In preparation for writing this guide, I spoke to several sewing professionals to get their advice and personal requirements for a good machine. This quiet, versatile machine does it all, and it comes with almost all the accessories you’re ever likely to need. It’s about twice the price of our top pick, but it’s still a relative bargain for a dedicated sewist. brother embroidery sewing machine The Brother SQ9285 sewing machine contains the most built-in stitches for experienced sewers and quilters looking for an arsenal of decorative stitches. Without further ado, here’s my list of the best Brother sewing machines. You place the button in the back of the buttonhole presser foot, and in one step, the machine makes an auto-sized buttonhole.
Only tension holds the presser foot on this machine, so it can vibrate off in some cases and will also wear down over time. On the whole, I found this machine to be fine for occasional, simple sewing tasks (it’s the machine I learned to sew on), but it doesn’t stack up to the newer, affordably priced, and more feature-rich computerized machines we now recommend. The CS7000X costs less than many of the other sewing machines we tested but comes with more features and delivers better all-around performance. It offers more preprogrammed stitches (70) than you can find in the Janome C30 (30) and any of the mechanical machines we tried, and it includes more presser feet (10) than the Brother HC1850 (eight) and the Bernette 37 (five). It’s equipped with eight different automatic buttonholes, and the included manual is a great resource for making the most of these options, letting you know when you might choose to use a keyhole buttonhole versus, say, a stretch buttonhole.
Bobbin winding and installation are easy, and threading is simple, although you’re not getting an automatic needle threader. With the bare bones of necessary features, the Brother LX3817 boasts a simplicity that appeals to beginner users. The Brother HC1850 is the “Cadillac” of the Brother quilting and sewing machines available online and not from an authorized dealer. Particularly friendly to quilters, the Brother CS7000X sewing machine comes with a walking foot, spring action quilting foot, 1/4″ piecing foot, and a quilt guide to help quilters create great creations. While having several presser feet included with your sewing machine is nice, it’s not necessarily a factor to exclude a sewing machine from your favorites list. However, many computerized Brother sewing machines include an optional foot pedal.
Particularly elastic materials, such as jersey and knitwear, are easy to handle with an overlock so that no unwanted waves are created. It is generally recommended that you purchase an overlock machine in addition to a sewing machine, particularly if you like to sew clothing that looks professional both inside and out. The sewing machine is operated using a display, which is generally a touch screen with a modern swiping function on the more expensive models. brother embroidery sewing machine Operation is very intuitive and the logistics and menu operation of the integrated software is similar to that of a computer or a smartphone. Additional settings can be adjusted under the setup option – these settings may be more or less extensive depending on the model. The Brother HC1850 performed well in testing and came with a suite of accessories including an extension table, but it paled in comparison with our top pick, the Brother CS7000X.
Brother keeps the CS7000X’s price down by using a metal interior frame but wrapping it in plastic casing—a cheap-looking exterior that belies the machine’s power and utility. Anecdotally, my machine arrived with one of the accessory storage compartment’s tabs nearly snapped off; it hung on only until the first time I removed the storage compartment to use the machine’s free-arm feature. The compartment still stays attached thanks to the surviving tabs, but for a high-stress component of the machine, we expected a sturdier connective piece. Plus, by visiting your local dealer, you support local businesses and have the opportunity to try a machine out before you buy it.
Use our self-guided selector to find the perfect machine for all your home needs. A diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme. For all fabric purchases please place your order through Sewing & Vacuum Warehouse Fabrics. We stock 194 colors of Gütermann cotton thread that we provide for free. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.