Best Cheap Sewing Machines

There are 10 great inexpensive sewing machines that aren’t trash.

Choosing your next sewing machine, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, is easier with this list of the best inexpensive machines!

I’ve listed some inexpensive full-size sewing machines with the most basic features and a few more feature-rich yet still affordable ones.

Miniature sewing machines are also available for users who have limited space to store a regular machine.

Keep reading to discover information about the best economical sewing machines currently available!

Before buying, there are some things to think about.

Choosing the cheapest sewing machine you can find isn’t always the best idea if you’re a beginner.

Some really nice features on slightly more expensive machines can make your life a lot easier. For example, an automatic one-step buttonhole or automatic needle threader!

Before embarking on your sewing adventures, there are a few things to think about.

There are two types of sewing machines: full-size and miniature.

A simple sewing machine like the one shown above, can be significantly less expensive and still perform basic sewing tasks if you plan to exclusively travel and don’t need many amenities.

In spite of that, I suggest choosing a large sewing machine if you want to sew more frequently and have more features. Even if it is more costly, the extra money will be worth it.

Furthermore, I must emphasise that the least expensive mini sewing machines are in fact handheld sewing machines. Despite being cheap, the Singer model I own is so poor that I would not even recommend it to my bitterest enemy.

Electronic devices are taking the place of mechanical devices.

More expensive, computerized sewing machines offer much more functionality!

Mechanical sewing machines allow you to sew using the foot pedal and adjust stitch length and width using dials.

Using a computerized sewing machine, you can sew with buttons and select stitch settings using an LCD screen. Some computerized machines even allow you to modify and save stitch patterns.

Included are three presser feet.

When you sew, presser feet keep the fabric in place.

Most sewing machines come equipped with a general zigzag foot, allowing you to stitch straight and zigzag lines. This is sufficient for most sewing jobs.

Having additional sewing feet can make certain tasks more practicable.

A buttonhole and button-sewing foot can be used to sew buttons onto clothing, and a zipper foot might make zipping up easier. A quilting foot, walking foot, overcasting foot, blind hem foot, or even a narrow hem foot, for example, would give you more sewing options.

It’s nice to buy a sewing machine that includes your preferred feet, but remember that most machines permit you to purchase additional presser feet.

Seam and buttonhole stitches are the four basic stitches.

There are a lot of built-in stitches and types to choose from.

Do you just want a regular line? Then, don’t waste your money on a machine with over 100 stitches.

There is no reason to invest in a sewing machine with an automatic one-step buttonhole stitch if you also never plan to sew on buttons.

Needle threading is done automatically.

Some of the least expensive sewing machines do not include this feature, but spending $10 more might get you a machine with an automatic needle threader.

A flick of the lever hooks the thread around the needle’s eye, allowing it to pass through.

It’s great if you have poor close vision or trouble keeping your hands still. (Also, look for a LED light if you have poor vision!)

The best cheap sewing machines for 2022 are listed below.

Here are some of the most economical sewing machines reviewed without further adieu.

The Brother GX37 is an excellent sewing machine for beginners and simple to operate. Although it may be a little more costly than some of the other machines I will discuss shortly, I believe it is worth the money.

It has 37 built-in stitches and an automatic one-step buttonhole stitch. This is an excellent feature for a beginner sewing machine.

A 4-step manual buttonhole is included on many budget sewing machines, requiring you to finish the job yourself. In comparison, using a machine that creates buttonholes with minimal input from you has a much higher learning curve and takes longer to complete!

On top of the sewing machine, the stitch length and width can be adjusted with dials, providing you with a total of 37 built-in stitches, each of which can have a different stitch length or width.

The seven included foot attachments allow you to perform more complex sewing tasks, like creating a thin hem or an invisible hem seam.

(Please be cautious with this function because it is delicate. It comes with an automatic needle threader!)

The Brother GX37 sewing machine includes a jam-proof top drop-in bobbin. The quick-set feature eliminates the need to pull up the bobbin thread manually after you insert the bobbin into its case. This eliminates one step from the setup process!

Also, having a clear case lets you keep an eye on the thread level so that you don’t run out of bobbin thread in the middle of a project.

Advantages are:

There are three disadvantages of using plastic cards.

(The Brother XM2701 sewing machine is well-loved for its lightweight design. The GX37 includes an additional ten stitches, enhancing its functionality. Learn more about this excellent sewing machine in my in-depth review!)

The Singer Start 1304 is an entry-level sewing machine from Singer. It is not as feature-rich as the Brother GX37, but it is moderately priced and is a good choice for Singer fans.

There are several newer models, such as the Singer M2100, M1500, and MX60, which are comparable in function but have a more stylish appearance than the Singer 1304.

The Singer Start 1304 is one of the best cheap sewing machines for beginners and children, due to its simplicity. It includes six built-in stitches with preset stitch length and widths, as well as three standard sewing feet. That’s everything you need when you first start sewing!

Many users find its simplicity to be appealing. It’s a great starting point for sewing without all of the bells and whistles.

Once you’ve decided sewing is for you, you can upgrade to a more advanced mechanical sewing machine or even a computerized sewing machine.

advantages:

There are four disadvantages:

There are lots of photos of my daughter using this sewing machine in my Singer 1304 review.

The Brother CS5055 sewing machine is a great choice for beginners thanks to its simple operation. The Brother CS5055prw is an improved version of the Brother CS5055 sewing machine.

60 built-in stitches and computerized features are included in this inexpensive sewing machine. This machine includes digital selection of stitch number, length, and width.

It is not sophisticated enough to sew pedal-free, but it provides error codes for beginners troubleshooting and matching the correct presser foot to the selected stitch.

In addition to the basic presser feet that come with these other inexpensive sewing machines, the CS5055 includes presser feet that help you create blind hemming and decorative stitching.

Some less expensive sewing machines lack quilting-friendly accessory feet, unfortunately. When feeding thick quilts and free-motion stitching, I frequently utilise the walking foot and quilting foot, respectively. Luckily, if you are a quilter, you can purchase extra feet for this machine, the Brother CS7000X.

In addition to an automatic needle threader and a quick-set, drop-in bobbin similar to those found on many pricey sewing machines, the Brother CS5055 comes with an automatic one-step buttonhole function.

There are several advantages to this approach.

There are three disadvantages of using text messaging for business communication: It is impersonal, time-consuming, and non-businesslike.

I currently have the Brother CP60X in my sewing room. Everything about these two machines is the same, except the stitch faceplate of the CP60X is light blue.

I recommend the CS5055 over the CP60X if the prices are similar, because the contrast is horrific. (You can see all the pictures in my Brother CP60X review!)

Janome is a respected brand in the sewing community and caters to more experienced sewists.

It’s great to see Janome producing an affordable sewing machine, so new and budget-conscious users can afford to try out this renowned brand for their first sewing machine.

Sewing machines from Janome may be checked out from our local library for home use.(Your local library may also allow you to rent sewing machines, if you’re curious!)

These machines weigh only five pounds and are therefore excellent for children to learn on. I’m amazed that they have endured so much use, given that I didn’t expect them to.

The Janome Basic comes with ten built-in stitches (straight, zigzag, triple-zigzag, and crescent). It’s not the flashiest sewing machine around, but it’s one of the least expensive. You can adjust the needle position, length, and width for each stitch.

It does not have a buttonhole stitch, and it runs at only one slow speed. However, it is ideal for children and beginners who do not desire a large or fully-equipped sewing machine.

In addition to the wide range of colors available, this economical sewing machine may also be purchased in a variety of colors, and their prices may vary. If you’re not sold on a colour, check the prices for different colours to see which one will be the least expensive.

There are advantages to this approach.

The only drawback is that it is a little bit difficult to use.

The Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine is simple to operate, simple to install, and provides more than the Singer 1304.

With all of its features and ease of use, this Singer sewing machine for kids is one of my favorites.

The Singer Confidence XLis equipped with a one-step automatic buttonhole, an automatic needle threader, and adjustable stitch length and width, which are valuable additions if you want to sew frequently or do more than simple repairs.

The Brother CS5055 is not as impressive when it comes to built-in stitches and presser feet, but still not bad at all!

The Singer 1304 sewing machine may not be as good as the Pfaff Creative Vision 772, but it is still a decent machine at an affordable price. However, it is up to you to decide if the extra cost is worth it or not.

Moreover, there is the Singer M3300, the latest and greatest version, if you prefer. The Singer Simple sewing machine 3232 model is also very similar.

The Brother LX3817 is one of the least expensive sewing machines available at Walmart. It consists of 17 stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, and four accessory feet, all for a reasonable price.

The Brother XM2701 and GX37 provide more for the money, but the Brother LX3817 is usually more affordable, especially if you can find it in stock at Walmart.

Brother LX3817 lacks a few things when compared to the more feature-rich Brother GX37. It does not have an automatic needle threader or one-step buttonholes.

I prefer to recommend the Brother XM2701 or GX37 because you get more stitch versatility and more features for not much more money.

Check out my Brother LX3817 and LX3817a in-depth review or my compilation of best Brother sewing machines for beginners to learn more.

I don’t suggest this sewing machine to many people, as it is inexpensive.

I’ve listed the Brother XM1010’s shortcomings in more detail in my Brother GX37 sewing machine review (see above). Furthermore, I believe that the GX37 is a better option for most novice sewing enthusiasts (see above).

In spite of this, the Brother XM1010 sewing machine includes only 10 stitches and four basic feet. It doesn’t have fancy bells and whistles or decorative stitches like the Brother GX37.

Personally, I believe that Brother makes excellent, dependable sewing machines. This one is no exception, and I am confident that it will perform well for you. If you are seeking for a very basic sewing machine, keep in mind that Brother manufactures excellent, dependable sewing machines.

However, the Brother XM1010 is not great value for money.

While this is not a cheap sewing machine, it is the least expensive heavy-duty sewing machine you can find.

If you want to stitch leather, canvas, or denim frequently, you should consider a heavy-duty sewing machine. While some of the Brother sewing machines listed above can handle thick fabrics occasionally, you would be better served by one if you wish to stitch frequently.

A heavy-duty sewing machine has a stronger metal frame and a sturdier motor than a standard machine. In addition, the maximum sewing speed is typically faster than a standard sewing machine.

Even if a sewing machine is designed for heavy material, it still performs well on light materials. The Singer 4411 is a great option for everyday sewing because it allows you to adjust the pressure on the presser foot.

The Singer 4411 sewing machine includes 11 stitches (6 basic stitches, 4 decorative stitches, and 1 buttonhole stitch). In addition to the four basic presser feet, you can use the machine for a variety of tasks.

The Singer 4411 heavy-duty sewing machine is definitely a workhorse. It is economical for a heavy-duty sewing machine and produces superbly precise stitches!

advantages are

There are three things I don’t like about it.

Magicfly Mini Portable Sewing Machine is a 9-inch sewing machine.

Quality isn’t high on my list of inexpensive sewing machines, so this portable one isn’t either.

It is one of the better deals at such a low price, with all its features.

It includes a lot of full-size sewing machine capabilities, such as reverse stitching and an integrated light, in a small, lightweight machine.

This little sewing machine includes 12 stitches, including an overlock and buttonhole stitch. This is significant for beginners!

The foot is detachable, and you can buy an extra one if you want.

You can power this compact and portable sewing machine using batteries or the included power adapter. This is a convenient feature if you’re out and about and don’t have access to electricity!

advantages

There are three main disadvantages of wind power.

A Varmax Mini sewing machine is a small sewing machine that is not nearly as feature-rich as most full-size sewing machines.

There are many similar versions of this miniature sewing machine on Amazon, and the one I own is pictured above.

For a person who wants to do occasional small sewing jobs, a mini sewing machine might be just what you’re looking for.

However, it only comes with a straight stitch, so you have to tie off thread ends to prevent unraveling or reverse the handwheel manually to lock stitches.

The poor instructions make it a bit difficult to set up, but YouTube videos can help. (I also have a tutorial on how to thread a miniature sewing machine and how to use a mini sewing machine.)

It also has a built-in lamp and thread cutter on the side.

A mini sewing machine, such as the Varmax Mini (and similar models), allows you to power it with a battery, in addition to using a foot pedal or an on/off switch to start your stitching.

It is an adequate sewing machine for children, and it is good at sewing small cylindrical items such as children’s pants legs and doll clothes.

Beginner sewing enthusiasts who are not seeking anything fancy and want to perform simple hemming and alteration jobs may benefit from this option.

However, if you want to sew more challenging projects in the future, consider buying a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch.

I would select a used standard-sized machine over a mini sewing machine if I were on a tight budget and had to choose between the two.

advantages

There are three disadvantages.

You can read about all the downsides of my little sewing machine in my review.

Finally, I’d like to sum up by saying.

Lastly, if you want to know what you can get for your money, read how much a sewing machine costs and compares the features versus the price.