Starting Your Sewing Journey: Finding the Right First Sewing Machine
May 7, 2025
Sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first learned to sew at school, and even after taking a long break to raise my children, I always found my way back to making something by hand or using a machine.
Over the years, I've learned that it's not just formal training or years spent working in a shop that make a great sewer — although those experiences are certainly valuable. Instead, it's the quality time you spend with your sewing machine, practicing, creating, and learning from your mistakes that truly shapes your skills.
Whether you are brand new to sewing or returning after some time away, one of the most important first steps is choosing the right sewing machine. Your machine doesn’t have to be the most expensive or fancy model — it just needs to be reliable, easy to use, and suited to your needs as a beginner.
In this blog, I’ll share some friendly advice to help you find a great first sewing machine — one that will encourage your creativity and support you as your confidence grows.
Some simple tips
🧵 1. Keep It Simple
Choose a machine with basic stitches: straight stitch, zig-zag, and a few decorative stitches.
Avoid machines with hundreds of complicated features — you can upgrade later!
🧵 2. Look for These Key Features
Adjustable stitch length and width (important for learning control)
Drop-in bobbin (easier to load than front-loading)
Built-in needle threader (huge time-saver)
Free arm (for sewing sleeves, cuffs, small projects)
Speed control (great for beginners who want to sew slowly at first)
🧵 3. Mechanical vs. Computerised
Mechanical: simpler, cheaper, easier to maintain.
Computerised: more features, smoother sewing, but can be overwhelming for total beginners.
For your first machine, a basic mechanical model is usually perfect!
🧵 4. Reliable Brands to Consider
Brother (user-friendly, affordable, great for beginners)
Singer (classic, lots of beginner models)
Janome (very durable and smooth)
Bernette (from Bernina — great quality starter machines)
🧵 5. Test Before You Buy
Visit a sewing shop if possible and try stitching on a few machines. (Don’t forget to take some fabric that you would use regularly)
Feel how heavy it is (a little weight is good for stability).
See how easy it is to thread, wind the bobbin, and change stitches.
🧵 6. Budget
Plan to spend around £100–£250 for a solid beginner machine.
Watch for deals or good-quality second-hand machines too!
🧵 7. Aftercare
Make sure the machine comes with a manual, and ideally a starter pack (extra bobbins, needles, screwdriver, seam ripper).
Ask if there’s a warranty or local service centre just in case.
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🌟 Top tip: Your first machine doesn't have to be fancy — it just needs to be easy, reliable, and fun to use while you’re building your skills!
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⭐ Recommended Beginner Sewing Machines
1. Brother LX17
Lightweight, simple, affordable (around £100–£130)
17 stitches including zig-zag and decorative options
Drop-in bobbin and free arm
Easy for total beginners to thread and use
2. Singer Heavy Duty 4423
Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine 0
A little more powerful (good for thick fabrics like denim)
23 built-in stitches
Strong metal frame and fast stitching speed
Great if you want a beginner machine that you won’t outgrow too fast
3. Janome 219S
Compact and reliable (around £150–£180)
14 stitches, plus a 4-step buttonhole
Strong enough for basic dressmaking and crafts
Really good build quality for the price
4. Brother CS10s Computerised Sewing Machine
Beginner-friendly computerised model
40 stitches and an automatic buttonhole function
Lightweight but packed with features without being overwhelming
Great choice if someone wants a "modern" machine under £250
5. Bernette Sew&Go 1
From the Bernina family (known for excellent quality)
10 basic stitches
Basic, durable, and good for home projects
Cute design and simple to operate
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✅ All these models are highly rated for beginners
✅ Widely available in the UK (Amazon, Hobby craft, John Lewis, independent sewing shops)
✅ Most come with a starter kit of extra needles, bobbins, and foot attachments
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