Best Free Arm Sewing Machines of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Free arm sewing machines are an essential tool for any sewing enthusiast looking to complete a variety of projects. These machines allow for easy sewing of cuffs, sleeves, and other difficult-to-reach areas without the need for a separate attachment. With a removable accessory tray, users can easily switch between free arm and flat bed sewing. Free arm machines come in a variety of models, from basic to more advanced, offering a range of features such as automatic threaders and adjustable stitch lengths. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress, a free arm sewing machine is a must-have for any sewing project.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine with 5300A Hardcase Cover #TOP 1
Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine with 5300A Hardcase
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine with 37 Built-in Stitches Cover #TOP 2
Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine with 37 Built-in Stitches
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Brother SM2700 Sewing Machine with Hardcase Cover #TOP 3
Brother SM2700 Sewing Machine with Hardcase
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Free Arm Sewing Machines

#TOP 1

Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine with 5300A Hardcase

SM3701
White
12" x 5.8" x 15.3"
Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine with 5300A Hardcase Cover
Brother SM3701 37-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine and 5300A Hardcase for Carrying and Storage

The Brother SM3701 with Hardcase is a versatile sewing machine perfect for beginners and advanced sewers. With 37 built-in stitches, including an automatic buttonhole, it offers a wide range of options. The machine also features 74 stitch functions, such as blind hem and quilting stitches, enhancing your sewing projects. Additionally, the 5 quick-change sewing feet make it easy to switch between tasks. The sturdy hardcase with a comfortable handle and metal latches ensures convenient storage and transportation for machines up to 16.26 x 6.65 x 12.21 inches.

What We Like
Versatile with 37 stitches
Automatic one-step buttonhole
Convenient quick-change sewing feet
#TOP 2

Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine with 37 Built-in Stitches

ST371HD
Free Arm Option
Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine with 37 Built-in Stitches Cover
Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine, Strong & Tough, 37 Built-in Stitches, Free Arm Option, 6 Included Feet

The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine is perfect for beginners to advanced users with 37 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, and versatile free arm. The jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin is convenient and easy to use. This heavy-duty sewing machine includes 6 sewing feet, an instructional DVD, and a manual to help you get started. Brother also offers free technical support via online chat, phone, or email. Please note that this product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts.

What We Like
Has a versatile free arm perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects
Includes 6 sewing feet, instructional DVD, and manual to help you get started
Comes with Brother at your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
#TOP 3

Brother SM2700 Sewing Machine with Hardcase

SM2700
White
Brother SM2700 Sewing Machine with Hardcase Cover
Brother SM2700 27-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine and 5300A Hardcase for Carrying and Storage

The Brother SM2700 Sewing Machine is designed to make your sewing projects easier and more enjoyable. With 27 built-in stitch options, you can choose the perfect stitch for any fabric or project, allowing for creativity and flexibility. The automatic needle threading system saves you time and frustration, ensuring that you can get started on your sewing quickly. Additionally, the machine features an automatic bobbin winding system, which simplifies the process of preparing your thread. Lastly, the brightly lit LED work area enhances visibility, making it easier for you to see your work, especially in low light conditions.

What We Like
Multiple stitch options
Automatic needle threading
Easy bobbin winding
Bright LED lighting
#TOP 4

Brother XM3700 Sewing Machine

XM3700, 5300A
White
XM3700 + Case
Brother XM3700 Sewing Machine Cover
Brother XM3700 37-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine With 5300A Hard Case

The Brother XM3700 is a lightweight sewing machine designed for beginners, featuring 37 built-in stitches and a one-step buttonhole function. This makes it easy for you to create various sewing projects with just a few simple selections. The automatic needle threader saves you time by effortlessly guiding the thread through the needle, while the jam-resistant drop-in bobbin ensures smooth sewing without interruptions. Additionally, the free arm design allows you to easily sew small items like cuffs and baby clothes, making your sewing experience more efficient and enjoyable.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Beginner-friendly features
Automatic needle threader
Free arm for small projects
#TOP 5

Brother SM1704 Sewing Machine with 6-Piece Thread Pack

SM1704THD
White
SM1704 + Thread
Brother SM1704 Sewing Machine with 6-Piece Thread Pack Cover
Brother SM1704 17-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine and 6-Piece Premium Sewing Thread Pack

The Brother Sewing Machine is a user-friendly model suitable for daily sewing and repairs. It combines the features of a full-size machine with a lightweight and portable design. With 17 unique stitches including blind hem, stretch, buttonholes, and zippers, this machine offers versatility for various projects. The included Brother Genuine Premium Sewing Thread pack contains basic colors like black, white, grey, blue, pink, and taupe, ensuring you have the right thread for most tasks. The 430-yard double snap spools prevent thread unwinding, making your sewing experience smoother and hassle-free.

What We Like
User-friendly
Portable
Versatile stitches

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine

XM2701
White
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine Cover
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet

The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine is a lightweight, full-featured machine with 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and 6 included feet. It is perfect for everyday sewing projects, from beginners to advanced, and comes with Brother At Your Side support for the life of the machine. It is ideal for mending, with the ability to power through blue jean seams without causing issues.

What We Like
Lightweight and reliable
Handles thicker fabrics well
Automatic needle threader
#TOP 7

Brother GQ3700 Sewing Machine

GQ3700
White
One Size
Brother GQ3700 Sewing Machine Cover
Brother GQ3700 Sewing and Quilting Machine with 37 Built-In Stitches, Automatic One-Step Buttonholer, Wide Table and Built-In Free Arm

The Brother GQ3700 is an excellent choice for sewing and quilting enthusiasts. With 37 built-in stitch options, you can easily tackle various projects, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user. The automatic one-step buttonholer ensures that your buttonholes are nearly perfect every time, saving you time and effort. Its jam-resistant Quick-Set bobbin allows for a smoother sewing experience, reducing interruptions. Plus, the wide table is perfect for larger projects like quilts, giving you the space you need to work comfortably. The built-in free arm feature makes sewing difficult areas like cuffs and sleeves a breeze.

What We Like
Versatile stitch options
Automatic buttonholer
Wide table for large projects
Easy threading and winding
#TOP 8

Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine

XR3774
Wide Table
Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine Cover
Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, XR3774, 37 Built-in Stitches, Wide Table, 8 Included Sewing Feet

The Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine is a great choice for beginners and experienced sewers alike. It features 37 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in top bobbin, a wide table, and 8 included sewing feet. It's perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing and quilting projects, and is lightweight and easy to use.

What We Like
Inexpensive
37 built-in stitches
Wide table
User-friendly
Lightweight
#TOP 9

JUKI America Free Arm Sewing Machine

HZL-353ZR-C/UL
White
JUKI America Free Arm Sewing Machine Cover
Juki America HZL-353Z Free Arm Automatic Needle Threader Sewing Machine

The JUKI America HZL-353Z is a lightweight, portable sewing machine with 21 built-in sewing patterns, including a buttonhole feature. Its automatic needle threader helps you save time and effort, while its presser foot pressure adjustment ensures even stitching on various fabric types. The LED light provides a bright work area, and the easy drop-in bobbin system saves you from the hassle of threading the bobbin.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Automatic needle threader saves time and effort
Presser foot pressure adjustment ensures even stitching on various fabric types

SINGER M1150 Sewing Machine

230315112
White
White
SINGER M1150 Sewing Machine Cover
SINGER M1150 Lightweight & Portable Sewing Machine With 45 Stitch Applications, LED Light & 1-step Buttonhole | Used for Mending and Sewing

The SINGER M1150 Machine offers a Top Drop-In Bobbin for easy monitoring, 45 Stitch Applications for various sewing techniques, Easy Stitch Selection using a dial, and Preset Stitch Length and Width for eliminating guesswork. The 4-Step Buttonhole feature makes creating buttonholes as easy as counting 1, 2, 3, 4. With these features, you can effortlessly keep track of thread supply, explore different stitching styles, select stitches with ease, and achieve precise stitch lengths and widths for your sewing projects.

What We Like
Easy Stitch Selection
Preset Stitch Length and Width
Top Drop-In Bobbin
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all sewing machines have a free arm?

Yes, generally all sewing machines have a free arm. The free arm is a feature that allows you to sew tube items such as trouser legs, cuffs, sleeves, and more. It is located at the bottom of the sewing machine, protruding out from the main body, just past the needle and feed dogs. This feature makes it easier to sew small and narrow items with precision.

Editor's Notes

During our free arm sewing machine research, we found 24 free arm sewing machine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 103,259 customer reviews through our big data system to write the free arm sewing machines list. We found that most customers choose free arm sewing machines with an average price of $191.05.

The free arm sewing machines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of free arm sewing machines, including Brother, JUKI, SINGER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.