Brother Sewing Machines: Features That Stand Out
Brother is one of the most popular and well-known sewing machine brands on the market today. Founded in 1908 in Japan, Brother has over 100 years of experience in manufacturing innovative sewing and embroidery machines for home and industrial use. Known for their user-friendly features, affordable pricing, and reliability, Brother sewing machines are a top choice for beginners to advanced sewists.
In this article, we will highlight some of the key features and technologies that make Brother sewing machines stand out from the competition. Whether you're looking to buy your first sewing machine or upgrade your existing model, understanding the advantages of Brother can help guide your purchasing decision. Our goal is to provide an overview of the brand's most notable capabilities to assist you in finding the right Brother sewing machine to match your needs and budget. Keep reading to learn what makes Brother sewing machines so special.
Ease of Use
Brother sewing machines are designed with the beginner in mind. They have intuitive controls and displays that make them easy to operate right out of the box. Many Brother models feature built-in tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions to guide sewers through common tasks like threading the machine and selecting stitches.
One of the most beginner-friendly features is Brother's easy threading system. Simply follow the numbered guides printed right on the machine, and the thread will glide through the threading path effortlessly. There's no struggling with tangled thread or trying to thread tiny needle eyes. Brother's easy threading system takes the frustration out of setting up your sewing machine so you can start sewing faster.
Between the clear displays, built-in tutorials, and effortless threading, Brother sewing machines make sewing accessible for sewers of all skill levels. Even if you've never touched a sewing machine before, you'll be able to get started and sew your first project with ease.
Stitch Options
One of the standout features of Brother sewing machines is the variety of built-in stitches they offer. Most Brother models come with at least 70-100 built-in stitches, while higher-end models can have hundreds or even over 600 stitches.
This includes a wide range of stitch types for any sewing project - decorative stitches, heirloom stitches, quilting stitches, elastic stitches, buttonhole stitches, cross stitches, satin stitches, and more. Having so many built-in stitches allows you to add beautiful detail and dimension to your sewing projects without needing to manually adjust stitch settings.
For quilters, Brother machines excel with built-in quilting stitches like hand-look quilt stitches, stippling stitches, patchwork stitches, and appliance embroidery stitches. There are stitches specifically designed for quilting, making it easier to create high-quality quilted projects.
The variety of stitches also allows sewers to get creative and customize projects. With just the touch of a button, you can select the perfect stitch for hemming, applique, blind hems, or any technique needed. This makes Brother machines extremely versatile for sewists of all levels.
If you are looking for a durable machine that offers a great mix of basic and complex stitches, consider the Brother ST371HD. This model features 37 unique built-in stitches, including an auto-size buttonhole, giving you versatility for various sewing projects, whether you are a beginner or more experienced. It's known for its heavy-duty construction that can handle multiple layers of thicker fabrics like denim and canvas, which is ideal for a wide range of projects and enhances your sewing experience.
Automatic Needle Threader
The automatic needle threader is one of the most convenient features that sets Brother sewing machines apart. The automatic needle threading mechanism threads the eye of the needle with the push of a lever, eliminating the frustration and eye strain of manual threading.
The threader works by passing the thread through a thin wire loop. When the lever is pressed, the wire loop passes through the needle eye, bringing the thread along with it. Once threaded, the loop retracts and the thread is left securely in place. This process takes just seconds and allows even novice sewers to easily thread the needle and get sewing faster.
The automatic needle threader contributes greatly to the overall ease of use of Brother sewing machines. No more struggling to get the thread through the tiny needle eye or asking someone else to do it for you. Simply engage the automatic threader and you're ready sew. This is especially helpful for beginners still learning the ropes as well as anyone with limited dexterity or vision challenges. The automatic needle threader takes the hassle out of threading so you can focus on your creative projects.
LCD Display
Brother sewing machines stand out for their easy-to-read LCD displays. The display is large, measuring around 2-3 inches, so it's very visible as you sew. The high-resolution screen makes details crisp and clear.
The display is conveniently located on the front of the machine, directly above the stitch selection panel. This placement puts all the key information and guides right at your fingertips.
Brother LCD displays provide a lot of helpful information to guide you. You'll see the selected stitch displayed with its number, so you can easily confirm your selection. The display also indicates the recommended foot, needle position, and thread tension for the chosen stitch. Icons show if the needle stop position is up or down.
As you sew, the LCD will even recommend the ideal sewing speed for your selected stitch. Other handy guides, like stitch width and stitch length indicators, are displayed as you adjust settings. With all this information available on-screen, sewing and adjusting stitches is seamless.
The LCD screen makes Brother sewing machines intuitive and easy to operate. The large, crisp display and wealth of sewing guides help you achieve perfect stitches with every project. For those looking for a model that exemplifies these features, consider the Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine. It offers an advanced LCD display that not only shows all the crucial settings but also includes interactive tutorials and troubleshooting tips to enhance your sewing experience. The CP100X is particularly user-friendly for beginners and advanced users alike, making complex sewing projects more approachable and enjoyable.
Bobbin System
One of the standout features of Brother sewing machines is their bobbin system. Brother has designed their bobbins and bobbin area to be extremely easy to use.
The bobbins themselves are very simple to wind. There is a built-in bobbin winder, so you don't need any additional accessories. The bobbin winder is easy to use - just place an empty bobbin on the spindle, pull the thread through the guide, and press the foot pedal. The machine winds the bobbin quickly and evenly.
Inserting the bobbin is also hassle-free. Brother machines have a drop-in bobbin system, so you just drop the bobbin in the case and pull the thread through the slot. The bobbin case then snaps back in place. There is no tricky manipulation required.
The clear bobbin cover makes it easy to monitor your bobbin thread supply. You can see when the bobbin is running low on thread so you can plan ahead to wind a new one. The cover pops off and on easily for bobbin changes.
Overall, Brother's bobbin system sets them apart with its ease of use. Winding, inserting, and monitoring the bobbin is quick and uncomplicated. This is a major plus for both beginning and experienced sewers.
Adjustable Speed
One of the standout features of Brother sewing machines is the adjustable sewing speed. Brother machines allow you to sew at your own pace by adjusting the maximum sewing speed.
The speed range on most Brother models is quite broad - generally around 800 stitches per minute on the high end for quick sewing, down to just a couple hundred stitches per minute for beginners. So whether you're an expert sewer ready to fly through a project at top speed or just learning the ropes, Brother has you covered.
A particularly helpful function for novices is the ability to limit the maximum speed. By capping the top speed, beginners can get comfortable sewing without the machine going too fast too soon. This prevents mistakes and gives new users the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Yet the speed cap can be disabled at any time to unleash the machine's full speed capacity.
So with its wide speed range and ability to control the maximum speed, Brother's adjustable sewing speed ensures users of all skill levels can operate the machine comfortably.
Automatic Thread Cutter
One of the standout features of Brother sewing machines is the automatic thread cutter. This provides a major convenience by automatically cutting the top and bobbin threads with the touch of a button after sewing.
The automatic thread cutter is conveniently located right next to the needle area on many Brother models. After completing a seam, you simply press the thread cutter button and both top and bobbin threads are cleanly trimmed, saving you time and hassle.
The automatic cutter works on multiple fabric types and prevents fraying by cutting the threads precisely. This makes finishing seams and projects much faster compared to manually clipping each thread.
The automatic thread cutting function contributes to the overall ease of use that Brother sewing machines are known for. It's an excellent time-saving feature for sewers of all skill levels.
Warranty
Brother sewing machines come with an industry-leading 25-year limited warranty. This extensive warranty covers the sewing machine head, which includes the motor, and all included accessories.
The 25-year limited warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship when the machine is used for normal home sewing. This gives peace of mind that the sewing machine will provide years of reliable service.
Routine maintenance, such as cleaning and adjustments, are not covered by the warranty. Damage from improper use, abuse, neglect, or accidents are also not covered.
If service is required during the warranty period, owners can take the sewing machine to an authorized Brother dealer for repair. Brother has hundreds of authorized service centers throughout the United States and Canada to provide convenient local service support.
The extensive 25-year limited warranty highlights the durability and reliability of Brother sewing machines for home use. Brother stands behind their products and makes it easy to get service when needed.
Conclusion
Brother sewing machines stand out for their ease of use, versatility, and thoughtful design. Key features that make Brother a top choice include the automatic needle threader, LCD screen, jam-resistant bobbin system, speed control, and automatic thread cutter. These conveniences allow sewers to work quickly and efficiently on a wide variety of projects.
The multitude of built-in stitches, from basics to decorative and heirloom styles, provide endless creative options. Brother's excellent stitch quality and reputation for reliability make their machines suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced home sewers. Their machines are thoughtfully designed for simplicity and precision.
With excellent warranties and support, Brother sewing machines deliver value and peace of mind. They can be purchased online and at sewing and craft stores across the country. For sewers seeking quality, convenience, and versatility, Brother sewing machines are a standout choice worth considering.