Best sewing machines in Australia

The best sewing machines in Australia

• Best overall sewing machine: Singer Computerised Heavy Duty 6605 Sewing Machine
• Best sewing machine for beginners: Janome DC2030 Computerised Sewing Machine
• Best cheap sewing machine: Singer Promise 1408 Sewing Machine
• Best sewing machine for quilting: Brother FS100WT Free Motion Embroidery/ Sewing and Quilting Machine
• Best sewing machine for kids: NANANARDOSO Mini Sewing Machine
• Best heavy-duty sewing machine: Singer Computerised Heavy Duty 6605 Sewing Machine
• Best manual sewing machine: Janome Heavy Duty HD3000 Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Best portable sewing machine: Singer M2105 Lightweight Sewing Machine

A sewing machine is a versatile piece of equipment that you can use to create custom clothing, decorations, and accessories. It also allows you to repair or alter unused and torn garments.

For this guide, we evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to give you an in-depth look at 8 of the best sewing machines in Australia right now. To help you with your buying decision, the list below shows each sewing machine's features, price, and pros and cons. There are choices for a variety of uses, from sewing machines for beginners to sewing machines for quilting.

Read more about our methodology below.

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We picked the Singer Computerised Heavy Duty 6605 Sewing Machine as the best overall sewing machine you can get online. With a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Spotlight, this machine is perfect for beginners and expert sewers.

This computerised option has six 1-sep buttonhole functions, a thread knife, and 215 stitch applications right at your fingertips. And because it has an LCD screen, this equipment is pretty easy to use.

There is also a heavy-duty metal frame to add to its durability, as well as a free arm, stainless steel bed plate, and a drop feed. However, this can get a tad too noisy, so keep that in mind. It's also pretty pricey compared to competitors, but users don't seem to mind.

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For beginners, we recommend the Janome DC2030 Computerised Sewing Machine, which received a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Featuring 30 built-in stitches and one memory buttonhole, you can quickly start your sewing journey with this machine. It's packed with novice-friendly features like a stitch guide, a built-in needle threader, a reverse button, and a one-hand thread cutter.

And because it's computerised, this option takes the hassle out of figuring out what to do next—a must for those new to sewing. For bigger projects, there's also an extra large table and a handy accessory box.

However, note that while this machine is sturdy and packed with various features, it may not be enough for heavier-duty tasks. It's also pretty heavy, so moving it around can be challenging.

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Our pick for the best cheap sewing machine is the Singer Promise 1408 Sewing Machine. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This lightweight sewing machine is priced at just $220, making it perfect for those on a budget. While it may not be enough for more extensive sewing projects, it's pretty great for basic sewing around the house.

Despite being compact, this mechanical sewing machine comes with a full-sized sewing area and 63 stitch applications. It also offers a max speed of 700PM, standard preset feet, and a direct stitch selection dial.

Other handy features of this machine are a spool pin felt, button sewing foot, general purpose foot, l-screwdriver and an edge/quilting guide.

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The Brother FS100WT Free Motion Embroidery/Sewing and Quilting Machine is our top pick for the best option for quilting. This bad boy has an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon.

A versatile option for sewing enthusiasts, this offers 100 stitch options and 8 buttonholes. It also has a quick-set drop-in bobbin and drop feed mechanism. You can also adjust the speed control to sew at your own pace.

Other handy features that this machine has are a wide table, a motion embroidery foot, and a smart design for convenience. Customers loved its dual functionality for sewing and quilting, too.

A few users noted that it might not be the best one to pick if you're a beginner, and some folks wish it had more built-in embroidery options. Nevertheless, the FS100WT remains a pretty solid choice.

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With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we recommend NANANARDOSO's Mini Sewing Machine as the best choice for kids. 4 AA batteries power this mini sewing and it offers 12 stitching patterns for your little ones.

The machine is pretty portable, so your kids can get started with their sewing anytime, anywhere. Apart from being controlled by a foot switch, it has buttons, auxiliary lighting, and needle threaders.

Customers loved that it's easy and fun to use, which makes teaching kids how to sew much easier. However, the battery life could be better. Some also wish it had more stitching patterns.

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Our team has also chosen Singer’s Computerised Heavy Duty 6605 Sewing Machine as the best option for heavy-duty sewing. On Spotlight, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

With enhanced piercing power, you’ll be sure to sew even the thickest fabric with this Singer machine. It has an extra high sewing speed, so you’ll have more time to create more pieces and a touch button stitch selection for better convenience.

There are 6 1-step buttonhole functions, quick and easy threading features, drop and sew bobbin and metal frames.

Numerous customers said it’s easy for experts and beginners alike. It’s also computerised, so the learning curve isn’t that stiff. But it can get really noisy at the highest speed.

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For manual sewing, we recommend the Janome Heavy Duty HD3000 Mechanical Sewing Machine. This sturdy option features an all-metal internal chassis to handle all your sewing projects.

Dubbed the most popular model from the brand, it has a quick-view stitch chart where you can see 18 stitches and an automatic buttonhole. Plus, it has a 7-piece feed dog for free motion quilting and a free arm capability. For your accessories, you'll also get a compact case with this model.

But do note that since it's a mechanical machine, some beginners may struggle with it. It's not as user-friendly as computerised options but offers many features that any sewer should learn.

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The Singer M2105 Lightweight Sewing Machine is our pick for the best portable option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The M215 is lightweight, allowing you to stitch almost anywhere.

It comes with 8 basic and creative stitches, easy threading, and a preset stitch length and width. Customers said it's pretty sturdy because it's got a full metal frame. It's also perfect for last-minute sewing as well as for beginners. Other notable features include a front-loading button, a 4-step buttonhole, and handy accessories.

Despite the handy features, this compact option isn't the best for heavy-duty projects or more intricate sewing.

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Amazon prices last updated on 27 July, 2024 at 07:11 ameBay prices last updated on 27 July, 2024 at 12:10 pm

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Sewing machine buying guide: How to choose the best sewing machine for you

Do I need a sewing machine?

A sewing machine is more accurate than stitching with your bare hands. It's also a lot faster. As well as giving you an outlet for creativity, a sewing machine allows you to alter or repair worn out or unused clothes. They're also versatile – you can make clothes, accessories, decor and gifts with a sewing machine.

However, sewing machines can be expensive. They may also take up a lot of space if you live in a smaller home. You also have to make sure to use your sewing machine regularly for it to work properly, and it will require maintenance, which you will need to learn how to do yourself or pay for a professional to do.

An alternative to a sewing machine is stitching by hand, especially if you only need to mend torn clothes. Another option is using fabric glue or fusible bonding web. A fabric glue provides a temporary or permanent bond on fabric without sewing. Fusible bonding web, on the other hand, allows you to bond two pieces of fabric permanently with the heat of an iron.

How to compare sewing machines

• Consider what you want to use it for. Do you want a sewing machine to learn how to sew or to mend some clothes? Are you a skilled sewer looking for a heavy-duty machine with more sophisticated features? Determine what you want out of a sewing machine before purchasing one.
• Make sure to buy a more affordable sewing machine if you haven't been sewing for long. But if you're a long-time sewer that likes to sew regularly, a more expensive, heavy-duty machine may fit the bill.
• Consider if you want a computerised, electric or manual/mechanical sewing machine. Computerised and electric sewing machines allow you to create more precise and decorative stitches. They also have more automated features. However, manual and mechanical machines are more affordable and beginner-friendly.
• Consider the sewing machine's weight and size. If space is an issue, you may opt for a portable or mini sewing machine. However, if you plan to use your sewing machine at home, a more sophisticated one with more features may work better.
• Think about the service and warranty before buying a sewing machine. Ask about the length of the warranty and its coverage. You might also want to find out if maintenance service is included.

Pros and cons

Whether or not a sewing machine is worth the money really depends on your personal circumstances, but there are several reasons why buying one is a good idea:

• You can make your own clothes

  Using a sewing machine means you can choose the fabric, colour and design to create outfits that match your unique style. It can seem daunting at first, but easy-to-follow patterns make it much simpler than you might think.

• Tailoring

  You can use a sewing machine to tailor your clothes to fit you perfectly – very handy if your online purchases never seem to look quite right.

• Mending and redesigning

  From torn fabrics and missing buttons to repurposing old clothes into a new outfit, a sewing machine is a very handy tool to have at your disposal.

• Decorate your home

  Sewing machines aren't just for clothes; you can also make cushions, curtains and all manner of decorative pieces to add colour to your home.

• Get crafty

  Want to make a teddy bear for your kids, or a soft toy you can give as a gift for a newborn baby? Maybe you want to make your kids a Halloween costume? Or perhaps you want to do some embroidery or quilting? Whatever craft project you have planned, a sewing machine can help.

Why shouldn't I buy a sewing machine?

Sewing ain't for everyone. While some people love sitting down to stitch, create and mend, others find it to be a repetitive and frustrating chore. If you fall into the latter category, how likely are you to ever want to use a sewing machine on a regular basis?

Before you part with any money, think about how much you will realistically use your machine.
If you prefer to buy your clothes rather than make them, and if you're happy tackling basic mending tasks with a needle and thread, you're probably better off saving your money.

And if you ever need clothes altered in any way, take them to a tailor instead.

What types are available?

There are four main categories of sewing machines:

	Description	Pros	Cons
Mechanical sewing machines	Controls are manipulated by hand.	Most affordable. Can be used for hemming, repairs and making simple craft projects.	Small number of stitches and operations. Less widely available.
Electronic sewing machines	Use a built-in motor operated by a foot pedal to control the needle.	Makes sewing quicker and easier. Wide range of models to suit everyone from beginners to professionals. Foot pedal leaves your hands free to guide the fabric through the machine. Dials and push-button controls are available. Many models come with a selection of attachments and stitch settings.	More expensive than mechanical models.
Computerised sewing machines	Features a microprocessor that is pre-programmed for different stitch styles.	Available features include an LCD screen, touchpad controls and settings for hundreds of complex stitches. Some models allow you to download designs from the Internet.	If you want more features, you'll have to pay more.
Sewing/embroidery machines	These models take all the features of a computerised machine and add the ability to do complex embroidery.	Most advanced model. Allows you to add embroidery to garments, bedspreads and more.	Most expensive.

How much do sewing machines cost?

The cost of a sewing machine depends on the features you need:

• Beginner sewing machines. A beginner sewing machine should offer a basic selection of stitches, at least one buttonhole setting and solid construction. Prices in this category range from $100 up to around $800, with computerised models usually starting around the $300 mark.
• Mid-level sewing machines. Machines for intermediate sewists offer a wider range of basic and decorative stitches, embroidery patterns, more attachments and an automatic needle threader. They are capable of tackling a much wider range of challenging and ambitious tasks, and are generally priced anywhere from $700 or $800 up to $3,000.
• Advanced sewing machines. Top-level machines offer the widest selection of stitches, presser feet, embroidery capabilities and customisable features. Please note that these are only for experienced sewists, as many of the advanced features and options will be a waste of money for anyone new to sewing. If shopping in this category you can expect to spend several thousand dollars.

Whatever type of machine you are shopping for, make sure you try before you buy. Take along a variety of fabrics to test out how the machine performs, how easy it is to use and whether it's a good fit for the type of sewing you do.

How to compare sewing machines

Once you have thought about the type of sewing you want to do and how much you are willing to spend, consider the following essential factors:

Additional features:

• Presser feet. Check what sort of presser feet attachments the machine comes with to help you tackle different tasks, including inserting zips, sewing buttonholes and completing hems.
• Foot pedal. Is the foot pedal of a decent size? Is it responsive to pressure and does it have an anti-slip base?
• Lighting. Check the machine's task lighting so you can be sure that you will be able to clearly see what you are sewing. Also, check how easy it is to change the lightbulb – it's quite a complicated task on some models.
• Case. Look for a heavy-duty case that will ensure that your machine won't wiggle and wobble when in use. At the same time, make sure it's light enough to be easily moved when needed.
• Free arm capability. Being able to convert to free arm sewing makes it much easier to tackle tight and round sections of fabric, for example, sleeves and pant hems.
• Noise. Noise is a factor many people neglect to consider when buying a sewing machine, but it could be a dealbreaker if the only time you get to sew is late at night when the kids are in bed and silence is golden.
• Warranty. Check the length of the warranty, what it covers and what's excluded. Also, check what the policy is on repairs – is there an in-store service or will your machine need to be sent back to the manufacturer or to a repair centre should something go wrong?

Frequently asked questions

• What are some common cons of sewing machines?

  Two common cons are the noise level—some machines can be quite loud, disrupting a peaceful environment—and the complexity for beginners, as some machines come with a steep learning curve due to advanced features and settings.

• How often should I service my sewing machine?

  It's recommended to have your sewing machine serviced by a professional annually or after every 100 hours of use to ensure it remains in optimal working condition.

• Can heavy-duty sewing machines handle all types of fabric?

  Heavy-duty sewing machines are designed to handle thicker materials like denim or leather, but they may not be as adept with delicate fabrics. Using the right machine and settings for the specific material you're working with is important.

Best rated sewing machine brand award breakdown

• 2020 Best sewing machine award

  Brand	Ease of use	Performance	Safety	Value for Money	Overall rating	Recommended	Total Score
  Janome	4.26	4.48	4.52	4.34	4.38	92%	8.08
  Bernina	4.4	4.37	4.17	4.23	4.34	97%	8.01
  Singer	4.32	4.36	4.32	4.3	4.28	96%	7.96
  Elna	4.24	4.32	4.41	4.35	4.29	85%	7.89
  Brother	4.08	4.24	4.34	4.26	4.18	96%	7.8

  Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.

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