Joannes isn't the go-to anymore. So, where can you actually buy a sewing machine? Here are seven options to check out and what to expect from each.

Big Box Retailers

So first, we have big box retailers such as Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and the Home Depot.

If you're starting out and not quite sure where to begin, big box stores might be the easiest place to start.

You'll usually find budget-friendly machines…great for testing the waters without a huge investment.

And yes, the Home Depot does actually sell sewing machines. Surprise!

Additionally, the in-store selections at places like Walmart, Target, Michaels, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Bed Bath & Beyond often primarily include mechanical machines, with limited computerized machine availability. Typically, although not always, brand choices are limited to one or two choices (most often Singer or Brother).

Think of it as the difference between buying a pre-cut bundle of fabric versus a wide selection of fabric by the yard.

They'll do the job, but the selection and the support are pretty limited.

Please Note:

When shopping at big box stores, be careful with extremely low-priced machines – especially anything under $50.

Machines labeled as “mini”, “craft”, or “beginner-friendly” under this price point are often toy machines, not real sewing machines.

Even if the box says it’s for beginners or adults, these models are usually designed for light play, not actual sewing.

They struggle to sew through real fabric, can’t maintain tension, and often break easily.

If you want a true beginner machine, look for a basic mechanical model from a known brand, usually priced around $100 or higher.

A good entry-level machine will be simple but sturdy – and will actually handle real sewing projects.

Here’s a list of Big Box Stores that sell sewing machines:

• Michaels

• Walmart

• Target

• Hobby Lobby

• The Home Depot

• Bed Bath & Beyond

• Sears

Sewing Machine Plus

Sewing Machine Plus is a well-known online store with a huge range of machines plus other sewing supplies.

You'll find it at sewingmachineplus.com.

Click ‘products’ in the menu, then choose ‘machines’ to browse by type or brand.

You can also search if you already have a specific machine in mind.

They have a wide selection and a decent price range.

But it's more of a browsing experience than it is a deep dive into machine features.

Sewing Parts Online

Sewing Parts Online is another hidden gem…lesser known, but very worth checking out.

You will find it at sewingpartsonline.com.

They carry everything from notions to machines, and their filter options are fantastic.

You can narrow it down by price, stitch options, throat, space, and even machine color, and more.

This is a great place to search if you want to compare lots of features across different machines in one place.

Amazon

Amazon makes the list because if you know exactly what you're looking for, it's extremely convenient.

Just type in the machine model and it's usually there.

But…if you're browsing or you're not really sure what you want, Amazon is not ideal. It's a bit of a Wild West.

Filters are basic.

There's a mix of sellers, so make sure to double-check reviews and listings carefully.

Fabric Hut

Fabric Hut is a bit more niche.

They only sell Juki and Baby Lock machines, but both are high-quality brands.

You can browse their machines by brand and sort by price.

Just keep in mind, Baby Lock machines especially can get really expensive…

But…this is a good spot if you care more about having quality brands than a giant list of options.

They do offer shipping or local pickup if you're in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Moore’s Sewing

I found Moore’s Sewing on Instagram, and they have a surprisingly large range of machines…from basic mechanical machines to high-end models.

The site lets you sort by price or popularity.

And, you can search for specific machines.

But, the filtering is a little limited otherwise.

One nice thing is that they clearly list the features and what is included in each machine, which makes browsing a little bit easier.

Brand Websites

Now, saving the best-for-last brand websites such as Singer, Bernina, Brother Juki, and more are what I think are actually the best way to find a sewing machine.

If you want to see everything that a brand has to offer, this is the place to do it.

You're not limited by a store's inventory or algorithm.

You get the full lineup, including the newest models.

Plus, these sites usually offer great filtering tools, full specs, manuals, and comparison features.

Nearly every sewing machine brand includes a place on its website, either under the main menu or linked within a specific product, that says "where to buy". This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to locate where to buy the specific machine you have picked out.

Singer even lets you compare machines side-by-side.

You might not buy directly from the brand, although you certainly can now, but this is the best way to understand what each brand is about and to find the machine that's right for you.

Once you know what you want, you can always shop around for the best price.

Other Options

If you’re looking for even more places to buy a sewing machine, there are a few additional options worth mentioning:

Local Sewing and Vacuum Stores:

These are independent shops that often sell sewing machines alongside vacuums and other home appliances. Inventory, pricing, and brand variety can vary widely depending on the store.

Specialty retailers like Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum:

Certain regionally based stores also sell sewing machines online and in person.

While they may have a large selection, I didn’t include them in the main list because they don’t have the same national presence or consistent reputation as the larger stores mentioned above.

Although these are options if you prefer shopping locally or want to see machines in person, there are much more modern and efficient ways to search for a sewing machine today – especially if you want the best mix of selection, support, and pricing.