Which sewing machine is best for abaya and kandura tailoring?
A single-needle lockstitch machine is the main machine for sewing abayas and kanduras. Pair it with an overlocker to finish the edges, so light fabrics like chiffon do not fray. Add an embroidery machine only if you decorate abayas.
Updated October 2026 by the My Sewing Mall team, Dubai.
Which fabrics do abayas and kanduras use?
The fabric decides the needle and the machine setup. Abaya fabrics are mostly light and slippery. Kandura fabrics are firmer, and the seams must be very straight.
- Chiffon is light and sheer. It slips under the needle and frays easily. Use a fine, sharp needle in size 60/8 or 70/10.
- Nida is soft and matte. It is one of the most popular abaya fabrics in the region. Skipped stitches show clearly on its long seams, so use the same fine, sharp needle as for chiffon.
- Crepe has a light texture that helps it grip. It still needs balanced thread tension, or the seams ripple.
- Cotton, or a blend of cotton and polyester, is common for kanduras. Fine cotton is comfortable in the heat, and the blend creases less.
- Wool blends are thicker. Some tailors use them for winter kanduras, with a medium needle such as 80/12 or 90/14.
Fine needles need fine thread. Our sewing machine needles guide explains needle sizes and types in more detail.
Which machines do you need?
A lockstitch machine for the seams
A lockstitch machine sews a straight stitch. It does the main seams on both abayas and kanduras. An industrial single-needle lockstitch keeps the stitch line straight and even, which a kandura needs. It can also sew long seams on nida and crepe for many hours a day.
An overlocker for the edges
An overlocker (also called a serger) sews the seam, cuts off the extra fabric and covers the raw edge in one pass. This stops chiffon and crepe from fraying inside the garment. A 3-thread overlock is enough for normal edge finishing. If the overlocker can sew a rolled hem, you get a fine, narrow hem on light abaya fabric. Our guide to overlockers and sergers explains the types.
An embroidery machine for decoration
Many abayas have embroidery on the cuffs, front panels or hem. A computerised embroidery machine sews the same design the same way every time. Hand-guided work is much harder to keep even. You only need one if you sell decorated abayas. If you do, see our embroidery machines.
Which setup fits your work?
| Your work | Seams | Edges | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abayas at home | Home sewing machine with a walking foot | Small overlocker | Optional |
| Kandura shop | Industrial lockstitch | Industrial overlocker | Optional |
| Abaya workshop | Industrial lockstitch | Industrial overlocker | Embroidery machine |
At home, a good home sewing machine can handle most abaya and kandura sewing. Look for adjustable thread tension and presser foot pressure. A walking foot helps with slippery fabric. Add a small overlocker later if you want neat inside edges.
In a shop, each machine does one job, so the work stays fast and even. A kandura also needs good pressing for a sharp final look. You can see both machine types in our machines for abaya tailoring and machines for kandura tailoring. Both include Juki and Jack machines.
What settings help with fine abaya fabric?
- Keep the thread tension low and balanced. High tension makes light fabric pucker.
- Use a walking foot (even feed) on chiffon and crepe. It feeds the top and bottom layers together, so they do not shift or stretch.
- Lower the presser foot pressure. Light fabric then feeds evenly and does not bunch up.
- Test the stitch on a scrap of the same fabric before you sew the garment.
- For kandura cotton in a busy shop, use an industrial machine. It keeps a straight line at high speed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sew an abaya on a home sewing machine?
Yes. A good home machine can sew most abaya fabrics. Use a fine, sharp needle, lower the tension a little and test on a scrap first.
Do I need an overlocker for abayas?
For chiffon and crepe, an overlocker helps a lot, because these fabrics fray easily. It closes the raw edge and gives a clean finish inside the abaya.
Which machine do tailors use for kanduras?
For a kandura shop, we suggest an industrial single-needle lockstitch for the seams and an industrial overlocker for the edges. Juki and Jack make both types.
Is delivery free?
It depends on the machine, your order total and your emirate. You see the fee at checkout before you pay. To Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, industrial machines are delivered free. Home machines are free there on orders of AED 1,500 or more, and AED 30 below that. A machine of AED 3,000 or more is delivered free anywhere in the UAE. You can also collect your order free from our location in Sharjah Industrial Area 4.
Can I pay in instalments?
You can pay in 4 with Tabby, with no interest. Tabby is available at checkout.
What if my machine needs a repair?
All our machines come with a one-year warranty. We repair and service industrial machines such as Juki and Jack, and we make on-site visits in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Sorry, we no longer repair home sewing machines or home overlockers. If one you bought from us breaks in the first year, bring it to our location in Sharjah Industrial Area 4 and we fix it there.
How to get help choosing
Our Machine Finder asks a few questions about your work and suggests machines. You can also send us a message on WhatsApp at +971 56 998 9415 and tell us which fabrics you sew.