Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Starting your sewing journey can be exciting, but with so many machines and features to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where we come in. With over 40 years of experience in sewing machine repair and sales, we've used our expertise to consider the best sewing machine for beginners and narrow the down the field to the top 5, all priced between $200 and $999. These machines are designed to be easy to use, reliable, and versatile enough to grow with your skills. Whether you're looking for a basic machine to learn the ropes or one with a few extra features for creative projects, our guide will help you find the perfect fit to kickstart your sewing adventure. Table of Contents 
Sewing Machine Comparison Chart
These machines are designed to accommodate various sewing needs, from basic garment construction to more intricate projects. Deciding which one is best for you depends on individual budget and features you desire. Baby Lock Joy
Simple mechanical machine that is easy to thread and will not break down on you. The most reliable mechanical machine under $500. Juki HZL-LB5020
Reliable electronic machine features a needle up/down button, speed control slider, and automatic buttonhole, making it easier to use and offering more room to grow. Baby Lock Jubilant
Best sewing machine for beginners seeking a reliable, feature-rich machine at an affordable price point. Super easy to use. Least expensive machine in the world with a truly automatic needle threader. Baby Lock Presto II
Offers a larger workspace (8"+), making it suitable for quilting and more extensive projects. Baby Lock Brilliant
Provides the most built-in stitches and presser feet among the three, plus a larger screen and knee-lift capability. Caters to users who desire a broader range of functionalities. 
Key Features for a Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machine
Each machine on this list is equipped with these 3 key features:
- Easy to use: Learning should be fun, not frustrating. A good beginner machine should be intuitive, easy to learn, and not fussy.
- Reliability: There's nothing worse than a machine that breaks down mid-project. Reliability ensures you can focus on honing your skill and creativity.
- Room for Growth: A machine with versatile features allows you to expand your skills and sewing ambitions as you become more confident.
With these qualities in mind, let's explore three exceptional beginner-friendly sewing machines from Baby Lock: the Presto 2, Brilliant, and Jubilant. Each of these models embodies the traits that make a sewing machine perfect for beginners while offering unique features to match your needs.
We will also explore two machines under $400. At $249, the Baby Lock Joy is the best sewing machine for beginners seeking a mechanical machine at an affordable entry point. At $399, the Juki HZL-LB5020 is the most reliable computerized sewing machine under $500.
Baby Lock Jubilant | $599
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners in the $500-600 Range
Compact and Capable
If you're looking for the best sewing machine for beginners, the Baby Lock Jubilant is an excellent choice. This portable yet capable machine is designed with ease of use in mind, making it ideal for new sewists looking to build their skills.
Key features of the Jubilant include the truly automatic needle threader, programmable needle up/down, and 80 built-in stitch patterns. In addition, its intuitive design make the Jubilant is our go-to recommendation for beginners. If you were to walk into our shop and say you are looking for a beginner-friendly sewing machine, this is the first machine we would show you.
Ease of Use
- Automatic Needle Threader: The Baby Lock Jubilant is the most affordable machine available with a truly automatic needle threader, saving time and frustration for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
- Programmable Needle Up/Down: This feature allows for precise control, making it easier to pivot corners, maintain accurate seam allowances, and manage multiple fabric layers.
- Intuitive Navigation: Select stitches quickly and easily with the circular stitch selection dial. Adjust stitch length and width seamlessly using the convenient +/- buttons located next to the LCD screen.
- Top-Loading Drop-In Bobbin: Loading the bobbin is a breeze thanks to its simple, hassle-free design.
- Speed Control: As the name implies, the speed control slider makes it easy to control your sewing speed. Additional push-button features include a needle up/down button, reverse button, and start/stop button for smooth and controlled sewing without needing the foot pedal.
Reliability
- Exceptional Build Quality: Designed in Japan with high-quality electronics and a sturdy metal internal frame, the Baby Lock Jubilant offers outstanding durability. After nearly a decade of sales, this model has proven to be exceptionally reliable with minimal reported issues.
- Horizontal Rotary Hook System: Featuring a top-loading bobbin, the Jubilant's design minimizes user error and enhances reliability. This system is both easy to use and helps ensure consistent, smooth stitching over time.
- Ease of Use Linked to Longevity: User-friendly features reduce mistakes, contributing to the machine's long lifespan. For instance, the top-loading bobbin design is simple to load correctly, reducing the likelihood of threading errors.
- Visible Take-Up Lever: A common threading mistake involves missing the take-up lever. The Jubilant mitigates this issue with a clearly visible take-up lever. This makes proper threading intuitive and reducing the risk of operational problems.
Room for Growth
- Wide Variety of Stitches: With 80 stitch patterns, the Baby Lock Jubilant offers plenty of creative options without overwhelming beginners. It includes essential utility stitches like automatic buttonholes and overcasting, making it perfect for garment construction and a variety of sewing projects.
- Portable and Class-Friendly Design: The lightweight, portable design is ideal for taking to sewing classes or groups, ensuring the Jubilant grows with you as you expand your skills and experiences.
- Encourages Frequent Sewing: The Jubilant's user-friendly and enjoyable experience motivates users to sew more often. This allows them to grow in confidence and get the most out of their machine.
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Baby Lock Jubilant Instruction Manual
Baby Lock Presto 2 | $799
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners in the $600-800 Range
More Work Space + Beginner-Friendly Features
At $799, the Baby Lock Presto 2 is a great option for someone looking for a sewing machine that will grow with them.
It's a favorite at The Sewing Machine Shop because it's packed with features you'll use every time you sit down to sew, such as the 8.5" of workspace to the right of the needle, automatic needle threader, automatic thread trimmer, LED lighting, and intuitive threading path, and more.
Perhaps most importantly, the stitch quality is impeccable. Even very experienced sewists often remark on the smooth and sturdy feel one experiences while sewing on the Presto 2.
Ease of Use
- Automatic Needle Threader: The truly automatic needle threader simplifies threading, making it quick and stress-free.
- Top-Loading Drop-In Bobbin: Loading the bobbin is effortless, and the drop-in system also allows for easy cleaning of the bobbin case area, ensuring smooth operation.
- Clever Bobbin Winding System: A built-in blade under the bobbin platform eliminates fuss during the bobbin winding process, saving time and effort compared to other machines.
- Convenient Push-Button Features: Includes automatic thread trimming, needle up/down control, reverse stitching, start/stop operation, and adjustable speed control-giving users complete control with just a touch.
- Enhanced LED Lighting: Extra LED lights in the throat space and around the needle area ensure excellent visibility, making it easier to sew with precision even in low-light conditions.
Reliability
- Superior Japanese Design: Engineered with high-quality electronics and a durable metal internal frame, the Baby Lock Presto 2 is built to withstand years of consistent use.
- User-Error Resistant Design: Thoughtfully designed to minimize common user mistakes, reducing the likelihood of sewing machine issues caused by improper operation.
- Accessible Bobbin Case Maintenance: The bobbin case can be accessed without removing the needle plate. This hassle-free design makes it simple to clean out compacted lint.
Room for Growth
- Spacious Workspace: With an 8.5" workspace to the right of the needle, the Baby Lock Presto 2 offers about 2 inches more space than other machines in its price range, making it easier to manage larger fabric pieces and quilting projects.
- Extensive Stitch Library: Includes 100 built-in stitch patterns, such as 8 one-step buttonholes and overcasting stitches that mimic serger functionality, offering versatility for various sewing needs.
- Personalization Options: The Presto 2 features 4 unique monogramming. While you probably won't monogram every day, it does enable users to add a personal touch to their projects.
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Baby Lock Brilliant | $999
Best Sewing for Beginners under $1,000
Same Platform as the Presto 2, but more Features
The Baby Lock Brilliant is built on the same platform as the Presto 2, but is equipped with a few additional features ideal for a beginner to sewing.
Just like the Presto, the Brilliant has the 8.5" inch work space to the right of the needle, the same automatic needle threader, and the same push-button features. The internal frame is made of metal. The electronics are superb.
So what's the difference?
Knee lift capability, a larger screen, and 190 different stitch patterns are the key features that increase the Brilliant's overall ease of use and room for growth for the beginning sewist.
Ease of Use
- Knee Lift for Hands-Free Control: The standout feature of the Baby Lock Brilliant is its knee lift, which acts as a "third hand." This allows users to raise and lower the presser foot with their knee, keeping both hands free to manage fabric for pivoting and checking seam allowances.
- Enhanced Display Screen: The Brilliant's screen is slightly larger than the Presto 2's and provides a more detailed view of the selected stitch. Instead of just showing the stitch number, it displays a clear, visual representation of the stitch itself.
Reliability
- Reliable Platform: The Baby Lock Brilliant shares the same platform as the Presto 2, inheriting its exceptional reliability and performance.
- Superior Japanese Engineering: Built with high-quality electronics and a durable metal internal frame, the Brilliant is designed to deliver consistent results and stand the test of time.
- User-Error Resistant Design: Thoughtfully constructed to minimize common user mistakes, ensuring smoother operation and fewer issues caused by improper handling.
- Accessible Bobbin Case Maintenance: Just like the Presto 2, the Brilliant allows users to access the bobbin case without removing the needle plate. This hassle-free feature makes cleaning compacted lint easy, helping to prevent problems and maintain optimal performance.
Room for Growth
- Knee Lift and Spacious Throat: The combination of the hands-free knee lift and an 8.5" throat space makes it significantly easier to handle larger fabric pieces such as quilts, wall hangings, and coats. This enhanced maneuverability supports users as they take on more ambitious sewing projects.
- Extensive Stitch and Monogramming Options: With 190 built-in stitches, the Brilliant provides a wealth of creative possibilities. From our experience, sewists enjoy the 10 buttonhole styles, numerous utility and decorative stitches, and 5 monogramming fonts. This variety ensures that the machine can grow alongside the user's skills and expand their creative horizons.
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Baby Lock Joy | $249
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners who want a Mechanical Machine
Compact Design + Essential Features for Beginners
At an affordable price point of $249, the Baby Lock Joy is an excellent choice for those just starting their sewing journey or looking for a reliable machine for occasional projects.
A favorite at The Sewing Machine Shop, the Joy offers all the essentials you'll need to build your skills, including 19 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, a convenient free arm, and a lightweight, portable design. These beginner-friendly features make it easy and enjoyable to get started with sewing.
Perhaps most importantly, the Baby Lock Joy delivers consistent stitch quality and dependable performance, giving new sewists the confidence they need to learn and grow.
Ease of Use
- Simple Operation for Beginners: The Baby Lock Joy is designed with ease of use in mind, making it perfect for new sewists. It features 19 built-in stitches, including a 4-step buttonhole, providing the essential options without overwhelming beginners.
- Convenient Free Arm: The free arm design simplifies sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a stress-free experience.
- Lightweight and Portable: At a compact size and weight, the Joy is easy to transport and store, ideal for occasional sewing or small spaces.
- Top-Loading Drop-In Bobbin: Loading the bobbin is effortless, and the drop-in system also allows for easy cleaning of the bobbin case area, ensuring smooth operation.
- Semi automatic needle threader: The semi-automatic needle threader simplifies threading. Though not as easy as a truly automatic needle threader, it does help simplify the threading process.
Reliability
- Durable Design: Built with a sturdy internal frame, the Baby Lock Joy offers dependable performance for everyday sewing needs.
- Minimal User Error: The straightforward design reduces the likelihood of common user mistakes, ensuring smoother operation and consistent results.
- Dependable Mechanical System: The mechanical design is simple yet effective, requiring minimal maintenance and providing long-lasting reliability.
Room for Growth
- Essential Stitches for Versatility: With 19 built-in stitches, the Joy provides all the basic options needed for garment construction, home projects, and repairs. It's a great starting point for building foundational skills.
- Affordable Entry Point: As an economical choice, the Joy allows beginners to explore sewing without a significant upfront investment, offering room to grow as they develop their skills and sewing ambitions.
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Juki HZL LB-5020 | $399
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners under $400
Versatile and Reliable Entry-Level Sewing Machine
The Juki HZL-LB5020 is an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists who want a high-quality, feature-packed sewing machine at an accessible price point.
With 20 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and a durable metal frame, this machine provides all the essentials for versatile sewing projects while delivering consistent performance.
Ease of Use
- Semi Automatic Needle Threader: Simplifies threading for hassle-free setup, especially for beginners.
- Drop-In Bobbin System: Easy to load and helps reduce common bobbin issues, ensuring smooth operation.
- Simple Stitch Selection: Navigate between 20 built-in stitches effortlessly with intuitive controls, including an easy-to-read dial.
- Compact and Lightweight: Designed for portability, making it a great option for taking to classes or sewing on the go.
Reliability
- Built to Last: The Juki HZL-LB5020 is constructed with a sturdy internal metal frame, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
- Smooth Operation: Known for its precision stitching, this machine handles a variety of fabrics with ease, from lightweight cotton to heavier materials.
- Minimal Maintenance Required: With its robust mechanical design, the HZL-LB5020 is dependable and requires minimal upkeep to stay in top condition.
Room for Growth
- 20 Built-In Stitches: Offers essential options for garment construction, home projects, and decorative stitching, providing enough variety for beginners to explore.
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width: Allows for customization, giving users more control as they develop their skills.
- Durability for Advancement: As users grow in their sewing journey, the reliability and versatility of this machine ensure it remains a valuable tool for years to come.
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