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 used-goods sellers. Each route has different prices, return policies, and access to in-person help. The best choice depends on whether you want to test a machine before buying, need informed information, or are looking for the lowest price.
Most people find what they need at one of five types of sellers: national fabric chains, general retailers like Walmart and Target, dedicated sewing machine shops, online retailers, and secondhand sources. Knowing what each offers helps you decide where your money goes furthest and where you can actually touch the machine you're considering.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric and craft chains like Joann and Hobby Lobby carry beginner and mid-range machines and often run sales on specific brands.
- Big-box stores stock basic models at lower prices but offer limited selection and may not have staff trained in sewing machines.
- Independent sewing shops usually cost more but provide hands-on lessons, repairs, and staff who know the machines they sell.
- Online retailers like Amazon and brand websites offer wider selection and sometimes lower prices, but you cannot test the machine first.
- Used machines from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and estate sales cost less but require you to inspect them and confirm they work.
Fabric and craft store chains
Joann and Hobby Lobby are the largest fabric chains in the United States and both carry sewing machines. Joann stocks beginner models from brands like Brother, Singer, and Janome, usually in the $100 to $400 range. Hobby Lobby carries a smaller selection but often discounts machines during their 40% or 50% off coupon sales, which run regularly.
Staff at these stores can show you how to thread a machine and point out basic features, but they are not usually trained to troubleshoot problems or teach you to sew. Return policies vary by location, so ask before you buy. Both chains offer in-store pickup on online orders, which lets you see the machine before committing to it.
Big-box retailers
Walmart and Target sell entry-level machines, mostly Singer and Brother brands, priced between $80 and $250. These are the cheapest new machines you will find, and both stores have liberal return policies—usually 30 to 90 days. However, selection is limited, and staff rarely know sewing machines well enough to answer questions beyond what is printed on the box.
Buy from these stores if you want a basic machine fast and at the lowest price, or if you already know exactly which model you want. Do not expect help learning to use it. Both stores allow returns in-store or by mail, which is useful if the machine does not work when you open it.
Independent sewing machine shops
Local sewing shops are the most expensive option but offer things chain stores do not: staff who know the machines inside and out, repair service, and often free or low-cost lessons with your purchase. Prices run $300 to $1,000 or more for new machines, but you get a relationship with someone who can help you troubleshoot later.
Many independent shops will let you test a machine before buying or will take a machine back if it does not suit you. Some offer trade-in credit if you upgrade later. To find a shop near you, search "sewing machine repair near me"—repair shops almost always sell machines too. Call ahead to confirm they have machines in stock and what brands they carry.
Online retailers and brand websites
Amazon, Etsy, and brand websites like Brother.com and Janome.com sell machines with shipping to your home. Online prices are often lower than in-store, and selection is much wider—you can compare dozens of models without leaving home. Shipping usually takes 5 to 10 business days, and most online sellers offer 30-day returns.
The downside is you cannot touch or test the machine before it arrives. Read customer reviews carefully, especially comments about whether the machine arrived in working order and how customer service handled problems. Check the return shipping cost before you buy—some retailers charge you to ship a machine back, which can be expensive because machines are heavy.
Used machines from thrift stores and online marketplaces
Used sewing machines cost 30 to 60 percent less than new ones and are often more durable—older all-metal machines from the 1970s and 1980s outlast many new plastic models. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army all carry used machines. Estate sales and garage sales are also good sources, especially if you live near retirement communities.
Before you buy a used machine, ask the seller whether it powers on, whether the needle moves up and down, and whether they have the manual. If you are buying in person, bring a small piece of fabric and thread and test it yourself. Watch for rust, cracks in the plastic, or missing parts. Machines that have not been used in years may need cleaning and oiling before they work smoothly, which a repair shop can do for $50 to $150.
Comparing price and what you get
| Seller Type | Price Range | Selection | Testing Before Buy | Staff Help |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric chains (Joann, Hobby Lobby) | $100–$400 | Beginner to mid-range | Yes, in-store | Basic only |
| Big-box (Walmart, Target) | $80–$250 | Entry-level only | Yes, in-store | Minimal |
| Independent shops | $300–$1,000+ | Beginner to advanced | Yes, in-store | informed |
| Online (Amazon, brand sites) | $100–$800 | Full range | No | None before purchase |
| Used (thrift, Marketplace) | $20–$300 | Varies widely | Sometimes | None |
What to check before you buy
Regardless of where you shop, confirm that the machine comes with a manual—either printed or as a PDF read from the brand's website. Check whether the price includes basic accessories like bobbins, needles, and a presser foot. Ask about the warranty: most new machines come with one to three years of coverage, but used machines usually have none.
If you are new to sewing, ask whether the seller offers lessons or a tutorial video. Some independent shops include a free class with purchase. Online retailers and big-box stores rarely do, but many brands post free videos on YouTube. Know the return window before you buy—it ranges from 14 days at some online retailers to 90 days at Walmart, and this matters if the machine does not work when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a used sewing machine?
Yes, if you test it first or buy from a seller with good reviews. Older machines are often more reliable than new budget models. Ask the seller how long it has been stored, whether it powers on, and whether the needle moves. If you buy without testing, choose a seller with return protection, like eBay or Facebook Marketplace's buyer may provide.
Do I need to buy from a brand's official website?
No. Brand websites and authorized retailers like Joann and independent shops sell the same machines at similar prices. Buying from an authorized retailer ensures the warranty is valid. Unauthorized sellers on Amazon or eBay may sell older stock or machines without full warranty coverage, so check the listing details.
What is the difference between a machine sold at Walmart and the same model sold at an independent shop?
The machine itself is identical, but the service is not. Independent shops offer repairs, lessons, and troubleshooting help. Walmart offers a lower price and an straightforward return. Choose based on whether you value informed support or lowest cost.
Can I return a sewing machine if I change my mind?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 90 days if the machine is unused and in original packaging. Big-box stores are most flexible. Independent shops may have shorter windows or require you to pay a restocking fee. Always ask the return policy before you buy.
Where do I find a local sewing machine shop?
Search "sewing machine repair near me" or "sewing machine shop near me" on Google Maps. Repair shops almost always sell machines. You can also call local fabric stores and ask for a referral, or check the dealer locator on brand websites like Brother or Janome.