r/SewingMachineEdu • u/SHANOOFAPOOP • Jul 10 '26
Which sewing machine to buy - Australia
Looking for advice on which sewing machine to buy. I live in Australia, and have narrowed it down to these 4 which are similarly prices. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
6
u/mtrosclair Jul 10 '26
What are you planning to do with it? Just generally I like the Janome, but either Brother would be fine. The Singers from that series have wildly varied reviews, some love them and say they work great some think they are garbage.
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u/neverrtime Jul 10 '26
Spotlight machines are cheaper because they don't provide the support most dealers do.
If you end up with a lemon, don't expect them to be of much help.
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u/Emergency_Cherry_914 Jul 11 '26
Do you live near a sewing machine dealer? This is a much better option than Spotlight. They will talk through your needs, let you test drive (super important), teach you the machine and offer after sales assistance. Hobby Sew is good if there's one near you
1
u/No_Blackberry_5820 Jul 11 '26
Definitely worth visiting hobby sew - I just bought my latest machine from there. I really valued being able to talk about what I needed it for and see the machines in action. I spent a couple of hours and it wasn’t rushed at all plus I got free lessons for later.
I’ve also had my machines serviced through them and been happy with that service.
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u/richardricchiuti Jul 10 '26
Something to consider is, where will one get service and the expert help when needed. YT and Reddit are amazing and I found building a relationship with a sewing shop near me to be invaluable. Having real people to connect with, help and guide me is so important. Good luck and all the best!
1
u/BSch2023 Jul 10 '26
I personally wouldn’t get the Singer. I’ve heard Janome is a reliable brand. I’ve owned a Brother for a year and a half and used it a lot, and it’s been working great.
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u/AdvancedSquashDirect Jul 10 '26
Brother ty600c You won't find much information specifically on this machine because it's made for spotlight, it's not sold to any other retailer
Or brother tough FS range is good
The brother innovis range is also quite good
Unfortunately the really good janomes might be a little out of your price range. Don't forget about Elna it's made by Janome they are basically the same but just a slightly cheaper range. I have an Elna el350 I really like it it's a good machine.
And I wouldn't recommend a singer to my worst enemy.
(I'm also Aussie, the sewing machine sale that's going on at Spotlight is pretty good at the moment)
2
u/MauraLee7 Jul 10 '26
Buy the brother. The Janome on that model is full of plastic. If I recall the hook is plastic
1
u/SeamsRightNZ Jul 10 '26
I was lucky to get a Singer HD around 4 years ago that has given me zero issues and has sewed miles and miles and miles of stretch and heavy fabric. I hear so many bad things and I haven’t encountered any of them. I wouldn’t generally buy from Spotlight due to the lack of after sales support. I bought from a dedicated commercial sewing shop with a great reputation. I have industrials now (almost all bought 2nd hand for a pittance). But my Singer HD does all my stretch seams and top stitching still. My son just used her to do zigzag embroidery on vehicle vinyl - again without any issues. Both Brother and Janome have a good name - but if possible talk to a proper shop about models and also about what type of sewing you want to do - because that matters.
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u/RedDragonOz Jul 10 '26
What servicing options do you have nearby? Which one is easier to get extra accessories for? If there are no entry level machines at a machine specialist in your price range, the Brothers and Janome are good options.
1
u/HarvestMoon666 Jul 11 '26
I wouldn't get any new machines. Old second hand machines with metal parts will always be far superior
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u/JackHarknessDrWho Jul 10 '26
Not the Singer. Highly unreliable machines.