Best-Rated Sewing Machines

Fact Checked

How we rate sewing machines

Our review compares sewing machines on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which sewing machine they think is best!

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.

1. Singer

Ratings result

For the third year in a row, Singer has topped the sewing machine competition with five star ratings for overall satisfaction, ease of use, design, performance, value for money and features & functionality. It also achieved a four star rating for quietness.

Editor’s notes

Leading brand Singer spins a wide range of sewing machines, helping you tackle everything from simple hemming jobs to highly detailed embroidery and cosplay projects. Prices start from $159 for beginner models and reach up to $2,199 for heavier duty options. You can also find exclusive Singer sewing machines from Spotlight.

If you’re starting as a budding quilter or aspiring fashion designer, you may be interested in sewing machines for beginners like the Singer Fashion Mate (3337) and Singer Embroidery Machine (EM9305). These ‘entry-level’ machines are specifically designed for people new to the sewing world and contain features such as an automatic needle threader, one-step buttonhole functionality, and a variety of built-in functions for basic stitching and decorative sewing.

2. Janome

Ratings result

Janome received a five star rating for quietness, four stars for overall satisfaction, ease of use, design, performance and features & functionality, with three stars for value for money.

Editor’s notes

Having produced sewing machines for more than 100 years, powerhouse Janome certainly knows a thing or two about the needle and thread. The brand offers a variety of sewing machines, quilting machines, embroidery machines and overlockers. Janome additionally sells specialty models including the Janome CoverPro 2000CPX, a cover stitch machine for professionals.

The brand tailors its range to suit different skill levels and sewing demands. For the casual sewer, there are models like the Janome FD216 or the Janome Sewist 725S that offer a variety of built-in stitches to help make tasks, such as sewing buttons, fairly simple. The brand’s line-up alternatively features models like the Janome DM7200 and Janome Sewist 780DC for heavy-duty tasks. These two workhorses are said to provide a sewing speed of 820 SPM, with the Janome DM7200 even packed with 200 built-in stitches.

3. Brother

Ratings result

Brother achieved four stars for performance and value for money and three stars for all other categories, including overall satisfaction, ease of use, design, quietness and features & functionality.

Editor’s notes

There’s no need to ask mum to tailor your pants, especially since Brother offers a large range of sewing machines and overlockers to choose from. Many of these are made for basic sewing, mending and dressmaking, as well as making different size quilts and working on denim or sheer fabrics. Brother’s sewing machines and overlockers will set you back at least $200 for the Brother Sewing Machine (TY200A), with the most expensive model being the Brother Comp Sew Machine (TY600C) retailing for about $800.

For regular clothing alterations, Brother sells a large number of mechanical sewing machines and computerised sewing machines to choose from. Computerised sewing machines can be particularly helpful when dealing with denim and other heavy fabrics, or when you’ve got some big jobs ahead of you. The Brother Computerised Sewing Machine (FS101) is one of the brand’s top-of-the-line units and boasts 100 built-in sewing patterns and multidirectional sewing.

Sewing machine buying guide

Types of sewing machines

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all model when it comes to sewing machines. Each sewing machine is designed for a different purpose, like basic mending for beginners or large-scale quilting for professionals and hobbyists.

• Mechanical sewing machine: Mechanical sewing machines use manual controls and are mostly used for basic sewing and simple alterations or small sewing projects. 
• Computerised sewing machine: Computerised sewing machines are stated to be made with microprocessors that can control and automate various sewing functions.
• Overlocker: An overlocker (or serger) is a type of sewing machine designed to connect the edges of one or two pieces of material by creating what’s called an ‘overcast’ or ‘overlock stitch’, while also simultaneously trimming the seam allowance.  

Factors to consider when buying a sewing machine

Before diving head first into the purchase of a sewing machine, it’s important to consider all factors to help guide your decision making process. 

• Frequency of use: If you’re someone who is an avid sewer, upcycler or simply likes to alter your own clothing, purchasing a sewing machine may be an ideal choice. However if you’re someone who would only work on a project once every few months or so, it may not be worth the purchase. 
• Added features: If you’re after a basic machine to alter some clothing, you can find cheap models with basic functions, however, if you’re in need of something with added features like automatic hemming for example, be prepared to fork out a little more money.
• Size: You can find sewing machines in a range of sizes depending on their capabilities and added features, but this can also mean they are heavier and bulkier. Figuring out what size you need can help determine how easy the machine is to set up and store. 

How much do sewing machines cost?

Sewing machines range in price from $100 to upwards of $2,000 depending on the brand and the added features. Digital or computerised sewing machines tend to be more expensive because they have pre-programmed settings that require less skill to execute.

How much is it to service a sewing machine?

The cost of a sewing machine service will vary depending on what needs to be done. As a general guide, it can cost between $75 and $100 for general maintenance and small repairs. To get a better estimate of cost, it’s best to call a repair centre and get a quote for better accuracy.

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About our consumer experts

Kate King: Home & Lifestyle Content Producer

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Producer Kate King. Kate holds a Bachelor of Creative Industries from QUT majoring in Journalism and Media and Communications, and has written for a number of publications over the past five years.

Meet the Editorial Team

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Meet the Research Team