Three Great Sewing Machines Under 500 – A Comparison

If you are an experienced seamstress looking to replace an older machine or upgrade your current machine, or you are more of a beginner who wants to invest in a high-quality machine that will last you for years to come, the machines in the under $500 price range will suit you just fine.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Machine In the $500 Range

If you are looking for a sewing machine in this price range, it is important to think about how you are going to use it and what you really need from it.

How many stitches? If you’ve done any shopping or comparison for sewing machines you may be blown away by machines that have 50 to 100 or 600 built in stitches. My advice is not to let this feature alone make or break your buying decision. The reason is because what use is a machine with several hundred stitches if you never use them?

All of the sewing machines in the $500 range have Most of the sewing machines in the under $500 range have plenty of built-in-stitches for a myriad or projects. Make sure you compare all of the features, not just built-in-stitches, to decide which machine is right for you.

What kind of projects are you going to use your machine for? 

In its most basic form, all sewing machines do the same thing. But depending the projects you need it for, some sewing machines will be better for you over others. It is important to think about what you will be using your machine for so that you can pick the best one for your needs. This is especially important in this price range. If you spend $500 you want to make sure that you have a machine that you can grow into for years to come.

Under $500 Sewing Machine Comparison Guide

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

	Singer 9960	Janome DC 2014	Juki HZL-K85
	[easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B004RDH7Y8" cloaking="default" height="45" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41sn1MVJQ1L._SL75_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="110"]	[easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B00FPXS5XG" cloaking="default" height="75" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41LMUU7WB7L._SL75_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="75"]	[easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B0094KGYN4" cloaking="default" height="75" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nY%2B-sDCWL._SL75_.jpg" tag="sewsavvy-20" width="75"]
Built-In Stitches	600	50	150
Presser Feet Included	18	9	6
Automatic Buttonholes	13	3	8
Needle Threader	Automatic	Manual	Auto
Slider Speed Control	Yes	Yes	No
Thread Tension	Auto	Manual	Auto
Max Speed	850 spm	860 spm	750 spm
Weight	20 lbs	18.2 lbs	15.6 lbs
Average Rating (out of 5)	4.5	4.8	4.6
Current Price

As you can see, all three of these machines offer a tremendous amount of features and value.

In Depth Review of 3 Sewing Machines Under $500

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

[easyazon_link asin=”B004RDH7Y8″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B004RDH7Y8″ cloaking=”default” height=”96″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41sn1MVJQ1L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ width=”160″]SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist[/easyazon_image]

The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist computerized sewing machine is a sophisticated looking machine with plenty of high-end features. You’ll get 13 presser feet and over 600 built-in stitches (wow!) to test your creativity with home decor and other home projects, making and altering clothes, quilting, crafting, and more.

The amount of features this machine has may be intimidating for beginners but, for the price, this machine is a great investment that will last you for years.

Other features of the Singer 9960:

• Speed control slider to have more control of sewing speed without the foot pedal.
• Many automatic features such as an auto needle threader, automatic tension (which is also manually adjustable), and automatic thread cutter, and automatic reverse.
• Drop-in bobbin system with plastic see-through cover.
• Extra-high presser foot lifter
• Drop feed functionality
• Extra long extension table attachment included with ruler markings.
• Built in carry handle

Overall the Singer 9960 is a breeze to use and is literally jam-packed with features. It comes with a detailed manual but you can also get going with this machine easily with the auto-threading, and the touch of a button stitch selection. It is quiet and with all of its features, you’ll be experimenting for quite some time.

[easyazon_link asin=”B00I8W89IC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Janome DC2014 Computerized Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B00I8W89IC” cloaking=”default” height=”137″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31sIcN%2BeUPL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ width=”160″]Janome DC2014 Computerized Sewing Machine[/easyazon_image]

The Janome DC 2014 is a popular machine in the “under 500” category and it is also popular has enough features to do sewing, quilting, garments, alterations and it’s light weight enough to travel to classvamong quilters. It comes from the trusted Janome name, which is known for high quality machines. It has plenty of features to do sewing, quilting, garments, alterations, and more but i and it’s light weight enough to travel to classes.

Users of this machine describe it as quiet, fast, easy-to-use, and dependable.

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 snap-on presser feet included: Satin stitch foot, Zipper foot, Automatic buttonhole foot, Overedge foot, and a Blind hem foot.
• 3 one-step buttonholes.
• Variable speed control slider (great feature that I use all the time!)
• 5 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches with an easy dial system

This machine also comes with the hard cover, which is a big plus! As you do your sewing machine shopping and compare reviews and features you will find nothing but good things said about the Janome brand. I do not own a Janome myself (I currently use a Brother), but this brand is in the top spot when I purchase my next sewing machine.

[easyazon_link asin=”B0094KGYN4″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Juki HZL-K85 Computer-Controlled Household Sewing Machine[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B0094KGYN4″ cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nY%2B-sDCWL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”sewsavvy-20″ width=”160″]Juki HZL-K85 Computer-Controlled Household Sewing Machine[/easyazon_image]

You may not be familiar with the Juki brand. It has been around since 1947 and was primarily known for its industrial sewing machines, but it has recently introduced household machines into the US. The Juki HZL-K85 sewing machine is a high quality, durable machine and it offers an incredible value if you are shopping for a higher end machine in the “under 500” price range.

Features of this machine:

• Wide variety of 150 stitch patterns.
• Letters and one point stitch patterns (you can change the size of stitch patterns).
• Easy one-step buttonhole.
• Drop in bobbin system.
• Drop feed for free motion quilting.
• Automatic needle threader and automatic thread tension (this can be done manually as well).

Overall, the Juki HZL-K85 is a simple to work with and easy to navigate from stitch to stitch. It has enough decorative stitches to have fun and be creative, while not being overwhelming.

Which Sewing Machine Under $500 is Best?

Each of these machines is popular among seamstresses and quilters because they are great machines. The one you choose will depend on the specifics and also your budget. The Janome DC2014 is the most expensive coming in just under $500, while the Juki HZL-K85 is slightly under $400. The Singer 9960 is the least expensive, coming in under $350.