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20 Best Sewing Machines For Beginners

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Best sewing machine for beginners 2023

Which is the best sewing machine for a beginner?

You look at advanced sewing machines and all you see are sharp needles, intertwined thread, complicating knobs, and buttons that don’t make any sense to you. Going the old-fashioned needle and thread route is too tedious for your task at hand, but buying an entire sewing machine seems too complicated. 

Your material, along with your dreams of mastering sewing, is collecting dust in your closet. If only there was a sewing machine out there that was super easy to use, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require sewing skills. Well, you’re in luck!

Here are our top 20 best sewing machines for beginners.   

 

Which sewing machine should South Africans buy?

What is the best sewing machine for beginners South Africa? 

As a South African, you need a machine that: 

  • Is readily available in South Africa
  • Can open doors of entrepreneurship
  • Teaches you employable hands-on skills
  • Is affordable
  • Is easy to use for all skill levels 
  • Allows you to express your creativity and diversity

Table of Contents

Which sewing machine is best in South Africa?

What is the simplest sewing machine to use?

Brother sewing machines are the simplest sewing machines (in my biased opinion as a Brother lover myself). This is why Brother machines have made a great deal of effort to be socially responsible in South Africa. They are available locally in store and online. This means you don’t have to struggle with import costs and documentation! (And, as a bonus, the plug will always fit your South African plug points!)

Brother offers machines that are affordable and easy to use for any beginner seamstress/ seamster/ tailor ready to gain some skills. 

Interested in learning more about Brother in South Africa? Click here.

 

How much should a beginner spend on a sewing machine? How much should a beginner sewing machine cost?

With a variety of sewing machines on the market ranging from cheap to breaking-the-bank… How much should a beginner pay for a sewing machine?

If you want a basic mechanical beginner sewing machine with very few features, you should be spending around R4 000 or less. While if you want more advanced features and electronic options, you’ll be spending about R12 000 or up.

For a high-tech option with advanced features and luxury technologies, you should definitely save and look for payment-plan options of about R5 000 per month or less.  

 

What type of sewing machine is best for beginners?

List of 20 best sewing machines for beginners in 2023:

  1. Brother F420 Computerised Sewing Machine
  2. Brother 2504D, 3 or 4 thread Overlocker
  3. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
  4. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
  5. Brother NV2600 Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine
  6. Brother 3550CV Coverstitch Machine
  7. V3 SE (Special Edition) Embroidery Only Machine
  8. Brother CS6000i  
  9. Brother FS60X
  10. Brother NV18E Embroidery Only Machine 
  11. BP3600 Embroidery Only Machine 
  12. Brother NV1800Q Computerised Sewing And Quilting Machine
  13. Brother GS3700-3P Mechanical Sewing Machine
  14. Brother NV800E Embroidery Only Machine 
  15. Brother NV180 Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine
  16. Brother JV1400 Basic Sewing Machine. 
  17. Brother NV15P Computerised Sewing Machine.
  18. Brother A16 Computerised Sewing Machine 
  19. Brother A150 Computerised Sewing Machine 
  20. Brother ST371HD

 

A sewing machine for everyone under the sun:

Learning to sew as a beginner is very exciting. Adding a new skill to your life is a great way to make your hobbies more rewarding. Having sewing as a skill is not only fun but also very useful. 

You can range from being able to fix simple objects and clothes at home to starting your own fashion line. With sewing, the world is your oyster! With an easy-to-use sewing machine, the sky’s the limit! 

Here is a list of beginner-friendly sewing machines according to your specific sewing desires:

  • For all kinds of DIY
  • Working from home seamstress and tailor
  • Teen seamstress and tailors
  • Kid-friendly 
  • The tech lovers
  • Heavy duty 

For all kinds of DIY

Best sewing machines for beginners making clothes:

Brother F420 Computerised Sewing Machine

Are you interested in making your own clothes? Tired of going to fashion stores and barely finding anything you like? Why not invest in a Brother F420 Computerised Sewing Machine and start creating your own fashion looks today. Super easy to use and computerised, you can take your designs to the next level with built-in scissors and various stitching features. 

Accessories: What else do you need to start up a fashion entrepreneur? The best workspace. With your very own Brother WT14 Wide Table, you can create any fashion look of your dreams with ease. https://fabric8.co.za/product/Brother-wt14-wide-table-for-f420/ 

Best for: decorative stitching of all kinds of fashion designs. Is also suitable for quilting. 

Main features: 180 decorative stitches, 5 fonts, and 10 buttonhole styles. It also contains perfect bobbin winding, easy threading, and control over the thread tension. Sewing is made easy with an automatic presser foot presser, drop-in top bobbin, and an advanced needle threading system. 

Why it made our list: Side-hustles and entrepreneurship are the future. That’s why we highly recommend any aspiring fashion designer to dive into these advanced technological features. This includes direct stitch selection and My Custom Stitch feature to customize your dream designs. Sew with ease with the jam-resistant feature and very easy bobbin winding system. 

Rating:
5/5

Brother 2504D, 3 or 4 thread Overlocker

If you’re looking for a professional yet affordable way to include beautiful finishes to edges and hems, look no further. The Brother 2504d Overlocker is packed with features that allow greater versatility. It provides beautiful finish in all projects, faster speed, and a beginner-friendly operational system. 

 This machine allows for hemming and finishing at once with a Blind Stitch Foot feature. 

Add it to your fashion designing workspace and you can upgrade all your items from average to exceptional! 

 Accessories: Create an effective yet beautiful workspace by adding the perfect Brother WTL2 Wide Table for the Overlocker 2304D. This table is perfectly constructed to support this machine and is a fantastic addition to any seamstress or tailor’s sewing collection.  

Best for: creating decorative edges and finishing the edges and hems of a variety of materials.  

Main features: F.A.ST Lower Looper Threading System, Easy Lay-in Threading, LED light, and exceptional overlock stitches on all types of fabric. An easy sewing experience created by the presser foot pressure adjustment, flatbed convertible sewing surface, and easy access controls. 

 Why it made our list: This machine is ideal for beginner designers. It has a trim trap that collects fabric scraps, needle plate separation, and thread twist protection. Easy to transport, its body is lightweight and compact. It also comes with a carry handle which is perfect for the seamstress on the go. 

Rating:
5/5

 Dog collars

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

If you want to DIY your own dog collars and leashes, The Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine is highly recommended. Making accessories for your own pets, starting your own business, or donating to a dog rescuing organization- sewing is a fantastic skill to learn. 

Fabrics such as nylon, soft leather, or any other dog-friendly material can be used with this machine. You have the freedom to customise and design according to your preference.

Best for: stitching and embroidery 

Main features: 103 built-in stitches with 80 designs. It has a top drop-in bobbin that prevents jamming as well as an automatic needle threader. The LCD colour touch screen allows you to edit and design with ease. 

Why it made our list: To make pet accessories, you require a machine that has a foot pedal, easy bobbins, threaders, and a large variety of stitching patterns. The Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine gives you an excellent combination to sew and embroider your perfect craft. 

Even though it’s not available directly from Fabric8, online stores like www.desertcart.co.za import this product from the USA to South Africa.  

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Shop this machine at www.desertcart.co.za

Rating:
5/5

Wigs

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine

Oh, you like my hair? Gee thanks, I just made it! Make wigs with ease in the comfort of your own home or at your office with the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine lightweight machine. The hair and makeup industry is booming right now. With your own machine, you can create, fix and alter locks of any colour and length. With the lightweight feature, you can transport this machine anywhere your artistic hands desire to. 

Best for: creating zigzag stitches, blind hem, and stretch stitches

Main features: lightweight and compact. It has 27 built-in stitches with an auto-size buttonhole. Has a drop-in top bobbin and an automatic needle threader. 6 sewing feet, 4 bobbins, and 3 piece needle set. 

Why it made our list: easy for beginner crafters, it contains an instructional DVD and manual. With the versatile free arm option, you can sew with ease. This machine has the power and all the right features to sew complex projects. 

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine

Shop this machine at www.desertcart.co.za

Rating:
5/5

Curtains and pillows

Brother 3550CV Coverstitch Machine

Are you looking for a high-quality sophisticated finish on your curtains or pillows? Trying to spice up a bedroom or a living room? This Brother 3550CV Coverstitch Machine has the magic! With the coverhem functionality, you can start your project with ease. It has topstitch and hem fabric with the built-in easy-to-use threading system. The versatility of the machine is admirable -ranging from decorative functionality to applications. On top of that, it offers a free arm function with a large workspace perfect for big curtains. 

Best for: top stitching, hemming, adding decoration, and binding on various fabrics.

Main features: 155mm work area, automatic thread tension release, free-arm sewing, and energy-saving LED light. Up to 1000 spm speed. Feel in control of any project with the foot controller and adjustable presser foot release. It has 2,3,4 and 5 threads. 

Why it made our list: Finding a sewing machine that converts from one mode to the next with ease is very rewarding! The CV3550 Coverstitch Machine has both triple and double wide cover top stitches that allow a professional touch easily. Get this machine and expand your design portfolio. 

Rating:
5/5

Best sewing machines for beginners using:

Leather

Brother CS6000i 

If you’re looking to shop online for one of the best leather machines for beginners, then the Brother CS600i is your top pic. With many websites importing from the USA to SA, this machine is worth the investment.  With a wide table included, this machine comes with easy installation. The large workspace is a must have for when you’re working with leather.

Best for: powerful sewing on tough fabric

Main features: 60 built-in stitches with 7 style auto-size buttonholes. A 2.0’’ LCD touch screen. Includes an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. Adjustable sewing speed control and built-in free arm support.  

Why it made our list: Being a computerised sewing machine, you can work with tough leather with ease. Easy for beginner use, you can adjust the sewing speed. The automatic needle threader allows you to create beautiful crafts with high convenience. It also comes with options for a foot pedal and a wide selection of width and length stitch settings. 

Brother CS6000i 

Shop this machine at www.ubuy.za.com

Rating:
5/5

Denim

Brother FS60X

Got denim? No problem! With the Brother FS60X machine, you can make your own denim items to fix up that hole in your old denim jeans. Cutting through 8 layers of denim, this heavy-duty sewing machine will get any job done. This machine is easy to control with its speed control and fast start-stop button. 

Best for: using denim or thick material

Main features: It contains a drop feed mechanism and drop-in bobbin. Has a heavy-duty metal frame, improved durability, and accurate needle positioning. 60 built-in stitches and 7 buttonhole styles. 

Why it made our list: Finding an easy-to-use sewing machine that can cut through harsh material isn’t easy. Sometimes you require something with a lot more strength, that’s why the Brother FS60X is a must-have for heavy-duty projects. This machine is excellent to use as a beginner with just a touch of a keypad. 

 

  • SKU: BROTHFS60X

    Brother FS60X

     Original price was: R6,300.00.Current price is: R6,070.00. Incl. 15% VAT Add to cart Brother Sewing Machines
Rating:
5/5

Best sewing machines for beginners doing:

Embroidery 

BP3600 Embroidery Only Machine

If your creativity is unlimited and you only accept a professional finish on all your work, then get yourself The Innov-is BP3600 Embroidery Only Machine. 

With a speed of 1050 spm, you get your professional work in a professionally quick time frame. Take your editing to the next level with on-screen editing, a touch sensor keypad, and full-colour design preview that allows you to embroider anything your stitch desires!

Best for: all embroidery work and designs

Main features: 360×240 embroidery space and HD 26cm touchscreen LCD. Your embroidery options are limitless with 629 designs, 140 frame pattern combinations, 14 border styles, and 24 built-in fonts. The tech in this machine allows you to sew with ease with auto thread tension adjustment and an automatic needle threader, perfect for beginners. 

Why it made our list: Not only is this machine aesthetically pleasing and suitable for all embroidery designs. It also allows you to draw into the My Design Center with its high-tech Innov-is touchscreen. Love taking photos? Use the USB port and turn any pic into direct data. This is the future of embroidery! 

Rating:
5/5

Looking for pro-range embroidery machines? If you are a professional in the sewing industry and you want luxurious machines to match your outstanding talents, then find your perfect machine at Fabric8. 

Shop our range of embroidery machines. 

Quilting

Brother NV1800Q Computerised Sewing And Quilting Machine

The Brother Innov-Is NV1800Q Computerised Sewing and Quilting machine takes beginner quilting to the next level! Making all your wildest sewing fantasies come true, these modern features allows you to make just about anything. 

Take advantage of perfect corners with the Pivot function as well as the big workspace. Be creative with this one, this machine knows no limits. Explore your creative quilting side with utility features, built-in decorative options, and the My Custom Stitch feature to bring your own ideas to life. 

Accessories: Every quilting job needs a perfect workspace. The Brother WT12 Wide Table allows for your NV1800Q machine to rest comfortably while you create masterpieces. 

Best for: sewing and quilting with sophisticated features

Main features: Tech features include an LCD display, 2 LED lights, 10 key touch sensors, and My Custom Stitch. Take advantage of advanced stitching with  290 built-in stitches, 58 combinable stitches. Multiple automatic features include automatic needle threader, thread cutter, thread tension control, and 1 step buttonhole method.

Why it made our list: On top of being filled with luxurious features, the NV1800Q has an Automatic Height Adjuster feature which allows for even and smooth work. The versatility, automatic features, advanced tech programs, and wide variety of stitch options make this the ideal quilting machine. Any beginner can turn into a master with this machine. 

Rating:
5/5

Working from home seamstress and tailor

Best sewing machines for home use:

Brother GS3700-3P Mechanical Sewing Machine

The Brother GS3700-3P Mechanical Sewing Machine is one of the easiest and most user-friendly mechanical machines. With at-home repairs made easy, you can use this machine in your home office any time you need. The machine comes with free arm sewing and a reverse sewing lever that will advance your sewing experience in an easy and efficient way.

Accessories: Spice up your home office by adding a Brother WT9 Wide Table for this machine and take your sewing experience to the next level!  

Best for: home decor projects and sewing.

Main features: This machine contains a wide range of stitches and has an automatic needle threader. With gentle LED light and a quick bobbin system. 37 Built-in stitches and a 1-step buttonhole. 

Why it made our list: If you’re a stay-at-home seamstress or tailor, you will love this machine. From home furnishing projects, dressmaking and repairs- you can transform your home with this machine. One stitch at a time. Ideal for beginners, it includes features that make sewing super easy! 

Rating:
5/5

Brother NV800E Embroidery Only Machine

There’s no better way to improve your home workspace than to add this embroidery machine to your sewing space. Add style, design, and color to any household items.Transform your living room and bedrooms by creating beautiful matching colours and prints. 

Upgrade your family’s fashion by adding seasonal and folar prints from the comfort of your home. Use built-in animal designs and spice up your pet’s winter jerseys. The best renovation to your home is the Innov-is NV800E. 

Best for: creating colours, designs, shapes, fonts, and styles with embroidery and stitching.

Main features: large 260 x 160mm embroidery workspace with up to 850 stitches per minute. Design anything your heart desires with 10 frame shapes, 11 built-in fonts, 14 border styles, and 10 frame shapes. Convenient tech with LCD colour touch screen, touch sensor keypad, and on-screen editing. Horizontal bobbin type with a quick set bobbin. 

Why it made our list: This machine takes remote working to greater heights. It contains design editing features allowing rotation, repositioning, resizing, and combining. This machine takes threading to a whole new level. It has automatic thread tension control, advanced needle threader, automatic thread cutter, and upper and bobbin thread sensor. An absolute must-have.  

Rating:
5/5

Teen seamstresses and tailors

Sewing machines for beginner teens

Brother NV180 Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Do you have a teen that’s interested in sewing? We know of a machine! The ability to sew, embroid, quilt and be creative with just one affordable machine. 

You do not need to buy them multiple machines or spend money on upgrades because this is a one-stop machine for all sewing features out there! Easy to use with on-screen built-in instructions, anyone can learn with ease. 

Your teen can start off with basic stitching and eventually advance to monogramming font and embellishing crafts ALL ON ONE MACHINE. Not just for teens, parents can master your skills with this machine too- it’s sewing for the whole family. 

Best for: easy-to-learn sewing, quilting, and embroidery 

Main features: 9.4cm colour LCD touch screen with font editing and on-screen editing features. Take advantage of the 80 built-in embroidery patterns, 181 built-in stitches, and 14 fonts. A spacious 100 x100mm embroidery area and a big 15.8cm x 10.4 cm work area- your creativity is unstoppable. 

Why it made our list: This machine gives you advanced high-quality features with a low price tag. Having one machine that can do just about anything for any skill level is a must-have! We know our Millenials love tech. That’s why the USB feature and touch screen are perfect for any teen seamstress or tailor. Now you can take advantage of both basic stitches options and the My Custom Stitch feature. Create your own. Very luxurious and very easy to use! 

Rating:
5/5

Kid-friendly

Sewing for kids is not a topic often mentioned. If you’ve been wondering about teaching your kids how to sew, if it’s safe and if there are mature sewing machines safe for kids- then wonder no more. Here you can find everything you need to know about sewing for kids. 

Why sewing is essential for kids:

  • Brain development
  • Better behaviour
  • Career and life skills 

Sewing is definitely a kid-friendly task. No, we’re not talking about toy sewing machines for playtime. With the right sewing machine and enough practice, any child can gain real experience in sewing. 

Just like reading and writing, sewing is actually beneficial for your child’s brain development. It teaches them problem-solving skills. It also improves their hand-and-eye coordination while simultaneously expanding their creativity. 

Sewing is also good for child behaviour. It teaches them patience. Your child will learn about responsibility if you let them fix their own buttons, zippers, and holes when they ruin their clothes. 

As the saying goes- start them out young. If you allow your kids to have their own sewing machine, they can learn a life skill that they’ll have forever and could stir up a career direction in their minds from an early age.

At what age should you learn to sew?

How young can a child start sewing? Anywhere older than 2 years old. They won’t be pros and they’ll need a lot of assistance. 

However, this is when their brain starts developing coordination, understanding of colours and creativity. Sewing with a toddler is a great bonding experience and can teach them safety precautions early on.

Best sewing machines for kids

Brother JV1400 Basic Sewing Machine

Trying to teach your child how to sew from scratch? Looking for something that is very simplistic and not high tech? Get your child the Brother JV1400 Basic Sewing Machine. This machine is the definition of easy sewing. If you’re a beginner too, do not fret. Both you and your kid can learn together using this machine. 

Best for: basic sewing and teaching kids

Main features: 14 built-in stitches with 4 step buttonhole. Allows automatic settings of stitch length and width. LED light. Top load bobbin.

Why it made our list: Stitching has never been this easy! Affordable and easy to use, this machine comes with an instructional DVD to teach a beginner with ease. With the dial selection and free arm sewing, you can advance sewing skills in no time.

 

Brother JV1400 Basic Sewing Machine

Shop this machine at www.takealot.com

Rating:
5/5

Brother NV15P Computerised Sewing Machine

Do you want to teach your kid some responsibility over their torn clothes and broken buttons? Want to inspire your children to be creative and patient? 

Get them the Brother NV15P Computerised Sewing Machine. If you have a family of high-tech lovers, this luxurious beginner-friendly machine can teach everyone how to sew! 

Best for: beginner sewing

Main features: LCD touch screen and LED light. Quick-set bobbin with F.A.S.T bobbin winding system. 16 built-in stitches and 3 buttonhole styles. It has central controls and an automatic needle threader. 

Why it made our list: Aesthetically pleasing, high-tech, and super easy to use. It’s a no-brainer that the Brother NV15P Computerised Sewing Machine is one of the top 20 best sewing machines for beginners in 2023! 

Brother JV1400 Basic Sewing Machine

Shop this machine at www.takealot.com

Rating:
5/5

Steps on teaching a child how to use a sewing machine:

  • Have the safety talk.
  • Teach them the importance of sewing skills
  • Demonstrate 
  • Help where you can
  • Step back 
  • Promote creativity

Have the safety talk

Teach them to keep their fingers away from the pressure foot and not to touch the needlepoint. Read the manual to them.

Teach them the importance of sewing skills

Let your child know about all the above-mentioned reasons why sewing is beneficial for a child. Let them know how proud you’ll be of them if they’re just willing to try. Create a safe bonding experience.

Demonstrate 

Don’t let the apple fall far from the tree- show your kid how to do it. Show them again and again, until they feel comfortable doing it on their own. 

Help where you can

It’s okay to step in now and then to help them. Things like threading and operating the LCD screen can be confusing at first. 

When they eventually come with more advanced questions like “mom, how do I put back this button on my shirt”- help them. 

Step back 

Now sit back and give your child freedom. Set up a nice and safe workspace for them where they can access their sewing machine with ease. Let them know it’s their machine and they have the freedom to use it.

Promote creativity

Advance their creativity by showing them fun DIY projects to try. Youtube is filled with videos. Give them some challenges. Allow them to pick out their own fabrics and patterns. 

The tech lovers

Best beginner-friendly computerized sewing machines

Brother A16 Computerised Sewing Machine

Are you a tech wiz? Think sewing machines are too old-school? Think again! With the Brother A16 Computerised Sewing Machine, technology and sewing is perfectly combined. 

If you enjoy things being simplified by a single press of a keypad, this machine is for you. Loaded with automatic features and settings, make your sewing effortless with this innovative machine. 

Best for: quality stitching with top-notch technology. 

Main features: 16 built-in stitches, 6.6cm LCD screen, LED light,  free arm sewing, 1 step  buttonhole method and quick set horizontal bobbin. 

Why it made our list: This machine gives you so much control over your project. From a start/stop button, speed control, manual drop feed, and free arm control- you are in charge. With up to 850 spm sewing speed, you can’t go wrong with this sewing masterpiece!

Rating:
5/5

Brother A150 Computerised Sewing Machine

If you’re looking for a computerised sewing machine with multiple one step buttonholes and sewing stitches, then the Brother A150 Computerised Sewing Machine is exactly what you need! 

With 150 sewing stitches, 10 one-step buttonholes, and a large LCD- improve your sewing with every stick! Level up your sewing skills safely. This machine has safety detection sensors and speed control customised for zigzag width. 

Accessories: with a machine this great, you’re going to need an even greater workspace. With a Brother WT15 wide table supporting your A150, any material can be turned into a work of art. 

=Best for: creating advanced projects. 

Rating:
5/5

Heavy duty 

Best heavy duty machines for beginners

Brother ST371HD

 This machine isn’t called “strong and tough” for no reason. With the free arm option, you can sew any fabric with ease. Super beginner friendly and easy to set up. If you are willing to invest in imported goods, then this Brother ST371HD machine is the best decision you can make for your heavy-duty crafts. 

 Best for: stitching through multiple layers of fabrics, zippers and most material objects

 Main features: two heavyweight needles and 37 built-in stitches. Comes with a free-arm feature and metal plate needle. Drop feed feature and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin with an automatic bobbin winding system. 

 Why it made our list: This machine is the ultimate sewing beast! Strong enough to power through thick fabric with two heavyweight needles and a smoothing metal needle plate. With a very secure metal needle, any beginner can stitch over layers with ease and great perfection. The easy stitch selection and smooth fabric feed are great bonuses of this affordable and user-friendly machine.

Brother JV1400 Basic Sewing Machine

Shop this machine at www.ubuy.za.com

Rating:
5/5

Tips and advice for beginners

 Here are our main tips and advice for beginners:

  1. Steps to learn how to sew for beginners
  2. What to look for in a beginner sewing machine
  3. Caring for your new sewing machine: Do’s and don’ts.
  4. How to sew for beginners
  5. Where to buy sewing machines

Now that you have your sewing machine, let’s thread the needle and get to work. Here are dos and don’ts for beginner seamstresses and tailors. 

 

Sewing tips for amateurs 

Steps to learn how to sew for beginners:

  • Use your manual
  • Tutorials
  • Finger protection
  • The simpler, the better
  • Threadwork 

 

Use your manual

Your Brother machine comes with a user’s manual- use it! Before getting to work, open the book and read through every page.  

The only way to master a machine is to get into the mind of the creator. That’s what manuals are for. 

Tutorials 

Don’t you just love the internet! Whatever question you have, the internet most likely has an answer. Youtube search your exact machine for tips and tricks.  

Then when you know all there is to know, find free tutorials. You can visit Fabric8’s Instagram and Facebook pages for tips and tricks on sewing. 

Finger protection

When your fingers are protected, you can sew with ease. Find the best finger protection before you get to sewing. 

The simpler the better

With the risk of sounding like a broken record- remember to always start small. As a beginner- the simpler the better. Simple tasks, simple machines, simple colours, simple fabric. Simple, simple, simple. 

Threadwork 

The most tedious and difficult part of sewing can be the thread. Thus it’s important to master this art. Make sure you do it slowly, cautiously, and correctly. With threadwork mastered, using your machine becomes easy. 

What to look for in a beginner sewing machine.

What to look out for on a new machine.

Choosing a new machine can be a stressful process. We have compiled a list of 9 features every beginner sewing machine should have. A good beginner machine will make learning so much easier. 

How do I choose a sewing machine?

Features beginners should prioritize in a sewing machine:

  • simplicity 
  • portability 
  • a good amount of stitches 
  • automatic threader  
  • Wifi capability for tech lovers
  • needle raiser 
  • lifter 
  • choose between drop-in bobbin and front-load 
  • foot pressure option

Caring for your new sewing machine: Do’s and don’ts. 

How should a beginner handle a sewing machine?

What does it take to care for your new machine? 

Just like any other machine, sewing machines have a particular lifespan. With proper care, you can ensure they live up to this standard. Also, they require certain care to function the way the factory intended for them to function.

  • Do not leave it stationary 
  • Oil up to prevent rusting
  • Buy a dust protector
  • Ensure you know how to use the machine to prevent breakage
  • Make sure you store it on a secure sturdy work table. 

How to sew for beginners

How do you sew straight on a sewing machine?

 

Magnetic Seam Guide 

Sewing straight on your own as a beginner is nearly impossible. Don’t fret. We have the right tool to help you sew straight so that you don’t have to.  

This Magnetic Seam Guide is compatible with Domestic Sewing Machines. You can speed up your sewing and keep your edges even with it. 

Learn how to use a magnetic seam with this guide.

Rating:
5/5

Where to buy sewing machines

Sewing machines online

Fabric8 sells a wide range of Brother sewing machines. From beginner-friendly to advanced computerised machines. 

Fabric8 is a South African Creative Supplies Stores. We deliver locally. Shop our range of sewing machines.

Are you looking for sewing supplies and haberdashery? We have over 3000 specialised equipment. Purchase your crafting goods today at www.fabric8.co.za 

 

Advice for beginners according to experts

All 20 of the machines mentioned here will advance your experience as a beginner. Whether you are a newbie seamstress/tailor or you are about to expand to a new category of sewing skills- trust Brother machines to exceed your sewing expectations.

Being a beginner can be scary. You don’t have to go through the journey alone! With Fabric8 Live Tuesdays, you get to join a large community of beginner seamstresses just like you! Tune in every Tuesday at 7 pm and learn how to sew FOR FREE with our in-house sewing expert. 

 We stream free online sewing tutorials everywhere! Join us live on the social media platform of your choice: 

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