When shopping for a sewing machine, most people immediately think of household names like Janome, Brother, Singer, or Bernina. However, a growing number of UK sewing enthusiasts are discovering another brand that offers impressive performance without the premium price tag: Novum.
But are Novum sewing machines actually any good?
The short answer is yes. Novum sewing machines have built a reputation for offering excellent value, user friendly features, solid construction, and reliable performance across a range of sewing applications. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first machine or an experienced sewist tackling larger quilting and upholstery projects, Novum has models designed to meet a variety of needs.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Novum machines stand out and whether they’re worth your investment.
Who Are Novum?
Novum is a sewing machine brand available exclusively through GUR Sewing Machines. The range includes traditional domestic sewing machines, overlockers, and larger long arm models aimed at quilters and heavy duty sewing enthusiasts. According to Novum’s official information, the brand focuses on producing reliable, versatile, and affordable machines that are easy to use while still offering professional level capabilities.
Unlike some budget brands that sacrifice quality for price, Novum aims to bridge the gap between affordability and performance.
What Makes Novum Sewing Machines Popular?
Excellent Value for Money
One of the biggest reasons sewists choose Novum is value.
Many machines include features often found on more expensive brands, such as:
- A long arm space for large projects, offering 12 inches of working room
- Bright white LED lighting
- Speed control of up to 950 stitches per minute
- An internal metal chassis
- A built in knee lifter for easily raising the presser foot
- An LCD display for clear viewing of stitch patterns, stitch length, and width
- A built in needle threader
- A start/stop button, so you can sew without a foot control
- A high presser foot lever for bulky, multi layered fabrics
And the list goes on. These features allow users to complete a wide range of sewing tasks without spending thousands on a premium machine.
For hobbyists and home sewers, this balance of functionality and affordability is particularly attractive.
Beginner Friendly Design
Learning to sew can feel intimidating. Modern sewing machines often come loaded with buttons, settings, and features that can overwhelm new users.
Novum addresses this by focusing on straightforward operation and practical functionality.
If you’re buying your very first sewing machine, a Novum model offers a relatively gentle learning curve without limiting your ability to grow your skills.
Strong Build Quality
Many users are surprised by the robustness of Novum machines.
Customer feedback on both modern and older Novum models highlights solid construction, reliable stitch formation, and durability. Internally, the machine is built around a metal chassis, which gives it real strength and a solid, dependable construction that stands up to regular use.
This durability is particularly important for sewists who regularly work with:
- Denim
- Upholstery fabrics
- Multiple fabric layers
- Quilting projects
- Home décor materials
Suitable for Large Projects
One area where Novum has attracted attention is quilting and larger sewing projects.
The brand offers long arm sewing machines that provide extended throat space, making it easier to handle bulky quilts, curtains, upholstery projects and larger fabric pieces. These machines are specifically designed to give users more working room while maintaining stitch accuracy and control. This extra space makes Novum machines ideal for patchwork, large sewing quilts and free hand embroidery, where room to manoeuvre your fabric really matters.
For quilters who feel restricted by the workspace on a standard domestic machine, this can be a significant advantage.
Are Novum Sewing Machines Reliable?
Reliability is often the deciding factor when purchasing a sewing machine.
Based on retailer information and customer feedback, Novum machines generally perform well in terms of consistency and ease of use. Users frequently praise:
- Smooth stitching
- Ease of threading
- Consistent stitch quality
- The ability to handle multiple fabric layers
- Overall value for money
Owners tend to be especially pleased with the finished results, particularly the neatness and evenness of the stitching.
Like any machine brand, regular maintenance and correct setup are important, but Novum appears to offer dependable performance for most home sewing applications.
How Do Novum Sewing Machines Compare to Premium Brands?
Novum sewing machines aren’t necessarily trying to compete directly with luxury brands costing several thousand pounds.
Instead, they occupy an attractive middle ground:
| Feature | Novum | Premium Brands |
| Price | More affordable | Significantly higher |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stitch Quality | Exceptional | Exceptional |
| Advanced Automation | Exceptional | Extensive |
| Value for Money | Outstanding | Variable |
| Beginner Friendliness | High | Moderate to High |
For most hobbyists and home sewists, the practical difference in sewing results may be smaller than the difference in price.
Which Sewists Should Consider a Novum Machine?
Novum machines are particularly well suited for:
Beginners: The simple controls and practical features make learning easier without feeling limited as your skills improve.
Intermediate Sewists: Those regularly making clothing, home décor items, bags, or crafts will appreciate the mix of capability and value.
Quilters: Long arm options and larger workspaces make certain Novum models attractive choices for quilting enthusiasts.
Budget Conscious Buyers: If you want professional quality finishes without paying premium brand prices, Novum offers excellent value.
Are There Any Downsides?
No sewing machine brand is perfect.
Some advanced sewists may find that high end brands offer:
- More stitch options
- Greater automation
- Larger touchscreens
- More embroidery features
- Expanded accessory ecosystems
However, many users never fully utilise these premium features, making Novum’s simpler and more affordable approach an appealing alternative.
The real question isn’t whether Novum has every feature available, it’s whether it has the features you actually need.
For many sewists, the answer is yes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Novum Sewing Machines
Where can I buy a Novum sewing machine?
You’ll find Novum exclusively at GUR Sewing Machines, rather than spread across lots of different shops. Buying direct means access to the full range, expert advice, and proper after sales support.
Are Novum sewing machines good for beginners?
Yes. They’re designed around straightforward operation, with helpful touches like a start/stop button, a built in needle threader, and a clear LCD display. That makes them an easy starting point for new sewists, while still leaving plenty of room to develop your skills.
Are Novum machines suitable for quilting?
Yes, they’re a popular pick for quilters. The long arm design gives you a roomy 12 inch throat space, so there’s plenty of room to move bulkier projects like quilts and patchwork around as you work.
How fast can a Novum sewing machine sew?
They offer adjustable speed control of up to 950 stitches per minute, so you can slow right down for detailed work or speed up for long, straightforward seams.
Are Novum sewing machines well built?
Yes. The internal metal chassis provides a sturdy frame that copes well with frequent and heavier use, and older Novum models are especially well regarded for lasting many years, a good sign of the brand’s overall durability.
Can I use a Novum machine on thick or layered fabric?
Yes. The high presser foot lever and sturdy metal frame make light work of denim, upholstery fabric, and multiple layers, which is ideal for bags, home décor, and heavier projects.
Final Verdict: Are Novum Sewing Machines Any Good?
Absolutely.
Novum sewing machines offer a compelling combination of affordability, reliability, ease of use, and practical functionality. They provide features that satisfy beginners while still offering enough capability for experienced sewists tackling demanding projects.
Their strong build quality, versatile model range, and reputation for delivering excellent value make them a smart choice for many UK sewing enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that performs well without stretching your budget, Novum is a brand that deserves serious consideration.
Whether you’re sewing your first cushion cover, creating bespoke garments, quilting a king size blanket, or tackling upholstery projects, a Novum machine is more than capable of helping you achieve professional looking result
Sewing Machine shown in picture is the Novum Q9 Long Arm Sewing Machine