pros and cons to buying a brother sewing/embroidering machine: I have a standard simple machine right now and I use it to quilt and make clothes ( and simple projects) I wonder about : 1. repairs - how difficult and expensive is it to repair?
1538951
No, this machine covers you on both - it's an excellent little sewing machine and also an embroidery machine. It doesn't weigh much and if you go to classes or anything, it would be easy to tote around. Basically, to convert from basic sewing to embroidery, you will remove the front panel (usually the equipment tray where you keep extra feet, etc.), and then there is a connector to which you will slide in the embroidery arm. There is a hoop that will attach to that arm. You'll change your presser foot to the quilting/embroidery Q foot, and you're set up. There are all sorts of ins and outs of embroidery, and you'll want to read the manual and learn what you can about embroidery, stabilizers, hooping, etc. This machine accommodates only a 4x4 embroidery field -- some of the dream machines have huge fields. However, I have found 4x4 to be enough in most cases, and for the money, it suits me just fine. I think Brother has an online manual that you could read (pdf) before you buy. That would give you a really good idea of the capabilities. It is a small machine -- I do a lot of garment sewing, but I doubt it would accommodate a full size quilt or ball gown or anything like that because the bed isn't big enough. But for most garments and embroidery projects, it is just fine for me. Hope this helps.
1105292
Yes, it can sew on quilts. It seems to do most things that a regular sewing machine does except use electricity!
1147743
I love my CE7070. It is a reliable machine and it is helping to relearn how to sew. I would recomend to any stage seamstress.
1868725
It's best to use Brother drum/cartridge. Drum last a long time and machine tells you when to change. Don't use compatable. You also save a lot with Amazon purchase of these items.
860131
I would call singer themselves to be sure of the exact number the foot has to be for your machine. I believe singer took over brother sewing machines. Call early in the morning at 8am to talk to some one right away. I want you to know that singer has not been the best with customer service in the past couple years. They have really let their quality slip. I am sorry to see this in singer but they should be able to answere your question. The best sewing machine is a Janome.
1543648
For the price, look at the Brother CS6000i. That one has all the quilting feet and the extension table. And a lot less money. Hope this helps.
1454315
I love mine. It is embroidery only. I have only used this model. You may consider that in this case size doe matter. The 5x7. Hoop size is better than a smaller hoop size. IMHO. The larger the hoop size the better. A smaller pattern can be used on any hoop but the larger patterns are restricted to you hoop size. This machine is very easy to use. You can down load many patterns from the internet and download onto a thumb drive to use on this model. Or buy patterns from Brother. There are endless options.
715747
Actually I bought these by accident. If you are interested, I will sell them to you for $20 plus shipping. I don' have a Brother, I have a happy commercial machine. The thread size notations are very confusing because there are a number of different systems for describing thread sizes and I am not sure what is in the Brother manual. This having been said, the bobbin thread used for embroider is usually lighter than the top thread. If you are doing basic embroidery with the threads that are advertised as machine embroidery threads, these bobbins will work just fine for you. ferrar@roadrunner.com
533754
Izzy, if you can thread a sewing machine, you can thread this machine. I carefully followed the directions in the booklet and to my surprise I got it on the first try. I also took the beginning serger class on Craftsy.com which helped. The difficulty with threading the machine is tight space. But with the tweezers its manageable. I would do it when you have an hour of uninterrupted time to concentrate on it the task at hand. Then go step by step. I never used a serger before. I was very leery when I started, but it was easier than I thought. I think this is a good basic machine for beginning to use a serger. I made a simple knit skirt using the serger. It was fast and I got a good result. I really recommend the Craftsy class which I watched prior to using my machine. Hope this helps.
875966
sorry i can't help you. I bought it for my Elna and a small Brother (my go to class machine and I like it) but it doesn't fit either. It was a screw size and I couldn't get it off to try a larger size.; no hole on the Brother. I have macular and i am looking for all kinds of help for sewing straight seams. Interesting I asked Vking and other dealers and they didn't know anything about it. Bernina has a complicated one and very expensive and it probably won't fit. A famous quilt designer and artist Patrick Lose on a youtube video used his and the site had a disclaimer on it and said they had so many inquiries that said to check your dealer. HA! non know anything.
1081957
My Singer works pretty well. I have been embroidering a baby blanket and using the embroidery stitches. Sometimes the thread breaks, but it's normal when you are embroidering. Suggestion: sewing slowly works best. I am happy with my Singer.
1474600
I think you should be all set with this machine. The bobbins and everything you need to get started should be included. This machine is easy to operate and thread. Best of luck! This is great for a first time buyer.
758309
I love this machine. I have done some light quilting so I think it should sew denim but can't swear to it. I purchased for quilt classes due to its light weight. Hope that helps a bit.
1008116
I had a super cheap Singer when I first started dabbling in sewing over a year ago. I enjoyed doing little craft projects but had never taken a lesson. My Singer would constantly lock up, unthread itself, just overall bad. When I decided to start taking lessons I researched a little about machines - I wanted one that would last, that would run smoothly and one that my sewing class instructors recommended. This was on the list as a nice entry to mid level machine. They also recommended the magnolia, which would have probably been enough for me. I sew a lot in the winter, working on mostly purses, bags, cosmetic bags, etc. Occasionally I try some other projects. I really like the machine - it has given me no trouble and I would definitely recommend it. It you don't plan to sew often, I would look into the Janome Magnolia.
2031031
I would say so. It is heavier than the Brother I had before I bought this machine, but not by much, and only because it has metal parts (higher quality)! It is a beast at sewing through layers! I travel with mine just fine.
1085368
I wouldn't. I'm an experienced quilter and work in a quilt shop. For general machine Applique I would recommend Pellon wonder under (not heavy duty), misty fuse or steam a seam. It is a little less gummy for your needle and far less expensive. I use this to transfer hand embroidery designs onto fabric with my printer or copier. Good product but not right for what you are going to do in my humble opinion. Have fun!
441716
I have the Juki MO-654 and I love it! I do have some experience with sewing and I think this machine is very easy to use. I've only had it a few months but it's already proved itself with many sweater coats and armwarmers. =)