May 2023
Sewing Machines: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Sewing Machine rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 2 May 2023 and 3 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 95 Sewing Machine endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
65 Sewing Machines were endorsed in total, only 21 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 3 May 2023, Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed sewing machine with 5 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 sewing machine' this month. It is followed by Brother CS7000X and Singer Stylist 7258 , with 3 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
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Brother:
18 Sewing Machines
(#1 is Brother Serger 1034D )
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Singer:
12 Sewing Machines
(#1 is Singer Featherweight 221 )
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Janome:
10 Sewing Machines
(#1 is Janome Pink Sorbet )
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JUKI:
6 Sewing Machines
(#1 is Juki DDL-8700 )
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Baby Lock:
5 Sewing Machines
(#1 is Baby Lock Joy )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Sewing Machine |
Business Insider
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marthastewart.com
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The Strategist
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Wirecutter
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Today
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Sewing Spot
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Crafts Selection
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Good Housekeeping
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The Spruce
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money.com
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1
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- | $467 |
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4
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2
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5
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1
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1
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-
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-
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-
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2
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- | $220 |
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1
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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-
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3
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- | $229 |
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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4
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-
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1
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-
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4
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- | $148 |
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8
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-
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-
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-
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4
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6
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-
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8
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5
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- | $399 |
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3
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1
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-
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-
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6
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- | $220 |
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2
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5
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4
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7
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- | $124 |
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2
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14
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-
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2
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8
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- | $391 |
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5
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1
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9
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- | $1499 |
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3
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2
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13
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- | $791 |
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2
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7
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14
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- | Check price |
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3
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8
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15
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- | $1199 |
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4
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7
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16
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- | Check price |
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6
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6
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17
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- | $629 |
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7
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6
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18
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New * | $174 |
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10
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4
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19
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-1 | Check price |
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7
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8
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20
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-1 | Check price |
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8
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7
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21
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-1 | $425 |
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9
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9
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22
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-1 | $379 |
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6
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13
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23
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- | $713 |
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10
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10
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24
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-2 | $385 |
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11
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10
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Sorted by price:
Position in ranking | Price | Sewing Machine |
---|---|---|
#7 | $124.14 | Janome Arctic Crystal [buy] [more info] |
#4 | $148 | Brother XM2701 [buy] [more info] |
#18 | $173.75 | Singer Start 1304 [buy] [more info] |
#2 | $219.99 | Brother CS7000X [buy] [more info] |
#6 | $219.99 | Singer Heavy Duty 4452 [buy] [more info] |
#3 | $229 | Singer Stylist 7258 [buy] [more info] |
#19 | $360 | Brother SE625 [buy] [more info] |
#22 | $379 | Juki MO654DE [buy] [more info] |
#24 | $385.50 | Brother SE600 [buy] [more info] |
#8 | $391 | Brother XR9550PRW [buy] [more info] |
#5 | $399 | Bernette 05 Academy [buy] [more info] |
#21 | $425.44 | Janome HD3000 [buy] [more info] |
#1 | $467.44 | Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 [buy] [more info] |
#17 | $629 | Juki TL-2000Qi [buy] [more info] |
#23 | $712.95 | Brother PQ1500SL [buy] [more info] |
#13 | $791.01 | Janome 4120QDC [buy] [more info] |
#15 | $1199 | Juki HZL-F600 [buy] [more info] |
#9 | $1499 | Bernette 77 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 #1 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 as #1.

Crafts Selection
Best Computerized Sewing Machine
Pros
Multiple uses, lots of useful functions
600 built-in stitches, 5 alphanumeric fonts, and 13 buttonhole designs
Automatic needle threader, autopilot, automatic reverse
Speed of 850 stitches per minute
Metal frame provides sturdiness
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Cons
Cannot use walking foot with the quilting bar
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We ranked Brother CS7000X #2 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Brother CS7000X as #1.

Business Insider
Best Sewing Machine Overall
Pros
Quiet
reasonably priced
70 utility and decorative stitches
seven buttonholes
has a wide variety of useful features such as needle up/down and automatic backstitch
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Cons
Computerized controls can be intimidating
inconvenient storage compartment
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Good Housekeeping
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Pros
21,000 Amazon reviews
10 different presser feet included
Simple threading directions with QR codes for additional guidance
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Cons
Showed some inaccuracies when sewing with polyester satin fabrics
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Sewing Machines.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Sewing Machines, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2023 ranking










We ranked Singer Stylist 7258 #3 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Singer Stylist 7258 as #1.

Crafts Selection
The Most Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine
Pros
Easy to use
100 built-in stitches and 6 buttonhole designs
Automatic needle threader, thread cutter
Bright LED light for stitching at night/dark places
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Cons
Does not perform well on thick fabrics
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The Spruce
Best Overall
Pros
100 stitch options, including 6 buttonholes
Automatically adjusts stitch settings
Programmable needle
Easy stitch selection
Includes online owner’s course
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Cons
No hard cover
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We ranked Brother XM2701 #4 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Crafts Selection
Best Sewing Machine For Beginners
Pros
27 built-in stitches with 6 different sewing feet
Brightly-lit LED work area
Free technical support for life
Easy threading mechanism
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Cons
Can’t handle heavy duty projects
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The Spruce
Best for Beginners
Pros
27 basic stitch options
Lightweight and portable
Jam-resistant bobbin
Free arm for smaller projects
25-year warranty
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Cons
Accessories fall out of storage compartment
Not ideal for large projects
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We ranked Singer Heavy Duty 4452 #6 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Business Insider
Best Mechanical Sewing Machine
Pros
Fast
powerful
simple to use
easy to care for because of less technology
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Cons
Only has 32 stitches
does not have many decorative stitches
does not have an attractive buttonhole, loud
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Good Housekeeping
Best Heavy Duty Machine
Pros
Size 16 needles sew through tough fabrics with ease
Multiple presser feet including a non-stick foot
Great for everyday sewing too
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Cons
No speed control
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We ranked Janome Arctic Crystal #7 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

The Spruce
Best Budget
Pros
Several color options
15 basic stitches and one buttonhole
Accommodates all thread types
Detailed bobbin-loading guide right on machine
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Cons
Manual needle threading
No thread cutter
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We ranked Brother XR9550PRW #8 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Brother XR9550PRW as #1.

Crafts Selection
Best Affordable Sewing Machine For Intermediates
Pros
110 built-in stitches with 8 buttonhole designs
Automatic needle threader
Hard case with wide extension table
8 different sewing feet
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Cons
Body and frame are of low quality
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Good Housekeeping
Best Overall Sewing Machine
Pros
Wide table included
Speed control capabilities
Easy to thread and wind the bobbin
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Cons
The alphabet stitching is very small as this is not an embroidery machine
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We ranked Bernette 77 #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

The Spruce
Best Splurge
Pros
Tons of stitches, including decorative and quilting options
Touchscreen controls
Dual fabric feed for layered projects
Deep throat for bulky projects
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Cons
Very expensive
Only 2-year warranty on electrical components
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We ranked Janome 4120QDC #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

The Spruce
Best for Making Clothes
Pros
120 stitch options, plus seven buttonhole styles
Easy-to-read LCD screen
Free arm for small openings
Seven presser feet included
Able to remember stitch patterns
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Cons
Manual thread tension control
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We ranked Singer Patchwork 7285Q #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Good Housekeeping
Best Sewing Machine for Beginner Quilting
Pros
Manual speed control
Start/stop button, ideal for quilting
11 presser feet included
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Cons
Return restocking fee
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The Spruce
Best for Quilting
Pros
Good value
100 stitches, plus six buttonholes
Includes multiple presser feet for quilting
Extension table included
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Cons
Light isn’t bright enough
Throat could be wider
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We ranked Juki TL-2000Qi #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Good Housekeeping
Best Sewing Machine for Expert Quilting
Pros
Quilting capabilities like automatic thread cutting and free motion sewing
Handles thick layers of fabric
Large table for bigger projects
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Cons
Over $700
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We ranked Singer Start 1304 #15 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Good Housekeeping
Best First Sewing Machine
Pros
Easy threading
Multiple presser feet included
Simple, visual controls
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Cons
Only six built-in stitches
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We ranked Brother CS6000i #17 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Crafts Selection
Best Sewing Quilting Machine For Home
Pros
60 built-in stitches with basic, stretch, and decorative designs
7 one-step buttonhole styles
Speed of 850 stitches per minute
Wide table and a free arm for convenience stitching
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Cons
Issues with tension have been reported; it does not stabilize
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We ranked Janome HD3000 #18 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Crafts Selection
Best Sewing Machine For Heavy Fabrics
Pros
Heavy built
18 built-in stitches
Reverse stitch lever
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Cons
Can be a bit slow for garment sewing
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We ranked Juki MO654DE #19 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Crafts Selection
Best Serger Sewing Machine
Pros
1500 stitches per minute
2/3/4 serging operation
Intuitive thread cutter positioned in the presser foot
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Cons
Work area light is dim (not LED)
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We ranked Brother PQ1500SL #20 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Crafts Selection
Best Sewing Machine For Quilting
Pros
High-speed performance at 1500 stitches per minute
Automatic needle threader
Heavy-duty; sturdy built
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Cons
Automatic threader has a peculiar operation; refer the manual for more information
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We ranked Brother SE600 #21 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sewing Machines” rankings.

Crafts Selection
Best Sewing Machine For Embroidery
Pros
4x4-inch embroidery area with hoop and foot
103 built-in stitches, 80 built-in design
Lightweight and portable
USB support
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Cons
4x4 size is too small for advanced users
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Good Housekeeping
Best Sewing Machine For Embroidery
Pros
4"x4" embroidery area
80 built-in designs with a USB port to import more
Excellent sewing capabilities too
Affordable price for an embroidery machine
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Cons
Smaller embroidery area compared to pricier models
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