The main places to buy a sewing machine
You can buy a sewing machine at fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, specialty sewing shops, and from used-goods sellers. Each route has different prices, selection, and support. A fabric store like Joann lets you see machines in person and often has staff who sew. Amazon and Walmart offer wider selection and lower prices but no hands-on testing. Local sewing shops usually cost more but provide lessons and repair service. Used machines from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or estate sales can be half the price of new ones, though you take on the risk of mechanical problems.
The choice depends on what matters most to you: trying before you buy, getting the lowest price, having local support, or finding a specific model. Most people benefit from seeing a machine work in person at least once, even if they end up buying elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric stores like Joann and local sewing shops let you test machines and get information, but charge more than online retailers.
- Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot see the machine work before purchase.
- Specialty sewing shops often include lessons or repair service with your purchase, which adds value if you are new to sewing.
- Used machines from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or estate sales cost significantly less but require you to inspect them carefully and verify they work.
- Big-box stores like Target and Costco carry a small selection of budget machines, useful if you want to pick one up the same day.
Fabric and craft stores with in-person selection
Joann Fabrics is the largest fabric chain in the United States and carries sewing machines in most locations. You can walk in, see 10 to 20 models on display, and ask staff to show you how they work. Joann stocks machines from brands like Singer, Brother, Janome, and Bernina at prices ranging from under $200 for basic models to $1,000 or more for computerized machines. Staff are often sewers themselves and can answer questions about what a machine can do.
Hobby Lobby and Michaels also carry sewing machines, though selection is smaller — usually 5 to 10 models — and staff knowledge varies. Both stores run frequent coupons (often 40 percent off a single item), which can bring the price down significantly. The trade-off is that these stores focus on craft supplies, not sewing, so staff may not know the machines well.
The advantage of buying at a fabric store is that you see the machine sew before you pay. You can watch the needle move, feel how the presser foot clicks down, and ask the staff member to show you how to thread it. This matters if you are new to sewing and want to know what you are getting into.
Online retailers with the widest selection and lowest prices
Amazon carries hundreds of sewing machines from every major brand, often at prices 10 to 30 percent lower than fabric stores. You can read customer reviews, compare models side by side, and have the machine shipped to your home. Amazon's return window is 30 days, so if the machine does not work or you do not like it, you can send it back. Shipping is often free for Prime members.
Walmart.com and Target.com stock a smaller selection but often have competitive prices and same-day pickup at local stores. Wayfair carries mid-range and high-end machines and sometimes offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Best Buy stocks a few models and can order others, though sewing machines are not their main focus.
The downside of buying online is that you cannot see the machine work before it arrives. You rely on photos, video reviews from other buyers, and the product description. If something is wrong when it arrives, you have to unbox it, test it, and arrange a return — a process that takes time.
Specialty sewing shops and authorized dealers
Independent sewing shops exist in most mid-sized cities and many towns. They typically carry 20 to 50 machines from brands like Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, and Singer, and staff are usually experienced sewers. Prices are higher than online — often 10 to 20 percent above what you would pay on Amazon — but many shops include lessons with your purchase, free maintenance for the first year, or a discount on repairs.
Authorized dealers for premium brands like Bernina and Pfaff are the only places to buy those machines new. They offer the same support benefits as independent shops and often have the most up-to-date models. If you plan to sew regularly and want a machine that will last 20 years, a specialty shop is worth the extra cost because the support is built in.
To find a sewing shop near you, search "sewing machine repair near me" or "Bernina dealer near me" — repair shops and dealers are usually the same business. Call before you go to confirm they have machines in stock and ask what brands they carry.
Big-box stores for budget machines and same-day pickup
Target, Costco, and Walmart carry a small selection of basic sewing machines, usually priced between $150 and $400. These are entry-level models from Singer and Brother, designed for straightforward projects like mending and basic garment sewing. The advantage is that you can buy one the same day and pick it up at the store, with no shipping wait.
The selection is limited — usually 2 to 5 models — so you have fewer options to compare. Staff at these stores are not sewing experts, so you cannot expect detailed information. These stores are best if you know exactly what you want and just need to buy it quickly.
Used machines from secondhand and online marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Letgo list used sewing machines from private sellers, often at 40 to 60 percent below the new price. Estate sales and thrift stores like Goodwill sometimes have machines, though selection is unpredictable. Vintage machines from the 1970s and 1980s are often more durable than modern budget models and can be found for $50 to $200.
Before you buy a used machine, ask the seller if it sews, if the needle moves, and if you can test it in person. Bring a piece of fabric and thread, plug it in, and run a few stitches. Check that the presser foot goes up and down, the bobbin winds, and the thread tension can be adjusted. Ask about any repairs it has had and whether the manual is included.
The risk with used machines is that you cannot return them if something breaks a week later. However, if you find a machine that works and comes from a seller who is honest about its condition, you can save hundreds of dollars. Vintage machines are often worth the risk because they were built to last and parts are still available.
Comparing price, selection, and support across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | In-Person Testing | Support Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric stores (Joann) | $200–$1,000+ | 10–20 models | Yes | Staff information, sometimes lessons |
| Online (Amazon, Walmart) | $150–$1,500 | 100+ models | No | Return window, customer reviews |
| Specialty shops | $300–$2,000+ | 20–50 models | Yes | Lessons, repairs, maintenance |
| Big-box stores | $150–$400 | 2–5 models | Yes | Return policy only |
| Used (Marketplace, Craigslist) | $50–$400 | Varies widely | Usually yes | None; buyer assumes risk |
How to decide where to buy
If you are new to sewing, start at a fabric store or specialty shop where you can see machines work and ask questions. The extra cost is worth it because you will learn what features matter and avoid buying something you cannot use. If you know what model you want and just need the best price, buy online.
If you sew regularly and want a machine that lasts, buy from a specialty shop. The lessons and repair service pay for themselves over time. If you are on a tight budget and willing to take a small risk, look at used machines from local sellers — you can inspect them before you buy and save hundreds.
If you need a machine today and do not want to wait for shipping, buy from a big-box store or fabric store with same-day pickup. The selection is smaller, but you will have a working machine by tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a sewing machine online without seeing it first?
Yes, if the retailer has a return policy. Amazon, Walmart, and Target all allow returns within 30 days, so you can send it back if it does not work or you do not like it. Read customer reviews before you buy — they often mention problems with specific models. Watch a video review on YouTube to see the machine in action.
What should I look for when buying a used sewing machine?
Test it in person: plug it in, thread it, and sew a few stitches on scrap fabric. Check that the needle moves smoothly, the presser foot clicks up and down, and the bobbin winds. Ask the seller if it has been serviced recently and whether the manual is included. Avoid machines that make grinding noises or have a stuck needle.
Are sewing machines cheaper at certain times of year?
Fabric stores like Joann run sales around Black Friday and back-to-school season, usually 20 to 40 percent off. Online retailers have sales year-round but prices do not drop as dramatically. Used machines are always cheaper than new ones, but selection changes depending on what people are selling locally.
Do I need to buy from an authorized dealer?
Only if you want a specific brand like Bernina or Pfaff, which are sold only through authorized dealers. For Singer, Brother, and Janome, you can buy from any retailer. Authorized dealers charge more but include lessons and repair service, which matters if you plan to sew for years.
What is the difference between buying at a specialty shop and buying online?
Specialty shops cost more but include lessons, repairs, and staff who know sewing. Online is cheaper and has more models to choose from, but you cannot test the machine and have to handle returns yourself. Choose based on whether you value support and in-person help or prefer lower prices and wider selection.