# Best sewing machines under $500 and what each price step adds Source: https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-under-500 Publisher: Thread & Feed. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://threadandfeed.com/how-we-pick The $150 to $500 range is where sewing machines change the most. Below about $300 you mostly get plastic-bodied machines with plenty of stitches. Between $300 and $500 the listings start to mention metal or cast aluminum frames, stronger motors, box or 7-point feed systems and wider stitch widths, which affect how the machine handles denim, layers and long seams. The trade at each step is usually stitch count against build: a mechanical heavy-duty machine may have 14 stitches and a metal body, while a computerized one at the same price has 50 to 100 stitches and a lighter frame. This guide compares seven machines priced under $500 at the time of writing, using only the facts stated in each Amazon listing, and groups them by price tier so you can see what an extra $100 buys. Prices move, so check the current price on the listing. ## Picks ### 1. SINGER® 6800C Heavy Duty Computerized Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit Price tier: $300 to $400; Type: Computerized; Built-in stitches: 586 stitch applications; Frame and build: Not stated; listed as heavy duty; Notable extra: Thread cutter, 10 feet incl. walking foot A computerized heavy duty Singer with a motor the listing says is 60% stronger than standard, 1,100 spm, a built-in thread cutter and 10 feet including a walking foot. Good for heavy sewing plus decorative work. What the listing offers: - Built-in thread cutter and tie-off button are listed. - 10 presser feet including an even feed walking foot come in the box. - LCD screen shows stitch, settings and the recommended foot. Limits to know: - Frame material is not stated on this listing. - Maximum stitch width is listed at 5mm, narrower than many computerized machines. ### 2. Bernette B37 Computerized Sewing Machine with LCD Display | Advanced Sewing & Quilting | 50 Stitches, One-Step Buttonhole, Automatic Needle Threader, Free Arm, LED Light |Adjustable Stitches Price tier: $400 to $500; Type: Computerized; Built-in stitches: 50; Frame and build: Not stated; listed as heavy-duty, 13 lbs; Notable extra: Memory, 15 needle positions, 2-step foot lift A compact computerized Bernette with 50 stitches including stretch styles, 5 automatic buttonholes, a free arm and a memory function. The listing names garment construction as a use. What the listing offers: - Free arm is listed in the title, which makes sleeves, cuffs and pant hems easier. - Stretch stitches are included among the 50 built-in stitches for knit garments. - At 13 lbs it is light enough to bring to a sewing class, according to the listing. Limits to know: - Five buttonhole styles is fewer than the Singer and Juki picks here. - The listing does not describe the feed dog system. ### 3. Juki HZL-70HW Computer Sewing Machine Price tier: $400 to $500; Type: Computerized; Built-in stitches: Not stated; Frame and build: Not stated; Notable extra: Box feed, wide underarm space A Juki home machine built around a box feed system that the listing says moves fabric in a box motion for even seams on light and heavy materials. It suits garment sewists who care about feed quality over stitch count. What the listing offers: - The box feed system is described as industrial technology that avoids shrinkage on lightweight fabrics. - Eight buttonhole types are listed, more than most machines in this price range. - The listing states a wide underarm space for larger projects, plus drop feed for free motion. Limits to know: - The listing does not state the number of built-in stitches or stitch width. - No start/stop button or needle up/down is mentioned in the listing. ### 4. Janome MOD-50 Computerized Sewing Machine with 50 Built-In Stitches, 3 One-Step Buttonholes, Drop Feed and Accessories Price tier: Under $300; Type: Computerized; Built-in stitches: 50; Frame and build: Not stated; Notable extra: Needle up/down, 7-piece feed dog The lowest-priced pick: a computerized Janome with 50 stitches, 3 one-step buttonholes, needle up/down, a start/stop button and a 7-piece feed dog. It suits a first machine for mixed projects. What the listing offers: - Start/stop, reverse, locking stitch and needle up/down buttons are all stated in the listing. - A 7-piece feed dog system and top-loading bobbin with clear cover are listed. - The listing mentions a 25-year limited warranty; check the exact terms on the listing. Limits to know: - Only 3 one-step buttonhole styles, fewer than the SINGER 6800C's 9. - Stitch width, speed and included feet are not stated in the listing. ### 5. Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches Price tier: $300 to $400; Type: Mechanical; Built-in stitches: 14; Frame and build: Cast aluminum body; Notable extra: Free arm, drop feed A simple mechanical Janome with a cast aluminum body, 14 stitches, free arm and drop feed. It suits buyers who want a solid metal machine with few electronics for denim mending and basic heavy sewing. What the listing offers: - Cast aluminum body is stated, like older all-metal machines. - Free arm and drop feed for darning and free-motion work are listed. - Built-in automatic needle threader and a soft cover are included. Limits to know: - Uses a four-step buttonhole rather than one-step. - Speed and presser foot pressure details are not stated on the listing. ### 6. Bernette B35 Sewing Machine Swiss Design with 23 Stitches, 7 Presser Feet, Automatic Buttonhole, Quilting, Heavy-Duty Build, LED Light, Portable Price tier: $300 to $400; Type: Mechanical; Built-in stitches: 23; Frame and build: Not stated; listed as heavy-duty; Notable extra: Extension table, 1-step buttonhole A Swiss-designed Bernette with 23 stitches, a one-step buttonhole, 7 presser feet and an extension table. It suits a beginner who wants a sturdy, portable machine with manual tension control. What the listing offers: - Seven presser feet and an extension table are listed as included. - The one-step automatic buttonhole is clearly described on the listing. - Manual thread tension control lets you learn how tension changes stitch quality. Limits to know: - Feed dog count and stitch width are not stated on the listing. - It costs more than the Janome MOD-30, which lists more stitches and a 7-piece feed dog. ### 7. Juki HZL-LB5020 Computerized Sewing Machine Price tier: $400 to $500; Type: Computerized; Built-in stitches: 20; Frame and build: Not stated; Notable extra: 7-point feed dog, needle up/down Juki's entry computerized machine with 20 stitches, an LCD screen and a 7-point feed dog system. A good pick for a beginner who wants a short stitch menu and good feeding over many decorative options. What the listing offers: - Variable speed override is listed, so a nervous beginner can cap the speed. - Needle up/down positioning helps with pivoting at corners and on quilt blocks. - Drop feed for free-motion quilting and a bright LED light are both stated. Limits to know: - The listing is short and does not state included feet, accessories or warranty terms. - At this price it offers fewer stitches than several Brother and Janome picks here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.