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Whether you’re fixing a hem or making a quilt, there’s a sewing machine out there to help get the job done.

A sewing machine is a must-have for anyone who likes making clothing, quilting, or embroidering custom designs. But with the cost of goods and services going up, they’re especially useful to have around for everyday tasks like mending clothing or hemming pants.

Whether you’re an experienced sewer or a total beginner, there are a wide range of modes to suit your needs, and they vary in size, shape, functionality, and cost. There are compact manual sewing machines that offer just a few stitches, and on the other end of the price spectrum are high-tech, computerized models with hundreds of stitches and embroidery programs. Of course, that leaves plenty of middle-of-the-road options, so you're sure to find the perfect match for your skill level and budget.

We've rounded up the best models on the market, so read on for our top recommendations, plus everything you'll want to consider before buying.

The most important factor to consider when shopping for a sewing machine is how you plan to use it. If you’ll just be fixing ripped seams on your family’s clothing or doing basic sewing projects, you’ll likely do just fine with an inexpensive model that offers less than 100 stitch options. However, once you get into quilting, embroidery, or more complex projects, you may want to upgrade to something that offers more complex stitches and attachments.

Sewing machines come in either mechanical or computerized models. Mechanical models are cheaper, but they’re often more complicated to use. You’ll likely have to adjust string tension manually, and the stitches may not be as precise. On computerized models, there are more advanced settings and features, as well as smoother stitching, but these sewing machines are more expensive and costly to repair.

Other factors to keep in mind include the sewing machines size, weight, included accessories, buttonhole options, and special features.

To find the best sewing machines, we started our search with products from the most reputable brands, including Singer, Brother, and Janome. These manufacturers have long-standing reputations for quality, and they offer a wide selection of models, including options for beginners and more advanced users.

We compared different sewing machine models, noting their stitch options, accessories, and features, and we read dozens of user reviews to get a sense of their strengths and potential weaknesses, as well as their primary applications. From there, we selected the best models for a variety of purposes, aiming to provide options for every budget.

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The Singer 7258 is an extremely versatile sewing machine that’s available for a reasonable price. Although it's a computerized model, it's straightforward enough for beginners to use.

Features include more than 200 stitches, including basic and decorative, stretch stitches, and six one-step buttonholes. The machine comes with four presser feet, and automatically sets stitch length and width for optimal performance.

There's also an automatic needle threader and an LED light, plus it comes with a variety of other accessories, including multiple bobbins, needles, a seam ripper, and more.

You can hem pants, mend rips, and complete small sewing projects with this inexpensive compact machine from Janome. The mechanical design offers 18 stitch options, including straight, zigzag, and crescent, plus it's easy to move around at only 5 pounds.

It's available in a wide range of bright colors, and it has threading diagrams and a drop-in bobbin that make it easy to set up and start using. The machine only comes with one presser foot, but it does have a small drawer where you can store accessories, like the included needle threader.

The Brother XM2701 has a straightforward mechanical design that’s easy enough for beginners to use. There are 27 stitches to choose from on the front knob, and the model features an automatic needle-threader and a drop-in top bobbin to prevent jamming.

Other highlights include a built-in free arm that helps you sew cuffs and sleeves, and there are six sewing feet for buttonholes, zippers, zigzags, narrow hems, blind stitching, and button-sewing. There's also and handy automatic bobbin-winding system.

Another major plus is that machine is backed by an impressive 25-year warranty. The only caveat is that it doesn't feature speed control.

As you take on more complicated sewing projects, you may want to upgrade to a product like the Bernette 38 Computerized Sewing Machine. It features 394 different stitches, including a stretch stitch for elastic fabrics, eight one-step buttonholes, and three alphabets. It even has a memory function that allows you to store custom pattern combinations.

There's also a speed regulator that you can adjust via its digital display, and it has an automatic thread cutter and tie-off button. It comes with eight presser feet and an extension table for larger projects, plus you’ll receive a variety of accessories, such as a screwdriver, lint brush, seam ripper, and hard cover.

The Janome MC6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine is a splurge, but it’s ideal if you’re planning to sew large quilts. It features 172 built-in stitches, a needle plate that changes with the touch of a button, and an easy top-loading bobbin system, plus a bright LCD screen that shows you everything about your selections and settings, and offers recommendations for which foot to use for each stitch. It also has a built-in needle threader, a seven-piece feed dog system, and an extra-large throat to accommodate your project.

Other highlights include nine automatic one-step buttonholes, both block and script alphabets, and an industrial-style thread tension control. The sewing machine comes with 12 presser feet and loads of accessories, like six bobbins, a multipack of needles, and a quilting guide, just to name a few.

If you’re planning to sew heavy-duty materials like vinyl or leather, you’ll want a sewing machine like the Singer Heavy Duty 4452. It’s equipped with a stronger motor and has an impressive maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute.

There are 32 built-in stitches, including one automatic one-step buttonhole, and it even comes with a nonstick presser foot that’s ideal for leather and vinyl. In terms of features, this machine has an automatic needle threader and easy-load drop-in bobbin system, plus a heavy-duty metal frame that delivers skip-free sewing.

You can create beautiful embroidered designs on fabric with the Brother SE1900, a high-end computerized sewing and embroidery machine. It has a large 5-by-7-inch embroidery field for less rehooping as you work, and its larger throat is ideal for working on bulky projects.

The machine comes with 138 built-in embroidery designs, as well as 11 fonts, and it has a large color touchscreen where you can preview designs. Plus, the Brother SE1900 is just as good for sewing—it has 240 stitches and 10 buttonhole styles, along with an automatic needle threader and jam-resistant bobbin.

If you’re going to splurge on a sewing machine, the Juki HZL-F600 is worth the extra cost. This computerized model is extremely versatile and can be used for sewing, quilting, and more.

The Juki HZL-F600 comes with an extension table, as well as 12 presser feet. It features 225 stitches, 16 buttonholes, and four fonts, and it features a memory function to save up to 70 patterns.

It also offers manual and automatic tension settings, and you have the option to drop the feed dogs for free-motion quilting or sewing. Another bonus is quick access to 10 of the most popular sewing patterns, including the appliqué stitch and blanket stitch.

Serger sewing machines, also called overlockers, are used to create strong edge finishes on your projects, and the Brother 1034D is one of the best options out there.

This model can be used with either three or four threads, and it has a heavy-duty metal frame that can handle heavyweight materials like denim. The 1034D can also sew up to 1,300 stitches per minute, making quick work largest projects, and it comes with three different snap-on presser feet for standard, gathering, and blind stitching. The only caveat is that it's a bit complicated to thread.

You can teach children ages 8 and up the basics of sewing with this battery-powered sewing machine. The machine is extremely compact and lightweight at just over 2 pounds, but it does a surprisingly good job with basic sewing projects.

It allows you to adjust the stitch length, string tension, sewing speed, and more, and it has a safety guard that keeps fingers away from the needle. Another plus is that comes with supplies needed to create a few basic projects, including fabric, stuffing, and pre-wound bobbins, along with an instruction manual.