Best Sewing Machine of 2024
There are many sewing machines on the market today, and we know it can be overwhelming to consider all of them. There’s a lot to take into account when picking out the best sewing machine - how many different stitches, machine and workspace size, how big the screen is, touch screen or not, and so much more.
To make things easier for you, we’ve done the hard work and considered big brands such as Janome, Brother, Pfaff, Bernina and compiled a list of what we deem to be the best sewing machines of 2024. Let’s take a look!
Contents
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Best Sewing Machine for Quilting
Best Children's / Mini Sewing Machine
Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Best Value Sewing Machine
Best Budget Sewing Machine
Best Sewing Machine for Dressmaking
Best Sewing Machine for Leather
Best Sewing Machine for Free Motion Embroidery
Best Mechanical Sewing Machine
Best All-Round Sewing Machine
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
As a beginner choosing a new sewing machine can be both exciting and daunting at the same time but don't worry, watch as Anna talks you through our best beginner sewing machines.
When looking at a beginner machine things to consider are:
- ease of use
- amount of features
- how you can progress on/grow with it
#2 - Janome 725s Sewing Machine
The Janome 725S Sewing Machine is a celebrity- it’s been featured on The Great British Sewing Bee! This machine is well-rounded, with all of the important utility stitches you need for both quilts and garments. It also features a jam-proof bobbin and an extra high presser foot lift for those thicker projects. This model is one of our best selling Janome sewing machines.
+ Extra high presser foot lift
+ LED Lighting
+ Jam-proof, drop in bobbin
- Mechanical machine (requires width and length adjustment)
#1 - Brother Innov-is A16 Sewing Machine
Brother Innov-is A Series machine has made our list! We like the Innov-is A16 for any beginner to learn how to sew on. It’s easy to use, doesn’t have too many features that will overwhelm the sewist, and it can easily handle thicker fabrics for any type of project! Learning on a sewing machine can be made easier with simple machine features such as speed control, locking stitch and start/stop - all of which this machine has.
+ Easy to use
+ Can easily work with thicker fabric - perfect for dressmakers
+ Back-lit LCD screen with digital stitch length and width controls
- A limited amount of accessories included
Best Machine for Quilting
#3 - Brother Innov-is A50 Sewing Machine
+ Quick-set top loading bobbin
+ LED lighting
+ Large LCD Screen
- Smaller 6-inch workspace
#2 - Janome 6700p Sewing Machine
The Janome 6700P Sewing Machine is one of our favourite machines on the market. It’s well-built, has a lot of available workspace with 10 inches of throat space, and can sew up to 1,200 stitches per minute! It’s great for any professional quilter or home décor sewist. The only downside is that there isn’t a free arm on this machine, which can make some garment sewing difficult, but still very possible!
+ Can sew up to 1,200 stitches per minute
+ 10 Inches of workspace
+ Independent bobbin winder
- No free arm
#1 - Bernina 770QE Plus Sewing Machine
+ 1809 Stitches to choose from
+ 10 Inches of workspace
+ Optional Embroidery Unit
- High maintenance cost for regular servicing
Best Children's / Mini Sewing Machine
#1 - Brother L14S Sewing Machine
While this machine isn’t technically a “mini” machine, we feel strongly that true “mini” machines aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Instead, this sewing machine has a small footprint, is light, and can easily be stored or be your favourite travel companion. The Brother L14S is jam-packed with features that you’ll love to have on your lightweight machine but isn’t overrun with unnecessary bells and whistles!
+ Top loading bobbin to avoid jams
+ A quiet machine
+ Extra bright LED light
- Not traditionally mini
View the Brother L14s Sewing Machine
Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
#2 - Janome HD2200 Sewing Machine
The Janome HD2200 Sewing Machine is a heavy-duty machine that can handle leather, denim, and pretty much any fabric you throw at it. That makes it great for quilting, dressmaking, and home décor, among any other projects you want to make!
+ Great for all kinds of sewing
+ Can handle various fabric thickness
+ Built-in needle threader
- On the smaller side (6 inches of workspace)
View the Janome HD2200 Sewing Machine
#1 - Janome HD9 Professional Sewing Machine
If you’re sewing heavy-duty fabrics and only need a straight stitch, the Janome HD9 is one you’ll really love! It’s one of the fastest sewing machines around, clocking in at a top speed of 1,600 stitches per minute. But don’t let the speed bring you to a pause- there’s a speed slider on the front of the machine so you can easily slow it down for your own comfort. It has a metal body and is designed for heavy-duty use.
+ High speed (1600 stitches per minute)
+ Metal body
+ Can handle thicker fabrics, no problem
- Straight stitch only (no zig zag)
View the Janome HD9 Professional Sewing MachineBest Value Sewing Machine
#3 - Brother Innov-is 15 Sewing Machine
The Brother Innov-is 15 is a bargain! It’s a sweet machine that can handle all of your favourite projects! It’s computerised with a LCD screen that shows you your stitch selection, but it’s similar to a mechanical machine in how you select stitches. You don’t need all of those bells and whistles when you’re brand new to sewing or you know how to use utility stitches to your advantage.
+ LCD Screen
+ Easy automatic needle threader
+ Top loading, jam-proof bobbin
- Limited amount of space
View the Brother Innov-is 15 Sewing Machine
#2 - Brother Innov-is A50 Sewing Machine
The Brother A-series are a fantastic range of machines, but the Innov-is A50 is perhaps the best bang for your buck. It boasts 50 built in stitches, a top loading - jam proof bobbin and great features. Its easy to use and comes with a good range of feet and accessories.
+ Quick-set top loading bobbin
+ LED Light
+ LCD Screen
- Smaller 6-inch workspace
#1 - Janome 5060 QDC Sewing Machine
Janome really outdid themselves when they designed the 5060QDC Sewing Machine. As seen on The Great British Sewing Bee 2022 - it’s compact, but powerful, and has a few features that you might think are only built into luxury sewing machines, such as an automatic thread cutter and an extension table! It comes with a great range of feet and an additional quilting pack.
+ 7-Piece superior feed system
+ Extension table included
+ Bonus quilting foot set included
- Limited number of decorative stitches
View the Janome 5060 QDC Sewing MachineBest Budget Sewing Machine
#2 - Janome J3-18 Sewing Machine
This mechanical Janome sewing machine is going to be a fun addition to your craft tools! It’s lightweight and on the smaller side, so it’s great for traveling, if you like to take sewing classes or attend retreats, and you can easily store it when not in use! The Janome J3-18 will help you to create any project you set to your needle!
+ Lightweight
+ Quick and easy presser foot conversion
+ Variable stitches
- Bit noisier than other machines
View the Janome J3-18 Sewing Machine
#1 - Brother LX17 Sewing Machine
The Brother LX17 is a great mechanical machine for anyone on a tight budget. It’s perfect for any level sewist, though if you’re sewing for income this machine might not have the features you need. It has 17 utility stitches to work with, including a 4-step buttonhole, so it’s great for garments and quilts alike!
+ Inexpensive
+ Easy stitch selection
+ Easy set, top loading bobbin
- Not good for thick fabric
View the Brother LX17 Sewing MachineBest Sewing Machine for Dressmaking
You can make clothes on most sewing machines - but our top picks have been selected because of the amount of stitches, combination of buttonholes, overcasting and the fact they can handle all sorts of fabrics.
#2 - Janome Atelier 3 Sewing Machine
Have you considered the Janome Atelier line at all? These machines are fantastic for any kind of sewing, but the Atelier 3 is top notch for dressmaking. It has a great amount of workspace for a sewing machine, measuring up to 8 inches of throat space. It has a platter of stitches to choose from, including all of the important utility stitches and plenty of decorative stitches to put that extra bit of flare on any project you set out to create.
+ Fully Computerised
+ LED Lighting
+ 8 Inches of workspace to the right of the needle
- Does not allow for a knee lift
#1 - Bernina 540 Sewing Machine
Dressmaking is an art form that deserves the best tools in the business, especially if you’re making money from your work. That’s why the computerised Bernina 540 is our top vote for best sewing machines for garment sewing.
+ 1048 stitches included
+ Quieter stitching
+ Optional stitch regulator
- Embroidery Unit needs to be purchased separately
View the Bernina 540 Sewing MachineBest Sewing Machine for Leather
#2 - Janome HD9 Professional Sewing Machine
If you’re sewing heavy-duty fabrics and only need a straight stitch, the Janome HD9 is one you’ll really love! It’s one of the fastest sewing machines around, clocking in at a top speed of 1,600 stitches per minute. But don’t let the speed bring you to a pause- there’s a speed slider on the front of the machine so you can easily slow it down to your own comfort. It has a metal body and is designed for heavy duty use.
+ Fast (800-1600 stitches per minute)
+ Metal body
+ Can handle thicker fabrics, no problem.
- Straight stitch only (no decorative zig zag)
#1 - Janome HD2200 Sewing Machine
This Janome HD 2200 Sewing Machine is a heavy-duty machine that can handle leather, denim, and pretty much any fabric you throw at it. That makes it great for quilting, dressmaking, and home décor, among any other projects you want to make!
+ Great for all kinds of sewing
+ Can handle various fabric thicknesses
+ Built-in needle threader
- On the smaller side (6 inches of workspace)
View the Janome HD2200 Sewing MachineBest Sewing Machine for Free Machine Embroidery
#3 - Janome J3-20 Sewing Machine
You don’t need to have a fancy computerised or a heavy-duty machine in order to create beautiful works of art with your sewing machine. The Janome J3-20 is perfect for Free Machine Embroidery! As well as a great price, when you bundle it with this Free Motion Foot!
+ Easy stitch selection
+ Automatic 1-step buttonhole
+ Lightweight and portable
- Small workspace
View the Janome J3-20 Sewing Machine
#2 - Janome HD9 Professional Sewing Machine
Another great reason to purchase the Janome HD9 is that it’s perfect for Free Machine Embroidery and Free Motion Quilting. It has a large amount of workspace to manoeuvre your fabrics around with ease! And you can easily use the knee lift for a hands-free experience.
+ High speed (can sew 1600 stitches per minute)
+ Metal body
+ Can handle thicker fabric, no problem
- Straight stitch only (no decorative stitches)
View the Janome HD9 Professional Sewing Machine
#1 - Bernina 335 Sewing Machine
If you’re into free machine embroidery, thread painting, or free motion quilting, the Bernina 335 is the perfect machine for you! Not only can you easily drop the feed dogs to create your works of art, but you can use the knee lift in order to engage the Bernina Hands Free System. It is also worth noting that this machine has a front-loading bobbin, this can be useful as you can change the bobbin thread half way through sewing without any hassle. 
+ Fast - 900 stitches per minute
+ Bernina Hands Free System (optional knee lift available)
+ Wide range of decorative stitches
- Small machine (only 6 inches to the right of the needle)
View the Bernina 335 Sewing MachineBest Mechanical Sewing Machine
#2 - Janome HD2200 Sewing Machine
We’ve presented you the Janome HD2200 a couple of times already, but that’s because it’s truly a great sewing machine in so many different categories. It’s heavy-duty and can handle leather, denim, or any other thick, hard-to-work-with fabrics. And it’s great for all kinds of sewing!
+ Great for all kinds of sewing (e.g quilting, dressmaking, home decor)
+ Can handle various fabric thickness
+ Built-in needle threader
- On the smaller side (6 inches of workspace)
View the Janome HD2200 Sewing Machine
#1 - Pfaff Select 4.2 Sewing Machine
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that doesn’t have any computerisation, but is still well-rounded, you’ll want to take a look at the Pfaff Select 4.2 Sewing Machine. It’s easy to use, and well-stocked with essential features. You’ll have constant piercing power when it comes to the needle, and you have a dual feed system already built into the machine! That means you don’t need to purchase a secondary walking foot!
+ Very easy to select stitches with buttons
+ Over 40 stitches (unheard of in most mechanical machines)
+ Dual feed system included
- 4-step buttonhole
View the Pfaff Select 4.2 Sewing MachineBest All-Round Sewing Machine
When choosing the best sewing machine overall, we carefully considered sewers needs. These machines are versatile with a good strong motor, plenty of stitches and handy features.
#3 - Brother Innov-is A65 Sewing Machine
If you’re on a budget but still want a quality machine that allows you to make amazing things, then you should take a look at the Brother Innov-is A65 to see if it’s the right machine for you. It’s a great machine for beginners, with plenty of room to grow and anyone who knows exactly what they need in a sewing machine.
+ Quick-set drop-in bobbin
+ 60 built in stitches
+ Easy-to-use controls
- Only 6 inches of workspace to the right of the needle
View the Brother Innov-is A65 Sewing Machine
#2 - Bernina 770QE Plus Sewing Machine
Bernina machines have great reputation for good reason. They’re well-made and the 770QE is no different. This machine boasts many stitches, including all of the utility stitches you could ever want and many decorative stitches. But wait! There’s more! This machine can also function as an embroidery machine with the optional purchase of a Bernina embroidery unit.
+ 1809 Stitches to choose from
+ 10 inches of workspace
+ Optional embroidery unit
- High maintenance cost for regular check-ups
View the Bernina 770QE Plus Sewing Machine
#1 - Janome 6700p Sewing Machine
The Janome 6700P Sewing Machine is one of the best machines on the market. It’s well-built, has a lot of available workspace, and can sew at break-neck speeds! It’s great for any professional quilter or home décor sewist. The only downside is that there isn’t a free arm on this machine, which can make some garment sewing difficult, but still very possible!
+ Can sew up to 1,200 stitches per minute
+ 10 Inches of workspace
+ Independent bobbin winder
- No free arm
Whilst this is not an exhaustive list of every sewing machine on the market or that we carry, we have put it together as a starting point for anyone in the market for a new machine.
If you are ready to take the plunge and purchase a machine, head over to The Sewing Studio. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about these machines or others that we sell, we are here to help and advise you in purchasing a machine that you’ll love for years to come.
Happy Sewing!
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