There really isn't a one type fits all answer to this question. There are so many things that go into this decision.
Budget is a big determining factor. You can spend $100 - $20,000 on a machine. Anything under $100 isn't worth your time - you may as well just throw the money out the window!
More questions to consider. Are you a beginner or have you been sewing for years?
What do you plan to use your machine for? Simple craft projects? Quilting? Making clothing? Embroidery?
In doing homework for this blog, I Googled "what is the best sewing machine?" and "what is the best sewing machine for beginners?" I read over 20 different studies on different sites. I got over 20 different opinions as to what's best. They were all different! The only thing these sites all seemed to agree on is that for beginners, you only need a few basic stitches.
I have owned many machines over the years. My first was a Singer. It was a well made work horse. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Singer is riding on their past glory and name recognition and does not make the best machine anymore. I have found their machines to be cheaply made and not reliable. I bought their Heavy Duty machine about 5 years ago at JoAnn's and returned it a week later. It was total junk. (This machine made it to top 10 on several of my study sites!??) I replaced it with the heavy duty Janome and I love it! It's simple to use, and it's a work horse. I put it to the test every year at this time when making Easter Baskets that have a very thick stabilizer inside - it's like sewing through 6 layers of denim. I break needles at times, but the motor never complains. I believe I spent under $600 on that machine. (pic below).
There is a very high "brand love" among sewers. Mine is definitely Brother. I own 3 Brother embroidery machines and the machines that I purchased to teach classes are also Brother.
This is what I bought. I think it's a great beginner machine for a cheap price. (pic below) https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQM1DE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1.
If I didn't need 4 of them, I would have gone straight to my favorite local retailer (where I purchased all of my other machines). As time goes by, I will replace these with machines from Auburn Sewing that not only offer more but are also sturdier and made better.
Chris at Auburn Sewing Center has been amazing! She not only sells machines, but teaches how to use them, is always there to answer questions, (I have her on speed dial!) and she services machines as well. She is so knowledgeable!
My biggest warning - DO NOT BUY one of those little junky kids machines. They are NOT made well, are so light that if you DO get the machine running, they shake all over the place. The bobbin winder never works. They are just junk. It's a great way to frustrate, discourage and kill the interest in a kid. Don't waste your money.
For kids, my best suggestion is a machine with speed control! It's much harder to sew over a finger (which I DID as a kid - it really hurts!) or mess something up when it moves at a snails pace.
MY recommendation - If you can afford it - would be to go see Chris in Auburn! https://www.auburnsew.com/ She is so knowledgeable and will set you up with a machine that best fits your needs and experience. The only drawback to this recommendation is that quality costs money. But like anything in life, you get what you pay for.
Good luck & happy sewing!
Michelle
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