Choosing a sewing machine comes down to what you'll sew. For a first machine, look at threading, the bobbin system and the buttonhole; our beginner guide compares seven starter models. If you sew denim and canvas, see heavy-duty machines. Short on space? Portable and mini machines explains what the small ones can and can't do. Quilters should read sewing machines for quilting, and if you already sew and want cleaner seam finishes, serger vs sewing machine covers what a serger adds. Every comparison uses the makers' listings and support pages; we don't test machines.
Gear guides
Brother, SINGER and Janome starter machines compared by stitches, buttonholes, threading and bobbins.
SINGER Heavy Duty, Brother Strong & Tough and Janome HD3000 compared by listed speed, frame and features.
Lightweight full-size machines vs mini and handheld menders, and what each one is good for.
The CS7000X's listed stitches, accessories and features, and how it compares with the CS5055 and XR9550.
Walking feet, wide tables and arm space, plus quilting-ready Brother and SINGER models compared.
What a serger does that a sewing machine can't, what it can't replace, and sergers compared.