Best Brother Sewing Machines

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 26, 2024
Are you a professional tailor or an enthusiast who enjoys creating unique pieces of clothing and repair old ones to give them a fresh ...Read more
PROS

Due to such a wide range of accessory feet that come with the machine, your sewing options are almost limitless. An oversized table that comes included with the CS6000i allows for making a variety of large projects including quilting. 

CONS

The backlight might seem dim. 

OUR VERDICT

This Brother sewing machine is a professional model for everyday use. It can handle all types of fabrics, has a large working surface, includes many different sewing options, and produces high-quality stitches. Perfect balance between performance and price. 

detailed parameters
Shuttle Hook System

Horizontal, drop-in top bobbin

Sewing Stitches

60

Needle Threader

Automatic

Sewing Speed

850 stitches per minute

Additional Features

Built-in free arm, Automatic needle threader, 7 One-step Buttonhole Styles, Built-in Quilting Stitches

Settings

Stitch width 7mm, Stitch length 5mm, Manual thread tension, Needle position key

Accessory Feet

Buttonhole foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Zigzag foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot, Walking foot, Spring action quilting foot

Warranty

25-years for the chassis casting, 2-years for electronic components and printed circuit boards, 1-year for parts, labor and accompanying accessory items

PROS

1 built-in monogramming sewing font includes letters from A to Z, numbers from 0 to 9, 7 punctuation marks, and 8 special characters, which gives you plenty of options for decorating your clothes.

CONS

You may need some time to get used to the "reverse" button.

OUR VERDICT

The Brother HC1850 sewing machine combines the easiness of use, excellent features, and high-quality sewing. It is also suitable for quilting. The option to adjust its sewing speed makes it compatible with just about any material type. Perfect for those who work on a budget yet want to acquire a multi-functional sewing machine.

detailed parameters
Shuttle Hook System

Horizontal, drop-in top bobbin

Sewing Stitches

130

Needle Threader

Automatic

Sewing Speed

850 stitches per minute

Additional Features

Built-in free arm, Automatic needle threader, 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles, DropFeed, 1 built-in monogramming sewing font, Large Backlit LCD display, LED-litwork area

Settings

Adjustable stitch length (5 mm), Adjustable stitch width (7 mm), Manual thread tension, Reverse

Accessory Feet

Zigzag foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button sewing foot, Quilting foot

Warranty

25-years for the chassis casting, 2-years for electronic components and printed circuit boards, 1-year for parts, labor and accompanying accessory items

PROS

The 7-point feed dogs go over any fabric type perfectly without pulling or loosing it. This allows you to get ideal stitches no matter whether you work with thick or delicate and light fabrics. 

CONS

The storage compartment could be a bit bigger. 

OUR VERDICT

The Brother CS5055PRW is a sewing machine that can meet the needs and requirements of both beginners and seasoned tailors. On top of a variety of stitch patterns including decorative ones, this sewing machine offers the functionality of a quilting machine. A solid choice for a fair price. 

detailed parameters
Shuttle Hook System

Horizontal, drop-in top bobbin

Sewing Stitches

50

Needle Threader

Automatic

Sewing Speed

850 stitches per minute

Additional Features

Automatic needle threader, Built-in free arm, 5 styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes, 87 stitch functions

Settings

Stitch width 7mm, Stitch length 5mm, 7 feed dog points, Needle stop position up/down, Quick reference stitch guides, Built-in thread cutter

Accessory Feet

Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot, Overcasting foot, Blindstitch foot, Monogramming foot, Zigzag foot

Warranty

25-years for the chassis casting, 2-years for electronic components and printed circuit boards, 1-year for parts, labor and accompanying accessory items

PROS

Thanks to the brighter light of the working area, you don't have to install additional lighting. Plus, LED lamps that are installed on this model have a long service life.

CONS

An extension table tips quite easily.

OUR VERDICT

The XR3774 is an entry level sewing machine that offers a user quite a wide range of sewing options in addition to its user-friendly design. This model allows you to sew, repair, and quilt and do it with ease and pleasure getting great clothing in the end.  

detailed parameters
Shuttle Hook System

Horizontal, drop-in top bobbin

Sewing Stitches

37

Needle Threader

Automatic

Sewing Speed

800 stitches per minute

Additional Features

Built-in free arm, Automatic needle threader, 1 One-step Buttonhole Styles, Built-in Quilting Stitches, LED-lit work area

Settings

Stitch width 7 mm, Stitch length 5 mm, Manual thread tension

Accessory Feet

Blind stich foot, Buttonhole foot, Button Sewing foot, Narrow Hemmer foot, Walking foot, Quilting foot, Zigzag foot, Zipper foot

Warranty

25-years for the chassis casting, 2-years for electronic components and printed circuit boards, 1-year for parts, labor and accompanying accessory items

PROS

With 8 buttonhole styles, you can make accurate buttonholes without any efforts. And thanks to a responsive speed control slider and pedal, you can adjust the speed with maximum accuracy.

CONS

It is difficult to sew through 2 pieces of thick fabric with batting in between.

OUR VERDICT

If you are in the market for a versatile sewing machine, then the Brother RSQ9185 will get you covered. Offering as many as 185 stitches including quilting, heirloom, decorative, utility and alphanumeric stitches, with this model, you'll be able to realize all of your fashion ideas and set your signature style.

detailed parameters
Shuttle Hook System

Horizontal, drop-in top bobbin

Sewing Stitches

185 (130 sewing stitches + 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches)

Needle Threader

Automatic

Sewing Speed

850 stitches per minute

Additional Features

Built-in free arm, Automatic needle threader, 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles, DropFeed, 1 built-in monogramming sewing font, Large Backlit LCD display, LED-litwork area

Settings

Adjustable stitch length (5 mm), Adjustable stitch width (7 mm), 7 feed dog points, Manual thread tension, Reverse

Accessory Feet

Spring action zigzag foot, Blind stitch foot, Zipper foot, Spring-action quilting foot, Buttonhole foot, Button sewing foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot

Warranty

25-years for the chassis casting, 2-years for electronic components and printed circuit boards, 1-year for parts, labor and accompanying accessory items

Reliable and Affordable

Are there any old clothes in your wardrobe which you don't wear because they look old-fashioned to you? Well, there are some in everyone's wardrobe, for sure. The good news is if you hone your sewing skills, rather than throwing your dresses away, you'll be able to refashion them giving them a new life. For this very purpose, you can buy the Brother cs6000i feature rich sewing machine.

In spite of the fact that the cs6000i features fewer stitching designs than some other Brother models, it still provides plenty of options for sewing and repairing clothes. With the cs6000i, you get 60 built-in designs which include 20 decorative, 6 heirloom, 7 quilting stitches, 7 auto-buttonhole styles, and 20 stitches for garment construction. Also, the cs6000i allows for adjusting thread tension allowing you to sew delicate and stretchy fabrics.

The best thing about this model is that it can be used virtually by everyone, regardless of the experience. The controls are straightforward and intuitive and you will quickly figure out how to adjust the sewing speed, stitches, and tension using an LCD display on the front panel. The automatic needle threader rids of you a burden to feed thread manually and does all the work for you on a single press of a lever. All you really need to do to start sewing is install the right foot and choose a stitch style.

Effortless Operation

The Brother cs6000i sewing machine is popular among both novices and professionals, and there are many good reasons for that. First off, it comes including a good set of accessory feet suitable almost for all purposes. Second, it is very easy to set up due to the intuitive controls and detailed instructions provided right on the housing of the sewing machine. Third, it has an extendable working surface and comes with additional lighting for illuminating the table in poorly lit conditions. And the last but not the least aspect making this model so popular is that it is available at a very affordable price so that everyone can afford it. For greater users' convenience, the manufacturer supplies the cs6000i with a hard case in which it's easy to take it on the go and store away when not in use. All these features along with a low price tag make this model a perfect choice for any novice making his/her first steps in sewing as well as a good option for a professional tailor needing a small device to back them up at home or at work.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $152.18
Stock In stock
ASIN B000JQM1DE

Decent Functionality

Even though the Brother HC1850 sewing machine is a budget-friendly option, compared to some other models on our shortlist, it can give professional heavy-duty appliances a good run for the money. While being easy to use and operate, this computerized sewing machine has quite a number of decent functions on it, making it an attractive choice for experienced seamstresses and beginners alike. However you choose to operate this machine - with a foot pedal or using automatic controls - you will have no troubles. Convenience is the word that would best describe it. As for the functionality, the Brother HC1850 offers 130 built-in stitches and runs at a speed of up to 850 stitches per minute, which are very good numbers for a sewing machine at this price tag. This means once you get the hang of the controls you'll be able to accomplish your sewing projects in rather short time. 

Next, the Brother HC1850 features 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles with which you will be able to experience when creating buttonholes for your garments. And it features a horizontal loading bobbin system, which makes it easy to set up and thread even for a first-time seamstress. Similarly to the other sewing machines that we reviewed, the Brother HC1850 has a LED for sewing on darker fabrics and in dimly lit conditions.

In conclusion, the Brother HC185 is a great sewing machine that, despite its below-par price, doesn't lack functionality and can meet the needs of both professionals and inexperienced users. Whether you work on a budget or are simply not ready to invest in a premium model just yet, the Brother HC185 can be your best bet.

Perfect for Quilting

This computerized machine from Brother is perfectly suitable not only for simple sewing tasks but also for quilting and embroidering. The built-in monogramming sewing font includes letters from A to Z, numbers from 0 to 9, 7 punctuation marks and 8 special characters, which gives you plenty of options for decorating your clothes and other items. All of these patterns are easy to choose via an LCD screen that makes the process extra comfortable.

Speaking of quilting, it is also a piece of cake. The Brother HC1850 comes with a special quilting foot for decorating clothes and is fitted with a wide detachable table whereby you can quilt on large and thick pieces of garments. The table is not only detachable but also extendable and has a special compartment in which you can keep additional accessories and adjustments without worrying about a storage place.

For those looking for an appliance that will allow you to realize your design skills without being too hard to get the hang of, this sewing machine by Brother will be the best choice. Versatile, functional and user-friendly, it is a worthy acquisition for any household.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $190.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B008G1DJ9Y

Nice Budget Model

If you are looking for an entry-level sewing machine that would be functional, affordable, and high-quality, the Brother CS5055PRW should be right up your alley. Equipped with everything needed out-of-the-box, all you'll be left to do is to buy threads and a piece of fabric.

With users’ convenience in mind, the manufacturer has made this model effortless to set up and use. For instance, winding a bobbin will take you no more than a minute. You just need to insert it on the winder that is on top of the housing, fix a thread with a holder, and press a foot controller; the bobbin will start winding immediately. The speed of winding will depend on how hard you press the pedal, so you might want to take it easy at first. When it’s done, just drop the bobbin into its compartment, and you are ready to go.

If needle threading seemed like a rocket-science to you before, with this machine, you will be able to do it with your eyes closed. All you need is put a sewing spool on a spool pin, guide thread towards the built-in auto-needle threader, pull the lever, line up the hook, and get a thread in it. In case you need to cut your thread but you can’t find your scissors quickly, there is a sharp thread cutter on the left side of the housing.

This model doesn’t support automatic thread tensioning though, which might seem inconvenient at first. On the other hand, you may want to consider this as your chance to practice with thread tensioning and become as close to a professional as possible.

Sew, Quilt, Decorate

It's important to say that this runaway sewing machine is created for small needs. It has 55 programmable stitch patterns and 6 buttonhole designs, and that amount should be sufficient for most tailoring jobs including quilting. All stitches can be adjusted in length and width which expands your options. Adjusting the settings is easy and can be done within seconds. You just need to choose the needed pattern on the chart drawn on the control panel and select its number on the LCD screen. The controls are straightforward and user-friendly and you're unlikely to have any trouble while making adjustments. What else adds to the usability of this model is its quiet operation. Even though we can't describe it as totally silent, the noise it produces isn't that loud to keep buzzing in your ears for hours as it is usually the case with other sewing machines.

If these things are exactly what you've been looking for in a sewing machine, the Brother CS5055PRW is a good choice to consider. It's a high-quality entry-level model that will meet needs of beginners as well as those who don't need an expensive powerhouse. 

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $189.93
Stock In stock
ASIN B005GXPOCK

Best For Home Use

If you are just learning to sew and want to buy a good machine for needlework, the Brother XR3774 Full-Featured Sewing and Quilting Machine might suit you perfectly. This model has got the Women’s Choice Award in 2018 and is 9 out of 10 customer recommended sewing machine. Why is it so popular? For a number of reasons.

First of all, this model is very versatile, making it suitable for a variety of different sewing projects. It has 74 stitch functions in total that include 37 built-in stitches and a great selection of decorative ones. First 20 stitches are standard and include regular and busting stitches, various zig zags, blind stitches, and more. The other 17 are decorative and include different variations of zigzags, straight and awkwardly curved stitches. There is also a one-step auto-size buttonholer to make accurate buttonholes. With the XR3774, you get 8 sewing feet: a buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, blind stitch, button sewing, narrow hemmer, walking, and quilting feet.

As for the projects you can do with this machine, it can manage a lot - from occasional simple needlework to more complex tasks. This way, you can make drapes, a patchwork quilt, hem up new curtains for your living room, darn your jeans, sew a new tablecloth with napkins or renew the whole wardrobe for your entire family. You can work with silk, cotton, velvet, satin, chiffon, flannel, leather, linen, and many more. This machine can also handle thicker materials such as fur or several layers of denim. Indeed, your options are almost limitless with Brother.

User-friendly Operation

Since this model was designed mostly for beginner sewers, it is made user-friendly. There are no awkward buttons, levers, or operations. Instead, you get an easy dial stitch selector, a jam-resistant quick-set top drop-in bobbin, and dials to adjust the stitch length and width. There is also an automation needle threading lever on one side of the machine behind the presser foot, a wide table for quilting and other large projects, and a well-lit working area. The pedal is not very touchy and gives you a lot of control, so the risk of ruining your project with one wrong move tends to zero.

Although this is an entry-level sewing machine, it is as good as some of its more expensive rivals. As usual, with Brother, you get excellent performance with a good quality product in the end. The XR3774 is user-friendly right of the box with a quick start guide and instructional DVD, so even if you have never used such a sewing machine before, with this one, you can learn the basics in no time.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $149.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00MNS60AQ

For 99% of Your Sewing Needs

The Brother RSQ9185 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine designed to make a tailor's job as simple as it can be.

The machine features the auto needle threader, jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, 130 built-in stitches, plus 8 auto-size buttonholes, and 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming. And according to those tailors who use this option regularly, this model makes pretty decent monograms.

Designed as a heavy-duty machine for home use, the RSQ9185 comes equipped with a wide set of accessories. It includes 11 sewing feet, an extension table for quilting, and a free arm for sewing sleeves, cuffs, etc. It can also sew a variety of fabrics, including but not limited to medium weight flannel and broadcloth, light lawn and satin, thicker denim and tweed, stretchy jersey, as well as delicate silk and lace.

In other words, this machine can cover a whole range of sewing tasks and help you create brand new clothing as well as repair the old one. Whatever you do, you can expect to achieve great results without too much of an effort on your side.

The only slight drawback of the Brother RSQ9185 is that it's not very good at sewing a few layers of thick fabric with batting in between. For instance, if you work with a thick Saxony topcoat with polyester batting, more likely than not, making accurate stitches will be difficult. For these kinds of jobs, sewers usually use industrial-grade machines. That's about the only niggle that we have.

When it comes to usability, everything is straightforward here. The RSQ9185 is easy to set up for both a novice and an advanced user, thanks to its intuitive controls and clear comprehensive instructions that come with the purchase. Plus, the machine imposes no challenges in terms of handling. Fitted with a large LED display, highly responsive foot pedal, and handy speed control slider, switching between stitches and precisely adjusting sewing speeds will be a snap for everyone.

A Great Choice for Starting Quilting Business

Engineered with every seamster need in mind, Brother sewing machines are highly appreciated by home designers, craftsmen, and sewing DIYers who sew not only to cover their own needs but also to make it their small business. The Brother RSQ9185 is not an exception. The model is designed for every tailor who values ease of use and professional-grade sewing quality. It's a well-thought home machine that will also perfectly fit into a small atelier or a quilting workshop. But many Brother sewing machines can be used for quilting, right? Just like many other Brother machines, the RSQ9185 comes equipped with an extension table to conveniently sew bigger items. But apart from that, this model offers an extended set of quilting accessories. It includes a walking foot that ensures a very smooth fabric feeding (which is a must for multilayer sewing), a ¼" piecing foot for making precise and neat stitches, a spring-activated quilting foot for better motion freedom when sewing, and a quilting guide for beginners who have just stepped into this craft.

Simply put, if you need a user-friendly machine suitable both for your domestic sewing projects and for light-duty commercial tasks, the Brother RSQ9185 is for you.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00MYLZC4M

What Is a Brother Sewing Machine?

Many will agree that it doesn't actually matter whether you are a novice or a professional tailor, and whether you need a sewing machine for a small tailor shop or for home use, since no matter what your experience is, you have all rights to own high-quality equipment that will allow you to improve your work, be intuitive in use, and serve you for many long years. When it comes to sewing machines, this is what we expect from Brother and Singer companies.

In this review, we focus on Brother sewing machines. Brother is the company that creates high-quality products with the user's convenience in mind. Since their launching date in 1954, they haven't stopped improving and seeking for best ideas to realize in each of their new products. So what do they offer? Actually, a lot. They produce multifunctional sewing machines that allow a tailor not just to sew but also to quilt, embroider, and hem different types of fabric. Brother sewing machines are designed for both small and large tailor shops and may contain a different number of functions to fit different budgets and needs. Read on our review and choose among five best Brother sewing machines available on the market.

What Features to Compare

Sewing Needs

The most important question to answer when selecting a sewing machine is what you actually expect from it. Your answer will determine what type of a machine you should look at. If you need a sewing machine for a small tailor shop, you'll be better off with a model that offers versatility of use providing additional functions. These can be:

  • overlocking
  • embroidering
  • quilting, etc. 

For home use, you can choose a simpler option containing a standard set of stitches for basic tailoring tasks.

Sewing Options

The next thing to consider is how many sewing options the chosen model provides. By this, we mean buttonhole, stitch variety and adjustability, speed capacity, etc. As a rule, all Brother sewing machines allow for adjusting stitches and offer a few standard designs of buttonholes. The more sophisticated model you choose the more options it will contain. As for a stitch variety, the best Brother sewing machines feature at least several types of different stitches including straight standard, zigzags, blind stitches, applique, quilting stitches and so on. A number of designs in most modern sewing machines now may vary from ten to hundreds of options. And even though most of them will never be used, it's still nice to have a greater choice. Speed adjustability is another function that comes in handy when it comes to sewing soft, elastic, and delicate fabrics that tend to fold in the process. It allows for controling the process making it easier for beginner tailors to get the hang of sewing.

Accessories

Most machines come with a basic set of accessories such as a pack of replacement needles and cleaning brushes, but there are many models that come including a variety of feet for monogramming, blind stitching, making buttonholes, zippers, zigzags, and much more. Even if you do not envision yourself using a sewing machine away from home, it's still nice to get a carry case together with the purchase in which you can keep it protected against intrusion of dust when not in use.

Computer Connectivity

When it comes to embroidery-enabled sewing machines, computer connectivity option is crucial. With computerized Brother sewing machines, you have an option to choose one of the hundreds available embroidery designs as well as create one of your own and upload it via PC on a sewing machine. If this option sounds just what you need, make sure to check the compatibility of a sewing machine with your PC software before buying.

Lighting and Design

Being an essential part of sewing, lighting can either complicate or simplify your job. We'd recommend you to opt for sewing machines with LEDs as they are energy-efficient and require less frequent replacement than regular bulbs. Speaking of design, choose the model that fits your workspace best. And if you plan to use a sewing machine for practising sewing at classes, go for a portable model with a small footprint which will be easy to pack and carry around.

Useful Sewing Tips

Whether you are new to tailoring and only organizing your working space or you already have some experience, having a few little tricks in your sleeve won’t be a waste. In order to help you improve your work, we have gathered some simple sewing hacks, following which will take neither much of your time nor money investment.

  • If you are sick and tired of scattered bobbins, you can use a toe separator, like the one you use for your pedicure. It will help you organize your bobbins and keep them at hand.
  • If you cover the end of a thread with your hairspray, it will become stiffened and go through the eye of a needle much easier.
  • Aiming to save some money, you can opt for larger spools of thread. In case there is no suitable holder for such a big bobbin on your sewing machine, using a big mug may help you hold a spool in place.
  • In case you have any difficulties with getting pins through thick fabrics, put your pin cushion aside and use a bar of soap instead. It lubricates pins for better pinning.
  • In case you use a pin cushion, stiff it with steel wool. It will sharpen your pins each time you push them into it.
  • Do you have a nice bowl for your pins? If yes, you have probably knocked it over a couple of times and had to deal with all the mess they'd made. Try to attach a magnet to the bottom of your bowl with a glue, it will hold the pins together.
  • Most modern machines feature lights to illuminate workpieces and help control the process. If you find the light is still quite dim, attach a reading lamp to your sewing machine for better illumination.
  • If your foot pedal always wanders around and you can't control it, attach some rubber lining to its bottom, it will help.
  • For a sewed button to hold longer, brush the top of it with some clear fingernail polish.
  • Steam-pressing between buttons and other cloth embellishments may be difficult. If you have a hair straightener, it will be a great substitute.
  • If you attach a tape measure to the edge of your sewing table, it will be much more convenient to measure fabrics, especially when you can’t find your ruler.
  • Next time you draw a paper pattern for dressmaking, secure two pencils with a rubber together. Doing so, you'll be able to draw two lines simultaneously and save some time. And if you need to widen seam allowance, take three pencils but push the middle one up a bit so that it won’t draw an extra line.
  • To cut very thin or slippery fabrics like satin use muslin. Just pin it to the material before you start cutting.
  • Can’t find any chalk? Don’t worry since you can draw bastings with a piece of soap instead. Soap is readable and comes off easily in the wash.
  • Fasten two pins at the bottom and the top of a buttonhole. It won’t let it rip open more than you would like it to while cutting. You can also find specially designed buttonhole scissors which can make this process simpler.
  • Most soft and lumpy materials like fleece pass hard under the passing foot, because of their thickness and wool design. To improve the process, put a piece of a plastic freezer bag onto it and sew. Don’t worry, the bag will tear off easily after you finish sewing.
  • If your scissors have gotten dull and you have no chance to sharpen them, cut tin foil or sandpaper with them, this will temporarily solve the problem.

Without a doubt, so many men, so many minds, and every tailor has his/her own sewing hacks to improve the working process. We hope you will find our tips useful and discover some hacks of your own that will better your work.

Sources:

1. Jess O'Leary Sewing machine choosing guide, Which?

2. Sewing Machine Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. May 2016.

3. Chris Woodford Sewing machines, Explain that Stuff. December 19, 2017.

4. Tom Harris How Sewing Machines Work, HowStuffWorks.

5. How to Use a Sewing Machine, wikiHow.

6. Sewing machine, Wikipedia.

7. Debbie Colgrove Sewing Straight Lines Tips and Tricks, The Spruce. October 23, 2017.

8. Alexandra Churchill 3 Common Sewing Machine Problems (and How to Fix Them), Martha Stewart.

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