There are so so many elements you could worry about when picking a sewing machine. If you just want to get started sewing though, I would only worry about whether it can sew through the fabrics you want to sew with, and whether the design is user friendly. Don’t worry about any fancy stitches or add-ons. A good starter machine will allow you to learn enough to know what you’ll be looking for when you are ready to upgrade your machine.
If you are teaching children, one of my main considerations is speed control. A sewing machine sews the same way you drive a car, the further you push down the pedal, the faster it goes. Pressing only a little while learning can be particularly hard for children. With speed control you are able to slow down the machine even if your kid is pedal to the metal.
For Teaching Kids to Sew
The Brother CS7000X has speed control and 70 stitches. I’ve personally had a very similar brother for nearly a decade and it is still the first machine I go to when I start a new project. This machine has a needle threader and comes with 10 different feet (which allow you to do different stitches and types of projects). The minor computerization allows the machine to give error messages instead of running when a problem occurs. This allows you to fix the problem before it becomes a bigger one. The Brother website has the manual for this machine available online, as well as FAQs and simple troubleshooting tips. https://www.brother-usa.com/support/cs7000x
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Cost Conscious
The Brother XM2701 is my recommendation if you’d like to learn to sew, and just need something to get you started. It has 27 stitches, instead of the overwhelming hundreds that some expensive machines have. It is on the low end of the price range under $150 USD, but will allow you to get started with anything from quilting, clothing making, bag making, or other sewn crafts. The brother website has answers to many questions you could have about the machine as you’re starting to use it, including accessories that go with it, and having the manual available electronically.https://support.brother.com/g/b/cotop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_xm2701eus
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Heavy Duty Project Ready
My last beginner machine recommendation is the Singer Heavy Duty. Like its name states, it can handle more than the machines I’ve recommended so far. If you know you’re going to sew with thicker fabrics like canvas, or make aprons, bags, or outdoor items this is your machine. The function of this machine is still going to be basic enough for a first time user, but your capabilities will be elevated. Even with these additional capabilities, you’ll still be able to sew lighter weight fabrics like cottons, so it is a great overall machine.
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Let me know which machine you pick and how you like it!
