mybest
Kitchen & bath fixtures

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. DIY, Garden & Tools
  3. Kitchen & bath fixtures
  4. 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More
  • 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More 1
  • 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More 2
  • 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More 3
  • 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More 4
  • 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More 5

10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More

If you love fashion, there really is no better feeling than making your own clothes. Choosing a sewing machine as a beginner is the first step to a handmade wardrobe, but selecting one is no easy task. Brands like Singer, Brother and Janome are big names to look out for, but how to choose which functions you’ll need as a total sewing novice?

Depending whether you intend to sew garments, quilts, and curtains or simply use the machine for a few repairs, there’s lots to consider when picking the best for you. We’ve helped by ranking ten of the best machines on Amazon, Argos and John Lewis so you can learn your bobbin from your foot pedal and invest in a keeper.
Last updated 27/03/2024
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Sewing Machine for Beginners in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Consider the Purpose, Maintenance And Functionality Of Your Sewing Machine
  2. Think About The Fabrics You Will Be Using For Your Projects
  3. Select a Sewing Machine With More Stitch Options
  4. Pick a Top-Loading Bobbin For Ease
  5. Choose a Machine That Comes With A Zipper and Buttonhole Foot
1

Choose Between Mechanical, Electronic and Computerised Machines

Choose Between Mechanical, Electronic and Computerised Machines
Source:amazon.co.uk

Affordable, Low-Maintenance and With Fewer Stitch Options, Mechanical Machines Are Perfect for Total Beginners

A mechanical machine is controlled by levers, gears and switch mechanisms. The key benefits for beginners are that they’re cheaper, easy to fix and maintain, but have fewer stitch options. The downside is they can be more cumbersome and sometimes move the needle through your fabric less smoothly than other machine types.


Price-wise, mechanical machines tend to be the most affordable, starting from as little as £50-£80 depending on size, weight and functions.

Consider Electronic Machines for the Option of More Complex Functions as You Progress

Electronic sewing machines run with a basic computer system and you set them electronically so they can create more types of stitches and buttonholes. You can often program electronic machines to stitch the letters of the alphabet for you too – quite fun if you fancy personalising your latest sew.


These machines give you more options and are pretty user-friendly, and will only cost a little more. The price range for electronic machines is upwards of about £100. 

Invest in a High-Spec Computerised Machine if You're Planning on Becoming a Master Seamster

There’s only two computerised sewing machines on our list, since these super-high-tech gadgets are really best suited to commercial sewing and tend to cost much more than mechanical and electronic options.


They usually have a great range of stitches which is brilliant if you have sparkling ambitions, although they are generally the kind of investment you’ll consider once you're deeper into your sewing adventure. A machine like this will usually set you back upwards of £300, with some costing into the thousands! 


Check out the guide on the 10 best sewing kits if you only have a few items that need a couple of stitches to repair.

 

2

Have an Idea of the Fabrics You’ll Sew With Before Picking Your Sewing Machine

Have an Idea of the Fabrics You’ll Sew With Before Picking Your Sewing Machine

Are you happy to work with light fabrics such as cottons, stretchy jerseys and linens, or do you have dreams of a handmade denim jacket, silk cushion covers and a masterfully-upholstered armchair? Be sure to take a glance in the product description to see what types of fabric each machine is designed to work with.


Most decent beginner’s sewing patterns are likely to suggest fabrics covered by the blanket term ‘light’ or ‘light/medium’, but if you have one special project in mind, double check to avoid disappointment.

3

Choose the Number of Stitch Options Based on the Projects You’re Planning

Choose the Number of Stitch Options Based on the Projects You’re Planning
Ninety per cent of sewing projects use the straight stitch function, even when graduating through intermediate patterns to expert level. When you’re right at the start of your sewing journey, straight stitch and zigzag stitch (which is wider and more secure) should be plenty.


Sewing machines with as few as 8 stitch options will be more than enough for basic projects, whereas models with upwards of 20 stitches give you room to improve. It's up to you whether you want to spend a bit more on a machine that can advance as you do! 

4

Consider Bobbin Case Type Depending on Confidence and Need for Speed

Consider Bobbin Case Type Depending on Confidence and Need for Speed

Top-Loading Bobbins With a Transparent Cover Make Loading and Checking Your Bobbin Easy

A top-loading bobbin is where you lie your bobbin down flat directly under the needle – meaning it’s super-simple to load without tangles – and often comes with a transparent plastic cover so you can easily see what’s going on in there.


This type of bobbin (sometimes called a ‘drop-in’) is a real treat for beginners because, as the name suggests, you simply drop it into place and it stays neatly put. These types of bobbins usually lead to a neater stitch quality when you start to sew, and make it much easier to spot when your bobbin is running low on thread.

Front-Loading Bobbins Aren't as User-Friendly for Beginners but Don't Let Them Put You off a Good Machine

A little more old-school, front-loading bobbins are what our mums, grandmas and fabulous uncles would have likely sewn with growing up and remain popular today.


They are slightly more complicated to load and change, as they slot vertically into a compartment hidden under the front of your machine. This has to be removed each time the bobbin needs swapping or gets tangled, so it’s not the best for beginners who already have enough on their minds.


While a front-loading bobbin might not be as breezy to fit as a top-loader, lots of perfectly great beginners machines have them, and becoming more dexterous with a complex mechanism can only improve your sewing overall!

5

Look For Zipper and Buttonhole Feet Alongside an All-Purpose Presser Foot

Look For Zipper and Buttonhole Feet Alongside an All-Purpose Presser Foot
Every machine will come with a standard all-purpose presser foot, which holds your fabric in place as you sew. When you’re fresh out of sewing school, so to speak, you will survive perfectly well using this basic foot.


If you are considering which other feet might be useful, a zipper foot (for zips – surprise!) helps you sew really close to the fabric edge, and a buttonhole foot – usually made of plastic – allows you to make a button hole of any size you like. Look for a machine with a one-step button hole function to make the process quick and painless especially for a total sewing novice.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

The Best Sewing Machines for Beginners in the UK

mybest UK product recommendations are reviewed and curated by our writers in-house. We focus on in-depth research and analysis of product reviews to carefully select the best products available for the best prices.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Janome

Sewist 7025

Janome Sewist  1

£259.00

High Mid

A Fantastic First Machine That's Functional, Reliable and Versatile

2

Singer

Confidence Sewing Machine 7465

Singer Confidence Sewing Machine 1

£269.90

High Mid

An All-Purpose Machine Fit for a Sewing King or Queen

3

Brother

Stitch Sewing MachineAE1700

Brother Stitch Sewing Machine 1

£125.00

Low Mid

Straightforward Sewing With Uncomplicated Options

4

John Lewis & Partners

Heirloom Ditsy Print Sewing MachineJL111

John Lewis & Partners  Heirloom Ditsy Print Sewing Machine 1

£135.00

Low Mid

A Retro-Style Machine With All the Mod Cons

5

Singer

Fashion Mate3342

Singer Fashion Mate 1

£225.00

Mid

Stylish and Compact With Great Lighting

6

Brother

Manual Stitch Sewing MachineLS14s

Brother  Manual Stitch Sewing Machine 1

£85.00

Low

To-the-Point Sewing for a Brilliant Price

7

Brother

40-Stitch Electronic Sewing MachineFS40

Brother  40-Stitch Electronic Sewing Machine 1

£164.10

Mid

An Intuitive and Affordable Computerised Option for Novices

8

Singer

Start 1306

Singer Start  1

£120.00

Low Mid

Top Compact Pick for Kids or Speedy Repairs

9

Janome

Sewing MachineM30A

Janome Sewing Machine 1

£279.00

High Mid

Perfect for Beginners Who Want to Get Crafty With Homewares

10

Singer

Featherweight C240

Singer Featherweight  1

£469.00

High

Light Enough to Transport but Still Feature-Rich

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

JanomeSewist 7025

Sewist  1
Source:johnlewis.com
Sewist  2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£259.00
High Mid
Reference price
£259.00
High Mid

A Fantastic First Machine That's Functional, Reliable and Versatile

This is a brilliant sewing machine to get started on as it works beautifully with all fabric types, has a decent but not colossal 24 stitch options and lets you load the bobbin by dropping it gently into its case.

With just one standard presser foot you won’t need to be faffing with more complicated options, and the one-step button hole function is the simplest way to get going on buttoned garments early in your dressmaking journey. A bestseller still going strong, we can't fault it!
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

SingerConfidence Sewing Machine 7465

Confidence Sewing Machine 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£269.90
High Mid
Reference price
£269.90
High Mid

An All-Purpose Machine Fit for a Sewing King or Queen

This machine is ready for anything you can throw at it, from tough upholstery fabric to canvas, denim and frothy organza. It has a mighty 50 stitch options, which you might not need, but it’s nice to have the option. It's fairly weighty, so it'd be perfectly suited to home use. 

The bobbin can be dropped in from the top which suits beginner's sewing down to a tee. This machine’s button hole mechanism is a cheeky one-step deal, and the list of optional feet can be ignored until you’re feeling more adept – and will be useful when you are
No.3

BrotherStitch Sewing MachineAE1700

Stitch Sewing Machine 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£125.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£125.00
Low Mid

Straightforward Sewing With Uncomplicated Options

This user-friendly machine is a good shout for beginners as it suits a great range of fabrics and it's stitches are easily selected and modified by a single knob. Unlike some basic or beginner models, it also has a zigzag presser foot, a darning plate, and a twin needle capability. 

This machine falls pretty low on both the price and weight scales too, and with 17 stitch options it offers plenty of leeway without being overwhelming.
No.4

John Lewis & Partners Heirloom Ditsy Print Sewing MachineJL111

Heirloom Ditsy Print Sewing Machine 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Heirloom Ditsy Print Sewing Machine 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£135.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£135.00
Low Mid

A Retro-Style Machine With All the Mod Cons

Though it’s not made by one of the more renowned sewing brands, this machine provides a fun and fair-priced welcome into the world of sewing. With an ample 14 stitch options, you’ll be able to work with light to medium fabrics like cottons and linens.

Having to load from the front isn’t the simplest for a complete novice, but shouldn’t prove too daunting after a couple of practice runs. The 4-step button hole option is again maybe a bit trickier than you might like as a beginner, but if you’re happy to brave it, this machine will deliver good quality stitching and won’t cost an arm and a presser foot either.
No.5

SingerFashion Mate3342

Fashion Mate 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Fashion Mate 2
Source:argos.co.uk
Fashion Mate 3
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£225.00
Mid

Stylish and Compact With Great Lighting

You’ll be able to work with a great range of fabrics using this machine. It has 32 possible stitches, so leaves room for improvement as you start to get the knack for its wheels, knobs and levers. A drop-in bobbin and automatic needle threader add to the practicality

One of its standout features, however, is the 'Staybright' LED light, which makes unfamiliar territory that little bit easier to navigate. It also has a small footprint considering its features, and it fairly lightweight and quiet to use. 

No.6

Brother Manual Stitch Sewing MachineLS14s

Manual Stitch Sewing Machine 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Manual Stitch Sewing Machine 2
Source:argos.co.uk
Manual Stitch Sewing Machine 3
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£85.00
Low

To-the-Point Sewing for a Brilliant Price

This machine is not only a total bargain, but it's a snip to get the hang of as it has really clear markings and the most basic of functions. It doesn’t baffle you with endless unnecessary stitch options, stopping at a satisfactory 14. The bobbin is also loaded from the top so can be slipped casually into its spot stress-free.

It's pretty lightweight and compact too, so you'd be able to take it to classes without too much difficulty. A trustworthy machine at a brilliant price for your first go!
No.7

Brother 40-Stitch Electronic Sewing MachineFS40

Reference price
£164.10
Mid

An Intuitive and Affordable Computerised Option for Novices

There are many fancy computerised sewing machines out there, but their prices can be off-putting for beginners. Luckily, Brother has the tech-loving starter sewers sorted with the FS40. It offers an impressive 50 stitch types with an embroidery feature, as well as plenty of foot options from monogramming to zippers.

Buy through Argos and it comes with a wide table so you can take on larger projects. It can also be operated without a foot pedal, and comes with an instructional DVD to help you realise your home-sewn sartorial dreams.

No.8

SingerStart 1306

Start  1
Source:argos.co.uk
Start  2
Source:argos.co.uk
Start  3
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£120.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£120.00
Low Mid

Top Compact Pick for Kids or Speedy Repairs

This lovely little machine doesn’t have as much gravitas as other models, but for around £100 it's a good way to test the waters, or to share with children or teens hoping to stitch themselves a few simple garments after school. 

The machine can only handle lighter fabrics and has the slightly less efficient 4-step button hole mechanism, but its overall usability is highly praised by beginners. Plus, its compact size will appeal to anyone not blessed with the space for a separate crafting table!
No.9

JanomeSewing MachineM30A

Sewing Machine 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Sewing Machine 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£279.00
High Mid
Reference price
£279.00
High Mid

Perfect for Beginners Who Want to Get Crafty With Homewares

Perfect for those starting out on their creative sewing journey, this computerised machine is ideal for dressmaking and home decor projects. Super lightweight at just 5kg this robust machine with its handle makes it very easy to carry; great for taking it to your lessons and workshops. 

Featuring all the essential stitches, this machine will build your confidence with a simple stitch selection guide and an easy speed adjustment slider allowing you to comfortably keep control.

No.10

SingerFeatherweight C240

Reference price
£469.00
High

Light Enough to Transport but Still Feature-Rich

A brilliant choice for first-time sewists looking to invest in a machine that will grow and advance as they do, this machine has an astonishing 70 stitch types, the selection of which will be displayed on its snazzy LCD screen. 

There are also many pressure feet options, and it's strong enough for use even with velvet, corduroy and leather. For all of its fancy features, it still manages to maintain a light enough weight to easily take to classes or a friend's house. The only downside is the price tag, which may be a bit much for some beginners.

Written and researched by Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Sewing Machines for Beginners

No. 1: JanomeSewist 7025

No. 2: SingerConfidence Sewing Machine 7465

No. 3: BrotherStitch Sewing MachineAE1700

No. 4: John Lewis & Partners Heirloom Ditsy Print Sewing MachineJL111

No. 5: SingerFashion Mate3342

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. DIY, Garden & Tools
  3. Kitchen & bath fixtures
  4. 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners UK 2024 | Brother, Singer and More

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.