11 Best Brother Sewing Machines – Review & Buyer’s Guide
It is not surprising to us that you are dead fast to buy a brother sewing machine since Brother is a big name in sewing, quilting, and embroidery. Brother sewing machines are famous for their innovative features and dependable designs. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, brother has plenty of sewing machines to offer.
However, it might not be an easier task to filter out your perfect match from such a big crew. The good news is we have enlisted the eleven best Brother sewing machines for you. Our list is a mix of Brother’s professional-grade, entry-level, and beginner-friendly machines, making it easier for everyone to get the best option.
1. Brother CS6000i Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine – Best Rated Brother Sewing Machine
Specifications:
Weight 13 lb
Speed 850 SPM
Built-in Stitches 6
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
Brother CS6000i, with its impressive price-performance ratio and plenty of computerized functions, is the topper of the list. It is one of the few computerized machines that combine the helpful manual with advanced function, making it equally useful for novices and experts.
The most impressive part of the machine is its adjustable speed. With a maximum speed of 850 SPM, you can adjust it to various levels to complete various talks. Plus, you would get 60 built-in stitches and two stitching modes, including sewing and quilting. The user-friendly ergonomics of the machine help you get through every task with quite an ease.
An LED light illuminates your workspace to maintain accuracy, while an automatic needle-threader and drop-in bobbin save you a lot of time and energy. Plus, it comes with an oversized table that lets you handle the larger design and fabrics for quilting and sewing. From sewing feet to needles, bobbins, and a set of twin needles, it includes everything you need to get started.
Although it is one of the top-selling Brother sewing machines, it has also got some flaws. For example, the reverse function of the machine is not reliable. Also, E6 error is reported by many customers with this machine. E6 error is when the thread tangles on a bobbin or a needle hit the plate, leading to a motor jam. It usually happens when you try to sew thick fabrics without feed dog adjustment.
Pros
Automatic needle-threader
Oversized sewing table
Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
Max speed is 800 RPM-adjustable
Lightweight and portable
60 built-in stitches
Cons
E6 error is reported
Back-breaking reverse function
Brother CS6000i, with an extra-large extension table, can handle large quilting and stitching projects, making it an excellent commercial investment. Plus, its user-friendly ergonomics and lightweight design make the machine perfect for those who are new to this field.
2. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine – Most Durable Sewing Machine
Specifications:
Weight7 lb
Speed 1500 SPM
Built-in Stitches 70
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
With a powerful motor and loads of advanced functions, Brother PQ1500SL lets you hit the big commercial projects beyond your basic sewing needs. It is one of the very few sewing machines under $1000 that hit the speed of 1500 stitches per minute
Plus, you can also adjust the speed via foot pedal depending upon your skills and project requirements.
Also, it comes with an oversized table offering a spacious workspace so that you can easily handle bigger projects on this machine. Plus, the machine has several presser feet, allowing you to bring versatility and innovation to your quilting and stitching projects. The best part of the machine is its user-friendly design and steep learning curve.
The machine comes with a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin and automatic needle threader to help you out with these time taking processes. Plus, an LED light illuminates the workspace making the machine perfect for darker rooms and workspaces.
Not only this, you would get four dog feed settings with the precision pin feeding system of the machine. This feature lets you handle various fabric thicknesses and quilts like a pro. Also, a thread tension control dial makes it easier for you to get desired stitching results.
The string tension and feeding pin adjustment are pretty tricky, and you may find it challenging to handle initially. The major flaw we noticed in the machine is the bobbin jam. It usually happens when you use the machine on thicker fabrics without making the required adjustments in feeding control.
Pros
Extra-large workspace
Automatic needle threader
Max speed 1500 SPM-adjustable
User-friendly design
LED illuminated workspace
Powerful motor
Cons
Tricky adjustments
Frequent Bobbin Jams
Brother PQ1500SL, with a powerful motor, oversized working area, and impressive 150 SPM speed, is one of the best sewing machines for small businesses. Buy this product with confidence since it is backed by Brother’s three-year limited warranty and lifetime after-sale support.
If you want to dip your toes into sewing and quilting, Brother HC1850 is the most economical and affordable machine you can buy. It is one of the latest Brother sewing machines that combine innovative technology with simple operation, making it great for beginners.
The most impressive part of the machine is its versatility. With 130 built-in stitches, eight presser feet, and 50 alphanumeric stitches, it lets you incorporate your design ideas into different projects. Plus, the machine is delivered with a large extension table for a spacious workspace making it easier for you to handle large fabrics and quilts.
They have added a backlit LCD, an automatic needle threader, and a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin to make the machine more beginner-friendly. The LCD makes the navigation super-quick and gives you a pre-look of the stitch you are going to use.
Our overall experience with the machine is great except for some minor issues with dog-feed seizing. Since it is an entry-level machine, it cannot handle thicker fabrics. When you try it with thicker fabrics, the thread tangles with the bobbin leading to the bobbin or dog-feed jam.
Pros
Extra-large workspace
Highly affordable
Beginner-friendly design
Big LCD screen
Lightweight and portable
Cons
No speed adjustment
Cannot handle thicker fabrics
Brother HC1850 is an affordable sewing machine that comes packed with user-friendly features making it great for newbies. Plus, it includes an instructional DVD and everything you need to start sewing and stitching for a ready-to-go experience.
4. Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine – Best Monogramming Machine
Specifications:
Weight92 lb
Speed 1300SPM
Built-in Stitches 100
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
If you want to experiment with different stitching designs and ideas, get an XR9500PRW sewing machine. Brother’s special edition sewing machine comes with unique thread adjustment and plenty of built-in stitches and fonts.
The best part of the machine is that it is one of the least expensive Brother machines featuring lettering fonts along with alphanumeric stitches.
With more than 100 built-in stitches, lettering fonts, and alphanumeric stitches, you can create various designs and monograms with this machine. The Maximum speed of the machine is 1300 stitches per minute. Also, you can control the speed via a paddle for different projects. Moreover, you would get eight styles for one-step buttonhole stitches.
One-step buttonhole stitching is the quickest and most convenient way of stitching neat and accurate buttonholes. The versatility of the machine is further enhanced by multiple presser feet. It includes seven feet for monogramming, zipper, overcasting, buttons, and many more. This machine includes a complete set of useful accessories like a spool pin, screwdrivers, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, and cleaning brush.
Since a machine includes various functions and adjustments, it may take you a bit longer to understand its functions. The good news is that it comes with a detailed instruction manual in the form of a DVD. Moreover, the machine comes with a rugged casing and an extensional table. The extension table creates a spacious workspace for more extensive sewing and quilting projects.
Pros
100 built-in stitches
Includes 50 letter fonts
Wide range of accessories
Multi-purpose machine
Cons
A bit tricky to operate
While testing dozens of Brother sewing machines, we found this machine most versatile and adaptable. It is a competitively priced sewing machine with plenty of functions and features, making it perfect for innovative creators.
5. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine – Best In-Demand Sewing Machine
Specifications:
Material: Plastic and Metal
Battery: Two 1500mAh Lithium battery
Weight: 2.1kg
Next on our list is the ST371HD sewing machine by Brother. With a unique shape and geometry, it belongs to the rugged and solid type of sewing machines. It features a highly adaptable and dependable design making it great for the most demanding sewing and stitching projects.
The machine offers 37 built-in designs and more than five presser-feet accessories. You can combine these accessories with dog feed adjustment to bring more creativity and innovation to your projects. It also offers dog feed and thread tension adjustment through a dial on the machine body.
In addition to that, you will get free arm stitching. The free arm stitching gives you the confidence to accept the most challenging sewing and repairing tasks. The user-friendly ergonomics further enhance the competitiveness of the machine. A jam-resistant drop-in bobbin and automatic needle threader offer a hassle-free sewing experience.
Plus, you will get an LCD and a one-step buttonhole. The LCD screen makes navigation and adjustments a simple task even for beginners. Keep in mind that it is a heavy-duty machine that weighs more than 6 kgs. Therefore it is not an ideal choice if you are looking for a portable sewing machine.
Pros
Ability to deal with a variety of fabrics
Tough and solid construction
Equipped with automatic setup
Multiple feed dog adjustment
Cons
Not portable
Brother ST371HD is one of the most competent and functional sewing machines you can buy today. The machine’s ability to handle the fabrics with various thicknesses and textures with adjustable feed dog helps it stand out as one of the best Brother sewing machines.
Brother XL2600 is an advanced sewing machine with a simple design. It features limited functionality but promises accuracy and quality stitching. Therefore it is an excellent choice for beginners to learn basic sewing and stitching techniques.
The machine comes with 25 built-in stitches and a 1-step buttonhole. Thai one-step buttonhole is an accurate and quick way of stitching buttonholes. The machine also has five accessory presser feet for the zipper, button sewing, and other everyday sewing tasks. These features reveal that the machine is functional enough to fulfill everyday sewing needs.
However, advanced sewers may find it too basic since it lacks versatility. What we found most impressive about the machine is its plenty of automatic features. It comes with an automatic needle threader, a thread trimmer, and an automatic bobbin winder. All these features will make your life easier and lend you more time for sewing and stitching.
Also, we found it pretty easy to insert a bobbin in the machine-thanks to the top-load bobbin mechanism. You can drop in the bobbing by removing the top-casing without stopping and processing. Also, you can keep a check on the amount of thread left on the bobbin.
The machine is already pretty simple to use, and a bi-lingual user manual makes it even more straightforward. The only imitation of the machine is that it doesn’t come with an extension table. Although you can buy the table separately, it may not offer a perfect fit.
Pros
Simple operation
Automatic needle threader
Automatic Bobbin Winder
Bi-lingual user manual
Cons
No extension table
Borer XL2600I is a garret machine for newbies to get grips with. Plus, it is an affordable machine that promises accuracy and high-quality stitching for everyday sewing tasks. With an affordable price, automatic setup, and a bi-lingual instruction manual, it is undoubtedly one of the best Brother Sewing machines.
7. Brother CS7000x Sewing and Quilting Machine
Specifications:
Weight09 lb
Speed 750 SPM
Built-in Stitches 70
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
Brother CS7000X, with 70 built-in stitches and 750 SPM speed, is one of the best-selling sewing machines. The machine is equally famous among beginners and experts, thanks to its user-friendly ergonomics and advanced features.
It is a multi-purpose machine including around 70 stitches for 10-step buttonholes, quilting, monogramming and decorative designs.
You can try various design and decorating ideas to create unique and decorative costumes with this machine. The best part of the machine is the LCD screen. Despite being very affordable, it comes with an LCD screen, making the navigation and adjustment an absolute breeze. The machine reaches a maximum speed of 750 SPM, allowing you to create more in less time.
You can also adjust the speed via a speed slider. It makes the machine perfect for beginners who cannot handle fast speed. We also loved this machine because of its automatic features. From an automatic needle threader to a drop-in bobbin and automatic bobbin-winder, it includes numerous life-saving accessories.
This machine also comes paired with an adjustable extension table. This oversized table creates a spacious workspace allowing you to handle bigger projects with much ease and comfort. The biggest downside of the machine that we noticed is its inability to deal with thicker fabrics. It doesn’t offer feed dog adjustment, limiting its functionality to only regular fabrics.
Pros
Highly versatile
It comes with an oversized table
Easy to operate
Max speed-750 SPM-adjustable
Cons
No feed dog adjustment
Brother CS7000X is an advanced sewing machine that is great for novices and also meets the requirements of professional sewers. It comes packed with various presser feet and 70 built-in stitches, allowing you to create various decorative and theme-based costumes.
8. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
Specifications:
Weight6 lb
Speed 800 SPM
Built-in Stitches 27
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
Brother XM270 is probably one of the least expensive sewing machines you can find in Brother Family. With 27-built-in stitches and primary sewing functions, it is perfect for everyday sewing and stitching tools at home.
The machine features a straightforward mechanism and is more like a manual sewing machine.
It features a 1-style, 1-step buttonholer giving you quick and accurate button stitches. Despite being a very affordable machine, it has a beginner-friendly design. We loved it with plenty of automatic features like an automatic needle threader and bobbin winder. Plus machine comes with a dial that lets you make necessary adjustments for the tension string.
Like any other advanced brother sewing machine, it also has a top-feed drop-in bobbin. It is a convenient and less frustrating way of loading bobbins. Also, you can keep an eye on the bobbin to see if it is running out of thread or not.
Since it is intended to provide basic stitching needs, you would get only five presser feet accessories. Plus, a set of bobbins and needles, a twin needle, and a DVD instruction manual make it a ready-to-go package. The machine doesn’t include an LCD screen or an extension table which is okay considering its entry-level price.
Pros
Easy to operate
Affordable
Plenty of automatic functions
Complete set of accessories
Cons
Limited functionality
Brother XM2701 is one of the most reliable sewing machines you can buy under a limited budget. Although it lacks advanced function, we found this machine pretty efficient and accurate for regular sewing and stitching tasks.
Bring innovation and versatility to your projects using the Brother RSQ9285 sewing and quilting machine. From monogramming to decorative stitches and quilting, it can handle all commercial-grade projects like a pro.
The machine comes packed with 150 built-in stitches, eight styles for a 1-step buttonhole, and 15 quilting designs.
Fifty-five alphanumeric stitches further enhance the machine’s functionality, and one lettering font is ideal for commercial monogramming and decorative costume-making projects. Moreover, it comes with an LCD screen that displays all the options to choose from. Also, you can preview the size and type of stitches on the scene to make your project more accurate and precise.
It is the only machine on the list with a ten-presser foot for a zipper, buttonholes, zigzag stitch, and many more functions. The high-strength feed dog allows you to try fabrics of various thicknesses and textures. You can also adjust the position and height of the feed dog, making it highly compatible with different fabric types.
The speed of the machine is 770 SPM which is perfect to handle commercial sewing and quilting projects. Remember, this machine is not an ideal option for beginners. Feed dog and thread tension adjustment are pretty tricky and require a lot of practice for perfect results.
Pros
Highly functional
Ability to sew different fabrics
Ten presser feet
Impressive speed
Tough and solid
Cons
Not portable
Tricky adjustments
Brother RSQ9285 can handle commercial monogramming, quilting, and sewing tasks offering you the best value for many. Although it is a bit tricky to operate, its robust and adjustable dog feed mechanism makes it one of the best Brother Sewing machines.
10. Brother CS5055PRW Sewing Machine
Specifications:
Weight75 lb
Speed 850 SPM
Built-in Stitches 50
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
Brother CS5055PRW sewing machine is part of Brother’s Project Runway series. It is an advanced yet affordable machine that brings versatility and creativity to your work.
The machine is equipped with 50 built-in stitches, 87 stitch designs, seven presser feet, and five 1-step buttonholes. These features reveal that it is capable of handling any custom sewing project.
The most exciting part of the machine is its impressive speed. It runs at the maximum speed of 850 SPM, allowing you to complete a big project in minimum time. Also, the speed is adjustable with a foot pedal, making it equally useful for beginners. In addition to impressive speed, the machine is equipped with advanced features like a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin.
A top-loading bobbin mechanism makes the bobbin loading super quick and easy. Plus, an automatic needle threader and bobbin winder simplify the whole process for you. We also found it pretty simple to make necessary adjustments to the machine. An LCD screen lets you choose the required stitch type, presser foot, and stitch width for a specific project.
Although it is an excellent machine for light-duty tasks, you cannot use it with thick fabrics. The machine quickly jams out when you exceed the speed of 500 SPM on thick fabrics. Therefore the machine is limited only to everyday sewing tasks and cannot be used for commercial-grade projects.
Pros
Straightforward
Plenty Of built-in stitches
Automatic needle threader
Impressive 850 SPM speed
Cons
Jams on thicker fabrics
Brother CS5055PRW is one of the best-selling sewing machines of the year. The best part of the machine is that it combines advanced features and plenty of stitches, allowing you to implement innovative design ideas into your projects.
11. Brother XM1010 Sewing Machine
Specifications:
Weight 8 lb
Speed 750 SPM
Built-in Stitches 10
Automatic Needle Threader Yes
For those who are concerned only with basic stitches for everyday sewing tasks, nothing could be better than Brother XM1010. It is one of the most straightforward yet highly reliable sewing machines you can find today.
The machine comes with ten built-in stitches and a 1-step buttonhole. In this way, it lends itself to basic sewing projects, and you can’t expect it to perform in demanding projects. Despite being very affordable, it doesn’t compromise the user-friendly ergonomics.
Like all other expensive machines on the list, it comes with an automatic needle threader, bobbin winder, and jam-resistant top-in bobbing. With convenient arm-free stitching, you can get the finest stitching for sleeves and the internal fitting of the clothes.
The machine allows you to make necessary thread tension adjustments with a dial on the machine body. Although this machine worked awesome in the beginning, after a few weeks, it started producing clunking sounds. It happens due to the rubbing of internal parts against each other, leading to internal damage.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Simple to operate
Automatic features
Highly affordable
Cons
Flimsy internal parts
Brother XM1010 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an affordable machine for light-duty sewing tasks. It comes with six presser feet accessories and ten built-in stitches to help beginners learn the basic sewing techniques.
What To Look For in Brother Sewing Machines?
Brother is one of the top manufacturers of sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines. You can find plenty of models offering different levels of functionality and features. Also, Brother sewing machines are available over a wide price range.
To take full advantage of the machine’s features and get the best stitching results, investing in a product in line with your skill level, stitching requirements, and budget is critical. So here is a simple guide on crucial factors and features you need to consider while buying a new Brother sewing machine.
Speed
The speed of the machine is measured in stitches per minute and is written as SPM. Usually, commercial sewing machines by Brother offer speeds of 1000+ SPM. The fastest sewing machine by brother is the PQ1500SL which offers a speed of 1500 SPM. These machines are designed to increase the output and meet the deadlines of larger projects on a commercial scale.
However, if you are a beginner, we would recommend you get a machine with slower speeds between 400-800 SPM. Another feature you should look at is adjustable speed. Advanced Brother sewing machines offer adjustable speed, making them equally useful for beginners and experts.
LCD Screen
The LCD screen on a sewing machine is a life-saving feature. An LCD screen makes the adjustments and navigation easier. Also, it offers better control over the feature and displays all the stitching options. Also, it will let you preview the design or stitches and give you an idea of how your stitching will look exactly alike. It really helps beginners copy the designs or follow the instructions provided to them.
It makes it easier to choose the required stitch and function of the machine. Almost all advanced Brother sewing machines offer LCD screens. Also, you can find a 3.2 monochrome screen on the entry-level Brother sewing machine.
Automatic Needle Threader
An automatic needle threader makes the machine more user-friendly since sewers spend a lot of time manually threading the needle. It not only reduces their output but also frustrates them, reducing the quality of work.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, we highly recommend getting a sewing machine with an automatic needle threader. It automatically pushes the thread through the needle hole. The feature is especially helpful when you are doing a project that involves multiple thread colors.
Drop-in Bobbin
In the past, most sewing machines featured front-loading bobbins. Front-loading bobbins are difficult to thread and load. They require you to stop the whole process, take out the whole bobbin panel, and thread, and then load it.
However, in advanced brother machines, you can find the Drop-in Bobbin or top-loading mechanism. To load a bobbin in the drop-in mechanism, all you need to do is to remove the top plate and load the bobbin without stopping the whole process. It is highly recommended to go with a sewing machine with a Jam-resistant Drop-in Bobbin feature.
Dedicated Vs. Combo
Machines are categorized based on their function, such as sewing, quilting, and embroidery. You can also find a multi-purpose machine, also called sewing-embroidery combos. If you are interested in sewing only, it is recommended to buy a dedicated sewing machine.
The presence of additional features like embroidery limits the functionality of the machine. Sewing-embroidery combos are ideal for DIYers and hobbyists who love multi-tasking on their smaller projects.
Workspace Table
Brother sewing machines may or may not come with an extension table. An extension table increases the workspace allowing you to handle the extensive fabric and oversized quilts with ease. Also, a bigger workspace is conducive for beginners to get more control over the fabrics and machines.
If your machine doesn’t come with an extension table, it is ideal for pairing it with an aftermarket table. However, it is recommended to buy a machine that includes an extension table. The extension table that comes with the machine fits perfectly with your machines and offers better stability.
Feed Dog
Feed Dogs are metallic teeth or ridges that emerge from the sewing plate of the machine. They push the fabric backward, allowing it to pass through the sewing plate of the machine. If you are only concerned with light-duty sewing tasks like cotton and silk, you may get a machine with a regular dog feed system.
A regular feed dog system is a fixed mechanism that doesn’t allow thicker fabrics to pass through. However, if you want a more versatile machine for variable thickness fabrics, it is advised to get an adjustable feed dog system. It allows you to adjust the position and height of the feed dog according to the thickness of the fabric, making it easier for you to deal with a variety of thickness fabrics.
Presser Feet
Presser’s foot is an accessory that keeps the fabric flat as it is fed through the machine. In general, the machine comes with a regular presser foot that allows you to get a straight ¼-inch straight seam stitching.
There are some unique presser feet like zippers foot, button stitch foot, overedge foot, and an overcasting foot. It is ideal to look for machines that include various types of presser feet in the package. Otherwise, you may or may not be able to find the fully compatible aftermarket feet for your machine.
Thread Tension Adjustment
It is another essential feature to look for. For regular sewing tasks, you need to keep the string tension at a normal level. An under-stretched or over-stretched string will not give neat and quality results. But for some fabrics and designs, you may need to adjust the string tension.
Some tasks and fabrics require high, while others require less tension in the thread. So a string tension adjustment feature enhances the versatility of your machine and lets you go beyond your basic stitching needs.
FAQs
What is the most popular Brother sewing machine?
Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine are one of the most famous Brother sewing machines. It offers a spacious workspace, LED illumination, and 1500 SPM impressive speed, making it perfect for the most demanding commercial projects.
Are Brother sewing machines a good machine?
Yes, brother sewing machines are one of the most competent sewing machines on the market. Brother sewing machines feature dependable design and innovative features and are available at very competitive prices.
Are Brother sewing machines suitable for beginners?
Brother has a wide range of sewing machines, including options for both beginners and experts. Many brother sewing machines like Brother XM2701 and Brother XM1010 offer the simplest operation, making them perfect for beginners.
Wrapping Up
So we have seen that Brother sewing machines are famous for their price-performance ratio. Their advanced machines come packed with automatic setup and advanced controls. All the products on our list of best Brother sewing machines are tested for quality and performance and offer the best value for money.
Our top-three picks from the list are:
Brother CS6000i Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine for its automatic setup, 800 SPM speed, 60 built-in stitches, and a well-illuminated spacious workspace
Brother RSQ9285 Computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine for its ability to deal with various thicknesses and textures, heavy-duty construction, impressive speed, and 37 built-in stitches
Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine for its automatic setup, 1500 SPM speed, 70 built-in stitches, and variety of dog feed adjustments
If you want to buy the best Brother sewing machine, it is recommended to calculate your sewing needs and skill level first. Also, you should look at the sewing machines offering adjustable features so that you can gradually upgrade your level with time.
