Are you looking for a Brother sewing machine for beginners but don’t know how and where to begin? Then I’m here to help.
Sewing can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby that allows for unlimited opportunities of creative expression. There’s nothing more satisfying than making your own clothes from scratch, homeware, and personal gifts.
But to get started on your sewing journey, you need to have an easy-to-use, reliable, and feature-rich machine that gets the job done.
So without further adieu, here are 5 of the best Brother sewing machines for beginners you should consider.
🪡 Best Brother Sewing Machine for Beginners
Review : Brother CP60X
First on our list is the Brother CP60X. This is a great Brother sewing machine for beginners because it has everything you would need from a basic machine and more. It has all the basic stitches you need, such as a straight stitch, zigzag, buttonhole, and a few decorative stitches to add some embellishments on any garment or home project you may have.
It is a computerized sewing machine with 60 built-in stitches, which is quite a lot for an entry-level sewing machine. It has basic, decorative, buttonhole and overcast stitches to clean seams and edges.
At 10 pounds, it’s light enough to carry, making it portable. If you’re attending sewing classes and need to bring your own machine, this would be a great option.
Despite being a computerized machine, you need to operate it with a foot pedal. Because it’s marketed as being computerized, most people would assume it runs with a push of a button. But that’s not the case here. There is no button to start or stop the stitches. You will have to use the foot pedal to start sewing. The only button it has for operation is a reverse button.
It’s considered to be computerized because there’s a LED display for the stitch selection, width and length. Once you choose the stitch you want to use, the LED display also recommends the compatible foot presser that goes with the stitch, which is a feature that’s helpful for beginners.
At 750 stitches per minute, it’s not too fast and not too slow either, making it perfect for anyone who’s just starting out to sew but who also wants a fast machine to finish any sewing project.
The Good
This is a great beginner sewing machine with plenty of built-in stitches. You might not be able to use most of these stitches when you’re just starting to sew, but they’re great to have when you do move on to more creative projects with more details or embellishments. If you’re going to be sewing for the first time ever, you’ll be happy to use the basics and a few of the zigzag stitches for now.
The fact that this machine is operated with a foot pedal also makes it ideal for beginners because you can easily control the speed of your stitches. As long as you learn how to use the pedal, you’ll be good to go with this machine.
The Bad
There’s only one thing I don’t like about it. You’ll find all the 60 stitches on the right side of the machine with their corresponding numbers, but the interface has a color scheme that makes it hard to see the actual numbers and image of the stitch.
The background is light blue with the images in white. I’d assume it would be hard to see what number corresponds to what stitch. Even when I zoom in on the photos of the sewing machine on the Brother website, I find it hard to really see all the designs of the stitches, and I’ve also read some reviews that this is a problem for other users, too. A darker shade of blue would’ve been better.
Final Thoughts / Brother CP60X
The Brother CP60X is a computerized sewing machine for beginners that checks all the boxes for a practical sewing machine. At 10 pounds, it’s easy to carry and move, and with 60 built-in stitches, there’s a ton of ways to get creative with this machine once you get the hang of it.
If you’re sewing heavy fabrics, though, such as a ballgown or a comforter, I don’t suggest this machine because it only runs on 750 stitches per minute and it’s not heavy duty. I’ve tried sewing a ball gown on my Brother LS 2160 [which is a regular sewing machine] and it did not work at all. I kept breaking needles and the machine moved with the heavy garment.
This is great, however, for basic sewing projects such as baby clothes, pillows, Sunday dresses, and light mending.
Review : Brother ST150HDH
I’ve reviewed this machine in another review article for heavy duty sewing machines but I think it can also be a great machine for beginners when it comes to the department of computerized machines.
It’s heavy duty, which means it can sew any kind of fabric, from denim to canvass to chiffon and silk. I think it’s a pretty great machine for anyone who’s just starting to sew because it has all the basic stitches and features you would need to get started and more.
For anyone who’s never touched a foot pedal, this machine might be the right one for you. All you need to do to get started is to push the start stitch button and that’s it. There’s no need to use a pedal, especially if you want to use both of your hands to guide your fabric on the throat plate.
For features, it has 50 built-in stitches, complete with basic, stretch, zigzag, overcast, and 5 auto-size buttonhole stitches. These are one-step buttonhole stitches which is incredibly convenient. Just choose the buttonhole stitch style that you like and the machine automatically stitches it for you.
The machine is marketed as strong and tough because it’s made of a heavy duty metal frame that’s more durable and stable than aluminum metal. It also runs on 850 stitches per minute, which is the minimum speed for heavy duty sewing machines.
It also comes with presser foots, allowing you to sew different kinds of fabrics and stitches. There’s a zipper foot, a walking foot, monogramming foot, buttonhole, button sewing foot, overcast, blind stitch, and a ¼” foot for quilting seams.
Another feature is the 7-point feed dogs, which is longer than regular sewing machines. This provides smooth fabric feeding and accurate stitching capabilities.
The Good
The great thing about the Brother ST150HDH is that it’s computerized. There’s an LCD display with backlit LED making it easier to see the stitch selection that you choose, as well as the stitch width and length that you can adjust. The display also shows the recommended presser foot to use when you choose a certain kind of stitch, which is absolutely great for beginners who don’t have a lot of idea about using different presser feet.
I also love the idea of having two kinds of operations on this machine. You can use it mechanically with the foot pedal, which is perfect for anyone who wants more control on the speed of the stitches. If you don’t want to use the pedal, the machine also operates with one push of a button. It’s convenient and versatile at the same time.
The bobbin area is also top drop-in, which is more convenient as you don’t have to remove the accessory compartment to change the bobbin.
Because it’s heavy duty, you can stitch heavier and thicker fabrics with this, such as a quilt, comforters, and Brother even says you can stitch 6 layers of denim in one go.
The Bad
There is no automatic thread cutter to this machine. It would’ve been nice to have this feature but it does have a manual thread cutter that you can use.
It’s also marketed as a great machine for quilting but since quilts are large and wide, it doesn’t have an extended table. These tables are usually found in sewing machines that are designed for whiting as they help place the fabric neatly on the workspace.
Final Thoughts / Brother ST150HDH
The Brother ST150HDH is a great computerized sewing machine for beginners. It has everything you need to get started with your sewing hobby or journey. If you plan on taking sewing seriously, this is a wise option for you since it’s heavy duty, which means it will last long with longer use. You can use this for hours everyday and still expect it to work good as new for years if you take care of it properly.
If you plan on sewing quilts or heavier garments in the future, then this is for you. But, if you simply want a basic sewing machine to begin with, or to see if you like sewing or not, I suggest buying a more basic machine that’s a little lower in price.
Review : Brother CS60001
This is another computerized sewing machine from Brother but this time, it comes with a detachable, oversized table for larger sewing projects. It’s perfect for quilting as you can easily place the quilt on the table and guide it with ease as you stitch.
It comes with 60 built-in stitches with 7 one-step buttonhole styles, and 9 accessory feet that make the different styles of stitches possible.
Among other features include an LCD display for stitch selection, width and length, variable speed settings, an automatic threader, an optional foot pedal, and it comes with a hard carry case, perfect for those who want to use a machine for sewing class.
It’s speed is quite faster than regular sewing machines. At 850 stitches per minute, it’s quite fast, which more experienced sewers will love. However, the metal frame and motor are not made of heavy duty material, so despite being fast, this machine is not meant to stitch on heavier or thicker fabrics such as layers of denim or leather.
What makes this machine great for beginners is that it has many features that are ideal for anyone who’s just starting to sew. For example, you can use the speed settings to control the stitch. You can choose the slowest setting if this is your first time to sew and you want to take things slowly but surely. For the more experienced sewer, the fastest setting may be more ideal for you.
Another feature that makes it great for beginners is the LCD display. You choose the stitch you want to use by pressing the buttons on the display and a recommended presser foot is also given. You can adjust the stitch width and length but if it goes beyond the dimensions of the suggested presser foot, an error code will occur, preventing needle breakage.
The Good
What I love about this machine is that it’s fast at 850 spm. It’s not a heavy duty machine but you can set the speed to slow, medium, or high, making it ideal for beginners or even serious sewers. Though there might be 60 built-in stitches that a beginner sewer might find overwhelming, if you’re planning on making sewing a serious hobby, this machine will support you in the beginning stages of your sewing journey until you become a more experienced sewer.
I also love the extended table that comes with his machine. A detachable table is usually designed for quilting projects but you can use it for so much more. Whenever I sew hemlines, I really hate having to guide bias cut fabric on the small workspaces of machines. Skirts fall on the side of the machine and I have to constantly stop, place the fabric properly on the throat plate, then guide it again as I stitch. The extended table holds a large portion of fabric, eliminating the need to place and guide the fabric properly, saving time and ease of sewing.
The Bad
Its speed might be at 850spm but this machine is not meant to be used on heavy and thicker fabrics such as leather or upholstery. It can sew denim but you must use the machine slowly, guiding your needle as it hits thicker layers.
Final Thoughts / Brother CS60001
The Brother CS60001 is a great machine for beginners as it can be the very machine that you can use once you become a more experienced sewer. It has all the features you would need for a basic sewing machine, such as basic stitches, variable speed settings, the option to use a foot pedal, easy to follow instructions on threading, an automatic needle threader, and the presser feet are easy to change.
However, it does not have a heavy duty motor despite having an 850 spm and should not be used to sew leather, upholstery, or layers of denim fabric.
Review : Brother CS7000i
The Brother CS6000i is an exceptional sewing machine but the company upgraded it and launched the Brother CS7000i. It has the very same features of the CS6000i but with 10 more built-in stitches, 1 more presser foot, and comes in a different color.
The CS7000i features 70 built-in stitches that range from utility, heirloom, and decorative stitches. The added stitches compared to the CS6000i are satin and heirloom stitches. In terms of the color, the CS6000i features a dark blue and white color scheme while the CS7000i features a light blue and white color scheme.
Let’s break down the features of this machine. Aside from the stitches, it also has variable speed settings that you can adjust with a slider, automatic stitch power button, an optional foot pedal, an LCD display screen, a detachable table, a top drop-in bobbin, an automatic needle threader, and comes with a hard carrying case for portability.
Just like the CS6000i, it also runs on 850 spm, making it fast for intermediate sewers. For beginner sewers, you can use the low speed setting, making it ideal for both novice and more advanced sewers.
It’s perfect for beginners who want to take sewing more seriously as this machine can make the easy transition from basic sewing to more advanced sewing capacities.
Though I would like to note that the machine was made for quilting possibilities. In fact, the added foot is for quilting, and there are 3 presser feet specifically for this need, which are the ¼” piecing foot to sew seams on quilts [the standard], a walking foot, and a spring-action quilting foot.
The Good
Just like the CS6000i, I love the fact that both beginner sewers and more advanced sewers can appreciate the features on this machine. It does have 10 more stitches, giving you more creative details and the added foot makes it deal for those who want an entry-level machine meant for quilting.
I also love the fact that it has a wide extended table, making it easy to place the fabric properly as you sew, reducing the need to guide your fabric.
And as a an entry-level machine, the LCD display is incredible helpful for beginners. For one, the machine won’t stitch outside of the presser foot dimension, reducing instances of needle breakage.
My old Brother LS2160 was a mechanical machine and it took me years of trial and error to really master what presser foot to use with which stitch and what fabrics will go smoothly over the feed dog. There were times when I stretched the limits of my machine because I wanted to make so many different things that I broke so many needles. If only I had a computerized machine, it would’ve saved me so much time and needles.
It also took me months to figure out how to troubleshoot my machine when issues occurred. With the LCD display, every problem you have will cause an error to appear on the screen, making you aware that there may be a problem with your threading, your tension, your foot, or whatever problem it may have. It definitely takes out the trial and error from learning to sew for the first time.
The Bad
It’s more expensive than the CS6000i because of the added features but the upgrades are very limited. I don’t really see a need for 10 more stitches when they almost look alike with the stitches that are already included in its predecessor. You can also just buy a quilting foot to add more presser feet.
Nevertheless, if you want a more upgraded version, then the CS7000i may be more ideal for you.
Review : Brother SE600
Wow, this machine can do everything! This is a combination sewing and embroidery machine that allows you to use it just like any regular sewing machine, but also lets you embroider unlimited designs on a 4” x 4” hoop.
There are 103 built-in sewing stitches, ranging from straight stitches to zigzag, overcasting stitches, decorative, and heirloom stitches. For the embroidery feature, there are 80 built-in designs with 6 lettering fonts for monogramming and personalization of garments and other fabric items.
But the list of stitches and embroidery designs does not end there. The machine comes with a USB port where you can download all kinds of different designs. You can also buy or make different fonts and use them with the machine. It does not come with its own embroidery software though so you would have to buy one from Brother, or you can simply buy embroidery designs online as long as the file is compatible with the Brother SE600. The file to look for is “.pes” so you must look for an embroidery design file that has this file name.
There is only one thread and needle to this machine but you can embroider designs in many different colors by simply changing your thread.
To be able to do all your sewing and embroidery, there’s an LCD touch screen where you choose your stitches or embroidery designs. You can even customize your designs, changing the colors, the placement, and even their sizes. If you want to embroider a name, for example, you can program the letters on the screen and the machine will stitch the letters continuously.
The sewing machine has a 710 spm while the embroidery feature has a 400spm. In terms of instructions, there’s a manual included but you can also opt to look at illustrated instructions on the 3.2” LCD screen.
Oh, and did I mention that this machine won the 2019 Women’s Choice Award as a 9 out of 10 customer-recommended sewing and embroidery machine? Indeed, this is an award-winning model that many customers love.
The Good
If you’re looking for a combination sewing and embroidery entry-level machine, this is the best in the market so far. You can use it for simple sewing garments, home decor, and other projects, and set up the embroidery tools to add decorative details on fabrics. You can even customize designs and fonts using a software you buy separately, or you can hire someone who offers embroidery designs on .pes files.
It’s a versatile, easy-to-use, and value for money Brother sewing machine for beginners that brings out your creative juices. If you’re fond of making your own personal gifts or if you’re planning to sell personalized embroidered items, then this machine is a great way to get started.
The Bad
This is not the machine for anyone who’s never touched a machine before. There are so many buttons that it can be overwhelming if you’ve never worked with a sewing machine in your life.
For someone who’s an avid sewer and wants to add embroidered details, this is a great way to get started with embroidery but it’s very limited if you want to focus more on embroidery itself. Why?
For one, the hoop is only 4” x 4” in size, which is too small for anyone who wants to get serious with embroidery. The hoop is 4”x4” but that means your design must be smaller than the hoop.
For multi color designs, you will have to constantly change the upper thread as there is only one thread and needle feature.
Also, since the bobbin area is top drop-in, once there’s not enough thread in the bobbin as you’re using the embroidery feature, you would have to lift the fabric and the hoop from the machine to change the bobbin, which may cause some skipped stitches as you get back to finishing the interrupted design.
Final Thoughts / Brother SE600
For anyone who wants a sewing and an embroidery feature in one machine, this is the best entry-level combination machine you can find in the market today.
If you’re an avid sewer and want to add a few embroidery details, such as cute little flowers or names on fabric, this can be a great starting point to add such embellishments.
However, it is not ideal for anyone who wants to get serious with embroidery and for anyone who simply wants a basic Brother sewing machine for beginners.
Why Brother Sewing Machines?
You might be wondering why I only suggested Brother sewing machines. Well, to tell you honestly, the very first sewing machine I ever bought was a Brother sewing machine. This was way back in 2005 when I was in my first year of studying for my BS in Clothing Technology degree, and I wanted a machine that I could carry to school.
That machine was an LS2160 in a pink and white color scheme. It had 14 built-in stitches that included straight, zigzag, buttonhole, and button sewing stitches. The buttonhole stitch was 4-step, and it was a mechanical machine with a dial for stitch selection, as well as having a tension dial.
I loved that machine. It only weighed 7 pounds so it was so easy to bring to school. Even when we had sewing machines in class, I wanted to bring my own, because a lot of the machines in were actually quite old.
It was a far cry from the heavy-duty Janome straight stitch sewing machine I used since high school, which my mother gave to me. I loved being able to create buttonholes with my Brother machine, as well as the zigzag feature that I used to clean the edge of my seams.
I did everything on that machine – made my eldest son’s baby clothes in it, made blankets and pillowcases, sold ready-made clothes using the machine, and it basically put food on my table for many years.
I stopped using it sometime in 2012 because the throat plate started to cut my thread each time I sewed. I tried to look for a replacement part but sadly, Brother had discontinued making the model and therefore, I could no longer find a replacement for the throat plate, and it’s now sitting in my storage room, gathering dust.
Since then, Brother has manufactured model after model of entry-level sewing machines that are incredibly advanced in features and technology. They focus more on computerized sewing machines now that provide absolute convenience and ease of use.
My heart is near and dear to Brother and I even have a Brother industrial sewing machine today, as well as a PR670E, which is a heavy-duty embroidery machine.
Brother is a world-leader when it comes to sewing machines and they have a lot of models designed for beginners that you would love. Did you know that they made their very first computerized sewing machine in the late 70s?
The company started in 1908 as Yasui Sewing Machine Company in Nagoya, Japan. When the company was inherited by the founder’s sons, they changed the name to Yasui Brothers Sewing Machine Company, and the Brother name was born.
Today, they are a global leader in sewing machines but also in electrical equipment such as printers, fax machines, and other office appliances.
Every sewer in the world knows the Brother brand and if you’ve never laid your hands on a sewing machine before, then I believe a Brother sewing machine is your best introduction to the craft.
What Features Do You Need in a Sewing Machine for Beginners?
I talked about the great features in each of the models I reviewed but to give you a general idea about what to look for when you buy your machine, here are the features you need to have:
Basic Stitches
A machine must have basic stitches such as a straight and a zigzag stitch. A machine that has both stitches can basically have other styles available, such as a buttonhole, and button sewing stitch.
While there are affordable machines that only have straight stitches and are super easy to use, I know you won’t be happy with just one stitch. When finishing garments, for example, you need to lock the edges of fabrics because they will fray. You would need to have a serging machine for that, but unfortunately, a serging machine is an expensive machine on its own.
The next best thing you can do, aside from doing a French seam is a zigzag stitch on the edges. They’re not as good as an overlock stitch, but it’s the minimum stitch that can prevent fabric from fraying.
You would also need to have a buttonhole stitch so you can make buttonhole closures on clothes. If you don’t have one, you’ll be hand stitching your buttonholes, which will take you hours.
Free Arm
A free arm is basically the part of the machine where the throat plate is. But it is only considered to be a free arm if you can remove the accessory compartment. Industrial sewing machines don’t have a free arm because they have a table.
Most portable machines have a free arm and it’s incredibly useful on sewing hems of sleeves and pants, as well as in making baby clothes.
Mechanical or Computerized
A mechanical sewing machine makes use of a foot pedal so you can start stitching, whereas a computerized machine has buttons that start and stop the stitching. A mechanical machine is easier to use, in my opinion, and lets you have total control of the speed and when to start and stop stitching.
A computerized machine, on the other hand, lets you sew by pressing a button, and you can choose between three different speeds.
Computerized machines also have more features, such as an LCD display to choose stitches, adjust your stitch width and length, as well as other features that make sewing more convenient.
However, if you don’t like all the technicalities of a computerized machine, then a mechanical machine is best for you.
Included Accessories
Every machine must have accessories. These are tools that help you use the many features of your machine. These include presser feet, such as a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, darning foot, zigzag foot, and more. It allows you to get creative with your sewing projects.
You also need to have bobbins, a bobbin case, screwdriver, extra needles, and other tools that will make sewing more convenient.
If you plan on quilting, the machine you choose must have accessories that include a walking foot, a spring action foot, and a ¼” piecing foot.
Other Features
These other features are typically found in almost all sewing machines. These include a bobbin winder, a thread cutter, threading arrows on the machine, and a LED light for the workspace.
Tips When Buying a Sewing Machine for Beginners
Now that you know the basic features of a sewing machine, it’s time I give you some tips when buying a machine.
Know Your Needs
Why do you want to buy a sewing machine? Do you need one for sewing class? Do you want one to make your own clothes? Or maybe you only need it for mending? Or are you planning to make sewing projects to sell on the side?
Knowing why you want to buy a machine will help you choose one that has the features that you need. If you want to mend clothes, a machine with decorative stitches is for you. If you only want to make pillowcases and blankets, then maybe a machine with straight and zigzag stitches are enough.
If you want to sell fabric products, a machine with 50 to 60 built-in stitches is what you need, or even an embroidery machine such as the Brother SE600.
You also need to figure out what kind of fabrics you will be sewing. If you need to make bags, for example, you would need a heavy duty sewing machine, rather than a basic sewing machine that doesn’t have a heavy duty motor. Basic sewing machine wobble on heavier fabrics and they’re not strong enough to handle thicker and more challenging materials.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
Sewing machines from Brother can cost around $110 to $600 for most of their beginner models. These are regular sewing machines that are not heavy-duty, which means this price range is for home use only machines only.
Figure out how much you want to spend then choose accordingly.
Ask for a Local Service Center
Does Brother have a local service center in your area? This is very important because even if Brother offers a 25-year warranty on all their machines, you won’t be able to enjoy the warranty if there is no local service center in your area.
When my Brother LS2160 had a bobbin problem a year after I bought it, it was still under warranty and there was a service center in the next city where I lived. I was able to have it fixed in days. But, if I lived far away, I would‘ve had to ship it and wait for the company to ship it back to me.
Having a local service center ensures that you can get it fixed immediately when there are problems with your machine.
Ask the Store to Do a Demo on the Machine
This is incredibly important for beginners who’ve never touched a sewing machine in their life. When you’ve chosen the machine you want to buy, ask the store to do a demo for you. Let them show you how to thread the machine and actually sew a few stitches on fabric.
You can also ask them to do the threading yourself. Try the machine out when you’re at the store so if you have any questions, you can get your answers before you take the machine home.
Threading any new machine can be a headache. A mistake in just one loop can mean the difference between a great stitch and a stitch that skips or jams on the fabric. A store clerk or demo service person can answer your questions on the spot.
Threading the machine and adjusting the tension before you take it home means it’s ready to use, and you won’t have to do any trial and error to get started.
Final Thoughts / Best Brother Sewing Machine for Beginners
Brother sewing machines for beginners are one of the most reliable and feature-rich machines in the market today. They have a wide range of models and price points, meeting the needs and demands of all sewers of any skill level.
Whether you’ve never used a sewing machine before or you’re an experienced sewer looking for a portable machine you can take with you when you travel, the 5 machines I reviewed above work wonders on most kinds of fabrics, giving you convenience, ease of use, and reliability in one machine.
When you buy your chosen machine, remember the tips I recommended so you won’t have any problems or regrets when you take them home.
Sewing has been in my life since I was born. My mother exposed me to the wonders of sewing and I sew almost everyday today, either for myself, my family, or for my bespoke evening and bridal wear business. It has been a pleasurable and income-generating endeavor that I will most likely continue to do until I am no longer capable.
If you are on your first step to discovering the world of sewing, choosing your very first sewing machine is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. So choose wisely from these amazing Brother sewing machines for beginners, and make that first step to a lifetime of creativity.
