Sewing Machines for beginners

HOW TO CHOOSE A BEGINNER SEWING MACHINE

Our advice and recommendations (Hobbysew is a leading Beginner Sewing Machine Dealer in Australia).

Today's beginner sewing machines make it much easier for novice sewists to perfect the basics quickly.

There is a massive variety of beginner sewing machines available and choosing the right one can sometimes be a challenge. Beware, many machines are appealing due to their very low price. Sadly, they are often of terrible quality and have such limited function that the user will have no opportunity to progress their skills.

If you are looking to purchase a sewing machine that will last many years, we recommend investing in models in the $200 - $500 range. You should shop for reputable brands such as Janome, Brother, Juki, Bernina, Bernette, Singer, Elna and Husqvarna. That way, they will come with a warranty and give the user the ability to try out different fabrics and stitches.

Like most things, the higher the price, the better the quality, longevity and range of features. If you or your loved one is just starting out, you should consider the following features:

Selection of stitches: look for the types, not necessarily the quantity of stitches available.
Stitch speed.
Built in needle threader: you will thread your machine thousands of times. Save yourself a lot of frustration by purchasing a machine with this feature.
Drop in / front loading bobbin: drop-in is preffered these days as it's much easier to top up your bobbin with thread. You can also see when the thread is running low at a glance.
Built in thread cutter.
Good lighting.
Strength of motor: if sewing with thicker fabrics like denim, many very basic machines will not be able to handle more than one layer. We have several "Heavy Duty" machines available which are still very easy to use. Check out the Singer Heavy Duty 4432. (And remember to use the correct needles!)

It all depends what you want to get out of your machine; everyone is different!

Below are our top picks for the average beginner sewist. These machines are from reputable brands, are easy to operate and function very well, meaning you can purchase with confidence. Should you require further assistance with purchasing a sewing machine, our team of experienced and professional staff are available to help you either over the phone or in Hobbysew stores.