# How much electricity does a sewing machine use?

Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/how-much-electricity-does-a-sewing-machine-use
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Stitch and Hem

**In short:** Most domestic sewing machines draw well under the power of a kettle or iron: the motor is typically rated somewhere around 50 to 120 watts, and only draws close to that while actually sewing. A 100 watt machine running flat out for an hour uses 0.1 kWh, and in real sewing, with pauses, it uses less. Multiply the kWh by the unit rate on your electricity bill to estimate cost.

Sewing machines are among the least power hungry appliances in the home. The motor only runs while you press the pedal, and the light is usually a low wattage LED. Still, it is useful to know how much power yours uses, what the rating plate means and how to plug in safely, especially if you sew for hours or have bought a machine from abroad. This guide explains it in plain terms without guessing at prices.

## Where to find your machine's power rating

The power rating is printed on a label or rating plate, usually underneath the machine, on the back or near the power socket. It gives the voltage (230 V in the UK), the frequency (50 Hz) and either the power in watts (W) or the current in amps (A). The manual lists it too.

The figure is the maximum the machine is designed to draw, not what it uses all the time. A sewing machine draws most power when sewing thick fabric at full speed and very little when idle.

## Working out kWh

Electricity is billed in kilowatt hours (kWh). One kWh is 1,000 watts used for one hour. To estimate use, divide the wattage by 1,000 and multiply by the hours of sewing. For example, a 100 W machine running continuously for one hour uses 0.1 kWh. A 60 W machine uses 0.06 kWh in the same time.

Real sewing includes plenty of pauses for pinning, pressing and cutting, when the motor is not running, so actual use is usually lower. The iron you use alongside the machine draws far more power than the machine itself.

| Machine rating | 1 hour | 10 hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50 W | 0.05 kWh | 0.5 kWh |
| 80 W | 0.08 kWh | 0.8 kWh |
| 100 W | 0.1 kWh | 1 kWh |
| 120 W | 0.12 kWh | 1.2 kWh |

Example energy use at full rated power (illustration)

## Lights and standby

Modern machines use LED sewing lights that draw only a few watts. Older machines often have small incandescent bulbs, typically around 15 W, which also get hot to the touch. If you replace a bulb, use the type the manual specifies.

Computerised machines draw a small amount of power when switched on but not sewing, to run the screen and electronics. Switch off at the machine and the wall when you finish, which is also the safe habit for any machine with a pedal on the floor.

## UK plugs, fuses and imported machines

Machines sold for the UK come with a UK three pin plug fitted with a fuse. If you replace a plug or fuse, use the fuse rating the maker specifies. Never fit a higher rated fuse than recommended.

Machines bought from abroad may have a European or other plug and may be designed for a different voltage. Check the rating plate says 230 V or a range that includes it. Use a properly rated, BS 1363 compliant adaptor or have a qualified person fit a UK plug, rather than relying on a loose travel adaptor. Electrical Safety First publishes guidance on plugs and adaptors.

Note: Do not use a machine with a damaged plug, cable or pedal. If the plug or lead gets hot, smells of burning or sparks, switch off at the wall, unplug and have it checked by a qualified person.

## Saving energy while sewing

The machine itself is not where energy goes. Turning the iron off between pressing sessions, sewing in daylight and switching computerised machines fully off at the end of the day make more difference. Keeping the machine clean and oiled as the manual describes also helps it run freely without straining the motor; see [how to clean and oil a sewing machine](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-and-oil-a-sewing-machine).

If the pedal or motor misbehaves, read [sewing machine pedal not working](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/sewing-machine-pedal-not-working). If you are choosing a machine, our [best sewing machines for beginners](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners) guide covers easy, efficient machines with LED lighting.

[See sewing machines for beginners](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners)

## Frequently asked questions

**How many watts is a sewing machine?** Many domestic machines are rated somewhere around 50 to 120 watts. Check the rating plate on your machine for the exact figure.

**Does a sewing machine use a lot of electricity?** No. It uses far less than an iron, kettle or heater, and only draws close to its rating while sewing.

**Can I use a European sewing machine in the UK?** If its rating plate includes 230 V, yes, with a compliant adaptor or a properly fitted UK plug. Check before plugging in.

**Should I leave my sewing machine plugged in?** Switch off and unplug when you finish. It saves standby power and avoids accidental starts from the pedal.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners
- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-computerised-sewing-machines

## Sources

- [Electrical Safety First](https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/)