A Brother for Beginners

Though it may not be the dream machine, this machine works very well.  I give it an 8/10.  I own a machine very similar to this one; while this one is not computerized, it is accurate in stitch length and can handle tough fabrics.

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Beginners: Project RunwayLimited Edition CE-5500PRW ($149)

The CE-5500 Project Runway Limited Edition is a great deal with an LCD screen, automatic needle threading, and 5 styles of buttonholes. The bobbin is easy to wind and load, and the machine is very lightweight and portable — especially nice if you don’t have a dedicated sewing area and will need to store it when not in use. 

Pros:

• Produces quality stitches through multiple layers
• Easy to wind bobbin
• Easy to change the needle and presser foot
• Simple-to-use interface
• Good speed
• Threading bobbin is very easy
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• No speed adjustment
• Have to slide out accessories case and accessories can fall out

Standard Accessories:

• Buttonhole foot
• Overcasting foot
• Zipper foot
• Zigzag presser foot
• Blind stitch foot
• Monogramming foot
• Button sewing foot
• Seam ripper
• Softcase
• Large Spool Cap
• Medium Spool Cap
• Four bobbins
• Needle set
• Twin needle
• Ball point needle
• Cleaning brush
• Disc-shaped screwdriver (3 pieces)
• Spool cap
• Extra spool pin

Optional Accessories:

• 1/4 Inch Piecing Foot-Guide
• 1/4" Quilting Foot
• 5 mm Narrow Hem Foot
• 5mm Cording Foot
• 5mm Pintuck Foot
• 7mm Cording Foot (5-hole)
• 7mm Open Toe Foot
• 7mm Picot Foot
• 7mm Side Cutter
• Adjustable Zipper & Piping Foot
• Binding Foot
• Braiding Foot up to 5mm width
• Clearview Foot (For Horizontal Bobbin 7mm)
• Concealed Zipper Foot
• Cording Foot (For 7mm Horizontal Machine)
• Edge Joining Foot
• Fringe Foot
• Gathering Foot for PS & PC series
• Metal Open Toe Foot
• Non-Stick Foot (Horizontal bobbin)
• Non-Stick Teflon Foot (Horizontal Bobbin Machine)
• Open Toe Walking Foot
• Quilting/Free Motion Foot
• Quilting Guide for Foot Holder
• Stitch Guide Foot
• Straight Stitch Foot
• Vertical Stitch Alignment Foot
• PE-DESIGN® LITE
• Top Load Bobbins

Courtesy of Brother

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Beginners: Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine ($230)

This speedy machine will get your sewing done in a snap. Straightforward and simple to use, the typical tasks are done with ease. Threading the machine and bobbin are both done easily, as are changing the needle and presser foot. TheSinger 4411 is good for a beginner who is going to do basic sewing. Available at singerco.com.

Pros:

• Produces high-quality stitches through multiple layers of fabric
• Easy buttonhole set-up
• Easy to thread the machine and wind the bobbin
• Easy to change the needle and presser foot
• Simple, straightforward sewing machine
• Very easy-to-use dials

Cons:

• Needle-position dial is hard to turn

Standard Accessories:

• Zipper foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Seam ripper/brush
• Edge/quilting guide
• Pack of needles
• Spool holders
• Three bobbins
• L-screwdriver
• Auxiliary spool pin
• Spool pin felt
• Soft cover

Optional Accessories:

• Satin stitch foot
• Overcasting foot
• Hemmer foot
• Cording foot
• Blind hem foot
• Quilting/straight stitch foot
• Gathering foot
• Darning/embroidery foot
• Even feed foot
• Twin needle

Courtesy of Singer