The main places to buy a sewing machine
You can buy a sewing machine from fabric and craft stores, big-box retailers, specialty sewing shops, online marketplaces, and secondhand sellers. Each route has different prices, selection, and return policies. A fabric store like Joann or a local independent shop lets you see and touch machines before buying. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock basic models at lower prices but offer limited choice. Online retailers like Amazon and manufacturer websites have the widest selection and often competitive pricing, but you cannot test the machine. Used machines from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and estate sales cost less but come with no warranty and require you to inspect them yourself.
The best choice depends on whether you want to test a machine first, how much you want to spend, and whether you need a warranty. Beginners often benefit from buying in person so they can ask questions and handle different models. People who know what they want and have a budget can save money online or used.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric stores and independent sewing shops let you test machines and get information from staff, but prices are usually higher than online or big-box retailers.
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Target offer budget machines with fast checkout, but selection is small and staff knowledge is limited.
- Online retailers and manufacturer websites have the most models to choose from and often lower prices, but you cannot test the machine before it arrives.
- Used machines from secondhand marketplaces cost significantly less but have no warranty and require you to check the machine's condition yourself.
- Return policies vary widely — some stores offer 30 days, others offer longer periods or none at all, so check before you buy.
Fabric and craft stores
Joann, Hobby Lobby, and local independent fabric shops are the most common places to test a sewing machine in person. Staff at these stores usually know how to thread machines, explain stitch options, and help you match a machine to your skill level. You can sit down, sew a few stitches on scrap fabric, and feel how the machine handles. Joann carries brands like Brother, Singer, Janome, and Bernina across a range of prices, from basic machines under $200 to advanced models over $1,000.
The trade-off is price. Machines at fabric stores cost more than the same model online because the store pays for staff, rent, and inventory. Joann and Hobby Lobby run frequent sales and coupons — checking their websites or apps before you go can cut 20 to 40 percent off the sticker price. Return policies at fabric stores are usually 30 to 60 days, which gives you time to test the machine at home.
Independent sewing shops are smaller and often carry fewer brands, but the owner or staff member usually sews themselves and can answer detailed questions about tension, presser feet, and repair. These shops are worth visiting if you live near one, especially if you plan to buy thread, needles, and feet from them later.
Big-box retailers
Walmart, Target, and Costco stock basic sewing machines, usually from Singer or Brother, at prices between $100 and $400. These machines are entry-level — they handle straight stitch and basic zigzag, but fewer decorative stitches and fewer presser feet than mid-range models. The advantage is speed and price. You can walk in, buy a machine, and leave in minutes. Costco machines often come with a longer warranty than the same model elsewhere.
The drawback is that staff at big-box stores rarely know how to use a sewing machine, so you cannot expect information beyond pointing you to the shelf. Selection is small — Walmart might stock two or three models, not twenty. Return windows are usually 30 to 90 days, but policies differ by store and by item, so check before you buy. If you know exactly which model you want and you are on a tight budget, big-box stores are fast and cheap. If you need guidance, they are not the right choice.
Online retailers and manufacturer websites
Amazon, eBay, Overstock, and the official websites of Singer, Brother, Janome, and Bernina have the largest selection of sewing machines. You can compare dozens of models, read customer reviews, and often find prices lower than in stores. Shipping is usually free or low-cost, and delivery takes three to seven days for most sellers. Many manufacturer websites offer sales during holidays or back-to-school season.
The main risk is that you cannot test the machine before it arrives. If the machine does not work or does not feel right, you have to unbox it, test it, and then arrange a return — a process that takes time and sometimes costs money to ship back. Read the return policy carefully. Amazon typically allows 30 days; manufacturer websites vary from 14 to 60 days. Some sellers charge a restocking fee if you return an opened machine.
Online reviews are useful but not perfect. Read reviews from people who mention the same type of sewing you plan to do — a review from someone making quilts may not tell you whether the machine is good for mending or garment sewing. Look for reviews that mention specific problems like tension issues or noisy operation, not just "great machine" or "terrible."
Secondhand machines from private sellers
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local estate sales offer used sewing machines at 30 to 70 percent below new prices. Older machines from brands like Singer, Pfaff, and Husqvarna Viking are often well-built and still work well. You can inspect the machine in person, ask the seller questions, and negotiate the price. If you find a machine you like, you can take it home the same day.
The risk is that used machines come with no warranty and no return option. You are buying as-is. Before you meet the seller, ask for photos of the machine running, the condition of the needle, whether the presser foot moves up and down, and whether all the original feet and accessories are included. When you meet, bring thread and scrap fabric so you can test the machine yourself. Listen for unusual noises, watch whether the needle moves smoothly, and check that the bobbin winds evenly.
Machines that have not been used in years may need cleaning or a new needle before they run well. Budget $50 to $150 for a tune-up at a local sewing machine repair shop if the machine does not run smoothly. Avoid machines with rust, broken plastic parts, or needles that bend or skip stitches — these are signs of deeper problems that repair shops may not be able to fix cheaply.
Specialty online retailers
Websites like Sew.com, Discount Sewing, and Sewing.com focus only on sewing machines and related supplies. They often have lower prices than general retailers because they buy in bulk and do not stock unrelated products. Staff at these sites usually sew themselves and can answer technical questions by email or phone. Many offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
These retailers work best if you already know which machine you want or if you are comfortable asking questions before you buy. Their return policies are usually 30 to 60 days, similar to big-box stores. Shipping times are sometimes longer than Amazon because they are smaller operations, so order early if you have a important date.
Rental and subscription options
Some cities have tool libraries or craft studios that rent sewing machines by the day or month. Rent a machine for $10 to $30 per day to test whether you actually use it before spending $300 or more on a purchase. This option makes sense if you are new to sewing and unsure whether you will stick with it. Search "[your city] tool library" or "[your city] sewing studio" to find local options.
Subscription services like Sew Sampler and Maker Crate send fabric and patterns to your door monthly, but they do not rent or sell machines. They are useful for learning new techniques, not for finding a machine to buy.
Comparing price and warranty across sellers
The same machine often costs different amounts at different stores. A Brother XM2701 might be $200 at Walmart, $240 at Joann, $180 on Amazon, and $150 used on Facebook Marketplace. Before you buy, search the model number on Google Shopping to see prices at multiple retailers. Check whether the price includes shipping and whether there are coupons or sales coming up.
Warranty length also varies. Manufacturer warranties are usually one to three years for mechanical parts and cover defects, not damage from misuse. Some retailers add an extended warranty for $30 to $100 extra — this is rarely worth it for a basic machine, but it can make sense for machines over $500. Read the warranty terms carefully. Many warranties do not cover the needle, presser feet, or bobbin, and some require you to pay for shipping to a repair center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a new machine or a used one?
New machines come with a warranty and are may provide to work, but cost more. Used machines cost less but have no warranty and require you to inspect them carefully. If you are a beginner, a new budget machine from a big-box store or online retailer is safer. If you know how to check a machine and you are on a tight budget, used can save you money.
Can I return a sewing machine if it does not work?
Yes, but the return window and process depend on where you bought it. Fabric stores usually allow 30 to 60 days. Big-box stores allow 30 to 90 days. Online retailers vary from 14 to 60 days. Check the return policy before you buy. Some sellers charge a restocking fee if you return an opened machine.
What should I look for when buying a used machine?
Test the machine in person if possible. Check that the needle moves smoothly, the presser foot lifts and lowers, the bobbin winds evenly, and the machine makes no unusual grinding or squeaking sounds. Ask whether all original feet and accessories are included. Avoid machines with rust, broken plastic, or bent needles.
Are online prices really cheaper than in-store?
Often, but not always. Online retailers have lower overhead, so prices are frequently 10 to 30 percent lower than fabric stores. Big-box stores sometimes match online prices. Check multiple sites before you buy. Factor in shipping cost and return policy — a slightly higher price with free returns may be a better deal than a lower price with a restocking fee.
Do I need to buy from an authorized dealer?
No. Authorized dealers are usually local shops or fabric stores, and they may offer better service or warranty support. But you can buy from any retailer — Amazon, Walmart, and secondhand sellers all sell legitimate machines. The manufacturer warranty is the same regardless of where you buy, as long as you keep your receipt.