If you’re looking for a sewing machine on a budget, read this post for the best cheap sewing machines. We’ll tell you what to look for when you’re shopping for a sewing machine and share our top picks for the best cheap sewing machines.
With so many brands, types, and price points of sewing machines it can be overwhelming when looking to purchase a new sewing machine. Maybe you’re looking to buy your first sewing machine and are worried about making the wrong decision.
The good news is that a new sewing machine doesn’t need to cost the earth. There are plenty of excellent cheap sewing machines on the market that are suitable for a wide range of needs.
We have compiled the best sewing machines to help you make an informed choice about the sewing machine for you and by the end of this article, you will be able to take advantage of some of the best deals on sewing machines this year.
What to consider when buying a new machine
When deciding to buy a new sewing machine there are a few things you need to take into account before parting with your hard-earned cash. First, think about what you will be using your sewing machine for.
Will you be using it occasionally for a hobby or do you need a more robust machine so you can use it daily? Do you need a sewing machine that can create embroidery designs or use a regular sewing machine?
The answers to these questions will impact how expensive your new sewing machine may be. It is important to set yourself a budget and buy a machine that is right for your needs and that you don’t buy a more expensive machine than you need.
Sewing machines can vary dramatically in price but good quality cheap sewing machines are still a good investment and choosing the right machine could last you years. Sewing machines can start at around $100 with prices heading into the thousands for high-end models.
Before taking a look at the best deals on cheap sewing machines below, have a read of our frequently asked questions to help you decide what kind of sewing machine is right for you.
If you’re in a hurry (or just curious!) –
✅ Check deals on sewing machines.
Best Cheap Sewing Machine
Best All Around
- This sewing machine has 37 stitches that you can use to sew different fabrics together
- This sewing machine has a built-in needle threader that automatically pushes the thread through the needle, and a drop-in top bobbin that is easy to load
- The GX37 comes with six different sewing feet, a needle set, bobbins, an instructional DVD, the manual, and more
- The Brother GX37 is versatile and perfect for a range of everyday sewing and quilting projects, for every user from beginner to advanced
- If you need help with your Brother GX37 sewing machine, you can get free technical support from Brother online, on the phone, or in person
Runner Up
- 27 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in top bobbin
- LED light
- 800 stitches per minute
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Size: 12 x 6 x 15 inches
- 6 sewing feet: blind stitch foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, narrow hemmer foot, zigzag foot, and zipper foot
- Can do free arm sewing
- 25 year limited warranty
Best Heavy Duty Machine
- Heavy duty metal frame. Improves durability and stability when sewing at high speeds.
- Includes multiple feet: an all purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and a button sewing foot.
- Soft sided dust cover included.
- Onboard accessory storage.
- 32 built in stitches.
- Adjustable stitch width and length.
- Adjustable feed dog height.
- Adjustable presser foot pressure.
- Limited 90 day / 2 year / 25 year warranty.
1. Brother GX37 Sewing Machine Details
The GX37 is a great sewing machine for beginners. It has 37 different stitches that you can use for different projects. It also includes a buttonhole foot, which is really helpful for making buttonholes. This machine is also really easy to use. You just turn a dial to pick the stitch you want, and it tells you what the stitch does right on the machine. The GX37 is a great value for the price, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone starting out in sewing.
View our full review here.
Product Features:
- This sewing machine has 37 stitches that you can use to sew different fabrics together
- This sewing machine has a built-in needle threader that automatically pushes the thread through the needle, and a drop-in top bobbin that is easy to load
- The GX37 comes with six different sewing feet, a needle set, bobbins, an instructional DVD, the manual, and more
- The Brother GX37 is versatile and perfect for a range of everyday sewing and quilting projects, for every user from beginner to advanced
- If you need help with your Brother GX37 sewing machine, you can get free technical support from Brother online, on the phone, or in person
2. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine Details
The Brother XM2701 is a great beginner sewing machine and a great sewing machine for everyday use. The Brother XM 2701 has 27 built-in stitches, including a 1 step buttonhole. It includes multiple sewing feet; a buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zipper foot, zigzag foot, blind stitch foot, and narrow hemmer foot. It can do free arm sewing, has a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, and a easy needle threader. This machine is lightweight and easy to use. It also comes with a 25-year limited warranty and online technical support.
View our full review here.
Product Features:
- 27 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in top bobbin
- LED light
- 800 stitches per minute
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Size: 12 x 6 x 15 inches
- 6 sewing feet: blind stitch foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, narrow hemmer foot, zigzag foot, and zipper foot
- Can do free arm sewing
- 25 year limited warranty
3. Singer 4432 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Details
The Singer 4432 is a highly reviewed and rated sewing machine in Singer’s heavy duty sewing machine line. This sewing machine is deemed a ‘true workhorse’ – and it lives up to that label! With it’s 60% stronger motor than normal sewing machines and heavy duty metal frame, this is a solid sewing machine that is very durable. It can sew at an amazing 1,100 stitches per minute. This is much faster than your average sewing machine’s speeds of 600 to 800 stitches per minute.
This sewing machine is good for sewing through a variety of fabrics, from denim and heavy canvas to the lightest tulles and sheers. It’s a workhorse with a strong motor and can sew quickly. It has a lot of features, like a built-in needle threader and a 1-step buttonhole. It’s also adjustable, so you can sew a variety of fabrics, and it comes with a bunch of feet.
This sewing machine comes with multiple different presser feet for different sewing tasks. It includes an all purpose foot, zipper foot, button hole foot and button sewing foot. These accessories can all be stored in the onboard accessory container. Remove the onboard accessory container, and this machine is ready for free arm sewing. Free arm sewing is great for sewing tight spaces like pants hems, sleeve cuffs, collars and kids clothes.
The Singer 4432 has 32 different built in sewing stitches. These include basic sewing stitches, stretch stitches, and decorative stitches. You can modify these stitches by setting different stitch length and widths (up to 6mm). This machine also has adjustable dog feed teeth and adjustable presser foot pressure. Being able to adjust the pressure the machine puts on your material means you can sew things like leather without leaving an imprint in the material. You can also adjust the needle position on this machine; left, right, and center. This can further modify the stitch you choose to use.
This heavy duty sewing machine is super easy to thread and use. It is a great mechanical sewing machine for beginners or for more advanced sewers looking to add a heavy duty machine to their sewing room.
View our full review here.
Product Features:
- Heavy duty metal frame. Improves durability and stability when sewing at high speeds.
- Includes multiple feet: an all purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and a button sewing foot.
- Soft sided dust cover included.
- Onboard accessory storage.
- 32 built in stitches.
- Adjustable stitch width and length.
- Adjustable feed dog height.
- Adjustable presser foot pressure.
- Limited 90 day / 2 year / 25 year warranty.
4. Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine Details
The Brother CS5055 is a computerized sewing machine that boasts a wide range of professional features, helping take your sewing to the next level. That said, this machine is easy to use and great for beginners too with the machine automatically adjusting settings when you change stitch selections. The bright LED screen makes choosing your stitch selection quick and easy. With 60 built-in stitches, you’re spoilt for choice of stitch to use. Stitches include a range of decorative, quilting, and heirloom stitches and 7 styles of buttonholes.
The Brother CS5055 comes complete with a new high-quality needle threading system, a range of pressor feet, a super-fast bobbin winding system, and the ability to sew thicker fabrics with ease thanks to the unparalleled feed dog system.
For more information, read our Brother CS5055 review.
Product Features:
- Metal frame
- 60 built-in stitches
- 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes
- Free arm capability
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in top bobbin
- Includes 7 sewing feet
- 25 year limited warranty and Brother at your side support
5. Singer MX60 Sewing Machine Details
The MX60 sewing machine is a great choice for beginners because it is lightweight and portable. It has preset stitch length and width, so you can easily sew clothes, quilts, and crafts. This machine is super basic and works great for people just looking to do occasional sewing and hem work. This machine doesn’t have a lot of the bells and whistles that you can get for a bit more though, like free arm sewing and automatic needle threader. So keep that in mind if you are looking to buy this machine.
Product Features:
- Has six basic stitches
- Easy dial to choose the stitch you want
- This sewing machine is easy to use because the stitch length and width are already set for you
- Built in light that helps you see what you are sewing
- The bobbin is located in the front of the machine
6. Singer SM024 Sewing Machine Details
If you’re looking for a quality sewing machine that doesn’t break the bank, the SINGER SM024 is a great option. This machine comes with 24 different stitch options, so you can easily fix simple repairs or create detailed projects. It’s also very easy to thread and has reliable stitching, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced sewers. Plus, the all-metal frame ensures that your projects will come out looking great every time. So if you’re looking for a great machine that doesn’t cost a lot, the SINGER SM024 is a great option.
Product Features:
- 24 different stitches that can be used to easily fix things or make them look nicer
- This sewing machine is easy to use and makes beautiful stitches
- This machine is very sturdy and will not move around when you are using it
- Easy needle threader
- Adjustable stitch length
- Can do free arm sewing
- Four included sewing feet
7. Singer M1000 Sewing Machine Details
The SINGER M1000, the perfect lightweight and portable sewing machine for your light sewing projects. With four built-in stitches, this machine is designed to make mending and garment repairs of lightweight fabrics easier than ever. From straight stitches and zigzags to blind hems, it offers essential stitches for key sewing techniques. The top drop-in bobbin and transparent cover allow you to monitor your thread supply, ensuring you never run out in the middle of a seam. The free arm design makes it effortless to sew trouser hems, sleeve cuffs, and other smaller or tubular projects. With its easy stitch selection, adjustable thread tension, and quick threading guides, even beginners will find this machine a breeze to use. The reverse lever lets you easily sew stitches in reverse to secure seams, and its compact size makes it ideal for sewing in small spaces.
Product Features:
- 4 built-in stitches
- LED light
- Can do free arm sewing
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic bobbin winder
8. Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine Details
The SINGER Start 1304 sewing machine is a basic, simple, and easy-to-use mechanical sewing machine. It is a good choice for beginners thanks to 6 Built-in Stitches, all with pre-set stitch width and stitch length. Just select your stitch and start sewing. The SINGER Start 1304 Free Arm sewing machine comes with a limited 25 Year Warranty. This Free Arm sewing machine has a ton of other features like easy stitch selection, automatic bobbin winding system, free arm, built-in reverse, easy threading, adjustable tension settings, and extra-high presser foot lift.
Product Features:
- Six different stitches that are all set to a specific width and length
- Three different sewing feet included
- This sewing machine has a limited lifetime warranty that lasts for 25 years
- The machine is lightweight and easy to carry around
- This sewing machine has a special feature that automatically winds bobbins for you
9. Janome Mystical Mint Basic Details
The Janome Mystical Mint Basic sewing machine is another compact sewing machine. This machine’s small size doesn’t mean it lacks in features. This machine has 10 different built in stitches, can do free arm sewing, and even has onboard storage for your accessories. This machine is great for doing occasional sewing work like hemming, darning, and patching. The small size also makes this machine great to take to sewing class or to a quilting session.
Product Features:
- This is a small, lightweight sewing machine that is easy to use and perfect for beginners, people who need to do repairs, or for sewing on the go
- This sewing machine has 10 different stitches, including straight, zigzag, and crescent stitches
- This machine is easy to use and lightweight
- This sewing machine is easy to set up, because it has diagrams to help you thread the machine, and a clear cover on the bobbin so you can see how much thread is left
- The presser foot has a guard that protects your fingers from getting caught in the machine
10. Singer MX231 Sewing Machine Details
The Singer MX231 sewing machine is a great choice for basic and decorative stitches. The machine also has stretch stitches, so it can be used to sew a wide range of fabrics. The stitch width and length can also be adjusted to create the perfect stitch. The machine comes with a full instruction manual that can be viewed or downloaded online.
Product Features:
- This sewing machine can do 23 different stitches, which is great for any fabric or project
- This sewing machine has a buttonhole feature that makes it easy to create consistent buttonholes in different styles
- This sewing machine can be set to sew stitches of different lengths and widths
- This machine is easy to thread because it has a built-in needle threader
- This sewing machine has a bobbin that is easy to wind and insert
Best Cheap Sewing Machine FAQ
What is the difference between a mechanical sewing machine and a computerized sewing machine?
There are a few differences between mechanical and computerized sewing machines.
- Computerized sewing machines mainly use a computer to control their settings. The sewist inputs information into the computer with buttons and the LCD screen to tell the machine what to sew. A computerized sewing machine generally has more functions and can create a range of decorative stitches, this however means they are also a lot more expensive than other machines.
- Mechanical sewing machines use dials and levers to control their settings. The sewist manually sets each part of the mechanical machine before use to create the desired outcome. These machines are less complicated and cheaper than computerized sewing machines.
What is an automatic needle threader?
A special feature on sewing machines that automatically threads the sewing needle for the sewist.
Many sewing machines sold today come with an automatic threader function.
This is essentially a lever that will guide the thread through the eye of your sewing needle for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself.
A needle threader is a device that is used on a sewing machine to pass threads through needles. The threader is designed to make it easier for the user to pass the threads through needles.
What basic features should my sewing machine have?
Most of the sewing machines you can purchase have lots of features that come as standard and help make using your sewing machine easier to use.
Having a sewing machine that is easy to use and maintain will make your sewing more enjoyable and help you improve your skills.
Below is a list of features you can expect to see included in most standard sewing machines.
- Adjustable stitch length – Being able to adjust your stitch length when sewing means you can undertake a wide variety of projects from sewing buttonholes to creating stretchy gathered garments.
- Presser feet – Having a selection of presser feet can make it easier to use a sewing machine. At a minimum you should have a sewing foot, but a zigzag and button hole foot are also nice to have.
- Reverse lever – This feature allows you to create a backstitch, which is extremely important and secures your stitches at the beginning and end of your sewing instead of you having to knot your threads like in hand sewing
- A stitch guide – It’s important to know what stitches your sewing machine can make and how to set your machine for the best results.
- Thread tension dial – Being able to set the thread tension on your sewing machine means that you will be able to sew on a wider range of fabrics without coming across problems such as pulled or broken threads.
- Spool Pins – These are usually at the top of your sewing machine and hold your thread whilst sewing.
- Bobbin winder spindle – This is usually located on top of your machine and means you can quickly wind thread onto your bobbin ready for sewing.
- Bobbin case – This is where the full bobbin sits inside when inserted into your sewing machine. The bobbin case holds the bobbin in place and helps create its tension whilst sewing.
- Feed dogs – These are located underneath your needle on the sewing plate. They help pull your fabric through the machine smoothly whilst sewing.
What advanced features are nice to have in a sewing machine?
Having advanced features on your sewing machine can make using your machine more convenient, help improve your sewing, or can be a luxurious extra.
Some of these features include
- Extra work space- Some machines give you extra space on the right-hand side of your needle. Meaning if you’re sewing a large project like a blanket, or when quilting, you won’t have your project squashed into a small space while you work.
- Stitch quality and quietness– More expensive sewing machines can produce professional-looking stitches with ease and can be really quiet machines making them a pleasure to work with.
- Automatic End-Of-Stitch Features– some machines offer end-of-stitch features which means you can set your machine to automatically raise the needle and foot at the end of your seam and it will tie your threads and cut them. This saves you time and enables you to continue to the next part of your project quickly.
- Lighting- some machines come with lighting as an advanced feature. This can either be down light from above the needle or some high-end machines have an adjustable light that comes from the top of the machine and can be pointed towards the needle.
- Free motion quality- although you can create free motion sewing on a basic sewing machine by dropping the feed dogs, some machines have a special setting for free motion stitching that helps you sewing smooth and effortlessly.
What is a sliding speed control?
A sliding speed control allows the sewist to control the speed of the sewing machine and how fast the needle is working. This means that even a beginner sewer who may press the machine foot too hard the machine won’t run away from them.
The speed of the sewing machine is changed by a small slider and can control the stitches from 50 to 1000 stitches per minute on some machines.
What’s the difference between a basic sewing machine, an embroidery machine, and a heavy-duty sewing machine?
- Basic sewing machines: These machines are generally used for construction and not usually decorative purposes. These machines join two or more fabrics together at once and can add buttonholes and zips to your projects.
- Basic sewing machines use a flat machine foot to help guide the fabric through the machine along with the sewist’s hands.
- Embroidery machines: These machines are mainly for decorative purposes. Embroidery stitches are applied on top of the fabric to create images or text. Embroidery is popular for uniforms, logos, and craft projects.
- Heavy-duty sewing machines: These machines are more robust than basic sewing machines and can handle sewing thicker fabrics such as leather and denim. They are also a lot better at handling continued daily use.
- They are a big investment so it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
What is free arm sewing?
Free arm sewing refers to a removable part on your sewing machine. It helps when sewing narrower fabrics such as cuffs and trouser legs.
To access the free arm detach the accessory tray next to the bobbin house. This will reveal the free arm, attached to the main part of the machine with a gap underneath. Essentially this is the part of the machine where your needle and bobbin are placed.
A free arm is generally included in all modern sewing machines.
In Summary
When deciding to purchase a new sewing machine, it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or have been sewing for years, the many variations of sewing machines can make it difficult to know what to buy. It can be a daunting process but we hope this article has helped narrow down your search and you have discovered that a good quality, cheap sewing machine doesn’t need to be super expensive.
It is important to decide what your new sewing needs to have and what you would like it to have as a luxury extra. Set a budget for yourself and then research sewing machines that fit your budget. Take a deeper look at some of the best deals on sewing machines showcased in this article. We know you will find the perfect choice for you.
Related Posts
- Looking for more information on mechanical sewing machines? Check out the Best Mechanical Sewing Machines
- Want an embroidery machine instead of a sewing machine? Check out the Best Embroidery Machines
- Need a more advanced sewing machine for your projects? Check out the Best Sewing Machines for Advanced Sewers