Best sewing machines: tried and tested

The best sewing machine makes your sewing projects easier, whether you're mending clothes or making them from scratch. 

We've tested sewing machines from popular brands – including Brother, Janome, Singer, John Lewis and more – to bring you our top picks.

Our selection focuses on the best sewing machines for beginners starting from £85 up to £330. We enlisted the help of expert sewers who tackled a range of sewing tasks to assess how easy each machine is to use, how it copes with different fabrics, how easy it is to set up and more. 

Two sewing machines won over our testers and earn our Best Buy recommendation. 

The best sewing machines

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The sewing machines we tested 

All the sewing machines we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best sewing machines from our tests.

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Brother AE1700 Sewing Machine

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Available from Argos (£125)

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Number of stitch options 17

Accessories included Standard foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, darning plate, four bobbins, pack of needles, oval screwdriver, foot controller, cover

Need to know 5.3kg, 27 x 36 x 14cm (HxWxD), top-loading bobbin, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, three-year guarantee 

Brother LK14S Sewing Machine

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Available from John Lewis (£99)

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Number of stitch options 14

Accessories included Standard foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, two bobbins, pack of needles, screwdriver, foot controller, cover

Need to know 4.6kg, 26.5 x 35.5 x 14cm (HxWxD), top-loading bobbin, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, three-year guarantee

Hobbycraft 19S Sewing Machine

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Available from Hobbycraft (£89)

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Number of stitch options 19

Accessories included Standard foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, darning plate, seam ripper, edge/quilting guide, pack of needles, spool holder, four bobbins, l-screwdriver, oil bottle, second spool pin, spool pin felt, cover

Need to know 5.4kg, 27.5 x 36 x 16.5cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, also available in dark blue, two-year guarantee

Husqvarna Viking H Class E20 Sewing Machine

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Available from  Sewing Machines Direct (£195), Coles Sewing Centre (£249)

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Number of stitch options 32

Accessories included Standard foot, zipper foot, satin stitch foot, buttonhole foot, quilting foot, free motion-darning foot, blind hem foot, l-screwdriver, seam ripper/brush, pack of needles, three bobbins, seam guide, two spool pin felts, cover

Need to know 6.5kg, 27.5 x 37 x 17cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, one-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, two-year guarantee

Janome 2200XT Sewing Machine

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Number of stitch options 22

Accessories included Standard foot, zipper foot, hemmer foot, sliding buttonhole foot, satin stitch foot, overcasting foot, four bobbins, pack of needles, seam ripper, two screwdrivers (small and large), hem guide, oil, cover

Need to know 5.6kg, 26.5 x 36 x 13cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, two-year guarantee

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Janome 4400 Sewing Machine

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Available from Hobbycraft (£175)

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Number of stitch options 21

Accessories included Standard foot, zipper foot, hemmer foot, buttonhole foot, darning plate, four bobbins, pack of needles, seam ripper, two screwdrivers (small and large), hem guide, oil, cover

Need to know 5.8kg, 26.5 x 36.5 x 13.5cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, one-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, two-year guarantee

John Lewis JL110 Sewing Machine

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Available from John Lewis (£139)

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Number of stitch options 14

Accessories included Standard foot, buttonhole foot, darning plate, three bobbins, pack of needles, seam ripper, cover

Need to know 5.5kg, 26.5 x 36.5 x 13.5cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, available in five colours, two-year guarantee, compatible with Janome accessories

John Lewis JL220 Sewing Machine

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Available from John Lewis (£190)

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Number of stitch options 21

Accessories included Standard foot, sliding buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, zipper foot, freehand embroidery/darning foot, darning plate, four bobbins, seam ripper, pack of needles, cover

Need to know 5.5kg, 26.5 x 36.5 x 12.5cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, automatic needle threader, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 5mm, available in five colours, two-year guarantee, compatible with Janome accessories

Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine

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Number of stitch options 23

Accessories included Standard foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, three bobbins, seam ripper, edge/quilting guide, pack of needles, spool holder, l-screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, cover

Need to know 6.4kg, 27.5 x 38 x 16cm (HxWxD), top-loading bobbin, one-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4mm, maximum stitch width: 6mm, two-year guarantee

Singer Promise 1408 Sewing Machine

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Number of stitch options 13

Accessories included Standard foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, three bobbins, darning plate, pack of needles, l-screwdriver, seam ripper/brush, two spool pin felts, edge/quilting guide, cover

Need to know 4.8kg, 27 x 35 x 16cm (HxWxD), front-loading bobbin, automatic needle threader, four-step buttonhole, maximum stitch length: 4.2mm, maximum stitch width: 4mm, two-year guarantee

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How we test sewing machines

We choose the bestselling sewing machines at UK retailers and enlist a panel of expert sewers to put them all to the test. 

We buy all the sewing machines that we test and assess them on the factors below to find the best sewing machine for beginners. 

At the end of the test, we also ask our testers to choose their favourite sewing machine. 

We regularly revisit the sewing machines on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do. 

Ease of use

Using the instruction manual, our testers run strips of soft cotton, delicate satin, stretchy jersey and layers of thick denim through each sewing machine. We assess how easy it is to:

• Select the appropriate stitch for each type of fabric using the instruction manual 
• Set the stitch type, length and width on the sewing machine for each type of fabric
• Sew with each type of fabric on the sewing machine
• Control the speed of stitching with the foot pedal
• Backstitch

Buttonholes

Our testers use each sewing machine to sew buttonholes onto cotton fabric. We assess how easy it is to sew a buttonhole following what's in the instruction manual and then the quality of the buttonhole produced. 

As the stitching is so close together on buttonholes, they are almost impossible to unpick without spoiling the fabric. You can get all the way to the end of a dressmaking project and ruin it with a badly executed buttonhole. This is why our testing places importance on how easy it is to sew buttonholes. 

Instructions

Our testers rate the quality of the sewing machine instructions and how helpful they are in completing each of the sewing tasks in the test. 

As you become more advanced, it's likely you'll still need to refer back to the instruction manual. Our testers, all experienced sewers, comment that they often have the instruction manual open when tackling new sewing projects. 

Ease of set up

We rate how easy it is to set up and thread each sewing machine. We look at how easy it is to:

• Attach and remove the presser foot
• Change the needle
• Install the bobbin into the machine
• Thread the upper thread
• Put the thread through the needle 
• Raise the bobbin thread 

Lighting and noise 

Our testers rate the quality of lighting on each sewing machine and how noisy they are while sewing. 

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Which type of sewing machine should I get? 

Electronic sewing machines 

These are the most popular type and the best sewing machines for beginners. They have all the basic stitches you need to get started as a beginner, which are selected by turning a dial, but aren't as complex to set up as computerised sewing machines. 

A basic electronic sewing machine contains a motor in the body. This drives the needle in the top part of the sewing machine and controls other working parts, such as the bobbin and feed dogs – the teeth under the presser foot that automatically feed material through the machine under the needle.

Computerised sewing machines

These are controlled by a computer which is pre-programmed with the correct tension, length and width for each stitch style. They're operated using a touchpad and screen, and with more advanced models you can download programs from your PC.

Computerised sewing machines can memorise past work and can store hundreds of different stitches for you to choose from.

Popular brands that produce computerised sewing machines include Bernina and Juki. 

Overlocker sewing machines

These are designed to stop fraying and to give a professional finish to the seams of a garment. They are typically used in addition to a regular sewing machine – you can’t use one on its own as its functions are limited.

You can use an ordinary sewing machine to neaten an edge with a zigzag stitch; however, an overlocker does this easier and neater than a sewing machine. 

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Best sewing machine for beginners tips

If you're just starting out or only sew occasionally, an electronic model will probably suit your needs. 

As a general rule of thumb, look for sewing machines with different presser foot attachments. A zipper foot, buttonhole foot and a plastic foot for delicate fabrics is a good selection for beginners.

Look for a range of stitches too. Several different lengths of straight stitch, a choice of zigzag stitches and an automatic buttonhole are the bare minimum.

Decorative stitches are nice to have, but they aren’t worth paying much more for unless you're confident you'll progress to creating work with decorative embellishments.

What types of fabrics can you use with a sewing machine?

• Cotton Basic machines will easily handle cottons and slightly heavier cloth, such as denim. They may struggle with denser fabrics, such as those used for making soft furnishings.
• Thick fabrics These include fleece and denim. They require a longer stitch length than thinner fabrics – check that the machine you're interested in offers a genuine choice of long and short stitches. 
• Delicate fabrics This can include silk or satin, and they need light handling. If you're using them the majority of the time, choose a machine that lets you reduce the pressure of the presser foot so you’ll decrease the risk of snagging your fabric on the needle plate. Other useful extras include a Teflon-coated plastic foot, which sometimes works better than the standard presser foot, and a fine needle. 
• Stretch fabrics Sewing stretchy fabrics such as jersey or Lycra is a challenge, so look for a sewing machine with a stretch stitch that will help you get the best results.
• Curtains Look for a machine with a large sewing bed or extension table to handle large panels of fabric. You'll also want one that can cope with sewing multiple thicknesses of fabric of different weights.

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Sewing machine features to look out for

Buttonhole function

Most modern sewing machines enable you to sew a buttonhole easily, with specific stitches and accessories. There are typically two types to choose between:

• Four-step buttonhole This involves sewing each side of a buttonhole individually by selecting stitches sequentially to create the left side, top, right side and bottom.
• One-step buttonhole This automatically creates all four sides of the buttonhole, without you having to select the stitches. Most measure the size of your button and automatically create a buttonhole of the correct size. 

Automatic needle threading

This is a mechanism that threads the upper thread through the needle for you. 

It can be a bit fiddly to get the hang of, but once you know how to use it you'll discover it's a useful timesaver. It removes the need for passing the thread through the needle manually.

Knee lifter

This is a lever that can be pressed with your knee, which allows you to lift the presser foot and drop the feed dogs without taking your hands off your work. 

It enables you to move the fabric freely for quilting, sewing around curves and embroidery – ideal for large projects or for giving you an extra hand for fiddly jobs.

Sewing machine carry case

Check whether your chosen sewing machine comes with a carry case or if you'll need to buy one separately. 

A hard case, rather than a soft cover, makes it much easier to store and move the machine around.

How does a sewing machine work?

• Bobbin housing Where the bobbin sits in the machine. Your machine will either have a front-loading bobbin (inserted in the front of the machine) or a top-loading bobbin (inserted in the needle plate section of the machine). 
• Bobbin stopper A small pin that sticks out of the top of the sewing machine and is used to load thread on to the bobbin.
  
• Bobbin winding spindle A small spool for holding the thread in the bottom of the sewing machine. Thread needs to be wound on to the bobbin before you start sewing. 
• Handwheel Used to manually move the needle up and down. 
• Needle Sews the upper thread and bobbin thread through your fabric. Most machines come with spare needles as you'll need to change them as they get worn out over time. 
• Needle plate Feeds fabric from the front to the back of the machine. Some sewing machines have a 'drop feed dog' function which fixes the plate in the down position and lets you move the fabric manually under the needle in the direction you choose. This is useful for embroidery and mending.
• Presser foot and presser foot lever Holds the fabric flat under the needle and in place against the needle plate. This helps feed it through evenly as you sew. The lever is used to lift it up and down. 
• Reverse sewing lever Secures the end of your seam to prevent it from unravelling. 
• Stitch selector Allows you to select the stitch type.
• Stitch length and stitch width Allows you to set how long and wide your stitches will be. 
• Spool pin A pin at the top of the sewing machine where you place the reel of thread. Some sewing machines have two spool holders, so you can sew with two different coloured threads at the same time with a twin needle.
• Tension dial Used to control the tension of the upper thread. This is important to help stitches form correctly.
• Thread cutter A sharp edge that cuts the threads on your fabric, so you shouldn't need to reach for scissors. 
• Thread guide A path that takes the upper thread to the needle and gives it tension. This is usually numbered to help you follow the correct path. 
• Foot pedal (not pictured) Controls the speed of the machine – it speeds up as you press down on the pedal. Best sewing machines: tried and tested