16 practical stitches
Cover everyday construction, stretch sewing, overcasting, blind hems and repairs.
Sturdy and easy-to-use computerised sewing machine
Brother Innov-is A16
Build your sewing skills with a dependable computerised machine designed to make everyday sewing straightforward. The Brother Innov-is A16 combines 16 practical stitches, three automatic one-step buttonholes, advanced needle threading, electronic speed control, needle up and down, lock stitch and reliable seven-point fabric feeding.
16
built-in sewing stitches
3
one-step buttonholes
850 SPM
maximum sewing speed
7mm
maximum stitch width
An ideal first computerised sewing machine
The Brother Innov-is A16 is designed for beginners, fashion students and returning sewists who want simple electronic controls without an overwhelming stitch menu.
Its 16-stitch selection covers the essential techniques required for garment construction, repairs, stretch sewing, buttonholes, overcasting, blind hems and basic decorative work.
Electronic speed control, needle-position control and lock stitching make it easier to sew accurately around corners, curves and detailed areas.
As your sewing develops, optional quilting, walking, binding and specialist presser feet can expand what the machine can do.
A computerised sewing machine, not an embroidery machine
The Brother A16 does not use embroidery hoops and cannot import embroidery designs.
It is designed for dressmaking, repairs, alterations, patchwork, basic quilting, appliqué and everyday home sewing.
Customers wanting a larger decorative stitch selection should consider the Brother A80, while the A150 adds lettering and automatic thread cutting.
The controls that matter most when learning to sew
Three buttonholes
Create three styles of automatically sized one-step buttonhole.
Advanced needle threader
Guide the upper thread through the needle eye using Brother’s lever system.
Electronic speed control
Limit the maximum sewing speed for beginners, curves and detailed work.
Needle up and down
Choose whether the needle stops raised or positioned inside the fabric.
Lock-stitch control
Secure suitable stitches neatly at the beginning and end of a seam.
Drop feed
Lower the feed dogs for free-motion work, darning and thread drawing.
Soft cover included
Protect the machine from dust while it is stored between projects.
Sturdy everyday fabric handling
Strong enough for denim and bulky seams
The A16 combines a powerful domestic motor with sturdy Innov-is construction and long feed dogs.
This gives it the penetration and fabric control needed for ordinary garment denim, canvas, layered seams and many home projects.
The included Zigzag Foot J has a levelling button that helps the presser foot begin sewing across a bulky seam intersection.
- Garment-weight denim
- Canvas projects
- Layered seams
- Heavy cotton and drill
- Home décor fabrics
- Structured fabric bags
Strong domestic performance, not industrial feed
The A16 is stronger and more stable than many lightweight entry-level machines, but it is not an industrial walking-foot, needle-feed or compound-feed machine.
Thick leather, dense webbing, heavy upholstery assemblies and continuous commercial production require an appropriate industrial machine.
16
Built-in sewing stitches
A focused selection for construction, stretch sewing, hems, repairs and buttonholes.
The essentials without unnecessary complexity
Practical stitches for everyday sewing
The A16 focuses on the stitches most sewists use regularly rather than filling the machine with hundreds of decorative patterns.
Stitch width and length can be adjusted electronically to suit the material and sewing technique.
- Straight stitches
- Left and centre needle positions
- Zigzag stitches
- Stretch stitches
- Overcasting stitches
- Blind-hem stitches
- Button-sewing capability
- Three one-step buttonholes
Consistent garment finishing
Three automatic one-step buttonholes
Place the button inside Buttonhole Foot A and lower the buttonhole lever.
The machine automatically determines the required buttonhole length and completes the entire shape in one continuous sequence.
Three styles provide useful options for shirts, jackets, stretch garments and everyday projects.
- Three buttonhole styles
- Automatic button measurement
- One-step sewing sequence
- Consistent finished sizing
- Buttonhole Foot A included
- Ideal for dressmaking
Straightforward electronic operation
Backlit LCD and mechanical stitch dial
Turn the large front dial to select one of the numbered built-in stitches.
The backlit LCD displays the selected stitch, stitch width, stitch length and recommended presser foot.
Separate electronic controls allow width and length to be changed without navigating complicated menus.
- Large mechanical selection dial
- Backlit monochrome LCD
- Selected stitch display
- Presser-foot recommendation
- Stitch-width display
- Stitch-length display
- Simple adjustment buttons
- Clear front stitch chart
850
Maximum stitches per minute
Efficient sewing with electronic control over the maximum speed.
Fast for long seams and controllable for detail
Electronic speed control
Sew garment seams, repairs and home projects at speeds up to 850 stitches per minute.
Move the speed slider to limit the maximum speed for beginners, curves and precise sewing.
Operate the machine using the supplied foot controller or disconnect it and use the start and stop button.
- Up to 850 stitches per minute
- Electronic speed slider
- Start and stop button
- Foot-controller operation
- Useful for beginners
- Controlled detailed sewing
Lock-stitch and reinforcement control
Press the reinforcement button to secure the beginning or end of a seam.
Depending on the selected stitch, the machine sews reverse stitches or compact locking stitches in place.
This is useful for garments, repairs, quilting and visible top stitching where a tidy finish is required.
Needle up and down control
Set the needle to stop inside the fabric whenever sewing stops.
The project can then be turned around the needle without losing the exact stitch position.
Needle-down stopping is especially useful for corners, curves, patchwork, appliqué and controlled top stitching.
Faster preparation and less eye strain
Advanced needle-threading system
Follow the marked upper-thread path and lower the threading lever.
The mechanism guides the thread through the eye of the needle, reducing the need to thread it manually.
This is particularly helpful for beginners and during projects involving frequent thread-colour changes.
Quick-Set top-loading bobbin
Drop the bobbin into the horizontal bobbin case, follow the marked route and trim the excess thread.
The machine can begin sewing without manually raising the bobbin thread through the needle plate.
The transparent bobbin cover makes it easy to see how much thread remains.
- Horizontal top-loading bobbin
- Quick-Set thread route
- No manual thread pickup required
- Transparent bobbin cover
- F.A.S.T. bobbin winding
- Brother 11.5mm bobbins
Long seven-point feed-dog system
Seven feed-dog points maintain broad contact with the underside of the fabric.
The longer feed system helps move garments, stretch fabrics, quilting cotton and layered projects smoothly beneath the presser foot.
This supports consistent stitch length and improved control when beginning seams or crossing ordinary fabric changes.
- Seven-point feed dogs
- Extended feed contact
- Reliable garment sewing
- Suitable for stretch fabrics
- Useful for patchwork
- Consistent domestic feeding
Convertible free-arm sewing surface
Remove the accessory compartment to expose the free arm.
This makes sleeves, trouser hems, cuffs and other circular areas easier to position around the machine bed.
Refit the compartment for a larger flat surface during normal garment and patchwork sewing.
- Sleeves
- Trouser hems
- Cuffs
- Children’s clothing
- Small circular projects
- Flatbed sewing surface
Drop feed, needle-down control and optional quilting feet
The A16 is not a large-throat quilting machine, but it provides the essential controls required for patchwork, appliqué and smaller quilting projects.
Patchwork piecing
Add an optional 1/4-inch foot for consistent quilt seam allowances.
Free-motion work
Lower the feed dogs and fit a compatible free-motion quilting foot.
Straight-line quilting
Add an optional walking foot to help move multiple quilt layers together.
Appliqué
Use electronic speed control and needle-down stopping for detailed shapes.
Lock stitch
Secure suitable stitches neatly at the beginning and end of the design.
Optional wide table
Increase project support for patchwork, curtains and larger fabric panels.
A useful everyday accessory package
Six presser feet included
The A16 includes the essential feet required for garment construction, buttonholes, zips, overcasting, blind hemming and attaching buttons.
- Zigzag Foot J
- Overcasting Foot G
- Zipper Foot I
- Buttonhole Foot A
- Blind Stitch Foot R
- Button Fitting Foot M
- Foot controller
- Four Brother bobbins
- Needle set
- Twin needle
- Extra spool pin
- Spool caps
- Spool net
- Accessory bag
- Soft dust cover
An excellent machine for building strong sewing foundations
Beginner sewing
Fashion students
Dressmaking
Garment alterations
Repairs
Stretch garments
Denim projects
Patchwork
Basic quilting
Appliqué
Home décor
Classes and retreats
Explore the Brother Innov-is A16
Brother A16, A80 or A150?
| Brother A16 | A straightforward computerised machine with 16 stitches and three automatic buttonholes. |
|---|---|
| Brother A80 | Expands the stitch library to 80 and provides eight automatic buttonhole styles. |
| Brother A150 | Adds 150 stitches, built-in sewing alphabets, stitch-combination memory and automatic thread cutting. |
| Best reason to choose the A16 | It provides sturdy Innov-is construction and the most important electronic controls without charging for features many beginners may not use. |
Important information before purchasing
The Brother Innov-is A16 is a domestic computerised sewing machine. It does not embroider.
It includes 16 built-in stitches and three automatic one-step buttonhole styles.
Maximum stitch width is 7mm.
Stitch selection is performed using the large mechanical dial, while width and length are adjusted electronically.
The machine has a built-in manual side thread cutter. It does not have automatic electronic upper and bobbin thread cutting.
Upper-thread tension is adjusted manually rather than automatically.
The wide extension table, walking foot, 1/4-inch foot and free-motion quilting foot are available separately.
A soft dust cover is included. The A16 does not include the hard case supplied with the A80 and A150.
Brother Innov-is A16 specifications
| Machine type | Computerised domestic sewing machine |
|---|---|
| Built-in sewing stitches | 16, including buttonhole styles |
| Buttonhole styles | Three automatic one-step styles |
| Built-in lettering | No |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to 850 stitches per minute |
| Maximum stitch width | 7mm |
| Maximum stitch length | Approximately 5mm |
| Stitch selection | Large mechanical selection dial |
| Stitch-width control | Electronic |
| Stitch-length control | Electronic |
| LCD display | Backlit monochrome pattern display |
| Needle threader | Advanced needle-threading system |
| Thread cutter | Built-in manual side cutter |
| Automatic electronic thread cutting | No |
| Thread tension | Manually adjustable |
| Bobbin type | Horizontal top-loading bobbin |
| Quick-Set Bobbin | Yes |
| F.A.S.T. bobbin winding | Yes |
| Start and stop button | Yes |
| Speed-control slider | Yes |
| Needle up/down | Yes |
| Lock and reinforcement stitch | Yes |
| Feed system | Long seven-point feed dogs |
| Drop feed | Yes, manually controlled |
| Free arm | Yes |
| Lighting | LED sewing light |
| Presser feet included | Six |
| Foot controller | Included |
| Machine cover | Soft dust cover included |
| Wide table | Available separately |
| Walking foot | Available separately |
| Approximate machine weight | Approximately 6.6kg |
| Stitch-combination memory | No |
| My Custom Stitch | No |
| Sideways sewing | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Embroidery capability | No |
What comes with the Brother A16?
Included presser feet
- Zigzag Foot J
- Overcasting Foot G
- Zipper Foot I
- Buttonhole Foot A
- Blind Stitch Foot R
- Button Fitting Foot M
Needles, bobbins and thread accessories
- Brother bobbins × 4
- Needle set
- Twin needle
- Extra spool pin
- Large spool cap
- Medium spool cap
- Small spool cap
- Spool net
Tools and machine accessories
- Foot controller
- Seam ripper
- Cleaning brush
- Disc-shaped screwdriver
- Large screwdriver
- Accessory bag
- Soft dust cover
- Operation manual
- Quick-reference guide
Recommended optional accessories
Quilting and patchwork accessories
- Brother wide extension table
- Walking foot
- Open-toe walking foot
- 1/4-inch piecing foot
- 1/4-inch foot with guide
- Free-motion quilting foot
- Open-toe free-motion foot
- Quilting guide
- Free-Motion Guide Grip
Garment and specialist sewing feet
- Concealed zipper foot
- Adjustable zipper and piping foot
- Non-stick foot
- Roller foot
- Open-toe foot
- Gathering foot
- Bias-binding foot
- Side cutter
- Cording feet
- Narrow hemmer feet
Needles, bobbins and sewing supplies
- Brother 11.5mm bobbins
- Jeans needles
- Stretch needles
- Ballpoint needles
- Microtex needles
- Quality sewing thread
- Quilting thread
- Denim top-stitching thread
Brother Innov-is A16 FAQ
How many stitches does the Brother A16 have?
It includes 16 built-in stitches, including three automatic one-step buttonhole styles.
How wide can the stitches be?
Maximum stitch width is 7mm.
Is the A16 computerised?
Yes. Stitch formation, width, length, speed control, needle position and lock stitching are electronically controlled.
How are stitches selected?
Stitches are selected using the large mechanical dial on the front of the machine.
Does the A16 have an automatic needle threader?
Yes. It includes Brother’s advanced needle-threading system.
Does it cut the thread automatically?
No. It has a built-in manual side cutter rather than an electronic automatic thread-cutting button.
Can it sew without the foot controller?
Yes. Disconnect the foot controller and use the start and stop button.
Can the maximum sewing speed be reduced?
Yes. The electronic speed slider allows the maximum speed to be limited.
Does it have needle up and down control?
Yes. The needle can be set to stop raised or lowered.
What does the lock-stitch button do?
It sews reinforcement stitches at the beginning or end of a suitable seam.
Can it sew denim?
Yes. It can sew ordinary garment denim with the correct jeans needle, thread and machine settings.
Can it sew canvas?
Yes. It can sew many normal home canvas projects when correctly set up.
Can it sew leather?
It may sew selected thin and soft garment leather. Thick leather goods require an appropriate industrial machine.
Can it sew stretch fabrics?
Yes. It includes stretch stitches for jersey, rib knit and other elastic fabrics.
Can the feed dogs be lowered?
Yes. The feed dogs can be lowered manually for darning and free-motion techniques.
Can the A16 free-motion quilt?
Yes. Lower the feed dogs and fit a compatible optional free-motion quilting foot.
Does it include a walking foot?
No. A compatible Brother walking foot is available separately.
Does it include a wide extension table?
No. A compatible wide table is available separately.
Does it include a hard case?
No. The A16 includes a soft dust cover. The A80 and A150 include hard cases.
How many presser feet are included?
Six feet are included for general sewing, overcasting, zips, buttonholes, blind hems and attaching buttons.
Does it have automatic thread tension?
No. Upper-thread tension is adjusted manually.
Is the A16 suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its limited stitch library, speed control, LCD guidance and advanced needle threader make it an excellent first computerised machine.
Is it suitable for fashion students?
Yes. It provides the core stitches, buttonholes and controls required for garment construction and training.
What is the difference between the A16 and A80?
The A80 increases the stitch library from 16 to 80, adds more buttonhole styles and includes a hard case.
What is the difference between the A16 and A150?
The A150 adds 150 stitches, built-in lettering, stitch-combination memory and automatic upper and bobbin thread cutting.
Is the A16 an embroidery machine?
No. It is a computerised sewing machine and does not use embroidery hoops.
Is it suitable for a small sewing business?
It can suit alterations, samples and light home-based workloads. Continuous commercial production may require an industrial machine.
Product information, brochure and support
Brother New Zealand
View the current New Zealand product information, specifications and warranty details.
Official A-Series Brochure
Compare the Brother A16, A80 and A150 using the official regional brochure.
Brother Support
Access manuals, video instructions, maintenance information and troubleshooting assistance.
Buy from New Zealand Brother sewing specialists
Expert advice, genuine warranty assistance and in-house servicing
Direct Sewing has supplied sewing, quilting, embroidery, overlocking and industrial equipment throughout New Zealand since 2001.
Our experienced team can explain stitch selection, denim sewing, stretch stitches, quilting accessories and the practical differences between the Brother A16, A80 and A150.
Your Brother Innov-is A16 is supported by genuine New Zealand warranty assistance and our own in-house technical workshop. Servicing and repairs are completed by experienced sewing-machine technicians with decades of industry knowledge.
For beginners and developing sewists wanting sturdy Innov-is build quality, simple controls and the essential stitches needed for successful garment sewing, the Brother A16 is an excellent long-term first machine.