Best Sewing Machine Under $100

Did you know that you can find a fantastic sewing machine for under $100? It’s true! If you’re searching in the $100 and under budget range, you’re likely a beginner or are just interested in a simple machine that will handle basic sewing projects like hemming and repair. If this is you, you’re in luck, there are plenty of great options under $100. Many of these budget-friendly sewing machines leave room for your skill set to grow too. Check out the best sewing machines under $100 here. 

Brother Sewing Machine XM2701 – Versatile and Allows Skill Growth 

First of all, it’s important to know that Brother is a well-known brand in the sewing machine industry. It’s one of the most tried and tested brands in this market and trusted by everyone from beginners to professional seamstresses. The XM2701 is a user-friendly model that works for beginners, as well as for those with advanced skills. It’s jam-resistant, features 27 stitches and comes with a 25-year warranty. Its versatility and free arm make it the perfect machine for a wide range of sewing projects. 

Singer 1304 – Great Sewing Machine for Beginners 

Singer is also a well-known brand in the sewing machine industry. The 1304 model is great for beginners and is still useful to those that have intermediate sewing skills. At first glance, it’s noticeable that this Singer sewing machine only offers six basic stitches. However, most projects in the beginning and intermediate level only require a straight stitch. 

This is a perfect sewing machine for beginners who plan to use it for simple sewing projects. The machine features six basic stitches, so it’s not the ideal sewing machine for those that need access to decorative stitches or plan to create elaborate sewing projects. 

Singer 3232 – Simple Sewing Machine for Beginners 

If you want a sewing machine that is simple to use but sophisticated enough to still be useful as your skills grow, the Singer 3232 is a great option. The heavy-duty frame ensures the machine will last a very long time; it also comes with Singer’s 25-year limited warranty. This machine features everything a beginner needs to get started, along with advanced features that encourage growth. 

Singer 2259 – Basic Sewing Machine for Ease of Use 

Another great entry-level sewing machine from Singer is the 2259 model. Singer created this sewing machine with traditional dials and options, which make tasks like alterations easy, but limit the ability to create elaborate home decor. The small size of this machine makes it portable and makes stitch selection easy. It has 19 built-in stitches as well as a 4-step buttonhole selection. 

Brother RLX3817 – Full-Size Machine for Beginners 

The Brother RLX3817 is a full-size sewing machine created specifically to make sewing easy. Brother added 17 built-in stitches to this machine and an LED light just above the work area to make it easy to see what’s going on. A manual needle threading system requires the user to manually thread the machine’s needle. Under most circumstances this process is done quickly and easily but can cause issues for some users. 

Singer Heavy-Duty 4411 – High Speed Sewing Machine 

The Singer 4411 is a heavy-duty sewing machine that features high speeds thanks to its excellent motor. The powerful, free arm design of this machine is extremely user-friendly and offers 11 built-in stitches. Six of these stitches are basic and used for a variety of projects. Four of the remaining stitch patterns are decorative and the last stitch type is an automatic buttonhole. 

Spiegel SP 3201 – New to the Sewing Machine Market 

If you’ve read the list thus far, you’ve probably noticed a trend between the sewing machine brands. In fact, all machines listed up to this point have been from sewing machine powerhouses such as Singer and Brother. If you’re not familiar with Spiegel sewing machines, you’re not alone. Spiegel first debuted in this industry in the second half of 2018. 

While the brand isn’t as well-known as some of its competitors, it is garnering attention from beginner and advanced sewing machine users. One of the reasons the machine is gaining popularity is because of its wide range of features. In addition to an LED lit work area and one step auto buttonhole capabilities, the machine also offers 32 stitch choices including utility and décor options. Many users are especially partial to the reverse sewing feature, which is useful when finishing a seam. 

The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine Overview Video

What Do You Need to Know About Sewing Machine Needles? 

Did you know that the needles used in a sewing machine are one of the most important tools in terms of use and quality of results? Using the wrong needle or a dull needle can damage the sewing machine or even damage fabric. Not only is this frustrating for users, but it can cause expensive damage too. To avoid this, users should consult their instruction’s manual when buying needles. It’s also important to understand that different types of fabric require different, specialized needles. 

In addition to using the right needles, it’s also important to use the right thread with the right needle size. If there’s any reason to suspect a sewing machine isn’t operating correctly, it should be taken to a professional for repair. A sewing machine should also be tuned at least once every two years. 

How Many Stitches Does a Beginner Need in a Sewing Machine? 

When it comes to availability of stitches, sewing machines vary widely. Some very basic machines will have six stitches. More sophisticated sewing machines can average about 80 stitches with the most complex topping out around 200. With so many different choices, it’s difficult to determine how many stitch options are enough and what’s an overkill for a beginner. 

To make this decision easier, it’s important to consider what types of projects will be completed with the machine. If a user plans to complete only simple sewing projects like hems, patches and some minor home décor, a machine with six stitch options may be appropriate. A straight stitch is the most popular and common type of sewing done with a sewing machine. Even the most basic machines will have a straight stitch installed. 

However, if basic sewing projects aren’t on the agenda, it’s very important to determine what type of stitch options are available. For instance, some decorative sewing will require a variety of specialized stitches that aren’t included for all types of machines. To help you make the decision, do a bit of research about the type of projects you want to complete. Pay close attention to the type of stitching being used and compare it to what is offered by all machines being considered for purchase. 

Do Sewing Machines Need Free Arm Capabilities? 

No, it’s not a requirement for a sewing machine to have free arm capabilities. However, it can be unnecessarily limiting without this feature. Sewing narrow and round garment pieces is difficult, if not impossible, without free arm capabilities. At first notion, it might not seem like a big deal, but when you consider that you won’t be able to sew sleeves, pant hems and other tiny garments or spaces, it proves to be a little less appealing to purchase a machine without this option. The good news is even the most budget-friendly sewing machines have some type of free arm abilities. But it is important to check reviews to see how easy or difficult it is to use this feature. 

What’s the Difference Between a Built-in and Manual Needle Threader? 

When reading specifications regarding the best sewing machines under $100, it’s important to know whether the machine you are considering features a built-in needle threader or a manual needle threader. There’s no way to tell which feature is best. Instead, it comes down to a personal preference. The built-in needle threader is faster for most users. 

A manual threader requires the user to manually thread a machine’s needle. Even those with very good eyesight, threading a machine’s needle can be tricky and time-consuming. To eliminate frustration and reduce prep time, many buyers opt for a machine that features a built-in needle threader. 

What’s the Difference Between a Thread Cutter and an Automatic Thread Cutter? 

Another area of confusion for some buyers is the difference between a thread cutter and an automatic thread cutter. Although the features are similar in name and function, they are two separate features. Not knowing the difference between the two can lead to disappointment in a purchase. 

To eliminate the confusion, it’s important to know that an automatic thread cutter revolves around the thread and needle being used in the machine. When a line of stitching is complete, the machine will automatically cut the thread. A thread cutter is a device built in to a sewing machine that is meant to replace traditional scissors. 

Usually this feature is built-in in to the top left hand corner of the machine. It usually resembles a small hook. A user can use this hook in place of scissors to make a nice, straight cut in thread. 

Are Drop-in Bobbin Systems Better than Traditional Bobbin Systems? 

A point of frustration for those new to using a sewing machine used to revolve around the bobbin. While not incredibly difficult, it does require a bit of practice to master. If the bobbin is not installed correctly, it can create many issues and effect the quality of stitches or ability to sew with the machine at all. Sewing machine manufacturers are aware of the issue and worked to create a better system. While traditional bobbin systems haven’t been eliminated, many new systems use a drop-in bobbin system that makes it incredibly easy to use a sewing machine. 

With a drop-in bobbin system, users simply open a plastic cover at the top of the machine and drop the bobbin in place. Users will know whether the bobbin is in place with just a glance because these systems use a clear, plastic cover that allows the bobbin to easily be seen. 

What’s an Automatic Buttonhole Foot? 

When going over sewing machine specifications, you will see that most models describe a one-step or four-step buttonhole. Fortunately, this term is simple to understand once you realize what it is in reference to. As you might expect from the name, it’s a feature that allows buttonholes to be created quickly and perfectly. Some machines even offer the option of putting a button in place and allowing the buttonholes to be created around it. Even if you don’t plan on sewing clothes, it’s ideal to choose a machine with some type of automatic buttonhole foot to make this process faster and easier to do. 

Final Thoughts and Recommendations 

As the above information has proved, there are many features to consider when shopping for the best sewing machine under $100. By taking the time to assess skill and budget before making a final decision, users will be better able to determine what machine meets their needs and expectations. Other considerations to take into account include the brand of the machine, whether there is a warranty involved with purchase and the type of projects that will be completed. When the information above has been gone over completely, it will be possible for anyone to buy the best machine for their budget.

Author: Maryna Laas

My name is Maryna Laas. I am the muse, main author and owner of this site. As a child, I loved to sew dresses for dolls, and when I turned 16 I decided to learn sewing and design. I'm a psychologist. But my vocation through all my life has been designing clothes. I discovered a lot of secret techniques which I am eager to share with you.