Passionate sewers helping Australians discover their perfect sewing machine
Sewing Machine Australia was born from a simple frustration that many Australian crafters know all too well: the overwhelming experience of trying to choose the right sewing machine. When our founder, Sarah Chen, decided to upgrade from her grandmother's vintage Singer to a modern computerised machine, she spent weeks researching online, reading conflicting reviews, and visiting multiple retailers who seemed more interested in making a sale than finding the right fit for her needs.
That experience planted a seed. Sarah, along with fellow sewing enthusiasts Michael Roberts and Emma Wilson, established Sewing Machine Australia in 2022 with a clear mission: to create the comprehensive, honest, and genuinely helpful resource they wished had existed when they were shopping for their own machines.
Today, our team spends countless hours testing sewing machines across all price points and skill levels. We thread countless bobbins, sew through metres of fabric ranging from delicate silk organza to heavy canvas, and put each machine through real-world scenarios that home sewers actually encounter. We test buttonholes on stretchy knits, free-motion quilting on batting, and decorative stitches on everything from cotton to leather.
What sets us apart is our commitment to the Australian sewing community. We understand the unique challenges of sourcing supplies in regional areas, the importance of finding machines with readily available local service, and the specific needs of Australian crafters who work with everything from lightweight summer cottons to heavy-duty outdoor fabrics for our unique climate and lifestyle.
We believe that the best sewing machine isn't necessarily the most expensive one—it's the one that matches your skill level, suits your project types, and fits within your budget. A beginner doesn't need 600 built-in stitches, just as an experienced quilter shouldn't compromise on throat space. Our job is to help you understand what features actually matter for your specific needs.
Every recommendation we make is based on hands-on testing and genuine enthusiasm for the craft. We're not a corporate entity with sales quotas to meet. We're sewers who understand the difference between a four-step and one-step buttonhole, who appreciate the smooth feed of a quality walking foot, and who know that the right machine can transform sewing from a chore into a joy.
Our guides are written to educate and empower, whether you're threading your first needle or you've been sewing for decades. We cover everything from basic machine anatomy and maintenance to advanced techniques like couching, heirloom sewing, and free-motion embroidery. We want you to not only find the right machine but also get the most out of it for years to come.
Our small but dedicated team brings together decades of combined sewing experience and a genuine passion for helping others discover the joy of creating with fabric.
Founder & Lead Reviewer. Fashion design background with 15+ years of sewing experience. Specialises in garment construction and computerised machines.
Technical Editor. Former sewing machine technician with expertise in mechanical repairs and maintenance. Our go-to for troubleshooting advice.
Quilting Specialist. Award-winning quilter and craft educator. Tests all quilting machines and writes our quilting-focused content.
We're committed to providing honest, thoroughly researched content that puts your needs first. While we do earn a small commission when you purchase through our affiliate links, this never influences our recommendations. We frequently recommend machines from brands that don't participate in affiliate programs, and we're equally happy to tell you when an expensive machine isn't worth the premium price.
Your trust is more important to us than any commission. We're building a resource that we hope will serve the Australian sewing community for years to come, and that means maintaining the integrity and honesty that our readers deserve.
Have questions or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us know how we can better serve your sewing needs.