New to Sewing: Sewing Starts Here

Learn with confidence at Montavilla

Why Start with Montavilla

Starting something new can feel overwhelming—but sewing doesn’t have to. At Montavilla, we’ve helped thousands of beginners take their first stitches with confidence. Our team guides you through every step, from choosing the right machine to learning how to use it.

Beginner-Friendly Machines

Not all sewing machines are created equal. For beginners, the right machine should be simple, reliable, and fun to use. At Montavilla, we carefully select models that make sewing easier—so you can focus on creating, not troubleshooting.

Shop beginner-friendly machines

Learn & Grow With Us

Sewing is more than just buying a machine—it’s about learning skills that last a lifetime. Montavilla offers beginner classes, step-by-step tutorials, and hands-on guidance so you feel supported from the very start.

Blog/Resource Links:

Join a beginner class

A Beginner’s Story

“I bought my Janome at the Quiltfest Northwest after receiving a friendly introduction to the machine and hands-on quick lesson. A few months later, in June I went to the shop for more in depth training from Maggie. I had so much fun and learned a lot. I have lots of sewing experience, but have never used a computerized machine. Maggie was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a great teacher. I am thrilled with the machine and look forward to future trips to Montavilla, even though I live in Ridgefield, WA.”
— Debra

Start your sewing journey today!

The right machine makes all the difference-and Montavilla is here to guide you.

find your perfect beginner machine

About Montavilla

We Put Community First

When you shop at Montavilla, you're doing more than just purchasing a sewing machine; you're joining our family. Over the years, we've created a huge community of sewing enthusiasts, hobbyists, DIY'ers, and small business owners who have gained a wealth of sewing knowledge and experience. We've also been lucky enough to partner with some organizations that share our same interest in helping individuals, organizations, or communities in need. Here are a couple of inspiring organizations that we help support:

Quilts of Valor

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to cover U.S. service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. With local chapters all over the U.S., Quilts of Valor volunteers donate fabric or help create quilts to present to veterans of all ages. Montavilla is proud to host the Portland, OR chapter, the largest in the U.S., with monthly meetings at our Portland, Beaverton, and Gresham locations. Please contact us if you're interested in contributing, and visit the Quilts of Valor website below for more information.

Cares Northwest

Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services (CARES) Northwest is a collaborative, community-based medical program. CARES Northwest’s mission is to stop child abuse and neglect through multidisciplinary prevention, medical evaluation, and ongoing treatment in partnership with our community. We host a monthly Cares NW quilting group at our Lake Oswego location, in which anyone can stop by and help make quilts to donate to Cares NW.