Sewing machines

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Sewing machines

What's behind our sewing machine Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 23 models in sewing machines to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is sewing performance and ease of use.
Sewing performance
Combines scores of technical evaluations on sewing seams, stitch types, button holes, hems, zippers insertion, including sewing on a variety of fabric types & weights.
Ease of use
Trained panelists evaluated overall ease of use and features that compose ergonomics of the sewing machine. The test panel evaluated a standard set of activities using a copy of the owner's manual as primary reference.

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Recommended sewing machines

Recommended sewing machines are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended sewing machines

Sewing machine buying guide

To find the sewing machine that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy sewing machines in a safe-shopping environment.

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A few hundred dollars buys a good, basic sewing machine that can handle most clothing and crafts projects. More money buys you more automated functions, and a top-of-the-line machine can help you to produce professional-quality designs. If you're looking for information about sewing machines, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ sewing machine reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our sewing machine buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and sewing machine reviews to help you choose the best dewing machine for your needs.

Ratings & recommended sewing machines

Sewing machines (23)

Spending more doesn't guarantee better performance, but being cheap usually isn't a good idea either. No machine does it all, so consider the projects you'll make and the fabrics you'll use.

Sewing machine buying guide

Maybe you're one of the millions of viewers who became hooked on the Bravo TV series "Project Runway." Or maybe you haven't cut into a piece of fabric since junior high school but would like to get back into making your own clothes. If so, you might be surprised by how feature-laden the current generation of sewing machines has become. This sewing machine guide will help you choose.

If you remember an old Singer machine in your house, you might be surprised by the new machines on the market. Our current testing features sewing machines that can recommend the proper presser foot, determine the right thread tension and stitch length, size and sew a buttonhole, and automatically cut the thread.

The best sewing machine for you depends on your skill level and budget. Before buying a sewing machine, assess your needs and skills. Consider, too, how you might use the machine when your skills improve (independent shops might offer you a free tutorial; many also have low-priced classes). Typically, people keep a sewing machine for at least 10 years.

Singer, Brother, and Kenmore are the top-selling sewing machines, but brands such as Bernina and Husqvarna Viking are gaining in popularity. Choose your retailer wisely. Different retail channels offer different advantages. Stores such as Sears often have sales, but if the machine needs repairs, it might have to be sent to a central repair shop where the wait can be weeks. Retailers like Walmart, Kmart, and Target do not do repairs. An independent shop might not have the lowest prices but it usually offers more personalized service; repairs can often be done in the store, sometimes even on the spot. Note that some models are only sold at authorized dealers (usually independent stores), that offer instructional classes and repairs.

Look for sales (stores typically discount sewing machines around Christmas and Mother's Day) and try before you buy. Test out several machines on a variety of fabrics and settings to make sure that they stitch evenly and are easy to use.

When you sew, be sure to use the right needle. A dull one, or the wrong kind, can bend and damage the fabric and/or machine. Change your needles after every project or when switching fabric types. And at least every two years (more if you sew a lot), take your sewing machine in for a tune-up.

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