Best Sewing Machines & Overlockers

29 years and still going strong – The best Heavy Duty machine on the market. Am I biased? Nope, but when it's 29 years and it still works like I brought it yesterday it is. It's a… Read more

work horse and a dream machine with no plastic bits. Only serviced 3 times. My Excel sews everything including layers of denim and with a drop in bobbin holder the Excel is easy to use for a beginner or experienced sewer. $499 from Myer in 1994. These are being rebadged in black as HD's. Just to note, don't be taken in by the 'better' stainless steel bobbins. You'll have problems . I've just upgraded (more stitches) but I will never get rid of my Excel, just like my 26-27 year old overlocker, Janome My lock 534D

now had for 2 years – Bought this machine as alternative to industrial type due to cost. Note, I am a carpenter joiner cabinet maker with very little sewing experience. I… Read more

needed a machine to stitch abshade nylon uv exclusion mesh to make large ( 19m l x 4m w x 3m tall ). Took a few goes to get it right but this machine has done a Mamoth job & I have now made 7 grow houses from 19m long to 5.4m long including sticthing on hd velcro for doors. struggle a bit here but still got the job done. I have used over sized uv nylon thread on the bottom hooks and made a holder for industrial bobbins. Easy to use, great instructions(yes I did read em) pictures are clear and precise. only thing is the hook on catcher. needs a lock on hook to stop it falling off when bumped. Got it from spotlite on special and can recommend this machine due to it's quality and performance.

Great machine – Great machine it has soo many functions and stitches, manual is very detailed I can make so many things with different details and embellishes Show details

My dream machine – I have wanted this overlocker for so long and it did not disappoint. It is fast and accurate making sewing a delight . It is used mainly on stretchy… Read more

fabric , but can also be used and all kinds making my home creations a breeze. Plenty of options on this machine and treading is quite easy.

Frustrating – The reverse switch doesn't reverse. The instruction manual that came with the machine is so basic that l can't perform simple tasks. Changing the… Read more

foot from regular to zipper foot for example. Actually sewing in a zip isn't even in the manual. Once it is correctly set up.it works reasonably ( no reverse switch action). Just feels slightly less than smooth running. Lightweight.

Perfect stitch from the start – Bought today, have put it It through its paces on what annoyed me on my previous coverstitch, ( another brand), topstitching over banding,… Read more

topstitching over seams. Perfections from the start. Three stitching, I haven’t tried changing out needles etc yet. But it has stitched perfectly so far. So happy, actually an understatement to how I feel. A machine that does from the start without issue what you envissagine it to do.

A true Workhorse – I purchased this machine four years ago. This is a fantastic WORKHORSE. I am a quilter and piecing is a breeze. Never jams, always a beautiful… Read more

stitch, and immediate pick up on pressing the foot pedal. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product. Free motion quilting is so achievable with the wide throat. I make around 20 quilts a year, and free motion quilt all of them.

Terrible machine – Purchased this machine in June 2024 from Aldi in Warnnanbool while on holidays. It would have to be the worst machine I have ever used. Have broken 3… Read more

packs of needles, thread continuously breaking and knotting and despite constant cleaning and oil will not sew through light fabric. Don’t waste your time or money. Most frustrating piece of equipment I’ve ever owned.

Love it! – I have several machines including a long arm, but I wanted something for smaller FMQ projects. This machine is Awesome! like all machines..I had to… Read more

figure out what thread it likes best:) and practice with the tension, as every machine does its own thing, that all took about a few hours of fun playing on scraps. Main thing, as the manual states, oil often, you can tell when you hear the machine make a little clunking noise, don't wait it's time to oil. I love this machine for piecing and FMQ!!

The one flaw is too big to forgive – I love everything about my JukiTL2010q but for 2 things. Two things that destroy my sewing enjoyment 1. Difficulty inserting the bobbin is annoyingly… Read more

true, but it’s not a deal breaker. I could live with it if it wasn’t for problem number two! 2. The placement of the knee lift lever is horrible. Every time I use my machine (daily) I repeatedly curse the position of the knee lift lever. The knee lift lever comes out approximately in the centre of the machine bed. It means I’m squashed to the left half of the machine. And it and my chair keep interfering with each other. The placement of the knee lift lever is so seriously ridiculous and unendurable I find it puzzling that other owners aren’t mentioning it. Why not? What do they know that I don’t about using applying and using the knee lift lever and being comfortably seated. I’m so aggravated by the position of the knee left lever and how it imposes on my sewing enjoyment, I am considering trading the JukiTL2010q in on another more ergonomic sewing machine

If you use this machine and have found the knee lift lever position comfortable please share your trick/tip with me Thanks

My children bought me an elna eXtend 864air Overlocker from Cavendish store, Cape Town. It is truly wonderful to have a self-threading overlocker,… Read more

but what has made it an even more wonderful is having Wardia as a teacher. Thank you Wardia for your patience, kindness, suggestions and obvious love for your job! You have made what I thought would have been a daunting experience into something exciting and simple.

A great machine for the price – I love this machine! Really easy to use and the change over of the bobbin and threading is super quick and easy. Definitely recommend Show details

I’ve lost my manual – Does this model do a plain seam at same time Show details

Impressive Japanese overlocker – Due to doing a lot more sewing during 2020, I decided to purchase an overlocker. After doing some research, I discovered the Juki MO1000. It appealed… Read more

to me because it's supposed to be an 'easy threader' and great for beginner users. It was expensive compared to other more common models available in Australia, but I'm really glad that I bought it. You could just tell that a lot of care and consideration has gone into this machine. It arrived packed meticulously (not just your usual plastic and styrofoam). It smelt like it had been freshly oiled, and the company had even done a test piece to check that everything was working. I haven't had any issues with it so far. It does thread nicely, although it obviously takes more time than threading a sewing machine. I've tried it on a variety of fabrics (silk, tencel, tulle, cotton, denim) and everthing has been top notch.

Takes Time but is all a regular sewer needs – I really like it read manual check YouTube. It is just different from other machines. Show details

It's good – This is a good machine. I wanted a machine to overlock and coverstitch and this machine does that. It's saves space, and i don't need to have ten… Read more

spools of every colour to cover two machines or have to take them from one machine to use on another.

I do have to do a bit of rethreading for changeover from overlocker to coverstitch but it's minimal and quite straightforward. The stitches look nice and the auto tensions are really quite good with only minor tweaking needed on some fabrics

The only reason I'm giving four stars not five is that this machine is quite noisy and vibrates quite a bit, compared to my last overlocker that was very stable and solid. Overall I'm happy with this machine .

Brother fs101 from spotlight 2024 about $500. I loved it the sewing was perfect untill I had a fabric jam....be carfully here.my first major… Read more

complaint.no screw driver for the teeth plate and nothing fits in the tiny space.the bobbin cover is not easy to remove so much plastic.hours to remove the fabric jam now the timing is out.. the machine is not old.i have not done the maths. But I will say still under warranty.my complaint is no appreciate tool box too much flimsy plastic so easy to brake.i am disappointed in the new brother sewing machines if you strike a fabric jam or simple problem it might be expencive

I purchased this machine to do buttonholes only but dissapointed in the finish of them also the cover for the bobbin compartment keeps coming off… Read more

while sewing now i have lost it only good for running a few different stitches not for sewing complete garments

Sewing is fun again! Loving this overlocker – I have always wanted an overlocker but always put it off as I'd heard how complicated they were to thread. But I have been sewing a few things… Read more

lately and thought I'd take the plunge. I went in to purchase a different model, but this one sewed well in the shop and it has the coverstitch, which means I can sew knits and jerseys, a HUGE plus. I'm an intermediate skilled sewer and I am loving that I can make things so much more quickly. It is a little noisy but better than others. I've not had issues threading (I find the DVD easiest to refer to if I forget) and it sews so nicely, no missed threads or skipped stitches. The Elna 845 is the same as one of the Janomes - Janome owns Elna now but I liked the look of the Elna better. Quality machine, my only gripe is there is no carry handle on the machine so it's awkward when putting away. But that is such a minor gripe, I'm really so happy with my Elna. Wish I had purchased one before now, it truly makes sewing fun again!

Beautiful, sexy and sturdy little machine – I really love using my new Bernina B380 and still getting used to the new bobbin system after being a Janome user for many years. It really is a… Read more

dream to use and the stitch quality is just perfect. Invisible zippers & button holes are outstanding. I suppose this will probably be my last machine I ever buy. The rolls Royce of sewing machines.

A forgiving machine – I bought this machine, my first sewing machine, after doing a sewing class that I enjoyed, and decided I wanted to explore further as a hobby. I… Read more

wanted a machine above the basic / introduction level - as I assumed I would be enjoying this as a hobby, and didn't want to spend money on a basic machine, then have to spend more on another machine with more features down the track. This machine has not let me down.

I primarily sew with woven cottons, and was fortunate to add an overlocker to my hobby room, so am able to use that for knits now. But this DM7200 just keeps going and going. I prefer to use the press buttons on the machine for the stop / start (rather than the pedal - I know, that seems odd to most others I mention this to), but I don't sew particularly fast most the time (unless its a long seam or a dress hem!)

I've not (yet) tackled the button hole feature - they still spook me a bit, but I've installed countless invisible zippers into garments with next to no issue.

I particularly like the needle thread assist feature - that makes changing thread much easier.

Perhaps though, buying this model was not necessary - I have barely used the table that came with it, nor have I used most the feet, though the hardcover is often used when the machine is not in use (I just wish they made a hard cover for my overlocker too). But I certainly don't regret purchasing this machine, and recommend it to others, if they ask which one I use.

Great for learners and basic, easy sewing – I've had this machine for about 4 years now and it's made everything from skirts to a KS quilt. I've been very happy with it and as expected it did… Read more

struggle a bit with the quilt but it didn't let me down. I am ready to upgrade to an intermediate machine but I'll definitely keep this little workhorse as a strudy back up.

Attachments are overpriced – I agree with the other reviews about the machine, My major complaint I have with the machine is, there is nothing worth while in your parts… Read more

compartment,{ oil needle threader some netting and few other oddments nothing worth while at all } I would say a total of $ 5.00 in my opinion and that is being extremely generous The one thing I am most annoyed about is the price of attachments for the Cover pro, There is no possible excuse you could give me for the pricing on these extras, some as high as $200.00Aust dollar. Which may I add ,you do need them if I you wish to continue using the machine to its full potential . .Australian company's complain about people shopping overseas this is only one example of the reason why people do it .If you consider buying this machine Price, all extras you need first I have found that dealers will not discount , and it will add dramatically to the price of the machine If I had known this first, and must admit I did not do my ground work as I normally do , in this case the blame falls on me , would I have bought this machine in all honesty no, I would not, I do not like over paying for items that cannot justly be justified in this case, I do not think they can be. I am sure many will disagree with me and some will not and that is how it should be. I rated this machine a three the pricing of the extra feet needed are overpriced and you defiantly need the clear foot as it is not supplied only a old fashioned metal foot , only the start of your extra payment journey

My passion was sewing until a new Janome killed it – My old 1955 Singer sewing machine works a billion times better than this Janome DC6050 I am used to just sitting at the desk for quick little sew as… Read more

well as making my own tailored suites for years. Oh, the waste of time as every time you try a new fabric or change/replace threads it is a major adjustment issue to get the reads to be perfect again. Asked for help from Janome need to pay $2 to get the assistance that was ok but when I went to pay it was $55. Not happy Jam.....ome. My old, old Husqvarna, I could use any thread, any material from silk Georgette - leather everything in between, and any needle once set up at the beginning. Unfortunately, I wore that machine to death no chance of the Janome DC6050 getting worn out

Great machine-going to buy another one – Bought this machine about 3-4 years ago when it was called QC1600P Professional. Magic machine, solid, fast straight sewer. Couldn't live without… Read more

it and I am about to buy another one for my daughter to use. My original decision to buy it was I wanted an industrial sewing machine but live in a rural area so didn't know how I would get it serviced when needed so started looking at what else and came up with the Janome Semi Industrial which has been perfect for what I need and easy to get serviced. I change the needle regularly, use quality cotton and give it a clean and oil regularly and service once a year @ $110. No problems at all. Love it.

Sewing Enlightened!! – I purchased the Enlighten 2 years ago & am totally wrapped. What a great little machine, a dream to thread, so easy, stitches perfectly, auto… Read more

tension, sturdy, quiet & has never missed a beat & I give my machines a very good work out almost daily!! She's sewn every fabric I have thrown at her without fault, from chiffon to Lycra & all fabrics in-between!! What a beautiful piece of machinery...I couldn't wish for better!!

Wonderful easy to use, hard working machine. Brilliant design, air threading is quick and easy, have used 4,3 wide and narrow as well as the rolled… Read more

hem. I made my own dust cover and use an old waste catcher from another machine as I sit the machine a bit further from the edge for the supplied catcher. The quick guide is so simple . The air threading is fantastic and it is a very strong machine. I have used it on fine linen and thick Sherpa, fleece and thick linen. Very lovely Stiches!

I teach on this model, it’s perfectly ok for beginners, has a good range of practical stitches, is simple to use and no nasty habits. The bobbin… Read more

winding is easily selected by pulling out handwheel. The front loading bobbin case system is reliable, providing you read your manual and load it correctly. It’s a bit rattly but that’s the nature of front loading. We have 7 machines, used weekly now for three years and no issues at all. Light is ok too. The only setting you can’t alter is stitch width, this is pre-set by the stitch selector for all. You can adjust stitch length through 0-4. But for the price it’s a worthy. Thinners machine.

Good value for money – The 25 is in the middle of the Topaz range. It does not have the huge hoops like the 30;40 or 50 but does have a 6x10” hoop which is the most popular… Read more

anyway. Sews and embroiders beautifully. If you want a machine for general sewing with the benefit of a hoop for an occasional embroidery, then this is the model to have. The downside is that it is in monotone only, no colours at all, not even of your chosen thread colours. This can make it hard knowing your colours as it doesn’t have many thread manufacturer colours. The menu is bit hard to get used to at first. It does have needle up/down and auto thread cutting, combined with the quilters 1/4” stitch making it a great machine for patchwork piecing. It does not come with many feet but does have the most important feet. The only other foot that would be a benefit would be the walking foot. I have found that nearly all the feet and accessories from other Husqvarnas also fit this model, so if you have another Husqvarna, check your items first before buying one particularly for this model. All in all I would rate this machine 9 out of 10. I hope to sew with it for many years to come.

Needle threader problematic – I use it for general sewing, mending, constructing garments, making bags and patchworking. I like the ease of use now I am familiar with the machine.… Read more

The up/down needle function is worthwhile having (wasn't available on my previous machine). The quarter inch patchwork stitch is accurate and easy to use. After a few teething problems such as my arthritic hands not tightening the needle on enough (I was advised not to use the screwdriver supplied as I was told too tight is not good), I now use the screwdriver for needle tightening which eradicated the stitching problems I was having. It took a while for me to thread it correctly because help from the retailer was spasmodic as it was during covid lockdowns. All fine now. The needle threader is very contrary- it will like one particular needle in the same packet as one that won't thread (all Janome needles). Also, initially I had problems with the stitch selections not functioning. I took the machine back to the retailer for fixing and have had no problems since.