Best Sewing Machine Under $200

Buying a new sewing machine can be very exciting, but overwhelming, especially if this is your first machine. There are different machines for different purposes. However, if you are looking for a great in-home use machine, there are many budget-friendly options. Let’s take a closer look at best sewing machines under $200. 

Brother HC1850 – Very Easy to Use 

If you are looking for a machine for both general sewing purposes and quilting, the Brother HC1850 fits the bill. This sewing and quilting machine is easy for a beginner to learn to use and has plenty of bells and whistles to interest the intermediate and expert sewers. 

It comes with a table for larger projects, plenty of accessories and a 25-year warranty. 

There are many features that a beginner would find helpful, but the one feature that will make or break a new sewer is the machine set up. So, is this machine easy to set up? The answer is “yes”. It may actually be harder to get it out of the box than to get the machine up and running. An instructional DVD, which will help if you get stuck along the way, is also included. The DVD is great for people that like to have clear visual instructions to follow along the way. Anyone who is looking for a lightweight machine that can do quilts and other general sewing might find this machine useful. Thanks to an easy setup and plenty of customer support, a beginner could be sewing as soon as the machine is threaded and ready to go. There are plenty of features that an advanced sewer may also like about this machine. However, if you are going to do larger quilting projects, this might not be the machine for you. 

Brother CS6000i – Fast Machine 

The CS6000i is a user-friendly machine. The selector switch enables you to see the stitches as you select them. This helps to take the guesswork out of picking the best stitch. 

The machine features 60 built-in sewing stitches and has nine presser feet. It also comes with a detachable wide table for making larger projects. 

Is this machine suitable for you? Brother designed this machine to be an easy to use machine. If you are interested in creating quilts and other items for your family and friends, it may be the one for you. However, the narrow throat may make it challenging to maneuver a lot of fabric. It may take a little patience to push a lot of fabric threw the machine. There are plenty of features that may grab the attention of an advanced sewer. If you are a beginner looking for a machine that will grow with you, this might be the machine for you. 

Singer 7258 – Versatile

The Singer 7258 is a versatile machine. The 100 built-in stitches are perfect for making fashion accessories as well as decorative items for your home. 

The computerized machine comes with an instructional DVD to help you get started. 

Switching stitches are as simple as pushing a button. You also can control the stitch tension, width and length. 

This machine has won the Consumers Digest Award. 

The Singer 7258 may be the best machine for a beginner who wants to grow as a sewist. Its advanced features may help a beginner learn new skills as well as keep an advanced sewist interested. Its versatility let’s sewers easily do different projects – from creating clothes to home decor. However, the machine can only be used in the United States and Canada. 

Janome 2212 – Perfect for a Beginner 

The Janome 2212 features 12 built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole. The free arm and the drop feed allow this machine to be sued for all types of sewing. The machine is not computerized. This takes nothing away from the machine. It means that the Janome 2212 is durable, low maintenance and will last. 

If you are looking for a machine with bells and whistles, this may not be the machine for you. If you are looking for a first machine for a young sewer or just want a basic sewing machine around the house, then this one might be it. This portable machine may be also of interest to sewers on the go. 

Singer 4423 – Made for Speed 

Singer 4423 is a heavy-duty machine. It can handle a variety of material – from canvas, leather, upholstery to silk and lace. It comes with 23 built-in stitches, 12 of which are decorative. 

The machine is made of a heavy-duty steel interior frame and stainless steel bed frame. It is still considered portable weighing in at 14.5 pounds. 

This machine is considered to be a machine for beginners, however, it is fast enough that it might catch the eye of those intermediate and advanced sewers. The top speed of the machine should not scare off a beginner, it is just like driving a car. Hopefully, you do not put the pedal to the metal. For the sewers who like to get the job done quickly, this may be the one for you. For those who work with heavier fabrics may find this machine has a place in your home. 

Brother XR3774 – Quilting Machine 

Want to learn to quilt? The Brother XR3774 is not only a machine for general sewing purposes, but it is also a quilting machine that is aimed at beginners. 

The machine comes with 37 built-in stitches that include quilting, decorative stitches and a blind hem. The machine comes pre-oiled, making it easy for you to get started on a project right away. 

Will a beginner be able to grow with this machine? This machine is easy to use, but also has enough different features, that a beginner sewer could grow and learn with this machine. Even an advanced sewer may find this machine fun to use. For those who want to start learning to quilt, you may find that this is the machine that you are looking for. The fact that there is no needed maintenance right out of the box is a nice plus. 

Brother XR955OPRW – Project Runway Computerized Sewing Machine 

Are you ready to tap into your inner designer and hit the runway? The Brother XR9550PRW Limited Edition Project Runway may be the machine for you. 

The machine comes with 100 built-in stitches that include decorative and heirloom stitches. The zigzag and decorative stitches are supersized at 7mm. 

Who is the machine made for? This machine is aimed at a beginner sewer. It is easy to set up and has plenty of stitches to explore. This may also be the machine for a sewer that has outgrown their basic beginner machine and is ready to dive into a machine that has a few more bells and whistles. This is not the machine for a sewer who is going to be sewing on a lot of denim and other heavy fabrics. 

Singer 4411 – Great for all Fabrics 

The Singer 4411 is made with a sturdy metal frame. Why does this matter? Well, the studier the frame, the better it is to tackle heavy fabrics. But that’s not all it can do. Thanks to the adjustable presser foot, you can sew on delicate fabrics too. With this machine, you may be able to make curtains today and a new shirt for the office tomorrow. 

This machine comes with a lot of great features. It is a fast machine at 1,100 stitches per minute. There are 11 built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole maker. 

The Singer 4411 is only warranted in the United States and Canada. 

Have you been out of the sewing game for a while? If you are looking to get back into sewing, it may be worth taking a closer look at this machine. If you are new to sewing, this is a machine that you will not outgrow quickly. Though it may take some time to get adjusted to the speed, this machine may be perfect for a young adult or an older child in the family, especially if they are in scouts or 4-H. Why? This machine can sew patches. 

Singer 4432 – Solid Machine 

The Singer 4432 is a solid machine. It is able to handle both heavy and lightweight fabrics. It comes with 32 built-in stitches that include a one-step buttonhole. 

This machine is also known for its speed – 1,100 stitches per minute. It is also known for its unbelievable reverse stitch. This machine can go into reverse like it’s no one’s business. 

Is this machine solely for a beginner sewer? Though it may be good for a beginner who is looking for a machine that can tackle a wide range of projects, this machine may be also a good choice for an advanced sewer. However, a brand new sewer may have trouble, at first, getting used to the speed of the machine. This machine has just enough stitches and not to mention a lot of power that an advanced sewer may appreciate. The fact that the machine is easy to use and set up, it could easily appeal to all sewers. The Singer Assistant app could be a great way to expand your sewing knowledge or it can be a resource for help when you need it. 

Brother XM1010 – Full-Size Portable Machine 

The Brother XM1010 is as beginner friendly as possible. If you are in the market for a lightweight machine that is ideal for everyday sewing, this machine fits that description perfectly. 

It comes with 10 built-in stitches and an automatic bobbin winder. The easy to use stitch selector makes selecting stitches a breeze. 

This machine may be the one that would satisfy the needs of a true beginner sewer. The machine’s basic features may not seem so intimidating, allowing a beginner sewer to start making projects. This machine may also be just what a sewing instructor would not mind lugging from class to class. What about more experienced sewists? An experienced sewist may enjoy this machine for a couple of reasons. One being that it could make for a wonderful second machine. The second reason is for the portability. If you spend time traveling or camping, this could be the machine that gets packed to go along on the trip. Also, a sewer with a heavy-duty machine might find this useful for a quick mending job or a small project. 

Brother CS 6000i Introduction & Unboxing Video

Final Thoughts 

There is no doubt that there are a lot of great machines for under $200 dollars. Now, it comes down to which machine is going to help you create the amazing projects that you have your heart set on making. There are many machines that are geared towards the beginner. However, there is plenty here that will definitely peak the interest of the more seasoned sewer. Are you looking for a machine that is portable, that can be moved from room to room or to take on the go? Or is a sturdier machine on your horizon because you are itching to create either that first or next big quilt? They are both represented here. This budget price point does not, by any means, take away from all the great features that these machines have. Hopefully, now you have a few favorites that you would like to explore more. Take a breath and continue to do more reading if necessary. Sewing is a wonderful activity, but it starts with the right machine for both you and the intended job. Happy Sewing!

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.