Addi 
Adjustoform 
Batik Australia 
Bernette 
Bernina 
Birch 
Bohin 
Bowtique 
Brother 
Camelot Fabric 
Carioca 
Celebrate 
Classic Knit 
Clover 
Country Threads by Fiona Jude 
Craft for Kids by BMS 
Daylight Lamps 
Deborah Louie 
Derwent 
Diamond Dotz 
Dimensions Needlecraft 
Disney 
DMC 
Elna 
Fiskars 
Gutermann 
Habee Savers 
Handi Quilter 
Heirloom 
Helmar 
Hemline 
Hobbysew 
Horn 
Husqvarna 
Janome 
Juki 
Kennard & Kennard 
Ladybird 
Madeira 
Mary Ellen 
Matilda's Own 
McCall's 
Moda 
Naeo 
Needleart World 
Newey 
Nurge 
Olfa 
Oliso 
OttLite 
Papercraft 
Pieced Tree Patterns 
Pony 
Presencia 
QA 
Rasant 
Riley Blake Designs 
Rit 
Robert Kaufman 
Ruby Star Society 
Sakura 
Sashiko 
Schmetz 
Sew Easy 
Sew Tasty 
Sewline 
Singer 
Superior Threads 
Tailormade 
TeeBond 
The Grace Company 
Thermoweb 
Tilda 
Trimits 
Triple S 
Triumph 
Tsukineko 
Tula Pink 
Uni-Trim 
Vilene 
Vliesofix 
Yarn Valet 
YKK 
Zweigart HOW TO CHOOSE A BEGINNER SEWING MACHINE
Our advice and recommendations (Hobbysew is a leading Beginner Sewing Machine Dealer in Australia).
Today's beginner sewing machines make it much easier for novice sewists to perfect the basics quickly.
There is a massive variety of beginner sewing machines available and choosing the right one can sometimes be a challenge. Beware, many machines are appealing due to their very low price. Sadly, they are often of terrible quality and have such limited function that the user will have no opportunity to progress their skills.
If you are looking to purchase a sewing machine that will last many years, we recommend investing in models in the $200 - $500 range. You should shop for reputable brands such as Janome, Brother, Juki, Bernina, Bernette, Singer, Elna and Husqvarna. That way, they will come with a warranty and give the user the ability to try out different fabrics and stitches.
Like most things, the higher the price, the better the quality, longevity and range of features. If you or your loved one is just starting out, you should consider the following features:
- Selection of stitches: look for the types, not necessarily the quantity of stitches available.
- Stitch speed.
- Built in needle threader: you will thread your machine thousands of times. Save yourself a lot of frustration by purchasing a machine with this feature.
- Drop in / front loading bobbin: drop-in is preffered these days as it's much easier to top up your bobbin with thread. You can also see when the thread is running low at a glance.
- Built in thread cutter.
- Good lighting.
- Strength of motor: if sewing with thicker fabrics like denim, many very basic machines will not be able to handle more than one layer. We have several "Heavy Duty" machines available which are still very easy to use. Check out the Singer Heavy Duty 4432. (And remember to use the correct needles!)
It all depends what you want to get out of your machine; everyone is different!
Click here to view our beginner sewing machines.
Hobbysew - Leading Beginner Sewing Machine Dealer in Australia.
*Images are for illustrative purposes only.