If you are in the market for a new mechanical sewing machine, you may have found yourself struggling with the decision of which to buy. Luckily, this blog post is here to help! After carefully assessing the top sewing machines on the market and exploring everything from price range to capability, I’ve come up with a list of what I think are the five best mechanical sewing machines.
If you’re looking for something powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs but also small and compact enough so it doesn’t cramp up your desk space or closet, this list is exactly what you need! Keep scrolling and read below for more information about our picks for the five best mechanical sewing machines.
How do you know if your needs are best met by a non-computerized sewing machine that’s portable, lightweight, and easy to operate? Different mechanical sewing machines have different features.
Portable sewing machines are great for anyone who needs something compact and lightweight to carry around with them wherever they go. These are good for beginners and will also work well for people who plan on sewing a lot of different projects but don’t need something as powerful in terms of power, as heavier models. Lightweight machines are exactly what their name implies, but they’re still capable of tackling any project you throw at them.
Easy-to-operate models will make it easy to get started with sewing, even if you’ve never used a sewing machine before. The number one thing to keep in mind is that you’ll want the easiest-to-use machine that meets your needs. If your main concern is portability above all else, for example, you’ll want a model that’s lightweight and easy to store as well.
Top 11 Mechanical Sewing Machines (Best Options From Top Brands)
Choosing the best mechanical sewing machine can become a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with all of the different options. The following list should help you narrow down your options by helping you find the right machine for your needs.
- Singer 4452
- Juki TL2000Qi
- Brother GX37
- Janome Mod-15
- Bernette 35 Swiss Design
- Janome HD1000
- Pfaff Smarter 160S
- Brother ST371HD
- Singer Start 1304
- Brother XM2701
- Janome 2212
Singer 4452
The Singer 4452 is an amazing sewing machine that comes with some great features. I would love to share a few of my favorite things about this machine as well as some things that could be improved and what makes this such a great sewing machine.
As soon as you turn it on and push the button for your desired stitch, it threads automatically for you so there’s no worry about trying to thread it! It has an extra high presser foot lifter position so I can always find the right foot for whatever fabric I’m working with. This is especially helpful when working with thick fabrics or heavy weight fabrics because I don’t have to worry about the presser foot being in the correct position. Another feature that I love is the buttonhole feature.
It has a special buttonhole foot that is easy to use and gives you a perfect size buttonhole every time. You don’t have to do any measuring and it sews perfectly for every size of button you choose, which I love! There are also three different needle positions on this machine which makes it easy to sew a variety of fabrics using just one machine.
There are a lot of different stitches available to use on this sewing machine which is great because you can use the dial to select each stitch you need. It’s also easy to thread the eye of the needle as well so there is no more pinching and straining on your fingers when sewing heavy fabrics or intricate details. It’s also really easy to see how much thread you have so there are no worries about running out of thread. There are a lot of different types of presser feet that help with different types of projects so I’m not always switching out my presser feet if I need a special foot for something I’m doing.
This sewing machine is a little heavy but the weight is very helpful for stability when you’re sewing especially on large projects. The only downside is that the bobbin does not drop in and out of the machine. This makes it a little more difficult to change out if you need to replace it. But overall, I sew a machine and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great beginner machine or even an experienced sewer that wants a reliable machine.
The Singer 4452 has 32 stitches, which include the length of stitch adjustments, built-in buttonholes, and button sewing capabilities. This means on this specific model you can have 2 different buttonhole settings: 4mm or 7mm (2.5mm stitch width).
I Love this sewing machine. I have had it for a few months now. I was contemplating spending a couple of hundred dollars more to get a model that is similar to this, but once I started using it, there was no going back. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made for myself. This is a great starter sewing machine for someone who wants to upgrade from something cheaper. I love this machine and am so glad I went ahead and bought it.
Features Of Singer 4452
- Sewing Speed: 1100 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number of Stitches: 32
- Max Stich Width: 6.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 1-step
- Needle Threader: built-in
- Thread Cutter: Manual
- Thread Tension: Manual
- Bobbin Loading: Top drop-in
- LED Lightning
- Free-Arm: Yes
- Stitch Selection: By Dial
- Number of Presser Feet: 6
- Warranty: 25 Years
Pros
- Heavy Duty – This sewing machine can sew all weights of fabrics, including denim.
- Automatic Needle Threader – It’s so simple to thread. Just open the compartment, and put the spool of thread on. Close it up and pull the thread through the needle and choose your stitch, that’s it. Or, check here, how to thread a Singer sewing machine?
- Easy To Use – This is one of the easiest sewing machines to change from 1 stitch to another as you stitch (crochet or embroidery, for example). Just take your finger off the dial for a second and it stops, even in the middle of a stitch. Change your mind about which stitch you want. Just move your finger over to another one, then decide if you want to do that one instead and push down on that pedal again.
- Adjustable Stitches – Set your stitch from zero to infinity in increments of 1/16 inch. I love this because I change the stitch height often and it’s really easy to do, just a matter of pushing up or down on the dial for a few seconds until you reach that perfect stitch.
- Buttonhole Feature – The buttonhole was also one of my favorite features. Press down on the buttonhole pedal and you can choose from 2 special stitch settings: wide or narrow buttonholes, which include the automatic needle drop-in function- If you’re buying a new sewing machine, don’t bother getting one without this feature.
Cons
- Heavy – It’s heavy. Not that it’s a big deal, but it has to be said. I’m one of those people who always want to pick up my sewing machine and take it out of the sewing area whenever I’m not using it and I have to remind myself “oh, this is not one of those lighter machines”.
- Difficult To Change Bobbin – The bobbin is hard to change sometimes due to the thread holder underneath the needle that you have to move over and rotate the entire thing just to release or pull out your bobbin case.
Juki TL2000Qi
The Juki TL2000Qi is a machine that has so many features and benefits. I had been shopping for a new sewing machine for a little while before I decided to purchase this machine. After looking into purchasing this model, I knew that it was the one for me and that there was no way I could find anything better than the Juki TL2000Qi.
It has only 1 stitch which is very handy if you’re working on different projects with different types of fabric. This sewing machine also allows you to use 4 unique presser feet which makes it very easy to finish up your project in no time at all.
Another great feature of this model is the LED light that turns on when you press the foot control. This allows you to switch between stitch settings or when you are setting the stitch length you are looking at. There are various features like a locking stitch feature and the auto thread cutter, two features that I am sure you would love to be able to use.
The Juki sewing machine will also prove to be very handy when you want to start a new project because you can easily set the stitch length and pin the thread. All of these features make this machine a valuable investment for someone who wants to pick up a project to make quality sewing very easily.
The Juki TL2000Qi has a maximum stitch length of 6.0 mm, which is always helpful when you’re working on different types of fabrics. It’s easy to adjust and will make it easy when you’re trying to avoid damaging your fabric.
This machine also has an automatic buttonhole, which makes it even easier because you don’t have to worry about setting up the buttonhole on your own. You can get your seam ripper out of the way and simply finish your project without any hassle. I love it because I’m more comfortable with sewing than I am with finishing my projects which makes it much better for me not to have to deal with that part of the process anymore.
To be honest, I really like the TL2000Qi. It has so many great features and benefits that you will probably love just as much as I do. The only thing that I wish was different about this machine was the stitch type, but if you’re someone who is working on the same type of project all the time then this should make things much easier for you to complete.
Features of Juki TL2000Qi
- Sewing Speed: 1500 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 1
- Max Stitch Length: 6.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 1-Step
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Cutter: Automatic
- Thread Tension: Scale
- Bobbin Winding: Automatic
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- LED Lightning
- Presser Feet: 4
- 2-Steps Presser Foot Lifter
- Weight: 25.4 lbss
- Warranty: 5years
Pros
- Super Fast Speed – This is a very fast sewing machine. I was impressed with how quickly I was able to get my sewing done. I had the stitches set to 5 and it sewed right through without ripping a stitch. It is also very quiet, which makes this machine perfect if you’re around other people all the time since it won’t disturb them.
- Automatic Thread Cutter – This machine has an automatic thread cutter, which makes it super easy to finish small tasks quickly. I was working on my first project with this machine and I was able to complete multiple projects before I needed to stop for the day.
- Automatic Bobbin Winding – This is amazing because it only takes about 2 minutes for the bobbin to be ready for your next stitch. The bobbin is also easy to access as well so that you don’t have to struggle with everything being in the way when you are working on something that needs extra attention.
- 2-Steps Presser Foot Lifter – I love this feature because it makes things so much easier when you have multiple projects that need to be finished by the same time. Considering how often I sew, I know that this is a great feature because there are times that I only have one or two projects ready at any given time.
- Stitch Selection Dial – This is a great feature for someone who always needs to switch their stitch length setting and who wants their options to be flexible enough for them. You can easily switch between the different stitch lengths with just one simple click of your finger and you’re good to go.
Cons
- Only One Stitch Type – This is a small con for me and I know that for some people this isn’t a negative. If you’re someone who works with multiple types of fabrics and has many different projects to accomplish then this probably won’t be a negative for you either.
- Heavy Weighted – At almost 26 lbs this sewing machine is a little heavy. If you don’t have much storage room then I wouldn’t suggest this model because it is quite big and it might not be practical for your storage space.
Brother GX37
I researched a lot of sewing machines and narrowed them down to several different ones. I finally decided to purchase the GX37 from Brother mainly because it had so many good reviews on different sites that I found online. It had a lot of features I wanted, like having over 37 pre-programmed stitches to choose from.
The design is not too bulky and can be easily transported. It also came with an instruction manual which made it easy for me when I first started using it. It doesn’t have too many buttons but has all the buttons you need for a beginner sewist or someone who sews often and wants something mid-range in price and quality.
My favorite thing about this machine, though, is that it is color-coded for each stitch and there’s a zipper foot selection button. I’ve also been able to switch out some of the feet for some of my other older needles and attachments without a problem.
I’ve used this machine for several projects now, from small pillows to quilts, to curtains and lightweight dresses, and it has performed well on all of them. I’ve never had any issues with lint or puckered seams, which is something that I’ve dealt with in the past with my previous machines.
The thread always seems to catch underneath the machine when I’m sewing, which is somewhat annoying but easily solved by turning off the machine before giving it a little shake so that it rewires itself properly.
Features of Brother GX37
- Sewing Speed: 850 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 37
- Max Stich Width: 7.0 Mm
- Max Stitch Length: 5.0 Mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 1-Step
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Tension: Adjustable Dail
- Bobbin Winding: Manual
- LED Lightning
- Bobbin Loading: Drop-in Top
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- Reverse Stitches: Lever
- Adjustable Stitches: Yes
- Warranty: 25 years
Pros
- Automatic Needle Threader – You don’t need to worry about a tangled thread anymore with the automatic needle threader. This feature is one of my favorites because it makes sewing so much easier. You just have to place the end of your thread in the hole, pull it through and you’re all set!
- Drop-In Bobbin System – Another feature that I love about this machine is that it has a drop-in bobbin system which allows you to easily add in your goods when needed for a quick fix.
- Stitch Selection Dial – This is another one of my favorite features because it makes selecting stitches so much easier. You won’t have to worry about buttonholes being in the wrong spot and getting off track while sewing.
- Reverse Stitches – When I first got this machine, I thought it was going to be a problem that I would end up having to stop and start the machine several times when starting from a reverse-stitched top. However, it was pretty easy once I learned how to use this feature properly.
- Adjustable Stitches – If you want to sew smaller or bigger stitches than what the default settings are, then this machine has an easy solution for that as well. There is a dial in the back of the machine and you can adjust the size of your stitches up to your desired amount.
Cons
- Loud When Sewing At High Speeds – I have noticed that this machine is very loud when sewing at high speeds, so I recommend you follow the steps to quite a noisy sewing machine if you are planning on using this in a room with other people.
Janome Mod-15
It is a completely mechanical sewing machine. The machine has a metal body instead of plastic. I don’t feel like I am going to break the machine if I sew any material, fabric, leather, or whatever I decide to try sewing. It has been a breeze to get used to and, in my opinion, works a lot better than any other machine I have used.
I have not performed many services on it either. It is just a plug-and-play type of machine. I have needed to do very little with it when I have performed some required maintenance. It has been a very good machine for my purposes. I have sewn denim, mud cloth, cloth, and buckles, just to name a few materials I have sewn on it.
The stitch included with the machine is a good starting stitch and I have never needed anything more creative. The bobbin winding is an auto-declutch bobbin. This allows you to pull the thread and put the bobbin back in without having to manually de-clutch the bobbin. The machine does have registration however and is not entirely mechanical. If this is important to you, you might need to review the manuals. I have no complaints, but you might be interested in all the functions this machine provides and all the features it has.
I have not had any sewing problems with this machine. However, I had one problem trying to sew a dark color on the dark side of two-piece pants. This is not the fault of the machine and I wouldn’t worry that there would be anything like this happening. I don’t even remember how I fixed it. I would refer you to the user’s manual which provides an amazing amount of information and how-to’s with this machine.
Features of Janome Mod-15
- Sewing Speed: 300 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 15
- Max Stich Width: 5.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Buttonhole Formation: 4-Step
- Thread Tension: Manual
- Bobbin Winding: Auto De-clutch
- LED Lightning
- Bobbin: Vertical Pushin Bobbin
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- Reverse Stitches: yes
- Weight: 11.7 lbs
Pros
- Bobbin Winding – I love that this machine can be wounded automatically. If you need to put the bobbin away quickly and finish it later, it’s a great option to have.
- Free Arm – I find that I use the free arm quite a bit. I feel like it helps me get the fabric closer to me and, therefore, makes my work a little easier and also works best with smaller stuff like pockets, sleeves, etc.
- Stitch Selection – Having multiple stitches is helpful when wanting to do different things with your projects. I love being able to change my stitch depending on what I am sewing and how I want it to look in the end.
- Affordable – This machine comes in many different colors but they are all priced within a reasonable range. The price is easily affordable for most people and you won’t feel like you need to make sacrifices to afford it.
- Adjustable Stitches – You can adjust the stitch size as well as the length of your stitch quite easily if you prefer a longer seam allowance or if you need to make space for extra embellishments while sewing.
Cons
- Beading/Buttonholes – This machine does not have any pre-programmed buttonhole stitches which would be nice to have if you are sewing in a larger space and can’t easily reach the buttonholes. I know that for some people this is a good feature to have, but for me, it’s not important. If it’s important to you, be sure to check out the manual before purchasing the machine.
- Manual Thread Tension – You need to manually set the thread tension when you set up the machine, unlike some other models. This can be a little annoying but once you have it set, it’s not a big deal.
Bernette 35
This sewing machine is a great beginner machine or a sewing machine for someone who wants to upgrade from a cheaper model. The Bernette 35 has 23 stitches and comes with 7 presser feet. The Bernette 35 Swiss design is very easy to use.
It came with the basic instructions on how to use the machine as well as some great tips on how to get started with a few basic projects. And also some great tips in general for learning how to sew better! I would recommend this sewing machine to anyone looking for a compact, easy-to-use, beginner’s sewing machine.
It also has 7 presser feet for different types of projects and thick fabrics. I like that it has a 2-step foot lifter so I don’t have to fiddle with the lever every time I need to adjust the fabric when sewing and it also comes with a screwdriver.
I love that this machine is lightweight and easy to carry around and store. The Bernette 35 Swiss Design comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This sewing machine is definitely worth the money!
The Bernette 35 Swiss design is simple enough to use for beginners, but also offers in-depth features for experienced sewers. This makes it a great all-around machine that can grow as your skills do.
One of my favorite features of this sewing machine is the free arm. It’s a little awkward at first to use but it makes sewing pant legs very easy! I love that it can also convert from a free arm to an extension table as well. This is a great feature for someone who wants extra space for larger projects like quilts or other large projects.
Features of Bernette 35 Swiss Design
- Sewing Speed: 860 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 23
- Max Stich Width: 5.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 1-Step
- Needle Threader: Manual
- Thread Cutter: Manual
- Thread Tension: Dial
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- Adjustment Stitch Length And Width: Yes
- Presser Feet: 7
- 2-Steps Presser Foot Lifter
- Weight: 15.8 lbs
- Warranty: 10 years
Pros
- Thread Tension Dial – It is well-designed and easy to set up. You can easily identify the tension by looking at the number on the dial.
- Free-Arm – The free arm is also very responsive, and it moves easily. It is also smooth when using it to sew cuffs and sleeves of shirts. The lever that allows one to transfer from a free arm to an extension table is located at the bottom of the machine (as opposed to other machines that have this lever on top). This feature helps save some space when storing your machine in between uses.
- Adjustment Stitch Length And Width – It is noteworthy because the stitch adjustments are located on the front of the machine, which makes it easy to read when you are finished with your settings.
- Presser Feet– For beginners, I love that this machine has 7 presser feet for different types of projects and thick fabrics.
- 2-Steps Presser Foot Lifter – I also like that it has a 2-step foot lifter so I don’t have to fiddle with the lever every time I need to adjust the fabric.
Cons
- Manual Needle Threader – It can be a little difficult to use when you are trying to thread the needle. It might be due to a lack of tension.
Janome HD1000
The Janome HD1000 is a great beginner machine. This sewing machine is pretty simple to use and doesn’t have a lot of complicated features. But, it’s still capable of some great results when you need to sew your clothing.
I love this for the price and the quality of the machine itself. If you’re just starting out or if you just want something basic to sew with, then this is the one for you. The instructions that come with this sewing machine are very clear, which makes it easy to learn how to use. The machine also very easy to empty the bobbin and threader.
The Janome HD1000 has 14 stitches which include the length of stitch adjustments, built-in buttonholes, and button sewing capabilities. This means on this specific model you can have 4mm or 7mm (2.5mm stitch width).
I Love this sewing machine. I have had it for a few months now and don’t think I will be getting another sewing machine anytime soon. I was contemplating spending a couple of hundred dollars more to get a model that is similar to this, but once I started using it, there was no going back. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made for myself. This is a great starter sewing machine for someone who wants to upgrade from something cheaper. I love this machine and am so glad I went ahead and bought it.
The features of the Janome HD1000 are pretty straightforward but there are still some great features that make this a great choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive sewing machine. It comes with 14 different stitches, which include four different buttonholes and an automatic needle threader.
Features of Janome HD1000
- Sewing Speed: 1000 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 14
- Max Stich Width: 5.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Buttonhole Formation: 4-Step
- Needle Threader: Build-In
- Thread Tension: Manual
- Bobbin Winding: Push-Pull Bobbin Winder
- LED Lightning
- Bobbin: Vertical Pushin Bobbin
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- Presser Feet: 3
- Reverse Stitches: Lever Attached
- Warranty: 25 years
Pros
- Built-in Needle Threader – This is a great feature to have since it makes it very easy to sew and thread your machine. Even if you’re new to sewing, this is a good feature because it will make sure that your machine is always threading correctly.
- Reverse Stitches – When you are looking for an easy-to-use sewing machine, the reverse stitches are always a great option because they help with making the most of your time while sewing. This wouldn’t be possible without the reverse stitches; they help turn all your patterns inside out so you don’t have to flip your fabric when you’re done!
- Fast Speed – The speed of this sewing machine is pretty powerful and can sew a lot of things in one sitting. This is another great option for someone that is just starting with sewing because it will help you get your clothing done in faster way.
- Stitch Selection Dial – This is a very useful feature because it lets you manually select the number of stitches you want to use and which one you want to use for your clothes. Having this option on your sewing machine is great for someone who wants to be able to select their favorite stitches and increase the overall quality of their sewing.
Cons
- Low Warranty – one of the main things that I don’t like about this sewing machine is that it only comes with a 6-month warranty. I think that should be at least 2 years because this is a bare-bones beginner’s sewing machine.
Pfaff Smarter 160S
The Pfaff Smarter 160S can easily stitch through many types of fabrics including denim, leather, and other materials. The automatic needle threader on this sewing machine is fast and will be able to easily thread the needles for you in the blink of an eye.
The machine has a speed controller which allows you to change the maximum speed of the sewing according to your needs, either slow or fast depending on what kind of project you are working on.
The bobbin winder allows you to quickly wind bobbins without any fuss or hassle. The machine is also able to adjust to many different types of fabric and will allow you to create professional-looking stitching no matter the type of project you are working on.
The Pfaff Smarter 160S is great for beginners who are not sure if they will enjoy sewing as a hobby. The machine is simple enough that it can be used by anyone, even children and elders. Once you learn how to use this sewing machine well, you can easily move on to a more professional model like the Pfaff Sewing Master.
Features of Pfaff Smarter 160S
- Sewing Speed: 800 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 23
- Max Stich Width: 6.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 1-Step
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Cutter: Automatic
- Bobbin Loading: Top drop-in
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- LED Lightning
- Adjustment Stitch: Yes
- Presser Feet: 5
- Adjustable Presser Foot Lifter
- Weight: 15.4 lbs
- Warranty: 20 years
Pros
- Easy To Use – If you are a beginner, this is a great machine to start with. This sewing machine will teach you how to sew and is very easy to use. It has multiple stitch patterns so you can learn how to sew different types of clothing and attach buttons easily.
- Automatic Buttonhole – A nice feature that comes included with the Pfaff Smarter 160S is the automatic buttonhole. This is a buttonhole that can be adjusted on the fly without any hassle. You can get pretty specific with what kind of buttonhole you want, from 4mm to 7mm stitches.
- Automatic Needle Threader – The Pfaff 160S has an automatic needle threader which makes it much easier to get the sewing machine ready for use. It automatically unthreads the needle for you as soon as you are finished.
- Automatic Thread Cutter – The automatic thread cutter also comes included with this machine. This feature allows you to easily cut through thread without having to worry about cutting yourself on the sewing machine.
- 5 Adjustable Presser Feet – A nice feature that comes with the Pfaff Smarter 160S, is that it has 5 different types of presser feet. These feet allow you to sew through different materials without having to worry about a hard surface which can make stitching harder.
Cons
- Manual Thread Tension – The Pfaff 160S has a manual tension control which makes threading the needle quite a hassle. You need to make sure you are holding the tension correctly and not allowing for uneven tension.
Brother ST371HD
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that can handle just about anything, the Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine is the one for you. This machine is perfect for beginners and experts alike who want to sew on different fabrics with style. The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine comes complete with 37 stitches, 6 different feet, and an easy-to-read format. Brother also included an instructional DVD with this machine to make the learning process quick and easy.
The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine includes a quick-set drop-in top bobbin system, which makes it easy for anyone to thread this machine. Loading the bobbin is quick and easy, making this machine perfect for any sewing project. It even has an included instructional DVD that will walk you through various projects with ease.
This machine is jam-resistant, has a free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs, and has a drop feed to handle heavier fabrics. Beginners will appreciate how easy it is to use the Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine. This machine has a one-touch automatic buttonholer that is perfect for beginners.
The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine includes a hard cover case with wheels so you can store and transport your machine safely. This unit also comes standard with Brother’s Limited 1 year warranty, which covers labor and parts at no charge from any authorized repair facility in the USA.
Features Of Brother ST371HD
- Sewing Speed: 800 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 37
- Max Stich Width: 7.0 Mm
- Max Stitch Length: 5.0 Mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 1-Step
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Tension: Manual
- Bobbin Winding: Manual
- LED Lightning
- Bobbin: Top Loading Bobbin
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Shift key
- Reverse Stitches: Yes
- Number of Presser Feet: 6
- Warranty: 25 Years
- Weight (lbs): 14.3
Pros
- Automatic needle Threader – it even has an automatic needle threader! This machine packs a major punch with its specialty feet such as button sewing, buttonhole foot, nonstick foot, stretch stitch foot, and more.
- Easy To Use – The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine is perfect for the beginner who wants to sew on various fabrics. The machine also includes an automatic needle threader!
- 6-Presser Footer – This Sewing Machine comes complete with 6 feet with names like the blindstitch foot, zipper foot, and more.
- Heavy Duty – Using the Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine is effortless. The drop feed allows you to sew on both lightweight and heavy fabrics with ease.
- Free Arm – This machine allows you to convert the machine into a free arm for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and more. It even has a built-in handle so you can move it from the sewing table to storage without any hassle.
Cons
- Presser’s feet aren’t interchangeable with other machines
- Difficult to thread bobbin with traditional thread spool (better to use the wound bobbins)
Singer Start 1304
To start with, the singer starts 1304 as a good-looking machine. The pink and gray coloring is simple but eye-catching. The sewing machine uses a heavy-duty metal frame that holds all of the mechanisms in alignment for smooth, skip-free sewing.
The dial selection to choose stitches is easy to use and reaches six different stitches: straight, zigzag, scallop, satin stitch, blind hem stitch, and buttonhole. A nice feature of this product is that there are no tension adjustments required to get started on your project; once you have threaded your needles you can start stitching immediately.
The buttonhole is a bit of a disappointment, with a limited range of settings, it may prove tricky to get the desired effect. To remove the free arm you have to unscrew it and this can be slightly fiddly so I would advise doing it when you’re not in a hurry for fear of losing your patience.
The price point for this product is a little higher than others at around $109 but it still falls within the affordable range of sewing machines. This product is durable and a great choice for those looking to get started with a variety of different stitches. There is a free arm feature that gives you the versatility of sewing cuffs, collars, and other difficult-to-reach areas.
The product only weighs 11.5 lbs which is light enough to be easily moved around your house when needed. This product is fairly easy to use for beginners or anyone that has not used a sewing machine in the past. Once you get past threading your needles and threading the bobbin there are no more issues to worry about. Overall, this product gets 4.2 out of 5 stars from me; I enjoyed it and recommend it!
Features of Singer Start 1304
- Sewing Speed: 850 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 57
- Max Stich Width: 7.0 Mm
- Max Stitch Length: 5.0 Mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 4-Step
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Tension: Adjustable Dail
- Bobbin Winding: Automatic
- LED Lightning
- Bobbin Loading: Front Type
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- Reverse Stitches: Lever
- Adjustable Stitches: Yes
- Weight: 11.5 lbs
Pros
- Affordable – An excellent product at an affordable price; this will be a good choice for those who are purchasing their first sewing machine.
- Simple and Fast Operation – There is no need for tension adjustments, sewing jobs get started easily once you have threaded the needles.
- Stitch Selection Dial – The dial selection of stitches on this machine is easy to use, so you can make the appropriate choices quickly and effortlessly.
- Light weight – You can carry this machine around anywhere you go easily. This sewing machine is a good choice for beginners who want to start sewing immediately.
Cons
- The only complaint we heard from buyers was that the thread tension was not always consistent regardless of how tight or lose the bobbin had been set up; a little more attention needs to be paid to tweaking the tension accordingly.
Brother XM2701
The Brother XM2701 sewing machine is a versatile, high-quality model that’s perfect for arts and crafts projects. It’s also valuable for users from beginners to advanced skill levels. Although there are a few downsides to this machine, it’s still worth the money due to its many features and overwhelmingly strong performance.
You can easily adjust the stitch width, length, and stitch formation. There are also several buttons for sewing straight lines and for adjusting stitch spacing. The auto-size buttonhole is also a useful feature that changes the vertical seam of your stitches when you press a button; this automatically adjusts to different-sized buttons.
The XM2701 also has several built-in stitches like a decorative, blind hem, and zigzag stitching. The zigzag is an excellent stitching choice for various types of fabric because it uses an alternate path to sew each row of stitches in one pass. This ensures an accurate result and precise stitching.
This Brother XM2701 sewing machine also has a drop-in bobbin mechanism, which is particularly useful for beginners that are just learning how to use a sewing machine. This allows you to drop your bobbins into the machine and simply begin sewing right away; this eliminates frustration caused by trying to load your bobbin only after you’ve already sewn.
This sewing machine is fully capable of handling a wide range of projects. It’s a versatile model that can sew decorative seams, cross-stitch, decorative stitching, and more. The fact that this machine has several built-in stitches and a free arm makes it perfect for someone who’s just starting with a sewing machine.
The Brother XM2701 sewing machine also comes with a 3-piece needle set in the package; this is great for beginners because it allows you to use one needle setting until you gain experience using your machine. The pre-stored stitches are easy to locate and there’s no need to scroll through hundreds of stitches when you’re first learning how to sew.
The Brother XM2701 is an excellent value for the money; it performs well enough to be useful, has many useful features and stitches, and offers exceptional value for its quality. This machine is also perfect for buyers who want a versatile sewing machine without spending a fortune on top-end models.
Features Of Brother XM270
- Sewing Speed: 800 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 27
- Max Stich Width: 5.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Buttonhole Formation: 1-Step
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Tension: Manual
- Bobbin Winding: Manual
- LED Lightning
- Bobbin Loading: Top Drop-in
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dail
- Reverse Stitches: Yes
- Weight :12.6 lbs
Pros
- Automatic Needle Threader – The automatic needle threader is a helpful feature, as it makes threading your machine a breeze. You’ll no longer have to deal with thread jams and tangles as you sew.
- Manual Push Needle Back – This also has the added benefit of keeping you from needing to manually push the needle back through the fabric. Any skill level can enjoy using this machine.
- Lightweight and portable – The Brother XM2701 sewing machine is lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you if you’re on the go.
- Easy to Use – It has several built-in stitches, a drop-in bobbin mechanism, and an automatic needle threader that makes this machine convenient to use even for beginners.
Cons
- No Thread Cutter – This machine does not have a thread cutter; you’ll need to keep your scissors on hand for trimming threads.
Janome 2212
It has an extra high presser foot lifter position so I can always find the right foot for whatever fabric I’m working with. This is especially helpful when working with thick fabrics or heavy weight fabrics because I don’t have to worry about the presser foot is in the correct position. Another feature that I love is the buttonhole feature.
It has a special buttonhole foot that is easy to use and gives you a perfect size buttonhole every time. You don’t have to do any measuring and it sews perfectly for every size of button you choose, which I love! There are also three different needle positions on this machine which makes it easy to sew a variety of fabrics using just one machine.
There are 12 different stitches available to use on this sewing machine which is great because you can use the dial to select each stitch you need. It’s also easy to thread the eye of the needle as well so there is no more pinching and straining on your fingers when sewing heavy fabrics or intricate details. It’s also really easy to see how much thread you have so there are no worries about running out of thread. 4 types of presser feet help with different types of projects so I’m not always switching out my presser feet if I need a special foot for something I’m doing.
This sewing machine is a little heavy but the weight (13.2 lbs) is very helpful for stability when you’re sewing especially on large projects. The only downside is that the bobbin does not drop in and out of the machine. This makes it a little more difficult to change out if you need to replace it. But overall, I love this sewing machine and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great beginner machine or even an experienced sewer that wants a dependable machine.
Features of Janome 2212
- Sewing Speed: 860 SPM (Stitches Per Minute)
- Number Of Stitches: 12
- Max Stich Width: 5.0 mm
- Max Stitch Length: 4.0 mm
- Buttonhole Styles: 1
- Automatic Buttonhole: 4-Step
- Needle Threader: Manual
- Thread Cutter: Built-In
- Thread Tension: Manual
- Bobbin Winding: Push-Pull Type
- Free-Arm: Available
- Stitch Selection: Dial
- Zigzag Width Adjustment: Yes
- Presser Feet: 4
- Weight: 13.2 lbs
- Warranty: 25 years
Pros
- Thread Cutter – Janome 2212 has a thread cutter which is unique for a sewing machine in this price range. it is a much-needed function especially when you have to cut the thread after making a mistake. There is a button attached to the side of the handle that lets the user push it and cut off the thread automatically.
- Free Arm – This machine provides a free arm option which means it can easily sew cuffs and sleeves without limitation of its location. It is one of the most important features for people who sew a lot of shirts and trousers because free arm makes hemming very easy and fast.
- Durability – This machine provides excellent durability for every stitch and fabric. It can handle any kind of work in a short time without any problem.
- Easy To Use – Janome 2212 is very easy to use. For example, there are much more functions than what we need to do but still make it very easy to use. I just have to push the corresponding button and the machine will do the job.
- Stitch Selection – Janome 2212 are well equipped with 12 needles which give a variety of stitches like a straight stitch, zigzag, narrow zigzag, and so on.
Cons
- Stitch Length Adjustment – It’s a bit complex. It will be very difficult to handle if you are not familiar with sewing machines.
How to use thread cutter on Janome 2212?
To use the thread cutter machine, push the button on the side of the feeding handle and rotate it until you hear a click. To stop the thread cutter, just push it again or when you are done.
How to set stitches in Janome 2212?
It’s very easy with the special stitch selection feature by simply dialing the position into place on the dial and pushing it down. To select the next needle position just rotate the dial to that tab and push down again. This will be repeated for all positions until you reach the desired one and finish.
Why do most household sewing machines not have an automatic buttonhole foot?
Most home sewing machines don’t have an automatic buttonhole foot because it would reduce their functionality and make them less capable of doing other tasks- like larger projects like a quilt or objet d’art address, etc.
Mechanical Vs Computerized Sewing Machines
The two main types of sewing machines on the market today are mechanical and computerized. Mechanical machines are the original and affordable option, whereas a computerized machine will be the more expensive (and often higher quality) choice for your project.
The mechanical machines use gears to turn an oscillating needle to stitch fabric together, whereas a computerized sewing machine uses software instead of a hand crank. The benefit of this is that it has no limitations on speed or pressure when compared to its mechanical counterpart’s limits. Computerized machines also have other handy features including one-step buttonholes and automatic buttonholing capabilities.
Stitches vary between mechanical and computerized machines, but their capabilities are generally the same. Both types of machines can do straight and zigzag stitches, but computerized machines are more likely to have an automatic buttonhole feature. Some mechanicals can even sew continuous zigzag stitching as well as multiple variations of straight stitching.
Computerized sewing machines are available in a variety of models with different features and functions, although they all include most of the functions outlined above. As such they will usually cost you more than a mechanical machine, so you’ll want to do some research before purchasing one.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve found this article helpful! If you’re in the market for a sewing machine, take a look at these five models and see if any of them fit your needs. I believe that whichever model you choose, you will be satisfied with your purchase.
