September 2023

Sewing Machines: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of sewing machines rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 2 Sep 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 2 Sep 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.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking sewing machines start at $38.99 (Magicfly Mini Dual Speed) and go up to $2199 (Janome 8200QCP). Median sewing machine costs $329 (Janome JW8100).
$38.99
$2199

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Sewing Machine
Crafts Selection
Today
Sewing Spot
Wirecutter
Business Insider
marthastewart.com
money.com
Good Housekeeping
The Spruce
The Strategist
1
- $443
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine is a versatile and durable machine with an extensive range of stitch options and accessories, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.
1
5
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
4
2
- $220
Brother CS7000X
The Brother CS7000X sewing machine is a versatile and user-friendly machine that offers a wide range of stitch options, making it suitable for various sewing projects, and is highly praised for its ease of use and intuitive user interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
3
-
-
3
- $189
Singer Stylist 7258
The Singer Stylist 7258 sewing machine is a versatile and user-friendly machine with 100 built-in stitches, an LCD screen, and an automatic needle threader, making it ideal for sewing garments, quilts, and home decor items.
4
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
4
- $122
Brother XM2701
The Brother XM2701 sewing machine is a durable and user-friendly option for beginner to intermediate sewers, offering 27 built-in stitches and a one-step buttonholer, with well-labeled dials and controls and a 25-year limited warranty.
6
-
4
-
-
8
-
-
8
-
5
- $399
Bernette 05 Academy
The Bernette 05 Academy Sewing Machine is a versatile and reliable machine suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers, offering a wide range of stitch options, easy-to-use interface, comprehensive set of presser feet, and durable construction.
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
6
- $200
Singer Heavy Duty 4452
The Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine is a durable and versatile machine with 32 built-in stitches, suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers, and is ideal for heavy-duty sewing tasks.
-
-
-
-
2
-
4
5
-
-
7
- $110
Janome Arctic Crystal
The Janome Arctic Crystal Sewing Machine is a versatile and user-friendly machine suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers, offering ease of use, durability, and a range of stitch options.
-
14
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
2
8
- Check price
Brother XR9550PRW
The Brother XR9550PRW Sewing Machine is a versatile and user-friendly machine with 165 built-in stitches, including stretch stitches, and comes with useful accessories and a 25-year limited warranty, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced sewers who require a durable machine for frequent use or on-the-go projects.
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
9
- $1499
Bernette 77
The Bernette 77 sewing machine is a versatile and reliable tool with a wide range of stitch options, easy-to-use features, and high-quality materials, making it a great investment for anyone looking to take their sewing projects to the next level.
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
3
-
13
- $699
Janome 4120QDC
The Janome 4120QDC Sewing Machine is a versatile and durable machine with 120 built-in stitch designs and seven one-step buttonhole options, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
7
-
14
- Check price
Baby Lock Jubilant
The Baby Lock Jubilant Sewing Machine is a versatile and reliable machine with 80 built-in stitches, user-friendly interface, and a 25-year limited warranty, making it a great option for beginners or those who want a straightforward sewing experience.
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
15
- $1199
Juki HZL-F600
The Juki HZL-F600 is a durable and versatile sewing machine with over 250 stitch options, making it suitable for intermediate and advanced users tackling a variety of projects.
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-
-
-
-
4
7
-
-
-
16
- Check price
Singer Patchwork 7285Q
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
6
-
17
- $698
Juki TL-2000Qi
The Juki TL-2000Qi sewing machine is a reliable and durable option for those who prioritize straight stitching and simplicity in their sewing projects, with a sturdy build quality, useful presser feet, and a removable extension table, but lacks decorative stitch or buttonhole options.
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
7
-
-
18
- $179
Singer Start 1304
The Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine is a reliable and affordable option for beginners or hobbyists who only need to complete simple sewing projects, with six built-in stitches, basic controls, and a durable metal frame, but may have issues with thread jamming and unthreading.
-
10
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
19
+1 Check price
Brother SE625
The Brother SE625 is a versatile and user-friendly sewing and embroidery machine that offers an extensive range of stitch options and is suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.
-
8
-
-
-
7
-
-
-
-
20
-1 $450
Brother CS6000i
The Brother CS6000i sewing machine is a versatile and user-friendly option suitable for a wide range of sewing projects, with 60 built-in stitches, simple controls, and a range of accessories.
7
-
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
- $489
Janome HD3000
The Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine is a durable and versatile machine suitable for most home sewing projects, with 18 built-in stitches and the ability to handle thicker fabrics, making it a great option for beginners or serious users.
9
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
22
- $379
Juki MO654DE
The Juki MO654DE is a highly recommended serger machine that offers a variety of stitch options, is user-friendly, durable, and comes with additional feet and an extension table, but does not include a carrying case.
13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
23
- $698
Brother PQ1500SL
The Brother PQ1500SL sewing machine is a straight stitch-only machine that offers precise and accurate stitching at a speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute, making it ideal for heavy-duty sewing tasks such as quilting and piecing.
10
-
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
24
- $475
Brother SE600
The Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine is a versatile and reliable option for both beginners and experienced sewers, with a large color touchscreen display, 103 built-in stitches, and a 25-year limited warranty.
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
-
-

; ; ;
#7 $109.99 Janome Arctic Crystal
#4 $121.99 Brother XM2701
#18 $179 Singer Start 1304
#3 $189 Singer Stylist 7258
#6 $199.99 Singer Heavy Duty 4452
#2 $219.99 Brother CS7000X
#22 $379 Juki MO654DE
#5 $399 Bernette 05 Academy
#1 $443 Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
#19 $449 Brother SE625
#20 $449.89 Brother CS6000i
#24 $474.99 Brother SE600
#21 $489 Janome HD3000
#17 $698.48 Juki TL-2000Qi
#23 $698.50 Brother PQ1500SL
#13 $699 Janome 4120QDC
#15 $1199 Juki HZL-F600
#9 $1499 Bernette 77

We ranked Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 #1 in September 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.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Computerized Sewing Machine

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

Cannot use walking foot with the quilting bar

Go to ranking

Today

Go to ranking

Sewing Spot

Editors Top Choice

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

For the ambitious beginner

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best all-purpose sewing machine

Go to ranking

We ranked Brother CS7000X #2 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Brother CS7000X as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Wirecutter

The best sewing machine for most beginners

Go to ranking

Business Insider

Best Sewing Machine Overall

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

Computerized controls can be intimidating
inconvenient storage compartment

Go to ranking

Good Housekeeping

Best Sewing Machine for Beginners

21,000 Amazon reviews
10 different presser feet included
Simple threading directions with QR codes for additional guidance

Showed some inaccuracies when sewing with polyester satin fabrics

Go to ranking

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 September 2023 ranking

We ranked Singer Stylist 7258 #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Singer Stylist 7258 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

The Most Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine

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

Does not perform well on thick fabrics

Go to ranking

Sewing Spot

Good Choice for Intermediate to Beginners

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Overall

100 stitch options, including 6 buttonholes
Automatically adjusts stitch settings
Programmable needle
Easy stitch selection
Includes online owner’s course

No hard cover

Go to ranking

We ranked Brother XM2701 #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Sewing Machine For Beginners

27 built-in stitches with 6 different sewing feet
Brightly-lit LED work area
Free technical support for life
Easy threading mechanism

Can’t handle heavy duty projects

Go to ranking

Sewing Spot

Sewing Machine On The Budget

Go to ranking

marthastewart.com

Best for Kids and Teens

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Beginners

27 basic stitch options
Lightweight and portable
Jam-resistant bobbin
Free arm for smaller projects
25-year warranty

Accessories fall out of storage compartment
Not ideal for large projects

Go to ranking

We ranked Bernette 05 Academy #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bernette 05 Academy as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Today

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best portable sewing machine

Go to ranking

We ranked Singer Heavy Duty 4452 #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Business Insider

Best Mechanical Sewing Machine

Fast
powerful
simple to use
easy to care for because of less technology

Only has 32 stitches
does not have many decorative stitches
does not have an attractive buttonhole, loud

Go to ranking

money.com

Best Heavy Duty Machine

Go to ranking

Good Housekeeping

Best Heavy Duty Machine

Size 16 needles sew through tough fabrics with ease
Multiple presser feet including a non-stick foot
Great for everyday sewing too

No speed control

Go to ranking

We ranked Janome Arctic Crystal #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Today

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Budget

Several color options
15 basic stitches and one buttonhole
Accommodates all thread types
Detailed bobbin-loading guide right on machine

Manual needle threading
No thread cutter

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best beginner sewing machine

Go to ranking

We ranked Brother XR9550PRW #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Brother XR9550PRW as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Affordable Sewing Machine For Intermediates

110 built-in stitches with 8 buttonhole designs
Automatic needle threader
Hard case with wide extension table
8 different sewing feet

Body and frame are of low quality

Go to ranking

Good Housekeeping

Best Overall Sewing Machine

Wide table included
Speed control capabilities
Easy to thread and wind the bobbin

The alphabet stitching is very small as this is not an embroidery machine

Go to ranking

We ranked Bernette 77 #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
money.com

Best overall (computerized)

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Splurge

Tons of stitches, including decorative and quilting options
Touchscreen controls
Dual fabric feed for layered projects
Deep throat for bulky projects

Very expensive
Only 2-year warranty on electrical components

Go to ranking

We ranked Janome 4120QDC #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
marthastewart.com

Best for Advanced Sewers

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Making Clothes

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

Manual thread tension control

Go to ranking

We ranked Baby Lock Jubilant #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Today

Go to ranking

Good Housekeeping

Best Sewing Machine For Making Clothes

80 built-in stitches included
Tons of included accessories
Clear LCD screen

Go to ranking

We ranked Juki HZL-F600 #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
marthastewart.com

Best Splurge

Go to ranking

money.com

Runner-up best for quilters

Go to ranking

We ranked Singer Patchwork 7285Q #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Good Housekeeping

Best Sewing Machine for Beginner Quilting

Manual speed control
Start/stop button, ideal for quilting
11 presser feet included

Return restocking fee

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Quilting

Good value
100 stitches, plus six buttonholes
Includes multiple presser feet for quilting
Extension table included

Light isn’t bright enough
Throat could be wider

Go to ranking

We ranked Juki TL-2000Qi #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
money.com

Best for Quilters

Go to ranking

Good Housekeeping

Best Sewing Machine for Expert Quilting

Quilting capabilities like automatic thread cutting and free motion sewing
Handles thick layers of fabric
Large table for bigger projects

Over $700

Go to ranking

We ranked Singer Start 1304 #15 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Today

Go to ranking

Good Housekeeping

Best First Sewing Machine

Easy threading
Multiple presser feet included
Simple, visual controls

Only six built-in stitches

Go to ranking

We ranked Brother SE625 #16 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Today

Go to ranking

marthastewart.com

Best for Embroidery

Go to ranking

We ranked Brother CS6000i #17 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Sewing Quilting Machine For Home

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

Issues with tension have been reported; it does not stabilize

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Sewing Spot

Entry Level Sewing Machine

Go to ranking

We ranked Janome HD3000 #18 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Sewing Machine For Heavy Fabrics

Heavy built
18 built-in stitches
Reverse stitch lever

Can be a bit slow for garment sewing

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Sewing Spot

Perfect for Leathers

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We ranked Juki MO654DE #19 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Serger Sewing Machine

1500 stitches per minute
2/3/4 serging operation
Intuitive thread cutter positioned in the presser foot

Work area light is dim (not LED)

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The Strategist

Best serger

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We ranked Brother PQ1500SL #20 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Sewing Machine For Quilting

High-speed performance at 1500 stitches per minute
Automatic needle threader
Heavy-duty; sturdy built

Automatic threader has a peculiar operation; refer the manual for more information

Go to ranking

Sewing Spot

Best for Quilting

Go to ranking

We ranked Brother SE600 #21 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sewing machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crafts Selection

Best Sewing Machine For Embroidery

4x4-inch embroidery area with hoop and foot
103 built-in stitches, 80 built-in design
Lightweight and portable
USB support

4x4 size is too small for advanced users

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Good Housekeeping

Best Sewing Machine For Embroidery

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

Smaller embroidery area compared to pricier models

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