80 built-in stitches
Sew utility, stretch, quilting, satin, decorative and heirloom patterns.
Sturdy computerised sewing and quilting machine
Brother Innov-is A80
Move beyond basic sewing with 80 built-in stitches, eight automatic one-step buttonholes, electronic speed control, needle up and down, lock stitch and advanced needle threading. The Brother Innov-is A80 combines dependable fabric handling with simple controls for garments, repairs, denim, stretch sewing, patchwork and home projects.
80
built-in sewing stitches
8
one-step buttonholes
850 SPM
maximum sewing speed
7mm
maximum stitch width
A dependable machine for ambitious beginners and intermediate sewists
The Brother Innov-is A80 provides substantially more stitch choice than a basic electronic machine while remaining easy to understand and operate.
Its 80-stitch library covers everyday construction, stretch sewing, quilting, appliqué, decorative stitching and eight styles of automatic buttonhole.
Electronic speed control, start and stop operation, needle position control and lock stitching give you more control over detailed projects.
The sturdy Innov-is construction and long seven-point feed system support reliable sewing across garments, quilting cotton, stretch fabrics, denim and layered home projects.
A sewing and quilting machine, not an embroidery machine
The Brother A80 does not use embroidery hoops and cannot import embroidery designs.
It is designed for garment construction, repairs, patchwork, quilting, appliqué, home décor and decorative feed-through sewing.
The A80 does not include built-in lettering. Customers wanting sewn names, alphabets and automatic thread cutting should consider the Brother A150.
The right balance of stitch choice, strength and electronic control
Eight buttonholes
Create eight automatically sized one-step buttonhole styles.
Advanced needle threader
Guide the upper thread through the needle eye using Brother’s lever system.
Electronic speed control
Set a comfortable maximum speed for beginners, curves and detailed sewing.
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 quilting, darning and thread drawing.
Hard case included
Protect the machine during storage and transport to classes or retreats.
Strong everyday fabric handling
Designed to sew denim and bulky layers
The A80 combines a powerful domestic motor with a sturdy needle system and long feed dogs.
This gives it the penetration and fabric control required for ordinary garment denim, canvas, layered seams and many home-furnishing projects.
The included Zigzag Foot J has a levelling button to help the machine begin sewing across changing fabric heights.
- Garment-weight denim
- Canvas projects
- Layered seams
- Heavy cotton and drill
- Home-furnishing fabric
- Structured bags
Strong domestic performance, not industrial feed
The A80 is stronger 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 a suitable industrial machine.
80
Built-in sewing stitches
Utility, stretch, quilting, satin, heirloom and decorative options.
Useful variety without an overwhelming menu
Stitches for garments, repairs and creative projects
The A80 includes the practical stitches required for everyday garment construction alongside decorative options for quilts, accessories and homewares.
Stitch width and length can be adjusted electronically to suit fabric weight, thread and the intended finish.
- Straight stitches
- Zigzag stitches
- Stretch stitches
- Overcasting stitches
- Blind hems
- Quilting stitches
- Satin patterns
- Decorative stitches
- Heirloom effects
- Eight buttonholes
Professional garment finishing
Eight automatic one-step buttonholes
Place the button into the supplied Buttonhole Foot A and allow the machine to determine the required buttonhole length.
The complete buttonhole is sewn automatically in one continuous sequence for consistent sizing.
Eight styles provide options for shirts, jackets, stretch garments, heirloom work and decorative projects.
- Eight buttonhole styles
- Automatic button measurement
- One-step sewing sequence
- Consistent finished size
- Buttonhole Foot A included
- Suitable for varied fabrics
Straightforward electronic operation
Backlit LCD and electronic jog dial
Turn the jog dial to choose a stitch from the numbered chart printed on the front of the machine.
The 62 × 23.5mm monochrome LCD displays the selected stitch, stitch width, stitch length and recommended presser foot.
Separate electronic controls allow the stitch settings to be adjusted without navigating complicated menus.
- Electronic jog-dial selection
- 62 × 23.5mm LCD
- Selected stitch display
- Recommended presser-foot display
- Stitch-width adjustment
- Stitch-length adjustment
- Clear front stitch chart
- Easy error guidance
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, patchwork and home projects at speeds up to 850 stitches per minute.
Move the speed slider to limit the maximum speed for beginners, curves, appliqué and decorative sewing.
Operate the machine with 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
- Needle up/down control
- Lock-stitch button
Secure seams cleanly
Lock-stitch and reinforcement control
Press the reinforcement button to secure the beginning or end of a seam.
Depending on the selected pattern, the machine sews reverse stitches or compact locking stitches in place.
This is useful for garments, top stitching, appliqué, quilting and decorative stitches where a neat finish is required.
- Reverse-stitch control
- Compact lock stitches
- Secure seam beginnings
- Secure seam endings
- Useful for quilting
- Useful for visible top stitching
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.
Pressing the needle-position button twice also sews one individual stitch for precise placement.
Faster preparation and less eye strain
Advanced needle-threading system
Follow the clearly marked upper-thread path and lower the threading lever.
The mechanism guides the upper thread through the needle eye, reducing the need to thread the needle manually.
This is particularly valuable during projects involving frequent thread-colour changes.
Quick-Set top-loading bobbin
Drop the bobbin into the horizontal bobbin case, follow the marked thread route and trim the excess thread.
The machine can begin sewing without manually raising the bobbin thread through the needle plate.
The transparent cover allows the remaining bobbin thread supply to be checked at a glance.
- 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 material.
The longer feed system helps move garments, quilting cotton, stretch fabrics and layered projects consistently beneath the presser foot.
This improved fabric control supports reliable stitch length across varied domestic sewing projects.
- Seven-point feed dogs
- Extended feed contact
- Smooth garment sewing
- Consistent patchwork feeding
- Suitable for stretch fabrics
- Useful across layered seams
Built-in operating protection
Safety detection sensor
The Innov-is A-series includes a safety sensor designed to reduce accidental needle operation while the bobbin area is open.
This is especially useful while inserting a bobbin, cleaning beneath the needle plate or preparing the machine.
Normal care is still required whenever changing needles, presser feet or carrying out maintenance.
- Bobbin-area safety detection
- Reduces accidental operation
- Useful during bobbin changes
- Useful during cleaning
- Electronic warning support
- Designed for safer setup
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 ordinary 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 A80 provides the essential controls needed for patchwork, appliqué, decorative quilting and smaller free-motion projects.
Patchwork piecing
Add an optional 1/4-inch foot for consistent quilt seam allowances.
Free-motion quilting
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 speed control, needle-down stopping and satin stitches for detailed shapes.
Lock stitch
Secure stitching cleanly without sewing a long visible reverse section.
Optional wide table
Increase fabric support for patchwork, curtains and larger project panels.
A comprehensive standard package
Seven presser feet and a hard case included
The A80 includes the essential feet required for everyday garment construction, decorative sewing, zips, buttonholes, overcasting, blind hems and attaching buttons.
- Spring-Action Zigzag Foot J
- Monogramming Foot N
- 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
- Stitch-pattern plate
- Pattern-plate holder
- Accessory bag
- Hard protective case
A versatile machine for developing sewing skills
Dressmaking
Garment alterations
Stretch garments
Denim projects
Patchwork
Quilting
Appliqué
Decorative sewing
Bag making
Curtains
Home décor
Classes and retreats
Explore the Brother Innov-is A80
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 adds eight buttonholes while retaining simple jog-dial operation. |
| Brother A150 | Adds 150 stitches, built-in sewing alphabets, stitch-combination memory and automatic thread cutting. |
| Best reason to choose the A80 | It provides substantially more creative stitch choice than the A16 without the higher cost and advanced functions of the A150. |
Important information before purchasing
The Brother Innov-is A80 is a domestic computerised sewing and quilting machine. It does not embroider.
It includes 80 built-in stitches and eight automatic one-step buttonhole styles.
Maximum stitch width is 7mm.
The machine does not have an automatic electronic thread cutter. Threads are trimmed using the built-in manual side cutter or scissors.
The A80 does not include built-in lettering, stitch-combination memory or sideways sewing.
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.
The A80 is suitable for normal home sewing and many heavier domestic projects, but it is not an industrial machine.
Brother Innov-is A80 specifications
| Machine type | Computerised domestic sewing and quilting machine |
|---|---|
| Built-in sewing stitches | 80, including buttonhole styles |
| Buttonhole styles | Eight automatic one-step styles |
| Built-in lettering | No |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to 850 stitches per minute |
| Maximum stitch width | 7mm |
| Stitch-width control | Electronic |
| Stitch-length control | Electronic |
| Stitch selection | Electronic jog dial |
| LCD display | 62 × 23.5mm monochrome LCD |
| Needle threader | Advanced needle-threading system |
| Thread cutter | Built-in manual side cutter |
| 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 |
| Safety detection sensor | Yes |
| Twin-needle selection mode | Yes |
| Lighting | LED sewing light |
| Presser feet included | Seven |
| Foot controller | Included |
| Machine case | Hard protective case included |
| Wide table | Available separately |
| Walking foot | Available separately |
| Approximate machine weight | 6.5kg |
| Automatic thread cutting | No |
| Stitch-combination memory | No |
| My Custom Stitch | No |
| Sideways sewing | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Embroidery capability | No |
What comes with the Brother A80?
Included presser feet
- Spring-Action Zigzag Foot J
- Monogramming Foot N
- 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 creative accessories
- Foot controller
- Seam ripper
- Cleaning brush
- Eyelet punch
- Disc-shaped screwdriver
- Large screwdriver
- Small screwdriver
- Stitch-pattern plate
- Stitch-pattern plate holder
- Accessory bag
Storage and documentation
- Hard protective case
- 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 piecing 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
- Pintuck feet
Needles, bobbins and sewing supplies
- Brother 11.5mm bobbins
- Jeans needles
- Stretch needles
- Ballpoint needles
- Microtex needles
- Quality sewing thread
- Quilting thread
- Decorative thread
Brother Innov-is A80 FAQ
How many stitches does the Brother A80 have?
It includes 80 built-in sewing stitches, including eight automatic one-step buttonhole styles.
How wide can the stitches be?
Maximum stitch width is 7mm.
Does the A80 sew letters or names?
No. The A80 does not have built-in lettering. The Brother A150 includes sewing alphabets.
Does it cut the thread automatically?
No. It has a built-in manual side cutter rather than an electronic automatic cutter.
Does it include an automatic needle threader?
Yes. It includes Brother’s advanced needle-threading system.
Can it sew without the foot controller?
Yes. Use the start and stop button when the foot controller is disconnected.
Can the maximum sewing speed be reduced?
Yes. The electronic speed slider lets you limit the maximum sewing speed.
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 secures suitable stitches using reverse or compact reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of the seam.
Can it sew denim?
Yes. It can sew ordinary garment denim with the correct jeans needle, thread and 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 and continuous leather production require an industrial machine.
Can it sew stretch fabrics?
Yes. It includes stretch stitches for jersey, rib knit and other elastic materials.
Can the A80 free-motion quilt?
Yes. The feed dogs can be lowered and a compatible free-motion quilting foot can be fitted.
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 Brother wide table is available separately.
Does it include a 1/4-inch piecing foot?
No. Compatible Brother 1/4-inch feet are available separately.
Does it include a hard case?
Yes. A hard protective case is included.
How many presser feet are included?
Seven feet are included for general sewing, decorative work, zips, buttonholes, overcasting, blind hems and attaching buttons.
Does it have automatic thread tension?
No. Upper-thread tension is adjusted manually.
Is the A80 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The speed slider, start and stop button, LCD guidance and advanced needle threader make it suitable for an ambitious beginner.
What is the difference between the A16 and A80?
The A80 expands the stitch library from 16 to 80 and increases the automatic buttonhole selection from three to eight styles.
What is the difference between the A80 and A150?
The A150 adds 150 stitches, built-in lettering, stitch-combination memory and automatic upper and bobbin thread cutting.
Is the A80 an embroidery machine?
No. It is a computerised sewing and quilting machine and does not use embroidery hoops.
Is it suitable for a small sewing business?
It can suit alterations, sample making and smaller 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 A16, A80 and A150 feature sets using Brother’s 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 A80 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 sewists wanting sturdy Innov-is build quality, a generous stitch selection, electronic speed control and room to develop their garment and quilting skills, the Brother A80 is an excellent long-term all-rounder.