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).

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, Pfaff and Husqvarna. That way, they will come with a warranty and give the user the ability to try out different fabrics and stitches.

Today, the technology and engineering often in the modern sewing machines have reached a level that makes sewing both efficient and enjoyable. When purchasing your first sewing machine, the model you choose can greatly influence whether you feel motivated to continue sewing or discouraged from pursuing it. So purchasing the right machine is important, and to avoid purchasing old technology.

We recommend choosing a computerized sewing machine over a mechanical sewing machine, as the advanced features and benefits typically outweigh those of basic mechanical models. However, we also recognize that some consumers still prefer mechanical machines. For this reason, we have selected four of the most popular beginner-friendly models currently available on the market, both mechanical and electronic.

Beginner

Elna EL2000

Mechanical

Beginner

JANOME DC1000

Computerised

Intermediate

Brother GS3700

Mechanical

Intermediate

JANOME DC2050

Computerised

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! 

To access a wider range of features and options, look at machines priced above $500. These models allow for greater creative growth and are built to last. Since a sewing machine is often a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, opting for a higher-quality model between $500 and $1000 will provide you further capabilities to grow into, plus provides longevity.  We have provided at the bottom of this page 2 banners with recommendations of machine in this better category. (ie: Fully Featured with Longevity) 

At Hobbysew, we rigorously test all our machines. With extensive experience selling thousands of units, from beginner to expert models, we understand the critical importance of matching each beginner with the machine that suits. Regardless of age, we're committed to ensuring your comfort and success in sewing. This means a lot to us. We invite you to visit any of our stores for a hands-on test drive.

We have a comprehensive selection of beginner sewing machines from reputable brands. These machines are easy to operate and perform very well, allowing you to purchase with confidence. If you need further assistance in selecting a sewing machine, our experienced and professional staff are available to help you either over the phone or in our Hobbysew stores.