What is the Average Price for a Good Sewing Machine?

Have you always wanted to try sewing but are unsure how much sewing machines cost? If you have done any shopping, you have undoubtedly been overwhelmed with the range of features, options and an even wider price point gap.

Today’s sewing machines offer many bells and whistles for sewers of all levels, and prices start as low as $150 and climb into the thousands. But how much do sewing machines cost that can fulfill most of your sewing project needs? You shouldn’t have to pay more than about $400 for a good sewing machine.

This article can help you overcome that sewing machine sticker shock by breaking down what essential features are worth the cost. Then we’ll explain how you can choose a sewing machine without sacrificing quality and give you some top picks based on these factors as we cover:

• Essential sewing machine features that are worth the cost
• Choosing a sewing machine without sacrificing quality
• Top picks for sewing machines under $400

Essential Sewing Machine Features That Are Worth the Cost

The list of today’s sewing machine technological features is endless, but they can also drive up the cost of a sewing machine. If you are a beginner sewer, you may not be ready for 800 built-in stitches just yet.

However, you may want to take advantage of features that save time and are easy to use. Here are the essential features that are worth every penny without breaking the bank:

Automatic Needle Threader

Getting thread through the eye of a needle is a practice in patience that can easily be avoided on a sewing machine with an automatic needle threader. This feature threads the needle on the machine for you so you can focus on perfecting those stitches. Plus, think of the eyestrain that could be eliminated.

One-step Buttonhole

The one-step buttonhole feature removes three additional steps to finish a buttonhole in one motion. Additionally, the one-step buttonhole feature helps prevent snags and improves accuracy.

Built-in Stitches

Today’s modern sewing machines can have up to a whopping 800 built-in stitches. However, if you are a beginner or novice sewer, you only need a minimum of 15. This number should include essential stitches (which come standard on most sewing machines), decorative stitches such as zigzag and of course, buttonhole stitches.

Top Drop-in Bobbin

A drop-in bobbin houses the spool of thread that feeds into the sewing machine. There are two types of drop-in bobbins: front loading and a top drop-in bobbin. The top drop-in bobbin eliminates having to remove the storage compartment each time you switch out the bobbin.

Choosing an Affordable Sewing Machine without Sacrificing Quality

Now that you know what essential features you will want to look for in a sewing machine, it's time to focus on quality. Quality construction of a sewing machine and its internal parts will pay for itself in durability. For instance, a cheap sewing machine may have plastic parts that are prone to breaking instead of durable metal parts built to last. Additionally, metal parts help both thin and thick fabrics glide with ease through the machine.

Other factors to consider include the machine's weight for stability and the speed measured in stitches per minute (SPM). Like weighing the cost of features, instead of opting for 1200 stitches per minute, you can still get a quality sewing machine that runs at 800 SPM and is ample for sewers of all levels.

Top Picks for Sewing Machines under $400

Here at Premier Stitching, you can choose from literally hundreds of reasonably priced, quality machines. But if you’re in the market for your first sewing machine, we recommend checking out the following low-cost quality machines:

JANOME 721 SEWING MACHINE W/ BONUS BUNDLE – $329

Starting at a price point of just $329, the Janome Sewist 721 mechanical sewing machine is the perfect option for beginners. It is packed with essential features such as 21 built-in stitches, a four-step buttonhole and a built-in needle threader. Janome sewing machines are protected by a standard 25-year mechanical parts warranty, 5-years on electrical parts and a 1-year labor warranty. Our exclusive bonus bundle comes with a Janome 1/4" piecing foot, 10 additional bobbins and a 5 pack of needles.

BERNETTE 35 SWISS DESIGN SEWING MACHINE – $299

The Bernette 35 is low on cost but high on quality, design and features. With a total of 23 built-in stitches, an automatic one-step buttonhole function and seven presser feet, this Swiss designed sewing machine is ideal for the novice sewer that wants to create a variety of sewing projects. The Bernette 35 also comes with a 10-year mechanical and 2-year electrical warranty.

JUKI HZL-LB5020 COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE – $399

The Juki HZL-LB5020 computerized sewing machine offers many advanced features for expert sewing enthusiasts but is easy enough for beginners. A large LCD screen, one-step buttonhole, 20 built-in stitches, easy-start seam function and needle stop position memory, are just some of the best features of this top-performing sewing machine. The Juki HZL-LB5020 is protected by a standard warranty of 5 years for mechanical parts and 2 years for electronic parts.

Choosing a good sewing machine that is not expensive doesn’t mean that you must sacrifice quality. Simply consider your level of sewing, what features are most important and your budget!