Sewing is a great skill to acquire either as a hobby or as a career or profession. However, learning how to sew can be challenging for most individuals, thereby the need for a basic sewing machine. A basic sewing machine is designed to allow easy and quick learning while being introduced to basic sewing skills at pocket-friendly prices. The following article will provide you with all that you need to know about the basic sewing machine before buying your machine, as well as a review of the best basic sewing machines.
How to Choose the Best Basic Sewing Machine?
As a beginner, you need to be very careful when buying your basic sewing machine. However, being a beginner, it is obvious that you know very minimal things about a sewing machine, hence challenging. The following are some of the features/things to look for while picking your machine.
– Smooth and even sewing.
Make sure that the machine provides consistent, smooth, and even sewing. To check the sewing machine smoothness, try sewing and feel if the table shakes hard, your teeth rattle, or it makes a ticking or grinding sound: avoid that machine. Also, sew across a piece of fabric and look whether the stitches are uniform and even.
– Automatic needle threader.
Threading is one of the processes that can stop you from starting, especially if your eyes have a problem. Threading can be tricky and can cause eye strain. As a beginner, look for an automatic needle threader for easy and quick threading.
– Easy bobbin system.
There are different types of bobbin systems, and as a beginner, a drop-in bobbin system is the best especially for children. A drop-in bobbin is easier to use than a front-loading bobbin system. Also, consider automatic bobbin winding.
– Built-in stitches.
Built-in stitches are very important in a sewing machine. They give you a chance to learn and acquire various skills on how to tackle different projects. Generally, for a basic sewing machine, a minimum of 15 built-in stitches are ideal. This is because the machine consists of all the basic and essential stitches, as well as other decorative and buttonhole features.
– One-step buttonhole.
A one-step buttonhole is the best for a basic sewing machine, this is because it makes it easy and quick to make buttonholes as it involves one step only, unlike a 4-step buttonhole. Also, consider automatic buttonholes.
Best Basic Sewing Machine Reviews.
1. Best High Speed – SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine.
Pros:
- 25-Year limited warranty.
- Heavy-duty and durable sewing machine.
- 1,100 stitches per minute sewing speed.
- Powerful motor.
- Multiple accessories.
- Easy stitch selection.
Cons:
- It is quite expensive.
SINGER is a renowned brand for so many years in the sewing and embroidery industry. SINGER is known for its high-end sewing machines, hence rest assured to get a great machine to meet your needs for a long-lasting period. SINGER 4423 is a heavy-duty machine designed for both small and large sewing projects. SINGER 4423 boasts 23 inbuilt stitches that include decorative, basic, buttonhole, and stretch stitches that permit you to handle a wide range of projects as well as creating your unique fashions.
SINGER 4423(Full Review Here) is a versatile sewing machine meant for both beginners and professionals and designed with automated features like the automatic needle threader to allow quick and easy sewing. The machine has a printed thread path on the surface to follow when threading your machine, then the automatic threader makes the end of it all quick and simplified, without straining your eyes. Despite the automatic needle threader, SINGER 4423 is designed for fast sewing: it features 1,100 stitches per minute sewing speed that allows you to tackle your sewing project within no time. Also, the 60% powerful motor allows fast and powerful piercing through thick fabrics, hence ideal for most fabrics despite the thickness.
SINGER 4423 is a true workforce designed with a stainless bedframe and heavy-duty interior made of metal. The sewing machine also comes with multiple accessories to use during sewing and comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
2. Best Combination – Brother CS7000i Quilting and Sewing Machine.
Pros:
- Easy stitch selection.
- 70 inbuilt stitches.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Jam-resistant bobbin system.
- Well lit work area.
- 25-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- None found
Brother is another famous sewing and quilting brand known for producing high-quality and versatile machines. Brother CS7000i features the most versatile features including 70 inbuilt stitches that include quilting, utility, decorative, 7 auto-size buttonholes, among others. For easy and simplified quilting and sewing, the Brother CS7000i boasts an automatic needle threader as well as a drop-in top bobbin, making sewing and quilting more convenient. The bobbin system is jam-resistant hence very versatile.
Brother CS7000i is an ergonomic sewing and quilting machine featuring an LCD screen with backlit that permits you to effortlessly make and view how you select the stitches. The product package also comes with various accessories including a wide table, user manual, protective case, 10 sewing feet, and more.
3. Best For Beginners – SINGER MX60 Sewing Machine
Pros:
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Preset stitch length and width.
- Easy stitch selection.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Ideal for limited spaces.
- Suitable for beginners.
Cons:
- 4 step buttonholes.
Get yourself started within minutes and finish your demanding project within no time. SINGER MX60 Sewing Machine is an easy-to-use sewing machine from the Singer brand, designed for all sewers and suitable for beginners. This machine features an easy stitch selection with already set stitch length and width for easy and quick sewing. The machine features easy buttonhole sewing as well as a compact design making it ideal for sewing in limited spaces.
SINGER MX60 Sewing Machine is also a heavy-duty and long-lasting sewing machine made of a complete metal frame. However, despite having a metal frame, SINGER MX60 is a lightweight and portable sewing machine hence ideal for beginners who move from one place to another for learning. SINGER MX60 Sewing Machine consists of 57 key stitch sewing techniques that enable you to carry out different projects.
4. Best Easy to Use – SINGER MX231 Sewing Machine
Pros:
- Adjustable presser foot pressure.
- Adjustable stitch length and width.
- Easy bobbin winding and insertion.
- Easy and quick threading.
- One-step buttonhole.
- 97 stitches.
Cons:
- No light.
Do you wish to start learning how to sew, then SINGER MX231 Sewing Machine is all that you need. SINGER MX231 Sewing Machine is another versatile machine from the Singer brand designed to make sewing an easy task. It is also ideal for professionals and capable of handling different projects. This sewing machine has also made sewing an easy task for you: it consists of an inbuilt needle threader that makes threading a quick and easy task. Also, the front bobbin system allows for easy winding and inserting.
SINGER MX231 Sewing Machine features 97 built-in stitch applications that allow you to sew any fabric and to handle all projects. The easy-to-use sewing machine also boasts a one-step buttonhole that allows you to handle buttonhole projects within no time while providing stylish and consistent buttonholes. SINGER MX231 Sewing Machine boasts an adjustable pressure for the presser foot that permits you to adjust the pressure when sewing heavy or fine fabrics, hence customized sewing. It also consists of adjustable stitch length and width for further customization and handling of different fabrics and projects.
5. Best Easy Threading – SINGER 2250 Tradition Sewing Machine.
Pros:
- Quick and easy threading.
- One easy stitch selection step.
- Strong seams and no puckering.
- 10 inbuilt stitches.
Cons:
- Fewer stitches.
Finally, this is the last basic sewing machine in this article. SINGER 2250 is a lightweight sewing machine with a compact design, hence portable and ideal for basic sewing. It has an item weight of 12.4 pounds and a dimension of 15 x 6.25 x 12 inches. Being a basic sewing machine, SINGER 2250 features exclusive ease-of-use. The quick and easy threading process makes it easy to use as well as saving time, hence quick project completion. It also boasts easy stitch selection that allows you to change the stitches easily in one step, while the one automatic 4-step buttonhole provides excellent and consistent results.
SINGER 2250 features 10 inbuilt stitches consisting of one auto 4-step buttonhole that allows tackling of endless project potentialities. The Tradition Sewing Machine also consists of an adjustable stitch length as well as a zigzag width that ensures strong seams and prevents the fabric from puckering.
What Makes Good Basic Sewing Machine for Beginners?
Generally, no one was born knowing everything and it takes time to learn new skills all through our lives. However, sewing is not an easy task to learn in just one day, and considering today’s generation, learning traditional sewing would be a great challenge. Thanks to the modern and automated sewing machines that have made sewing an easy and joyous task to learn.
For a beginner, it is crucial to start with an easy-to-use basic sewing machine for easy and quick learning. However, getting a good sewing machine is quite daunting, the following are some of the features of the best sewing machine for beginners.
– User-friendly.
Just like I mentioned earlier, learning how to sew is not a very easy task, only that it has been simplified by advanced technology. Therefore, beginners require a user-friendly basic sewing machine for easy and quick learning. A good basic sewing machine features an easy to set-up process with easy to read and understand manual guide. It also features various features that enhance easy learning, which includes automatic needle threader, automatic buttonhole, simple stitch selection, among others. A user-friendly sewing machine makes it easy to learn and start sewing.
– Functionality.
Functionality is another factor that determines a good basic sewing machine. Sewing is a skill acquired by many as a hobby or as a source of income. However, regardless of the end goal, most individuals will want to learn more than basic sewing to perfect their skills. A good easy to use sewing machine should feature multiple functions. The best sewing machine introduces the learner to various features and functions of a sewing machine, as well as allowing easy learning of these functions. Great functionality helps in optimizing one’s sewing skills, by helping you to learn how to tackle different projects.
– Budget.
Money is always an issue for most individuals when it comes to buying gadgets or equipment, while on the other hand, the budget is one of the factors to consider while buying any item. Generally, as a beginner in need of a basic sewing machine, you will expect or go for a cheap and affordable sewing machine. A good basic sewing machine should come with a pocket-friendly price tag, while not compromising functionality and performance for the price. In the market today, various brands offer a variety of sewing machines at budget-friendly prices.
– Performance.
Ideally, everyone loves performance, while performance makes a sewing machine worth buying despite the cost. Despite being a beginner or in need of a sewing machine, performance should not be compromised. A good basic sewing machine should feature exclusive performance. Generally, the performance of a sewing machine is determined by several factors including power, speed, functionality, number of stitches, ease of use, durability, among others. To ensure that you get a basic sewing machine, it is good to seek advice from professionals or your sewing tutor.
– Convenience.
Convenience is another crucial factor in a basic sewing machine. You don’t want a machine that cannot work for long hours enough for your learning, or a machine that takes all the time while setting up. A good sewing machine should be convenient to use, for a great sewing experience. Generally, convenience is determined by ease of use, speed, ability to learn various projects, reliability, and more. A good basic sewing machine should be easy to maintain, easy to use, reliable, and durable.
Who is a Basic Sewing Machine Designed For?
With no doubt, just from the name, a basic sewing machine is designed purposely for a beginner. However, that does not mean that professionals cannot use a basic sewing machine. Some sewing machines from renowned brands boast great and versatile features and multiple functions making them ideal for professionals. The following are the people who are designed for basic sewing machines.
– Beginners.
Typically, basic sewing machines are designed for beginners or individuals learning how to use a sewing machine as well as learning how to sew. This is because basic sewing machines feature several automated features that enable the learning of how to sew an easy task. They are also lightweight and portable to allow easy carrying from home to school. These machines are also easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to maintain, all these features are designed to make it for beginners.
– Teachers.
Also, some of the basic sewing machines are designed for sewing teachers. Sewing teachers require similar or closely alike sewing machines to those of their students. Generally, teaching a beginner with a different sewing machine from his/her might end up confusing the student at the end of the day. This is because of the differences between the two machines. Also, some teachers have different groups of teaching located at different locations, the teacher requires to move from one place to another with his/her machine. Basic sewing machines boast a compact and lightweight design, hence easily portable.
Best Basic Sewing Machine Brands
– Singer.
Singer Sewing Company is a renowned brand for so many years now, founded by Isaac Merritt Singer. Today Singer is one of the most famous and leading brands in the manufacture of sewing machines. Therefore, rest assured of getting a great basic sewing machine from Singer at a cheap and affordable price. The Singer brand provides innovative, quality, and true workhorse sewing machines.
– Janome.
Janome Sewing company is another great basic sewing machine brand. The Janome brand is well-known for the production of innovative and durable sewing machines. Janome was the first sewing company to manufacture a computerized sewing machine, hence very innovative. If you want to get a good sewing machine that won’t disappoint you, get one of the Janome sewing machines.
– Brother.
Brother is the other popular sewing brand with a great reputation. The Brother brand produces a variety of sewing machines including the basic sewing machines and computerized sewing machines. This is one of the highly recommended sewing companies, hence be assured to get a versatile and reliable sewing machine from the Brother brand.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Basic Sewing Machine?
Generally, basic sewing machines come with a vast range of prices, depending on the quality, functionality, brand, and more. Ideally, most basic sewing machines with excellent performance for a beginner goes at a cost between $100 – $1000. These machines consist of the basic stitches and other decorative stitches, basic accessories, as well as buttonhole settings.
Basic Sewing Machine Model: Choose Small or Large Ones?
The best size of your basic sewing machine plays an important role in your machine, in terms of performance and convenience. Generally, most people tend to think that small and lightweight sewing machines are the best, which turns out not to be the case always.
For convenience, the small model takes the day due to the lightweight and portability, thereby allowing you to carry it for your sewing classes easily. However, for performance, very light sewing machines result in great vibration when sewing at a high speed that results in poor non-even stitches. To avoid this, ensure that your sewing machine has a minimum weight of 10 lbs which is still portable.
How to Use a Basic Sewing Machine for Beginners?
Learning how to use a sewing machine can be divided into three parts:
1. Knowing your sewing machine.
2. Setting up your sewing machine.
3. Sewing.
1. Knowing your sewing machine
Knowing your sewing machine involves learning all the parts of your machine. The steps include:
– Locate the power switch which is usually located on the right side.
– Find the spool pin: it is a small pin located at the top of the machine and its function is to hold the thread spool.
– Trace the thread guide usually on the top left side.
– Locate the bobbin winder.
– Find the stitch selection buttons.
– Find the thread take-up lever.
– Check the tension dial.
– Look for the needle clamp.
– Locate the presser foot and the presser foot lever and try using it.
– Find the needle plate.
– Look for the feed dog.
2. Setting up your sewing machine
Steps of setting up your basic sewing machine, although, this can be obtained from the manual guide.
– The first step is to place the machine on the table or desk in a way that the needle is on your left side.
– Then install the needle carefully and secure it properly.
– Wind the bobbin and insert it.
– Then thread your basic sewing machine following the thread guide.
– After threading, bring both threads out: one from the bobbin and the other from the needle.
– Finally, plug in your machine and switch it on.
3. Sewing
Now you are already set to start sewing. The steps include:
– For a start, begin sewing using a simple straight stitch on a piece of simple fabric.
– Align the fabric under the needle and lower the presser foot.
– Then hold the two thread ends before pressing the foot pedal.
– Then press the foot pedal to start sewing. Remember that the foot pedal is the speed controller. Sew straight across the fabric.
– Press the reverse button and sew in reverse to seal the seam.
– Repeat the process to have it at your fingertips and then proceed to tackle a simple project for more training.
Conclusion.
The above article has explained different information about the basic sewing machine, to enable you to make a good decision while buying your sewing machine. The article has also provided you with a review of the best sewing machines that you can consider buying.
