no bernina??

Same question, seriously.

Just buy the best Bernina you can afford. They have some very nice entry level models these days. My second choice would the great little basic Babylock machines. Mine is 8 years old, works great, and travels easily. My "Bernie" does not travel well, so the Babylock is great.

yes, i have had my eyes on a Bernina machine for ages but if this is supposed to be a reasonably priced, beginner's sewing machine list, Bernina doesn't belong. They're very expensive machines.

The SInger 4411 (I have the 4423, which is similar), is one of two old-school, heavy-duty machines that I use for production sewing. I love them because they're dependable, fast, heavy (I ride 'em hard), and inexpensive. I have had one of them for 25 years and it's still going strong.

Janome gives you so much more bang for you buck than a Bernina. I just took a reupholstery class and I lugged my computerized Janome along with my arm chair and 5ft tall bolt of fabric, because one session with their "entry level" Bernina and I couldn't take it anymore.

I've been sewing for 25 years, so it's not like I don't know what I'm doing.

One thing to think about though, is mechanical versus computerized. I've had my Janome for 8 years and this summer I got an error. I had to take it in to get fixed because the consumer cannot access the software. The shop I took it to had a crappy repairman and it gave me the same error a month later. They had gotten a new guy and he fixed it all up, but this is less of an issue with noncomputerized machines. I love my auto tension and auto button hole maker, but there are trade-offs.

I'm going to jump on the Bernina bandwagon - I love mine!

I bought the SY for the exact reason you posted. I wanted it for small crafts and little sewing projects. It's a very handy little machine for that. Mind you after trying my hand at sewing I am glad I didn't buy an expensive machine as I am quickly learning that I would still rather reach for my fabric glue and heat n' bond than sew. So I recommend it for anyone who wants to see if sewing would work for them. Or for their kids.

I have a Janome I couldnt live without. Singers are not made like they used to be, I wouldnt get a newer model

I have the Brother listed. I bought it when I first started sewing 3 years ago. Even though I have purchased nicer sewing machines since then, I must say that when I need something I can thread and sew with quickly, that Brother always works. And it came standard with so many different feet!!!

My fiance bought me #1 (the Brother one) for Christmas and I love it!!! All of the stitching patterns are fabulous and it comes with lots of instructions. I'm just learning how to sew using a machine and it's perfect.

I have a Kenmore and my mother has a 1970s Viking. I picked up my Kenmore in 2000 with a $300 tax return. I sew a lot and my machine is great. I've also taken plenty of local classes on fancier Bernias and they're just fine, but I won't be buying one anytime soon. I feel pretty strongly about all mechanical machines versus computerized ones. Machines will always go out of rig no matter how fancy they are but with some experience you can fix a mechanical machine yourself . My dad always troubleshot my mother's and I can take care of my own without a problem.

Take care of it, read the manual, and replace your needle often and you should be pretty happy with what you get. Replacing the needle can make you feel like you suddenly got a whole new machine.

"This machine is a great price with loads of features"

How many of the features a person actually needs, or takes advantage of? I truly hate all the selection of scalloped edges and other silly embroidery features that just get tacked on so that the manufactures makes a bigger profit. Most people, especially beginners, need a straight stitch and a zig-zag.
I have been sewing all my life, I learned to sew on my grandma's singer (the old treadle model) when I was 13. Later, my mom purchased an electrical sewing machine for me and I made everything on it, shirts, pants, winter parkas and even heavy-duty winter coats.
I find it hard to find a decent sewing machine without all the frilly features for a decent price. In fact, I am considering buying an old mechanical machine as I find the computerized ones are not what they are touted to be. JHMO, of course.

I have a Janome Gem Platinum that is my home machine and travel machine. It can do everything I need it to, which is mostly related to quilting.
I also have an elderly all-metal Singer which I can still use for straight/zig-zag stitches on things like denim.
Before you go out and spend a lot of money on a machine because you want to try sewing, look on craigslist. In my area craigslist has LOTS of sewing machines, from antique-but-still-usable to practically brand new.

You might laugh, but this 3/4 size Janome (that just happens to have Hello Kitty plastered all over it) is quite the impressive machine. http://www.target.com/p/hello-kitty-sewing-machine-green-11706/-/A-10094055?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C10094055&CPNG=Appliances&kpid=10094055&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10094055

It blows through layer upon layer (up to 6!) of denim, does buttonholes... zippers... even piping. I'm a huge fan - I picked mine up on craigslist for $40 and have absolutely no regrets. It even travels easily! If you want a no-frills machine, this one is awesome! I should mention that I did NOT buy it because of the color or hello kitty, it was for its performance!

Honestly, anyone completely new to sewing shouldn't invest more than $200-250 on a machine. In that range, they're considered disposable. Learn on something you don't care about. You're going to smash the needle into the presser foot a time or two, and I'd hate to do that on something that was an investment. Learn to sew and make your mistakes on a disposable, figure out how often and what you're really going to sew (and what features you REALLY need), then buy the machine you want for a decade.

Also, learning on a mechanical machine works really well for some people. You can get old, metal, indestructible sewing machines on Craigslist for a bargain, but remember it probably needs servicing, so factor that into your budget.

I started getting really into sewing in high school, at least in part because it was easier to make my own clothes than to find ready-made ones that fit. I got so frustrated with my mom's avocado-green Sears monstrosity that my parents got me an entry-level Husqvarna that I'm still using 15 years later. It's not computerized or fancy in any way at all, but it's NEVER broken. I've managed to jam it up a few times, but that took some effort to do and not much effort to un-do. The little thing is just awesome.

My sewing machine is a Singer made in 1927. It goes forwards and backwards in a straight line only (unless you get the equally ancient zig-zag attachment) but it's a cast-iron workhorse that will last another 90 years with no problems if regularly maintained. I don't think many modern machines can say that. If all you're doing is basic sewing, consider an ancient Singer.

I do a lot of sewing (in fact it is my part time business) and it has all been done on my mother's 1970 something Singer. For someone who is just starting out I would highly recommend a search on Craigslist for an older Singer (or Bernina, which many people love). The newer Singer's just are not made like they used to be! In Chicago there are still a few old sewing stores and they often have one for sale, which is all tuned up and ready to go for under $100.

I was generously given a Bernette sewing machine (Bernina's more affordable line) as a Birthday gift. It is one of the best gifts I've ever received! It has just the right amount of options, and is easy to learn. I've sewn so many things with it: pillows, curtains, clothes, gifts. I'm amazed at how much use I've gotten out of it.

I think the amount you spend on a sewing machine should be relative to the amount you plan to use it. If sewing is just something you're trying out, a sewing machine in the $100 range should be adequate. Then if you find that you're really enjoying it, invest in a nicer machine. Better to make an initial smaller purchase than pay hundreds of dollars for something that you wind up not using.

I got a Bernette (lower end of Berninas) as a gift in the 90's and it has ALWAYS had the same mechanical issues that the repair stores can't figure out (on the east and west coasts, I've had it long enough that it's followed me on my bi-coastal move).

When I was researching new/used machines this year, I read that despite having a metal outer appearance, the inside of the Singer (you have listed) has plastic parts on the inside. Not so good. That brand is certainly not what it used to be.

There's always Craigslist or Freecycle! Get an older, reliable machine and take it in for a $50 tune-up. The simpler a machine is (no computerized stuff), the easier it is to start learning. And the smaller the learning curve, the less intimidating the machine can be, so projects get finished!

My new-to-me Necchi has only had one owner, a 94 year old woman who purchased it in the Valley in the early 60's. My machine is older than me! Some of those machines come with amazing stories.

I have a BabyLock Anna, love it!

My machine is a Viking 6690, which was my grandmother's. My recommendation for people new to sewing is to read the manual first and get a basic understanding of how the machine works. This helped me troubleshoot a problem I was having and allowed me to re-time my shuttle.

Oh, great, now you've given me a serious case of crave. :-)

I have that Brother listed above, and I love it! I bought it after taking a beginner sewing class (I didn't want to invest if I didn't like sewing), and have been using it for projects ever since. I've made simple things--shower curtains, napkins, tablerunners--as well as purses, bags and a Christmas tree skirt. It's easy to use and isn't as basic as some of the other machines I've seen. Maybe I'll upgrade eventually, but for the semi-frequent sewer with intermediate projects, this works really well!

1991 Bernina 1090 owner here... and I bought it as a floor model 20+ years ago. The only thing that's dated about it is the "groovy graphics" splashed on the front.

I have my mom's old metal Bernina from the 1980's & it's fantastic. It's heavy & still portable. I have zero need for a computerized model as all I need are adjustable straight & zig zag stitches, with an occasional button hole (tho I often just do those by hand anyway).

My mom did get a new spiffy Bernina a few years ago & she loves it. She does use the embroidery features & sews amazingly well. She was a FACS teacher (FKA Home Ec) though & grew up making most of her own clothes.

Rather than spend $300+ on a "beginner" machine, why not shop around for used, well-made machines? I hunted for my Bernina 1004 (super basic, but OMG it sews through anything) for 6 months and it cost me a little under $400. It was an investment, not just something for me to learn on.

I'm with the others who recommend not investing a lot of money if you're starting out sewing, and also that you don't need a bunch of features. A machine that goes backwards and forwards and zig-zags is plenty. There are shops that re-condition old sewing machines and re-sell them at a reasonable price. The old ones are often better made than modern ones - metal parts as opposed to plastic ones. I STILL have the avocado green Singer that I got from one of these shops when I first left home!

We have a sewing studio in our neighborhood. They teach classes and offer the use of all their professional equipment. When you pay for use you also get advice. It's the perfect DIY solution for someone who doesn't want to invest in the equipment. It also allows someone to decide if they will really use a machine. Even better, you can hang with other people working on projects.

I'm totally happy with the basic Singer I got at Target a few years ago for about $85.

Tip: if you have an old computer desk with a slot for a big CPU, that slot is a great place to store your sewing machine when it's not in use.

This post is based on the absurd premise that a good "beginner machine" is a cheap machine. Anyone who has ever sewn with a cheap machine and become frustrated with it, and thus given up sewing, has first hand experience with the reason this rationale is ridiculous. Cheap machines are for people who want a cheap new machine and are willing to live with the trade-offs that come with it: a motor without much power, plastic parts that break, oil leaks, tension adjustments that won't hold, shake & rattle & noise, irregular stiches, etc.

A good beginner machine is one that makes sewing an easy experience, is reasonably fool-proof, and produces good finished results, never mind the issue of whether a beginner wouldn't need lots of options. I'm an expert dressmaker and I don't need lots of options.

I need fine-tuned stitch control, a powerful motor, easy-to-change feet, fast and easy bobbin winding, quiet and smooth operation, an excellent zig-zag/ satin stitch, and a decent amount of maneuverability under the arm.

This is not at all an issue about whether you need lots of features -- the issue is whether the machine does what you want it to do. If you're into crafts and your vision is lots of decorative stitches, then get a machine is fantastic at decorative stitches.

By far the thing most people need is a motor that is powerful enough to drive a needle through 4 layers of denim -- that is, to hem a pair of jeans. If a machine can't do that, you won't be happy with it.

I got my first sewing machine this fall. I only had experience with handsewing, so I wanted something simple and relatively inexpensive (under $250), but also durable. I got the Babylock BL9 which is super basic, but has metal gears, which was a big selling point for me. I got it on sale for $199. www.babylock.com/sewing/bl9

I bought from a local authorized dealer who also offers classes and does on-site service and repairs. They gave me three free sewing classes so I could learn how to use my particular machine (which were extremely helpful, as I'd never used a sewing machine before) as well as an extra 1 year limited service warranty on my machine. Buying from them was a great experience, so I recommend seeing if you have a local dealer who might offer the same services.

That said, if you don't need that kind of extra support and want to buy something on the cheap, I've read a number of rave reviews for that Hello Kitty machine that Lea B mentioned above. It's reportedly a real workhorse despite its cuteness and small size.

I have come to the realization that purchasing a beginner sewing machine is like buying furniture. Purchase carefully and make sure you like it because it's going to be in your life a long time. Many of the quilters I know still have their first machines. This initial workhorse can lead you to a like-it or leave-it level. If you think you'll use it, then buy what you can. CL is a great source to find good machines!

My older Elna has been my companion for the past 15 years and while it likes to be temperamental at times, it has made me valences (the original project), curtains, a ton of baby presents, duvets, pillow cases and now quilts.

A cheap machine can make or break one's sewing experience. Try to learn at a sewing lounge where you can use different machines and get a feel for technique. I would advise anyone to look for an older mechanical machine to start their sewing life upon. I have owned a plain-Jane mechanical off brand that made suits, coats, my wedding dress and curtains. You really only need a zig-zag, forward and back stitch to do 99%+ of your sewing. I now own a Viking 1+ that I love, but I will never use all its features, even though I've been sewing for 45 years.

it took me 10 years of sewing to learn that the difference between a beginners machine and paying a bit more is not about the fancy stitches (which admittedly are nice) but its mostly about how the machine sews, smoothness, etc.
that said, i'm still glad i learned on a cheap-o $100-200 machine, because it takes time to decide if you really want to sew and i would never have spent that much on my first machine. And it gives me an appreciation for how awesome it is to have my $1000+ Bernina machine to sew on now.

I agree with you.

I have a Brother that is 35 years old - love it.

I use two 50 year mechanical sewing machine each mounted to a table (both off brands, mother's and grandmother's). Both work well with oiling and (rare) repairs. I also go to a sewing studio and it is a great way to learn more from those more experienced and to try out the fancier stitches. Best of both worlds. That said, I do like the idea of these smaller, potable ones, though, that take up much less space!

One of my biggest regrets was selling many years ago an old White machine that would sew through everything! I still remember it fondly.

I love my old Kenmore machine. I struggled with sewing for years on older machines that would inevitably jam and were difficult to thread. My Kenmore, which was probably bought about 2003 is wonderful. Until recently, I never changed the needle, kept it in a humid basement and never had it serviced. It still worked. After a very inexpensive tune-up, it now runs like new. I like to make miniatures and doll clothing, so I work on intricate stuff, but sometimes heavy material. I have to admit, that heavy duty model Brother looks like a workhorse, but I'd take the cute Hello Kitty model in a heart-beat. That little kitty is just so damned cute! And, yes, I'd buy it strictly for the color and decorations, too. It would match my Hello KItty toaster nicely.

I've got the Brother machine and I love it.

Try Craigslist. You can often get a decent machine with all the parts for very cheap. They also tend to be older machines that were built with better quality parts than the cheap ones in the store. A lot of people think they'l ltake up sewing then often don't and their machines just sit there. Or grandma gave them her old machine but they're not really interested. I got mine for 75 bucks with the plastic still on it, manual and all parts. It works great!

I have a 1926 treadle-powered Singer and an old Kenmore (c.1970s?) that had belonged to my great-grandmother, who turns 98 on St. Patrick's Day. She bought the Singer used, and used that until someone bought her the Kenmore, which she hated (it was electric and went "too fast"), so it went into the closet and she went back to using her Singer. After she went into a home and they found a buyer for the house, we went about cleaning the place up, and none of her daughters wanted either machine! (although one of them laid claim to *all* of the quilts...yeah, that sounds fair). Sure, my husband hates the Singer because he had to help carry it up 3 flights of stairs and it takes up space in our tiny apartment, but it works great (just need to replace the old leather belt, which I broke - whoops!). The Kenmore works great, I took it to sewing class with me a few times. Does everything I need it to do.

My daughter has that mint green Hello Kitty machine that someone posted above, and it's really a good little machine. My mother-in-law got it for her for her 6th birthday, but I chose it after doing a lot of research because I wanted her first one to be a good one. I even use it some times because it is so much less cumbersome than my mother's 40 year old Elna that I use. My only complaint about it is that it is so light-weight that sometimes it feels a bit "bouncy" to me. Of course, that could be because I'm used to my 40 yo hunk of steel. It's also kind of cute in a silly sort of way!

I have an old Elna to. My mom made my baby clothes on it, and I made my daughter's. I love that old work horse, even if it is a little temperamental and weighs a ton!

We bought it in part because of the color and motif -- it was for a 6 you girl -- but mostly because it is a great little machine.

SUCH a timely article - THANK YOU!
I see a Si in my VERY near future.

Just bought my daughter (13) the Burnette 46... She loves it. Very basic machine with all of the features you need to get started. My daughter liked the sleek black look of it too. I have an old Husqvarna that runs great after 20 years, but I've been having fun playing with the Burnette too.

A great beginner machine!

Reading all the posts, I can see you've been given some really good advice. I started sewing when I was 14 on my Mom's Singer and then at 21 I was given one of the original Swiss-made Elna's. I still have it several decades later and it still works beautifully. That being said - I never sew anything without also using my overlocker. It gives that nice professional finish to your seams and stops the material from ravelling.

I usean old Kenmore, circa 1977. My mom won it in a bet with my dad over whether my brother was going to be a girl or a boy :) It was used to make tons of clothes for me and my brother (and my dolls) growing up, and I recently used it to make a duvet cover. The machine weighs a ton, but it's so well built and still works well today.

I first learned some very basic sewing as a child from my mom, by hand and on her old Kenmore machine. She never sewed with it much, so it didn't have the best service record and thus broke down often, meaning I couldn't really do much on it. After figuring out I was interested, my mom bought by sister and I cheap White machines while we developed our skills (two machines as my sister is five years older than me and left for college). Thankfully I had the opportunity to take a sewing class in high school, under the FCCLA banner, and then I really got the bug. Most kids at 16 were excited for a car, but my favorite birthday present that year was a computerized Babylock Quilter's Pro from my parents. They don't sell the exact model anymore, but that machine is truly my baby. I have made drapes, clothes, pillows, cushions, and piles and piles of costumes for myself and for others on that thing. I am so glad that my school still offered a sewing class for me to take, even if my friends didn't know it existed because they didn't study the course catalog like I did (I went to a rather large high school). It makes me so sad that a generation of people are missing out on this valuable life skill because school administrators decided it was irrelevant. I can't tell you how odd it was to be in a sorority of 200+ active members and be the only one with a sewing machine, and one of a handful that knew how to use one. Bring back home ec!