You don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive sewing machines to get a durable model that will cater to your sewing needs for ages, especially if you’re a beginner. Most machines under $200 are effective and will aid you in cutting down expenses while nurturing your sewing skills. However, not all sewing machines under $200 come with the same features. Getting the right model is super-easy if you know the right features to look into. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewer, you will get a machine with unique features that suit your needs.
Our team reviewed the six best sewing machines under $200 on the market and the top pick is the Brother XM2701. The features we based our selection on include the type, sewing speed, number of stitches, automatic needle threader, size, weight, etc. There are several types of sewing machines under $200 from electrical, and mechanical to computerized models that you can purchase and kick off your sewing projects. The machines we reviewed offer different speeds to cater to the needs of all sewers. Some users prefer to use high or low-speed options depending on the material they are sewing.
Other features: drop-in top bobbin, 6 sewing feet, versatile free arm, 1 one-step buttonhole, 5 mm stitch width, 4 mm stitch length, 25-year warranty
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine comes with 27 built in-stitches tailored for creating decorative, zigzag, blind hem, auto-size, and stretch stitches.
The accessories you will get include twin needles, six sewing feet, 3- pieces needle set, four bobbins, and an instructional polylingual DVD manual to walk you through setting and using your machine.
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine has nice features. Its automatic needle threader ensures your thread fits perfectly through your needle to start your sewing projects fast. It has a versatile free arm that blends with a variety of sewing projects. The seller says that this machine makes up to 850 stitches per minute using 40 to 60 weight threads.
You can also use Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine for reverse stitching though the manufacturers claim it’s slower than forward stitching.
Some users say Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine can sew denim provided you have a jeans needle.
Other buyers love its bright LED lights. They advise beginners to invest in extra lighting when traveling or if you’re planning to sew for several hours.
Experts state that its automatic one-step buttonhole suits making perfect buttonholes. They also claim that the drop-in bobbin and automatic bobbin winding system are effective.
Overall, most customers’ say this machine has a lightweight design that suits beginning and seasoned sewers.
The best part is Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine manufacturers guarantee lifetime technical support. You will figure out how to use it in minutes.
Some customers, however, complained it has a short lifespan. Others were frustrated because of the design flaws like the foot lever.
Other features: a 4-step buttonhole, easy stitch selector, easy reverse feed lever, easy drop-in bobbin, 6.5mm stitch width, 4mm stitch length
Designed in Japan, Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine is a low-shank machine perfect for beginners and seasoned sewers alike.
It operates quietly and comes with foot control, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, extra bobbins, needles, instruction book, dust cover, and a warranty card. You will also get a speed control system.
Fabric hut mentions that this equipment is easy to use and suits learning and traveling. They advise beginners to watch the included DVD to master how to use it.
Other buyers say Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine is a lightweight machine that sews through seams with normal weight and thickness. You can use it to sew leather.
You should use a bigger needle with the Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine though it can’t handle several layers. The sellers say it’s not ideal for sewing leather. Target a durable, heavy-duty machine for making perfect leather stitches.
Experts say Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine handles chiffon and other delicate fabrics if you use a #10 needle. It can also work with twin needles since it does zigzag stitches.
The seller recommends using Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine for large sewing projects. Most users say that its throat plate is not wide enough to accommodate an 8mm size twin needle.
Some users mentioned that they used this machine to sew six layers of cotton with ease. Few customers complained it’s difficult to switch the needles. Other customers said that its dogs are ineffective.
Other features: large extension table, foot pedal, automatic bobbin rewinder, upgraded environmental material
KPCB Mini Sewing Machine comes with durable quality, unlike several sewing machines under $200. It handles several fabrics from hard silk, soft jeans, wool, denim, linen to cotton.
The packaging includes one extension table, foot pedal, UL adapter, 90/14 needle, needle threader, four bobbins, and a manual.
You will get a built-in thread cutter that fosters easy sewing and a foot pedal for regulating the speed while adjusting fabrics with your hands. This machine also comes with a wide extensions table for stabilizing it and holding your sewing equipment.
KPCB Mini Sewing Machine has been designed with convenience and safety in mind. The design of the cuff slot makes it super-easy to sew your pants, legs, and sleeves. Its adapter has been authenticated for the safety of sewers.
With its automatic bobbin rewinding feature, you will replace your bobbin fast. You can select your preferred speed from the high and low-speed option. You can also operate the KPCB Mini Sewing Machine using batteries for outdoor use.
Overall, KPCB Mini Sewing Machine one straight line stitching favors children who want to master how to stitch. Experts recommend it for kids due to its compact size though they will need some guidance from an adult.
Most users say KPCB Mini Sewing Machine is easy to engineer and use. Others claim it’s too flimsy and breaks threads.
Other features: 4-step buttonhole, free arm, user guide
Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners is the perfect model for kids yearning to make DIY crafts like aprons and lunch bags. You can use it for sewing trousers and sleeves though it blends with several daily sewing projects.
The manufacturers confirm that you can use Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners to sew linen, elastic fabric, micro velvet, chiffon, and woolen clothes, among others. Do some test sewing to check the condition of your thread before sewing.
You can turn your knob and pick your preferred stitch type from the 12 built-in stitches. You will get a 4-step buttonhole presser foot to make perfect buttonholes. One customer mentioned that #11 universal needles blend with this machine.
Some users say Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners can quilt tops though it only comes with a standard foot. You will have to purchase a quilting foot.
Most buyers state that this machine is compact and portable compared to several traditional sewing machines. It occupies very little space, and you can carry it to camps, or workplaces.
Some users say that it runs slowly when sewing heavy fabrics. Several customers complained it’s made of cheap metal. Others claimed that it’s loud, the needles are hard to thread and replace.
Read the manual or watch the detailed videos to master how to thread your machine, use the needle threader, and load your bobbin.
Overall, Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners is a great sewing machine if you master the sewing techniques. You will get up to one and a half hours runtime if you use batteries.
Other features: built-in LED light, thread cutter, automatic bobbin rewinder, circular sewing
With a portable and compact design, Kehangda Mini Sewing Machine is recommended for beginners, children, or anyone seeking to boost their sewing skills. It handles several fabrics like silk, cotton, polyester, thin wool, and leather, among others.
The sellers say Kehangda Mini Sewing Machine is specially designed for circular and straight-line sews. The Circular sewing option suits sewing trousers and sleeves.
The accessories you will get include a plug, user manual, pedal, and a sewing kit with a threader, needle, and four bobbins. This machine also comes with LED lights to enhance your vision during the day or at night.
Kehangda Mini Sewing Machine has speed controls. You can adjust your speed according to your preferences using the high or low-speed button while using the hands and foot pedal operations.
Kehangla confirms that its safety features include a safety cover around the needle to safeguard you against injuries. You will get a non-slip suction cup that prevents slipping during operation.
Overall, Kehangda Mini Sewing Machine is reliable and operates fast. Experts say it’s the perfect machine for anyone who enjoys crafting and working on the fabrics of shirts, purses, bags, and skirts. You can also use it to sew hanging curtains, pillows, handicrafts, and bed covers.
Other features: foot control, lighting lamp, double thread, auto winding, replaceable foot, thread cutter, reverse sewing
The Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine is a versatile and easy to use machine recommended for beginners, kids, women, girls who cherish DIY sewing.
It comes with a lighting lamp, replaceable foot, auto winding thread cutter, among other awesome accessories.
Experts say that this machine has beginner-friendly features. Its overlook presser foot prevents your threads from unraveling, and the spacing of the needles comes in handy for customizing your stitches.
You can use the pedals that foster easy foot control to start your machine automatically and eliminate the need for using the foot control. You can also use Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine to reverse sew your fabrics and seal all loose ends.
Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine has been manufactured with safety features in mind. It has an anti-slip bottom pad that ensures your machine stays firm while in use.
You will get beginner-friendly features like two power supply modes that make sewing more convenient.
Experts say you can use Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine to access cuffs, pant hems, collars and other hard to access areas in your clothes.
Overall, this machine is a perfect fit for both beginning and advanced sewers. It has everything you need to begin sewing from a needle threader, bobbins, needle, and power adapter. Its compact nature suits traveling and storage.
You can go through the manual to get an overview of how to use it.
There are several sewing machines under $200 like Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine, Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, and Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine with unique features that suit different sewers.
Some of the machines are beginner-friendly, while others are tailored to intermediate sewers. You can easily make the wrong choice if you ignore unique features like the sewing speed that make a machine unique.
In this section, we will cover some of the features to consider before investing in a machine under $200, their benefits, how to care for your machine, and the frequently asked questions.
Sewing machines under $200 have several things in common. Most of them are beginner-friendly, easy to engineer and use. Experts say they are a great fit for children or adults seeking to practice and master sewing.
Machines under $200 are ideal for traveling and camping due to their compact nature. You can get a beginner-friendly model for your kids to practice as they grow.
Like some advanced and expensive sewing machines, the models under $200 offer countless benefits. Beginners to intermediate sewers alike can use them to nurture their sewing and quilting skills.
The sewing machines under $200 have several sewing accessories. Most of them are portable and require less storage space. Models like KPCB Mini Sewing Machine have batteries and LED lights favoring camping and other outdoor activities.
You will get an instructional DVD, or you can watch YouTube videos to walk you through using a sewing machine.
Sewing machines under $200 have different controls, speed, needles, and buttonholes, among others. Whether you’re a beginner, or a seasoned sewer, selecting a machine with the right specs offers countless benefits in the long-term.
There are several features that you can look into before making any purchase, but in this guide, we will narrow down into major features like the type, weight, and size that will aid you in picking your dream machine.
The three common types of sewing machines are computerized, electric, and mechanical.
Computerized sewing machines are the most advanced. Most of computerized machines cost over $500 or more, and they work fast according to your settings though experts don’t recommend them for non-techies.
Electric sewing machines like Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine, or Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine are not as expensive as the computerized sewing machines. They have advanced features like a display screen, push to start buttons, and pre-installed features.
Mechanical sewing machines are the most common types in the market. They rely on dials and manual threading to operate. Experts say mechanical sewing machines under $200 suit small to lightweight sewing projects.
We have sewing machines relying on dial controls, pushbuttons, and pedals to operate. The controls you want your machine to come with depends on your preferences.
Machines with more advanced controls and features are costly compared to those under $200.
You can use the pedal or the foot controls to start the Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine, Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine.
The Kehangda Mini Sewing Machine has speed controls. You can adjust your speed using the low or high-speed button.
Sewing machines have varying sewing speeds. We recommend investing in machines with moderate sewing speeds if you’re a beginner.
You can purchase a machine that offers a high-speed option like the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine that offers 800 SPM if you handle large sewing projects.
The Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners and KPCB Mini Sewing Machine offer 350 and 330 SPM, respectively.
There are several types of needles from universal to sharp needles meant for different fabrics.
Our machines like the Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine requires #10 needles. Experts claim its throat plate is not wide enough to accommodate an 8 mm size twin needle.
The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine comes with twin needles and 3- pieces needle set. It can sew denim if you have denim needles.
Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners works with #11 universal needles for sewing heavy fabrics, linen, and calico. Experts recommend using a 90/14 needle with KPCB Mini Sewing Machine to sew medium to heavy, linen and calico fabrics.
The machines we selected have from 12 to 27 built-in stitches. Experts say models like the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine with 27 built-in stitches suit intermediate to seasoned sewers. It can make several types of stitches from decorative, zigzag, auto-size, blind hem to stretch stitches.
The stitch length and width work jointly. Sewing machines have stitch length ranging from 0 to 6 mm though experts claim most machines come with an average of 2.5 mm stitch length.
Our top picks like Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine has 5 mm stitch width and 4 mm stitch length. The Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine offers 6.5mm stitch width and 4mm stitch length.
The feed is crucial since it determines how your needles interact with the fabrics you’re sewing. There are several types of feed mechanisms from drop feed, differential feeds, needle feed, walking foot to puller feed mechanism.
Machines compatible with several types of feed mechanisms are costly compared to those with simple feed mechanisms.
You can purchase equipment with a 7-point feed dog like the Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine. It also has a reverse feed lever.
The two common types of load bobbins are drop-in and front load bobbin.
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine and Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine have a drop-in top bobbin system. Kehangda Mini Sewing Machine and KPCB Mini Sewing Machine have an automatic bobbin rewinder.
Machines with automatic needle threader options aid users to effortlessly thread their machines in the eye of needles. It saves times for users with poor visions or fat fingers
The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine has automatic needle threaders.
The presser foot prevents your fabrics from rising and falling while stitching. Our machines with a presser foot include the Top-Spring Portable Sewing Machine and Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners. The sellers claim the presser foot in Luby
Sewing Machine for Beginners suits crafting perfect buttonholes.
The weight of a machine affects its price. Several heavy-duty sewing machines designed for large projects are costly compared to lightweight ones handling small tasks.
Our machines under $200 are compact, and they weigh between 1.9 to 13 lbs.
Following the right care and maintenance practices will lengthen the lifespan of your sewing machine. It can be as simple as storing your machine in a cool, dry place away from children and investing in a durable dust cover to safeguard the internal components. Experts recommend using high-quality threads to avoid lint build up in your equipment.
Choosing the best sewing machine under $200 is not as hard as it seems. Yes, there are lots of awesome models, and you can easily make the wrong choice if you ignore the key features that we covered above. This guide has everything you need to pick the best sewing machine aligning with your needs.
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine is our first pick. It’s a versatile and compact machine with 27 built-in stitches and awesome accessories. You can use this machine for reverse stitching though the manufacturer claims it will be slower compared to forward stitching.
Juki HZL-29Z Sewing Machine is a low-shank machine that operates quietly. It’s the best machine for sewing delicate fabrics and handling large sewing projects.
Our third pick is KPCB Mini Sewing Machine. It is a durable electric sewing machine made from upgraded environmental material.
