Introduction
Learning to sew can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but finding the right machine can be overwhelming for beginners. With so many options on the market, it’s important to find a machine that is easy to use, compact, and affordable.
This article will provide information on the top small sewing machines for beginners in 2023, as well as tips on how to choose the right one for you. Whether you’re looking to create your own clothing, home decor, or other projects, a small sewing machine can be a great tool to have.
Why a Small Sewing Machine is Ideal for Beginners
A small sewing machine is ideal for beginners for several reasons:
- Compact size:
Small sewing machines are typically more compact and lightweight than larger models, making them easy to store and transport. This is especially important for beginners who may not have a dedicated sewing space and may need to move their machines around.
- User-friendly features:
Many small sewing machines are designed with beginners in mind and come with features such as easy threading, basic stitches, and simple controls. These features make it easier for beginners to learn the basics of sewing and to create simple projects.
- Affordability:
Small sewing machines are often more affordable than larger models, making them a great option for beginners who may not want to invest a lot of money in a hobby they’re just starting out.
- Versatility:
Some of the small sewing machines are versatile, meaning they can handle different types of fabrics and projects, which can be beneficial for beginners who are just starting to explore different types of projects.
In summary, small sewing machines offer a great combination of ease of use, portability, and affordability, making them an ideal choice for beginners looking to learn and create with a sewing machine.
Top Small Sewing Machines for Beginners in 2023 (Editors Pick)
There are many different models of small sewing machines available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here are some models to consider for beginners in 2023.
1. Singer Stylist 7258
Singer Stylist 7258 is a popular small sewing machine that is perfect for beginners. Here is a brief overview of its features:
- Size and weight:
The Singer Stylist 7258 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store and transport. Its dimensions are 15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches and it weighs around 13.6 pounds.
- A number of stitches:
The Singer Stylist 7258 has 100 built-in stitches, including 8 one-step buttonholes, providing a wide range of options for different types of projects. This allows beginners to experiment with different stitch patterns and styles.
- Ease of use:
The Singer Stylist 7258 is designed to be easy to use for beginners, with a variety of user-friendly features such as an automatic needle threader, a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, and easy-to-use controls.
It also has an LCD screen that displays the selected stitch and automatic tension control, which can help beginners to achieve perfect stitches.
- Other features:
The Singer Stylist 7258 also has a variety of other features such as an automatic reverse lever that helps to reinforce the stitches and an adjustable presser foot pressure which allows for the sewing of different types of fabrics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100 built-in stitches including buttonholes
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant bobbin
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to store
- Easy-to-use controls and LCD screen
- Automatic tension control for beginners
Cons
- Not computerized lacks advanced features
- No extension table
- Reports of jamming and needle breaking
- No built-in needle threader
Overall, the Singer Stylist 7258 is a great small sewing machine for beginners, offering a wide range of stitches, ease of use, and user-friendly features in a compact and lightweight design. It’s a versatile machine that can handle different types of fabrics and projects.
2. Singer Simple 3232
This machine is perfect for beginners, with 32 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and easy-to-use controls.
- Size and Weight:
The Singer Simple 3232 is a compact and lightweight machine, making it easy to store and transport. Its dimensions are 14.5 x 6.25 x 11.5 inches and its weight is approximately 13 pounds.
- Stitches:
This machine has 32 built-in stitches including, stretch, decorative and basic stitches. This variety of stitches allows beginners to experiment and create a range of projects.
- Ease of use:
The Singer Simple 3232 is designed with beginners in mind, it features an automatic needle threader, making it easy to thread the machine. It also has easy-to-use controls, with a simple stitch selection dial, allowing beginners to easily change stitches.
Features:
- 32 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Easy-to-use controls
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple stitch selection dial
- 13 pounds weight
- 14.5 x 6.25 x 11.5 inches dimension
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Variety of stitches for different projects
- User-friendly features for easy learning
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the bobbin jamming
- A limited number of built-in stitches compared to other machines
- Some users have reported issues with the bobbin winding.
Overall, the Singer Simple 3232 is a great option for beginners looking for a compact and lightweight machine with a variety of stitches and user-friendly features.
3. JUKI HZL-DX7 Sewing Machine
JUKI HZL-DX7 Sewing Machine is a small and versatile sewing machine that is perfect for beginners in 2023. It offers a variety of features that make it easy to use and suitable for different types of projects.
- Size and weight:
The JUKI HZL-DX7 is a compact machine, its dimensions are 11.4 x 5.5 x15.2 inches and it weighs around 13 pounds. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport.
- A number of stitches:
The JUKI HZL-DX7 offers a wide range of built-in stitches, it has 70 stitches including utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative stitches, and buttonholes. It also offers a variety of font styles for monogramming.
- Ease of use:
The JUKI HZL-DX7 is a user-friendly sewing machine with features such as an automatic needle threader, LCD screen, and easy-to-use stitch selection dial. It also includes an instruction manual and DVD for setup and usage.
Other features:
- Built-in needle threader
- Drop-in bobbin
- Built-in thread cutter
- Knee lift
- Built-in handle for easy movement
- Built-in bright LED light to illuminate working area
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide range of built-in stitches (70 stitches)
- User-friendly features such as an automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Adjustable stitch width and length, free arm capability for sewing cuffs and sleeves
- Bright LED light illuminating the working area, Built-in handle for easy transport
Cons
May be too advanced for some beginners
Some users have reported that the machine is loud when in use
Some users may find the manual difficult to understand.
In summary, the JUKI HZL-DX7 is a small, versatile, and user-friendly sewing machine that is perfect for beginners in 2023. Its compact size, wide range of built-in stitches, and user-friendly features make it easy to use and suitable for different types of projects.
4. Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine
This machine is perfect for beginners, with 18 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and easy-to-use controls.
Features:
- 18 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Easy-to-use controls
- Size: 15.5″W x 6.5″H x 11.5″D
- Weight: 18 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 18 built-in stitches provide a good variety of options for beginners.
- The automatic needle threader makes threading the machine easy and hassle-free.
- The easy-to-use controls make it easy for beginners to navigate through the different stitches and settings.
- The machine is durable and well-built.
- The size and weight of the machine are compact and easy to store and transport.
Cons
- Some users may find the machine to be a bit loud when in use.
- Some users may find the machine to be a bit heavy to move around.
- The machine does not have as many features as more advanced models.
Janome HD3000 is a beginner-friendly, reliable and easy-to-use machine with 18 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, easy-to-use controls, durable and well-built, compact and lightweight but may be a bit loud and heavy to move around and lacks advanced features.
5. Pfaff Ambition Essential Sewing Machine
This machine is perfect for beginners, with a variety of user-friendly features such as an automatic needle threader, a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, and over 100 built-in stitches.
Features:
- 100 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Start/stop button
- Speed slider for adjusting the speed of the machine
- Automatic thread cutter
- Large, easy-to-read LCD screen
- Ease of use controls
Size and Weight:
- dimensions (HxWxD) 17.7 x 8.3 x 11.8 inches
- weight: 18.7 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide range of stitches (100 built-in)
- Automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, start/stop button, automatic thread cutter
- Large LCD screen, user-friendly controls
Cons
- Larger, heavier, more expensive, not suitable for heavy-duty projects
The Pfaff Ambition Essential is a great sewing machine for beginners, it offers a wide range of stitches and user-friendly features such as an automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin. It’s easy to use and has a large LCD screen.
It’s slightly larger and heavier than some other small machines and it’s a bit more expensive. It’s not suitable for heavy-duty projects.
Comparison Table
Features | Janome HD3000 | Pfaff Ambition Essential | JUKI HZL-DX7 | Singer Simple 3232 | Singer Stylist 7258 |
Built-in Stitches | 18 | 100 | 70 | 32 | 100 |
Automatic needle threader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Drop-in bobbin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Start/stop button | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Speed slider | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Automatic thread cutter | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
LCD screen | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Size and weight | 10″D x 19″W x 15″H inches, 18.7 pounds | 17.7 x 8.3 x 11.8 inches, 18.7 pounds | 14.2 x 7.1 x 11.8 inches, 13.2 pounds | 15.5 x 6.2 x 11.8 inches, 14.1 pounds | 15.5 x 6.2 x 11.8 inches, 14.1 pounds |
The above table provides a general comparison of the features of the five machines. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the features of these machines and that there may be other factors to consider when making a decision.
It’s also important to read reviews and do your own research to determine which machine is the best fit for your needs.
