The main places to find a sewing machine
You can buy a new sewing machine from fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty sewing shops. You can find used machines at thrift stores, online resale platforms, estate sales, and local classified ads. You can also rent machines from some fabric stores and community centers if you want to try sewing before spending money on your own machine.
Each option has different prices, selection, and support. A fabric store employee can show you how a machine works before you buy. An online marketplace offers more models but no hands-on testing. A thrift store might have a bargain but no warranty. Knowing where to look depends on your budget, how soon you need a machine, and whether you want help learning to use it.
Key Takeaways
- New machines from fabric stores and big-box retailers come with warranties and instruction, but cost more than used machines.
- Used machines from thrift stores, online resale sites, and estate sales cost less but may need cleaning or repair before they work well.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have the widest selection of new and used machines, but you cannot test them before buying.
- Renting from a fabric store or community center lets you try sewing for a few weeks before deciding whether to buy your own machine.
- Local sewing shops often offer free lessons with machine purchase and can help you pick a model that matches your skill level.
New machines from fabric and craft stores
Fabric stores like Joann and independent sewing shops stock new machines and let you sit down and test them. Staff can show you how to thread the machine, change the presser foot, and use basic stitches. They answer questions about what each button does and which models work best for beginners. Most stores carry machines from brands like Singer, Brother, Janome, and Bernina at different price points.
Buying from a fabric store usually includes a warranty (typically one to three years) and access to free or low-cost classes. Some stores offer a discount on thread, needles, or fabric when you buy a machine. The downside is that fabric stores usually have higher prices than online retailers, and their selection is smaller than what you can find on the internet.
Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry basic sewing machines in their craft sections. Prices are often lower than fabric stores, but staff may not know much about how the machines work. You get a warranty, but no in-store lessons or ongoing support.
Online retailers and marketplaces
Amazon, eBay, and brand websites like Singer.com and Brother-usa.com sell both new and used machines with shipping to your home. Online shopping gives you access to hundreds of models and lets you read reviews from other buyers. Prices are often lower than brick-and-mortar stores because online retailers have lower overhead costs.
The trade-off is that you cannot test the machine before it arrives. If something is wrong with it, you have to go through a return process, which can take weeks. You also do not get in-person help learning to use it. Read the return policy carefully—some sellers offer 30-day returns, while others do not accept returns on machines at all.
When buying online, check the warranty details. Some machines come with a one-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects. Others have no warranty or a very short one. Look at the seller's return rating and read recent reviews to see whether other buyers had problems.
Used machines from thrift stores and resale sites
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army often have sewing machines for $20 to $100. Estate sales and garage sales are other places to find used machines, sometimes from people who inherited them or stopped sewing years ago. Vintage machines can be very sturdy and last for decades with basic maintenance.
Before you buy a used machine, plug it in and run it for a few seconds to make sure the motor works. Check that the needle moves up and down smoothly and that the presser foot lifts and lowers. Look for rust, broken plastic parts, or a stuck bobbin case. Ask the seller whether they have the manual or original accessories like presser feet or bobbins.
Online resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp let you search for machines in your area and message the seller directly. You can see photos and ask questions before you meet. Always meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and test the machine before you hand over money. Used machines do not come with a warranty, so you are buying at your own risk.
Renting a machine to try before you buy
Some fabric stores and community centers rent sewing machines by the week or month. Rental costs range from $10 to $30 per week, depending on the machine and location. Renting lets you learn whether you actually enjoy sewing before you spend $200 or more on your own machine.
Call your local fabric store or community center and ask whether they rent machines. Some require a deposit (usually $50 to $100) that you get back when you return the machine in good condition. Ask what happens if the machine breaks while you are renting it—some places cover repairs, while others charge you for damage.
If you decide to buy after renting, some stores credit part of your rental fee toward the purchase price. This is worth asking about before you rent.
What to look for when choosing where to buy
Think about what matters most to you: price, selection, support, or speed. If you want the lowest price and do not mind waiting for shipping, buy online. If you want to test the machine and get lessons, go to a fabric store or sewing shop. If you want to save money and do not mind taking a risk, look for a used machine.
Consider how soon you need the machine. Online orders take three to seven business days to arrive. Thrift stores and resale sites have machines available now, but you have to search and travel to see them. Fabric stores have machines in stock and ready to take home the same day.
Think about the brand and model. Popular brands like Singer, Brother, and Janome are straightforward to find parts and needles for. Rare or very old machines can be harder to service. If you buy from a small local shop, you may be able to return to that shop if you have problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on my first sewing machine?
A basic new machine for beginners costs $100 to $300 and handles most common sewing tasks. Machines under $100 are usually lighter and less durable. Machines over $500 have more stitches and features you may not need when starting out. A used machine in good condition can cost $30 to $150 and work just as well as a new one if it has been cared for.
Is it better to buy new or used?
New machines come with a warranty and instructions, so you have support if something goes wrong. Used machines cost less but may need cleaning or small repairs. If you are confident you can troubleshoot problems, a used machine is a good deal. If you want peace of mind, buy new.
Can I return a sewing machine if I do not like it?
Return policies vary by seller. Fabric stores usually allow returns within 30 days if the machine is unused. Online retailers like Amazon typically offer 30-day returns. Thrift stores and resale sites usually do not accept returns. Always check the return policy before you buy.
What if I do not know which brand to choose?
Singer, Brother, Janome, and Bernina are reliable brands sold almost everywhere. Ask staff at a fabric store which model they recommend for beginners in your price range. Read online reviews from other new sewers. Avoid machines with very few reviews or very low ratings.
Do I need to buy accessories when I buy a machine?
Most machines come with basic accessories: bobbins, needles, a presser foot, and a seam ripper. You will eventually want to buy extra needles and thread, but you do not need to buy them on day one. Fabric stores can help you pick the right needle size and thread type for your first project.