Have you wanted to learn sewing? Maybe you’ve always wanted to make your own clothes, or maybe you wanted to add a new spin to your old ones. Or maybe you’re planning on handling fabric on your next project, and you need a sewing machine. But how do you choose a sewing machine in Singapore that suits your needs?
There are actually a few questions you can ask yourself to pick out the right type of sewing machine in Singapore for you.
Factors to consider when buying a sewing machine in Singapore
1. Budget
As with all purchases, budget plays an important role in deciding which sewing machine to buy.
If you have a small budget, consider getting a quality second-hand machine. There are some shops who sell second-hand machines that are well-maintained. Some even offer a year-long warranty, and a sewing class, along with it.
Cheap sewing machines in Singapore are often lightweight and made from plastic. While it makes the sewing machine more portable, it would be less durable and not suitable for heavyweight fabric.
2. Stitches
The next thing you should decide on is the features you’ll like to have.
Check the number of stitches available on the sewing machine in Singapore. Don’t be swayed by the sheer volume of stitches available; most people won’t use all of them.
There are actually only two stitches that you really need: a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. This is the fundamentals of sewing – you can do almost everything with just these two.
However, there are still some additional stitch features that often come in handy: the buttonhole stitch, stretch stitch, blind hem stitch, and utility stitches.
Besides these, there’s really no need to spend a lot of extra money on 200 different stitches if you’re not going to use them.
You should also go for sewing machines that can adjust the stitch length and width. This will give you a lot more options when you sew.
It’s handy if your machine can adjust the stitch length with ease!
3. Attachments
Attachments and feet are more specific to what you want to sew. It’s always good to have a selection of presser feet.
If you want to sew a quilt, you’ll need a walking foot, spring action foot, a ¼” foot, and maybe a freehand embroidery foot.
If you want to make clothing, look out for machines that come with a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot, and a blind hem foot.
Even if you’re only working on basic sewing, having different width feet can be a great help when you switch between seam allowance widths.
Another tip is to check whether the feet are easy to change. This will make your sewing journey a lot easier, especially if you need to switch between multiple feet often on a single piece.
Take the time to find out which attachment and feet come in the standard package, and which needs to be bought separately. Ensure that the additional attachments are still affordable.
4. Mechanical vs Computerised
Computerised machines have touch screens and programmable stitch sequences, which allow specific stitch sequences to be stored, and embroidery stitches.
They also have strong motors and extra power, making them good for frequent usage and heavyweight fabrics.
But computerised machines are often more expensive. If you’re a new hobbyist who’s planning on only using the basic functions, investing in a computerised machine might not be worth it.
In contrast, even though mechanical machines are not as fun, they tend to be lighter as they have fewer parts. This makes them more portable and easier to maintain.
The standard features of a mechanical machine make it very functional. Most good new models, however, are computerised or electronic.
Electronic is a hybrid of computerised and mechanical sewing machines, with a computer screen but mechanical parts. They can be a good balance between both.
Regardless of which you choose, good machines will have a decent selection of stitches and can sew beautifully.
5. Brand
For sewing machines, brand matters. The quality of sewing machines differs based on the parts they are made of.
If you’re looking for hobby machines that are lighter weighted, go for brands like Singer, Brother and Janome. These are rather common and can be found in department stores.
However, if you’re looking for higher-end machines meant for people who sew frequently and more professionally, look for brands such as Bernina, Juki, Pfaff, and Husqvarna.
6. Noise level
Noise level is something that people sometimes overlook.
For people who only have time to sew in the evening or at night, it’s definitely a consideration to make. You won’t want to wake up your children and neighbours with a noisy sewing machine.
It’ll hamper how often you use the sewing machine and affect your progress.
Top 12 sewing machines in Singapore
Now that you know what features you want for your sewing machine, you’re ready to pick the sewing machine for your needs.
1. KPCB Mini Sewing Machine with Upgraded Eco-Friendly Material
Price: $27.99
View on Amazon
Product details
- 8.6 x 3.5 x 6.9 inches
The KPCB mini sewing machine is made with environmentally-friendly material that’s durable and of high-quality.
It features an extension table that can help stabilise the machine and make sewing effortless. No more worrying about an unstable surface ruining your thread! Easily manage the speed of your sewing machine with its foot pedal and control your movements with the automatic bobbin rewinding.
Not only does the additional cuff slots make it more convenient for sewing, but the sewing machine is also equipped with battery supply to support portable use!
If you’re looking for something small and portable for your sewing needs, the KPCB mini sewing machine is a good choice to consider.
2. Juki HZL 12 Z/CE Mini Sewing Machine
Price: $158
View on Qoo10
Specifications
- Needle threader: automatic
- Stitch length: 4mm max (adjustable)
- Stitch width: 4mm (adjustable)
- Sewing speed: 500-1000 per minute
- Size: 350 x 275 x 260mm
- Weight: 4.4kg
Also known as the mini sewing machine, this model is very beginner-friendly, with 5 stitch patterns, an automatic needle threader, buttonhole sewing, and adjustable stitch length and width. There’s also a free arm and white LED light.
Being compact and light, it’s perfect if you need to carry it around for lessons. It’s a good quality yet affordable and cheap sewing machine in Singapore.
3. Brother AS2730S Sewing Machine
Price: $188
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Specifications
- Number of built-in stitches: 27
- Stitch length: max 4mm (adjustable)
- Stitch width: max 5mm (adjustable)
- Needle threader: automatic
The GS3700 is a traditional metal chassis sewing machine. Similar to the Brother AS2730S, it has a quick-set bobbin, LED sewing light, and a 1-step buttonhole. There’s also a built-in free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves.
The AS2730S Portable Free-Arm Sewing Machine is a traditional metal chassis with a wide range of stitches. It’s meant for dressmaking and home furnishing.
It has a quick set bobbin and easy threading system for the sewer’s convenience. Users can also have greater control over their stitching as the stitch length and width are adjustable.
Other special features include a 1-step buttonhole and a free arm, which is a removable piece from the sewing deck. This allows the sewer to slip narrow items, such as a sleeve, under the needle.
The product is also designed to be user-friendly, with a LED light for adequate lighting, and an instructional DVD.
4. Singer 8280 Sewing Machine
Price: $238
View on Lazada
Specifications
- Number of built-in stitches: 8
- Needle threader: automatic
- Stitch width: max 5mm (adjustable)
Singer 8280 is another model that’s good for beginners. It has the basic functions – 8 stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, an automatic needle threader, and adjustable stitch length and width.
It’s easy to set up and rather affordable. There’s also an optional custom extension table with it.
5. SINGER Sewing Machine Tradition 2259
Price: $325
View on Lazada
Product details
- 19 built-in stitches
- 4-step buttonhole
- Heavy-duty metal frame
- 15 x 6.25 x 12 inches
Featuring 19 built-in stitches, a built-in 4-step buttonhole, and a heavy-duty metal frame, the SINGER Sewing Machine Tradition 2259 makes sewing simple, easy, and enjoyable — even if you’re a beginner!
Its simple mechanism allows you to lift the foot presser to a higher position, so you can easily angle your fabric for quick-and-easy threading.
Customer reviews have also noted that this sewing machine handles tough fabric like denim with little or no problem at all. If you’re looking to further customise stitches, its stitch width is easily adjustable. There’s also a free arm, which makes it easy to hem trousers or other small garments like children’s clothing.
In addition, the sewing machine comes with a variety of accessories such as zipper foot, seam ripper/brush, darning plate, edge/quilting guide, and many more. This classic and simple sewing machine is definitely value-for-money!
6. Brother GS3700 Sewing Machine
Price: $328
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Specifications
- Number of built-in stitches: 37
- Stitch length: max 4mm (adjustable)
- Stitch width: max 5mm (adjustable)
- Needle threader: automatic
The GS3700 is a traditional metal chassis sewing machine. Similar to the Brother AS2730S, it has a quick-set bobbin, LED sewing light, and a 1-step buttonhole. There’s also a built-in free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves.
In addition, not only does GS3700 have an automatic needle threader, it has an auto buttonhole sewing and an optional extension table. These features make sewing projects so much easier!
7. Bernina Bernette 33
Price: $458
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Specifications
- Needle threader: semi-automatic
- Number of built-in stitches: 15
- Stitch width: max 5mm (adjustable)
- Sewing speed: 860 per minute
The bernette 33 is a swiss-designed model for beginners. It has a simple operation with all the basic functions needed, including a four-step buttonhole.
With a 2-step presser foot lift, automatic needle threader and manual thread cutter, it’s easy even for beginners to thread the machine.
It also includes 5 different presser feet as attachments.
8. Singer Sewing Machine 4423 Heavy Duty
Price: $499
View on Lazada
Specifications
- Number of in-built stitches: 23
- Stitch width: max 6mm (adjustable)
- Sewing speed: 1100 per minute
- Size: 394 x 158 x 305mm
- Weight: 7.8kg
The Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is known for its powerful motor and metal frame. As it has 50% more power, it can handle thick fabric quickly. As its pressure foot is adjustable, you can switch it up when you want to sew lightweight materials too.
It has a one-step button hole, adjustable stitch length and width, making it easy to control. WIth this model, you can work on projects using different types of fabrics and techniques in one go.
9. Janome Sewing Machine HD3000
Price: $598
View on Lazada
Specifications
- Number of built-in stitches: 18
- Stitch width: max 6.5mm (adjustable)
- Needle threader: automatic
- Size: 400 x 287 x 180mm
- Weight: 8.5kg
The HD3000 is a heavy duty machine that is beginner-friendly. With a one-step buttonhole and stitch length and width adjustments, it’s easy to use.
The heavy-duty frame and hard cover make this model suited for thicker fabrics. It can carry out a wide range of sewing. It also comes with a free arm.
10. Janome HD2200 – Easy Jeans Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Price: $739
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Specifications
- Number of built-in stitches: 23
- Needle threader: automatic
- Metal arm and aluminium body
As it has a solid metal body, it’s powerful and sturdy enough to be used on multiple layers of denim or sheer fabrics with ease. With features such as an automatic buttonhole, variable stitch length and width, adjustable foot pressure, and drop feed for freehand embroidery, it’s easy to control even on different textiles. The engine is smooth and quiet, with no oiling needed.
11. Bernina Bernette 37
Price: $708
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View on Bernina
Specifications
- Number of built-in stitches: 50
- Stitch width: max 7mm (adjustable)
- Sewing speed: 700 per minute
The bernette 37 is a computerised sewing machine meant for more serious sewists. It has many functions, such as the start/stop function (so you can sew without using the foot pedal), the needle stops up/down function (good for sewing corners), and five different buttonholes.
There’s also a slide speed control for you to adjust the sewing speed according to your needs and the material you’re working with. The 2-step presser foot enables users to sew on thick layers of fabric.
Its LCD display shows the current stitch, stitch length, and stitch width. You can change each setting as you sew. There’s also a wide range of stitches, including decorative and quilting stitches. The LED light makes it easy for you to see details.
Even though the bernette 37 is more expensive, it comes with the additional features that make it worth it for experienced sewists.
12. PFAFF 591-940/02 BL N5 / N7 – Single Needle Top and Bottom Roller Feed Post-bed Machine
Price: $2,688
View on Sewing.sg
Specifications
- Stitch length: max B 5,0mm, C 7,0mm
- Sewing speed: B 3000 per minute, C 2000 per minute
This is one of the most-used equipment in the shoe industry. It can stitch shoes, covering from light to medium-heavy materials. The machines are energy saving and guarantee maximum performance and quality.
It has an easily adjustable thread trimmer, and a multifunction switch with pre-programmed functions in the sewing head. This includes reverse sewing, immediate tacking, and backtack inversion.
Best places to buy sewing machines in Singapore
Once you have an idea of which sewing machine in Singapore suits your needs, you can head to one of these places to buy.
1. Courts
Courts is a well-known household brand selling a wide range of appliances, including sewing machines. It guarantees the lowest prices.
You can head down to their physical stores to check out their sewing machines before buying it.
2. Ban Soon Sewing Machine / Sewing.sg
Ban Soon Sewing Machine is an established company in the sewing industry, with over 41 years of experience. They offer a wide variety of sewing machines in Singapore, from home to industrial use, and for different needs.
3. Spotlight
Spotlight sells fabrics, crafts and homewares. They’re a popular crafts store in Singapore, and carry most of the popular sewing machines brands and models. It’s well-suited for beginners and sewing hobbyists.
Head down to get your sewing machine in Singapore today! Sewing projects are a relaxing way to pass the time productively, and there’s no better time to start than now.
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