A sewing machine is not just like any other home accessories. It is a necessary item at home as well as, a piece of equipment which can help you prepare fancy gift items for your loved ones. There are varieties of sewing machines in the market price ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars. In this article, we will try to show you the best sewing machine under 100 dollars which can be the best solution for your necessity.
As I have mentioned, a sewing machine can be of different types based on the application. In this article, we will discuss what features should you expect if you get a $100 sewing machine. After that, we will be discussing the features, pros, and cons of our best sewing machine under 100. We have made our list by researching the best sewing machine brands present in the market. We will also try to help you by giving some buying tips regarding the factors that should be considered during purchasing your machine. Lastly, we will discuss the most frequently asked questions and answers. By the end of the read, you will get a comprehensive idea about a low budget sewing machine that you have intended to get for your home.
Top Sewing Machines Below 100 Dollars
- SINGER – Start 1304
- Brother Sewing Machine, XM2701
- SINGER – Tradition 2259
- Galadim GD-015-AG
- KPCB Mini Sewing Machine
Comparison
| Model | SINGER Start 1304 | Brother XM2701 | Galadim GD-015-AG | SINGER Tradition 2259 | KPCB Mini |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Stiches | 6 | 27 | 12 | 19 | 1 |
| Buttonhole type | 4-Step Automatic | 1-step | Not Specified | 4-Step Automatic | Not Specified |
| Speed (stitches/M) | 350-400 | 800 | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Weight | 9.8 pounds | 12.6 pounds | 5.23 pounds | 13.6 pounds | 2.71 pounds |
| Dimension | 13 x 7 x 11.5 inches. | 12.1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches | 12.4 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches | 15 x 6.2 x 12 inches | 6.9 x 3.5 x 8.6 inches |
SINGER – Start 1304
Singer is a 170 years old company that is renowned for making home appliances. This company is a pioneer in portable and low budget sewing machine category. SINGER – Start 1304 is the most popular model in this category.
Features
- Weight: 9.8 pounds
- Dimension: 13 x 7 x 11.5 inches.
- Built-in stitches: 6
- Sewing speed: 350-400 stitches/M
- Presser foot: 3
- Stainless steel bed-plate: Smooth bed-plate made of S/S help you provide an even sewing experience.
- Easy threading: Threading process is very easy for a beginner. You can complete the whole process in less than 10 seconds.
- Reverse sewing: This machine is integrated with the reverse sewing option. This will allow you to secure the stitching in the beginning and during the end of a seam.
- Heavy duty: You can hem jeans and heavy clothes with this machine. But before that, you need to get some heavy-duty needles.
- Easy to adjust: The tension is easily adjustable. This is a perfect machine for cool things to sew for the beginners.
- Portability: The lightweight machine is handy and portable. You can carry this machine during travel quite comfortably.
- Stitch length and width are fixed. Although it is good for the beginner to control, it does not give you customization option of stitch length and width.
- Difficult set up: The vertical bobbin might not be easy to set up.
Overall
This is a nice little machine which we would highly recommend for the beginner. If you find a machine below 100, I think this will be the best option for you. This machine is good for both, heavy and light fabric. At the very first try, a beginner might struggle a bit, which is obvious even though you buy a super easy machine. After working a few days, you’ll get accustomed to the machine.
Brother Sewing Machine, XM2701
Brother is the renowned name for producing all range of sewing machines- from beginner to industrial. Among a few of the low budget models, we have found XM2701 to be the best under 100. This machine is perfect for a variety of ranges of users.
Features
- Weight: 12.6 pounds
- Dimension: 1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches
- Built-in stitches: 27
- Sewing speed: 800 stitches/M
- Presser foot: 6
- Single-step buttonhole: Working with the button will be easier with a simple single-step buttonhole. It will provide you a consistent look for each of the output which is difficult to get out of a four-step buttonhole machine.
- Built-in stitches: This machine has 27 built-in stitches that are controlled by a manual dial. Having so much stitches option in a budget machine is not very common.
- LED light: Your work area will be brightened by built-in LED light so that you can see your creation clearly during operation.
- Automatic needle threading: There is a system to push the thread automatically through the needle.
- Foot presser: To make your life easy, this machine has come up with six easy changing feet.
- Difficult adjusting: Adjusting with the tension might take some time.
- Not smooth: Although it has so many stitching options, all of these might not work as smoothly as the straight one.
Overall
So many features for so less amount of money. This machine can be the best option for starters. I would not like to recommend it to advanced users. There might be so many options to do, but an advanced user might not get the same experience compared to a higher range machine. But for everyday simple hemming, this is a fantastic machine without any doubt. You will get more than what you pay.
SINGER – Tradition 2259
Out of so many popular sewing machines offered by SINGER, ‘Tradition 2259’ is one of the best options for you if you are in budget constraint. As many people trusted this model for their light sewing work, we have extensively researched the features and pros-cons to justify whether this is really a good machine within the budget.
Features
- Weight: 13.6 pounds
- Dimension: 15 x 6.2 x 12 inches
- Built-in stitches: 19
- Sewing speed: Not specified
- Presser foot: 3
- Metal Body: The skeleton of this machine is made of metal which made the machine durable. This also helps the machine hold inside elements in perfect position.
- Adjustable Stitches: Length and zigzag width of stitches are adjustable which ensures stronger seam.
- Preset stitches: Ample amount of stitching options. You will get 19 preset stitches which allow you to design as per your requirement. You can use this machine for home décor, fashion sewing, crafting, and many other purposes.
- Hard fabric: It can handle hard fabric, such as denim, which is great for a budget sewing machine.
- Easy to adapt: this model is good for the persons who have never done any sewing work in their life. Even a 75-year old reported that he had faced no problem learning sewing with this machine. This can be the best user-friendly sewing machine for you.
- Four-step buttonhole: We always prefer single-step buttonhole. This model works in four steps, which could have been improved.
- Difficult winding: Threading and winding the bobbin might seem a little difficult for the beginner. After you get accustomed to it, it will not be an issue though.
Overall
Out of two models of SINGER machines, we have picked, “Tradition 2259” which comes with a little bit more features than the other model we have discussed. Both of the models are made for light use. But if you are a new user and want to be stick to simplicity, we would recommend you using the other model we have reviewed. Tradition 2259 is best for the users who are starters and like to have a little more feature as well.
Galadim GD-015-AG
Galadim is renowned for its lower range of sewing machines. Although, this is not a widely used brand, after researching the features, we have concluded that GD-015-AG will be one of the best options available in the market for less than $100.
Features
- Weight: 5.23 pounds
- Dimension: 12.4 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches
- Built-in stitches: 12
- Sewing speed: Not specified
- Presser foot: 1
- Automatic thread cutter: No need to use a scissor to cut the thread. There is a built-in thread cutter to make your life easy.
- Parts organizer: There is a small drawer inside the machine which will help you organize the small parts. This is a good way to protect your little sewing accessories from being lost.
- Preset stitches: A considerable amount of stitching options. You will get 12 preset stitches with this machine which is good enough for starters.
- Reverse sewing: The reverse option is available which is important to make sure there are no loose ends.
- Needle spacing can be adjusted: Which gives you the freedom to customize your stitches.
- LED light: included for easy vision.
- Ultra-lightweight: You can carry this machine with ease and comfort.
- Less accessories: Multiple numbers of presser foot are not included as a free accessory. Although you can replace the built-in foot as per your need for various sewing projects.
- Not suitable for advanced users. Although, it is okay if you consider the price point.
Overall
It is quite hard to believe that a tiny looking machine can perform such well. This machine is recommended for everyday stitching. This is easy to control and user-friendly. Therefore, this can be the best sewing machine for beginners. Although Galadim is not a top brand in the sewing machine, considering the price and feature, we must recommend you this model for under $100 category.
KPCB Mini Sewing Machine
KPCB mini is a light and portable sewing machine, accepted by many people for so many good feature of it. This machine is good for a simple mending job, although, can also perform daily sewing needs.
Features
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Dimension: 6.9 x 3.5 x 8.6 inches
- Built-in stitches: 1- straight line
- Straight-line operation: Although it is a mini sewing machine, it is comparable to a full-size machine if you are satisfied with only the straight-line stitch.
- Extension table: You will get an extension table with the machine. This will provide you convenience during your operation. You will not feel that you are using a mini sewing machine due to the attachment of the extension table.
- Portability: This machine can be operated by both AC/DC power which enhances its quality of portability.
- The price of the machine is considerably low.
- Wide range of fabric: Although a small portable sewing machine, it can handle a wide range of fabric such as cotton, linen, polyester, thin denim and jeans and silk.
- No preset stitches. If you are satisfied with the only straight-line operation, it will be an issue for you. But for the persons who like fancy sewing work, they might find another option other than this one.
- Not for thick fabric: Although this machine can handle a wide range of fabric, you need to make sure that you do not try with a think fabric.
Overall
If you are looking for a sewing machine for your kid, then this is definitely the best option for you. Nonetheless, you should not be confused to consider this machine as made for kids only. You can do a simple everyday sewing job of your home by this little thing. The price point of this machine has made it unbeatable compared to other machines within $100.
Buying Guide
Curb your expectation
First and foremost, you have to keep in mind that you are not going to get a professional-grade machine spending below 100. It will solve your everyday stitching need but might not be appropriate for advanced use. Therefore, before you make your decision, think about your buying purpose and act accordingly.
The number of stitches
Even the best sewing machine under 100 will not give you a lot of preset sewing options. Therefore, if you are intended to do only regular stitching then you are good to go. But for a person who likes to do decorative work, a budget machine might not be suitable for him. However, there are few low budget machines in the market that will give you a handful of preset options. But with regards to comfort, I do not suggest these machines if you frequently do decorative work.
Extension table
The extension table will be an important feature for you. For a tiny little equipment, it is even more important. Therefore, make sure that you will be working with comfort with your machine. If the table does not come with it for free, ask the seller whether it is possible to fit an extension table if you purchase it later on.
Portability
What feature are you looking for other than price? If portability is an important aspect for you, find out the dimension and weight of the machine before you buy it. Although all of the low budget machines are lightweight and compact, there are few models that are ultra-small. You might love these machines. Check all available options.
Foot pedal
Make sure your machine has a foot pedal. A foot pedal is important to control the stitching speed. All budget sewing machines might not have a foot pedal but almost all good quality machines must have this option. You can check whether your machine has this option or not.
Check the accessories
You have to check what the accessories are you getting with the machine. If you are intended to do different kinds of projects, you must need multiple foot presser for multiple projects. Therefore, you need to check you are going to get all these as free accessories. Or at least, you need to make sure that you can fit additional accessories with the machine if the parts are not given for free.
Applicable fiber
Some budget sewing machine companies will tell you that their machine is compatible with almost all kinds of fabric. But the reality is, you can not stitch multiple layers with a low-budget machine. Therefore, if your intention is to work with hard fabric and multiple layers, you might not like a budget machine.
For the beginner or for kids
Are you buying the machine for your kid? If that is your only intention, then do not spend even something near to 100. There are few budget machines in the market that are good for your kids that cost you only a few bucks. Good for your kids does not mean that these are like toys. You can use these machines for straight line stitching with ease and comfort. But if you would like to practice decorative job, then you might think differently.
What to Look for in the Best Sewing Machine Under 100
Number of stitches
Nowadays, there are sewing machines in the market having up to 200 preset stitches. A low budget machine might not have too many stitches options. You do not need to be disappointed with this. As a beginner, you will be using multiple stitches once in a blue moon. For most of the beginner sewing projects, only a straight-line stitch is good enough which is available in every low budget machine. Therefore, not having too many stitches option does not necessarily mean your machine is not good.
Computerized or mechanical
Both of these types of machines are available in the market. If you are looking for a computerized machine under 100, then you might have to spend a bit more. But let me ask you a question, what additional value the computer will add to your machine? In a computerized machine, you will be selecting the stitches with the buttons and LCD display. The difference with a mechanical machine is that it has a mechanical dial to set up the stitch. Therefore, you have to ask yourself, how a computer make a great deal of difference in your sewing experience?
Your utility
Why are you looking for in the best sewing machine under 100? If it is for a simple repair job, using in-home projects or sewing lightweight clothes, then we will recommend you to choose a low budget machine. Spending extra money will not do anything better for you for light jobs.
But if you are a heavy user, looking for a machine for sewing leather, jeans or heavy clothes, we would not suggest you using a low budget machine.
Maintenance of a Budget Sewing Machine
As you are not spending much, you need to take some extra care to get service for a longer period of time from your sewing machine. Although maintenance is important for any kind of appliance, we are giving extra emphasis to take care of your inexpensive equipment if you really care about its longevity. Below are a few tips which you can follow. The instruction will be generalized. However, if you need a specific suggestion for the maintenance of any specific brand, you have to follow the instruction booklet.
- Dust is an enemy for your appliance. Cover it up with clothes or keep it packed if do not use it for a long time.
- You need to clean your equipment after finishing your work. Otherwise, clean it every eight hours during operation. Remove the lint that comes out from the fabric. Presser foot, bobbin, and needle should be removed and cleaned separately.
- The outside part of the machine can be cleaned with a piece of cloth. Using a brush will be better because it can perform a deep clean operation. Do not use any liquid spray on the body unless it is suggested in your manual booklet.
- You can use a vacuum cleaner and blower to blow out and suck the thread which has got stuck inside the machine. In this way, you can remove any lint or thread which is trapped inside.
- Put oil inside the machine if it is suggested by the manufacturer. Give only one or two drops and remove the oil by a cloth if it remains as the excess on the body.
- Have a preventive maintenance by a professional every two years. By this, you can have balanced tension, proper oiling, and cleaning which you might not have done by yourself.
FAQ
Will a 100-dollar machine be good for an advanced user?
It depends on your purpose. If you intend to use it for advanced projects, such as decorative jobs, then you might face difficulties. We are not saying that it will not perform, but you might need to compromise your convenience. Therefore, if your purpose is mainly straight-line operation and infrequent decorative work, then you can definitely go with it. The suitability does not depend on what kind of user you are but depends on the purpose- for what reason you are going to use it.
Can I perform decorative projects with budget equipment?
I will not suggest you to expect that much. Yes, you will still have some options, for example, a budget sewing machine might have some preset decorative stitches. But you will not have that much convenience as you will get in an advanced level machine. But we can think another way around. A beginner, who does not have any knowledge of sewing and stitching but want to learn decorative stitching, can start with budget equipment.
What kind of fabric is compatible with a machine below 100?
Most of the manufacturers might tell you that you can use any kind of fabric such as cotton, linen, denim or jeans. But there is a hidden condition. You can not use a hard fabric. In another term, you can not use multiple layers. For cotton and linen type fabric, which are not hard, you can put multiple layers with no doubt. But for harder fabric like denim, it might be OK if you use a single layer. Be cautious when working with double or triple layer.
Can my machine under $100 deal with jeans or denim?
The answer will be yes and no. Keep in mind that your inexpensive machine can not deal with hard fabric input. Whether it is denim or cotton, make sure that the input is not so hard. If you use multiple layers, the input will be harder. Therefore, if you are using hard fabric, make sure that you do not stitch multiple layers at a time.
What is the suggested maintenance frequency of a low-cost sewing machine?
Maintenance is very important for inexpensive equipment. We wound suggest that you get maintenance from a professional every two years. On top of that, do not forget to clean it after you finish your work. If you have a project for a longer period of time, you have to clean your machine once in 8 to 10 hours of use.
What kind of project is good for a small sewing machine under 100?
A small low budget sewing machine is suitable for the everyday straight-line sewing operation. These are not suitable for decorative work, although many of these machines come up with many different types of preset stitches. But these may be only a USP for the manufacturers to sell the product. Keep in mind that, these machines are only suitable for simple everyday stitching. Do not expect too much from this equipment.
Final Words
We hope that you have got a comprehensive idea about the best sewing machine under 100. From the point of purpose or reason for use, a budget machine might be a better option than an expensive one. On the other hand, a top brand such as SINGER or Brother might also not be appropriate for you for all the cases. Now you also know that the number of stitches, speed of the machine and portability are some major buying criteria. After considering many other things, we shortlisted the best basic sewing machines available in the market and reviewed the features, pros, and cons of each of the equipment so that you can make a better decision. Although, these are not the best sewing machine for advanced sewers, but can be the best sewing machines for home use.