Best Sewing Machines Under 100 – A Budget Friendly Review

If you are on the ultimate sewing machine budget and you want to buy a quality machine under $100, then this is the perfect guide for you.

While many may think it is not possible to get a good machine for under a hundred bucks, I’m here to prove you wrong. The market for sewing machines has changed a great deal since the days of buying a machine at your local Sears store (this is where my mom bought hers 🙂 ).

With online resources like Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and overstock.com there are so many awesome options for good machines at a reasonable price – and yes even sewing machines under $100.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Machine Under $100

If you are looking for a sewing machine in this price range then it is likely that you are a beginning sewer, which is great. Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing!

Modern sewing machines come in all sorts of price ranges, sizes, specialties, and configurations.

How many stitches? If you’ve done any shopping or comparison for sewing machines you may be blown away by machines that have 80 to 100 or over 200 built in stitches. Well, let me tell you to not get too excited about this. Most basic sewing projects require a straight stitch only. And every once in a while you may use a zig zag stitch. Most of the sewing machines in the under $100 range have just a handful of built-in-stitches but that does not mean it is not a good machine.

What kind of projects are you going to use your machine for? If you are a beginner seamstress who is looking for a decent machine to hem or repair or complete home projects with lightweight fabric, then the selection of sewing machines in the under $100 range will be fine for you.

If you are looking for a machine to sew jeans, upholstery, leather, and even heavy-duty curtains, then you have to budget for a higher end machine. The lightweight machines are not able to handle heavier jobs and will most likely break down if your try to use them for that.

Do you want a mechanical or computerized machine? Although there is no clear cut winner on which type of machine is best. It is really based on your preference. My first machine was computerized, so I used to rave about the ease of use in selecting stitches with the touch of the button and the LCD display. But I’ve since used mechanical machines, and I see that both types of machines are great. A mechanical machine will simply have a dial to select a stitch and not the fancy backlit LCD display.

Read more about mechanical vs. computerized sewing machines if you need help deciding what type of machine you want.

Under $100 Sewing Machine Comparison Guide

Let’s take a look at some of the popular, budget-friendly (aka under $10) sewing machines available today.

MODEL	BUILT IN STITCHES	AUTO NEEDLE THREAD	RATING
MODEL	BUILT IN STITCHES	AUTO NEEDLE THREAD	RATING
[easyazon_link asin="B000F7DPEQ" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="sewsavvy-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Brother XL2600I Sew Advance[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B000F7DPEQ" cloaking="default" height="155" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ysjnfgw9L._SL160_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="160"]Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine[/easyazon_image]	25	Yes	4.5
[easyazon_link asin="B000TF6KJQ" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="sewsavvy-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]SINGER 1507WC Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B000TF6KJQ" cloaking="default" height="119" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41urKc3kQEL._SL160_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="160"]	8	No	4.0
[easyazon_link asin="B005TL10AY" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="sewsavvy-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Janome Sew Mini 2-Stitch Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B005TL10AY" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SPF0cIQ5L._SL160_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="160"]	8	No	4.0
[easyazon_link asin="B0051HJ6JS" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="sewsavvy-20" add_to_cart="no" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]SINGER 2259 Tradition Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B0051HJ6JS" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414C3%2BK5ptL._SL160_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="160"]	19	No	4.0

Keep in mind that there is only so much that you can get from a machine that costs less than $100. If you can afford to spend just a tad bit more, you’ll find a ton of options for sewing machines with advanced features and a more solid body. Check out the best sewing machines under $150 or sewing machines in the $200 to $300 range.

In Depth Review of 4 Sewing Machines Under $100

Here is my in depth review of each of the sewing machines are listed above.

[easyazon_link asin=”B000F7DPEQ” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B000F7DPEQ” cloaking=”default” height=”155″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ysjnfgw9L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ width=”160″]

The Brother XL2600i is an awesome machine that is easily in the “under $100” budget range. It has over 1200 positive reviews on Amazon because it has a lot of great features in a small package. It is a versatile sewing machine that can be used for many different sewing projects.

Features of this machine:

An automatic needle threader, which makes threading your needle a 10 second process
Drop in bobbin system (this is very helpful and saves tons of time)
Five presser feet included: Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button fitting foot, Narrow hemmer foot
5 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches with an easy dial system

Keep in mind this is a lower budget machine so it is not designed to handle heavier fabrics like denim or leather.

Overall, the Brother XL2600i is perfect for beginning sewer doesn’t need anything too fancy or complicated.

[easyazon_link asin=”B0051HJ6JS” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]SINGER 2259 Easy-to-Use Free-Arm Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B0051HJ6JS” cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414C3%2BK5ptL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ width=”160″]SINGER 2259 Easy-to-Use Free-Arm Sewing Machine[/easyazon_image]

The Brother XL2600i is a great value in the under $100 range. It is quiet, durable, and easy to use. This is a beginner sewing machine that will make you enjoy sewing.

Features of this machine:

19 built-in stitches with 1 fully automatic 4-step buttonhole
Adjustable stitch length & zig zag width

Automatic tension and automatic reverse (to secure and finish off your stitches)

It also has a metal frame, which helps to hold the machine in place and prevents skipping while you sew.

Overall, the Brother XL2600i is my pick for the best option for sewing machines under $100. It has a heavy duty frame, lots of stitch options, and other convenient features to make sewing many different projects easy and fun. On top of that it is very, very affordable, which is a plus for many beginning sewers.

SINGER 1507WC Easy-to-Use Free-Arm Sewing Machine

This is another great option in the under $100 price range. Singer is a name that has a long reputation in the sewing industry.

Features of this machine:

Eight built-in stitches, the machine has options for basic sewing and decorative projects
Snap-on presser feet (no need for screwdrivers): Zipper foot, Zigzag foot, Button foot, Buttonhole foot
Free arm to assist with sewing cuffs, collars, pant hems and other hard-to-reach areas
A protective canvas cover is included

Overall, the Singer 1507WC is a nice option for beginners on a budget. It has features that make it easy-to-use and there are enough stitch options for your basic and decorative sewing projects. Owners of this machine also say that it does very well with heavier fabrics, which is great for a machine in this price range.

[easyazon_link asin=”B005TL10AY” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Janome Sew Mini 2-Stitch Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B005TL10AY” cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SPF0cIQ5L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ width=”160″]Janome Sew Mini 2-Stitch Sewing Machine[/easyazon_image]

This is a very simple two stitch sewing machine. Yes, just two stitches but chances are these two stitches (straight and zig zag) are all you need for basic sewing projects. Of the four machines reviewed here, this is the lowest priced and the lowest quality. What I mean is that this machine can be used for only very basic sewing functions.

Features of this machine:

It comes with one basic presser foot
Under 5 lbs. so it is very lightweight
Easy drop-in bobbin system

This machine is not for sewing any heavy fabrics. Overall, it is a nice machine for beginners who want something for basic home sewing projects (and even for kids who are learning to sew). As you get more interested in sewing and begin sewing more advanced projects, you can upgrade to something a little sturdier and with more features.