries about the machines we sell, but "Which sewing machine is good for a beginner?" comes up more often than almost any other question. To help you decide on a machine, we've come up with a list of seven beginner-friendly sewing machines that are sure to turn you from a prospective sewer to a skilled sewing artist in no time!

What Makes a Sewing Machine Beginner Friendly?

Before we dig into our picks, it's helpful to know what constitutes a beginner-friendly machine. The world of sewing machines is as deep as it is wide, and encompasses everything from specialized long-arm quilting machines to multi-needle embroidery machines.

When looking for a beginner-friendly machine, there are four key factors to consider. These factors are:

• Price – The more affordable a machine is, the more likely it is to be beginner friendly. More affordable machines tend to fulfill the other criteria on this list, but most importantly, no one wants to spend too much on their first machine.
• Size & weight – Size is probably of less importance than price, but it is still worth considering. A beginner likely has no need for a large long-arm quilting machine or multi-needle embroidery machine, and they may want to bring their machine to a crafting party or sewing circle. Most beginner-friendly sewing machines will fit on top of a standard sewing or craft table.
• Ease of use – Ease of use is the most important factor for any beginner-level machine. Machine functions should be easy to understand and clearly labeled so that even the least experienced users can pick it up quickly.
• All-around capabilities – It is essential for a sewer's first machine to perform a wide range of sewing functions. Most beginners haven't fully locked in on whether or not they want to specialize in any particular area of sewing, such as clothing, embroidery or quilting. Owning a machine that can do everything helps beginners to choose their specialty, or to be a generalist if they so choose.

With these key factors in mind, you're already well on your way to finding a great beginner-friendly sewing machine for your home.

Our Favorite Beginner Friendly Sewing and Quilting Machines

Click on any of the links below to see a detailed description of each machine.

Best Overall: Bernette 35 ($279.00)

This inexpensive sewing machine performs well above its price point with 23 stitches and seven presser feet. It's the perfect all-around tool for any beginner or intermediate level sewing enthusiast.

Best Thrifty Pick: Janome 2212 ($189.00)

A versatile machine for an amazing price, the Janome 2212 is packed with a range of beginner-friendly features. The bonus bundle edition includes 10 bobbins, 2 packs of size 14 needles and an extended warranty plan, making it easy to get started.

Best Luxury Pick: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 ($479.00)

Those looking to start their sewing practice in style should turn to the Husqvarna Viking Jade 20. This powerful machine offers more sewing space and superior embroidery abilities compared to similarly priced sewing machines.

Best for Embroidery: Bernette B05 ($349.00)

If embroidery is your calling, the Bernette B05 offers excellent embroidery capabilities for the price thanks to its included darning/embroidery foot.

Best for Quilting: Juki HZL-355Z ($279.00)

With a beginner-friendly design, the Juki HZL-355Z turns simplicity into strength. Easy to use and affordably priced, this powerful machine will turn your quilting dreams into reality.

Best Set of Features: Janome HD1000 ($329.00)

Between the automatic needle threader, drop feed, LED light, one-step buttonholing ability, and presser foot pressure adjustment, the Janome HD1000 offers all the convenience you'd normally find in a machine twice the price!

Best Computerized: Juki LB5020 ($349.00)

The Juki LB5020 will help you take your sewing to the next level with its many computerized features. Automate your crafts and stitch patterns with easy controls and a simple to use LCD screen.

Best Overall: Bernette 35

Take one look at the Bernette 35 and you'll quickly see why it was chosen as our best overall machine for beginners. This machine's low price point and impressive set of features make it suitable to tackle any project or to help you discover a specialization you like.

To enable maximum comfort and flexibility, the machine comes with seven different presser feet and a wide set of usage improvement features. Beginners can take advantage of one-step buttonhole features, manual thread cutters, and manual needle threaders. This machine is the perfect choice for an aspiring sewer, and its price won't break the bank either.

Best Thrifty Pick: Janome 2212

The Janome 2212 packs a lot of features into one sleek, affordable package. With a front-loading bobbin, free arm, drop feed dog, and speeds up to 860 stitches per minute, this machine can play with the big boys for half the price. For the thrifty beginner, there's nothing better than the Janome 2212. It even comes with a generous warranty of 25 years for mechanical parts so you won't have to worry about replacing the machine or paying for expensive repairs.

Best Luxury Pick: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20

Husqvarna's Viking Jade line is well known for its wide range of features and gorgeous design. Of all the machines in this product line, their entry level Jade 20 is one of our favorites. Great for embroidery, quilting, and clothes making, this machine does it all and looks great while doing it. Beginners who want more features and a cleaner looking machine will find everything they want and more in the Jade 20.

Here are just a few of the amazing features found on this sewing machine:

• 200mm sewing space
• Speed control
• 82 stitches
• Presser foot recommendation-button
• One-step buttonholes
• Free motion

No matter what craft you want to pursue, the Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 ensures you'll be able to accomplish it in style.

Best for Embroidery: Bernette B05

If embroidery appeals to you, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better machine for the money than the Bernette B05. Our package includes a darning/embroidery foot which makes it easy to control your embroidery without using your hands. Add an impressive stitching speed of 1100 stitches per minute and 30 included stitch patterns and you have one of the most capable embroidery machines on the market.

Best for Quilting: Juki HZL-355Z

Those who find themselves drawn to quilting should be sure to check out the offerings from Juki. Of all their machines, the Juki HZL-355Z is most suited for beginning level quilters. The machine features numerous quality of life upgrades, such as its automatic one-step buttonhole, LED light, optional quilting foot, and drop feed. With these features at your fingertips, your next great quilt is just a few moments away from becoming a reality.

Best Set of Features: Janome HD1000

If you have yet to choose a sewing focus, the Janome HD1000 can put you on the right track. The perfect jack of all trades, this machine features a one-step buttonhole, three-piece feed dog, built-in needle threader, manual tension control, stitch length control, and more! Using these helpful features, you'll quickly pick up a favorite craft or become a master of them all.

Best Computerized: Juki LB5020

Are you looking for a more hands-off experience? The Juki LB5020 offers computerization features for a price that can't be beat. The simple to understand LCD screen makes it easy to see exactly what programs you are running, and a host of other features like a one-step buttonhole and auto needle threader reduce setup time. If you intend to automate parts of your sewing process, you won't find a better beginner machine than the Juki LB5020.