One can do amazing things with a little creativity, some sewing instruction and the right sewing machine. Upcycled furnishings and hand crafted accessories have become quite chic these days, and even beginners can refresh the look of their home furnishings with home sewn seat cushions, toss pillows, drapes or duvet covers. Here are some sewing machine models that can help arts and crafts enthusiasts master beginning sewing projects as well as accommodate some of their more challenging sewing assignments.

1. Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine With 60 Built-In Stitches

The Brother CS6000i provides amateur tailors with 60 stitch options that are controlled electronically by an easy to read digital display on the side of the sewing machine. The machine is praised for its lightweight size, small footprint and abundance of features. Customers verify that the Brother CS6000i lives up to its advertisements as a great machine for sewing and quilting projects, but they say that the machine handles lighter weight fabrics best.

2. Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable

The Brother XL26001 is a basic model sewing machine that works well for beginner sewers and everyday household sewing tasks. This machine has 25 built in ordinary and decorative stitches that can be selected with an easy turn of a dial. The sewing machine has a drop in style bobbin compartment that eliminates the need for beginners to have to fix bobbin related jams. Also, the Brother XL26001 has a free arm that makes it convenient to hem pants and sleeves. The features are touted as easy to learn, and the included instructions for set up and use are comprehensive.

3. Singer Sewing 4432 Heavy Duty Extra-High Speed Sewing Machine

The Singer Sewing 4432 operates at speeds up to 1,100 stitches per minute so its durable metal frame comes in handy to reduce instability and stitch skipping caused by its high speed operations. The machine also features 32 built in stitch styles that include essential, decorative and one to create button holes with one step. The stainless steel bed plate keeps fabrics snag free as they are fed smoothly through the machine, and the automatic needle threader is one benefit that users liked the most. The product weighs 15 pounds and is less than 16 inches in length.

4. Singer 7258 Stylist

The Stylist by Singer is a completely computerized machine that comes with 100 built in stitch styles from which to choose. The sewing machine is considered a great one for experienced as well as beginner sewers. For example, the machine comes with all the standard and extra features to make sewing projects fun and easy for beginners like the basic stitches, automatic needle threader, speed control mechanism and detailed DVD instructions. Experienced sewers are thrilled with the 10 presser feet included with the machine that help to make more complex sewing activities much easier.

5. Singer 4423 Heavy Duty

The metal frame of this Singer model is the key feature that gives it its name of heavy duty. The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty comes with a drop in bobbin compartment that resists thread jams and is covered by a clear plastic plate that allows users to keep an eye on the amount of thread left on their bobbins without having to remove and rethread them. Essential, decorative and button hole stitches are available in 11 styles. The 14.5-pound machine houses a powerful motor that allows users to reach sewing speeds of 1,100 stitches per minute. The machine’s stainless steel bed plate helps to ensure smooth fabric feeding.

6. Brother LS2125i Easy-to-Use, Everyday Sewing Machine

The Brother LS2125i is a basic sewing machine model that comes with 10 built in stitches and three presser feet. Stitches include the blind hem, stretch stitches and a four step automatic buttonhole stitch. This sewing machine is designed to handle everyday sewing tasks around the house, and the quality is guaranteed by a 25-year limited warranty. Brother brand sewing products are known for great customer service, and this sewing machine includes free phone support for the life of the machine. The 13-pound Brother LS2125i is portable and comes with a carrying case.

7. Brother XR9500PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine

The feature rich Brother XR9500PRW is built to support nearly every sewing and quilting project. The machine comes with 100 stitch styles that include eight automatic button hole functions and basic monogramming capabilities. This machine also has an easy needle threading system, a drop in bobbin winding system and six presser feet to accommodate beyond basic sewing projects. Other beneficial elements of this sewing machine are the free arm for sewing sleeves, oversized work table to make quilting tasks easier and a brightly lit work area that helps to reduce eye strain.

8. Singer 4411 Heavy Duty

The Singer 4411 has a metal frame that helps maintain the stability of the machine when it is operated at high speeds; the design of the sewing machine also contributes to its durability. This machine comes with 32 stitch styles for ordinary sewing tasks as well as embellished work. Its button hole stitch is fully automated and has an easy, one step design. The powerful 15-pound machine can reach sewing speeds of up to 1,100 stitches per minute so that sewing projects are completed quickly and easily.

9. Michley LSS-202 Lil’ Sew & Sew Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine

The Michley LSS-202 is not a full-sized sewing machine, but it can complete many of the tasks of one. The mini sewing machine can be used for everyday clothing and household decor repairs, but it is not designed for complicated craft projects. Michley LSS-202 sewers typically find the tiny sewing machine to be easy to use, lightweight and completely portable. A unique feature of the machine is its ability to work on batteries as well as electric power. The little sewing machine also comes with a foot pedal while most sewing machines of its size do not.

10. Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist 600

The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist 600 is packed with features that are typical of higher end sewing machines. For example, it offers automatic needle threading, convenient and hassle free bobbin loading and a one touch thread cutter. The computerized Singer 9960 comes with 600 built in stitches and specialized speed control features.