Best Sewing Machines for Beginners in Australia

Just finished one of our sewing classes and ready to buy your first machine? Or maybe you’re looking to upgrade from a basic model and want something that will grow with you? Choosing the right sewing machine can be tricky, especially with so many options out there. As a busy sewing studio teaching hundreds of students every year, we’ve seen it all, and we know what actually works.
We proudly recommend Janome machines for their reliability, ease of use, and consistent results. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a confident hobbyist, here are the models we stand behind.
Janome Sewist 725s
Price: $510
Best for: Beginners who want a reliable, user-friendly machine for your basic sewing needs.
Key features:
- 25 built-in stitches including a one-step buttonhole
- Drop feed for free motion sewing
- Built-in needle threader
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Sturdy metal internal frame
- Hard cover included
Bonus: $50 credit to spend on a group sewing class (valid for 3 months from date of purchase)
Janome MW3018LE
Price: $670
Best for: Beginners and intermediate sewists looking for a mechanical machine that’s strong and durable for those who spend hours at the machine.
Key features:
- 18 built-in stitches including a one-step buttonhole
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing
- Built-in needle threader
- Strong motor and sturdy internal frame
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Hard cover included
Bonus:
- $50 credit to spend on a group sewing class (valid for 3 months from date of purchase)
- Free pack of bobbins valued at $10
Janome Sewist 740DC
Price: $839
Best for: Confident beginners or returning sewists who want the ease of a digital machine with more stitch variety and customisation.
Key features:
- 40 built-in stitches including 3 one-step buttonholes
- Start/stop button and speed control slider (sew without the foot pedal)
- Built-in needle threader
- Auto thread cutter
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Lock stitch button
- LCD display screen
- Hard cover included
Bonus:
- $50 credit to spend on a group sewing class (valid for 3 months from date of purchase)
- Free pair of dressmaker scissors, valued at $40
Janome DC6050
Price: $900
Best for: Those wanting to sew heavier fabrics like denim. Perfect for beginners and intermediate sewists looking for a feature-packed machine that’s still easy to use.
Key features:
- 50 built-in stitches including 3 buttonholes
- Easy-to-read LCD screen
- Speed control slider
- Start/stop button (can sew without the foot pedal)
- Built-in needle threader
- Locking stitch button
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Superior Feed System (SFS+) for smooth fabric handling
- Hard cover included
Bonus Items:
- $50 credit to spend on a group sewing class (valid for 3 months from date of purchase)
- Free pair of dressmaker scissors, valued at $40
- Free set of extra bobbins
Janome 5300QDC
Price: $1,199
Best for: Serious hobbyists or advanced beginners who want to invest in a long-term, high-performance machine with professional features.
Key features:
- 300 built-in stitches including 12 buttonholes and alphabet
- Automatic thread cutter
- Extension table included for larger projects
- Start/stop button (sew without foot pedal)
- Speed control slider
- Locking stitch button
- Built-in needle threader
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Superior Feed System
- Hard cover included
Bonus:
- $100 credit to spend on a group sewing class (valid for 3 months from date of purchase)
- Free pair of dressmaker scissors, valued at $40
- Free set of extra bobbins
Ready to order?
All of the Janome machines are available to purchase directly through our studio. We place weekly orders with Janome and your machine will be ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks.
If you’re still deciding or want to explore more options, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re happy to offer honest advice based on what you’re hoping to sew.
Curious about overlockers?
Check out our Learn to Use Your Overlocker Class - many people use this session as a "try before you buy" class, to make sure you like it first.
Published on Wednesday 30 April, 2025
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