What Is the Best Cheap Sewing Machine?

best cheap sewing machine

Sewing machines, especially good quality ones, can be expensive, and that can put a lot of people off a hobby that is not only enjoyable and rewarding, but that also encourages sustainability and self-sufficiency, which are both important assets.

With that in mind, we’ve sourced five sewing machines for around $100, with several under $50, giving you a range of options for an affordable sewing start.

 

The Top 5 Affordable Sewing Machines

Preview
MICHLEY LSS-505 Lil' Sew & Sew Multi-Purpose Sewing Machine with Built-in Stitches
NEX Sewing Machine, Crafting Mending Machine, Children Present Portable with 12 Built-In Stitches
Portable Sewing, Amado Portable Sewing Double Speed Mini Sewing Machine White and Purple Design
Bestseller
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet
SINGER | Start 1304 Sewing Machine with 6 Built-in Stitches, Free Arm Sewing Machine - Best Sewing...
Model
Michely LSS-505 Lil' Sew & Sew
Nex Sewing Machine
Amado Portable Sewing Machine
Brother XM2701 Lightweight
Singer Start 1304
Built-In Stitches
8 Built-in Stitches
12 Built-in Stitches
No
27 Built-in Stitches
6 Built-in Stitches
Weight
5.35 pounds
6 pounds
2.12 pounds
12.6 pounds
9.8 Pounds
Prime
-
-
-
Preview
MICHLEY LSS-505 Lil' Sew & Sew Multi-Purpose Sewing Machine with Built-in Stitches
Model
Michely LSS-505 Lil' Sew & Sew
Built-In Stitches
8 Built-in Stitches
Weight
5.35 pounds
Prime
-
Preview
NEX Sewing Machine, Crafting Mending Machine, Children Present Portable with 12 Built-In Stitches
Model
Nex Sewing Machine
Built-In Stitches
12 Built-in Stitches
Weight
6 pounds
Prime
Preview
Portable Sewing, Amado Portable Sewing Double Speed Mini Sewing Machine White and Purple Design
Model
Amado Portable Sewing Machine
Built-In Stitches
No
Weight
2.12 pounds
Prime
-
Bestseller
Preview
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet
Model
Brother XM2701 Lightweight
Built-In Stitches
27 Built-in Stitches
Weight
12.6 pounds
Prime
Preview
SINGER | Start 1304 Sewing Machine with 6 Built-in Stitches, Free Arm Sewing Machine - Best Sewing...
Model
Singer Start 1304
Built-In Stitches
6 Built-in Stitches
Weight
9.8 Pounds
Prime
-

#5: Michely LSS-505 Lil’ Sew & Sew

MICHLEY LSS-505 Lil' Sew & Sew Multi-Purpose Sewing Machine with Built-in Stitches

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This is a two-speed sewing machine with eight pre-set stitch patterns.

It is easy to use, and an ideal and affordable machine for children just learning to sew.  However, it handles thinner fabric best, and the bobbin holder design could use some improvement. In the current design, the bobbin very easily comes loose while the machine is running.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Good for children

Cons:

  • Poor bobbin holder design
  • Not good for use with thicker fabrics

Value For Money?

This might make a good back up sewing machine, or a gift for a child progressing to machine sewing. However, for larger projects, or those using thicker fabric, a more expensive machine might be a better option.

MICHLEY LSS-505 Lil' Sew & Sew Multi-Purpose Sewing Machine with Built-in Stitches
  • 8 Built-in Stitch Patterns.Automatic Thread Rewind
  • 2 Speed settings.Forward & Reverse Sewing
  • Double Thread

#4: Nex Sewing Machine

NEX Sewing Machine, Crafting Mending Machine, Children Present Portable with 12 Built-In Stitches

Buy on Amazon

This is an excellent sewing machine for children who are just learning to sew, as well as for on-the-go repair needs.

It features 12 built in stitches, a storage drawer, and a sewing light to help you see your work area.

However, it is not particularly durable, a disappointment considering that it is a little higher priced for smaller, portable sewing machines generally,

Pros:

  • Sewing light
  • Good for children as well as on-the-go jobs

Cons:

  • Not durable

Value For Money?

This may be a good purchase as a back up sewing machine.

Sale
NEX Sewing Machine, Crafting Mending Machine, Children Present Portable with 12 Built-In Stitches
  • Good for beginners and different speeds to ensure the safety
  • Please ensure the direction of the needle and the winding is fluent before sewing
  • Lightweight, portable and space-saving, light bulb for work space illumination, sew with DC 6V or battery with foot pedal

#3: Amado Portable Sewing Machine

Portable Sewing, Amado Portable Sewing Double Speed Mini Sewing Machine White and Purple Design

Buy on Amazon

This is a lightweight, easy to use portable sewing machine, offering adjustable speed. Running on batteries (4 x 1.5v AA) or AC power, it gives you a little more power for those on the go sewing jobs.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Not designed for heavy, regular sewing needs.

Value For Money?

An affordable portable sewing machine for all your on-the-go and occasional needs.

Portable Sewing, Amado Portable Sewing Double Speed Mini Sewing Machine White and Purple Design
  • Small and convenient: This is a Mini portable sewing machine that strikes the perfect balance between having a convenient size and being...
  • Adjustable: Adjusting is portable sewing mini machine is easy. The speed can be adjusted to ensure that any novice or even a master can work...
  • Double switch: This unique sewing machine features a Pedal switch and a push button switch. It’s up to you which one you want to use.

#2: Brother XM2701

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet

Buy on Amazon

This is an easy to use full size sewing machine, that comes with 27 pre-set stitches and six quick-change feet.

It features a brightly-lit work area, which is ideal for older sewers whose eyesight may not be all it once was (which is where lighted magnifying glasses pay their way).

The one draw back is that the speed change seems to be on a hair trigger – the slightest pressure change can set the machine going much faster than was intended, or is needed.

Pros:

  • Brightly-lit work area
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Hair-trigger speed change

Value For Money?

This machine can handle pretty much every routine sewing eventuality, so, if you can handle the speed changes, this may be your best buy.

Sale
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet
  • 27 Unique built-in stitches: The XM2701 includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches and an...
  • Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread...
  • Included accessories: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4 bobbins, instructional DVD, manual and more

#1: Singer 1304

SINGER | Start 1304 Sewing Machine with 6 Built-in Stitches, Free Arm Sewing Machine - Best Sewing...

Buy on Amazon

This sewing machine comes with a range of accessories, and access to Signer’s online educational and support resources, which allow you to share advice from other Singer sewing machine users.

It has six built in stitches, and is ideal for working with lightweight fabric.

Pros:

  • Range of accessories included
  • Access to Singer’s online peer support

Cons:

  • Not good on thicker fabric

Value For Money?

If you mostly work with thin, lightweight fabrics, this machine would be a good buy. However, if you need a machine that can handle thicker fabric, the Brother XM2701 would represent better value for money.

Singer machines are useful for their access to peer support.

SINGER | Start 1304 Sewing Machine with 6 Built-in Stitches, Free Arm Sewing Machine - Best Sewing...
  • BEST SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Start 1304 sewing machine is basic, simple, and easy-to-use thanks to 57 Stitch Applications, all with...
  • SINGER Start 1304 Start Free Arm Model Sewing Machine has 25 Year Limited
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: This lightweight and portable machine weighs only 7 pounds, making it great for sewing in smaller spaces or taking...

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