5 Best Sewing Machines Under $100 That Will Make Your Life Easier

From mini sewing machines to full-featured machines, find the best sewing machine under $100 with our comprehensive reviews!
By
Chloe Faber
Chloe Faber
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Chloe is not just a fashion designer - she’s an artist, and her personal blog is her canvas. BTW, check it out to get daily inspiration from her vibrant style! Chloe activ read more
Last updated: August 16, 2023
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Sewing can be a difficult and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s what sewing machines are for! If you’re ready to spend no more than $100 on a new sewing machine, you should expect to find one that can handle basic sewing tasks like hemming and mending. You might also be able to find a machine that has more advanced features, like decorative stitching and automatic buttonhole making.

We’ve looked into more than 20 models and compiled a list of the 5 best sewing machines under $100. We considered a variety of factors, including ease of use, stitch quality, and extra features. The The New Home Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia became our top choice. It has all the basic stitches you need, plus a few decorative stitches to get you started.

Quick Summary

  • "This is a great choice for sewers of all levels because it has all the basic stitches you need, a few decorative stitches, and easy-to-use features like a top drop-in bobbin and easy reverse"
  • "This battery-powered mini sewing machine has two speeds and an extension table, giving you more workspace"
  • "A very beginner-friendly sewing machine for beginners with 12 stitches, a two-thread lockstitch, a free arm, and a reverse sewing function"
  • Best Portable Sewing Machine under $100: KPCB Mini Sewing Machine
    "An electric sewing machine for simple projects that comes with a free arm, an extension table, foot controller, and built-in LED lights"
  • Best Stitch Variety:
    "This electric sewing machine has 12 built-in stitches, a reverse sewing function, and comes with a multi-use accessory set"

Top 5 Sewing Machines Under $100 Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3422 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
Features
  • Electric: yes
  • Number of stitches: 10
  • Free arm: yes
  • Dimensions: 5 x 10.5 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 5 lbs.

Other features: accessory storage, easy reverse, threading diagrams, top drop-in bobbin, finger guard

The New Home Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia is our top choice for the best sewing machines under $100. This machine is great for beginners or those who only need to do light-duty sewing. It has 10 built-in stitches, including a 4-step buttonhole stitch. The Fast Lane also comes with a free arm, which makes it easy to sew sleeves and other difficult-to-reach places. This machine is very easy to use, even for beginners. We were able to quickly figure out how to thread the machine and change the stitches. The machine performed well on all of the fabrics we tested it on. We were especially impressed with the stitch quality.

In addition to the price difference between The New Home Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia and other Janome products, which are typically quite expensive, there are other differences as well. One is the size, with this model being significantly smaller than most others on the Janome lineup. Naturally, with the reduced size, it also weighs less, making it one of the most portable options from the brand. 

    Why did it make our list?
  • 10 built-in stitches4-step buttonhole stitchFree arm includedEasy to useGood stitch quality
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Not a lot of extra features for advanced users
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5739 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Electric: yes
  • Number of stitches: 1
  • Free arm: no
  • Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 9.5 inches
  • Weight: 2 lbs.

Other features: extension table, low and high speeds, AC/DC and battery-powered, 42 pcs sewing accessory kit, built-in light, safety needle guard

The Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine is our best value choice for the best sewing machines under $100. This machine is great for beginners or those who only need to do light-duty sewing, as it comes with one stitch type and a 42-piece accessory kit. It’s also very easy to use, thanks to its AC/DC and battery-powered capabilities, as well as its extension table for larger projects. It comes with a built-in light, which can be very helpful when sewing in low-light conditions. We were also impressed with the build quality of this machine, as it feels sturdy and well constructed. 

The Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine differentiates itself from the other Magicfly model listed, the Magicfly Portable sewing machine, in several ways. One, it’s much smaller and lighter, so it can more easily fit into suitcases or handbags when you’re travelling or going to class. Additionally, a safety needle guard is included making it safer and easier for kids to use than the Portable model. 

    What makes it stand out?
  • One stitch type42-piece accessory kitAC/DC and battery-powered capabilitiesExtension table for larger projectsBuilt-in light
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • No free arm includedNo decorative stitches
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5121 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
Features
  • Electric: yes
  • Number of stitches: 12
  • Free arm: yes
  • Dimensions: 4.8 x 10.8 x 10.2 inches
  • Weight: 4.7 lbs.

Other features: two-thread lockstitch, replaceable presser foot, stainless steel rotary hook tip, top drop-in magnetic bobbin, reverse sewing, built-in accessory storage drawer, sewing light, thread cutter

The MICHLEY LSS-505+ Desktop 12-Stitch Sewing Machine is a great entry-level machine that is perfect for those who are just starting to sew. It is very easy to use and comes with a detailed instruction manual. The machine has 12 different stitches that you can choose from, and it also has a reverse sewing function. Additionally, it comes with a built-in accessory storage drawer, which is perfect for storing all of your sewing supplies. The only downside of this machine is that it does not have a built-in thread cutter, so you will need to purchase one separately.

The MICHLEY LSS-505+ Desktop 12-Stitch Sewing Machine can be compared easily with the New Home Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia since they’re both in the $60-$70 price range. Buyers can pick the Janome model if they want something from one of the more reputable sewing machine brands. In comparison, the MICHLEY brand is relatively unknown, allowing for the added perk of being slightly more affordable. 

    Why is it special?
  • Easy to use12 stitchesReverse sewing functionBuilt-in accessory storage drawerThread cutter (sold separately)
    What are the flaws?
  • Limited functionality for more advanced users
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4780 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.1
4
Best Portable Sewing Machine under $100

KPCB Mini Sewing Machine

Features
  • Electric: yes
  • Number of stitches: 1
  • Free arm: no
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 8.6 x 6.9 inches
  • Weight: 2.97 lbs.

Other features: mini size, certificated adapter, double thread, an extension table, foot controller, 5-layer stitching, built-in LED lights

This KPCB Mini Sewing Machine is a great option for those looking for a small, lightweight machine that is still electric. It only has one stitch, but it is a very simple machine to use. It does not have a free arm and it is not as versatile as some of the other machines on this list, but it is still a great choice for beginners or those who want a machine for basic sewing projects. It weighs just 2.97 lbs, making it one of the lightest and most portable machines on this list. It comes with an extension table, foot controller, 5-layer stitching, and built-in LED lights, which works great for those who want a little bit more than just a basic sewing machine.

Compared to the rest of the list, the KPCB Mini Sewing Machine is the most affordable model. It does, however, offer similarities to others on the list, like the Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine, which features the same design. Furthermore, you also get the same 42-piece accessory kit available with the Magicfly Mini model. As such, the option you pick between the two may come down to which brand you prefer.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Lightweight and portableSimple to useComes with a variety of features
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Limited number of stitches
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2244 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.8
5
Best Stitch Variety

Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine

Features
  • Electric: yes
  • Number of stitches: 12
  • Free arm: no
  • Dimensions: 9.8 x 14 x 10.2 inches
  • Weight: 7.37 lbs.

Other features: reverse sewing, multi-use accessory set, threading guide, two power supply methods, replaceable presser foot

The Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine has plenty of features to make sewing quick, easy and efficient. It comes with electric power so you don’t need to worry about winding up a hand crank like some older models require. This sewing machine comes with multi-use accessory set, threading guide and replaceable presser foot. Additionally, it offers two power supply methods – either plugging into the wall or using battery operation. The best way to utilize the Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine is to take advantage of its powerful features. It has a reverse stitching option that allows you to backtrack and make corrections, as well as an adjustable presser foot for different types of fabric. The multi-use accessory set includes bobbins, needles, threads and other tools for creating a wide variety of projects. And best of all, this sewing machine only weighs 7.37 lbs., so it’s easy to transport and use in different locations.

The Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine can be compared to the more miniature Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine. The designs are slightly different, with this option offering more buttons to cater to the extra features available. This includes the 12 built-in stitches compared to the Magicfly Mini’s one stitch. Ultimately, the mini is best suited for repairs. On the other hand, the Magicfly Portable can handle small crafting projects, although you will have to pay more.

    What makes it special?
  • Electric power requires no hand-crankingCan use both plug-in or battery operationHas a reverse sewing function and adjustable presser foot for different types of fabricComes with a multi-use accessory set i
    What cons did we find?
  • Limited number of stitches

Things to Consider

When looking for the best sewing machine under $100, it is important to keep in mind what you will be using it for. If you are a beginner, you may want to look for a machine that is simple to use and has basic features. However, if you are more experienced, you may want to look for a machine with more advanced features like buttonholes and decorative stitches. In this buying guide, we will go over specifics in more detail.

What to Look for in the Best Sewing Machine under 100 dollars

There are a few key things you should look for when purchasing the best sewing machine under $100. They are:

Mechanical or Electric

The best sewing machine under $100 will be either a mechanical or electric model. Mechanical models are typically less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use. Electric models are usually more user-friendly, but they may be more expensive.

Number of Stitches

Cheap sewing machines do not usually have more that 12 biult-in stitches

The best sewing machine under $100 will have from 1 to 10 stitches. If you are a beginner, you will probably only need the basic straight stitch. However, if you are more experienced, you may want a machine with more stitches for decorative sewing.

Buttonholes

Some of the best sewing machines under $100 will have built-in buttonholes. This is a nice feature to have if you plan on using your machine for clothing projects.

Free Arm

A free arm is a nice feature to have on a sewing machine. It allows you to sew sleeves and pant legs with ease.

Size and Weight

You will want to consider the size and weight of the machine, if you plan on taking your machine with you to classes or sewing groups. Cheap sewing machines are typically lightweight and portable.

Ease of Use

Automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin make a sewing machine easy to handle

If you are a beginner, you will want to look for a machine that is easy to use. This may include features like an automatic needle threader and a top drop-in bobbin.

Warranty

It is always important to check the warranty on any sewing machine, but it is especially important when you are looking at the best sewing machines under $100. This will ensure that you can get your machine serviced if there are any problems.

What’s Included

When you are looking at the best sewing machines under $100, it is important to see what accessories are included. Some machines come with just the basics like a straight stitch foot and a zigzag foot. Others may come with more advanced feet like a buttonhole foot or a walking foot. Additionally, some machines come with bonus items like a carrying case or an instructional DVD.

FAQ

What fabrics can I sew with a low-budget sewing machine?

The best sewing machines under $100 can sew a variety of fabrics including cotton, denim, and corduroy. However, you may want to avoid sewing very thick fabrics like leather or vinyl.

How to use a mini sewing machine?

A mini sewing machine is a great option for those who are looking for a lightweight and portable machine. These machines are typically very easy to use and have basic features. To use a mini sewing machine, simply thread the machine and select the stitch you want to use. Then, hold the fabric in place and start sewing.

How to clean a sewing machine?

Cleaning your sewing machine regularly is important to remove lint and dust. You can do this by using a soft brush to dust off the outside of the machine. Additionally, you can use needle nose pliers to remove any lint from the bobbin case. Finally, you can use sewing machine oil to lubricate the machine’s moving parts.

Our verdict

After reviewing many different sewing machines, we believe that the best ones are the New Home Janome Fast Lane, the Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine, and the MICHLEY LSS-505+ Desktop 12-Stitch Sewing Machine. These machines are all affordable, yet they offer a variety of features that make them great for both beginners and experienced sewers.

The New Home Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia is our top choice because of the nice variety of built-in stitches, safety of use, and handy features like the top drop-in bobbin and easy reverse.

The Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine is a great choice for sewers who want a battery-powered machine with two speeds, an extension table, and a great accessory kit.

The MICHLEY LSS-505+ is one of the best sewing machines under $100 for beginners or those who need a machine for light-duty projects. It has 12 stitches, a free arm, and reverse sewing. The built-in accessory drawer and thread cutter are also convenient features.

References

1.
The Guide to Sewing Machine Parts and All Their Uses Martha Stewart
Understand the anatomy of a sewing machine and its parts, including how to use them.
2.
Stitch Applications Guide
Explore hundreds of unique stitch applications for various sewing techniques. Watch the video and click to explore hundreds of stitch images below.
9,8
Total Score
The New Home Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia - Editor's Choice
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