# Best sewing machines for beginners Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners Publisher: Stitch and Hem. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/how-we-pick A first sewing machine should be easy to thread, easy to control and good enough that you keep using it once the first cushion cover is done. The features that matter most for a beginner are a one-step buttonhole (the machine sizes it for you), a built-in needle threader, a drop-in bobbin you can see through the cover and a free arm for sleeves and trouser hems. Stitch count matters less than you might think: a straight stitch, a zigzag, a stretch stitch and a blind hem cover most early projects. This guide compares seven machines on stitch count, buttonhole type, needle threader and weight, using only what each listing states. Lighter machines are easier to carry to a class; heavier ones tend to sit still on the table when you sew thicker fabric. ## Products ### 1. Brother SH40 Computerised Sewing Machine Stitches: 40; Buttonhole: 1-step, 5 styles; Needle threader: Yes; Weight: 4.5 kg A light computerised machine with an LCD screen, 40 stitches and five one-step buttonhole styles. Slide speed control and a start/stop button make it a calm first machine for garments and home projects. In its favour: - Slide speed control and a start/stop button let a nervous beginner sew slowly without relying on the pedal. - Five one-step buttonhole styles are listed, so buttonholes are sized by the machine rather than by eye. - At 4.5 kg it is the lightest machine here and easy to carry to a class or put away. Good to know: - The listing does not say which presser feet come in the box beyond the basics. - A light machine can move about on the table when you push thick denim through it. ### 2. Janome 725S Sewing Machine Stitches: 25; Buttonhole: 1-step; Needle threader: Yes; Weight: 6.7 kg A mechanical Janome with 25 stitches, a one-step buttonhole, a jam proof drop-in bobbin and foot pressure adjustment. It suits beginners who prefer dials to screens and want room to grow. In its favour: - The listing states a jam proof drop-in bobbin and auto-declutch bobbin winding, which keep setup simple. - Foot pressure adjustment and an extra-high presser foot lift help with thicker layers later on. - Drop feed is listed for free motion work, and a hard cover and a 2 year manufacturer warranty are stated. Good to know: - There is no speed slider or start/stop button listed, so all control is through the pedal. - The listing does not give maximum stitch width or length. ### 3. Juki HZL-LB5020 Computerized Sewing Machine Stitches: 20; Buttonhole: 1-step; Needle threader: Yes, automatic; Weight: 8.21 kg A compact computerised Juki with 20 stitch patterns, an LCD screen, needle up or down positioning and a 7 point feed dog. It suits beginners who want a few grown-up features without a long menu. In its favour: - Needle up or down positioning makes turning corners and pivoting curves far easier. - The listing states a 7 point feed dog system and variable speed override for steady feeding. - Drop feed, a drop-in bobbin and a bright LED light are all listed. Good to know: - Twenty stitches is a short list if you want decorative stitches later. - The listing does not state which presser feet are included. ### 4. J3-24 Sewing Machine Stitches: 24; Buttonhole: 1-step, automatic; Needle threader: Yes; Weight: 6 kg A straightforward Janome with 24 built-in stitches, quick foot conversion, an automatic one-step buttonhole and a free arm for cuffs and hems. A sensible choice for repairs and first garments. In its favour: - An automatic one-step buttonhole and a built-in needle threader cover the two jobs beginners find fiddliest. - Quick foot conversion is listed, so changing to a zipper or buttonhole foot is simple. - The free arm makes sleeves, cuffs and trouser hems easier to reach. Good to know: - The listing is short and does not state bobbin type or stitch width. - No speed control or screen is mentioned, so it is pedal and dial only. ### 5. Singer 2273 Tradition Sewing Machine Stitches: 23; Buttonhole: 1-step, fully automatic; Needle threader: Yes, automatic; Weight: 7 kg A long running Singer with 23 stitches, a fully automatic one-step buttonhole and automatic bobbin winding. Four presser feet and a darning plate are included, which suits first repairs and alterations. In its favour: - Four presser feet, a guide, needles, bobbins, a darning plate and a seam ripper are listed in the box. - Built-in accessory storage keeps the small parts with the machine. - Adjustable stitch length and width let you tune zigzag for neatening raw edges. Good to know: - The listing does not mention a drop-in bobbin, speed control or LED lighting. - The specification lists a 2007 manufacture year, so it is an older design than most here. ### 6. Brother FS20S (New Model) Electronic Sewing Machine for Beginners Stitches: 20; Buttonhole: 3 styles, type not stated; Needle threader: Not stated; Weight: Not stated A compact electronic Brother with 20 stitches including 4 stretch stitches, 3 buttonholes, an LCD display and a free arm. A carry handle is built in, which suits sewing classes. In its favour: - Four stretch stitches are listed, which helps with jersey and other knits. - The listing states a metal plate, a metal frame and a 3 year warranty. - Upper thread tension adjustment, reverse and a reinforcement stitch are all listed. Good to know: - The listing does not clearly state a needle threader or a one-step buttonhole. - No reliable weight is given in the listing, so check before buying for a class bag. ### 7. Brother JX17FE Stitches: 17; Buttonhole: 4-step; Needle threader: Not stated; Weight: 4.5 kg A simple mechanical Brother with 17 stitches, a four step buttonhole, a free arm and an internal metal structure. It suits occasional repairs, hems and craft projects on a tight brief. In its favour: - The listing states a double height presser foot, a metal plate and 6 row feed for thicker fabrics. - At 4.5 kg it is light, with a carry handle built into the body. - Needle position control and thread tension adjustment are listed. Good to know: - A four step buttonhole needs more care than a one-step buttonhole to get matching sizes. - There is no needle threader, screen or speed control mentioned. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.