5 of the best recommended sewing machines for beginner quilters

Here are the list of my top 5 recommended sewing machines for beginner quilters.

If you have been thinking about starting to sew, or learn how to make a quilt, then you may want to start investing in a good machine.

But how would you know which one is the best machine to start with?

I know from all the questions I get from beginner sewer or quilter, that there are a few things that they are concerned about. 

• One: the budget. You don’t want to spend a lot just yet, cause you’re just testing the water.
• Two: The complexity. You fear that the if the machine is too complex, then it’ll be too hard. 
• Three: Easy to keep and carry. You don’t have the dedicated space for sewing just yet, so you may want to have something that is easy to be stored away. 

If you resonated with any of those, don’t worry I’ll address those while picking the right sewing machine for you. 

In this post, are the list of sewing machines I would highly recommend for a dear friend who’d want to start sewing or quilting. That is definitely something I am passionate about! Inspiring others to start sewing too.

With close to 15 years of sewing experience and an owner to many sewing machines before, I’ll try my best to assist you with this choice. 

I shall pick the best budget-friendly, simple sewing machine that you can start with and begin your own adventure! So here goes, 5 of my top recommended sewing machines for beginners that is going to make learning how to sew and quilt so much more fun!!

My top 5 recommended beginner sewing machines for quilting

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please find my full disclosure here.

First on the list of my choice of sewing machines for beginner quilters is:

#1 Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

Now, this is not the cheapest sewing machine on the list but still great on the budget. 

You can check the price of this machine HERE>  ✅

The reason why I have put this on the no 1 list is that it is one that is complete for quilting yet the price is amazing for the whole package!

It is also not the simplest, but if you are a total beginner, you can still get the machine and won’t have to worry to upgrade later down the road. 

Even if it comes with many bells and whistles, it is built for simplicity and easy to use. 

This is quoted from a reviewer of the machine:

 it has so many options but not overwhelming at all

It is computerised, and though you’ll probably not use the 130 stitches available (I rarely do even in the past 15 years of sewing) you’ll still get to use the good old straight stitch easily. 

The sewing machines package also comes with an instructional DVD in case you get stuck and need visual help.

So, what are the bell and whistle that I love most about the machine:

Controllable Speed

This is not something that you’ll get with a basic sewing machine yet so needed. Especially when you’re starting out. It’s like gears in cars. You can control it when you’re ready to speed up. 

The sewing machine extension table is included!

This makes so much difference.

I have made many quilts with my little Janome, but it didn’t have an extension table included (I had to purchase if I wanted which would cost >$60 alone.) Later down the road of my quilting journey, I bought Hurs – which had an extension table and things just got easier. 

Your hand just has a place to control the fabrics and the fabrics lay flatter for a lot more area as you sew. It also gives more support which means less dragging.

So, I highly recommend an extension table. 

And the foot selections are included – including free motion quilting foot.

Later down the road, you may want to quilt. And having all this ready to go will just be less resistance for you to just get started and make a quilt from start to finish.

[Related: You can read more about Free Motion Quilting Foot HERE>]

The sewing machine is complete for garment sewing, quilting and fun projects.

All in all, I have to say, this beginner sewing machine is all-rounded. Pretty impressed. I’d buy this if I were looking for a new beginner machine. 

You can play around with the stitches and the monogramming sewing font to create fun little projects.

Sew garments with the ability to free arm, attachment like zipper foot, and functions like auto buttonhole stitches.

You can read more of what others have to say about the machine HERE>

Second, on my list of sewing machines for beginner quilters is:

#2 Brother Non-computerised Sewing Machine

Another Brother machine. I personally love Brother sewing machines as I have owned one before and I love it. It is also a brand that has a wide range of machines within a suitable beginner’s budget.

This one is a manual one, so if you are not ready to handle the computerized computer, maybe this one is your choice. However, I do find that these days, the solely mechanical one can be more confusing sometimes to some people especially in this digital age. 

Or if you have a budget below $150, this machine is a great option. Sometimes it goes on sale and it is less than $100!

Check current price HERE> ✅

I am recommending Brother for my first and 2nd top of the list. I do believe they are great quality machines on a small budget. My family : my grandmother, my mother and me all own at least one Brother machine in our home. They still work greats after many years. 

This machine has everything you need to get started. 

I love the fact that it also comes with an extension table. 

As I mentioned earlier this is essential to handle your project easier under the machine. 

The sewing machines also has a pretty design with easy to use knobs. 

As for quilting : walking foot and free motion quilting foot is included! Complete set. 

The only thing I would be a little worried about is that it is on the lighter side. However, with the extension table, it’ll be stable enough not to tip-over while you work on quilts. 

READ more reviews on this sewing machine HERE>

Third on the list of the best sewing machines for beginner quilters is…

#3 Janome Basic Sewing Machine

I am a BIG Janome fan. 

But, Janome can be on the expensive side. 

And doesn’t usually come with lots of bells and whistle unless they are above the $300 marks. 

So, here is one I highly recommend for beginners that is still within the budget and perfectly enough to get started.

Check current price HERE> ✅

I recommend this one as it is built to last. And it has better stability with the metal frame interior. No wonder all Janome machine I have tested and owned before are much heavier. I do love it being heavier as it is more stable.

It is heavier, but not too heavy that you can’t carry them around. So, it is still portable just so you know.   

Plus, they are in 3 pretty colours! Check out the pink one and the blue one.

It may not have all the accessories, BUT, the accessories provided are enough for basic sewing and basic piecing.

You can do all things with it with some extra accessories, but with the one provided with the machine, you can already start sewing, sew buttonholes, zippers etc. Which is fairly great for starter projects.

The thing I love about Janome is that their accessories are easily available. So, if you happen to fall in love with quilting, get the extra accessories needed like the walking foot and the free motion quilting foot. 

If you happen to want to sew with leather or vinyl, get the Teflon foot. 

And all of these accessories are usually generic for the Janome brand. Just make sure you get the short shank. You can read more about foot specifically free motion quilting foot right HERE in this post. 

READ more reviews on this sewing machine HERE>

#4 SINGER | Start Portable Sewing | Best for Kids Sewing Machine

This two are among the most popular choices for many for their very first machine. 

You can get them below $100 especially during promotional times. 

Check current price HERE> ✅

They are very lightweight (which can be good for travel and keeping, but sometimes it can be bad too cause it can tip-over easily). 

The great thing about the sewing machine is the simplicity and easy to use. 

The simplicity of the Start sewing machine is perfect for Kids above 8 years old. I highly recommend this machine as I’ve taught kids with this machine too.

The fact that the machine only has one simple knob – easiest to learn. 

The sewing machine is also light -making it almost bearable for the kids – you may still need to help them. 🙂

It is slightly smaller than the ones I’ve recommended above. Almost like a mini but not that small. 

It is a great portable machine and similar to Janome, you can also get extra accessories even from generic brands like this 42-set presser foot to do more with the sewing machine. The sewing machine does already come with the basic accessories which makes it a great starter sewing machine. 

However, you may find that it will be limited as you grow your sewing skills.

READ more reviews on this sewing machine HERE>

#5 Mini Sewing Machine 

Now this sewing machine is on the list of top 5 because sometimes, it just about getting started. 

It is the cheapest on this list, but you can still sew a lot of things on this mini machine. The machine also comes with an adjustable speed which is great for beginners if they want to go slow. 

Check current price HERE> ✅

Now, this may not last as long due to the fact you’re going to need to upgrade when you really dig deep into this sewing crafts and you’ll want bigger machine for sure. 

Can you make a quilt with this mini sewing machine? Yes – but you may find it a bit of a struggle to make large quilts. Hence, I only recommend this for making small projects – which is perfect for a total newbie! You should start small.

This one is surely a great one to start because if you have friction to start just because of the sewing machine price, then definitely get this one.

It is the starting that is way more important. You never know what starts can be the joy that fulfills a whole lot more years to come.

Isn’t cute too?

READ more reviews on this sewing machine HERE>

In summary, here are my top 5 Recommended Sewing Machines for beginner quilters:

1. Brother HC 1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

2. Brother XR3774 Non-Computerised Sewing and Quilting Machine

3. Janome Arctic

4. Singer Start

5. Donyer Power Mini Sewing Machine

That wraps it up!

Let me know what else you are looking for and I’ll research it for you!

If you are looking for a more advanced feature specifically for quilting or have a larger budget, check out THIS POST. 

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