Are you new to sewing and don’t have a super fancy budget for it? That’s normal. There is actually no point in spending a fortune to buy a machine that will end up confusing you with its 137 stitch patterns. Lucky for you, all the beginner-friendly machines are mostly in this price range, and they have just enough features to get you started.
As beginners, what are you supposed to look for in a machine?
The answer is, “Not much.” Check if it is easy to use and is not overloaded with features that you will never actually need. Check reviews and ratings; that goes without saying, and that’s pretty much about it. In a different scenario, you may not be a beginner, but you still need an intermediate machine to help with minor domestic stitchwork. The same goes for that as well. Devices in this price range will mostly be mechanical sewing machines.
We’ve made a list of the most popular machines under $200 and put them in the order we like them best.
Our Top Picks for Sewing Machines under $200
Best (Mechanical) Overall: Singer Making the Cut (jump to review)
Best Computerized sewing machine under $200: Brother CS5055 (jump to review)
Best Heavy Duty sewing machines under $200: Singer HD 4423 (jump to review)
Best Brother sewing machine under $200: Brother GX 37 (jump to review)
Best Beginner: Singer MX 60 (jump to review)
Best Basic Machine: Singer Start 1304 (jump to review)
Best Budget: Brother XM2701 (jump to review)
Overall (Runner-up): SINGER | M3500 (jump to review)
Detailed reviews of the best sewing machines under $200
Singer made a special edition machine called Making The Cut just for the show Making The Cut, which you can watch on Amazon Prime Video. In terms of features, Making The Cut has features that will help you as a beginner and that will also work for you as you learn more. It has 23 in-built stitch styles and 97 applications. You will be upgrading to a one-step buttonhole instead of four with this device. It has a built-in needle threader, a stitch selection dial like all the other machines here, and adjustable stitch length and width, unlike the other machines listed so far. Add a heavy-duty frame, LED lighting, generous sewing space, and some more excellent features, and you have a very adept and enviable device with a really pretty blue frame that will cover all of your needs.
- Lots of features at a generous price range
- Aesthetically pleasing’
- Has a European plug and requires an adapter, which is not mentioned in the description in many places.
The CS5055 is a computerized sewing machine by Brother, and it is under $200. It's a simple computerized machine with an LCD screen that has the analog functions of mechanical sewing machines programmed into it. It has 60 built-in stitches, which is quite impressive. It has elaborate instructions and is well-reputed for beginners as well. Other features include an improved needle threader, a drop-in-top bobbin, and a user manual that is available in English, Spanish, and French. A fantastic bargain!
- Budget Computerized Machine
- More features than mechanical machines on this list so far
- Lightweight at around 10 lbs
- You can't order parts for this machine. You have to visit authorized repair centers.
With the Singer 4423, affordability is the word of the game. As a result, it's unquestionably among the greatest options available if you're on a tight budget or a newbie who just wants to give sewing a try.
The amazing 23 stitches on this Singer heavy-duty sewing machine (which gives you 97 stitch applications) is perfect for a great start. There are six fundamental stitches, four stretch stitches, twelve ornamental threads, one buttonhole stitch and additional stretch and ornamental stitches.
The Singer 4423 is capable of handling different fabrics (lycra, silk satin, thin leather) including your favorite pair of jeans. (not heavy leather though - read on to check the comparisons).
The machine has a very powerful motor and a sturdy structure, so you are getting a lot for your money. This machine can sew at a rate of 1100 stitches per minute, just to give you an idea of how powerful it is. Really impressive, no?
If you are looking for a Singer heavy duty machine, read our buying guide on the best singer heavy duty machines.
The GX37 by Brother is an average sewing machine and has similar features to the machines in the under-$200 budget. A quick rundown of specifications includes 37 built-in stitches, auto-size buttonholes, automatic needle threaders, jam-resistant drop-in top bobbins, instruction manuals, and other things you've already read several times. It's a pretty handy sewing machine that will suit beginners.
- Lightweight
- Fresher-friendly
- Expensive in comparison to competitors
Singer's MX60 is a best-seller on Amazon and comes highly recommended for beginners, even though its basic features are not that different from those of the Start 1304. It still has six built-in stitching styles and 57 built-in applications. It has a four-step buttonhole, which the former does too. The stitch selector dial makes it simple to choose your stitches and includes an LED light to help you position the fabric correctly. It covers pretty much everything that an entry-level sewing machine should cover. It is also the exact same machine as Start 1304 except for one thing, which we will shed light on at the end of this list.
- Easy to use, Inexpensive and lightweight
- Sometimes it does not come with a user manual.
Singer’s Start 1304 is a very plain and simple sewing machine that is very compatible with beginners' needs. It has six stitching styles built in and 57 stitch applications. All of these come with pre-set stitch widths and lengths. The device is only 7 pounds, so you can carry it all the way to sewing class with ease. We know winding a bobbin is the tricky part, but this device has made it easy. It has a numbered diagram printed on top of the sewing machine, which will get you along with the bobbin. The bobbin stops moving by itself when it's filled. This device is best recommended for absolute beginners.
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Sometimes it does not come with a user manual.
Priced in the same range of the Singer MX60, the Brother XM2701 brings a little more to the table. The XM2701 comes with 27 built-in stitches, including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches. It also has an auto-size buttonhole, an automatic needle threader, and a jam-resistant drop-top bobbin. It is slightly heavier at 12 pounds but is still lightweight and easily portable. Unlike Singer, which sometimes forgets to send user manuals with its products, this product comes with an instructional DVD. Brother’s technical support is also available to help you out. The XM2701 is like a slightly more advanced version of the basic sewing machines that cost more than $100. It also has some cosmetic upgrades.
- Better features, inexpensive and includes instructional DVD
- ZigZag stitch stops working in some scenarios
The Singer M3500 Sewing Machine, which has 32 built-in stitches and 110 embroidery patterns, costs a few dollars more but is still less than $200. Everything else in this machine is nearly identical to the Singer Making the Cut. It has adjustable stitch length and width, generous sewing space, a reverse lever, and quite literally everything else that the former has. So if you specifically want more stitching styles and applications, and if you don't like the color blue of the 'Making the Cut' machine, you might opt for this one instead.
- Lots of features
- You pay a few extra dollars for a few extra stitching styles and applications and thats about it
Summary of the Best Sewing Machines under $200
- Best (Mechanical) Overall: Singer Making the Cut
- Best Computerized sewing machine under $200: Brother CS5055
- Best Heavy Duty sewing machines under $200: Singer HD 4423
- Best Brother sewing machine under $200: Brother GX 37
- Best Beginner: Singer MX 60
- Best Basic Machine: Singer Start 1304
- Best Budget: Brother XM2701
That wraps up the list, and we have covered all the best machines below $200. Check out our article on the Best Sewing Machines Under $100 if you want cheaper options.
Summary of Best Sewing Machines under $200
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