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Brother is a top-ranking provider of many home and office products, including a complete line of high-quality sewing machines. From top sellers and best sellers to award-winning sewing machines, Brother is sure to have the right sewing machine for any job you may have in mind. With so many on the market today, it can be quite daunting to choose a sewing machine that not only meets your needs and goals but also your budget. Hopefully, this buyer’s guide can help you make the decision a little easier.
Although one might think that all sewing machines are created equal, nothing could be further than the truth. While their features may seem similar, they are all unique. Our comparison chart can show you some of the specifications for each best brother sewing machine model listed.
Title | Type | Built-in stitches | Display | Table | Check |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brother XM2701 | Mechanical | 27 | no | no | Price |
Brother PQ1500SL | Electromechanical | 1 | no | yes | Price |
Computerized | 70 | LCD | no | Price | |
Computerized | 60 | LCD | yes | Price | |
Computerized | 130 | LCD | yes | Price | |
Computerized | 100 | LCD | yes | Price | |
Computerized | 67 | LCD | no | Price | |
Computerized | 136 | LCD | no | Price | |
Electronic | 50 | LCD | no | Price | |
Mechanical | 37 | no | yes | Price |
Brother XM2701 – Best Seller Ranking of No. 1 in Sewing Machines
The Brother XM2701 is a user-friendly sewing machine that is as ideal for beginners as it is for experienced sewers looking for more versatility and sewing options. It offers 27 built-in stitches, which include many decorative stitches and 63 different stitch functions. Switching between the stitches is done quickly and easily by just touching a button.
This machine comes with a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin and six quick-changing sewing feet, including zipper, buttonhole, zigzag, blind stitch, narrow hemmer and button sewing feet. It also includes an instructional DVD to make setup even easier. The machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty and free telephone support for the life of the machine.
Do you enjoy taking your sewing machine with you so you can sew when away from home? Not a problem! The Brother XM2701 is built with a lightweight yet sturdy frame that is portable enough that it can be transported easily from place to place.
Users also get a bilingual manual. Other special features of this machine include:
- Free-arm sewing ideal for cuffs, sleeves and pant legs
- Maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute
- Brightly lit LED workspace
- Built-in automatic needle threader
- Auto bobbin winding system
- Automatic one-step button holder for almost perfect buttonholes
- High-quality stitches
- Affordable price
- Works well with lightweight and stretchy fabrics
- Easy to operate
- Portable and lightweight
- Automatic needle threader makes setup easy
- Offers numerous stitching options
- The lighting system has room for improvement
- Presser foot lever located under the arm
Brother PQ1500SL – Sewing & Quilting Machine That’s Super Fast
The Brother PQ1500SL is both a quilting and a sewing machine that can help you create professional-looking masterpieces. Its 1,500 stitch-per-minute capability offers high-speed sewing and quilting every time. The automatic push-button thread trimmer not only saves time but also gives a professional cut without having to waste time stopping and losing focus or momentum.
The built-in needle threader ensures quick and easy threading of the needle. This machine provides a retractable drop feed dog control and the choice of four feed dog settings so you’re sure to have maximum fabric control. The pin-feed mechanism allows you to switch feed dogs while still holding all layers of the quilt together. The built-in knee lifter and the super-large extension table make quilting easier than you’d ever imagine.
The Brother PQ1500SL offers almost every feature you could possibly want to complete your sewing and quilting projects. This Brother machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty and free phone support for the life of the machine. You’ll only have to use it a couple of times to see why so many call it a dream machine!
- Very affordable price
- It is very quiet and offers noise-free operation
- Performance is three times faster than in an average sewing machine
- Can sew 1,500 stitches in ten minutes
- Accessories are included with the sewing machine
- All the machine’s functions are fully automatic
- This machine is easy to use and requires little maintenance
- Offers many time-saving feature
- Slightly overpriced when compared to similar machines
- Thread cutter is difficult to adjust
- Takes time to get used to many of the features
- No indicator that bobbin is running out of thread
- Lack of a walking foot with a hole makes it difficult to use quilting guide
Brother SE400 – Best Seller Ranking of No. 7 in Embroidery Machines
The Brother SE400 is a combination of a computerized sewing machine and an embroidery one. This machine has special features to give your creations a professional look while allowing you to add your own personal touch. It includes 67 built-in stitches, such as utility, heirloom, decorative and quilting stitches, as well as 5 lettering fonts, 120 frame pattern combinations and 70 built-in designs. <a name “SE400”>
The back-lit LCD touchscreen display makes sewing and embroidering easy-to-view. You can also use this special feature to edit your designs, whether you’re making mirror images, rotating them, decreasing or increasing the size. No more wondering whether they turn out great and having to rip them out and start over.
The Brother SE400 features include a quick-set drop-in top bobbin, an easy bobbin winding system, an automatic needle threader and built-in tutorials, which are viewable on the LCD display. The built-in embroidery card slot and USB port allow you to download additional designs or update the machine so you can keep up with all the latest sewing and embroidery technology.
The accessories that you’ll get include a soft cover, an embroidery arm, a 4 x 4 inches embroidery hoop, a bilingual user’s manual, an embroidery bobbin thread, a USB cable and various accessory feet, including a buttonhole foot, a blind stitch foot, a button fitting foot, an embroidery foot, a monogramming foot, an overcasting foot and a zipper foot. As a special bonus, you’ll get a handy little pouch with a needle set, a seam ripper, 3 bobbins, 3 spool caps, a touch pen, a cleaning brush and scissors.
- Spacious workspace
- Backlit LCD touchscreen display
- USB port offers connectivity to download and edit designs
- Includes an embroidery card slot
- Bobbin preparation is easy
- Speed control slider
- Presser’s pressure cannot be adjusted
- Embroidery machine needs 120 Volts
- LCD touch screen is black and white
Brother CS6000i – Top 5-Star Winner & 2018 Women’s Choice Award
This user-friendly sewing/quilting sewing machine offers many automatic features, such as an auto needle threader, a built-in free arm, an easy bobbin winding system and various decorative stitches, aimed at making sewing or quilting fun and easy. Once you select your stitch by simply touching a button, you can view the stitch on the LCD display screen so you’re assured of getting it right the first time. A numbered diagram on the front of the machine makes it even easier.
The Brother CS6000i can sew up to 850 stitches per minute and you have the ability to adjust the sewing speed. When you want to thread the needle, you only have to touch a lever on the side of the machine and voilἁ, it’s done. The built-in free arm makes sewing cylindrical items a breeze. The included blind stitch foot lets you make neat buttonholes, sew in a zipper, add decorative stitches or create invisible seams.
This machine is very easy to use by beginners, yet offers many advanced features they can grow into. You won’t outgrow this machine and be forced to upgrade in a year or two. The oversized table makes it so much easier to work on large projects like quilts, blankets or home décor items.
- LCD selector makes the machine easier to use
- Automatic needle threading system makes setup a breeze
- Adjustable sewing speed
- Working area very brightly lit
- Sufficient workspace
- Built-in free arm
- Includes nine extra feet
- Good value for the money
- Insufficient storage space for accessories
- LCD light could be brighter
- Backlight insufficient
- Issues with tension
- Manual difficult to understand
- Machine and bobbin tend to jam up
Brother HC1850 – Amazon’s Choice All-Purpose Machine
The Brother HC1850 is a combination of a sewing, quilting and monogramming machine that has more unique features than you’d ever imagine and for an affordable price. Its exceptional feed system allows you to sew through almost any material. It comes with 130 unique stitches that can be easily viewed and selected with a handy, built-in stitch reference flip-chart.
A push-button stitch selector, an advanced automatic needle threading system, an easy bobbin threading system and a detachable foot controller allow you to set up and begin working very quickly. The Brother HC1850 simplifies sewing and makes it fun. Whether your goal is sewing clothing, making home décor items, mending or making seasonal crafts, you’re never at a loss for design options with these various stitching options:
- 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches for monogramming
- 42 garment construction stitches
- 14 quilting functions
- 94 decorative stitch functions
- 12 heirloom stitch functions
- 8 auto-buttonhole styles
It also comes with a detachable, extra-wide quilting table, a spring-action quilting foot and the option of performing free-motion quilting. The built-in monogramming sewing font allows you to personalize your quilts, home items or clothing. This machine is portable and lightweight, so dedicated sewers can take it with them and sew even when away from home.
The Brother HC1850 comes with an instructional DVD, free phone support and a 25-year limited warranty.
- Many built-in stitches
- Large LCD screen
- Machine very versatile
- Backlit controls
- Multiple accessories
- Makes good buttonholes
- Has no knee lifter
- Accessories can’t be stored inside the machine
- Not ideal for quilting
- Stitching quality lackluster
Brother XR9500PRW – 2018 Women’s Choice & Limited Edition Sewing Machine
The Brother XR9500PRW is a limited edition sewing machine that includes 100 built-in stitches, including heirloom and decorative ones. With a built-in sewing font for personalized monogramming and extra-wide (7mm) decorative stitches, your options are almost limitless. It also includes an oversized wide quilting table to handle quilts and large projects. The table comes with a hard cover for storage and protection.
The accessories, which are conveniently stored in a separate compartment on the arm of the sewing machine, include a power cord with a pedal, 3 spool caps, 4 bobbins, an extra spool pin, a needle set, an accessory pouch, a cleaning brush, an eyelet punch, a seam ripper, an instructional DVD and an owner’s manual. This machine should not be used where 120V AC is not supported even if an adapter is used.
The 1-step auto-size buttonholes, which are offered in 8 styles and the 140 stitch functions make it very easy to personalize your creations, whether it’s apparel, crafting or home décor items. The brightly lit LED workspace ensures you won’t have to stop sewing the minute the sun goes down. Other features of the Brother XR9500PRW include a needle position button, an auto needle threading system, an easy-to-use bobbin winding system, a jam-free drop-in top bobbin and a free arm for sewing round items.
- Economical and easy to use
- 110 different built-in stitches
- Work area brightly lit
- Large LCD screen display
- Wide work table
- Very good feed system
- Computerized stitching system makes it easy to switch to different stitches
- Oversized workspace makes quilting easy
- Advanced needle threading process
- Not ideal for heavy-duty sewing projects
- Thread cutter doesn’t actually cut the thread on its own
- Does not come with carrying case or roller bag
Brother LB6800PRW – Limited Edition Embroidery Machine Recommended by 9 out of 10 Customers
The Brother LB6800PRW, one of several Brother Project Runway Limited Edition machines, is a sewing and embroidery machine that offers various sewing functions and 4 x 4 inches embroidery creation and design area. Sewers and seamstresses looking for versatility in their sewing don’t need to look much further than this machine. Some consumers who have purchased this machine state that they do more embroidering with the LB6800PRW than sewing because of its excellent performance.
It offers 67 sewing stitches, 70 built-in embroidery designs, 5 lettering fonts and 120 frame combinations so you will never be at a loss of design options. In case you do want more, the Brother LB6800PRW offers computer connectivity so you can import additional designs from iBroidery, from a Brother memory card or from your computer. The back-lit LCD touch screen display allows you to view your designs before they’re actually sewn so you can make corrections before rather than after! This is a very useful feature.
With a stitch-per-minute speed of 710, you can sew fast and the one-step easy top thread and bobbin threading provide you with perfect tensioned, consistent stitches. The Brother LB6800PRW comes with 7 specialty sewing feet, an embroidery hoop, a USB cable, a designer rolling bag, a soft cover, an instructional DVD and everything you need to get started creating masterpieces.
- Sufficient workspace
- Easy to operate
- Sews very quickly
- Lighter weight machine
- Various accessories
- Comes with a rolling case
- Comes with various designs
- Slightly expensive when compared to similar machines
- Cannot be used without a computer
- Hoop size
- Slightly confusing for beginners to use
Brother PE770 – 2018 Women’s Choice Embroidery Machine
The Brother PE770 is an embroidery machine that has the potential to take your embroidery and creative skills to the next level. In addition to offering a 5 x 7 inches (large than normal) field to handle larger projects, it also gives you access to 136 built-in embroidery designs, 6 lettering fonts, 10 frame styles and 12 border styles. The My Custom Stitch feature offers you almost unlimited stitches. With all those choices, plus design editing features, there is very little you can’t do with this machine.
The built-in embroidery card slot gives you the opportunity to get additional designs from Brother embroidery cards or your own PC. Additionally, the built-in USB port lets you download images and designs from sites like iBroidery. If that’s not enough, the Brother PE770 also has a built-in memory that will store your favorite designs for future use. It embroiders at a speed of 650 stitches per minute.
The brightly-lit LCD display lets you view your stitches and designs as well as edit them prior to stitching. You can make changes, view the changes, make comparisons and make sure it’s exactly what you want before completing the embroidery. This feature eliminates the need to rip out mistakes.
- Various embroidery designs
- Large hoop included
- Made with high-quality parts
- LCD can be used to increase or decrease design sizes
- Very user-friendly
- Some users found embroidering difficult
- Issues with bobbin winding
- Stitches tend to unthread
- May jam with heavy use
Brother CS5055PRW – 2018 Women’s Choice Award Sewing Machine
Also part of the Project Runway Limited Edition Series, the Brother CS5055PRW is an electric sewing machine that makes sewing easy and so much fun. You get 6 specialty feet, a free arm for sewing round things and a machine that can sew 850 stitches per minute. This lightweight and affordable machine is ideal if you enjoy taking your sewing on the road. It also includes five buttonhole designs, each of which can be made with one simple step.
It offers 50 different stitches and 87 stitch functions and stitching is so easy with this machine. If you’re not sure of the stitch design, stitch length or stitch width, it’s not a problem. You just look at the stitch chart that’s printed on the front of the machine. Once you find the stitch you want, you push a button and it shows up on the LCD display screen. It’ll even tell you what type of pressure foot to use for the best results.
It’s very easy to get both the top and the bottom thread with perfect tension to give you consistent stitches on both sides. The Brother CS5055PRW can sew through a variety of fabrics. You’ll be amazed at what can be done with this basic sewing machines. From decorative, heirloom and quilting stitches to the ability to overcast your edges, there is very little you’ll want from this machine that it won’t provide easily and conveniently.
- Affordable price
- Setup is easy
- Easy-to-understand manual
- Sews well with thick fabrics
- Offers various stitching options
- Quiet operation
- Stitch length 5mm
- Not too heavy
- Includes vertical spool pin
- Performs serger-type edges
- Accessory pouch with useful items
- Insufficient storage space for accessories
- Frame made of mostly plastic parts
- Incompatible in countries that do not support 120 Volt
- No hard cover case
- Does not quilt well
- No speed control
Brother XR3774 – Amazon’s Choice & 2018 Women’s Choice Award
The Brother XR3774 is a popular sewing machine for beginning sewers as well as for experienced ones and fashion designers looking for versatility. Not sure whether the popularity of this award-winning machine comes from its affordable price, numerous unique features or its flexibility in both sewing small and large projects.
Blind hem, quilting and decorative stitches are just a few of the 37 built-in stitches offered with the Brother XR3774. It also includes eight sewing feet, such as buttonhole, button sewing, narrow hemmer, zigzag, blind stitch, zipper, walking and quilting. The on-top drop-in bobbin system, the auto bobbin winding system and the built-in needle threader make it easy to get the machine set up and get sewing even for inexperienced sewers.
Typical of Brother brand sewing machines, the XR3774 comes with free phone support for the life of this machine as well as a 25-year limited warranty. Despite being one of the least expensive of the Brother sewing machines, the XR3774 has all the important features plus many others.
Additional features of the Brother XR3774 include:
- Built-in free arm for easy sewing of pant legs, cuffs and sleeves
- Wide table for extra-large projects like quilts
- Lightweight and portable for easy moving around
- One-step buttonhole for simple and perfect buttonholes every time
- Instructional DVD
- Spanish and English user’s manual
- Brightly lit work area
- Good price
- Very user-friendly
- Drop-in bobbin is jam-resistant
- Comes with a quilting table
- Comes with many pressure feet
- Can even sew through leather
- Unable to adjust foot pressure
- Cannot do king-size quilting projects
- Self-threader difficult to use at first
- Does not have an automatic thread tension
- Does not have a computer interface
How to Use the Brother Sewing Machine: Video Instruction for Beginners
Things to Consider When Buying a Sewing Machine
There are a few different things to consider when buying a sewing machine. How experienced are you as a seamstress? Do you want a sewing machine that will grow with you? What technologies are a must for you? People sew for many reasons. Some do it out of necessity; some do it to fulfill their creative side; others do it purely for fun.
When sewing machines first came out years ago, sewers were offered a few straight stitches and a zigzag stitch. A lot has changed today! When you start shopping for a new sewing machine, it may be advantageous to make a list of what you’re looking for in a sewing machine and what fits into your budget. Brother has so many sewing machines from which to choose. You typically would want a sewing machine that will grow with you.
While you may have just basic knowledge of sewing, this will most likely change the more you sew. Find a machine that can do the many things you may have only dreamed about. However, try to avoid getting one that is so complex that it frightens you! Getting a sewing machine that is easy to understand while still offering advanced technology is the best way to have a machine that makes sewing enjoyable and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What type of maintenance will my new sewing machine need?
Answer: Brother sewing machines need very little in the way of maintenance. If you use your sewing machine a lot, it should get a drop of oil occasionally. You may also want to take the bobbin holder apart and remove any dust or fuzz that may have accumulated. The owner’s manual will give you specific instructions regarding maintenance.
Question: What do I do if my new Brother sewing machine breaks down and needs to be repaired?
Answer: Brother sewing machines come with a 25-year warranty. It’s important that you register your new sewing machine as soon as you get it. It can typically be registered through the mail or online on the Brother website. You will be required to either send the machine in for repairs or take it to an authorized Brother dealer.
Question: If Brother sewing machines are so easy to use, why do so many of them come with instructional DVDs?
Answer: Although the instructional DVDs are aimed at teaching new sewers how to operate their new sewing machine, they’re also designed to help new owners learn to use new functions that they may not be familiar with. Most of the new sewing machines offer the latest sewing machine technology and Brother wants to be assured that you have the help and assistance in learning how to get the most out of all the features your new machine offers.
Have Fun Shopping!
With this buyer’s guide by your side, you should have a good idea of not just what you want but also what is available in a wide specter of the best brother sewing machines. Once you decide whether you want to shop online or at your local retailer, be ready for a real adventure. You may soon be on your way towards making some attractive and fun creations!
All featured images belong to Brother Industries Ltd
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