Sewing Machine Buyers guide

Choosing Your First Sewing Machine

As I’ve said to my husband many times… sewing comes with stuff. A lot of stuff.

There’s quite a bit of equipment to think about when you start sewing, and the biggest decision is, of course, your sewing machine. It can feel overwhelming trying to choose one, so let’s simplify it.

BUDGET

Sewing machines range from around $90 to well over $15,000.

As a beginner, you don’t need anything fancy — but you also don’t want something that will frustrate you. Like most investments, it’s worth buying the best you can comfortably afford.

The challenge is knowing what “best” actually means.

At the lower end of the price range, machines are very basic. They usually have:

A small selection of stitches
A 4-step buttonhole
No speed control
Louder operation
Less smooth stitching

Higher-priced machines tend to be:

Smoother and quieter
Easier to control
Computerised
Equipped with more stitch options and helpful features

A $90 machine is absolutely fine if you’re just testing the waters (you can even find them at the post office!). But if you start sewing regularly — even once a week — you’ll likely outgrow it quite quickly.

For most beginners, I recommend spending between $250–$600. Machines in this range are usually computerised, smoother to use, and will comfortably last you for years.

FUNCTIONS

Sewing machines come with lots of features. As a beginner, it’s hard to know which ones matter.

Stitches

Many people focus on the number of stitches a machine has.

Basic machines include:

Straight stitch
Zig zag
Overcast stitch
Buttonhole

More expensive machines may offer hundreds of decorative stitches and even embroidery.

For example, my beloved Bernina 470QE has over 300 stitches — and I regularly use about five.

As a beginner, you don’t need lots of stitches.

Buttonholes

A buttonhole has four parts:

Two side columns
Two bar tacks (top and bottom)

That’s why machines either offer:

A 4-step buttonhole (you manually move the dial through each stage), or
A 1-step buttonhole (the machine does it automatically in one go)

A one-step buttonhole is much easier and gives more consistent results. Basic machines typically come with a 4-step version.

Bobbins

Bobbin is one of my favourite words in the sewing vocabulary.

The bobbin is the small spool of thread that sits underneath your fabric. When the needle thread and bobbin thread loop together, they form a stitch.

Older-style machines require you to place the bobbin in a separate case and insert it into the front of the machine (remember that from school?).

Modern machines usually have a drop-in bobbin, which simply drops into the top of the machine and is much easier to thread. This is far more beginner-friendly — and yes, we learn this in class.

Speed Control

Speed control is a wonderful feature for beginners.

Basic machines can be quite fast and harder to manage. Machines with adjustable speed allow you to:

Slow things down while learning
Sew more accurately
Increase speed as your confidence grows

It’s not essential — but it is very helpful.

What to Look For

If you’re feeling unsure, focus on these:

Straight, zig zag and overcast stitches
Drop-in bobbin
One-step buttonhole
Speed control (desirable, not essential)

BRANDS

(This post is not sponsored.)

You might naturally look at the brand your mum or grandmother used — and that’s completely fine.

If possible, visit a store with demo models and actually sit down and sew on a few machines. You’ll quickly feel what suits you.

I’m loyal to Bernina for my main machine at home. However, I don’t think their entry-level machines are as accessible as Brother for beginners.

In the studio we use the Brother A80 for beginners and Bernina 335 for advanced sewists and I genuinely love them. I also don’t mind Janome machines. I’m personally not a fan of Singer, Semco & Elsa (unless it's an old metal one).

WHERE TO BUY (Sydney & Online)

Spotlight – online and in store
My Sewing Supplies - Lindfield and Sylvania (please tell them we went you!)
Chatswood Sewing Centre – demo machines available
Echidna Sewing – online
Hobbysew Top Ryde – demo machines available

Tip: Join store VIP clubs or watch for major sales (Mother’s Day, Christmas, EOFY).

My Budget Picks - from Spotlight as at Feb 2026

Yes… I clearly love Brother machines.

Good luck choosing the machine that will join you in class.

And as always, if you’re unsure — just ask.

Caz xx