Brother LB5500S: Star Wars 2-in-1 Combo Sewing & Embroidery Machine: Full Review

The Brother LB5500S Star Wars 2-in-1 Combo Sewing & Embroidery Machine is a versatile sewing and embroidery machine for hobbyists and enthusiasts. This machine combines advanced sewing features with Disney embroidery designs in one.

Some of the notable features include a large 5" x 7" embroidery area, 138 built-in Disney designs, and a backlit LCD touch screen display. It has 70 built-in sewing stitches for decorative sewing, quilting, heirloom sewing, and crafting projects. The machine can sew up to 850 stitches per minute.

This Brother sewing and embroidery machine offers easy threading, automatic needle threading, drop-in bobbin loading, and a built-in thread cutter. It provides a wide table for managing larger projects. The machine comes with 4 quilting feet, 7 sewing feet, 3 bobbins, seam ripper, needle set, screwdriver, spool caps, power cord, foot controller, and instructional manual.

Overall, the LB5500S is feature-rich and versatile for tackling a wide range of sewing, quilting, crafting, and embroidery projects. Its Disney design capability, multiple accessories, and user-friendly operation make it a great choice for sewing enthusiasts, cosplayers, crafters, and hobbyists looking for an all-in-one sewing and embroidery machine.

Appearance and Design

The Brother LB5500S Star Wars machine features a fun Star Wars theme with Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, and other iconic characters decorating the machine. The white plastic shell has a high-gloss finish and black accents that complement the Star Wars graphics.

It's clear Brother was aiming for Star Wars fans with this machine. The Star Wars branding extends beyond the exterior to small details like the buttons, which are shaped like the Death Star and lightsabers. Even the sewing stitches feature Star Wars inspired designs.

The machine has an LCD screen and keypad that light up blue when powered on, adding to the science fiction aesthetic. Some users may find the prominent Star Wars branding too playful or childish for their tastes. But for Star Wars devotees who also enjoy sewing and embroidery, the appearance offers an appealing mix of fandom and function.

Overall, the LB5500S leverages the popular Star Wars franchise to create a sewing machine that stands out with its stylized design. Fans will appreciate the attention to Star Wars details in the graphics and interface. While the prominence of Star Wars may not suit all sewists, the machine offers unexpected style.

Another fantastic option for sewing and embroidery enthusiasts is the Brother Innov-ís NQ3550W: Sewing and Embroidery Machine with Wireless Capability. This model features advanced wireless connectivity, allowing users to transfer designs effortlessly from their devices. With a large workspace and a variety of built-in stitches and embroidery designs, the NQ3550W combines functionality with user-friendly technology. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced sewist, this machine offers excellent versatility for all your creative projects.

Sewing Capabilities

The LB5500S sewing machine comes with an impressive array of sewing capabilities that make it suitable for everything from basic mending to advanced sewing projects.

It has 70 built-in stitches including utility, quilting, heirloom, satin and decorative stitches. There are 7 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles to choose from. The machine allows you to easily select stitches with the push of a button on the LCD display.

You can adjust the stitch width and length for customized settings. It uses a drop-in top bobbin system for quick and hassle-free bobbin changes. There is an automatic needle threader as well for convenience.

The machine includes a jam resistant drop-in top bobbin system, heavy duty metal interior frame, and automatic thread cutter. It can sew fabrics up to 850 SPM and the needle system takes standard home sewing needles.

Overall, the LB5500S offers versatile sewing capabilities in a user-friendly machine suitable for sewers of all skill levels. The variety of stitches and adjustable settings provide the functionality needed for sewing projects from basic to more advanced.

In addition to the LB5500S, the Brother CS7000X: Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, 70 Built-in Stitches is another excellent choice for sewing enthusiasts. This machine also features 70 built-in stitches, including decorative and utility options, allowing for creative freedom in your projects. Its easy-to-use LCD display and one-step buttonhole feature simplify the sewing process, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced sewers alike.

Embroidery Capabilities

The LB5500S Star Wars embroidery machine comes with 138 built-in embroidery designs, including 12 Star Wars character designs like Darth Vader, Yoda, and R2-D2. It has a maximum embroidery field of 5" x 7", which allows you to embroider designs up to 4" x 4".

The machine includes 4 embroidery hoops - two plastic hoops (4" x 4" and 5" x 7") and two metal hoops (4" x 4" and 5" x 7"). The hoops securely hold the fabric in place during embroidery.

You can rotate, mirror image, increase and decrease the size of embroidery designs, and combine designs with the built-in editing features. There are also 9 lettering fonts to personalize projects.

The LCD touch screen makes it easy to edit designs before stitching. You can view the design in full color and zoom in to see details.

Overall, the LB5500S offers user-friendly embroidery functions and enough included designs and fonts for monogramming, personalization and embroidery projects.

Ease of Use

The LB5500S offers several features to make sewing and embroidery easy and convenient. The large 4.85" color touchscreen display provides intuitive controls and easy editing of stitches and designs. Simply tap the icons on the screen to select your desired mode or function.

Threading the needle is made simple with the automatic needle threader. Just follow the thread guide, press the lever, and the machine threads the needle for you. There's no more struggle or eye strain trying to get the thread through the needle manually.

The top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert, remove, and wind. The machine stops winding automatically when the bobbin is full. This prevents overfilling and tangling of the thread. The clear bobbin cover allows you to easily monitor the bobbin thread supply.

Overall, the touchscreen interface and automated features like the needle threader and bobbin winder make the LB5500S a user-friendly machine, even for beginners. The on-screen tutorials and built-in help guides also assist in learning how to operate the machine.

Connectivity

The LB5500S Star Wars Sewing and Embroidery Machine offers excellent connectivity options. It has built-in WiFi that allows you to wirelessly transfer designs from your computer or mobile device to the machine.

You can connect the LB5500S to the MyStitch Monitor app on your mobile device or tablet. This app allows you to view tutorials, edit designs, and monitor your projects in real-time. The app makes it easy to resize, rotate, mirror image, or combine designs before sending them wirelessly to the machine.

The machine also works with Brother's ScanNCut canvas web application. This is browser-based software that provides a suite of design editing tools. You can access your scanned drawings or images and edit them within the software before transferring the final design back to the machine via WiFi.

Overall, the wireless connectivity and app integration really enhances the embroidery capabilities of the LB5500S. It provides flexibility in terms of design creation and editing, allowing you to take advantage of additional software tools beyond just the built-in editing functions on the machine itself. This connectivity makes the embroidery process more streamlined.

Accessories

The LB5500S Star Wars sewing and embroidery machine comes with an impressive array of accessories to help you get started with both sewing and embroidery projects.

Several embroidery hoops are included in different sizes. The 4" x 4" hoop is great for monograms and other small designs. The 5" x 7" hoop allows you to embroider designs up to 5" x 7". And the large 8" x 8" hoop gives you the flexibility to create large, intricate embroidery designs. Bobbins, embroidery needles, and stabilizers are also provided so you have everything you need to begin embroidering.

For general sewing, the machine includes 4 sewing feet - buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, and button sewing foot. These allow you to easily sew buttons, make buttonholes, insert zippers, and create invisible hems. Bobbins, needles, thread spool caps, a seam ripper, and screwdrivers are also included.

With all of these accessories, you'll have the essential tools to explore both sewing and embroidery projects with the Star Wars machine right out of the box. The included accessories make this an exceptional value.

Warranty

The LB5500S comes with a 25 year limited warranty from Brother. This is one of the longest warranties available for a home sewing and embroidery machine.

The 25 year warranty covers the sewing machine head, which includes the internal structural components such as the bed, frame, and electronic components. Normal wear and tear or damage from abuse or neglect would not be covered.

The warranty also covers the embroidery module and computerized embroidery and sewing machine motor for 5 years from the date of purchase. Any defects in materials or workmanship for these components would be repaired or replaced for free within the 5 year period.

For any additional presser feet and accessories that are included, the warranty coverage is 90 days from the date of purchase. Replacement or repair would be offered free of charge within the first 3 months.

Overall, the extensive 25 year warranty provides peace of mind when investing in this higher-end Brother sewing and embroidery machine. It's reassuring to know the sewing machine head will be covered for defects for such a long period of time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The LB5500S has 305 built-in sewing stitches, including 7 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles. This gives you a wide variety of stitches for sewing projects.

• It comes with a 4" x 4" embroidery field and 80 built-in embroidery designs, allowing you to easily add decorative details.

• The automatic needle threader is convenient for effortlessly threading the needle.

• It has a backlit LCD touchscreen display, making it user-friendly to select stitches and settings.

• You can import embroidery designs from a USB flash drive for unlimited design options.

• It includes 9 presser feet for techniques like zipper insertion, buttonholes, and more. This provides versatility.

• The machine has a 25-year limited warranty, so you can have peace of mind.

Cons:

• The maximum embroidery field size is 4" x 4", which is relatively small. This limits the size of embroidery projects.

• It only has one built-in font for monogramming and personalization. Additional fonts require purchasing an embroidery card.

• The machine is only compatible with .pes embroidery file formats. Other popular formats like .dst aren't usable without conversion.

• It doesn't have a built-in memory to save customized stitches and embroidery designs. You have to save them on a USB stick.

• There are limited connectivity features. It doesn't connect to WiFi or have app integration.

• The maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minute is slower than some advanced machines.

Conclusion

Overall, the Brother LB5500S Star Wars 2-in-1 Combo Sewing & Embroidery Machine is a great option for sewists looking for a versatile machine with both sewing and embroidery capabilities. The Star Wars theme and design are fun touches that set it apart.

The sewing features and performance are excellent for the price point. There are ample built-in stitches, auto buttonholes, and other convenient functions. It sews smoothly and offers good speed control. The automatic thread trimmer is a handy time-saving feature.

The embroidery functions are also impressive. The 5" x 7" hoop size provides decent working area. The built-in designs and ability to import designs expand your creative options. Connectivity with apps provides additional design capabilities.

Ease of use is a major plus. The machine is beginner-friendly while still offering features advanced users will appreciate. The LCD touchscreen interface is intuitive. Helpful tutorials are built-in.

Overall, this machine delivers excellent value at its price point. The combination of sewing, embroidery, and convenience features make it a great choice for sewists looking for an all-in-one machine with versatility. It earns a strong recommendation for beginners and intermediate sewists alike.