SINGER vs. Brother: Which Brand Fits Your Sewing Needs Best?
SINGER and Brother are two of the most well-known and popular brands when it comes to sewing machines. Both companies have been around for over 100 years, with SINGER being founded in 1851 and Brother in 1908. While they originated on different continents, with SINGER from the United States and Brother from Japan, they have become giants in the home sewing industry.
For sewists looking to purchase a new sewing machine, SINGER and Brother are inevitably two of the top contenders. Both offer quality machines with a wide range of features and price points to suit beginners and experts alike. Key factors that buyers evaluate when comparing the two brands include pricing, sewing features, ease of use, performance and reliability, design and build quality, and technology offerings.
This article will compare SINGER and Brother sewing machines across these key factors. We'll look at product lineups, technologies, and capabilities to help determine which brand best fits your sewing needs and budget. With over a century of experience each, both SINGER and Brother have strengths to consider. Read on for a detailed comparison of these two sewing machine titans.
History and Company Background
SINGER was founded in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer and Edward Clark. It grew rapidly in the 1800s after Singer pioneered the use of installment payment plans, allowing more households to purchase sewing machines. By the 1860s, Singer was selling hundreds of thousands of machines globally each year. Despite financial troubles in the 1900s, Singer remained a leading sewing brand. Today, SINGER is owned by SVP Worldwide and continues to sell products worldwide.
Brother Industries was founded in Japan in 1908 as a sewing machine repair business. The company began making its own sewing machines in the 1940s and opened its first overseas sales base in the US in 1954. Brother expanded globally over the following decades, establishing sales bases in Europe and China. The company diversified into new product categories as well but retained its strong presence in the sewing market. Brother remains a privately-owned multinational corporation producing a wide range of products.
Product Lineup and Pricing
Both SINGER and Brother offer a wide range of sewing machines across different price points, from basic entry-level models to advanced machines for sewing enthusiasts.
SINGER's lineup includes:
Entry-level - Simple mechanical machines in the $100-$200 range, like the SINGER Start and SINGER Simple. Basic features and limited stitch options aimed at beginners. Good value for basic mending and repairs.
Mid-range - Computerized machines from $200-$500, like the SINGER Talent and SINGER Tradition. More stitch options, automatic features, and accessories for garment sewing and crafting. Good features for the price.
High-end - Heavy duty and computerized machines from $500-$1000+, like the SINGER Quantum Stylist and Heavy Duty. Advanced features, hundreds of stitches, high sewing speed, hardier construction. Aimed at experienced sewers and crafters.
Brother's lineup includes:
Entry-level - Mechanical machines under $150, like the Brother LS-2125i. Very basic functionality but extremely affordable. Good for learning and simple projects.
Mid-range - Computerized machines from $150-$400, like the Brother CS6000i. Good selection of stitches and automatic features. Reliable workhorse for most sewing needs. Excellent value.
High-end - Advanced computerized machines $400+, like the Brother SE1900. Hundreds of built-in stitches, large sewing area, high-end features. Made for demanding sewing and embroidery work.
Both brands offer a range of options across budgets. Brother tends to provide more features per dollar, while SINGER has more premium high-end models.
Sewing Features
When it comes to sewing features, both Singer and Brother offer a wide range of options for basic and advanced users.
Singer sewing machines tend to have a few less built-in stitches than Brother models. For example, many Singer machines have around 70-100 built-in stitches while Brother often offers 100-200. However, Singer makes up for this with excellent stitch quality and functions. Popular stitches like the basic straight stitch, zig zag, and buttonhole stitches are identical across brands.
For advanced users, Brother sewing machines edge out Singer when it comes to built-in embroidery designs and quilting functions. Many Brother models include built-in embroidery features with designs, frame sizes up to 5 x 7 inches, and editing capabilities. Singer embroidery machines are available but not as commonly integrated.
Brother also offers a few more machines with specialized stitches for quilting, including quarter-inch foot, walking foot, and extended throat space. Singer's quilting abilities are more limited to basic utility stitches.
Both brands offer popular overlock stitches for finishing seams and hemming. Overall, Brother offers more bells and whistles for embroidery and quilting enthusiasts while Singer provides slightly less variety but timeless quality across the board.
If you are seeking a reliable and versatile beginner machine, consider the SINGER SM024 Sewing Machine. This model offers an excellent blend of quality, ease of use, and essential features that are perfect for entry-level sewists. It includes several adjustable stitches for basic sewing, repairs, and simple projects, making it a great choice for those just starting out or needing a compact, straightforward machine. The SM024 emphasizes Singer's commitment to quality and accessibility in sewing, providing everything necessary to get started with sewing at a very attractive price point.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, both Singer and Brother sewing machines are designed for beginner and intermediate sewers in mind. However, there are some differences:
Singer machines tend to have a simpler and more intuitive control panel. The displays are easy to navigate with just a few buttons and dials. Singer's manual threading system is also beginner-friendly.
Brother sewing machines have more features and functionality on their control panels, which can seem overwhelming initially. However, Brother provides excellent manuals and video tutorials to help users get familiarized.
For beginners, Singer sewing machines tend to have a shorter learning curve. The limited features and controls allow new sewers to get started quickly. Brother machines have more built-in stitches, modes and settings, so beginners may need to spend more time learning how to use them.
Experienced sewers may find Singer machines too basic, while Brother's extensive features offer room to grow skills. The learning curve evens out once sewers gain experience.
Overall, Singer is better suited for total beginners, while Brother offers machines with more features and customization preferred by intermediate sewers. But with practice over time, both brands can be operated adeptly.
Performance and Reliability
When it comes to performance and reliability, there are some key factors to consider when choosing between SINGER and Brother sewing machines.
Sewing Speed - Brother sewing machines tend to have faster sewing speeds, around 800-1000 stitches per minute on many models. SINGER's speeds are a bit slower, averaging around 600-800 stitches per minute. For sewers looking to finish projects quickly, Brother has an advantage.
Power and Stability - Both brands offer sufficient power and stability for most sewing tasks. SINGER machines often have more metal internal components while Brother uses more plastic. However, reviews don't indicate a significant difference in performance.
Noise Level - Brother sewing machines operate quieter on average. SINGER machines with metal internal components tend to be slightly louder. Those looking for very quiet operation may prefer Brother.
Durability - With proper care and maintenance, both SINGER and Brother machines can remain in good working order for many years. However, Brother machines may be more prone to issues should internal plastic components break. Overall, SINGER may have a slight edge in longevity.
Customer Support - Both SINGER and Brother offer warranties on new machines, but Brother is better regarded for customer service should issues arise down the road. Brother support can help troubleshoot and arrange repairs if needed.
When weighing factors like speed, noise, durability, and support, Brother has a slight reliability advantage over SINGER. However, both brands make capable machines suitable for most home sewing needs.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both Singer and Brother sewing machines have a lot to offer.
Singer machines are known for their sturdy metal frames and quality construction. Many of their machines feature an all-metal internal frame and metal bobbin case, ensuring stability and reducing vibration. Singer machines also often have stainless steel beds, providing a smooth and sturdy sewing surface. The outer body and casing materials can vary, but are generally durable plastics that allow the machines to remain lightweight and portable.
Brother sewing machines also feature sturdy construction with metal internal frames on most models. However, some lower-end Brother machines may have more plastic components. Brother machines are designed to be lightweight and portable, while still remaining stable during sewing. The size and weight can vary across models, but Brother's compact and portable designs make their machines easy to store and move.
Both Singer and Brother offer machines with elegant, sleek designs and a variety of color options. Singer machines often feature vintage-inspired details, while Brother machines have a more modern, minimalist aesthetic. However, there are enough styles and designs across both brands' product ranges to appeal to most tastes.
Overall, Singer and Brother are comparable when it comes to design, sturdiness, and build quality. Singer machines may have an edge for all-metal construction, while Brother machines are leaders in lightweight portability. But both brands construct their machines to last, making either a reliable choice.
Technology and Connectivity
When it comes to technology, both Singer and Brother offer a range of options across their sewing machine lineups.
Displays
Many of Singer's computerized sewing machines feature backlit LCD screens that range in size from 1.4" up to 4.3". These displays allow you to easily select stitches, adjust settings, and follow tutorials. Some higher-end Singer models also have full-color touchscreen displays.
Brother sewing machines have monochrome LCD displays in various sizes, as well as full-color LCD touchscreens on select computerized models. The larger touchscreens make it very convenient to manage all your sewing machine's settings and functions.
Connectivity
For connecting external devices, Singer and Brother both offer machines with USB ports and some with built-in WiFi. The USB connectivity allows you to import/export designs from a USB flash drive. The WiFi connection enables wireless firmware updates, transferring designs, and remote monitoring and control through companion apps.
Some computerized Singer and Brother models also offer Bluetooth connectivity for wirelessly transferring data from your Bluetooth-enabled devices. This allows you to easily import designs, update firmware, and more.
Computerization
Singer and Brother both have computerized sewing machines that are programmed with a variety of stitches, fonts, and design features. Many of their models can be continually updated with new features and capabilities through USB or WiFi connections.
The computerization allows for effortless stitch selection, automatic thread tension adjustment, automatic needle positioning, and more. Some high-end computerized models even have advanced features like automatic pattern recognition and real-time stitch projection onto the fabric.
Overall, Singer and Brother offer comparable technology across their lineups. The larger touchscreens and expanded connectivity of certain Brother models provide added convenience for managing settings wirelessly and integrating with other devices. However, Singer also has very intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and displays.
Recommended Models
When choosing between Singer and Brother sewing machines, consider your budget and sewing needs to select the best model. Here are some recommendations across price points:
Entry-Level
Brother CS6000i - Around $150, this computerized machine has 60 built-in stitches, an easy-to-read LCD screen, and automatic needle threader. It's lightweight and portable. The only downside is the plastic frame, but it's extremely affordable for beginners.
Singer Start 1304 - Priced around $100, this basic mechanical model has 6 stitches, a top drop-in bobbin, and adjustable stitch length and width. The lightweight plastic body makes it portable. Just note the limited features compared to computerized machines.
Mid-Range
Brother CS7000i - Approximately $200, this computerized machine has 70 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, easy threading system, and LCD screen. It's packed with features for the price, though the plastic body feels less durable.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 - At around $300, this computerized machine has 600 stitches, an LCD screen, automatic needle threader, and heavy duty metal interior frame. It sews incredibly smoothly and stands out for the sturdy construction.
High-End
Brother DreamWeaver XE VM5100 - Around $650, this is Brother's top-of-the-line sewing and embroidery machine. It has 184 embroidery designs, 10 sewing feet, an advanced LCD touch screen, and ultra bright LED lighting. The price tag is steep but it's built to handle complex projects.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9985 - Approximately $500, Singer's high-end computerized machine has 960 built-in stitches, a large color LCD touch screen, and loads of impressive features. The computerization allows you to edit stitches and embroidery designs on the screen. It's extremely sophisticated for complex sewing needs.
Conclusion
When comparing Singer and Brother sewing machines, there are a few key factors that determine which brand is the best fit for your needs.
For sewing features and capabilities, Brother machines tend to offer more built-in stitches, automatic buttonholes, and specialty feet for techniques like quilting and embroidery. Singer excels at offering basic models with essential features at lower price points.
In terms of performance and build quality, both brands produce reliable machines but Brother uses more metal components in their construction. Singer machines may be more prone to plastic parts breaking.
For ease of use, Singer often gets the edge with simpler controls and workflow for beginners. Brother machines have more advanced features which can mean a steeper learning curve.
Brother sewing machines tend to integrate more technology like LCD screens, automatic thread cutters and WiFi connectivity. Singer focuses more on mechanical operation.
For shoppers on a tight budget, Singer's basic models offer good value. For intermediate sewers or those looking to grow into more advanced projects, Brother machines are a worthwhile investment.
The Singer Heavy Duty 4411 and Brother CS6000i are two great mid-range models to consider. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 and Brother SE600 provide excellent quality and functionality for the price.
Ultimately, there are standout machines from both brands. Choose Singer for affordable reliability or Brother for versatility and high-end features. Consider your skill level, budget and projects to decide which suits you best. Both brands can cover basic to advanced sewing needs.