
Brother Innov-is A16 Product Review and Demonstration
The Brother Innov-is A16 is a superb choice for beginner sewers wanting a versatile machine that's very easy to operate with plenty of useful features. Designed to make sewing simple from the start, it features an advanced needle threader and quick-set drop-in bobbin for easy setup.
Stitch selection, settings and the speed slider are conveniently positioned together on the front panel, keeping everything within easy reach while you sew. The electronic jog dial makes selecting stitches quick, intuitive and tactile, adding to the effortless and enjoyable sewing experience.
A smooth feed system and extra needle penetration power ensures the needle penetrates multiple layers and heavier fabrics such as denim and canvas which means dressmaking and home furnishings are all within reach. Lighter cottons and silks feed just as smoothly making this model ideal for dressmaking, cosplay and upcycling projects.
An LED light keeps the needle area clear of shadow, and the free arm handles cuffs, sleeves and trouser hems once the accessory box is removed. At 6.6kg it is light enough to lift out for a sewing session while being easy to store.
Top Uses for the Brother Innov-is A16

This machine is perfect for
- Complete beginners wanting a great quality sewing machine that'll grow with them as sewing skills develop
- Dressmakers making garments from various fabric weights - the 7-piece feed handles everything
- Sewers who hate threading needles - the advanced threader is genuinely a one-hand operation
- Sewers wanting start/stop button for hands-free sewing
Can sew but not ideal for
- Quilting - the A16 is capable of handling layers for basic quilting projects, making it a versatile choice for everyday sewing. If you plan to quilt regularly, our free Machine Match Service will help you find a model with features and accessories designed specifically to help you bring your quilting projects to life
- Sewers looking for plenty of decorative stitch options - consider the Brother A50 if you'd like more creative stitch choice
Not suitable for
- Heavy-duty work - handles occasional thick layers but not suitable for regular use with thick fabrics such as upholstery work
- Not sure if this is the machine for you? Try our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Brother Innov-is A16: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Quick Set Drop-In Bobbin
Less time spent setting up means you get to the sewing sooner.
Solid Metal Chassis Construction
The A16 is built to last with a solid metal construction that stands up to regular hobby sewing.
Free Arm
Easily access and sew tubular items like sleeves and hems.
Inside the Brother Innov-is A16
Advanced One-Action Needle Threading System
One lever movement guides the thread through the needle eye, saving time and eye strain at every thread change.
Back-Lit LCD and Jog Dial
Turn the dial to pick any stitch, then read length and width settings clearly on the lit screen.
Lock Stitch Button for Seams
Press once and the machine ties off the seam in place, securing the ends without reverse stitching.
Slide Speed Control and Needle Stop
Set your maximum speed on the slider, then choose whether the needle finishes up or down for pivoting.
7-Point Feed Dog Fabric Control
Seven feed points grip a longer stretch of fabric, keeping silk, cotton and denim moving evenly under the foot.


Product Specifications
Key Features
- 16 built-in stitches
- 3 styles of one-step automatic buttonhole
- Jog dial for easy stitch selection
- Back-lit LCD screen with digital stitch length and width controls
- Advanced one-action needle threading system
- Lock stitch button
- Drop feed setting
Accessories in the Box
- Seam ripper
- 4 x Bobbins
- 1 x Needle set
- 1 x Twin needle
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Extra spool pin
- 1 x Lint brush
- 1 x Spool cap (small, medium and large)
- 1 x Spool net
- 1 x Soft Cover
- 1 x Operational Manual
- 1 x Foot Control
Feet in the Box
- 1 x Zig zag foot
- 1 x Buttonhole foot
- 1 x Zipper foot
- 1 x Overcasting foot
- 1 x Blind stitch foot
- 1 x Button sewing foot
Manufacturer's Specifications
- Product type: sewing
- Machine type: electronic
- Skill level: beginner and intermediate
- Number of sewing stitches (including buttonholes): 16
- Buttonholes: 3
- Maximum sewing speed: 850 stitches per minute
- Stitch selection: jog dial
- Type of screen: LCD monochrome
- Display size: 2.6 inch
- Bobbin type: horizontal
- Insertion of bobbin: quick set bobbin
- Bobbin winder: F.A.S.T.
- Needle threading system: advanced
- Number of needles: 1
- 7 point feed dog: yes
- Longer feed dog: yes
- Longer J foot: yes
- Snap on presser feet system: yes
- Presser foot levelling button: yes
- Lock stitch button: yes
- Needle stop position control up and down: yes
- Automatic reverse and reinforcement stitch: yes
- Electronic slide speed control: Yes
- Drop feed setting: manual
- Stippling function: free hand quilting
- Free arm sewing: yes
- Accessory compartment: yes
- Adjustable thread tension: manual
- Lighting: LED
- Case: soft case
- Bobbin work: optional
- Circular sewing: optional
- Extension wide table: optional
- Free motion embroidery kit: optional
- Mechanical dual feed: optional
- Workspace: 16cm, roughly 6 inches to the right of the needle
- Machine size: 419 x 196 x 307mm
- Weight: 6.6kg
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size: 419 x 196 x 307mm
- Weight: 6.6kg
- Workspace: 16cm, roughly 6 inches to the right of the needle
- Metal chassis construction
- Free arm with accessory storage compartment
Stitch Options & Controls
- 16 built-in stitches, including 3 one-step buttonhole styles
- Electronic jog dial selection with back-lit LCD display
- Maximum stitch width: 7mm
- Adjustable stitch length
- Maximum sewing speed: 850 stitches per minute
- Electronic slide speed control
- Manual thread tension adjustment
- Needle up and down positioning
- Lock stitch button and automatic reverse stitch
- Manual drop feed setting
Bobbin & Needle System
- Quick set horizontal drop-in bobbin
- F.A.S.T. bobbin winding system
- Advanced one-action needle threading system
- Extra needle penetration power for thicker fabrics
- Snap-on presser foot system
Warranty and Support
- 3-year Brother parts and labour warranty included
- Machines used for business use are covered for one year
- Authorised Brother service support nationwide
- Expert advice from The Sewing Studio team
Product Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brother Innov-is A16
Let us help with the answers.
Is the Brother Innov-is A16 suitable for beginners?
Yes. Brother lists it as a beginner and intermediate machine. The electronic controls mean there is little to set up before you start, and the stitch range and buttonhole styles give you room to progress without needing a second machine early on.
How many stitches does the Brother Innov-is A16 have?
The A16 has 16 built-in stitches, which include essential utility options, decorative patterns, and three automatic buttonholes. Stitch width goes up to 7mm, and both length and width are adjustable from the LCD screen.
Can the A16 sew heavy fabrics like denim?
Extra needle penetration power and the 7-point feed dog let the machine work through several layers and heavier weights such as denim. The A16 is suited to dressmaking, quilting and home furnishings rather than continuous heavy-duty work.
Do I need to thread the needle by hand?
No. The advanced threading system passes the thread through the needle eye in one movement, which is useful if you change thread colour often or find close work difficult. Full threading steps are in the instruction manual under Product Downloads.
Does the Brother Innov-is A16 have an Automatic Thread Cutter?
No. Threads are trimmed with the cutter on the side of the machine or with scissors. The lock stitch button still secures your seam ends neatly before you cut.
Is an Extension Table or Hard Cover included?
The A16 comes with a soft cover. A wide extension table is available separately, along with a mechanical dual feed unit and a free motion embroidery kit. Our team can advise on which of these suits your projects.
What warranty comes with this machine?
The Brother Innov-is A16 comes with a 3-year Brother parts and labour warranty. Machines used for business use are covered for one year.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).