The main places to buy a sewing machine
You can buy a sewing machine at fabric stores, big-box retailers, specialty sewing shops, online marketplaces, and from private sellers. Each option has different prices, selection, and support. Fabric stores like Joann carry machines from beginner to intermediate models and staff who can answer basic questions. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock entry-level machines at lower prices but offer limited selection and little in-store guidance. Specialty sewing shops—independent stores focused on sewing—typically have the widest range, experienced staff, and repair services, though prices run higher. Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and brand websites offer convenience and sometimes lower prices, but you cannot test the machine before buying. Used machines from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local estate sales cost less but come with no warranty and require you to inspect them yourself.
The right place depends on your budget, how much help you want choosing a machine, and whether you need repair service nearby. A beginner spending under $200 might start at Joann or Walmart. Someone investing $400 to $800 in a machine they plan to keep for years should visit a specialty shop where staff can match you to a model and show you how it works. A person looking to save money and willing to research online might find a good deal on Amazon or a used machine locally.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric stores like Joann offer beginner-friendly machines with staff support at moderate prices, making them a good starting point for new sewers.
- Specialty sewing shops have the most experienced staff and repair services, though machines cost more than at big-box stores.
- Online retailers provide convenience and sometimes lower prices, but you cannot test the machine or get when ready help if something goes wrong.
- Used machines from local sellers cost significantly less but require you to inspect the machine and test it before buying, with no warranty protection.
- Budget and your need for in-person support should guide where you shop—beginners benefit from staff help, while experienced sewers may prefer online deals.
Fabric stores: Joann and similar chains
Joann is the largest fabric store chain in the United States and carries sewing machines in most locations. Their selection includes beginner machines from brands like Singer, Brother, and Janome, typically priced between $100 and $400. Staff can answer questions about basic features and help you understand the difference between mechanical and computerized machines. Joann also runs frequent sales and coupons that can lower prices by 20 to 40 percent, so checking their website or app before you buy saves money.
The downside is that Joann staff are not sewing experts—they work in fabric, not machines—so they cannot troubleshoot problems or teach you how to use the machine after you buy it. If you need repair service, Joann offers it at some locations, but you will pay a service fee. Joann is best for someone buying their first machine and wanting to see it in person without traveling far, or for someone who knows what they want and just needs a convenient place to buy it.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco
Walmart and Target stock basic sewing machines, usually Singer or Brother models under $200. These are entry-level machines suitable for straightforward projects like hemming and straight seams. Prices are lower than fabric stores because selection is limited—you get one or two models to choose from, not ten. Costco carries a rotating selection of machines, sometimes at good prices, but only members can shop there and stock changes frequently.
The trade-off is that big-box store staff cannot help you choose or use the machine. If something breaks or you have questions after you buy it, you will need to contact the manufacturer or watch online videos. Big-box retailers are best if you have a tight budget, already know which machine you want, or are buying a gift for someone who sews. They are not the place to go if you are new to sewing and want guidance.
Specialty sewing shops: Independent and local stores
A specialty sewing shop is a store that focuses only on sewing—machines, fabric, thread, needles, and classes. Staff are sewers themselves and can answer detailed questions about how machines work, which brands are reliable, and what features matter for your projects. They can show you how to thread the machine, wind a bobbin, and adjust tension. Many shops offer free or low-cost classes for people who buy machines there. They also repair machines, which means you have somewhere to turn if something breaks.
Specialty shops charge more than big-box stores—a machine that costs $150 at Walmart might cost $200 at a sewing shop—because they invest in staff training and repair service. To find a shop near you, search "sewing machine repair near me" or "sewing shop near me" online, or ask in a local sewing group on Facebook. Specialty shops are worth the extra cost if you are serious about sewing, plan to keep the machine for years, or want someone local to help you troubleshoot.
Online retailers: Amazon, brand websites, and specialty sites
Amazon, the official websites of brands like Singer and Brother, and sewing-focused sites like Etsy carry machines at a range of prices. Online shopping is convenient—you can compare models and prices from home, read customer reviews, and have the machine shipped to you. Prices are sometimes lower than in stores because online retailers have lower overhead. Free shipping is common on orders over a certain amount.
The main drawback is that you cannot test the machine before buying. If it arrives and does not work the way you expected, or if you have questions about how to use it, you will need to contact customer service by email or phone, which takes time. Return policies vary—Amazon typically allows 30 days, but brand websites and smaller retailers may have shorter windows or charge return shipping. Online buying works well if you know exactly what machine you want, have read reviews from other buyers, or are comfortable learning from videos if you get stuck. It is riskier if you are new to sewing and unsure what features you need.
Used machines: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and estate sales
Buying a used sewing machine costs 30 to 60 percent less than buying new. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you search locally and contact sellers directly. Estate sales and thrift stores like Goodwill sometimes carry machines. Vintage machines from the 1970s and 1980s are often well-built and still work well.
Before you buy a used machine, ask the seller if it runs, if all the parts are there (presser foot, bobbins, manual), and if you can test it in person. Plug it in and run it without thread to listen for unusual sounds. Check that the needle moves up and down smoothly and that the presser foot lifts. Ask why the seller is getting rid of it—if they say "it jammed and I gave up," that is a red flag. Used machines come with no warranty, so if something breaks after you buy it, repair costs are your responsibility. Buying used is a good option if you are on a tight budget, want to try sewing before investing in a new machine, or are experienced enough to spot problems.
Comparing price and support across retailers
| Retailer Type | Typical Price Range | Staff Support | Repair Service | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric stores (Joann) | $100–$400 | Basic help | Available at some locations | First-time buyers wanting to see the machine |
| Big-box (Walmart, Target) | $100–$250 | None | No | Budget-conscious buyers who know what they want |
| Specialty shops | $200–$800+ | informed guidance | Yes | Serious sewers and people wanting long-term support |
| Online (Amazon, brand sites) | $100–$600 | None in-person | No | Buyers who know what they want and like convenience |
| Used (Marketplace, Craigslist) | $30–$300 | None | No | Budget buyers and experienced sewers |
What to bring and ask when you shop in person
If you visit a fabric store or specialty shop, bring a list of projects you want to make—hemming pants, mending clothes, quilting, sewing garments—so staff can recommend a machine suited to those tasks. Ask about the difference between mechanical machines (simpler, fewer features, lower price) and computerized machines (more stitches, easier to use, higher price). Ask whether the machine comes with a manual and what stitches it includes. For a beginner, 20 to 30 built-in stitches is plenty; you do not need 100.
Ask if the shop offers classes or free instruction with purchase. Ask about warranty length—most machines come with a one-year warranty covering defects, though some brands offer longer. Ask whether the shop repairs machines and what the cost is for common repairs like replacing a needle bar or cleaning out lint. If you are buying at a big-box store where staff cannot help much, at least ask a friend who sews or watch a YouTube video about the specific model before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a new machine or a used one?
Buy new if you are a beginner and want a warranty and support. Buy used if you are on a tight budget, want to try sewing before spending a lot, or are experienced enough to inspect a machine and spot problems. A used machine from a reliable brand like Singer or Janome often works well if it has been cared for.
What is the difference between buying at a specialty shop and buying online?
A specialty shop lets you test the machine, get informed information, and build a relationship with staff who can help you later. Online is faster and sometimes cheaper, but you cannot test it first and customer service is slower. Choose based on whether you value convenience or in-person support more.
Do I need to buy from the same place where I buy fabric?
No. Fabric stores sell machines, but specialty sewing shops and online retailers often have better selection and lower prices. Buy your machine wherever offers the best combination of price, support, and the model you want.
What if I buy a machine and do not like it?
Return policies vary by retailer. Most big-box stores and Amazon allow returns within 30 days. Specialty shops may have shorter windows. Check the return policy before you buy, and keep your receipt and packaging in case you need to return it.
Is it worth paying more at a specialty shop?
Yes, if you plan to sew regularly and want someone local to help you troubleshoot and repair. No, if you are buying a first machine on a tight budget and do not expect to use it much. The extra cost buys informed and long-term support, which matters more to some people than to others.