Yes, You can rent a sewing machine from fabric stores, craft centers, sewing studios, or online rental services. Rates often range from $10 to $40 per day, with discounts for weekly rentals. Rentals are ideal for short-term projects, trying advanced models, or avoiding the cost of ownership and maintenance.
Where Can You Rent a Sewing Machine?
Finding places that offer sewing machines for rent is easier than you might think. Though options vary by location, several reliable sources exist for temporary access to quality equipment.
Local sewing machine stores
Independent sewing shops often provide the most accessible rental options. These local businesses typically offer hourly, daily, or weekly rental plans with rates ranging from $10 per hour to $25 for a full day. The primary advantage of local stores is the personalized service — staff can help you select the right machine and provide basic guidance if you’re new to sewing. Furthermore, you can inspect the machine’s condition before committing to the rental.
Many shops like Grant House Sewing Machines allow you to work directly in their workshop space, giving you access to cutting tables and ironing boards alongside your rented machine. This setup is ideal for beginners who need occasional access without the commitment of ownership.
Big box retailers and specialty shops
Beyond local shops, larger retailers have entered the rental market. JoAnn Fabrics offers sewing machine rentals at select locations, though availability varies by store. Some specialty craft shops like Fiber Rhythm Craft & Design in Portland provide tiered rental options, with fees ranging from $25 to $75 for two-week at-home rentals.
Specialty sewing studios often offer more advanced equipment. For instance, The Sewing Labs provides industrial machine rentals including straight stitch, serger, and specialty machines — though you’ll need to complete a safety class first, which costs $65 for basic machines.
Online rental platforms
The digital marketplace has made renting sewing machines more convenient. Websites like Little Hand Creations offer Singer Heavy Duty machines complete with starter supplies for local pickup. Meanwhile, Fashion Makerspace rents computerized Brother machines along with complete sewing tool kits.
Online platforms typically provide detailed information about the machines available, pricing structures, and rental terms. Nevertheless, this option requires research — read reviews from previous customers to ensure reliability, as you won’t be able to inspect the machine beforehand.
Most online rentals require local pickup rather than shipping, so search for platforms serving your specific area. Some studios like Soul Collections offer hourly machine access for $15, which includes use of computerized, mechanical, and industrial machines.
Alternatives to Renting a Sewing Machine
Beyond traditional rentals, several budget-friendly alternatives exist for accessing sewing machines without committing to a purchase.
Using machines at public libraries
Many public libraries now offer sewing machines as part of their “library of things” programs. The Octavia Lab, for example, allows members to use machines for a single two-hour session each day. Moreover, library membership is typically free, although members must bring their own fabric and thread for projects. Arlington Library’s makerspace features state-of-the-art sewing machines available to both beginners and experienced sewists.
In certain locations, libraries even allow patrons to check out sewing machines like books. According to Reddit users, libraries in Ann Arbor, Madison, and parts of California permit machine borrowing. The Sequoyah Regional Library System maintains 12 sewing machines, which are frequently checked out by patrons who need them for job interviews, testing before purchasing, or family projects.
Maker spaces and community studios
Community makerspaces offer another excellent alternative to traditional rentals. Pikes Peak Library District provides sewing machines by reservation at all their makerspace locations. Similarly, King County Library System offers free access to sewing equipment alongside other creative tools like 3D printers and laser cutters.
These spaces typically require reservations but welcome walk-ins when machines are available. The Troy-Miami County Public Library Maker Lab houses embroidery and sewing machines alongside other creative equipment in their 5,000-square-foot maker space.
Open sew classes with machine access
For those seeking guidance alongside machine access, open sew classes provide an ideal solution. Sew Crafty Studio offers two-hour Guided Open Studio sessions for $40, where participants can use Brother computerized machines with instructor assistance. Likewise, New York Sewing Center provides open studio time starting at just $10 per hour for shared space.
These classes often cater to different experience levels—Sew Crafty requires previous machine sewing knowledge or completion of their basics class. Some studios offer tiered pricing based on privacy level, with partially private rooms costing $25 per hour and private rooms with industrial machines available for $45 hourly.
Community studios occasionally provide free or subsidized access through workforce development programs, especially beneficial for those facing financial hardship.
Other Creative Solutions for Short-Term Sewing
Sometimes renting isn’t practical, yet you still need sewing capabilities away from home. Thankfully, several creative alternatives exist beyond traditional sewing machine rental.
Buying a low-cost machine for travel
Portable sewing machines offer an excellent solution for temporary needs. These lightweight devices (typically under 13 lbs) provide immediate on-the-spot creativity without rental hassles. Brands like Singer and Brother design machines specifically for mobility, making them ideal for college students or those with limited space. These compact models come packed with essential features despite their smaller size. Consequently, many sewists invest in a dedicated travel machine like the Juki HZL-355Z rather than repeatedly paying rental fees.
Leaving a machine at a relative’s house
Storing a sewing machine at a family member’s home creates a permanent solution for frequent travelers. This approach works particularly well when you visit the same location regularly. Prior to storage, remember to clean and oil the machine, place the presser foot down without a foot installed, and carefully wrap cords. Additionally, consider using desiccant bags to prevent moisture damage during extended storage periods.
Flying with a portable sewing machine
Modern lightweight machines make air travel with sewing equipment feasible. Consider using rolling trolleys like the Tutto 20″ bag to transport your machine through airports. Nonetheless, always verify airline weight restrictions beforehand—some carriers enforce strict limitations that affect even compact machines.
Tips for Finding the Right Option Near You
Locating the perfect sewing machine rental near you requires some strategic searching. With the right approach, finding a place where you can rent a sewing machine becomes much easier.
Search online with your location
Begin your search by using specific location-based terms in your search engine. Type phrases like “sewing machine rental near me” or “can you rent a sewing machine in [your city]” for relevant results. Online platforms like Little Hand Creations offer rental services in specific areas—though keep in mind some are location-restricted, such as Little Hand Creations which only serves Seattle. Before committing to an online rental service, read customer reviews to ensure quality and reliability.
Ask local sewing groups or forums
Community hubs offer valuable insider knowledge about rental options. Facebook groups and Reddit forums dedicated to sewing enthusiasts often have members willing to share rental recommendations or even offer their equipment. Additionally, these platforms are excellent for discovering under-the-radar options like maker spaces or community studios. The Nextdoor app is another useful tool, especially if you’re new to an area.
Call ahead to confirm availability
After identifying potential rental sources, always contact them directly. Websites may not have updated information about machine availability, pricing, or requirements. For instance, some studios like Soul Collections charge $15 per hour but require users to already know how to thread and use the machines. Others, like Keaton Quilts, offer incentives such as $10 gift cards for 3-hour rentals. Your location significantly impacts available options—urban areas typically offer more choices than rural locations.
Conclusion
Renting a sewing machine offers a practical solution for crafters at any stage of their journey. Whether you choose local sewing shops, public libraries, or community maker spaces, these options provide flexibility without the commitment of purchasing equipment. Beyond traditional rentals, alternatives like open sew classes give beginners valuable guidance alongside machine access.
Certainly, your location plays a significant role in determining available options. Urban areas typically offer more choices, though online platforms have made rentals accessible to wider audiences. Additionally, creative solutions such as portable machines or storing equipment at a relative’s home can solve temporary sewing needs.
Therefore, before committing to any rental option, we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability and requirements. Some studios require prior knowledge or completion of basic classes, while others offer complete beginner support.
