The short answerMost beginners should buy a full-size mechanical machine with a metal frame, a straight stitch, a zigzag and a one-step buttonhole. That's $130 to $250. A used metal machine that's been serviced is a great buy for less.
What to buy
Tightest budget
Used or refurbished full-size machine with straight and zigzag stitches
Older metal machines sew beautifully and can last decades. Budget $80 to $150 for a tune-up if the seller can't show it sewing.
$50 to $200
See options on Amazon →Most beginners
New mechanical machine, metal frame, 10 to 25 stitches, one-step buttonhole
Dials you can see and understand, with little to go wrong. There's no speed limiter, so the foot pedal takes some practice.
$130 to $250
See options on Amazon →Nervous about speed, or teaching a kid
Entry-level computerized machine with a speed slider and needle up/down
You set a top speed and it won't run away from you. The electronics add parts that can fail, and repairs cost more.
$180 to $400
See options on Amazon →Denim, canvas and bags
Heavy-duty mechanical machine with a stronger motor
Pushes through jean hems and several layers of canvas. It's still a home machine, so thick leather and upholstery are beyond it.
$200 to $350
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
For one hem or one costume, borrow a machine from a relative or use one at a library makerspace or sewing studio. You don't need to buy anything to find out if you like sewing.
What the numbers mean
- Mechanical vs computerized
- Mechanical machines use dials and levers. Computerized ones use buttons and a screen, and add helpers like speed control and automatic needle stop. Both sew the same seam.
- Stitches
- You need straight, zigzag and a buttonhole. A stretch stitch and a blind hem are nice extras. Everything past that is decoration.
- Metal frame
- The skeleton inside the plastic shell. Metal keeps the moving parts lined up for years and makes the machine heavy enough to stay put on the table.
- One-step buttonhole
- You drop a button into the foot and the machine sews a matching hole in one go. A four-step buttonhole works too, with more fiddling.
- Presser foot pressure
- How hard the foot holds the fabric down. An adjustable dial lets you ease up on thin or stretchy fabric, and the cheapest machines often leave it out.
What not to pay for
- Mini and handheld machines
The $30 to $60 minis tend to skip stitches and jam, and they're rarely worth repairing. They put a lot of people off sewing.
- A high stitch count
100 or 200 stitches sounds generous. Most people use 3 or 4.
- A serger on day 1
A serger (a machine that trims and wraps seam edges) is a second machine for later. A zigzag stitch finishes edges fine while you learn.
Keep your fingers a couple of inches from the needle. Switch the machine off before you change the needle or presser foot.
Questions
Is a used sewing machine a good idea?
Often, yes. Ask to see it sew on a fabric scrap, and listen for grinding. Check that it comes with a foot pedal, bobbin case and manual, and skip anything with parts you can't find anymore.
Do I need a heavy-duty machine for jeans?
For hemming jeans now and then, a regular metal-frame machine with a denim needle in size 100/16 does it. Buy heavy-duty if thick fabric is most of what you sew.
What else do I need on day 1?
Universal needles in size 80/12, all-purpose polyester thread, fabric scissors, pins or clips, and a seam ripper. Change the needle after about 8 hours of sewing.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.