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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 seven 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.
How did we pick this list?
Our editorial team chose the products on the list based on customer reviews and ratings from Amazon. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and determined the sewing machines with the highest ratings within those parameters.
We recommend the Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Extra-High Sewing Speed Sewing Machine as the best overall sewing machine in Australia right now. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from thousands of customers on Amazon.
This sewing machine is perfect for heavy-duty projects. Its powerful motor also lets you sew faster, saving you time. Apart from having 97 stitch applications for any fabric, this heavy-duty sewing machine has a one-step buttonhole. It also has a built-in needle threader and an easy stitch selection dial.
Many customers praised this sewing machine for being versatile, mentioning that it works for both beginner and professional sewers. Several others said that the quality is superb and works for most types of fabrics. A few customers complained about it being expensive, but mentioned that its performance justifies the price tag.
What users say
This machine does the lot, you just need to adjust the tension accordingly. I like it so much that I've now ordered the singer heavy duty overlocker too."Read reviews.
We recommend the Janome 2212 12 Stitch FullSize Freearm Sewing Machine as the best sewing machine for beginners. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
The Janome 2212 sewing machine is an entry-level machine with a 4-step buttonhole. It also has a dial pattern selection and stitch and width length adjustment for ease of use. Apart from having 12 built-in stitches, its free arm and drop feed is perfect for all types of sewing.
Customers raved about the machine's ability to perform basic sewing functions well. Others noted that despite being an entry-level sewing machine, it works like a heavy-duty one. A few customers also liked that it's lightweight, which makes it easy to move around. Several customers complained that their sewing machine didn't come with accessories, but this is an isolated issue.
What users say
Exactly what I wanted. A cheap, easy-to-use machine. I'm a beginner and just make pretty easy stuff." Read reviews.
Our pick for the best sewing machine for quilting is Brother's FS100WT Free Motion Embroidery/Sewing and Quilting Machine. It has a 4.7 rating out of 5 stars from over 500 customer reviews on Amazon.
The Brother FS100WT is ideal if you want a computerised machine for sewing, embroidery and quilting. It has 100 stitches and 8 buttonholes. In addition to having one set of alphabets, it also has an automatic needle threader and a speed control slider. It also has a start/stop button and a few presser feet.
Customers gave positive feedback on the machine's intuitive design. Others praised it for being easy to operate and offering a wide range of stitches. Many customers also said that it's easy to pack. However, some reviews said that this sewing machine is not beginner-friendly.
What users say
Love everything about this machine. Easy to operate, looks good, has a wealth of stitches and it is so quiet when in operation." Read reviews.
If you're looking for the best cheap sewing machine, we recommend Bernette's Sew and Go 1 Swiss Design Sewing Machine. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Bernette Sew and Go 1 sewing machine is a mechanical, entry-level model, ideal for sewers on a budget. It comes with 10 stitches, with a maximum stitch width of 55mm. It also comes with four presser feet, including a buttonhole foot and a zipper foot. This sewing machine's hook system is front loading as well.
Many customers raved about the sewing machine being portable and providing basic sewing functions. Some customers also said it is easy to use, especially for beginners. However, several customers said it is too noisy.
What users say
This sewing machine is very easy to use. It's easy to thread the bobbin and thread the machine and it sews well." Read reviews.
Our pick for the best sewing machine for kids is the Cool Maker Sew N' Style Sewing Machine with Pom-Pom Maker Attachment. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 800 customer reviews.
The Cool Maker Sew N' Style sewing machine comes with 2 sheets of glitter fabric, 2 pre-cut projects and pop-out patterns. It's perfect for kids wanting to try sewing. It's also operated by four AA batteries.
Customers gave positive feedback on this sewing machine's user-friendliness. Some mentioned that their kids were able to sew their own projects easily with it. Others also raved about it being safe to use. However, some customers criticised it for being battery-operated instead of having a wall plug.
What users say
This is the coolest little machine. My 6-year-old makes tons of things completely by herself with this."Read reviews.
Our pick for the best manual sewing machine is the HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine from Janome. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 100 customers on Amazon.
This sewing machine comes with 18 stitches and a heavy-duty frame. It also has a free arm and a drop feed. In addition to a 6.5mm stitch width, it includes a 5-piece feed dog. Its thread tension control is manual, while its hook type is top loading.
Customers praised this sewing machine for being versatile. They said it can stitch a wide range of fabrics. Many mentioned that it was easy to use and set up, even for beginners. Some also raved about its durability. However, a few reviews said that it can't sew through thicker leathers, which is to be expected.
What users say
I love my new machine. I haven't found anything it can't sew through yet." Read reviews.
We recommend Neala's Electric Portable Sewing Machine as the best portable sewing machine in Australia. It has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Neala Mini Electric Portable Sewing Machine has a built-in thread cutter. As well as operating from two power sources, it also includes a needle threader and a spare needle. It has manual and pedal switches and a LED lighting function as well.
Customers raved about this sewing machine being affordable and easy to set up. Some customers said that it was perfect for simple stitching, particularly for repairing garments. Others said that the LED lighting function was helpful for more precise sewing. However, some customers complained that its speed is not adjustable.
What users say
Would recommend if you're looking for a beginner sewing machine." Read reviews.
Amazon prices last updated on 8 December, 2023 at 01:00 ameBay prices last updated on 8 December, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Methodology
20 Brands considered
58 Products compared
7 Best sewing machines chosen
We compared over 50 sewing machines from 20 different brands.
We assessed hundreds of online reviews and ratings from Amazon customers.
The products on this list were chosen by our editorial team and were not selected based on commercial relationships.
We considered the following sewing machine brands:
Aldi
Bernette
Bernina
Brother
Cool Maker
Creativity for Kids
Elina
Janome
Juki
KPCB Tech
Luxebell
MIC
Neala
Peachy Keen Crafts
Pfaff
Semco
Sew Mighty
Singer
Varmax
We eliminated products from these brands that had less than 20 ratings and reviews, ending up with a total of 58 products to compare.
We then thoroughly researched each product and its features. We also considered ratings and customer reviews from Amazon (as of November 2020). We ended up with what we believe are the seven best sewing machines in Australia right now.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Bobbin type
Top-loading or drop-in bobbins are easier to replace than front-loading bobbins. Most models also feature a see-through cover so you can monitor how much thread is remaining.
Number of stitches
A machine with a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch is all you need to take care of a wide range of essential tasks. However, more expensive models come with dozens or even hundreds of stitch settings, so determine how many stitches you are likely to use and whether it's worth paying extra for any you may not need.
Adjustable stitch width and length
Can you adjust the length and width of stitches to suit your sewing project? While many machines support this feature, some entry-level models don't.
Needle threader
A built-in needle threader is an important inclusion that can help with an otherwise frustrating task. High-end machines have an automatic needle threader, but it's usually only semi-automatic on cheaper models.
Needle up/down and needle position adjustment
The needle up/down feature allows you to stop the needle while it's in either the up or down position, which makes it much simpler to pivot and turn corners.
Needle position adjustment allows you to move the needle from left to right, which is very handy when top stitching or inserting zippers.
Automatic buttonholer
Computerised sewing machines allow you to sew a button in one step without having to turn the piece of clothing around halfway through. Of course, it's worth testing this feature out to make sure it functions as promised.
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?
Best rated sewing machine brand award breakdown
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.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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