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When it comes to choosing a sewing machine, doing your research might save you serious money. No matter if you intend to use it for minor adjustments on household items or make complicated clothing items, the basic use of a sewing machine remains the same in both of these cases: to replace hand sewing by providing excellent stitch quality in no time.
Most of the time you’ll use the straight, zig-zag stitch and reverse and these are something any sewing machine offers and it’s best to avoid the features you don’t know to use or do not need. As you advance, you’ll need and want more and better, and there is absolutely no reason why you should pay an exaggerated sum for extra features.
The list we present you proves that you can get numerous types of stitches, automatic features, quality and speed for less than 200$.
Best Sewing Machine Under $200 of 2020
1. Brother ST371HD Strong and Tough Sewing Machine
This is a sewing machine designed to handle thick, heavy fabrics such as denim, canvas, duck cloth, suede and leather, even tapestry and quilted fabric, perfect for all kinds of sewing projects you have in mind. There is a self-threader feature that allows you to sew on when dealing with long pieces of fabric and the rubber on its base will keep it from moving when working.
The automatic threading system makes your life easier by pushing the thread through the needle. The Brother ST371HD comes with a variety of accessories: 6 sewing feet that include a spring action zigzag foot and non-stick, blind stitch, zipper, buttonhole, 2 spool caps, 4 bobbins, 3-piece needle set, extra spool spin, screwdriver, and button sewing feet.
What’s to like?
- It features the most popular stitching patterns
- It creates uniform and tight stitches
- It can create buttonholes and has a motion-free sewing mode
- It comes with 6 sewing feet and heavyweight needles
- It has a versatile free arm and automatic bobbin winding system
- It allows you to work with multiple layers of fabric
- The needle plate is made of metal
What’s not to like?
- The casing is made of plastic
2. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i
With 60 built-in stitches and an LCD screen, this sewing machine is a dream come true for anyone who wants to learn the secrets of sewing and quilting in no time. It has many decorative stitches and you can even create unique embroidery models by learning the free motion embroidery. It comes with a generous amount of sewing feet and accessories and a user’s manual that is easy to follow.
The LCD displays the stitch after you selected it, and you’re ready to go. One of its best features is the automatic needle threader that saves you time and energy with just a touch of a side lever. The machine comes with a Quick Start guide that you’ll find printed in the box and a complete user’s manual with instructions.
What’s to like?
- It provides just the right brightness for sewing
- It has a detachable large working table for quilting
- There are no less than 70 built-in stitches
- It has a start/stop button, a needle up/down button
- There is a reverse sewing button
- It has a built-in arm for longer items of clothing such as pants and sleeves
- The machine comes in a protective case also used to store it
What’s not to like?
- It is not very fast on zig-zag stitches
3. SINGER | Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine
This Singer sewing machine can handle a wide range of lightweight to medium types of fabric, from fine silk chiffon to heavy denim and canvas. It is recommended for intermediaries and professionals that already know how to use a sewing machine and want to step up and try something more advanced.
The built-in stitches include basic, stretch, buttonhole, and decorative for quilts and crafts. The pressure of the presser foot can be adjusted and the Drop-in- Bobbin lets you see how much thread there is left so you can add more to finish your project.
The machine comes with a variety of accessories: an all-purpose foot, button foot, zipper foot, seam ripper, lint brush needles, bobbins, quilting guide, screwdriver and a spool pin, deposited in the accessory tray.
What’s to like?
- There is a low noise level
- It has 23 built-in stitches
- It has a sewing speed of 1.100 stitches per minute
- The interior frame is made of heavy-duty metal
- The bed frame is made of stainless steel
- It provides extra-high swing
- It has an automatic needle threader
- It features an automatic 1-step buttonhole
- The length of the stitch can be adjusted
- It comes with a soft-sided dust cover
What’s not to like?
- You can’t use it to sew leather
4. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
While being one of the best sewing machines for a beginner, Janome 2212 performs more than all the basic functions a sewing machine should have and can handle thicker materials, like denim, and multiple layers of thin to medium fabric. It is mechanical, not electronic, which in most cases means it’s less prone to issues, it is strong and long-lasting.
It comes with a user’s manual and a set of accessories: a full pack of extra bobbins, two packs of replacement needles, replacement presser feet, and a metal 4-step buttonhole foot. The manual is beginners-friendly, it comes with pictures and step-by-step instructions.
What’s to like?
- It has extra high presser foot lift
- It can sew 12 different types of stitches
- Includes a 4-step buttonhole
- Winding the bobbin is very simple
- It is easy to adjust the length of stitches
- You can select the type of the stitch by turning the dials on the front of the machine
- It sews very fast, even the zig-zag stitch
- It is quiet and does not vibrate on a flat surface
What’s not to like?
- The cord of the pedal could be slightly shorter than other models
5. Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine
Brother XM2701 is a lightweight sewing machine, with an elegant design that could fit perfectly with any home décor so you could simply let it on sight on the workspace. Additional to its 27 built-in stitches, there is also an auto-sized buttonhole that helps you create buttonholes in just one step. The automatic needle threader is a lifesaver: it simply pushes the thread through the needle in no time.
Its versatile free arm it’s a real help and the wide range of feet it comes for recommending this machine for any type of sewing challenge: button sewing, zipper, zig-zag, blind stitch, and narrow hem. It comes with a DVD that has all the instruction, the ideal guide for a beginner.
What’s to like?
- It runs fast and silent
- The LED light is bright and won’t overheat
- It has 27 built-in stitches
- It features automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- It comes with accessories: 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, and 4 bobbins
- It is lightweight and portable
- It stays put on a flat surface
- The foot pedal works smooth and stays in place
What’s not to like?
- The accessories tray is quite small and won’t fit everything you need
6. Janome Basic Easy-to-Use 128 Sewing Machine
Ready to use right out of the box, this simple yet very effective sewing machine is recommended by its practicality. The built-in stitches are arranged from A to J and each one of them has a symbol that indicates the stitch. The vertical oscillating bobbin system and the adjustable thread tension are easy to use even if you’re not experienced, as well as the rest of its helpful features: single-dial stitch selection, extra-high presser foot lift, convertible free arm, and the preset length and width of the stitch.
It comes with a handful of accessories: a general-purpose foot, a buttonhole foot, needles, bobbins, a seam ripper, a power cord, a foot pedal, and a spool pin felt. It may seem simple and quite smaller than other models, but this little gem will get you through some difficult sewing-related challenges.
What’s to like?
- The interior frame is made of durable aluminum
- It has 8 built-in stitches
- It features adjustable thread tension and auto bobbin declutch
- It sews up to 650 stitches per minute
- It is compact, lightweight and portable
- It includes a four-step buttonhole
- The light bulb is bright and long-lasting
- It offers good and durable stitches
What’s not to like?
- It does not have an auto threader function
7. Luby Sewing Machine for Beginners
The numbered diagrams printed on the machine to help to the thread, the low/high-speed button and its cute, small appearance make this sewing machine the perfect “My first sewing machine” for any young lady or young man. It has all the basic functions that a sewing machine should have but it’s easier to use and clearly more lightweight.
It is compatible with a wide range of light to medium types of fabric: cotton, linen, elastic fabric, silk, thin leather, and many more. It comes with accessories included: a foot pedal, a buttonhole presser foot, a threader, a needle, 4 spools, and 3 bobbins.
What’s to like?
- It is beginners-friendly, the perfect option for a gift
- It has 12 built-in stitches
- It sews up to 350 stitches per minute
- It is compatible with universal needles
- The LED light is bright and long-lasting
- Durable and capable to complete household sewing
- The user’s manual is explicit and easy to follow
- It is compact and portable
What’s not to like?
- The foot pedal cord is not very long
Buying Guide for the Best Sewing Machine Under $200
Keep it simple if you don’t plan on learning more: If you already know your limits and what you want to do with your sewing machine there is no reason why you should invest in a machine with multiple features and accessories you’ll never touch. Choose a model that fulfills your requirements and keep your money in your pocket.
Choose a sewing machine that is complete: Consider buying a machine that can be used right out of the box, so accessories must be included. It saves you time, money and energy to search those that will fit your sewing machine.
If you’d like to upgrade, don’t think twice: Investing in a new skill or a new machine that will develop those skills is always a good idea. The good news is that there are a lot of models on the market that help you create incredible things and remain affordable and easy to use.
Pay attention to the features they offer: There are so many features that can make your life easier and since they’re in the budget, why not? Some of them are automatic threader, automatic buttonhole, presser feet, speed control, multiple built-in stitches and good LED light.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an average sewing machine cost?
Well, prices reflect the features that the machine offers and can vary from less than 100$ to over 1.000$. If you’re looking for a basic sewing machine with some extra features and plan on shopping on a website, you can find a lot of decent options under 200$.
What are the things I shouldn’t do with a sewing machine?
A sewing machine, like any other machine, needs maintenance. You should keep it on a flat surface, cover it when not in use, oil it regularly. As for the way you should treat it when in use: do not push the fabric under the needle, let the machine take it, do not rest your foot on the pedal and keep the small accessories well stored and organized.
Is sewing an expensive hobby?
On the contrary! Sewing can save you a lot of many in the long term, making your clothes is rather inexpensive the only investment you’ll need to do is purchasing all you need to start. There are free self-taught lectures and videos online, so you should give it a try.