Brother LS2125I Sewing Machine Review
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Reviewed By: Susan Peters
Let me premise this recommendation by saying that I have been sewing for over 25 years as a hobby. I own my own machine, a Kenmore. I am an engineer who found my love of engineering through my love of sewing. My 10-year-old son has been asking me for over three years to give him sewing lessons on my machine, so I bought this machine for him for Christmas. This is a lovely machine, well made, and sturdy. This is not a machine that you should buy if you will not have someone who knows about sewing to assist you. This is not like buying a Nintendo DS or a Wii, which are items that are intuitive. The instructions to thread the machine and the bobbin are substandard. We successfully thread the machine and bobbin because they are identical to my Kenmore. If you have never thread a machine before, be prepared for directions that are confusing.
If you have some sewing experience under your belt and you can get past the threading of the machine, you will love the Brother LS2125i. If you are buying this for a novice, make sure you get a tutorial book with exercises that the receiver can perform on paper first. I got my son several kits of projects that he can sew for himself (a pillow, mittens & a scarf), but he cannot start on those projects until he has mastered all of the examples in the beginner book. He thought that sewing was easy and that he could make all sorts of stuffed animals, etc. right away. He now has been made aware that mastering sewing starts with a good machine, and practice, practice, practice before you can really make anything.
It is a good thing to start on paper, not only because it is good practice but also the machine has been oiled and some of the residual oil will come off on the bobbin thread as you start sewing at first. Please do not use anything you value on the machine until the oil residue goes away (about 1 foot of stitches seemed to do the trick).
Also, make sure you understand how to use a sewing machine safely. My son now understands that this is a powerful machine and that the needle can go through your finger easily. If you are buying this for a child, please do not let them figure out how to use this on their own. It is like a power tool, so treat it as such.
This machine is less expensive than a professional model but is still an investment. I am looking forward to my children using this for many years to come.
- Susan
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Reviewed By: Jenny McEvoy
I mainly use this machine to do basic lingerie sewing on slips, camisoles, panties and simple teddies…I’m new to sewing and have been surprised by the quality of this machine! I have found the threading to be very simple, but I have to use a paper clip to get the tread through the thread take-up lever and the machine tends to bunch up the material when back stitching (I have to adjust the tension lever).
This machine comes with basic accessories like a buttonhole, zipper, button sewing feet, a needle set, 3 bobbins, darning plate, screwdriver and one extra spool pin. The manual is easy to read and use. Instructions are given in English, Spanish and French and in order to get the best use of this machine, must be read carefully! If you are sewing heavyweighted or lightweighted fabrics, you’ll need to change the needle size and check that you are using the correct foot. Also, this machine does a great job with basic monogramming and embroidering!
I like the 10 stitches which includes 4 different zig zag stitches, the buttonhole, straight, stretch blind, shell tuck and elstic stitches. There is a tension control roller and the ability to do twin needle sewing.
Overall,the Brother LS2125i a very good machine for basic sewing and crafting!
- Jenny
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Singer Curvy 8763 Sewing Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- 30 Built-In Stitches;2 One-Step Buttonholes
- SwiftSmart Threading System;Drop & Sew Bobbin System
- One-Touch Needle Threader;Push-Button Stitch Selection
- 3 StayBright LED Lights
After many decades of service, my wife’s old Singer finally went ka-put so we researched several different machines before deciding on the Singer 8763. Not only did Amazon offer the best value, but my credit card had barely cooled when the machine and case arrived – super fast shipping. I know, I know – husbands aren’t supposed to give APPLIANCES as gifts but that’s what she wanted and that’s what she got.
Although this was a Christmas gift the wifey has been dieting and had quite a few outfits to alter before the holidays, so I encouraged her to open the boxes and get acquainted with her new machine. Right away, we were struck by just how much larger this machine was in person than what we’d viewed on the web site. It’s not really huge, just a bit bigger than we’d envisioned. The machine works great, and she is still learning all the functions and features.
One curiousity – there was no instructional DVD with this particular machine, and nothing in the product description to indicate there would be one included, but it sure would be helpful – especially for a guy like me that is not very sewing machine savvy. Beyond the presser feet described on the web site, ours came with a whole ‘nother bag of different presser feet – 4 or 5 others that we have not yet identified. Not sure if this was a packaging mistake or what, but it was a bonus. Singer *should* at least include a descriptive sheet of the different presser feet along with the intended use for each one so we’d know exactly what we’re working with here.
My wife is no stranger to Singer products, but this has even her a bit baffled. There’s a double fistful of presser feet and are left to discover their useful functions on our own. This is the only reason I only rated this product at four stars instead of five.
Overall, first impressions are very favorable and we are both pleased with the purchase. Whether you are new to sewing or a wily veteran seamstress I think you could do quite well with this middle of the line machine. Buy with confidence, but do your homework first.
- John
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Great little machine at a great price
I needed to replace a 23 year old Singer 6233 that had served me well, but was starting to become unreliable. My research led me to the Singer Curvy 8763, which, for under $300 and being a Singer with great new features seemed like the one. I have been sewing like mad with it since the day I got it!
I loved the DVD tutorial, and the fact that this machine threads the needle for you is a huge plus. My nearly 50 year old eyes thank Singer for this. Also the bobbin winding is much easier than my old machine. I love the clear bobbin case, so I know before I run out of bobbin thread to replace it. The machine is nice and lightweight and has a nice smooth feel to it. Also, being able to keep my accessories in the removable arm is very cool. The variety of stitches is great as well.
- Bikemom
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Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- Fully electronic sewing machine with 30 built-in stitches and hundreds of functions
- Push-button controls; adjustable stitch length and width; reverse stitching
- 1-step buttonholer for perfect buttonholes; needle threader; snap-on presser feet
- Free arm; LED light; on-board storage; full assortment of accessories included
- Measures 19 by 9 by 14 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Reviewed By: JoAnn (CA, USA)
Wonderful Multistitch Singer Sewing Machine
I purchased a similar Singer Sewing machine 2 Christmases back for my older (34 y.o.) daughter. She loves her machine, learned to use it easily, and has used it every month since. My younger daughter wanted a Sewing machine this Christmas, so I tried to get as close to the other machine as possible. This is basically the same model. My old machine (a sturdy but difficult to use Swiss “Elna” machine that I bought used more than 30 yrs. ago) was on the blink, so I decided it was time to get a new machine for me also, while I could still find the model that my older daughter liked so much.
I really love the ease of use. I basically only straight stiched with the old machine, or used simple zigzags, but I have already tried most of the features with my new Singer 7442 sewing machine. All of them are very easy to use. The free arm is wonderful!! I have repaired a hole near the knee in a favorite pair of jeans already. There is no way that I could have done that with the other. I used the button stitch to sew several buttons onto my lab jackets. This is wonderful!! I hate sewing buttons by hand. I also like the automatic needle threader very much. My eyes are getting poor, and it is hard to see the needle to thread it.
The machine is intuitive for initially threading, and for most functions. I like that the optimum stitch size is programmed in, but that it is easily changed if needed. I also prefer having the stitches on the machine, over a LED display on the newer/ higher end models, where it might be harder to figure out what stitches are available. I learned how to use a blind hem stitch to take up a pair of pants: the instructions on the web site were clearer for this than in the manual. The manual was very good for everything else, and was clear about the care needed (minimal) for the machine.
I am very happy with my purchase: a reasonable price for a wonderful machine for all basic and intermediate sewing!!
- JoAnne
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Reviewed By: Sonata Sewer (Boise, ID)
Plug In and Sew!
I purchased this sewing machine just this week. Chose standard shipping (free) from Amazon, and received it in just 3 days!
The machine was waiting for me when I got home from work. I took it out of the box, set it up, and made a poodle skirt in no time flat. The machine practically sewed the skirt by itself. It was easy to thread both the machine and the bobbin. It was easy to understand and read the manual. My sewing experience is costumes for the kids, pillows, blankets, crafts. Not a beginner but certainly not advanced, either. There are fun choices of stitch patterns that can be easily selected by simply pushing a button. No advanced degree needed for this machine!
The week prior to purchasing this machine, I’d purchased the Singer Inspiration 4210. The Inspiration should be named “Perspiration”. It was not at all easy to interpret the manual, or to figure out what stitch was what from the confusing dial(s). The Inspiration 4210 operation was not smooth and semi-automatic like the 7442 model is.
I was very frustrated and disappointed, and returned the Inspiration to the store, then went back to the drawing board and did some more research. Found several on Amazon, decided on the Singer 7442–and I love it!
- SS
Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- Versatile, lightweight sewing machine for sewing, quilting, and decorating clothing, crafts, and home fashion
- 25 built-in stitches, each with multiple stitch functions; 1-step automatic buttonholer; free-arm capability
- Adjustable stitch width/length; automatic needle threader; drop-in bobbin system; quick-change presser feet
- Foot control, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, extra spool pin, darning plate, and manual included
- Measures 12-1/4 by 7-3/4 by 9-3/5 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Reviewed By: Susan B. Sharp (Jacksonville, FL)
Wonderful basic sewing machine!
I have been sewing for over 40 years and so I am well aquainted with sewing machines starting with my grandmother’s treadle White to my current Viking.
My Viking had to go for its yearly tension repair so I was left ( not terribly happily , I might add) in the middle of a project that required a lot of straight and zigzag stitching ….. I decided to buy a good BACKUP machine.
I read reviews and checked the Consumer Report (March 2009) and found the Brother XL2600I. I decided that if the reviews were correct then this was exactly what I was looking for….and it was and is. This is a great little basic machine. The stitches are uniform, the tension is amazingly perfect , and the instructional manual is EASY to understand . This machine allows the project to be the focus of the sewing experince.
The price is exceptional for the quality of the product. It’s a good buy.
- Susan
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Reviewed By: C. Katz (new York City)
Great machine for basic sewers, including kids
I work with children, and wanted a machine for the girls, ages 8 and up, who are working on small projects. I can move this machine easily, and with a little guidance, the children do fine with it. I have been likewise been inspired to resume some sewing myself, which I haven’t done in many years. So far, the machine has been very forgiving of our sewing blunders. I chose this machine based on the review in Consumer Reports, and found that Amazon had a great price relative to other sources.
- Claire
Reviewed By: Mer (Redondo Beach, CA)
At first, a great deal!
I purchased the Brother XL2600I to use while visiting my daughter in another state. I used the machine to make a shirt with buttons as well as an apron out of canvas. I was quite impressed with the quality of the stitches for such an inexpensive machine. It did a great job sewing through multiple layers of canvas and the button holes were perfect!
Then, before packing it up, I decided to check out the bobbin case and clean up any lint. It was nearly impossible to remove the plate over the bobbin. The plate is in two parts of which one is plastic. I have to admit, that I did not look in the Owner’s Manual, but figured removing the plate is a no brainer. (I have used dozens of machines over the years and have been sewing for over 40 years!) Eventually I was able to remove the plates and re-assemble everything. I am concerned that routine maintenance on this machine will be a problem but only time will tell!!
- Mer
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Brother CS6000I Sewing Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- 60-stitch computerized free-arm sewing machine with LCD display
- 7 styles of 1-step auto-sizing buttonholes; 1-touch start/stop and reverse functions
- Snap-on presser feet; wide table accessory for larger projects such as quilts
- Measures 9-3/5 by 9-3/4 by 12-1/2 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Reviewed By: Plein Jane
Don’t let the low price fool you. This is a great machine!
The Brother CS600I represents probably the most incredible value-for-money on the market today. It is very easy to use, and the manual is exceptionally helpful. It comes with every foot and accessory you could ever possibly need. In fact, there is nothing more you can buy for it. Compare that to the other sewing machine manufacturers, which give you only the most basic feet and then you must purchase everything else separately.
If you have been hankering for the convenience of fully computerized sewing, automatic needle threading, push-button sewing, and lots of fun stitches, don’t hesitate. I highly recommend this machine. I’ve owned very expensive machines from all the top manufacturers and I would not recommend it if the stitches were not beautiful or if it were loud or junky. This was given to me as a gift (I’m ashamed to say I would probably have walked right past it because of its low price) and I love it so much.
I have gone on to buy the Brother serger on Amazon, and also a $999.00 Brother Innovis, which is another tremendous bargain. I was really pleased to see that even the more expensive machine uses the same bobbins and feet as this one, and this has many of the same features. This $200 machine comes with virtually all the same attachments as the $1000 one.
This is the machine that some of the larger sewing and quilting expos are using in their workshops now because they are so lightweight, easy to learn, and reliable. High end Berninas and Vikings are just too complicated for people to sit down and learn at in a classroom setting, and they are way too expensive. This machine is the Featherweight of the 21st century, with tons of stitches and fun built in. Go for it!!!
- Jane
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Reviewed By: WK (Hawaii)
I did a bunch of research before purchasing this sewing machine, both in local stores and online. I read many of the reviews on this machine before making the purchase. I have not yet had a chance to look at or try all the attachments, accessories, and stitches. There’s so much!! The machine is very light weight, but seems very sturdy. It’s very quiet and runs smoothly. Threading the top of the machine is very simple and I like that the bobbins are the same size as those I had on the Kenmore machine I’m replacing.
The additional detachable table and hard cover are great bonuses. I was worried about having this machine shipped to Hawaii (cost and condition), however, to my great delight, shipping was FREE and the machine arrived in 4 days, in perfect condition!! I’m very happy with this machine and the price, and the convenience of home delivery cannot be beat! Thank you!
- WK
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Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- Computerized embroidery machine with USB memory-stick compatibility
- 136 built-in decorative patterns; 6 lettering fonts; 10 frame shapes and 12 border styles
- Compatible with Brother memory-card library; imports designs up to 5 by 7 inches
- LCD touch-screen controls for ease of use; memory function; full array of accessories included
- Measures 16-7/9 by 21-1/4 by 17-2/7 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Reviewed By: Ritayana (Lincoln, NE)
Great machine for the price
I didn’t want to spend too much on an embroidery machine before knowing if it would be something that I get a lot of use out of. Although I don’t have a dedicated sewing room I opted against getting a combo embroidery/sewing machine because I already had a regular machine. I spent almost a year researching machines and the major selling point besides price was that it takes a thumb drive.
It was really easy to get started without having to study the manual too extensively. I hate anything with a steep learning curve because I have very little time to sew. I don’t want to spend my precious time reading a manual. I had been looking at Babylocks, but regardless of what the Babylock sales person said, the Brother machines appear identical and much less expensive. I don’t have time to take classes (an advantage of buying from a dealer) so I went for the cheaper Brother. Also, Babylock doesn’t sell this model as a stand alone embroidery machine.
The Brother PE770 is the same as the BL Ellure Plus without the sewing machine. The set up is really easy and I immediately began stitching out some of the preloaded designs. The stitch quality is great. The preloaded designs are dominated by the “cutesie” stuff that isn’t really my cup of tea. Who wants a garment with a teddy bear playing accordion on a tree stump? I downloaded some cool designs from a website and put them on the thumb drive. It was very easy to transfer them to the machine and sew them even though we don’t own a PC. My husband found a program for Macs so I was able to see the image and the color chart on the Mac. We can run PC programs on one of our Macs and I will probably get Embird soon.
Given the fact that this is a lower-end model there are some downsides. The image is in black & white on the machine’s display. Also, the image just looks like a blob. There is very little editing on the machine itself. I am interested to know if the embroidery software will make that less of a problem. I haven’t ventured into trying to place designs in an exact spot yet. The embroidery hoop comes with a grid to help with that but I haven’t figured out how to do it. Once the thread broke and it was really easy to figure out how to get back to where it was and restitch it. If I end up using it a lot I might eventually consider a fancier machine but I think I made a good choice for a beginner. The automatic threader is great! The seller (Ken’s via Amazon) sent some information about different types of stabilizer that was very helpful. I just wish I had more time to play with this fun machine.
- Ritayana
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Reviewed By: P.Hayman
Brother PE-770 Embroidery Machine – LOVE IT !!!
I simply love this machine!! It was incredibly easy to set up and performed just like the instruction booklet said it would. The designs look great. It’s easy to increase and decrease size and change threads, etc. I’ve never used an embroidery machine, but this is fun! It’s easy to download designs from the internet and try them out on this machine. The only problem I’ve had was the skipping of some stiches on the patterns, but I believe this is due to the poor material I was using for practice. My only complaint is I wish I’d known how much I’d love this as I would have bought a bigger one!
- Peta
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Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- Automatic Needle Threader – No More Straining Your Eyes, Easily Adjust Stitch Length and Width with the Touch of a Button, Free Arm Capability
- Bright Two-Digit LED Screen For Simple Stitch Selection, Superior Feeding System and Drop Feed Capable
- Easily Select One of 30 Built-In Sewing Stitches with the Front Stitch Panel and LED Screen
- Start-Stop Button Allows you to Sew Without a Foot Control, Auto-Declutch Bobbin Winder, Easy Reverse Stitch Button and Precise Thread Tension
Reviewed By: Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA)
Sturdy basic sewing machine, great for free quilting and mending
The Janome Magnolia 7330 is a “beginner’s” sewing machine, according to some sewing forums, but my feeling is that it really is a workhorse that does most things an average sewer or quilter wants to do, and while it doesn’t have all the features of a very expensive model, it delivers sturdy performance and enough bells and whistles to make it my new favorite “go-to” machine.
What it looks like:
The Magnolia line is an affordable line of machines including sergers. The Janome 7330 is the top of this line and competes with the Decor models (such as the 2010) and the Threadbanger TB30. It is larger than the Gems (used for schools and portability) and smaller and less feature-rich than the Memory Craft and higher Decor models. What this all means is that if you are looking for a basic machine that does everyday tasks and quilting, this is a good machine at the right price point. What you will need to decide is how many extras you need based on your sewing tasks.
The machine has smooth lines–a sewing table with rounded edges covers the free arm and contains an accessory box. The machine is a warm white, and the front has a couple of flowers as decoration in yellow and pink. I like more serious-looking designs and even the goth style of the Threadbanger, but the Magnolia had some features that made me choose it over the TB-30.
Its weight is about 15 pounds and can be carried with a built-in top handle. No case comes with the Magnolia; you can choose to add a hard case top, but you also might use a padded tote if you go to sewing classes or events.
Features:
The best feature, and the one that had me choose the 7330 over the DC2010 was the auto start-stop. This is a way to sew without the foot pedal. I had started sewing and was sewing until recently with a knee-lever. The coordination of foot up and down while moving fabric if you are quilting is not as easy as either a knee-lever or no pedal or lever at all. It’s one less movement to coordinate.
To use the hands free, you choose a top speed with a speed push bar on the front, and press START. The machine ramps up to your chosen speed and you can move fabric (for freestyle quilting) or just pay attention to the fabric as the feed dogs move the piece through.
There is a needle up-needle down button; it has memory meaning you can press needle-down and every time you stop, the needle remembers its start position (up or down.) For quilting, again, this is fabulous. If you are stitching a design, you can simply stop, have the needle drop down and you can pivot on the stitch. You can handle this by hand on any machine, even a treadle, but you have to REMEMBER to drop the needle before pivoting, The needle memory and foot-free operation were what I really wanted most, along with good buttonhole variation, so this made the 7330 a top contender.
There is also a needle threader; handy if you wear bifocals.
There are 30 decorative and utility stitches (the DC2010 has 50, including heirloom stitches, fyi.) There are six buttonholes including standard dense, keyhole, stretch (for knits), hand-stitch look (like hand buttonhole stitch), laddered and rounded. The buttonhole uses a button sensor; plug a button into the back of the buttonhole foot, drop down the sensor lever and the hole will be the right size for your button.
One feature on the Magnolia that was NOT on the TB30 Threadbanger (which is quite similar in all other respects) is a darning stitch that uses the buttonhole foot. While you can drop the feed dogs in both machines and darn freehand, this quick mending feature decided me against the nice decorative stitches and easier front panel of the Threadbanger.
The machine will punch through 4 to 6 layers of tee shirt material (I tried this) but I am not sure how well this will do on layers of denim, even with a sturdier needle. Generally, machines such as the Magnolia cannot handle multiple layers of heavy canvas or denim but I have a “gut” Elna that can pound through nearly anything.
Negatives:
Few accessory feet come with the 7330. Only a satin stitch foot, regular presser foot, a zipper foot and a buttonhole foot. If you need a stitch-in-the-ditch guide foot, a hemmer, ruffler, walking foot or other fancy foot (piping or cording foot, pintuck) you have to pony up extra.
The button sewing feature was a bit difficult to use compared to my Elna 1010. You push a button under the satin foot (has a space underneath), direct the needle to the left hole while using the zigzag stitch, adjust stitch width to the right to hit the right hole and then zig on slow for about 10 stitches. I found it almost impossible to position a small shirt button that had a more rounded rim than a standard flat shirt button. An open-toe foot may solve this.
There are no fancy heirloom stitches beyond the useful blanket stitch and herringbone and a pretty leaf, star and scallop or two. No ladder stitch or eyelet or Parisian stitch. If you like heirloom sewing on linens, you have to move up to the DC2010 and give up the foot-free stitching, or go to the next level of machine with better feed system and–pay fifty percent more.
Summary:
For free quilting, home mending and standard home garment and decorative sewing, the Magnolia 7330 has a lot of bang for the buck. It is almost indistinguishable from the slightly more expensive TB30, and has features that are absent from the bottom of the Decor line 2010. For the price point, this is a great machine for average sewing and the foot-free features make this more efficient and easy to use.
- Joanna
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Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine Reviews
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Product Features
- Electronic sewing machine with LCD screen and simple push-button control panel
- 173 built-in stitches can be edited for expanded variation; 1-step buttonholes
- Drop & Sew bobbin system; built-in needle threader; twin-needle mode; 13 needle positions
- Free arm with storage space; array of accessories, including 5 snap-on presser feet
- Measures approximately 17-1/5 by 8 by 12-1/2 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Reviewed By: Cookie (Tampa, Florida)
Fantastic Machine To Start Again With
Let me start by saying that I had not sewed a stitch on a machine in almost 20 years. Then my daughter comes to me to say she is getting married and needs me to sew children’s bridal dresses, wall panels, table runners, etc.I didn’t even own a sewing machine!
I fired up the computer and after a bit of research decided to give Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine a try.
I was a nervous wreck when I sat down to try it out the day it came. BOY, was I surprised. It was so easy I was shocked.
The instruction manual is very well written. Self threading the machine turned out to be a breeze. Selecting the stitch was super simple.
I was particularly taken with the weight of the machine. Some have said it’s a bit too heavy, but that is what I really liked. When you step on the gas the machine stays put instead of bouncing away from you like the light-weight machines tend to do.
In the end it took me less than two months to make two children’s bridal gowns (with long trains,) 21-13′x4′ wall panels (all edges hemmed,) and 8-9′x2.5′ table runners (all edges hemmed.)
I would most definitely recommend this sewing machine to anyone as I totally love it.
- Cookie
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Reviewed By: M. Bellavance (Texas, USA)
Very Satisfied Consumer!
At 36 years old, I have only been sewing for less then 2 months! I originally bought the Singer Simple model. It was a great tool in teaching me basic threading and sewing technique; but I quickly outgrew it! The “simple” became not so simple when it came to bobbin thread and performance. It was a nightmare to continually have to re-thread the bobbin. That, along with various other factors, led to the search for an upgraded sewing machine. At first I was intimidated by the “electronic” features of the newer models, although now I am not sure why that is so. I LOVE THE Singer 7470 Confidence SEWING MACHINE! I have yet to really play around with it, but the basics of just threading and straight stitching have proven to be far superior to the “simple” model when it comes to ease of use and performance.
1. The “Confidence” does not jump up and down on the table, like the “simple”.
2. The bobbin has given me ZERO problems when it comes to threading and clean sewing. No more messed up or broken bobbin thread!
3. The Auto tension has performed perfectly so far.
4. The “Confidence” is less noisy than the “simple”.
5. Overall, the “Confidence” flows smoothly. The electronic features take some time to get used to; but having so many stitches to choose from makes sewing all the more fun.
As previously noted, I am a complete novice. But to be able to quickly thread and start sewing, and come out with a quality garment is a tribute to the user friendly design of the “Confidence”. The instruction manual is sufficient in its definitions, descriptions, and photos … enough to make sense. The included accessories with the “Confidence” are valuable.
With so many sewing machines on the market, it becomes overwhelming to know which machine to choose. I based my decision largely on consumer reviews (as well as a recommendation from several staff members at a retail store). As of now, I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
NOTES:
As another reviewer notes, the machine is a bit heavy to carry around. As for the backstitch button, I have not found it to be a great problem that the backstitch button must continually be pressed. The “simple’s” backstitch button was a MAJOR pain, and never really worked right. The “confidence” backstitch button is fairly pain free to use.
Also, it is noted that Class 15J bobbins must be used. I have used Class 15 with no problems; but have since decided (per further recommendation) to only use Class 15J bobbins. Can’t find these everywhere. I found them at several online retailers, as well as Ebay and Singerco.
I really believe the average sewer will be very pleased with the Singer Confidence 7470. The price is not as high as quality machines, and the features are amazing.
Have fun sewing!
- Maria
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Reviews – Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine
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Product Features
- Computerized sewing machine with 294 utility and decorative stitches
- Pre-programmed stitches ready for use at the touch of a button
- Design unique stitches using built-in LCD panel; needle-threading system
- Twin needle function; hard cover, quilting foot, and walking foot included
- Measures 17-1/3 by 7-7/8 by 11-2/5 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Reviewed By: Recently Retired
LOVE THIS MACHINE!
I bought the Brother PC-420 Sewing Machine from Amazon 2 months ago to replace my 37 year old Singer Futura that had been a wedding gift. I am not a professional seamstress but did do a lot of sewing when first married. Simple clothing, baby clothes, aprons, curtains etc.
The Singer still worked but I had been away from sewing for several years and needed some motivation to get back into it again. Boy did this machine get me motivated!! I have become obsessed with sewing and doing projects I never dreamed of doing before. It is so easy to use, the manual is very clear and easy to understand. The machine comes with a TON of accessories including many, many different presser feet. The machine is quiet, sleek, handles all thickness of materials and I LOVE the presser foot knee lifter! I will agree that the onboard machine light is a little lacking but I use an 18 Watt Daylite table lamp for all my crafting and it works great illuminating my sewing area also.
I have made fine lingerie items using delicate tricot and thin liner materials without problem, and also have worked with heavy duty upholstery fabrics which the machine handles with ease after I equip the proper needles, presser feet and adjust tension. Right now I am making purses and tote bags using heavy fabrics with contrasting vinyls and the machine sails right through them! I can’t speak to long term reliability yet since I have only owned it 2 months but so far I have not had a single problem with it.
The auto-threader is a great feature and saves lots of time for these old eyes. Simple and quick bobbin winding. It took me just a few minutes to get totally comfortable with the basic machine threading and using the LCD screen to view menu options. I have been playing around with the variety of stitch patterns and lettering. It adds such a nice custom, finishing touch to your projects.
I pulled out my old White SuperLock Serger and use it side-by-side now with the Brother PC-420 PRW. I am discovering the fun of sewing again thanks to this machine! I would highly recommend this sewing machine to anyone who wants full featured professional capability at a non-professional price.
- RR
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Reviewed By: TechnoQueen (Canyon, TX)
The Denim Queen Machine!
I bought the Brother PC420 PRW to replace my older Brother XR-52, which I thought was a good machine. However I didn’t realize that I had been hand cranking my way through too many a project. Especially heavy seams on denim fabric, which is my fabric of choice, so I do sew on it a lot. Well, after getting my new Brother PC-420, I found it to go right over a double seam of denim, effortlessly! The machine is so powerful that it will sew right into a pin causing the pin to bend and go into the undercarriage. (Not fun to have to get out with pliers.) So, if you are a pinner, as I am, you have to be very careful that you go over the pins or remove the pins as you go, or this mighty might will sew it right into the machine.
I have found that the machine is somewhat sensitive of dust build up, etc, so if you regularly remove the cover plate and blow out the bobbin carriage, all is great. One feature that I really enjoy is that fact that everything is internal. The spool of thread and the thread take up lever are consealed into the case. This is a great feature when sewing things that are not flat and would come up over the machine. They don’t hang up on anything, because it is all enclosed. A wonderful feature!
The electronic part of the machine took a bit to get used to, after having the traditional mechanical machine for so many years. I like how you push a button and the needles goes down into the fabric, then you push another button and it sews in reverse. Oh, almost forgot, it even has a leg push presser foot lifter adapter. I usually don’t use it, however it would be nice in some applications that require both hands on the project. I would definately recommend this machine for beginner and novice alike. I would say that it is a bit much for the only occasional mender, but if you are a sewer, as I am, this is a great inexpensive, up to date, base level electronic machine.
I use my machine to sew mostly garments and accessories, not for other fancy features, so it serves me well! If you purchase this machine, you will not regret it. Fantastic value!! Highly recommended machine.
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- TechnoQueen
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