If you’re at the stage where you’re dead set on a brother sewing machine then don’t worry, you’re not alone. They are some of the world’s most popular products in the world of sewing and when you feel their build quality, enjoy their long-lasting durability and use their variety of functions you’ll see why.
There are plenty of products to choose from, you can find a model that is ideal for embroidery, beginners, quilting, and a lot more. This is why we have created the following list of the best Brother sewing machines. You’ll get the ins and outs of each product, and we’ll discuss why they are so good for certain tasks. Their reputation has been built on quality, so let’s take a look at the products that make it so good.
- Editor’s Choice
Brother CS6000i Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine (Amazon) – Review - Best For Embroidery
Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine (Amazon) – Review - Best Quilting Machine
Brother Quilting and Sewing Machine, PQ1500SL (Amazon) – Review - Best For Alphanumeric Stitches
Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, HC1850, (Amazon) – Review - Best Affordable
Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed (Amazon) – Review - Best For Beginners
Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review - Best Budget
Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: Brother CS6000i Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is one of Brothers flagship products and is affordable, making it ideal for a beginner, but also has loads of functions to go way beyond your basic needs. There are 60 built-in stitches to choose from and it is easy to navigate between them thanks to the LCD-display. Each stitch is also displayed on the chart on the side of the machine so you can see exactly what they are going to look like. It is easy to thread and offers adjustable sewing speeds with up to 850 stitches per minute thanks to the powerful motor.
There is a built-in free arm so anyone fixing sleeves on their homemade clothes is going to be able to use this machine for every step. The automatic needle threader allows you to spend more time sewing and less time fiddling with the awkward threads and an LED light help to illuminate your workspace so you can always stitch with accuracy. The oversized table is perfect for accommodating larger fabrics and it opens up loads of possibilities so you can use this neat machine for quilting. With 8 different presser feet included, this is as close to a complete package as you will find making it the best Brother sewing machine overall.
- Automatic needle threader
- 60 built-in stitches are clearly displayed on a chart
- 850 stitches per minute
- Built-in free arm
- Great for quilting thanks to the oversized table
Best For Embroidery: Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine
Anyone from the beginner to the professional can appreciate and use the functions on this impressive Brother sewing machine. It is one of the most versatile on our list and is capable of 4×4″ embroidery. You can connect it to your laptop via USB and use online designs and update the machine to customize your embroidery.
There are 67 built-in stitches and 70 embroidery designs as standard but to personalize your designs you can use any of the 5 fonts to make a unique gift for someone. The automatic threader makes things simple, and it comes with plenty of accessories including presser feet, scissors needles, tools, and a lot more. It can accommodate a memory card to allow you to upload more designs and it comes with a 25-year limited warranty like a lot of the best Brother sewing machines. The 7 point feed dog makes it a product that the advanced sewer can appreciate, and the quick drop-in bobbin feature will be music to anyone’s ears.
- Can upoload new embroidery designs via USB
- 67 built-in stitches and 70 embroidery designs
- Capable of 4×4″ embroidery
- Comes with lots of accessories
- Unscrewing tool is not as reliable
Best Quilting Machine: Brother Quilting and Sewing Machine, PQ1500SL
With loads of power, this Brother Sewing machine is ideal for quilting as it is capable of pushing out 1,500 stitches per minute. This means you can make light work of larger projects and it has plenty of space for bigger materials because of the large workspace it offers. For better fabric control, the PQ1500SL has four dog feed settings and to make things nice and simple, there is an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin. It comes with 7 presser feet to give you lots of sewing and quilting options as well as an LED light that makes it easier to sew dark fabrics.
There are adjustable speeds via the foot pedal and a dial for thread tension control. With it, there are lots of settings to choose from and if gives you consistent sewing at high speeds to get larger projects finished quickly. An impressive Brother sewing machine for anyone who wants an advanced machine, or to do a lot of quilting.
- Capable of 1,500 stitches per minute for fast sewing
- Large extension table that is 8.6″ wide
- Includes 7 presser feet
- Jam resistant
- Free arm
- Can be a bit pricey for some people
Best For Alphanumeric Stitches: Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, HC1850,
If you need a little bit more from your Brother sewing machine then the HC1850 offers 130 built-in stitches and a wide table for you to take on larger tasks. There are also 55 alphanumeric stitches so you can personalize your projects and the 8 presser feet opens up a world of different uses. We’re a bit fan of Brother sewing machines that make life easier for the beginner and the accomplished sewer and in the advanced needle threader and instructional DVD you’ll find it easy to get started but also learn a bit more about the more complex settings.
The free motion quilting feature gives you plenty of freedom and the backlit LCD display makes it easy to switch between the stitches that are displayed on the chart to the side of the machine. A lot of people consider this to be the best Brother quilting machine and because of the amount of space it gives you and freedom, it’s easy to see why.
- 130 built-in stitches
- Instructional DVD
- Free motion quilting
- Wide table for bigger projects
- Might be a bit complicated for beginners
Best Affordable: Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed
If you are looking for a serger sewing machine, then you’re about to take a look at a product that is affordable and easy to use. It can accommodate a large range of fabrics, opening up plenty of new options so you can use it with linens, knits, and even formal wear. The advanced sewer can take full advantage of the functionality and add a little flair to their projects including decorative edges, spaghetti straps, make ruffles, and plenty more.
There are 22 built-in stitch functions and whilst this isn’t as many as a lot of the other Brother sewing machines, it will give you lots of chances to use the 3/4 thread serger. Its metal frame ensures it is heavy duty and will last a long time and with neat additions such as the instructional DVD and softcover, you’re getting a lot of value considering the price.
- Can be used with a variety of fabrics
- Quality serger sewing machine
- 3/4 thread serger
- Easy to thread
- 22 built-in stitches isn’t as many as other Brother sewing machines
Best For Beginners: Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing Machine
For a beginner’s Brother sewing machine, this offers good value and more built-in stitches than many in the price range. It is also easy to switch between all 100 of them via the LCD display and choosing the right one couldn’t be simpler because of the chart on the side of the machine.
You can amend the width of the zigzag and decorative stitches to 7mm which is wider than a lot of other machines offer. The oversized table is wide enough to hold lots of fabric for quilting projects and you get a lot of security in its hardcover case. Although there are lots of settings and options to choose from, beginners shouldn’t be put off, this is one of the easiest sewing machines to use and it comes with plenty of accessories. With 8 one step buttonhole styles and 850 stitches per minute maximum speed, it gives you lots of possibilities and power.
- 100 built-in stitches
- Great value and easy to use
- Oversized table ideal for quilting
- 850 stitches per minute
- Can be a little loud
Best Budget: Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine
This may be a large machine but it serves as a great introduction to sewing and is easy to use. You get 25 built-in stitches and whilst this might be a bit basic for the advanced sewer, it is easy for a beginner to get to grips with. For your simple sewing needs and smaller projects, this is one of the best Brother sewing machines and it represents good value. With a free arm capability, you can use it to repair or stitch sleeves and cylinder shapes and there is a bright bulb that illuminates the work area so you can sew accurately.
It’s easy to select the different settings and stitches via the dial and there is also an automatic needle threader so set up is quick and easy. With different presser feet that includes zipper and button sewing. On top of all that, you also get storage space and a 25-year limited warranty.
- 25 built-in stithces
- Great for the beginner
- Free arm
- Includes 25-year limited warranty
- Not enough stitches for a lot of people
If you have searched for the most reputable brands in the world of sewing machines, it won’t take you long to find Brother. The Japanese brand is one of the first companies to show and their long stint among the world’s best is well earned. When looking for the right one for you, a lot will depend on the type of sewing you wish to do.
Thankfully, Brother sewing machines are some of the most versatile going, so expect to be able to use it for making clothes one minute, then quilting the next. With other, specialist machines available, there is something for all tastes. To help you make a sensible decision, we have outlined a few things you can expect from a Brother sewing machine.
Before you buy a Brother sewing machine you need to think about the features most important to you. Here are some of the most common to look out for:
Easy Set-Up
This covers everything from an automatic threader to a top drop-in bobbin that is resistant to jamming. You’ll find that this comes as standard with almost every Brother sewing machine but it is something that will make life a lot easier when it comes to starting new projects.
Safety Cover
To protect the machine from dust and wear and tear from the time it spends in storage, make sure the Brother sewing machine you have your eye on comes with a safety cover. This can be in different forms and whilst you might not get a hardcover with the basic models, the soft kind helps to keep it clean and resistant to scratching.
Presser Feet Options
Although every Brother sewing machine comes with additional presser feet, you need to make sure it has the ones relevant to the type of sewing you will be doing. Anyone who wants to make their own clothes will find that most machines come with zipper and buttonhole presser feet but the more advanced sewer will likely need more.
Stitches Per Minute
Are you looking for a beginner sewing machine or something capable of a lot of fast quilting? This will determine how much speed you need from a Brother sewing machine. A standard amount tends to be 850 stitches per minute whilst some can deliver nearly double that.
Those are great for making lengthy stitches.
Free Arm
Most Brother sewing machines allow the user to use a free arm feature that makes it easy to sew in cylinder shapes. Being able to use a free arm makes it easy for you to repair sleeves and make clothes.
Adjustable Speed
Some people assume an adjustable speed is only beneficial for the beginner but even the accomplished sewer will know when it is time to slow things down a little before pressing down on the foot pedal again.
To open up more possibilities, make sure the sewing machine you’re looking at has adjustable sewing speeds that go beyond the basic slow/fast option.
LED Light
When it comes to stitching dark thread in a dark fabric, even the brightest of days doesn’t make life as easy as a reliable LED light. This is another area where Brother sewing machines are so good. They have some of the longest-lasting bulbs and are bright enough to allow anyone to sew with accuracy.
Having formed as the Yasui Sewing Company in 1908, Brother quickly went from strength to strength, forging themselves as a mainstay in the industry and a company that helped industrialize Japan.
Known for their reliability, build quality, and strength of their motors, they aren;t just one of the most reputable. brands today, they have been for decades.
Even the more affordable machines have Brother’s signature durability and most people know that when you buy one of their sewing machines, it is going to stay with you for a long time. As a company, they pay close attention to their customer’s needs and the service you get beyond purchasing a machine is legendary.
Their traditional motto of “superior quality and diligent service” still holds true today.
In short, you should expect a machine that reflects their high standards. You also won’t get complicated features, Brother sewing machines are known for their ease of use.
Even their more advanced models and embroidery sewing machines won’t take long for an intermediate sewer to get to grips with. The combination of over 100 years of perfecting their machines ensures that all the materials are high-quality and they usually come with plenty of useful accessories.
This means you can get feeder dogs that are smooth, automatic threading and a generous amount of built-in stitches compared to a lot of the lesser brands.
Another thing you should expect from Brother sewing machines is variety. Their product range ensures there is a machine for all types of stitch work, different sized projects, and products that are well suited to either the beginner or advanced sewer.
It’s safe to say that even the more affordable products in their range come with more than you would expect, and above all else, you should expect them all to last a very long time.
Because of their reputation as one of the world’s leading companies when it comes to sewing machines, they offer a full range of products.
Sewing and Quilting – These are their most common and more affordable sewing machines. They are capable of smaller jobs such as repair work and making clothes but usually come with a wide table that can be extended to make it capable of handling quilting projects.
Embroidery – These are little more advanced and tend to be heavy-duty compared to sewing and quilting machines. The best will come with loads of built-in stitches and embroidery patterns but thanks to modern technology, you can also pick up a Brother embroidery machine that connects to your laptop so you can download more patterns and options.
Serger – Ideal for quilting because they are often faster and allow you to use more than one bobbin at a time. Brother serger machines look handsome but perform to a high level and bind fabric, using an overlook stitch.
Beginner – You can usually find beginner Brother sewing machines for what most people would consider a bargain price. Expect fewer built-in stitches but an easy to use a product that has automatic threading and added presser feet with all parts lasting a long time.
The good thing about using a trusted brand such as Brother is they have a wide range of sewing machines available. This means you can pick up a quality product for under $150.
These might be better suited to beginners or those who don’t think they need so many functions but for professional use or a product that is capable of more, $500 is often a good benchmark.
Anyone who wants a reliable Brother sewing machine that gives you more options that the beginner models should find that $300 goes a long way.
This is a major part of Brothers’ reputation as being one of the best sewing machine brands. Their product range is considered easy to use compared to most brands and this includes the beginner models as well as those aimed at the experienced sewer.
Set up is simple as most machines come with an automatic threader and a drop-in top bobbin that is jam-resistant. If you want something particularly easy then go for fewer features such as less built-in stitches but they do make life easier with instructional DVDs, stitch charts of the side of the machine and easy to follow manuals.
As with any sewing machine, there is a learning curve but Brothers tends to not be as steep as a lot of other brands.
