Why it made the cut: With a motor that is 60 percent more powerful than most, the Singer 4423 sewing machine handles thick seams and heavy-duty fabrics such as denim and canvas. Sew through denim ...

There's never a wrong time to pick up a new hobby, and right now you can get the Singer 1304 Start Sewing Machine on sale for $149 at SewingMachinePlus.com.