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After testing 24 of them, this one came out on top.

The Brother XR9550 siting on a table with fabric around it.

Photo:Real Simple

Well, we went ahead and did all that for you.

Weve also included a budget-friendly alternative thats perfect for beginners.

You might need to play around with the tension for some features to find what works best for you.

Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine

PHOTO: Amazon

After testing this sewing machine, we were way more impressed than wed thought we’d be.

As soon as we set it up, it took just moments to thread the bobbin and needle.

The buttonhole was also very effective; we tried two different designs, and both were clean and simple.

Close-up of the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine’s needle and presser foot with pink fabric

PHOTO: Real Simple

The stitching was even, too.

We tried five different decorative designs, and there were plenty of options available165 in total.

pop in:Computerized |Dimensions:16 by 7 by 12.5 in.

Close-up of a person sewing different thread patterns using the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine

Some fabrics may not handle certain stitches well, and we wished there were more options for switching stitches.

We were incredibly impressed with this machine, even at its budget-friendly price point of less than $200.

throw in:Portable mechanical|Dimensions:15.5 by 5.75 by 12.5 in.

Close-up of the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine’s control panel

Our Testing Process

Finding the best sewing machine started with, of course, the setup.

Then came the timed test of threading our machine.

Was it difficult, or was it relatively simple to figure out?

Close-up of hands threading the bobbin on the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine

How to Shop for Sewing Machines Like a Pro

Computerized vs. For example, if you primarily sew clothing, Chase-Sinclair recommends looking out for stretch stitch options.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the best sewing machine brands?

Of the four sewing machines we mentioned, three are made by Brother.

Close-up of the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine’s needle and presser foot with pink fabric

What is the difference between a sewing machine and serger?

Although they might look similar, a sewing machine and serger arent the same thing.

Sewing machines, however, are better for those who want more versatility for different home projects.

Close-up of a person sewing different thread patterns using the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine

Which sewing machine is best for beginners?

According to Haning, simplicity is often more important than all the bells and whistles.

“It’s important to have a good machine.

Close-up of the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine’s control panel

Close-up of hands threading the bobbin on the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

PHOTO: Baby Lock

Hands lowering the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine’s presser foot

PHOTO: Real Simple

Close-up of a hand threading the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

A hand on the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine’s handle on tile floor next to packaging

Close-up of the zigzag thread pattern of the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine on white fabric

Hands lowering the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine’s presser foot

Close-up of a hand threading the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

A hand on the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine’s handle on tile floor next to packaging

Close-up of the zigzag thread pattern of the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine on white fabric

Hands holding sheer fabric that has been sewn in front of the Baby Lock Jazz II Sewing Machine

Real Simple

Close-up of the Brother XR9550 Sewing Machine’s control panel

Real Simple

Hands sewing a pattern into jean fabric

Real Simple

A person using the Brother 1034D Serger Machine on wooden table

Real Simple