Best Computerised Sewing Machines
Computerised machines offer greater stitch variety, precision settings and time-saving features like needle up/down or automatic thread cutters - ideal if you sew regularly and want more decorative options. This guide covers the computerised machines we recommend, from a first machine at under £400 through to the machines our most experienced quilters and dressmakers choose.
Our team have spent over 20 years selling, setting up and servicing sewing machines in our Redruth showroom, and every recommendation here comes from time spent sewing on the machines themselves.
We are an authorised dealer and certified service centre for Janome, Brother, BERNINA, PFAFF and bernette, so every machine below is sold with the manufacturer's full warranty, delivered free to the UK mainland and serviced by our own engineers.
What Is a Computerised Sewing Machine?
A computerised sewing machine uses digital controls to operate. You select a stitch by pressing a button, turning a jog dial or touching a screen and the machine applies the settings. A mechanical machine can do many of the same jobs, but you set each one yourself and the foot pedal is the only speed control.
You'll see the same type of machine described as computerised, computerized, digital or electronic, depending on the retailer and the country. They mean the same thing in practice.
Some of the benefits of a computerised machine:
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Stitches selected by button, dial or touchscreen
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One-step automatic buttonholes that size themselves to the button, so every buttonhole on a shirt front comes out the same
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Needle up/down and a start/stop button, which means you can pivot at corners with the needle in the fabric and sew without the foot pedal
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A speed control slider, so you can cap the top speed while you learn or when you're sewing something fiddly
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Stitch memory and mirror imaging on many mid-range and top-end models, so decorative sequences can be saved and repeated exactly
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A built-in needle threader and an automatic thread cutter
The main difference is price: a computerised machine usually costs more than a mechanical one with a similar stitch count. We cover both types in more detail in our guide to computerised vs mechanical sewing machines. If you're still deciding which type suits you, start there.
How We Test and Choose Computerised Sewing Machines
Between us we cover dressmaking, quilting and crafting, and we've used every machine we sell. We look at:
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Ease of first set-up: how quickly a new owner can thread the machine, wind and drop in a bobbin and find the stitch they want
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Stitch formation and consistency across fine cotton lawn, medium-weight quilting cotton and heavy denim
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Buttonhole consistency across a run of buttonholes, since a one-step buttonhole is only useful if the sixth matches the first
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Screen and controls: how readable the display is and how many presses it takes to change a setting
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Fabric feed and control at low speed, where poor feed shows up first
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Value for money against the other machines in its price bracket
Prices below are correct at the time of writing and include VAT. RRPs are shown where the machine is currently below the manufacturer's recommended price.
Best Computerised Sewing Machine for Beginners
A beginner-friendly computerised machine needs a clear stitch panel or LCD screen, a speed slider, a needle threader and a drop-in bobbin, so the first session is spent sewing rather than setting up. The three picks below from our beginner sewing machines range all do that, and each has features you'll still use once the basics are mastered. For the lowest-cost route into computerised sewing, the Brother Innov-is 15 starts at £275.
Janome 230DC
Best suited for: Beginners who want a machine that will grow into small quilting projects, with the extension table included
The Janome 230DC is a computerised machine with 30 stitches and a metal internal frame, so it stays steady as you sew and handles thicker fabrics without skipping stitches. The start/stop button, maximum speed controller and lock stitch feature are all on the front panel, and the foot pressure adjustment means fine and heavy fabrics both feed evenly.
What makes it special: The 18 x 10 inch extension table is included in the box, so a beginner has the flat surface a quilt or a pair of curtains needs from the start. Six presser feet and a hard cover are included too, which makes the 230DC one of the most complete beginner packages we sell at this price.
Key features:
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30 built-in stitches with 3 styles of one-step buttonhole
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Start/stop button and maximum speed controller
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Built-in needle threader, top-loading bobbin and lock stitch feature
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Foot pressure adjustment for different fabric weights
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Metal internal frame and metal needle plate
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18 x 10 inch extension table, 6 presser feet and hard cover included
From: £329.00 (RRP £449.00)
Brother Innov-is A16
Best suited for: First-time sewers who want a computerised machine with 16 essential stitches for all the basics
The Brother Innov-is A16 is where we start most complete beginners who want to know what a computerised machine gives them over a mechanical one. Its 16 stitches are chosen on an electronic jog dial and shown on a back-lit LCD, which means you always know which stitch is selected and what length and width it's set to. The one-action needle threader and quick-set drop-in bobbin take care of the two jobs that put most new sewers off, so you can be sewing within minutes of unboxing.
What makes it special: Extra needle penetration power takes the A16 through several layers and heavier weights such as denim and canvas, which means dressmaking, quilting and home furnishings are all within reach on a first machine.
Key features:
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16 stitches and 3 one-step buttonhole styles, up to 7mm wide
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Electronic jog dial with back-lit stitch display
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Start/stop button, needle up/down and slide speed control
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One-action needle threader and quick-set drop-in bobbin
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7-point feed dog with extra needle penetration power
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Drop feed, lock stitch and up to 850 stitches per minute, soft cover included
From: £375.00 (RRP £399.00)
bernette b37
Best suited for: New sewers who want 50 stitches, including decorative options, on a compact machine
The bernette b37 is a compact computerised machine from BERNINA's more affordable bernette brand, with simple operation and robust construction. There are 50 built-in stitches shown on a clear LCD, with the width and length adjustable as you sew, so you can fine-tune a stitch on a scrap before committing to your project. The start/stop button, speed slider and needle stop up/down are all here, and the drop-in bobbin sits under a clear cover so you can see when it's running low.
What makes it special: The 7mm maximum stitch width gives satin stitches and decorative rows clear definition on appliqué, borders and bunting. Five one-step buttonhole and eyelet styles cover shirts, cushion covers and bags without any measuring.
Key features:
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50 built-in stitches shown on an LCD
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5 one-step buttonhole and eyelet styles
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7mm maximum stitch width for decorative work
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Start/stop button with adjustable speed slider
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Needle stop up/down and built-in needle threader
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Drop-in bobbin with clear cover, retractable feed dog for free motion work
From: £399.00
Best Computerised Sewing Machine Under £700
Automatic thread cutters, knee lifts and stitch libraries of 60 to 150 stitches all appear between £500 and £700, so the machine starts taking over the jobs a beginner machine leaves to you. Alongside the three picks, the Janome DKS30 SE at £619 is a simpler sibling of the DKS100 SE, and the Brother Innov-is F420 at £665 adds alphabets and stitch memory with a knee lift included.
Janome 5060 QDC
Best suited for: Sewers who want one top-rated machine for dressmaking and quilting with the quilting accessories included
The Janome 5060 QDC shows how much a computerised machine can automate at under £500. The automatic thread cutter, needle threader, start/stop button and speed slider handle the routine jobs, and the 60 stitches cover utility, stretch and decorative sewing with six one-step buttonholes. An extension table, a hard cover and a bonus feet pack with a walking foot are included in the box.
What makes it special: The Superior Feed System with its 7-piece feed dogs, paired with adjustable presser foot pressure, gives the 5060 QDC even control on fine cottons and on bulkier quilt layers alike. Lower the feed dogs and fit the free motion foot from the bonus pack, and the same machine moves on to free motion quilting.
Key features:
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60 stitches up to 7mm wide, including 6 one-step buttonhole styles
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Automatic thread cutter and built-in needle threader
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Superior Feed System with 7-piece feed dogs
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Adjustable presser foot pressure and drop feed
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Start/stop button and speed slider, up to 820 stitches per minute
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Bonus feet pack with walking foot, quarter-inch seam foot and free motion foot, plus extension table and hard cover
From: £499.00 (RRP £559.00)
Brother Innov-is A150
Best suited for: Dressmakers and crafters who want lettering, stitch memory and decorative stitches on a light, portable machine
The Brother Innov-is A150 sits at the top of Brother's A series, and it's the first machine in this guide with stitch memory and alphabets. Its 150 stitches include four alphabets, so you can stitch "Made by" labels and monograms directly on the machine. Stitch combinations can be saved and recalled, which means a decorative border worked out for one cushion cover is ready for the next. Stitches are chosen by number on the keypad.
What makes it special: At around 6.6kg with a hard cover, the A150 is light enough to carry to classes and sewing groups. The one-action needle threader, automatic thread cutter and twin needle setting mean it's quick to set up and quick to finish.
Key features:
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150 stitches up to 7mm wide, 10 of them one-step buttonholes
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4 alphabets for stitched name labels
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Stitch combining and memory, with mirror imaging
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Keypad stitch selection with on-screen foot recommendation
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Automatic thread cutter, twin needle setting and free arm
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Adjustable presser foot pressure, hard cover, 6.6kg
From: £579.00 (RRP £599.00)
View the Brother Innov-is A150
Janome DKS100 SE
Best suited for: Sewers who want direct-select stitches and a knee lift for under £700
The Janome DKS100 SE puts its most-used stitches on 14 illuminated direct-select keys, so straight, zigzag and buttonhole stitches are one press away. Speed control, a built-in needle threader, an automatic thread cutter and a twin needle setting are all standard, and the 100 stitch options cover utility, stretch, satin and decorative stitches with six styles of one-step buttonhole.
What makes it special: The knee lift is included, so you can raise the presser foot with your knee while both hands guide the fabric, which makes turning appliqué shapes and repositioning larger projects far easier.
Key features:
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100 built-in stitches including 6 styles of one-step buttonhole
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14 direct-select keys with LED illumination
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Knee lifter included for hands-free presser foot control
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Automatic thread cutter, needle threader and auto lock stitch
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Programmable needle up/down, start/stop button and speed slider
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7-piece feed system, adjustable foot pressure and hard cover
From: £679.00
Best Computerised Sewing Machine for Quilting
Quilters need a computerised machine for different reasons from dressmakers. The features that matter are the workspace to the right of the needle, an extension table, a walking foot or built-in dual feed, a knee lift and a needle that stops down, which means multiple layers feed evenly and the quilt stays put each time you stop to turn it. All three picks below are in our quilting sewing machines collection. The Janome M200QDC at £779 and Janome 8200QCP SE at £2,149 are also worth considering, and both include the extension table.
Janome 5270QDC
Best suited for: Quilters who want the full quilting kit and a large stitch library
The Janome 5270QDC is the most complete of Janome's standard-size machines and it comes with a full quilting kit in the box. The 270 built-in stitches include 12 one-step buttonholes plus alphabets, numbers and symbols, so quilt labels can be stitched on the machine. The 11 x 16 inch extension table, knee lift, walking foot and free motion foot are all included, which means there's nothing to add before your first quilt.
What makes it special: A thicker needle bar and presser bar give extra needle penetration, so the needle drives cleanly through a quilt sandwich and through denim without flexing. Combined with the 7-piece SFS+ feed system, the fabric moves evenly across a wide range of weights, and the 10-key touchpad calls up any stitch by number while stitch memory saves your sequences.
Key features:
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270 built-in stitches including 12 one-step buttonholes, alphabets, numbers and symbols
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11 x 16 inch extension table, knee lift and hard cover included
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Walking foot and free motion foot in the bonus feet pack
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7-piece SFS+ feed system with extra needle penetration
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10-key touchpad with stitch memory and backlit LCD
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Automatic thread cutter, needle threader and adjustable foot pressure, 6.9kg
From: £759.00 (RRP £879.00)
Brother Inventio NV1850Q
Best suited for: Quilters upgrading to a serious machine with generous workspace
The Brother Inventio NV1850Q suits quilting and larger projects, with 210mm (8.3 inches) of workspace to the right of the needle and an extension table included. Its 232 built-in stitches include 10 one-step buttonholes and five alphabets, chosen on a 3.5 inch LCD with a direct-select keypad. The one-action needle threader, automatic thread cutter and automatic thread tension mean it sets up quickly and keeps stitches consistent from the first seam to the last.
What makes it special: The NV1850Q boasts two feeding technologies. The Square Feed Drive System moves fabric in a square motion instead of an arc, which means silks, knits and multiple layers feed smoothly and consistently. ICAPS reads the thickness of the fabric under the foot and sets the presser foot pressure to match, so thick seam junctions on a quilt top feed through without the stitch length changing.
Key features:
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232 built-in stitches including 10 one-step buttonholes and 5 alphabets
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210mm (8.3 inch) workspace with extension table included
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Square Feed Drive System and ICAPS automatic presser foot pressure
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3.5 inch LCD with direct-select keypad
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Pivot function, sideways sewing and My Custom Stitch
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Automatic thread cutter, automatic tension and knee lift, up to 850 stitches per minute, 9.7kg
From: £1,499.00
View the Brother Inventio NV1850Q
Janome Memory Craft 9480QCP
Best suited for: Dedicated quilters who want a longarm sewing machine with a stitch regulator for free motion work
The Janome Memory Craft 9480QCP is part of Janome's professional range and is classed as a longarm sewing machine, with 11 inches (280mm) of workspace to the right of the needle. Its 400 built-in stitches include alphabets for labels and 11 one-step buttonholes, all chosen on a 5 inch HD colour touchscreen. Automatic tension, thread cutter, needle threader and presser foot pressure take the set-up decisions away, so you can concentrate on the quilt.
What makes it special: The detachable AcuFeed Flex system feeds tricky and stretch fabrics from above and below, so quilt layers and knits move through without shifting. The automatic presser foot adds a pivot function and a floating mode for turning corners and sewing over bulky seams. For free motion quilting, the 9480QCP is compatible with Janome's Accurate Stitch Regulator, which keeps stitch length consistent whatever speed you move the fabric. The regulator set comes with four feet, including a ruler work foot. [PENDING LIZ: Janome lists the Accurate Stitch Regulator as an optional accessory for the 9480QCP, sold separately. The TSS product page says it is included. Please confirm whether TSS bundles it with the machine or whether the product page needs correcting.]
Key features:
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400 built-in stitches including alphabets and 11 one-step buttonholes
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11 inch (280mm) workspace
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AcuFeed Flex dual feed system
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Compatible with the Accurate Stitch Regulator for free motion and ruler work
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5 inch HD colour touchscreen with built-in sewing applications
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3 quick-change needle plates, automatic presser foot with pivot and float, extension table and knee lift, 13.7kg
From: £3,619.00
View the Janome Memory Craft 9480QCP
Best Computerised Sewing Machine for Dressmaking
For garments, a free arm for cuffs and hems, an automatic one-step buttonhole, a good range of stretch stitches and even feeding on slippery, stretchy or fine fabrics matter more than stitch count.
Brother Innov-is A50
Best suited for: Dressmakers starting out who want a great choice of stitches without stepping up in price
The Brother Innov-is A50 is the second machine in Brother's A series and the step up from the A16 in our beginner picks. Its 50 stitches include five one-step buttonhole styles, up to 7mm wide, shown on a larger backlit LCD. The one-step automatic needle threader, quick-set top-loading bobbin and drop feed cover the set-up jobs, and the start/stop button, needle up/down and speed slider give control without using the pedal.
What makes it special: At 6.5kg the A50 is light enough to move between a table and a cupboard or carry to a class, and it still runs to 850 stitches per minute when there's a long seam to cover. Brother backs it with a three-year parts warranty.
Key features:
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50 stitches with 5 one-step buttonhole styles, up to 7mm wide
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Larger backlit LCD screen
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One-step automatic needle threader
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Start/stop button, needle up/down and speed slider
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Quick-set top-loading bobbin and drop feed
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Up to 850 stitches per minute, 6.5kg
From: £419.00 (RRP £449.00)
Worth knowing before you buy: The A50 has no automatic thread cutter, stitch memory or alphabets. Those start with the A150 in our under £700 picks.
PFAFF Ambition 610
Best suited for: Dressmakers who want PFAFF's built-in dual feed and precise needle placement
The PFAFF Ambition 610 pairs 110 stitches up to 7mm wide and six one-step buttonhole styles with 200mm (7.9 inches) of workspace to the right of the needle. The 2.8 x 1.4 inch LCD shows the sewing information at a glance, and 29 needle positions let you place topstitching, zips and collars exactly where you want them. Stitches can be mirrored and elongated, and the twin needle program sets the stitch width for you and previews it on screen.
What makes it special: The Original IDT System is PFAFF's built-in dual feed. Because the top and bottom layers are fed together, plaids line up at the seam more easily and slippery linings and stretch fabrics are far less likely to creep or wave. It's lowered into place behind the presser foot when you need it, so there's no separate walking foot to fit. The tie-off function secures the start and end of a seam without reversing, so seam ends stay neat on fine fabric.
Key features:
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110 stitches up to 7mm wide with 6 one-step buttonhole styles
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Original IDT System built-in dual feed
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29 needle positions for precise topstitching
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Tie-off function for neat seam ends
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Twin needle program with on-screen preview
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2.8 x 1.4 inch LCD, 200mm (7.9 inch) workspace, 800 stitches per minute, 8.5kg
From: £749.00 (RRP £999.00)
Worth knowing before you buy: The 610 has no automatic thread cutter or automatic thread tension. The Ambition 620 in our mid-range picks adds both.
Janome Continental M8 Professional
Best suited for: Experienced dressmakers who want the most automation Janome offers and industrial-style stitch control
The Janome Continental M8 Professional is Janome's flagship machine for home sewing, with 450 stitches up to 9mm wide including three alphabets and 12 sensor one-step buttonholes, chosen on a 7 inch HD colour touchscreen. Automatic tension, an automatic thread cutter, an automatic needle threader and an automatic presser foot lift take the set-up jobs away, and the powder-coated aluminium flatbed gives 13.5 inches of workspace to the right of the needle.
What makes it special: Three needle plates change over without tools: a zigzag plate, a straight stitch plate for fine fabrics that would otherwise pull down into the needle hole, and a professional plate for narrow industrial-style stitching. Paired with AcuFeed Flex Plus, which keeps silks, plaids and stretch fabrics moving in step, and the Accurate Stitch Regulator included in the box, the M8 covers fine garment fabrics and heavier tailoring on the same machine.
Key features:
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450 stitches up to 9mm wide, with 3 alphabets and 12 sensor one-step buttonholes
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3 quick-change needle plates, including straight stitch and professional plates
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AcuFeed Flex Plus dual feed and Accurate Stitch Regulator included
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Automatic tension, thread cutter, needle threader and presser foot lift
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7 inch HD colour touchscreen with automatic feed dog control and bobbin monitor
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13.5 inch (343mm) workspace, extension table and knee lift, 17.3kg
From: £5,829.00
Worth knowing before you buy: At 17.3kg with a large footprint, the M8 needs a permanent home and a sturdy table, and it's best suited to experienced sewers.
View the Janome Continental M8 Professional
Best Mid-Range Computerised Sewing Machine
From around £850 to £2,500 the machines get larger screens, bigger stitch memories, stronger motors and better feeding systems, so they cope with heavier fabric and longer sessions without losing consistency. It's where many sewers who already own a computerised machine look when they upgrade.
Brother Innov-is F560
Best suited for: Makers who want a colour touchscreen, lettering and a knee lift on a machine that does everything from quilts to garments
The Brother Innov-is F560 has over 7 inches (190mm) of workspace to the right of the needle and 241 sewing stitches, including 10 buttonhole styles and five alphabets, all chosen on a 3.7 inch colour LCD touchscreen. Threading, cutting and tensioning are all automatic, and the knee lifter is included in the box.
What makes it special: My Custom Stitch lets you draw your own stitch on the screen and sew it, so a border or a signature stitch can be your own. Multi-directional sewing and sideways feeding, paired with the Square Feed Drive System, mean you can stitch patches, labels and decorative frames in any direction without turning the fabric, and the fabric feeds evenly the whole way round.
Key features:
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241 built-in stitches including 10 buttonhole styles and 5 alphabets
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3.7 inch colour LCD touchscreen with My Custom Stitch
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Multi-directional sewing, sideways feeding and Square Feed Drive System
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Knee lifter and hard cover included
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One-action needle threader, automatic thread cutter and automatic tension
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190mm (7.4 inch) workspace, USB port, 9.3kg
From: £849.00 (RRP £899.00)
View the Brother Innov-is F560
PFAFF Ambition 620
Best suited for: Sewers who want built-in dual feed and automatic tension with a generous workspace
The PFAFF Ambition 620 is a computerised sewing and quilting machine with 136 built-in stitches up to 7mm wide, two alphabets and 200mm (7.9 inches) of workspace to the right of the needle. The 2.8 x 1.4 inch LCD shows all the sewing information at a glance, the automatic needle threader and thread cutter keep set-up and finishing quick, and 29 needle positions give precise placement for topstitching. Twenty-one accessories are included, so you can start most projects straight from the box.
What makes it special: The Ambition 620 has the same Original IDT System as the Ambition 610 and adds an automatic thread cutter and automatic thread tension, which means quilt layers, home furnishing fabrics and everyday clothing repairs all feed and tension without a test seam on each. Stitch sequencing lets you build and save your own stitch combinations, which the 610 does not offer.
Key features:
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136 built-in stitches up to 7mm wide, plus 2 alphabets
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Original IDT System built-in dual feed
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Automatic thread tension and automatic needle threader
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200mm (7.9 inch) workspace
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29 needle positions with needle up/down and speed slider
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One-step buttonholes with automatic length measuring, 21 accessories included, 8.8kg
From: £899.00 (RRP £1,049.00)
BERNINA 570 QE
Best suited for: Quilters and sewers who want the BERNINA Stitch Regulator and built-in dual feed in a machine that still fits the sewing room
The BERNINA 570 QE heads BERNINA's 5 Series as its Quilters Edition, with 1,450 built-in stitches including 73 quilting stitches and eight alphabets, a 4.3 inch colour touchscreen with multi-function knobs and 8.5 inches (215mm) of workspace to the right of the needle. Sixteen one-step buttonhole styles, 11 needle positions and a semi-automatic needle threader cover the dressmaking side just as well.
What makes it special: The BERNINA Stitch Regulator comes with the 570 QE, so the machine matches its stitching to how you move the quilt and free motion stitches stay even. Built-in BERNINA Dual Feed copes with layered and slippery fabrics, and the front-loading jumbo bobbin means fewer bobbin changes over a large quilt. When you stop, the hover function lifts the presser foot slightly so appliqué can be turned without touching a lever.
Key features:
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1,450 built-in stitches including 73 quilting stitches and 8 alphabets
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BERNINA Stitch Regulator included
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Built-in BERNINA Dual Feed
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4.3 inch colour touchscreen with multi-function knobs
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16 one-step buttonhole styles and 11 needle positions
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Jumbo bobbin, hover function and 8.5 inch (215mm) workspace, 11kg
From: £2,495.00
Best Top-of-the-Range Computerised Sewing Machine
These are the machines for sewers and quilters who spend hours at the machine every week and want the widest workspace, the largest screens and the most automation available. Each is a long-term investment and each is sold with the full manufacturer warranty and our own after-sales support. The BERNINA 770 QE PRO, which features in our best sewing machines guide, would also make our team's shortlist.
PFAFF Quilt Expression 725
Best suited for: Experienced sewers who want on-screen stitch editing, laser guidance and wireless updates
The PFAFF Quilt Expression 725, a large machine built for sewing and quilting, has 730 built-in stitches, sewing alphabets and nearly 10 inches (250mm) of workspace to the right of the needle. Everything is controlled on an 8 inch colour touchscreen where stitches can be edited directly, and the machine connects wirelessly to PFAFF's CREATIVATE platform for automatic software updates. Sensormatic one-step buttonholes in 16 styles plus 5 eyelets, an automatic needle threader, an automatic thread cutter and needle up/down cover garment work as thoroughly as quilting, and the knee lift is included in the box.
What makes it special: The adjustable laser guidance projects a line onto the fabric ahead of the needle, which means quilting lines, topstitching and long seams stay straight without marking the fabric first. Presser foot recognition checks that the foot fitted suits the stitch selected before you start sewing. Stitch Creator lets you design or edit 9mm stitches on screen, and the Original IDT System is built in, as on the other PFAFF machines here.
Key features:
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730 built-in stitches with sewing alphabets, up to 9mm wide
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8 inch colour touchscreen with on-screen stitch editing
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Adjustable laser guidance for straight quilting and topstitching lines
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Presser foot recognition and Original IDT System
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Wireless connectivity for automatic updates
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16 Sensormatic one-step buttonhole styles plus 5 eyelets, knee lift included, nearly 10 inch (250mm) workspace, 11.5kg
From: £2,999.00 (RRP £3,199.00)
View the PFAFF Quilt Expression 725
Brother Celeste CX1
Best suited for: Sewers who want the largest screen in this guide and a stitch regulator built in
The Brother Celeste CX1 leads Brother's sewing range, with 760 built-in stitches including tapering and Sashiko options, all chosen on a 10.1 inch HD touch display. The sewing area is 11.25 x 5 inches, and the wide table included in the box extends the working surface to roughly 16 x 25 inches. Automatic thread tension, automatic needle threading and an adjustable bobbin winding speed are all built in.
What makes it special: The intelligent stitch regulator adjusts needle timing to match how fast the fabric feeds, so stitch length stays even without fitting a separate accessory. Compact Dual Feed acts as a built-in walking foot for layers, leather and fabrics that would otherwise shift. Wireless connectivity links the machine to Brother's Artspira app for designs and updates.
Key features:
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760 built-in stitches including tapering and Sashiko options
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10.1 inch HD colour touch display with on-screen editing
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Intelligent stitch regulator and Compact Dual Feed
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Sew Straight laser guide and 10 inch LED lighting
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Wireless connectivity to Artspira, plus a USB port
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Automatic tension, thread cutter and needle threading, 11.25 x 5 inch sewing area with wide table included, 1,050 stitches per minute, 15.3kg
From: £4,299.00
BERNINA 790 Ultra
Best suited for: Accomplished dressmakers, quilters and textile artists who want the most automation and stitch control BERNINA offers in a sewing machine
The BERNINA 790 Ultra tops the 7 Series for sewing and quilting, sold without the embroidery module, which can be added later. It has 2,248 built-in stitches up to 9mm wide, a 7 inch colour touchscreen with multi-function knobs, 10 inches (254mm) of workspace to the right of the needle and an automatic needle threader. It includes everything in the 790 PRO plus features found only on the Ultra.
What makes it special: The BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator is built into the 790 Ultra and covers free motion quilting, ruler work and precision stitching. Automatic stitch plate recognition identifies whether the 9mm, straight stitch or BISR plate is fitted and adjusts the machine to match. Jumbo Stitch resizes decorative stitches from 25 to 500 per cent without losing definition, and 360-degree multi-directional sewing with 3-point placement lets you position quilting motifs and decorative designs exactly where you want them. BERNINA Dual Feed and the jumbo bobbin are both included, as on the 570 QE.
Key features:
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2,248 built-in stitches, up to 9mm wide
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BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator included
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Automatic stitch plate recognition
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Jumbo Stitch resizing from 25 to 500 per cent
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360-degree multi-directional sewing with 3-point placement
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BERNINA Dual Feed, jumbo bobbin and automatic needle threader
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7 inch colour touchscreen, 10 inch (254mm) workspace, 14kg
From: £7,095.00
Computerised Sewing Machine Comparison Table
All 18 machines in the order they appear above.
|
Model |
Best For |
Price |
Screen |
|
Beginners |
£329 |
LCD |
|
|
Beginners |
£375 |
Back-lit LCD |
|
|
Beginners |
£399 |
LCD |
|
|
Under £700 |
£499 |
LCD |
|
|
Under £700 |
£579 |
LCD |
|
|
Under £700 |
£679 |
LCD with foot guidance |
|
|
Quilting |
£759 |
Backlit LCD |
|
|
Quilting |
£1,499 |
3.5 inch LCD |
|
|
Quilting |
£3,619 |
5 inch HD colour touchscreen |
|
|
Dressmaking |
£419 |
Backlit LCD |
|
|
Dressmaking |
£749 |
LCD |
|
|
Dressmaking |
£5,829 |
7 inch HD colour touchscreen |
|
|
Mid-range |
£849 |
3.7 inch colour touchscreen |
|
|
Mid-range |
£899 |
LCD |
|
|
Mid-range |
£2,495 |
4.3 inch colour touchscreen |
|
|
Top of the range |
£2,999 |
8 inch colour touchscreen |
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Top of the range |
£4,299 |
10.1 inch HD touch display |
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Top of the range |
£7,095 |
7 inch colour touchscreen |
Best Brands for Computerised Sewing Machines
Each brand approaches the same jobs in its own way, and that is often what decides which one suits you. Here is what each is known for and what it gives you on the machines in this guide. For more on machine types, workspace and price tiers, see our sewing machine buyers guide.
Brother
Brother spans the widest price range here, from the A16 at £375 to the Celeste CX1 at £4,299, and the controls stay familiar as you move up it. Automation arrives early, so a needle threader, a speed slider and needle up/down are standard well below £500. Square Feed Drive and ICAPS pressure sensing are kept for the quilting and top-end models, which is what makes those machines suit slippery fabrics and thick seam junctions.
Shop Brother sewing machines | Read our Brother guide
Janome
Janome is bought for build quality. Metal internal frames, strong motors and extra needle penetration run through the range, which is why these machines take heavier fabrics in their stride. Janome also puts more in the box than most brands here, with extension tables, knee lifts and bonus feet packs included rather than sold separately, and its AcuFeed Flex dual feed is kept for the professional models.
Shop Janome sewing machines | Read our Janome guide
BERNINA
BERNINA sits at the top of the price range in this guide, starting at £2,495, and stitch quality is what the money buys. Both BERNINA machines here come with a stitch regulator for free motion work and built-in dual feed as standard rather than as an upgrade, and their stitch libraries run well ahead of anything else, at 1,450 on the 570 QE and 2,248 on the 790 Ultra.
Shop BERNINA sewing machines | Read our BERNINA guide
PFAFF
PFAFF fits its dual feed across the range rather than keeping it for the top models, so all three PFAFF machines in this guide have the Original IDT System. It is also the most affordable route to built-in dual feed here, starting at £749 on the Ambition 610 and running up to £2,999 on the Quilt Expression 725.
bernette
bernette is designed by BERNINA and sits below it on price, which makes it a way into BERNINA engineering without the BERNINA outlay. The b37 in our beginner picks is the bernette machine in this guide, at £399, and there is more of the range to move up through before BERNINA itself.
Computerised Sewing Machine Buying Guide
Key Features to Consider
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Look past the headline stitch count. Check that the stitches you'll use every week, such as a stretch stitch for jersey or a blind hem for trousers, are there, and treat the rest as a bonus.
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Look for the automatic features that make sewing easier. An automatic thread cutter, a built-in needle threader, a lock stitch button and automatic tension each take a job off your hands on every seam.
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Choose a screen you can read comfortably in your sewing room lighting.
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Check the workspace to the right of the needle, sometimes called throat space, against the size of the project you make. Around 6 inches (15cm) suits garments, 8 inches (20cm) gives room for smaller quilts and 10 inches (25cm) or more makes bed-sized quilts easier to manage.
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Weigh the machine against where it will live. Anything over 9kg is best kept in one place.
Are Computerised Sewing Machines Reliable?
Sewers upgrading from a mechanical machine will find a computerised model just as reliable, and the electronics are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Our in-house repairs and servicing team service, repair and inspect every brand, not just the ones we sell, and machines are serviced in turn once they're dropped off at our Redruth shop, with a current turnaround of around three weeks. Warranty terms vary by brand, and our sewing machine warranty guide sets out what each covers.
Do You Need a Computerised Machine for Embroidery?
All embroidery machines are computerised, but a computerised sewing machine on its own won't stitch embroidery designs. It sews decorative stitches and, on many models, alphabets, but an embroidery design needs an embroidery machine or a combination sewing and embroidery machine, which moves the fabric in a hoop under the needle. Two machines in this guide, the BERNINA 570 QE and 790 Ultra, accept an optional embroidery module, so embroidery can be added later. If embroidery is the goal, our best embroidery machines guide is the place to start.
Maintenance and Care
The one job every owner can do is keep the bobbin area clean. Remove the bobbin case, brush out the lint around the feed dogs and hook, and change the needle after every project or eight hours of sewing. Beyond that, leave the inside to the engineers. A professional service roughly once a year for regular use, or every two years if you sew occasionally, keeps the timing, tension and motor in step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Getting a Computerised Sewing Machine?
For most people who sew more than a few times a month, it is. The automatic buttonholes, needle up/down, thread cutter and speed control do the fiddly jobs for you, so sewing stays enjoyable on a big project as well as a small one. If you sew occasionally for repairs and simple hems, a mechanical sewing machine will do the job for less.
What Are the Downsides of a Computerised Sewing Machine?
Very little! They cost more than a mechanical machine with a similar stitch count however the convenient features like a thread cutter, automatic tension and threading, bobbin sensors and dual feed (amongst many others!) more than make up for it. We often hear that these computerised features are all but indispensable for a regular sewers!
What Is the Best Computerised Sewing Machine for Beginners?
The Brother Innov-is A16 is our first recommendation for a complete beginner: 16 stitches, three one-step buttonholes, needle up/down and a speed slider at £375. The Janome 230DC, at £329, is the one to compare it against, with an extension table, a metal frame and a hard cover included.
Which Sewing Machine Has the Least Problems?
In our servicing experience, the machines that come back least often are the ones that are cleaned regularly, serviced on schedule and suited to the type of sewing they are used for. For example, an entry-level machine built for occasional hobby use will struggle if it is being used to sew heavy canvas or garment leather every week, whatever the brand. This is why we take the time to match customers to a machine built to handle the fabrics and projects they intend to sew.
Can a Computerised Sewing Machine Sew Thick Fabrics?
Several machines here are built for exactly that. Look for extra needle penetration, adjustable or automatic presser foot pressure and a strong feed system. The Janome 5270QDC, Brother Inventio NV1850Q and Janome Continental M8 all handle denim and multiple quilt layers. If most of your sewing is upholstery or thick leather, chat with our team about heavy-duty and semi-industrial machines.
How Long Do Computerised Sewing Machines Last?
There's no fixed figure, but a computerised machine from any of the brands in this guide will give many years of regular use when it's looked after. Keeping the bobbin area clean, using the right needle for the fabric and servicing at the intervals set out above make more difference to lifespan than the price paid.
Can I Part Exchange My Mechanical Machine for a Computerised One?
Our part exchange programme accepts sewing machines of all brands as credit towards a new machine, so moving from mechanical to computerised costs less. Part exchange is available in our Redruth showroom, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4pm, with a minimum spend of £350 on the new machine. If your machine is a brand we don't sell, contact us before you visit.
Find Your Computerised Sewing Machine Match
Chat with one of our machine experts online or contact us for advice, or come and see the machines in our Redruth showroom. Our free Machine Match Service will recommend a model for the fabrics and projects you have in mind.
Sewing machines ordered by 3pm Monday to Friday are despatched the same day, with next-day and weekend courier options at checkout. Once your machine arrives, our engineers and expert advice are here for as long as you own it.
Looking at other types of machine? See our guides to the best sewing machines, best overlockers and best coverstitch machines, or browse the full computerised sewing machines collection.
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