For pocket friendly sewing projects
When it comes to sewing, it can be considered a life skill, a hobby, or a livelihood. Either of these requires a best sewing machines under $500 to start off.
Since sewing machines are considered a long-term serving choice, plenty of factors need to be taken into consideration may it be its functionalities, the purpose of the purchase, and the budget in mind. This article will help you navigate through the five best sewing machines under $500.
Here is the list of sewing machines based on the mentioned price point and other utilities.
| Model | Stitch counts per minute | No:of built in stitches | Variety of Presser Feet | Automatic Threader | Automatic Tension Control | Free Arm |
| EverSewn Sparrow 30S | 850 | 310 | 9 | Yes | No | No(extension table) |
| Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist | 850 | 600 | 13 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Singer 7258 | 750 | 100 | 10 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Janome HD 3000 | 650 | 18 | 5 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Brother HC 1850 | 850 | 185 | 8 | Yes | No | Yes |
1. EverSewn Sparrow 30 S
Quilting, stitching, embroidery, name it and you can get it done hassle-free with EverSewn Sparrow 30 sewing machine. This quirky-looking, the pastel-hued machine is all set to bring out the best in your sewing experiments. This machine comes with quite a number of highlighted features.
Precision is the word that can tag along with a sewing machine that offers functionalities mentioned above. Weighing 17 pounds, EverSewn Sparrow 30 is sleek and compact with the dimensions of 15.5 x 6.5 x 11 inches.
The built-in stitches include 84 decorative, 32 utility, and 2 alphabet stitches that will ensure that one can tackle any type of stitches including monogramming. The numerous decorative stitches will take care of the embroidery needs as well. 850 stitches per minute make it a swift-working model.
The working of this computerised machine can be monitored with the help of an LCD screen.
Another feature that increases the convenient working of this model is the stitch memory function that will save already worked upon stitch combinations so that one needn’t reset it manually.
The stitch selection and adjustments are manually controlled with the help of dials, the selections displayed on the screen. Similarly, the thread tension which can be adjusted makes it convenient to work with any type of fabric without worrying about the breakage in between. The extension table which is an added feature makes it easier to work on larger fabrics.
The automatic features of threading, cutting, and the drop-in bobbin save a lot of time which otherwise are time-consuming. The clear cover plate on the bobbin allows easy monitoring and prompt refill.
The accompanying accessories include a 7-type sewing foot, softcover, bobbin, extra needle, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt and spool pin.
Pros
- A multitude of built-in stitches that lets you take up any kind of stitching project
- Fast sewing speed
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Computerized
- Essential automatic features
Cons
- It can be noisy
- Found to have issues with the bobbin
Verdict
EverSewn Sparrow 30S sewing machine can be a good choice for a cheap yet versatile sewing machine. For the given price point, it offers a high-quality product with features that help you take up any sewing projects.
2. Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist Sewing Machine
This computerized sewing machine comes with a multitude of features aiming at intermediate to advanced users. The features this machine offers works well for different customized works.
This feature-rich sewing machine is a sturdy and durable choice with a metal frame, weighing 20 pounds and with the dimensions of 17.25 x 8.25 x 12 inches.
850 stitches per minute and the 600 built-in stitches are among the most highlighted options enabling quick and varied work. It also comes with an interface that allows works that involve mirror imaging. The automatic needle threading, thread cutting along the easy functionality of the bobbin save a lot of unwanted strain. It also has an electronic twin needle and an easy-to-load top drop-in bobbin system along with an automatic bobbin winder.
Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist sewing machine uses box feed motion for their feed dogs. This allows consistent feeding of the fabric as the feed dogs are always in equal contact with the fabric and the presser foot.
The extension table and lifting the presser foot to an extra-high position helps in working conveniently with quilting projects. The automatic stitch length and width aids this process. In addition to the presser feet, a free arm is also available that enables working on sleeves, cuffs, and pants with ease. To make it conducive for any working project, it comes with 13 built-in buttonhole styles.
Light, medium, and heavy weight fabrics can be stitched easily by changing the needle type already available with the machine.
A dust cover and transportation case come as the accompanying accessories.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- The multiple automatic features save time
- Wide-ranged stitch pattern selection
- High stitch per minute speed
- Adjustable feed dog
- Good control oversewing with multiple options for the same
- Compliments quilting projects
Cons
- Heavy
- The pressure of the presser feet cannot be adjusted
- Doesn’t work well on embroidery
- The positioning of the bobbin winder and the LCD screen can be confusing
- Lack of quilting tray
- Buttonhole quality doesn’t meet the standard
- The size of decorative stitches like alphabets cannot be adjusted
Verdict
Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist sewing machine can be overwhelming when it comes to features, may it be the automatic or the other time-saving additional features that let you take upon a wide variety of sewing projects. The non-portability and the non-adjustable presser feet are the notable drawbacks of this machine.
3. Singer 7258 Sewing Machine
Versatility is the keyword to describe this computerized compact sewing machine with a metal frame, with the dimensions of 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches, and weighing 14.6 pounds.
Singer 7258 comes with100 built-in stitches to choose from. It helps to carry out different formats of stitching with ease. With the automatic features of threading and tension control, the model works well with the thicker fabrics used for curtains. Free arm eases the work with large fabrics.
The metal frame of this machine makes it a durable choice. This computerized machine features a 6-segment feeding system and 10 presser feet. The 7 varieties of one-step buttonhole do meet the requirement of a variety of sewing projects.
Along with the drop-in bobbin system, the clear cover helps to monitor the availability and lets you feed the thread on time.
The adjustable stitch lengths let it work well with the different fabric lengths.
Pros
- Availability of multitude of stitches
- Durable
- Computerized functionalities
- Works well on different fabrics
- Automatic threading works well on thicker threads
- Easy to work with large fabrics
Cons
- Non-adjustable stitch width
- Presser foot cannot be adjusted
Verdict
Singer 7258 is a feature-rich option for sewing curtains. With its easy-to-use features and the accompaniments that complement its functionality, this is a good option for fashioning draperies. Along with the built-in stitches, the multitude of stitch applications, (nearly 203) that can be done with the machine is unique to this machine.
4. Janome HD 3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
This product from Janome is a heavy-duty product that works well for drapery projects. It is the most durable due to its Aluminium body and comes with a case to cover. The machine weighs 18.7 pounds and the dimension is 10 x 19 x 15 inches.
Janome HD 3000 is mechanical, comes with 18 stitch styles, and has the capacity to stitch around 1000 stitches per minute. Thus it assures good speed. It can sew chunky and thick threads without any hassles which is the most essential requirement when it comes to stitching curtains. This too comes with a one-step buttonhole style.
It comes with a free arm and an extra high presser foot lift and a reverse stitch lever. The presser foot is adjusted with the help of a dial. The optional accessories are wide-ranged aiding in a multitude of stitch varieties.
This has a jam-proof rotary hook bobbin system which also lets you monitor the amount of thread used. The 5-piece dog feed ensures excellent grip on the cloth.
Pros
- Durable
- Fast performance
- Good grip on the cloth
Cons
- Expensive
- Manual thread tension control
- Not computerized
- Manual threading
- Less number of built-in stitches
- Accompanying processes tend to be time-consuming The sensor needs to be reset after stitching each buttonhole
Verdict
Janome is known for making premium sewing machines and this product is no exception from this reputation. Though Janome HD 3000 is a manual sewing machine for most of its functions, the accompanying accessories ensure smoother and faster stitches. The manual functions are all controlled with the help of easy-to-operate dials, which makes it hassle-free to use.
5. Brother HC 1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is a sewing machine that best suits beginners due to its ease of operation and affordability. The associated features of this machine are not available for any other sewing machines at this price point.
Brother HC 1850 comes with 185 built-in stitches, with the capacity of 850 stitches per minute that makes it a swift performer. The stitch functions which count up to 170 aids in undertaking any sewing project may it be garments, decorative or heirloom stitching, and quilting. It also features 8 options for buttonholes. The stitches are programmable on the LCD screen.
The automatic functions of this machine include needle threading and the automatic drop-feed system helps to carry out free-motion quilting with ease. The extension table and free arm work well for bigger fabrics as well.
The smoothness of the machine with both sewing and quilting is ensured with the 8 variety sewing and quilting feet.
The stitch quality stays even, ensured by the drop-in bobbin.
The LCD screen displays the selections and the sewing foot recommended according to the material and the stitch, and the sewing speed. It works well on a broad range of fabrics as well.
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Suited for quilting projects
- Good stitch quality
- Works well of fabrics of any thickness
Cons
- The pressure of the presser-foot cannot be adjusted
- Unavailability of the automatic thread cutter
- Availability of only one monogramming font
- Short free arm
Verdict
This product is a feature-rich option that is affordable and durable. It provides the user with high-end options for sewing and quilting and works well on fabrics of any thickness ensuring consistent quality stitches.
Conclusion
We have provided you with a list of the five best sewing machines that come under $500. These are affordable and opted for beginners and advanced sewers alike. Apart from the lucrative price point, the sewing machines listed in this article are feature-rich, versatile, and help to take up a variety of sewing projects like quilting, decorative stitching, or simple garments, anything of your choice.