Choosing a good first sewing machine

(This page contains affiliate links)

If you are in the market for a new sewing machine you might be struggling about which one to pick. Here's my advice: choose a heavy duty machine that is not computerized and is around $300. Such as this Janome HD1000. I do not own this machine but it has good reviews and I like Janome.

Machines that cost less than $300 tend to not be great quality. Does it have to be heavy duty? No, it's just my preference to have a sturdy machine that is made of metal instead of plastic. I dislike computerized machines with a whole bunch of unnecessary features. I like to have a machine that can handle thick layers with ease.

My Sewing Machines

Every now and then someone asks me what sewing machine I have. I don't necessarily recommend that you purchase these machines because both of them were purchased with quilting functionality being the #1 priority.

However, if you are interested in quilting, definitely check these out!

Janome 5060QDC

If you are interested in learning more about the sewing machine I use, Janome 5060QDC, you can check out the video below.

I chose this machine specifically because it has attachments for quilting. I wanted a machine that would work well for making clothes and quilts. It is good quality and has really great features.

One thing that I REALLY don't like about it is that it makes a high frequency noise while it is on. You can't hear it while you are sewing and sometimes I don't notice it at all, but when I do....it makes me feel really disappointed in the machine.

I have been very happy with this machine. It's the one I am using in the Rope Basket tutorial. I don't necessarily recommend this machine if you are not interested in pursuing quilting becuase you could get a lower priced machine that works great for general purpose sewing.