First machines
A first machine is judged on one thing: how many times it makes you give up in the first month. We compare beginner machines on threading, tension forgiveness and bobbin type — and say plainly which ones you will outgrow within a year.
Mechanical · entry Bernina family
Bernette's simplest machine and the cheapest way into the Bernina dealer network. One reference across all five European markets; absent from the US.
Best for: A first machine bought with the next ten years in mind
≈ 280 €
Electric · free arm
Brother's plain electric entry machine, carrying one single reference on all six Amazon stores we checked — the widest availability in this batch.
Best for: A first machine from a brand you can get serviced anywhere
≈ 98 €
Supplied with accessory set
A German-market machine sold with an accessory set, present on five Amazon stores under one reference — and described differently in almost every language.
Best for: A first machine bought in Europe with its accessories already in the box
≈ 250 €
23 stitches · free arm
The yellow Simple, listed with 23 stitches and a free arm across five European markets under a single reference.
Best for: Learning on, and for alterations and light dressmaking
≈ £230 / 155 €
Mechanical · 32 stitches
Singer's plastic-bodied entry machine with 32 stitches. One reference across all five European markets; absent from the US.
Best for: Occasional repairs and light dressmaking on a small budget
≈ £200 / 180 €
Mechanical · entry level
Singer's simplest current mechanical machine. Present on four markets under one reference — and, unusually, absent from France.
Best for: Someone who wants the fewest possible controls to learn on
≈ £170 / 130 €
Mechanical · 10 stitches
Singer's simplest current mechanical machine. Sold only on the US and UK stores in our checks, under two different references — and absent from the French, Italian and Spanish catalogues.
Best for: A first machine in the US or UK, where basic really is enough
≈ £240
Computerised · LCD · Europe-wide
Brother's computerised beginner machine, available under one reference across the whole of Europe including the UK. Absent from the US catalogue.
Best for: A first machine in Europe, bought without worrying about which country you are in
≈ 450 €
