by Bridget on February 19, 2012
Embroidery is a very expensive hobby so some people choose to buy a sewing machine that also does embroidery. But there are others who’d invest in a machine that does only embroidery and use another cheaper machine for basic sewing so that the embroidery machine suffers less wear and tear.
Which do you think is better then? If you want a 2-in-1, I recommend this Brother SE270D. It has a lot more built-in designs than the SE350, including Mickey Mouse designs, florals and other patterns, and 5 monogram fonts.
Brother SE270D Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Add More Designs with Software
You can buy more design cards or expand the database by getting a card reader and software. The software allows you to download all the designs you like from the internet. Both options are wallet-killers, but I did tell you that embroidery is an expensive hobby.
A USB port for downloading is a better option but the Brother PE700II (a pure embroidery machine) which has this feature, costs twice the price of the SE270D.
The size of the embroidery hoop is 4 by 4, not industrial size but good enough for making some nice embroidery on purses, pockets, and baby blankets, to name a few.
Good for Sewing Too
As for the sewing part, it sews pretty nicely with straight and precise stitches, and the three sewing speeds are great for beginners.
You can also adjust for long stitches if you’re doing thick or multi-layered fabrics. The automatic threading makes it very easy to switch from embroidery to sewing or to switch colors.
The Brother SE270D is very easy to use with simple controls, just right for people who’re taking on embroidery for the first time.
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by Bridget on February 18, 2012
I’d recommend this sewing machine to anyone! The Singer 7470 Confidence is the easiest sewing machine to use, even for novices. It’s not computerized, nor is it great for heavy quilting or serious embroidering, but it’s the best sewing machine if you don’t need those.
Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine
Once you’ve got the Singer Confidence on the run, you’ll know what I mean about it being easy to use.
All the Friendly Features!
The auto tension is the best part about it, I should say. No more fiddling with tension dials trying to find the right tension! The machine adjusts itself according to the stitch and thickness of fabric you’re using.
This Singer machine has the Drop & Sew bobbin system which is really convenient. The bobbin is easy to wind and the threading takes no time at all.
Beginners would be glad that the manual has some good explanations, photos and even definitions for jargon. But for intermediate users you don’t really need much help from the manual, except maybe to read up on the twin needle stitch.
Sturdy and Worth Its Price
The Singer Confidence is a bit heavy to carry to sewing classes, but the fact that it’s heavy is what makes it so good! It takes layers and heavy fabrics well enough, though I wouldn’t say it’s the best for quilting. The machine doesn’t clatter like those light ones and it’s quieter than most others.
Although this wasn’t meant for embroidery, it does have simple embroidery patterns. There are loads of stitches to choose from, needle positions, and temporary memory, all of which can be managed from the simple control panel with LCD screen.
If there is anything at all that could be complained about, it could be the reverse stitch button, which you have to hold down until the reverse stitch is done. It’s not cool but not really a problem for most people.
I strongly recommend the Singer 7470 Confidence to those who don’t need computerized machines for embroidery or quilting. It’s good as an entry level machine too, though you may have to stretch your budget a bit. Totally worth it!
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by Bridget on February 17, 2012
This sewing machine had just arrived at my doorstep sometime ago and I love it already! I bought this Brother CS6000I after deciding that I want to do more quilting projects – quilts are lovely gifts and can be donated – and this machine is just perfect for quilting.
Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine
I Simply Love the Quilting Features
One of the main reasons I bought this sewing machine is that Brother CS6000I comes with a decent sized quilting table, something I miss from other sewing machine models. This has made my quilting projects so much easier!
Whenever I’m doing slippery layers I use the walking foot that is included. Now I don’t have to adjust the fabrics all the time and the stitches go precisely where I want them to.
The quilt guide is very helpful too, letting me space the quilt lines evenly without having to do it the old-fashioned way – chalking them on the fabric first. All these good quilting features mean I can work a whole lot faster and the result is even better!
Lightweight but Not a Problem
This machine is pretty lightweight for a quilting machine – less than 20 pounds – but the layers of fabric feed well as long as you use the right needles and thread. Believe me, using good thread will improve the whole sewing process and end result.
At first I was dismayed that the quilting table and the machine slide around when I work, but someone suggested that I place a thin rubber mat under the machine and that solved the problem.
The fact that it’s light also means I can bring it to sew anywhere I like, inside the hard cover carry case that comes with it.
Overall the Brother CS6000I is a great quilting sewing machine, and you can use it for other sewing projects as well. The price isn’t all that expensive either, but I suggest you catch the sales period in Amazon where you can get it at a bargain price and the return policy is very admirable!
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by Bridget on February 16, 2012
The Brother XL2600I is my daughter’s first sewing machine (mine was an ancient Singer), and she has been using it all the time to sew dresses for her teddy bears. It’s basic, cheap and good for simple sewing by beginners.
Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine
Nothing Fancy but Good for Simple Projects
This sewing machine doesn’t have all the fancy stuff for real embroidery and sewing crafts, but it does have 25 stitches, and I like its automatic buttonholer because my daughter can make her own buttonholes easily!
Brother XL2600I takes all thin fabrics nicely, and I’ve found that it works with thin curtains and light denims too. But it’s not very good with the thicker fabrics or layers because the presser foot cannot be adjusted.
And if you want to work on knits and stretch fabrics you’ll have to get your own ball point needles, because they only gave sharps.
Easy to Use
It is very easy to wind the bobbin and thread the needle. Many reviewers have also agreed on this point. In fact threading is so easy you don’t really need the needle threader at all unless you have really bad eyesight or shaky hands.
My daughter had asked me about the lower thread looping under the fabric and I had a bit of trouble deciphering the manual for this problem, but I finally found the solution from an Amazon review (thanks, SBP “Ladorada”).
The manual is hard to read (Spanish translation right after the English version instead of in another section at the back) but this machine is so basic I don’t find much use for the manual.
If you’re an experienced seamstress, I wouldn’t recommend this sewing machine. Check out the Best Computerized Sewing Machine instead. People who want an entry level sewing machine, click here to read more reviews on Brother XL2600I.
Tip for shoppers: Your local shop is good for you to test out any sewing machine and ask lots of questions, but Amazon is a very good place to get your machine, because they handle returns very well and often replace machines even when the manufacturer won’t!
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Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine is a good embroidery sewing machine. It has a range of 70 built-in embroidery designs, 5 styles of monogramming fonts as well as 120 frame pattern combinations.
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
If the 70 built-in embroidery designs are not enough for you, another over 1,000 additional designs are accessible from Brother’s optional embroidery design card. Better still, you can save up to 12 embroidery designs in the built-in memory of this machine.
It also offers a maximum embroidery field of 4 by 4 inches. It is a bit small for some designs, but this is a home user sewing machine after all.
This computerized sewing machine is equipped with a large LCD touch screen, which enables you to access to the built-in embroidery designs and do on-screen modifications to your designs. Furthermore, intuitive reference guide in 16 different languages can be read from this LCD touch screen.
Other than that, it has 67 types of built-in stitches with 98 kinds of incorporated stitch functions. This sewing machine provides a maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minute. With the free-arm structure, I can do those difficult parts of garments such as cuffs, sleeves, and trousers’ hems easily.
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine has many other great features such as automatic needle threader and push-button controlled thread cutter, 15 needle positions, snap-on presser foot attachment, automatic presser foot pressure as well as the drop feed function.
The one-step automatic buttonhole formation function comes with 10 various kinds of styles. It has an automatic quick-set bobbin system, which eases and simplifies the bobbin changing process.
Some users find completely removable bobbin cover easily misplaced as it is rather small, so you might want to be careful with it.
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine has
- seven types of presser feet
- a seam ripper
- four bobbins
- a needle set
- a twin needle
- a cleaning brush
- an eyelet punch
- a screwdriver
- a touch pen
- three spool caps
- a spool pin
- a spool net
- a foot controller
- a pair of scissors
- an embroidery hoop
- an accessory pouch
- a bilingual user manual with instructional CD in English and Spanish
- 25 years warranty
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine is the one for you if you’re looking for a good embroidery sewing machine that can do normal tasks just as well.
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by Bridget on February 9, 2012
My sister bought this Brother ES2000 for her 10-year-old daughter because she wanted a computerized sewing machine but doesn’t need one with a whole lot of embroidery or quilting features, just a basic and affordable one!
Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing Machine
The Brother ES2000 is pretty much similar to my Brother CS6000I minus the quilting accessories, some extra stitches and a few other little features. It has 37 built-in stitches including decorative ones and 77 stitch functions, which is pretty much enough for most beginner to intermediate users.
Best Computerized Sewing Machine for Beginners
I had thought that my little niece might need some help from her Aunt Bridget using the machine, but to my surprise she told me she’s managing all right. The manual looks just like the one with my CS6000I, and my niece is reading it without trouble.
Even threading didn’t stump her! But that’s because there are instructional diagrams printed right on the machine itself for that. So she referred to it with only a glance whenever she forgot the steps.
Very Affordable!
Most computerized sewing machines are priced above $250, especially if they have embroidery or quilting accessories and features. But the Brother ES2000 is selling below $200!
The one-step buttonholer is very nice to have, with as many as 5 styles to choose from. There’s also an LED display for stitch selection but there’s no memory so once you switch off the machine you’ll lose the selection.
This is a pretty basic computerized sewing machine. I’d recommend you to get the CS6000I if you want to do a lot of quilting, or the SE350 if you do embroidery all the time.
Brother ES2000 is good for beginners or people who don’t sew a lot (I mean really a lot), or if you are on a tight budget.
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by Bridget on February 7, 2012
Looking for a good electronic sewing machine but don’t want to overspend? I recommend the Singer 7442. This is one fine machine to have for the price. This quality machine is not exactly at a budget price, but it’s still under $200.
Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine
Plenty of Good Features
Let’s talk about the good stuff first. I personally always liked the threading and bobbin systems on Singer machines. This machine is very easy to thread; there is automatic threading if you don’t want to waste 30 seconds poking at the needle’s eye.
The bobbin goes on the top (also called drop-in bobbin) but there is no Drop & Sew feature on this model. I prefer the drop & sew but I wouldn’t mind the extra step of drawing it up for this price. Just lift the presser foot and pull up the loop of thread.
The best thing I like is the automatic tension. I’d like that on every one of my machines because it saves me so much time trying to adjust tension manually. This Singer 7442 can take some heavy fabrics and layers well even though the machine itself is not heavy.
A Bit Lacking in Some Aspects
This sewing machine is not exactly lightweight but good enough to carry around. It doesn’t come with a case though, so people who want to bring it to sewing classes will have to buy a case separately.
Some reviewers complained that the needle always ends up in the up position, but you can manually crank it half a stitch if you want it down. This is a bit of a grumble especially for people who’re sewing fast.
The LED light by the needle is not much use at all; using another light source which is bright enough to light the whole working area will be more practical.
I’d say these complaints aren’t big enough to stop most people from getting a good electronic sewing machine below $200. Singer 7442 gives value for its price.
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by Bridget on July 13, 2010
Sewing machine is a tool we use to help ourselves to mend and make clothing by sewing 2 pieces of clothes. There are a few types of sewing machines, some of them already extinct, some are high-ends and some are light and portable.
The very basic ones are the manual type. It features a driver wheel which enables you to control the speed of needles and a knob to control the distance between each ‘shot’ on the cloth. Later, people started to introduced in the belt technology to it. With it you can sew faster with a paddle that has a larger driver wheel which connects to the smaller on top of the machine’s surface.
My mother’s old sewing machine was an advanced manual type. It features a convenient modification that you can hide the main body of the machine under the surface.
High demand of sewing machines during the 90′s pushes the innovation of sewing machines further by incorporating electrical motors. This can be done by installing a miniature motor on the smaller driver wheel and control its speed with either a hand switch or electrical paddle. Seeing this, prospective companies started to produce fully electrical sewing machines and making them simpler yet lighter and portable.
Some models even have conventional battery slots and a rechargeable reserve. Now, you can even find uncommon modern types with electronic interface and some with high safety quality so you could never hurt your fingers when sewing, even recklessly. What do you need to do is to place the pieces of cloth and draw a guide line with the unique invisible pen, and the machine will sew along the ink line.
In a nutshell, sewing machine is very versatile tool for us. However, everyone has their own selections of choices for the designs and types. You should do a detailed research and budget planning to choose the ideal one for you.
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by Bridget on December 13, 2009
Usually, many problems relating to your sewing machine can be solved by simply changing the needle or some other switches. Here is a list of simple troubleshooting checklist for common problems.
Skipped or irregular stitches
- This is usually caused by the machine’s needle. Make sure that you are using one that is the correct size. If your machine works fine but the stitches come out wrong, try changing the needle to another size.
- The needle of the sewing machine is made from a silver of metal. You may have bent it while sewing so try replacing it. Also, try learning more about sewing machine needles.
- If you frequently find yourself changing the needles, it may be because you are forcing the fabric and bending the sewing needle. Let the feed dog do its work and let it feed the fabric through the machine.
Bunching or breaking thread
- Try using higher quality threads. Lower grade threads will cause excessive lint, have looser fibers and knots that will deteriorate your stitching.
- You may have threaded your thread wrongly. Re-thread your sewing machine and always remember to thread it using the presser foot up. Upper threading errors are usually caused by knotting the thread on the bottom side.
- Make sure the bobbin and bobbin case is threaded correctly. Also be sure the bobbin is threaded in the correct direction.
- There is also a possibility of bobbin wear especially those made from plastic.
Tension adjustment
- You may want to adjust the tension of the machine, which depends on its make. Remember the rule of thumb, right is to tighten and left is to loosen. These adjustments will help repositioning the springs and screws. By turning them to the left you are loosening the springs while to the right is to tighten them up.
If you can’t solve your machine’s problems, always consult your sewing machine’s manual for the best care and maintenance instructions.
Safety
- Always turn off your machine and unplug them when you are not using them. Children may run over the foot pedal and accidentally run the machine. Worse, they will get hurt by the sharp objects.
- Children are attracted to knobs and buttons, so keep them where they can’t reach to push on the buttons and turning the knobs.
Maintenance
- Always take time to do regular maintenance on your machine to keep it running smoothly. This will keep them free lint, dirt and grease built up.
- Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips for you to keep your sewing machine running smoothly and last you many happy years.
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by Bridget on December 11, 2009
In general, sewing machines require the basic cleaning, oiling and lubricating. Each machine has its own requirement so it is best to consult its manual first. Below are general cleaning tips for your sewing machine.
- When you are cleaning your machine, get your supplies ready, unplug the machine and remove it to a well lighted area. Don’t forget to protect the floor and table tops. Wrap the motor and wire with plastic to protect them from oil and cleaning solvent.
- Always remove only the parts that are involve and note where it is from, its position and which way is top. When unscrewing / screwing with a screw driver, don’t put pressure on the twist but on the push. Bolts should be unbolted using a wrench and not pliers.
- The first thing that you should do is to remove the needle, presser foot, slide plate, throat plate, bobbin case, and the face plate. Place them in a tray and soak them in cleaning fluids while cleaning other areas of the machine.
- Next, start working on the machine head. With your hand, run the machine by turning the hand wheel. At the same time, squirt cleaning fluid into all oil holes, bearings and places where they rub against or turn within another.
- If the machine seems to run hard, it may be caused by lint and dirt built up inside a bearing. Continue to run the machine and squirting cleaning fluid until the machines runs easily. Tip the head and flush the parts underneath the machine. Run the machine again until it functions smoothly.
- Remaining built up in easily reached areas can be rid off by dipping a cloth or brush into cleaning fluids to scrub it off. If the parts are hard to reach, pry the built up away with a pointed instrument like a needle or knife.
- Next, check the lower tension of the bobbin case and the upper thread discs. This can be done by pulling a thread soaked in cleaning fluid under and between the bobbin case and discs. Then, with a dry cloth, repeat the process to ensure there is no lint left.
- Dry everything up and assemble all the parts accordingly. Do not plug the machine until all the fluids are dry.
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