The Best Sewing Machine for Your Budget
There's a lot to consider when looking for a new sewing machine. But arguably the most important part of the process is budgeting. How do you know which machines fit your budget? We're here to help you find the best sewing machine for your budget!
From the most affordable machines on the market to professional quality, high-end sewing machines, any quilter is sure to find a machine on this list.
So keep reading to learn about the best sewing machine for you!
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Tips for Buying the Best Sewing Machine for You
Buying a sewing machine is a very personal process based on your own preferences. Some quilters love the bells and whistles of high-end machines while other prefer simplicity. Large ones work well for people who like to machine quilt their own quilts, but if you're a hand quilter or prefer hiring longarmers, you might like something smaller. Do you need decorative stitches to use for sewing garments as well as quilts, or do you only ever use a straight stitch?
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These questions can quickly start to feel overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help make the decision easier.
- Visit your local sewing machine dealer: The best place to start looking is also one of the most fun places any quilter can go — the quilt store! If you're a beginner quilter, you may not know that not all quilt shops sell sewing machines, and not all dealers sell more than one brand of machine. We recommend looking for dealers in your area and visiting in person. The staff there are happy to answer any questions and tell you about machines that meet your needs! You can even test drive some options in person so you can make your purchase with confidence.
- Ask at a quilt guild: If you are a member of a local quilt guild, other members may be your best resource. They can tell you not only about machines they love, but also their favorite local places to find them.
- Ask for advice online: Not all quilters live within driving distance of a quilt shop or dealer. That can make the shopping process feel frustrating — how do you know where to start? Joining an online community of quilters is a great idea! The Suzy Quilts Patterns Facebook Group is a vibrant and supportive online community and members often ask for advice on purchasing a new machine.
- Consider a used machine: If you're a quilter on a budget like me, you might want to ask your local dealer if they have used machines for sale. I sew on a used BERNINA 535 and my machine works perfectly. I got it at a used price even though the original owner did almost no sewing on it — she only owned it for a couple of weeks and traded it in for a limited edition BERNINA with designer decorations. Good deal for me!
The focus of this article is on machines that are commonly used by quilters. Even though some quilters have long arm machines or embroidery machines, those will not be covered here. If you're interested in either of those types of machines, talking with a dealer in person, over the phone, or via email is your best bet since they are some of the most expensive machines available.
The features listed on the website are based on information provided by dealers and manufacturers. If you have questions about the features of a particular machine, we recommend contacting a local dealer or visiting the manufacturer website. Some features may not be mentioned in this article.
Note: Suzy quilts with a BERNINA 770QE and I use a BERNINA 535.
Budget Friendly: Under $500
If you're a beginner interested in buying an affordable sewing machine, this is a great budget to start with. If you don't end up using the machine as often as you'd like, you haven't invested too much. Plus, if you choose to upgrade to a higher-end machine if you become a series quilter, your first machine can be your backup so you always have something if your machine needs maintenance.
For budget-conscious quilters, this is the section for you. You can still make quilts just as beautifully with a budget-friendly machine! Plus, not every quilters wants all the fancy extras of higher end machines. We get that!
This section is also great for quilters who have a small quilting space. If you sew without a dedicated sewing space, a small machine that's easy to move and can be stored in a closet is a great idea.
Price: $129.99
Features: 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, stretch stitches; an auto-size one-step buttonhole and an auto needle threader; accessories including six sewing feet, three-piece needle set, twin needle, and four bobbins.
Price: $159.99
Features: 97 stitch applications; built-in needle threader; accessories including four presser feet, edge/quilting guide, screwdriver, seam ripper/lint brush, pack of needles, and bobbins.
Price: $159.99
Features: 37 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, machine cover, extension table, eight presser feet.
Price: $199
Features: 15 built-in stitches, thread cutter, four presser feet, bobbins, needle pack, seam ripper.
Price: $299
Features: 23 stitches, automatic button hole, seven presser feet, manual needle threader, manual thread cutter.
Price: $494.49
Features: Computerized with 1,172 stitch applications, automatic needle threader, automatic thread cutter, thirteen presser feet (including a walking foot).
Mid-Range Budget: Under $1,500
You've got a larger budget for your machine, but you might not want or need all the fancy features of high-end machines used for quilting. This section is for you — these machines offer great quality while not overwhelming you with a bunch of extras you may not plan to use.
Price: $747.99
Features: 197 stitches, drop feed for free motion quilting, speed control, manual thread tension, automatic thread cutter, built-in thread cutter, seven presser feet.
Price: $899
Features: Start/stop button, one-step buttonhole, speed control, drop feed for free motion quilting, needle up/needle down, automatic tie-off, integrated needle threader, six presser feet.
Price: $999
Features: 394 stitches, automatic thread cutter, built-in needle threader, one-step buttonhole, eight presser feet.
Price: $999
Features: 60 stitches, manual thread tension control, one-hand needle threader, needle up/needle down, drop feed for free motion quilting, start/stop button, speed control, automatic thread cutter,
Price: $999
Features: Automatic thread trimmer, thread tension scale, stitch speed control, needle up/needle down control, automatic needle threader, knee lift.
Price: $1,399
Features: Computerized machine with 160 stitches, start and stop button, needle up/needle down, eight presser feet.
High-End Machines: Over $2,000
If you've made it to the end of the post, you mean business. That's right — you might be an actual professional quilter or sewist with your own business. Or maybe you're just a dedicated daily quilter. You probably have a dedicated sewing room in your home, or perhaps even your own studio outside of the home.
These machines have all the best bells and whistles you could ask for. And there is also a wide range of high-end machines from around $2,000 to over $7,000 depending on your budget and needs.
Price: $3,499
Features: Computerized with over 300 stitches, start/stop button, speed control, needle up/needle down, drop feed, manual thread cutter and automatic thread cutters, slide-on table, sewing machine oil, accessories box including bobbins and more.
Price: $3,299
Features: Computerized with 300 built-in stitches, automatic thread cutter, start/stop button, speed control, one-step needle plate conversion, accessories including fourteen feet and more.
Price: $3,399
Features: Computerized with 428 stitches, three free motion quilting modes (quilting, thread painting, and darning), accessories including presser feet and an electronic knee-lift.
Price: $4,999
Features: Computerized with 681 stitches, slide-on extension table, speed control, needle up/needle down, optional embroidery module, start/stop button, drop feed, accessories box and more.
Price: $7,999+ (contact a BERNINA dealer to inquire about pricing)
Features: This machine has just about every bell and every whistle in the known quilting world, including a unique dual feed that can turn any foot into a walking foot. To learn more about the many features of this machine, we recommend visiting a BERNINA dealer in person.
What's Your Favorite Sewing Machine?
If you already have what you think is the best sewing machine, tell us about it in the comments below! With so many machines on the market, it was impossible to fit every one of them on this list. So keep the advice going! What made you decide that you have the best sewing machine?
Great article! Please pist info on your seeing machine table.
Hi Donna! Here is a link to information about Suzy’s sewing cabinet: https://suzyquilts.com/the-best-sewing-cabinet-for-quilting-crafting/
Bernina 1130. Yes, it’s over 30 years old and still performs like it’s brand new. I did just add a 1958 Singer Feather Weight. Beautiful stitch and great machine.
When a sewing machine works well, keeping it is definitely the best choice! I love that your machine still feels new, that’s incredible.
I love my Janome 9450! It is awesome for piecing and quilting.
Teaching myself how to sew starting on a 1950s Elna that sewed beautifully but just straight stitch until I couldn’t get it repaired. Sorry I traded it in as I think I could have repaired myself now that we have YouTube. Now I have a Bernina 570 QE that I really love. Over the years I learned how to meticulously care for this, like changing the needle and oiling frequently, and annual check ups. Best advice, I got a great deal on a sewing machine at a state fair. It never worked right. Buy from a dealer close to you for the TLC they can give and expert advice. I sew all kinds of fabrics with my Bernina and I’m constantly getting advice from my dealer about best needles to use for my projects, stitch settings, presser foots to use. I’m the queen of presser foot pressure adjusting, the BEST feature of any sewing machine. Advice, try out the machine in person by bringing into the shop types of fabrics you will be sewing. See how helpful the shop staff is. If they are not so nice then you won’t be able to maximize what you can sew with your machine. For me, I need a machine I can carry and lift, some are just too heavy and big even just to get it out of the house to be serviced. My Bernina was more than I wanted to spend but well-worth the quality, reliability and the customer service I receive.
Great thoughts! Testing out a machine is an absolute must!
Thank you for the helpful article. What brand of sewing machine table/cabinet are you using. And, will it work with a Janome?
It’s from Tracey’s Tables and yes! Your machine is fitted to a clear Sew Steady insert. You can read more about it here – https://suzyquilts.com/the-best-sewing-cabinet-for-quilting-crafting/
I am interested in your table… where did you get it and what’s the height
Hi Sandra! You can read about Suzy’s sewing cabinet in this post: https://suzyquilts.com/the-best-sewing-cabinet-for-quilting-crafting/
Hi- Nice article on sewing machines. Where the sewing table is from? I am looking for a nice simple drop down desk like the one in photo!
Glad you liked it! Here’s information about Suzy’s sewing cabinet: https://suzyquilts.com/the-best-sewing-cabinet-for-quilting-crafting/
I absolutely LOVE my Pfaff Icon Two. It does so much……lots that I haven’t even discovered as yet!
I have a used Bernina Aurora 440 and I love it. I also have a Pfaff Varimatic and I love that one, also. Their built-in walking foot is so useful.
A built-in walking foot is wonderful for quilters!
I love my Pfaff 720 because: IDF (Integrated Dual Feed) – no more walking foot; absolutely perfect tension ALL THE TIME (I never mess with the tension); easy to understand settings; the 10″ to the right of the needle makes sewing blocks together so much easier; the cover (I live where there are dusty roads) and make sure I cover it at the end of every sewing day; the push button cutter. I need to by the Passport 2.0 as it has so many features in a machine that is good as a “spare” AND to take to classes.
Perfect tension all the time is enough to make this a big winner!
what type sewing table is the one being used for the 770 Bernina in picture. How did you get the insert to fit so nice.
Thank you.
My cabinet is from Tracey’s Tables — I LOVE it! You can read more about it here – https://suzyquilts.com/the-best-sewing-cabinet-for-quilting-crafting/
I bought this same Tracey’s table that is pictured in this article after seeing it on Suzy’s site. I love it. I had it made with two inserts for my Juki and Bernina sewing machines. The man that makes them delivered it in person to my house in Florida. Amazing
Had a Viking many years ago. It weighed a lot! When I got into quilting, I wanted something a little smaller to take to classes. A friend in my guild suggested Janome Platinum. Shortly after that someone in my quilt was selling one since she had moved up to a better model. Bought it used and used the Janome for many years and very happy with it. Still have it. Decided to get something with more options after I had been quilting for a few years. Went with Janome again…Memory Craft 6600. At a recent quilt show, inquired with a vendor about the next model up and what was my trade in value. To my surprise he recommended Elna which had just been purchased by Janome and had a model almost identical to the Janome MC 6700. I got a good trade in so purchased the Elna…so far it is good. Many more features and working well.
You’ve had quite a sewing machine journey! I loved hearing about your experiences!
My very favorite is my Bernina 930 Record. Purchased around 1984. Went through several years with NO sewing yet when I did pull it out to use, it was perfect! Love that machine. Then in 2016 I bought a 770 QE. Super nice. In about 2023 I added a Juki 18?? I really like sewing on it. A lot. But I have to admit I am a Bernina gal. Through and through!!! So quiet. Dependable. Beautiful stitches!!! Ahh. Makes me want to head in and do some sewing right now!!
Love your story, Rhonda! I hope you did go straight into your sewing room after posting this! 🙂
In my opinion, the best quilting machine does not exist. If it did it would forgo the embroidery aspects and instead have a 30 inch space between the needle and the upright arm support on the right.
Please get a job designing sewing machines so I can also have a 30″ throat space on my machine! 🙂
I have a great sewing machine, but I would like to know more about the table you show in your pictures. What brand of table is this and where is it available??
Hi Linda! You can read about Suzy’s sewing cabinet here: https://suzyquilts.com/the-best-sewing-cabinet-for-quilting-crafting/
I’m about to pull the trigger on a Bernia 570QE and I’m so excited! Is there an alternative I should be looking at? I want this to be my forever machine. I moved recently from a year around warm climate to a state with seasons and find myself indoors more often, getting serious about my quilting