I always get a lot of questions about sewing machines to buy around this time of year, usually from people looking for a starter machine for a kid! I LOVE chatting about sewing machines and love knowing that there are sewing machines under Christmas trees for new sewers. I can’t even imagine how fun that would be! I definitely believe that everyone should sew (haha!) so the more machines floating around the better! There are a few essential features I recommend for a starter machine so I’ll compare a few that I’ve used along with a few other popular machines in this post to help you find the machine that is right for you! I typically recommend machines under $200 for a first machine, especially if you aren’t sure the hobby will stick. However I never recommend the cheapest or a toy machine because a bad machine can ruin a sewing experience (and instill a lifetime of fear of sewing!) and I wouldn’t want that! I hope this list helps you find the best sewing machine under $200 that fits your needs!
Best Sewing Machine Under $200
Here are 5 trusted machines and brands that I’d recommend in the $100-200 price range:
- Brother cs6000i
- Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine ($120)
- EverSewn Maker 100 ($119)
- Singer Heavy Duty 4423 ($125)
- Baby Lock Joy ($199)
Brother cs6000i
I had the Brother cs6000i machine for a few years before upgrading! I wrote a little review of it here (7 years ago -what!?). I loved this machine! It’s a really great machine for a really good price! It has everything you need for most basic sewing – quilting, clothing, bags, accessories, etc. The stitch selection on this machine is the widest of this lot with 60 different stitches and it also has an LED stitch selection screen. I’ve recommended this machine to loads of people and no one has been disappointed with it! Get it for $140 on Amazon! Currently in-stock at Walmart!
- 60 Stitches
- LED stitch selection
- Thread Cutter
- 1-step buttonholes
- Drop-in Bobbin
Janome Easy-TO-Use Sewing machine
I currently have the Janome Easy-to-use Crystal in my sewing room! It got me through my quilt market sewing this Spring when my other machines were out-of-comission! This is a great machine at a great price, just barely over $100 (price varies by color) – it’s the cheapest on this list! Honestly, I bought it for the color – such a pretty mint green! It also comes in Cobalt blue and pink! But I can safely recommend it because it is a workhorse. There is no thread cutter on the side, which drives me a little nuts, I used the side cutter all the time, so it was hard to get used to not having it. Otherwise, cute and awesome! Get it for $113 on Amazon!
- 15 stitches
- Manual stitch selection
- No Thread Cutter
- 4-step buttonholes
- Front-load Bobbin
EverSewn Maker 100
I love my new EverSewn Sparrow 30 so this is the “little sister” of that! The machine has 21 stitches, a cute bird logo and 1-step buttonholes! I love how simple this machine is with a knob and letters to choose stitches. I think this Maker 100 would be perfect for a child’s first machine! Get it for $119 on Amazon!
- 21 stitches
- Manual stitch selection
- Thread Cutter
- 1-step buttonholes
- Front-load Bobbin
Singer Heavy Duty 4423
I’ve had this machine on my Amazon wish list for years! The Singer Heavy Duty series is a line of machines made for thicker sewing. If your goal is leather, denim, vinyl you may want to start with an HD machine. This machine is great for bag makers, home decor, quilts, clothes, etc. Brother also makes a Heavy Duty machine with high ratings! HD machines have stronger motors and are built to last. Get it for $125 on Amazon!
- 23 Stitches
- Manual stitch selection
- Side Thread Cutter
- 1-step buttonholes
- Front-load Bobbin
Baby Lock Joy
Since I’ve sewn on a lot of Baby Lock machines, I trust the quality of the new Baby Lock Joy machine. It has the Baby Lock quality with a few less features that a beginner wouldn’t need! It has a cute pink heart logo and clean silhouette, which would be so sweet for a beginner. This machine has a 4-step buttonhole process, so if you are sewing a lot of clothing, I may not recommend it as much as a 1-step buttonhole. However, it would be perfect for a quilter! Get it for $199.
- 19 Stitches
- Manual stitch selection
- Side Thread Cutter
- 4-step buttonholes
- Front-load Bobbin
Both Singer 4423 and Babylock Joy have drop-in bobbins rather than front load.
Thank you for posting this about the machines. I am going to donate some of my HUGE fabric stash to Cyndi Needham quilter extraodinaire in Chico CA for the Paradise fire victims. I can afford to add a new machine for a quilter in this price range. A couple of my friends are going to do this too.
Love that!! <3
I’ve used the Singer 4423 for several years and it is an absolute workhorse! While not loaded with a lot of fancy features, it handles the thicker fabrics and is my go-to machine. I have a Babylock Accord that is wonderful and very quiet but doesn’t hold a candle to my Singer if I’m sewing thick canvas or zippers. I keep both set up and ready in my sewing room.
i wish i could buy one but the coast of buying and shippping its too expensive
I purchased the little Janome and an HD3000 at the same time. The HD3000 is a pure work horse and I absolutely love the portability of the Janome Crystal for classes. It is so light weight, but don’t let that fool you.
The Singer 4423 is a good low shank machine. It uses 15J bobbins (don’t like) but I do appreciate that presser foot pressure is adjustable. Nancys notions has a foot for kids so cant sew finger for about $12.
Thanks so much for your trusted recommendations! My 13 year old daughter is going to love having her own machine!!
I absolutely love my Brother HC1850, but I wanted to oil it the other day after sewing a LOT of Christmas items, and found that it is a closed unit and was oiled in factory. That makes me unhappy. Now I must pay service to get it oiled. Something I should be able to do myself.