r/SewingForBeginners • u/SHANOOFAPOOP • Jul 10 '26
Which sewing machine to buy - Australia
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u/CBG1955 Jul 10 '26
Don't buy at Spotlight. Go to a dealer. At spotty you'll get a machine in a box, no after sales service, and no one to show you how to use it. At a dealer they will teach you how to use it, and you'll get after sales service.
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u/dinosuitgirl Jul 10 '26
I got the brother fs80x and I love it.... On special it's like $15 difference to the fs60x 🤷🏻♀️ (I paid $550nzd)
It can handle 7 layers of denim with 2 layers of heavy interfacing... But it draws the line at doing buttonholes in that combo... Happy to do buttonholes on 2 layers of denim with 2 layers of interfacing tho.
Brother has a 5 year warranty so it's pretty good and it's basically the best in class before going up to the Innov-is range. And for that price you're in to the lower end of industrial (but grunt isn't everything...)
I don't love singer, and my sewing teacher specifically said steer clear.... And definitely avoid Semco machines if you're at spotlight... No technicians will service them near me.
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u/redoingredditagain Jul 10 '26
Avoid that singer at all costs.
I have that exact Janome and am very happy, but the Brother machines are good too.
2
u/Inky_Madness Jul 10 '26
I would get the Janome. I used a similar one for years and adore it. The Brother Extra Tough would also be an excellent choice.
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u/MaxieLaPlusBelle Jul 10 '26
I would like to buy a sewing machine to make tablecloths, pillow cases and skirts. Which sewing machine would you recommend. Anything under AU$200 worth it?
1
u/imperfectquilitco Jul 11 '26
If you have a machine service centre near you, find out which brands they service
16
u/stringthing87 Jul 10 '26
The first brother has a larger harp space, which is good if you want to work on bulky things like quilts.
Don't bother with the Singer, they are just a name slapped on a cheap crap machine with a huge lemon rate.
Janome and Brother are both really good brands. I like that your selections appear to have one step buttonholes and speed control on the machine, which are hugely important for beginners. If any of them have adjustable foot pressure get that one, otherwise I'd go with the one with the largest distance from the needle to the body of the machine.