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brother sewing machine
Founded over 100 years ago in Japan, Brother is one of the world’s most respected sewing machine manufacturers. They sell everything from basic and affordable models suitable for beginners to very advanced industrial machines.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to make an informed buying decision, whether it’s your first foray into the hobby or you’re an experienced seamstress.
If you just came here to find out which is the best model, take a look at the Brother XR9550. It can produce almost any type of stitch you could ask for, but it’s surprisingly affordable for the number of features it has.
Brother Sewing Machine Buyer’s Guide
Mechanical or computerized
When choosing a sewing machine, you first need to know whether you want a mechanical or computerized model. Mechanical machines are the most affordable, but they are also the most basic in terms of functionality. They can be easier to use than computerized models because they have fewer buttons and options. However, they also require the user to manually make all tension, width, and length adjustments themselves, which presents a bit of a learning curve.
Computerized models are more expensive but capable of a wider range of stitches. Some can produce over a hundred stitch types with the press of a button. Computerized patterns allow you to set a needle stop point, which is very useful when sewing around corners and for quilting and patch workers. Additionally, many double as embroidery machines. Unfortunately, the sheer number of stitches and functions to choose from on computerized patterns can be daunting for beginners.
Cut
Unless you have a dedicated sewing space in your home, you’ll probably end up storing your machine in a closet or other out-of-the-way space. Therefore, you’ll be picking it up and moving it around every time you want to use it, so its size and weight have to be considered.
Brother Sewing Machine Features
Variety of stitches
While many customers look for a wide variety of stitches when purchasing a sewing machine, most people only use the basic five stitches. For the average person who just wants to fix their clothes, stitch count really shouldn’t be a deciding factor. However, for those who enjoy sewing as a hobby, choosing a model capable of a range of different stitches allows them to be more decorative with their work.
presser foot
The presser foot is responsible for keeping the fabric flat as it passes through the machine. Some models may come with just one all-purpose presser foot, while others offer several, each suited to a particular type of task. For example, there are ribbed feet, rolled hem feet, zipper feet, buttonhole feet and more. You can always buy each one separately, but if you think you need them, there’s no reason not to buy a machine that comes with them if possible.
Needle adjustment
Having a machine that allows you to adjust both the positioning and the needle stop point is very useful. Adjusting the needle position allows you to place the stitch exactly where you want it. Some people find it easier to sew a straight line when their needle is in the center of the presser foot, while others prefer it to be on the left or right side of the foot. Being able to set the needle to stop in the down position is helpful so you don’t lose your place when turning the fabric.
Automating
Automating specific tasks makes any sewing machine more convenient to use. One of the biggest hassles of starting to work on a new fabric is adjusting the tension correctly. Choosing a model with automatic tension adjustment eliminates this headache. You can also opt for a machine with an automatic needle threader or an automatic buttonhole function to make your life easier.
How much can you expect to spend on a Brother sewing machine
Those looking for a basic budget model can find a Brother sewing machine for between $100 and $150. As capabilities and feature count increase, so does the price, with their high-end consumer models costing between $300 and $700.
Brother Sewing Machine FAQs
How often should I clean my sewing machine?
A. Although there is no hard and fast rule on how often you should clean your machine, it is a good idea to clean lint and dust from the needle, bobbin and holes every 10 to 12 hours of use.
Will any machine I buy be able to sew denim?
A. It depends on the type of denim you are going to sew and how often you will sew it. If you’re sewing lightweight summer jeans, most Brother machines should be able to handle it with ease. However, if you often sew heavy denim, it is best to opt for a heavy-duty machine.
What is the best Brother sewing machine?
Best Brother Sewing Machine
What do you want to know: A computerized machine capable of 165 stitches, the XR9550 is a high performance option perfect for advanced sewers who will benefit from its many settings.
What you will love: The machine can handle heavy fabrics and its intuitive LCD display makes it easy to find the right stitch for your needs.
What you should consider: Not the most beginner-friendly option.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon, best buy and Home deposit
Best Brother Sewing Machine for the Money
What do you want to know: A smart choice for working with oversized garments and quilts, the CS6000i features an elongated table and comes with nine presser feet. You can also adjust the sewing speed according to your skill.
What you will love: It offers 60 stitch options, an automatic needle threader and is backed by a 25 year warranty.
What you should consider: A small number of users have reported voltage issues.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Best Brother Sewing Machine for Beginners
What do you want to know: The XM2701 is a perfect starter model due to its reasonable price and relatively simple operation.
What you will love: The compact size and lightweight build make it easy to move around, and it includes an instructional DVD to get you started.
What you should consider: This may not offer enough features for very experienced sewers.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a single mission: to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.
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