12 Best Sewing Machines of 2023

Jul 12, 2023

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Top picks for every skill level and budget.

We updated this guide in February 2023 to ensure all picks from the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab are in stock and reflect accurate pricing.

A quality sewing machine comes in handy to hem new pants, fix small holes or tears and even design your dream wardrobe — but you don't need to be an expert sewer to benefit from owning a sewing machine. Whether you love embroidery, quilting, making clothes or are a beginner who's eager to learn, when shopping for a sewing machine, the crucial question to ask yourself is: What is most important to me when I sew?

To find the best sewing machines on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put 13 different sewing machines, embroidery machines and sergers to the test, evaluating ease of threading, stitch accuracy with different fabrics, innovative features and more. We analyzed the construction of each machine to ensure that they're built to last while also being intuitive to operate. In addition to Lab testing, we researched top models and brands to find the styles that'll suit your specific sewing needs, including the best sewing machines for beginners.

After shopping from our curated selection of the top sewing machine models, keep reading to learn more about our testing protocols and find expert shopping advice from our Textiles Lab analysts.

A classic model from Brother, one GH Textiles analyst has used this machine personally at home for over five years, sewing clothes and craft projects alike. This machine combines the simplicity of a beginner machine with excellent features like a clear LCD screen, needle up/down and speed control. It includes a wider table to support bigger quilting and sewing projects. GH analysts found that this machine sewed through a variety of different fabrics with ease, including denim and upholstery fabric. It boasts an intuitive automatic needle threader, too. GH analysts recommend to always use the spool cap when sewing to prevent the thread from sliding off.

When you're in the market for a beginner friendly option that won't break the bank, this sewing machine might be your best match. Not only is it under $200 but this small but mighty sewing machine is perfect for tight workspaces. The automatic needle threader was simple to use and can thread your needle in a few easy steps. GH analysts were impressed at how well this machine worked with different fabrics, including wool and cotton jersey, and only struggled with delicate fabrics like silk chiffon. During testing, we did notice the one-step buttonhole function wasn't quite seamless and got stuck a few times but ran smoothly after rethreading. This simple machine is ideal to help hem new clothes and repair tiny tears and holes.

Beginners need a machine that is intuitive to use while being capable of advancing as they learn. This model from Brother is up to the task: it has clear threading and bobbin winding directions while also having a variety of button-holes, 70 stitch options and a needle up/down button. In Lab evaluations, GH pros found it easy to thread, change the presser feet and adjust the speed. It sewed through a variety of fabrics with minimal inaccuracies, but it was a bit more difficult to sew with satin materials. GH analysts note that the thread holder may look short at first, but its height is actually adjustable. It includes 10 different presser feet with multiple bobbins to start your sewing journey.

If you're completely new to sewing and want to buy your first machine, our pros recommend the Singer Start 1304. It's a simple machine with easy-to-use controls that won't overwhelm a novice sewer. Its small size (and lightweight) makes it perfect to bring to sewing classes while the metal frame ensures it'll last. With over 6,000 rave Amazon reviews, reviewers especially appreciate the easily accessible back stitch and the simple controls for easy learning.

One of the most popular heavy duty sewing machines on the market, the Singer Heavy Duty 4452 sewing machine is great for sewing through challenging fabrics like denim and leather. The needles are size 16, which can go through multiple layers of denim. A non-stick foot is included for other challenging fabrics like leather and vinyl. The pressure of the presser foot is adjustable when sewing on more lightweight versus heavyweight fabrics. With 32 built-in stitches, this machine is great for heavy duty and standard fabrics alike.

Designed specifically for beginner quilters, this sewing and quilting machine features manual speed control for those who have difficulty keeping consistent and even pressure when using and traditional pedal and for those who don't like pedals at all, the start-stop function allows you to sew without using the foot control. It has over 100 built-in stitch applications including basic and decorative; with each stitch, the tension is automatically adjusted. During testing, using the automatic buttonhole function was a breeze and has six different style options programmed into the machine — just select which style you prefer on the LCD screen with the tap of a button. Our experts were impressed with how easy it was to change the presser foot with the quick snap design and the automatic needle threader is simple and easy to function.

Juki sewing machines are popular for being sturdy, long-lasting quilting machines, tackling multiple layers of fabric with ease – ideal for sewing large quilts, canvas and other thick fabrics. Many GH analysts actually learned how to sew on Juki machines!

This Juki machine boasts features designed just for quilting like automatic thread cutting, a knee lifter, presser foot pressure adjustment and free motion capabilities. The bright light makes it easy to see your detail work. Reviewers rave about how this advanced machine stays quite still when sewing quickly and makes minimal noise.

If you plan on using your sewing machine mainly for fashion sewing, you want certain features: Free arm capabilities for sleeves and cuffs, presser feet specific for hems and zippers and a variety of stitches and buttonholes. This Baby Lock model is ideal.

GH analysts found it easy to select stitches from the bright LCD screen and it includes a larger stitch guide to make it even easier to know which stitch you need. The machine will even remind you which presser foot to use with each stitch. With great ease of use features like adjustable speed, drop feed capabilities and seven included presser feet, GH analysts were impressed how beautifully this machine sewed over a variety of different fabrics and produced accurate buttonholes every time. Plus, this machine has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute for the speedy seamstress.

Opt for a luxury sewing machine that can withstand constant use and offers excellent features for an expert sewer if you want to treat yourself to a top-of-the-line model. Look no further than Bernette machines. Synonymous with high quality, this luxury machine offers embroidery, quilting and standard sewing capabilities. Blown away by the innovative features like automatic thread cutting and the ability to draw your own stitches on the touch screen with the included stylus, GH analysts never wanted to stop sewing on this machine.

With a massive library of 500 stitches and 17 buttonhole options, this machine can create your own combinations by remembering your exact stitch specifications for specific fabrics in its short- and long-term memory. It sewed through all types of fabrics with ease, including silk chiffon, polyester satin and wool. Although it is a pricey pick, it’s one of the most affordable Bernette models.

Make sure to shop for an embroidery machine in particular if you want embroidery capabilities. This model offers excellent features, without as high of a price tag. GH analysts were amazed at how easy it was to set up embroidery designs on Brother machines, especially loving the Brother PE35 for just embroidery projects.

The large, in color LCD screen makes it easy to preview and edit all embroidery designs. Although the machine already has 80 built-in designs, there’s a USB port to import your own designs, plus thousands of options from Brother online. With free motion sewing, a bright work area, and an automatic needle threader and thread, this machine can do both embroidery and standard sewing. You can make your own clothes then personalize them with embroidery designs and text.

Sewing machines help projects come together, but sergers finish them with a professional look. Baby Lock Vibrant Serger helps finish edges with four, three or two thread edges and rolled hems. There’s a retractable thread cutter for easy trimming when finished. If you’re new to using a serger, this machine has a color coded thread system to follow. The feed and tensions can be adjusted for a personalized experience when sewing on different fabrics. We love that this machine includes over 30 accessories that you’ll need to keep this machine in excellent condition for years to come.

Although it weighs under three pounds, this mini sewing machine can handle many different sewing projects. Young sewers can benefit from the simple design for easy threading and the finger guard to prevent injuries. It has two different speeds, which is great for kids when first learning. This machine includes different colored threads and bobbins, scissors, a measuring tape, a seam ripper, needles and more to get started. Plus, it costs just about $40!

Once your child masters this machine and can sew safely, GH Lab pros recommend upgrading to a higher-end beginner model for more advanced projects.

We have tested dozens of sewing machines over the years, from machines for beginners to expert-level sewers. To determine which is best for your home, our experts gathered sewing machines from the top brands on the market and tested each in Lab to see which is worth buying. In our latest test, we tested 13 different machines, leading to over 100 different data points to analyze. We evaluate each machine based on the following criteria:

✔️Ease of use: Setting up your machine can be a difficult task, especially for new sewers. During our tests we evaluate the readability of each instruction manual and all the accessories that come with every machine. We also evaluate the difficulty of changing the pressure foot, the comfort of pedal buttons and hand wheel as well as changing tension, speed and stitching for each machine.

✔️Features: Today, sewing machines are becoming more and more advanced so we assess just how many features come with each. When testing, we look for features such as automatic or dial stitch selection, speed control and automatic needle threading, documenting and comparing all features of each.

✔️Performance: For this test, we use multiple fabrics to determine just how well each machine stitches. During this test, we use both natural and synthetic fabrics of different weights including lightweight cotton, polyester satin, wool, jersey cotton, denim and upholstery grade fabric. On each fabric, we assess how well each machine performs when making a basic and zigzag stitch, by grading imperfections during the stitching process. We also note just how well each machine performs when using multiple layers of fabrics using woven cotton, denim, jersey and cotton batting. Lastly, we create multiple buttonholes with all machines to access the difficulty and accuracy of each.

Machines come with lots of different add-ons, accessories and capabilities that may not be relevant to you and just add unnecessary cost, while other features you cannot sew without. Here are some specific features to look at before shopping:

✔️ Number and styles of stitches offered: For beginner sewers, you will need just two stitches: Straight and zigzag. More experienced sewers should look for a wider variety. For example, if you love embroidery or quilting, make sure you look for machines that provide those capabilities. If your machine doesn’t offer embroidery or free motion sewing, those features cannot be added later on. Additionally, make sure the machine has the capability to adjust stitch length, zigzag width and tension so you have more control over your sewing.

✔️ Included accessories: Most machines include a bobbin and a presser foot, but some include much more. For the most bang for your buck, check if the machine includes a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, embroidery foot, removable extended work table and an area for storage. GH pros especially loved when machines included a clear manual or had excellent online offerings.

✔️ Extra features: Some machines include specific capabilities that can make sewing a whole lot easier like a thread cutter, automatic needle threader, lights, free arm, blind stitching, thread tie-off and buttonhole capabilities. Once you have them, sometimes you cannot imagine sewing on a machine without them.

✔️ Frame construction: For the longevity of the machine, you want to look for a metal frame option. Plastic frames are common, but can deteriorate quickly and be more difficult to repair. Some machines have manual back stitch and presser foot up/down while others are computerized; computerized options will likely require more complicated repair if they stop working.

As with all sewing machines, make sure to read the included or online manual carefully before sewing, as every machine has slightly different use and care instructions. Then, sew away!

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she's worked for more than three years, overseeing in-Lab and consumer tests for sewing machines, embroidery machines and sergers. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and sewing expertise.

Raena Loper is a product and reviews updates editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering home, textiles, wellness, tech, outdoors and more. Raena has over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry including styling and editorial fashion work. She has earned her degree in Fashion Studies with a concentration in design from Montclair State University, where she received professional training in sewing, pattern-making and garment construction. She tested the above sewing machines alongside the GH Textiles Lab pros.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

Raena Loper (she/her) is the product and reviews updates editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering textiles, home, wellness, tech and more. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked as assistant lifestyle editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, where she covered fashion, food, tech and beauty content. A graduate of Montclair State University, she earned a degree in fashion studies with a concentration in design and garment construction as well as a degree in gender, sexuality and women's studies.

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