9 Best Brother Sewing Machines (Reviews & Comparisons)
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Choosing a new sewing machine can be complicated, especially if you’re a beginner and have difficulty discerning between machines. Even if you’re not a beginner, buying a machine can be a trying process simply because you’re trying to pick a machine you’ll be sewing with for many years.
Choosing the best Brother sewing machine for your needs depends on many factors, including your sewing needs, expertise, and budget.
I personally love the Brother CS7000X machine, and it’s what my daughter sews on, but it may not be the right choice for everyone.
I’ll help you narrow down your choices by explaining the differences between machine types and included functions and accessories. Then, I’ve put together a collection of reviews to give you more information about each individual machine I recommend.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Brother Sewing Machine
Here are a few things to consider before choosing your next Brother sewing machine.
1. Mechanical vs. Computerized
Mechanical sewing machines have no computer parts and are simpler.
In contrast, computerized machines offer more built-in stitches, accessories, and versatility. \
They also have LCD screens that are helpful for troubleshooting and sometimes pedal-free sewing and adjustable speed sliders to limit the maximum stitching speed. Stitch selection is also made via a button rather than the dial on a mechanical sewing machine.
Computerized sewing machines are, however, more expensive.
2. Automatic Needle Threader
Many Brother sewing machines feature an automatic needle threader.
With these gadgets, you’ll use a small hook to pull the thread through the eye of the needle.
While this feature is one of the most complained about in Brother sewing machine reviews as being temperamental, it can greatly help sewists with shaky hands or failing eyesight.
3. Buttons vs. Hands-Free Sewing
All mechanical machines require sewing with a foot pedal.
However, many computerized Brother sewing machines include an optional foot pedal.
For foot-free sewing, you can set your speed with a slider on the front of the machine and use buttons to control sewing. These buttons often start/stop the machine, reverse stitch, and put the needle up/down.
4. Included Presser Feet
Presser feet hold the fabric in place while you sew. Specialized feet allow you to do specialized tasks.
While having several presser feet included with your sewing machine is nice, it’s not necessarily a factor to exclude a sewing machine from your favorites list.
Additional presser feet are inexpensive and can be purchased separately.
5. Buttonhole Construction Process
With more advanced machines, you can create a one-step automatic buttonhole.
You place the button in the back of the buttonhole presser foot, and in one step, the machine makes an auto-sized buttonhole.
In contrast, basic Brother sewing machines have a four-step manual buttonhole. Making this type of buttonhole takes longer and is more complicated.
6. Detachable Extension Table
Some machines, especially those geared toward quilting, offer an additional detachable, wide table.
This helps hold large projects such as quilts, comforters, and costumes.
7. LED Light
Some machines will better illuminate your work area than others, so check for dual-LED lights rather than a single if you have near problems!
The Best Brother Sewing Machines
Brother Industries is known for producing consistently reliable products. Considering the technology they use, their products also have affordable price tags.
Over the last two decades, I’ve owned at least seven Brother sewing machines, sergers, embroidery machines, and coverstitch machines, and not one has let me down too badly yet.
1. Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.5 pounds |
| Stitches | 70 built-in stitches |
| Sewing Feet | 10 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 750 stitches per min (spm) |
I owned the Brother CS6000i sewing machine (read: Brother CS6000i sewing machine review) for over 5 years, and it was a great machine that withstood the test of time.
Brother recently released a new update to this machine, the Brother CS7000X, which I now own and recommend as the best Brother sewing machine!
This computerized sewing machine is easy to use thanks to beginner-friendly features such as automatic bobbin winding and needle threading coupled with a top drop-in bobbin that’s jam-resistant.
What I love most about the Brother CS7000X is that it has enough features for an advanced sewist to love or a beginner sewist (like my 4-year-old shown above) to grow into.
It also has an improved needle threader.
With 70 built-in stitches, 10 presser feet, and a max speed of 750 stitches per minute, this sewing machine will do almost everything you want.
It comes with an oversized detachable extension table, which has been great when I’ve sewn bulky garments. Also included is a hard case, which is not the case (pun intended!) with most of the other Brother sewing machines reviewed here.
Particularly friendly to quilters, the Brother CS7000X sewing machine has a walking foot, spring action quilting foot, 1/4″ piecing foot, and a quilt guide to help quilters create great creations.
For more information, read my full Brother CS7000x review to see how easy to use it is.
(To note, a Brother CS7000i was released between these two machines, but it was shortly replaced by the CS7000X within a year. You can read more about it in my Brother CS7000i review.)
2. Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
| Weight | 13.2 pounds |
|---|---|
| Stitches | 130 built-in stitches (8 are one-step buttonhole styles) |
| Monogramming | 55 alphanumeric stitches |
| Presser Feet | 8 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed: | 850 stitches per min (spm) |
The Brother HC1850 is the “Cadillac” of the Brother quilting and sewing machines available online and not from an authorized dealer.
It features 130 built-in stitches (8 buttonholes), 8 sewing feet, and an advanced needle threader.
One fun aspect of this sewing machine is that it also has one monogramming font if you want to do basic monogramming. This isn’t for computerized embroidery, though, although you can do free-motion embroidery. (Check out my list of the best Brother embroidery machines for more information on combination machines.)
The Brother HC1850 sews and quilts with precise and accurate stitches and will be a reliable workhorse for your sewing corner.
It’s also easy to use and sews at 850 stitches per minute.
Like many other Brother quilting machines, it has a bright LED light to illuminate your work area. It includes an oversized, detachable table for quilting and has similar automated features to other Brother sewing machines of this caliber.
The automatic drop feed is an added addition that some of the slightly less expensive models do not have. It’s the “most” sewing machine you can get for under $200, which is why it’s so highly loved and rated!
Learn more in Brother HC1850 review!
3. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.6 pounds |
| Stitches | 27 built-in stitches, including one automatic buttonhole |
| Sewing Feet | 6 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 800 stitches per minute |
The XM2701 sewing machine is so easy to use that it’s the best Brother sewing machine for beginners. It’s an affordable (under 150$ usually) Brother sewing machine that features everything you’ll need to sew or mend garments and craft Pinterest-worthy sewing projects.
It’s not computerized, and it’s not glamorous, but this Brother sewing machine will impress you with its power and stitch quality.
It has 27 built-in stitches, including one automatic buttonhole stitch, and 6 accessory feet.
Automatic features such as bobbin winding and a needle threader for easy threading are almost impossible to find on other sewing machines at this price point. The same can be said of finding an inexpensive sewing machine that makes auto-sized one-step buttonholes.
One of the more lightweight Brother sewing machines, the XM2701 is also very portable should you want to travel with it or move around while sewing.
Read more: Brother XM2701 sewing machine review!
(As an update, the Brother GX37 is the newer model of the Brother XM2701. It has more stitches but was pricier last time I checked.)
4. Brother SQ9285 Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother SQ9285 sewing machine contains the most built-in stitches for experienced sewers and quilters looking for an arsenal of decorative stitches.
It is specifically designed with the quilter in mind and is an impressive update to the well-loved Brother SQ9185 sewing machine.
A computerized Brother sewing machine, the Brother SQ9285 sewing machine comes programmed with 150 built-in stitches.
You also get 8 automatic one-step buttonhole stitches and 10 presser feet! A basic monogramming sewing machine as well, you have one built-in font.
Because this is a quilting-friendly machine, a spring action quilting foot, 1/4″ piecing foot, walking foot, and quilting guide are all included. There is a selection of quilting stitches and a wide, detachable table to hold larger projects.
One downfall is its maximum speed is only 710 stitches per minute, which is slower than many Brother machines. If you’re not routinely pushing your sewing machine to its peak speed, though, don’t worry too much about this!
5. Brother XR3774 Quilting and Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.3 lbs |
| Stitches | 37 stitches (1 automatic one-step buttonhole) |
| Sewing Feet | 8 |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 800 stitches per min (spm) |
This Brother XR3774 sewing machine is a non-computerized, affordable machine. It offers more options than the Brother XM2701 but still has an affordable price point.
With 37 built-in stitches (one automatic buttonhole stitch) and a slew of sewing accessories, including 8 presser feet, this machine will fulfill most of your sewing needs.
A basic Brother machine for quilting, the Brother XR3774 includes a detachable wide table for larger projects and both a quilting and walking foot. Feed dogs will have to manually be covered with a darning plate, though.
Still a portable machine, this reliable Brother machine features several automatic features, including bobbin winding and needle threading. These beginner-friendly options, standard on most Brother models, set the Brother sewing machines apart from other brands.
Read the full Brother XR3774 review for additional information.
6. Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing Machine
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.1 lbs |
| Stitches | 110 built-in stitches; 8 auto buttonhole stitches |
| Monogramming font | 1 included |
| Presser feet | 8 |
| Maximum sewing speed | 850 stitches per min (spm) |
The Brother XR9550 has recently replaced the Brother XR9550prw, the Project Runway Edition of the machine. Since Brother’s Project Runway machines are geared toward fashion design, you’ll be able to design and sew your own garments with the Brother XR9550.
Furthermore, with the included monogramming font, adding small alphanumeric stitches to your completed products is possible as well.
Boasting 110 stitch options, 8 automatic buttonholes, and 8 included presser feet, the Brother XR9550 will be able to accomplish most tasks you want to use it for. I think it’s also the best Brother sewing machine for making clothes.
Accessories included, such as the hard case, oversized wide table, and built-in free arm, increase the versatility of this Brother sewing machine.
Automated and computerized features are also friendly for beginners who want a sewing machine that will be easy to learn but have enough features that it will still have enough options to satisfy them as they become more experienced at sewing.
7. Brother CE1150 Sewing Machine
Replacing the Brother CE1125prw Project Runway limited edition sewing machine, the Brother CE1150 sewing machine is growing in popularity over time!
Featuring 110 built-in stitches (lots of decorative stitches!) and 7 presser feet, all for an affordable price, you’ll be able to create runway-worthy garments and follow Pinterest patterns to your heart’s desire.
Despite being so feature-rich, it’s also straightforward to use for beginners.
And, because it’s a computerized Brother sewing machine, the LCD screen displays which presser foot corresponds with which stitch. Also, when an error occurs, the sewing machine’s screen will also display a relevant error code.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a computerized sewing machine with the option of pedal-free sewing, this isn’t the machine for you.
8. Brother LX3817 17-Stitch Full-Size Sewing Machine
(Best cheap Brother sewing machine)
| Feature | The Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.4 lbs |
| Stitches | 17 stitches |
| Presser Feet | 4 feet included |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 spm |
The Brother LX3817 sewing machine is budget-friendly and mostly easy to use.
Not everyone needs or wants the latest and greatest technology on their sewing machine. And if you don’t plan to sew all the time or stitch complicated projects, there’s no need to spend a mint on an expensive machine!
The Brother LX3817 sewing machine weighs less than 11 pounds but still boasts 17 built-in stitches and 4 included presser feet. I own the gray version of it (with the model number LX3817G), but it is identical to the LX3817 in every way but color.
For such a small and inexpensive machine, it’s impressive that it can also stitch a maximum of 850 stitches per minute!
While I’m not a huge fan of the 4-step manual buttonhole, this machine’s price is great for beginners on a budget. It even includes a free arm for sewing small, cylindrical items.
Bobbin winding and installation are easy, and threading is simple, although you’re not getting an automatic needle threader. With the bare bones of necessary features, the Brother LX3817 boasts a simplicity that appeals to beginner users.
See the full Brother LX3817 review for more information!
9. Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough Computerized Sewing Machine
Hands down, the best Brother heavy-duty sewing machine is their new Brother ST150HDH Strong & Tough Computerized sewing machine. Why might you need a heavy-duty sewing machine?
- Because regular sewing machines easily sew most fabrics but have a hard time with thicker fabrics.
- Heavy-duty sewing machines have a sturdier frame, better motor, and improved feed dogs to simplify sewing heavy fabrics. (Heavy fabrics, for example, are denim, canvas, upholstery, and many-layered quilts.)
The Brother ST150HDH sewing machine also has 50 stitch options, including 5 automatic one-step buttonholes, and will stitch through almost anything. It handles heavyweight fabric and thick quilts and can also easily stitch delicate, thin fabrics.
Compared to standard sewing machines, the work area is increased, offering more space for bulky sewing projects: large quilts and even costumes.
The machine also includes two popular quilting feet (1/4″ piecing and walking foot) among the 9 included presser feet. It still has a free arm also.
The motor is surprisingly quiet, and the sewing machine itself produces beautiful stitches on projects that would be difficult for a standard sewing machine.
Many heavy-duty sewing machines are not computerized, so the technological advancement here provides additional versatility. For instance, using the foot pedal to sew is optional, and the machine can be programmed to automatically sew reinforcement or reverse stitches before beginning to sew.
See: Brother ST150HDH review.
The Brother Warranty Is Decent
All Brother sewing machines carry a 25-year limited warranty.
It’s not 25 years for everything, though. Most of these best Brother sewing machines have a 1/2/25-year warranty limited, and a few will carry the 2/6/25-year limited warranty. For the 1/2/25 year warranty, here’s what’s covered and for how long:
- 1 year: parts, accessories, and labor
- 2 years: electronic components
- 25 years: the chassis, or body, of the sewing machine
Proof of purchase is required, so keep any paper receipts and register your machine!
I hope this collection of reviews helps you pick your next crafty companion! If you’re new to sewing, check out my list of best sewing books for beginners to get you started or my list of best sewing machines for beginners if you’re not tied to the Brother brand.
Which of these computerized Brother machines handles sewing over seams best? I have a cheap runway and it balks at any thickness. thanks
The Brother ST150HDH is Brother’s best computerized heavy-duty sewing machine. It’s going to handle seams and thick fabrics much better than standard household machines. If you are interested in a mechanical machine, the Singer line of heavy-duty machines (4423, 4432, 4452, etc) are impressive for sewing thick seams, too.
Hey
So I read this review and the CS7000X and the XR9550
And i just don’t know which to choose. (The price is the same already checked)
Please your help 🥰
Hopefully I will use it to creat and sell – baby textile, home textile.
Thanks
Also, will they handle canvas, faux leather and thick fabric?
Yes, the CS7000X and XR9550 will both handle thick fabric relatively well. (Up to about 6mm is fair game. Make sure you’re choosing a compatible needle and thread, adjusting tension if needed, and sewing slowly or using the handwheel to advance over thick seams.) You don’t want to sew thick fabrics with them too often, though, so as to not risk burning out the motor. If you plan to sew heavy-weight fabric frequently, you could also consider the Brother ST150HDH as an option.
Anyway, both of the machines you’ve selected should work very well for your stated purposes! The XR9550 has more stitches and one lettering font, which is nice. It does have fewer presser feet, though. (I really like my walking foot, which came with my CS7000X.) That being said, I’d say just pick depending on which of the extra features appeals to you most as both machines are solid choices 🙂
Hello Aly, I purchased an entry level Brother machine for my daughter in 2020 during Covid (XM2701). She started playing around with it a little and then all of the sudden she started making clothes out of thrifted stuff! She taught herself (I’m no help). We’ve figured out that the timing is off on it and it’s too expensive to fix. I was down to two machines to buy when I found your article, searching for info on the CS7000X and the PS300. I can’t find as much about the PS300. I think because it’s more of a dealer machine. The dealer tells me that they are built better when you buy them from them, but I really think the CS7000X seems better overall. Is there any truth to what the dealer is saying? And do you know anything about the PS300 (as it compares to the CS7000X)? I want to get her a new machine for Christmas, so her love of sewing doesn’t fade and it’s so hard to pick. It’s super cool to see her come up from the basement in stuff she’s made! Thank you so much for your help! 🙂
I’ve been told dealer machines are “better” as well, but I’ve had a few over the years, and they have been no different than my less expensive big box store machines! (My limited sample size, of course.) I do love the CS7000X, and it’s a step up from the XM2701 in terms of functions. I’m not as familiar with dealer machines like the PS300, as I can usually buy two big box store machines to use and review for the same price as one dealer machine!
Thanks so much for your reply i appreciate it 🙏. I read the manual but wasn’t sure, does both of them have an automatic reverse sewing (to strengthen the fabric)?
I know how to sew, but its my first time buying a machine for myself. Never had to use any special seam.
Does any of them can be used instead of an overlock (not sure i have a budget for an overlock at the moment)
Thanks again! 😊
Technically, I guess both of them have “automatic” reverse sewing, which the machine does when you press the reverse button. They’re not so computerized though as to reverse without you telling them to. And yes, you can buy a walking foot separately that will fit great on any of the machines.
As for overlocking, they do have an overcast stitch that can mimic a serged seam in the sense it finishes fabric edges and creates a seam. None of the sewing machines can actually cut fabric like a true serger. However, there is a side cutter presser foot attachment you can buy separately that will trim the fabric as the machine overcasts. It’s “good” but not great. A serger performs way better on knit fabrics and can stitch a better seam faster. (You can see more about this foot in this post though if interested! https://www.sewingmachinefun.com/brother-side-cutter-presser-foot-review/)
As for the HC1850, it’s just a matter of preference with regards to whether the extra presser feet on the CS7000X or the more stitches (including the alphanumeric ones) on the HC1850 or XR9550 are more important to you. The HC1850 is very similar to the XR9550 and does include more stitches (130 vs 110), so might be technically a more full-featured machine if you’d use the extra 20 stitches. Oh, and the CS7000X also comes with a hard case, if that’s a deciding factor. (You can purchase lots of case options separately or easily sew your own, though.)
I hope that helps a bit more!
Wow you’re amazing thanks so much!
I will do my consideration soon and decide.
Will let you know
Thanks so much
Your blog is wonderful ❤️
Thanks, best wishes with your new sewing machine!
Also
If i buy the
XR9550 can i buy the walking foot separately?
What about the HC1850?
Are XR9550 and CS7000X better?
So confused 😅😅
Hi! Thank you for your reviews! This is so helpful! Can you tell me which would be better for beginner between the brother CP100x and the CS7000x?
Thanks again!
Hi! Those are both very similar machines in terms of how they are used and are both very beginner-friendly. The biggest difference is the number of stitches, so you can decide if the extra 30 stitch options on the CP100X are stitches you’d ever use.
One last thing to consider is the Brother CS7000X machine is a more popular machine and older than the CP100X. Thus, there may be more YouTube machine-specific tutorials if you think you’ll need extra help as a beginner.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much for helping me make a decision! Last question! Is the 7000x worth the extra money over the CS5505?
I also have the CP60X, which is the same as the CS5055 but has a different color faceplate.
I like the CS7000X a lot better. (I have some side-by-side pics at the end of this article that explain the differences: https://www.sewingmachinefun.com/brother-cp60x-review/.) Overall, the speed slider of the CS7000X is great if you have trouble regulating foot pedal speed as a beginner, and the parts seem like they’ll last longer on the CS7000X.
That being said, I still think the CP60X (and thus CS5505) is a great machine, but whether the extra cost is worth it is really hard to say just because each individual’s circumstances are so different!
I currently own an SE400 which is now discontinued. The automatic threader was a one step fully automated. Which machine would be comparable to that fully automated one step threader with the lever on the side? It was amazing.
The Brother SE600/SE700 and SE625/SE726 are the new versions of the Brother SE400. They also have the little lever on the side that makes threading super easy.
I want to buy a brother sewing machine model B115 is it an industrial sewing machine
Sorry, I’m not familiar with that model number. Is it a US-based model?
Hi, just read your reviews and some individual ones as well. Looking to buy a Brothers ASAP, but still not sure which one. I’m a vintage store owner and I do a lot of upcycling, repairing and costume making. Things u know I need are:
*A free arm for patching or mending elbows and knees.
* Something that also handles heavy/thick fabrics and has space for bulky garments
* A needle threader (that works! Lol) as my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, but I can deal without if necessary.
* would love to also have the embroidery option.
* a stitch that finishes edges or mimics a serger stitch.
I was thinking of the Strong and Tough, but that doesn’t do embroidery.
Do you have a suggestion? It gets overwhelming to read all the details of each, take notes etc. without missing something. I wish they would use only actual word names like the Strong and Tough or Project Runway as all these letter and number combos are too easy to confuse or forget when researching!
Thank you so much for your informative reviews! I’d be grateful for any guidance you can give me
Jane Williams
Hi! Do you want the ability to do free-motion embroidery with the sewing machine where you are in charge of the design, or are you talking more about computerized embroidery where you load a design and the machine stitches it out for you?
I am a very beginner and just hemm and fix cloths.
Wallmart has the LX3817 which is recommended for a beginner, so I will probably get this one.
Thanks for the information,
Colette
I am not new to sewing. I’m going to make quilts. Want one that I can do free movement. Want one that will hold up well and somewhat easy to understand. Leaning towards these machines. Please help me decide. Brother HC 1850, Brother XR 9500 or Brother CS 7000x
When it comes to free motion quilting, these 3 will perform similarly–same throat space and all include an extension table and spring action quilting foot. Their throat space is a little small if you’re planning to add quilting to anything bigger than twin or queen size quilts with more than low loft batting, though.
One difference is the CS7000X does only sew max speed 750 spm vs. 850 spm on the others, so if you like to piece fast, consider ruling that machine out!
Hi,
I’ve been looking at the Brother Innov A150. The reviews seem too good to be true on Amazon, like 90% 5 star reviews. It’s within my price range, but I’m hesitant about taking the plunge and buying it because there are other Brother sewing machines in that price range which have some rather negative reviews. They seem to center around long term reliability. The machine works well for a few months, then things start to go wrong with it. One thing I seek is long term reliability! I’d rather pay more for that than get a machine with all the bells and whistles which ends up useless when it stops working the way it should, or worse, stops working altogether. Any advice in this regard would be welcomed. Thank you.
So, unfortunately, all sewing machines (and most appliances and other electronics, too, for that matter) are no longer made these days like they used to be! Long term reliability (as in more than 10 years) is difficult to find in any new brand or model unless you purchase a preowned sewing machine that’s decades old, made with all metal parts, and meant to last.
I have many Brother entry-level machines (priced under $100 and up to $1000) and also a Brother machine that I paid 5 figures for, and as long as I’ve taken care of them and used them properly, they’ve lasted well beyond the first few months. I’ve broken needle threaders multiple times, but that ultimately came down to it being my fault because I threaded with the needle in the wrong position accidentally. All other issues have also always been my fault and stemmed from incorrect threading, inserting the bobbin the wrong way accidentally, etc.)
Hi….reading this thread in 2024 and hope someone responds! I’m a beginning/to moderate sewer, and I’m still using an old/clunky manual singer from the early 80’s…it never did have good bobbin tension, even with countless adjustment. What I’m looking to buy is a machine that would work well with cotton knits (I want to make a bunch of summer adult jumpsuits) and yet be able to hem a pair of jeans. I don’t need tons of fancy stitches…I just need one with a pressure foot and feeder that will let that cotton knit/cotton/poly knit fabric sail through there! Any recommendations? It’s all so confusing. thanks in advance
How do you feel about getting a serger? It won’t hem jeans with a straight stitch (you’d need a separate machine for that or use your current machine), but my serger works SO MUCH BETTER on all knit fabrics–it’s much faster, creates a sturdier and more professional seam, and gives so much less puckering/waviness/etc. It even works on those thin annoying sweater knits that even my most expensive sewing machine doesn’t easily tolerate without a lot of babying. My first serger was the Brother 1034D, and I still have that thing almost 10 years later even though my primary serger is now an air threading one.
Hi, I’m a beginner wanting to get the same machine as my mum in the UK. she has the FS250FE. Would you know if that’s available in the US under another model number?