5 Best Sewing Machines Under $300 for All Your Sewing Needs

By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 24, 2023
JustToSew is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Sewing is one of the most beautiful trades in the world, and with many people constantly trooping to learn the craft, it wouldn’t be surprising if you’ve also decided to try it out for yourself. Fortunately, the recent advancement in technology has massively impacted the sewing profession, and that has led to the invention of several fantastic sewing machines engineered to make life much easier for sewers. But while there are many high-end sewing machines on the market, there are also budget-friendly ones sold below $300, provided you’re on a tight budget. With the best sewing machine under $300, you can easily meet all your sewing demands without breaking the bank.

Of course, there is a superfluity of options when it comes to sewing machines, which isn’t unexpected since sewing is one of the oldest professions in the world. If you’re looking for the right machine for your sewing tasks, you might want to check the top 5 list of the best sewing machines under $300 with the Singer 7258 as the Editor’s Choice we’ve compiled. While you might be skeptical at first about the capabilities of these machines, your fears will soon be discarded once you get ahold of one. With that said, we’d like to mention that our top five machines were selected based on important factors like the type of sewing machine, built-in stitches, sewing speed, dimensions, and warranty.

Our guide was birthed through very thorough research that lasted tens of hours, which is reflected in the level of detail in this article. Before providing in-depth reviews for the top-rated sewing machines under $300 we selected, we, first of all, compared the chosen products against each other in order to give you a brief insight of what is to come. Not only that, but we have also included a buying guide in which several buying tips have been incorporated.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Singer 7258
    "A 100-stitch computerized sewing machine with a speed of 750 stitches per minute"
  • Best Sewing Machine for Quilting: Brother HC1850
    "Fast sewing machine with a detachable table for extra working space"
  • Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Under $300: SINGER Heavy Duty 4452
    "A tough sewing machine with 32 built-in stitches and an incredible 1,100 SPM speed"
  • Most Versatile Sewing Machine Under $300: Brother Designio Series DZ2400
    "Computerized model with a wide variety of in-built stitches a fast 850 SPM speed"
  • Budget Pick: Janome 3128
    "Lightweight and portable manual sewing machine with all the basic stitches you need for simple projects"

Top 5 Sewing Machines Under $300

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3920 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
1
Editor's Choice

Singer 7258

Features
  • Type: computerized
  • Built-in stitches: 100
  • Sewing speed: 750 SPM
  • Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches
  • Warranty: 25 years

Extra features: adjustable stitch length, with width and tension set automatically, LED sewing area, automatic needle threader, comes with 10 presser feet

Having released several popular and high-quality products since its inception, Singer is a company that is synonymous with innovative and high-quality products. The Singer 7258 from the company is another premium product that is set to rock the industry like its brothers. With tons of helpful accessories, several stitching options, and easy functionality, this sewing machine is a great option for people looking for a computerized machine. It also comes with 100 stitches, making it one of the most versatile options on the market.

Furthermore, the sewing machine comes with ten snap-on presser feet, which is impressive considering most sewing machines in the same category typically come with five or eight Snap-on presser feet. Besides, this computerized machine also features an inbuilt thread cutter and an automatic needle threader, which helps enhance accuracy and makes using the machine a lot easier. You’ll also get to enjoy a small easy-to-use LCD screen built into the machine, which eliminates any difficulty and enables you to use the machine easily. And if you like sewing at night, the super bright LED light is sufficient to light up the workspace.

Lastly, the computerized machine comes with an autopilot that allows it to keep on sewing regardless of whether your feet are on the foot pedal or not. The only shortcoming we found with this machine is the somewhat loud noise it produces after some time, which might perturb your family or neighbors.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Comes with 100 built-in stitches
  • The autopilot feature gives you complete control
  • Comes with ten presser feet
  • LED light to illuminate the workspace
  • Inbuilt thread cutter helps improve accuracy
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The machine starts becoming noisy after a while
Also Product Ranking:
Read full review: singer 7258

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8809 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
2
Best Sewing Machine for Quilting

Brother HC1850

Features
  • Type: computerized
  • Built-in stitches: 130
  • Sewing speed: 850 SPM
  • Dimensions: 16.3 x 7 x 12.5 inches
  • Warranty: 25 years

Extra features: comes with a detachable wide table for comfortable sewing and quilting, 8 one-step buttonhole styles, includes 8 presser feet including quilting foot

Quilting is an entirely different art, and nobody understands this better than Brother. If you like quilting a lot, you will definitely like the Brother HC1850 as it offers a wide throat and everything you need to let the creative side of you sparkle. However, this machine isn’t designed only for quilting and sewing: it performs terrifically when it comes to decorative stitches and basic monogramming as well. It’s capable of meeting your expectations even better than your imaginations. And setting it up and using it won’t cause any trouble either.

And if you’re a beginner, there is no cause for you to worry as this product also includes an instructional video that’s intended to teach you everything you need to know. And the dedicated quilter you’ll find on this machine has a huge work area, coupled with a well-working drop feed which allows you to work smoothly and easily. You will really like how smooth and in-control this feature actually is. It eliminates all difficulties from quilting and makes it seem like a breeze.

Featuring 130 built-in stitches, this machine from Brother can be easily regarded as the king of versatility. It gives you a wide range of stitches that help in sewing, designing, decorative designing, arts and crafts, and more. The needle loader system is seamless in its operation, without you needing to deal with broken needles. This unit is so great that we struggled to find anything wrong with it. The only little shortcoming we found was the fairly complicated initial setting.

    What do we love it for?
  • Super easy to use
  • High versatility
  • Comes with an instructional video
  • Doubles as a quilting machine
  • Also works for monogramming
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The initial settings are a little complicated
Also Product Ranking:
Read full review: brother hc1850 review

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2143 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
3
Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Under $300

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

Features
  • Type: manual
  • Built-in stitches: 32
  • Sewing speed: 1,100 SPM
  • Dimensions: 18 x 8.8 x 13.5 inches
  • Warranty: 25 years

Extra features: heavy duty metal frame, automatic needle threader, powerful motor (60% stronger than standard sewing machines)

While the Singer 4452 Heavy-duty Sewing Machine isn’t a model with loads of mouthwatering features, it’s absurdly easy to use. Featuring 32 inbuilt stitches which are comprised of six basic stitches, seven stretched stitches, 18 decorative stitches, and a one-step buttonhole. Not only that, but this unit also features a knob that allows you to control the width of the stitches and a time-saving inbuilt needle threader with three needle positions.

Moving forward, this heavy-duty machine from Singer comes with a powerful motor that is at least 60 percent stronger than other models’ motors, which enables the unit to sew at an incredibly fast rate of 1,100 SPM. Apart from that, the powerful motor also allows the machine to sew several layers of materials. However, despite possessing several key features, it’s quite remarkable that this machine comes at a fairly cheap price, which is actually one of the most appealing things about it.

But that’s not to say it’s all perfect and doesn’t come with drawbacks though, because it actually does come with a couple of drawbacks. The first shortcoming is the somewhat flimsy construction, which is as a result of the fact that some parts of the unit have been produced using plastic, although the metal frame is made of very durable metal. Also, a lot of high-end features are lacking on this unit, which might be a problem when trying to use it for more professional projects.

    Why are we impressed?
  • It’s inexpensive
  • Fast sewing speed
  • A very strong motor
  • Features a time-saving inbuilt threader
  • The width of the stitches can be controlled
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Some flimsy components
  • Not suitable for more advanced/professional work
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
Read full review: singer 4452

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6674 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.8
4
Most Versatile Sewing Machine Under $300

Brother Designio Series DZ2400

Features
  • Type: computerized
  • Built-in stitches: 185
  • Sewing speed: 850 SPM
  • Dimensions: 11 x 11.7 x 13.2 inches
  • Warranty: 25

Extra features: bright LED sewing area, backlit LCD display, comes with 9 presser feet and a quilting guide, comes with a wide table for extra sewing and quilting space

Brother just can’t stop making incredible machines and this one, yet again, is another high-performance machine from the reputable company. With a host of incredible features and excellent deliverables, you can’t expect any downtime with this unit. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best and most effective sewing machines we have seen, and it guarantees to massively improve your sewing with its tons of sophisticated features. With 55 alphanumeric stitches and 185 inbuilt stitches, this wonderful product is perfectly suitable for sewing and quilting.

And if we take its intuitive easy-to-use LCD screen into account, you can effortlessly select stitches without breaking a sweat. Moreover, the unit also packs eight button styles, thereby allowing you to create stylish and fancy buttonholes smoothly. And if you’re looking to work on large projects, this product has a large work area that has a pretty large extension cable. It doesn’t stop there: this machine also has a bright LED light built in to provide a well-lit working space whilst sewing. The sewing speed can be easily controlled, and the advanced needle threading system enables you to thread your needle easily.

Of course, like every other thing made by man, this unit isn’t without flaws. It is a little noisy, which can wake your kids up at night if your sewing room is close to their rooms. Besides, it can’t be said to be really durable considering some of its parts are made of plastic. Nonetheless, this is a high-quality machine that you simply can’t afford to miss out on.

    What do we love it for?
  • Adjustable sewing speed
  • An illuminated working area
  • Wide working area for large projects
  • Easy selection of stitching styles
  • Intuitive LCD screen
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Very noisy
  • Flimsy construction
Also Product Ranking:

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5218 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.9
5
Budget Pick

Janome 3128

Features
  • Type: manual
  • Built-in stitches: 10
  • Sewing speed: 650 SPM
  • Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.1 x 8.5 inches
  • Warranty: not specified

Extra features: maximum stitch width 5mm, maximum stitch width 4mm

Despite being the budget-pick of budget-friendly sewing machines, the Janome 3128 offers so much that you will probably be wondering why Janome chose to put such a low price tag on it. Not only does it pack a lot of useful features, but it also packs free accessories required to handle any sewing project. It offers you eight utility stitches in total along with a four-step inbuilt buttonhole for your creativity and convenience. Moreover, this mechanical sewing machine has an easy threading and stitch selection system to make operating it very easy out of the box.

In terms of versatility, this unit packs a lot of punches, featuring a convertible arm that bolsters versatility. What’s more, the unit has a sewing speed of 650-SPM, thereby enabling you to take on your tasks at a quicker speed that majority of the similarly priced models. It also comes with a 100 percent free bonus package to improve your overall sewing experience. The included package contains bobbins, needles, seam ripper, and 1/4 –inch seam foot, all of which combine to help you make full use of the machine.

While this machine is actually not ideal for heavy fabrics and may have its bobbin jam occasionally, we still can’t believe how much of a bargain it is. It is probably the best inexpensive sewing machine you can find. Unlike some higher-end models, it produces very little noise, which allows for convenient usage at night. Some of the other features you will find are inbuilt storage for accessories, a carrying handle for easy movability, and a cover. And added with the lightweight construction of the unit, we will continue to be astonished by the generosity of this Janome sewing machine under $300.

    What makes it special?
  • Quiet operation
  • It is very easy to use
  • It is lightweight and compact
  • Features storage for accessories
  • Boasts of a carrying handle and also a cover
    What cons did we find?
  • Bobbin may occasionally jam
  • Not suitable for thicker materials


Things to Consider

If you’re reading this article, there are chances that you’re a beginner. If that’s the case, we think there are some other things you might need to know in your search for the right sewing machine for your budget, apart from reviews, of course.

Reasons to get a sewing machine under $300

Customize your stuff

You don’t need to own an expensive sewing machine to customize your things. Sometimes you even buy dresses from the shop that require customization, which is a reason you might want to consider a sewing machine sold for under $300. Apart from saving you from paying the tailor some additional money, it also saves you time.

Learn

One of the most popular phrases in the world is “practice makes perfect,” and there is nothing the phrase is better-suited to than sewing. If you’re a beginner, you might want to start with a basic, budget-friendly machine with only a couple of features, before advancing to the more advanced models. If you have such a machine at home, you can easily practice at every chance you get and thereby improve your skills on a daily basis.

Start a business

Best Sewing Machine Under 300A sewing machine is a business opportunity for you unless you’re not ready to pounce on it. If you’re already a good sewer, you can purchase a budget-friendly sewing machine and be offering sewing services right from the comfort of your home. As time goes on, you can start a boutique business from there.

Save money

Haven’t you thought about? The money you spend on patching you and your family’s clothes could amount to something if you saved it up, think about it. With a budget-friendly sewing machine such as the ones we reviewed up there, you can easily by yourself do some basic sewing works you would otherwise pay a tailor for.

In case of emergency

A sewing machine could come in handy in case of emergency, and this is probably the biggest reason you need to buy one. Imagine intending to go out the next day just to find out your dress needs a little customization, or your jeans need hemming. But if you own a sewing machine, you can easily do the customization immediately.

What to Consider When Choosing a Sewing Machine Under $300

Regardless of the type of sewing machine you’re looking for, there are some important features you need to check in a sewing machine under 300 before buying. Some of those features have been discussed below.

Computerized vs. manual

Best Sewing Machine Under 300While computerized machines continue to increase in popularity in recent years, we don’t think it’s the right fit if you’re on a tight budget. Of course, computerized sewing machines are easier to use than manual models, but we found out that cheap computerized machines have a tendency of being sloppier than their manual counterparts and being susceptible to malfunction. Obviously, a computerized model is always preferred if your pockets are deep enough but just go for a manual model if you’re spending less than $300. At this price you can get some descent an embroidery machine for beginners.

Number of built-in stitches

The number of built-in stitches says a lot about the sewing capacity of the machine. More incorporated stitches increase a machine’s versatility, which is something every tailor needs. When shopping for the right machine for your needs, you must keep in mind that the more the built-in stitches, the more versatility you will be able to display. Coming with 185 built-in stitches in total, the Brother Designio Series DZ2400 is the model with most stitches built-in on our list.

Sewing speed

Of course, your sewing machine has to be as fast as possible. Typically, the speed of a sewing machine is measured in stitches per minute (SPM), and your sewing machine under 300 needs to have numerous hundreds of SPM. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 is the model with the highest stitches per minute on our list, boasting a sewing speed of 1,100 SPM.

Drop feed, free arm and extension table

A sewing machine’s free arm has to do with the space under the needle – referred to as the shuttle, the feed dog, and the bobbin.

A sewing machine with an extension table will give you the option of extending your working space out to allow for much easier movement of the material.

The free arm isn’t available on all sewing machines, but it’s a great addition if you plan on sewing cuffs, sleeves and bags, making the task much more simple.

What you need it for

Another thing you must think about is your exact needs. What exactly do you need a sewing machine for? Is it a question you have asked yourself? It is important to keep this in mind, as it will determine the kind of machine you will buy. Someone looking to buy a sewing machine to be making clothes can’t be looking at the same factors as someone that only wants a machine for hemming and repair. In case of the former, you’ll need a heavy duty machine, whereas the latter requires a more simple model. Just remebmer, at this rate, there is no industrial sewing machine rate.

Weight

The weight of your sewing machine is another determinant factor when choosing an ideal model for your needs. A lightweight sewing machine shows that it’s produced using plastic parts, a useful factor if you want your unit to be portable. The machine can’t be too lightweight, however, as it may cause lots of vibrations whilst sewing, which may result in skipped and uneven stitches.

Warranty

Nearly every machine worth investing on will have a warranty. A lot of sewing machines come with a warranty of 25 years, which is enough and enough security on your investment. Some degree of peace of mind comes with buying a product that’s backed by a warranty, and every well-made product has one.

FAQ

How often should I replace the needle?

Your sewing machine will likely wear out quickly if you’re using a dull needle, so we recommend you to replace the needle after each three full used bobbins or each two pre-would bobbins utilized. Also, we recommend you to replace the needle after every project or if working on a material that dulls the needle naturally like heavy fleece or leathers.

What do I need for quilting?

Quilting is one of the most interesting parts of sewing. If you’re new at quilting, keep in mind that you will need a couple of basic quilting tools before you can get started. Some of the most essential tools you need are batting, thread, rotary cutter, and scissors, quilting ruler, cutting mat, pins and clips, seam ripper, oil and brush, marking tools, and assembly tools.

Why is thread bunching up under my fabric?

If thread is bunching up under your fabric, there are many possible causes, and there are many possible solutions. We’d like to talk focus on the solutions only right now and talk about the causes later. Below are the three solutions we recommend if you’re facing this problem with your machine:
  • Take out the top thread and rethread your machine, whilst following the threading schematic included in the manual of your machine. Ensure your presser foot is up whilst threading as the tension disks are locked by many machines when their presser feet are down, which makes it impossible for the machine to be threaded properly through the tension discs. If that doesn’t work, you can remove and rethread your bobbin, and makes sure it is properly inserted.
  • Another thing you might have to do is ensuring you’re using the same kind of thread in both bobbin and top thread. If the threads you’re using in both have different weights, the unit may not be able to draw threads at the same rates, which might result in knots and tangles.
  • The last probable solution is adjusting your tension settings, which might be particularly important if you switch from sewing a heavy material to a soft one or the other way round without adjusting your settings.

Our verdict

Packing a host of features for the price, a long warranty, and coming from probably the biggest company when it comes to the manufacturing of sewing machines, the Singer 7258 is our top pick, but only by a slight margin.

The model that takes our second spot is another one from Brother, the Brother HC1850. With its fairly improved working process and the variety of stitching designs, this sewing machine can handle quilting at its most complicated.

Another option that is worth mentioning is the Brother Designio Series DZ2400, which with 185 built-in stitches, is also one of the most popular sewing machines on the market. An intuitive LCD display, a wide sewing and quilting space, and sewing and quilting capabilities, are some of the highlights of this machine.

Hope you have found the sewing machine you’ve been looking for, but if you want a chance to save more money and opt for simpler devices, here are list for the best sewing machine under 200 and sewing machine under 100 dollars.

9,8
Total Score
Singer 7258 - Editor's Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X