It is possible to mirror the existing and custom stitches with the Innovis A150, which makes it a powerful tool when it comes to creating decorative patterns. The 150 pre-programmed stitches, on the other hand, will be more than enough in case you don't want to create your own variants.
May seem a bit complicated for some users.
The Brother Innovis A150 is, perhaps, the best sewing machine designed for dealing with different materials. Not only that, it also provides plenty of room to expand your own creativity, as far as the decorative stitches are concerned.
Horizontal, Drop-in top bobbin
150
Automatic
Slide speed control
LCD screen, Drop feed mechanism, 10 one-step buttonhole styles, 4 built-in fonts, Stitch mirror image, 7-piece feed dog, LED Lights, Memorise stitches
Automatic needle threader, Automatic thread cutter, Stitch length and width control
Zigzag foot, Monogramming foot, Overcasting foot, Zipper foot, Buttonhole foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot
3 years
The model features 40 different stitch patterns (including 5 buttonhole types), which is more than enough to let your creativity go wild when bringing your sewing projects to life. Plus, for your convenience, the unit features an LCD screen, making switching between designs very easy.
The accessory compartment is placed a bit inconveniently.
The FS40 semi-automatic sewing machine will jump-start your sewing capabilities and will definitely improve your work should you be planning to use the device like a pro. An automatic thread feeder and gradual selection of the stitch width and length make sewing as easy as possible.
Horizontal, Drop-in top bobbin
40
Semi-Automatic
Slide speed control
LCD screen, Drop feed mechanism, 5 one-step buttonholes
Automatic stitch selection, Stitch length and width control, Reverse sewing lever
Zigzag foot, Overcast stitch foot, Monogramming foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot
3 years
The manual feeder of the thread is equipped with a customisable tension selector, which allows you to pick the needed level of tension depending on the task and material you are working on.
Relatively small selection of stitching patterns.
The Brother LS14S is a manual sewing machine that not only looks beautiful but also can make your sewing, tilting and quilting projects truly unique. The combination of a high-quality foot pedal and easy controls makes it a prime choice for beginners.
Horizontal, Drop-in top bobbin
14
Semi-Automatic
Slide speed control
4-step buttonhole, LED lighting system, Free arm
Tension adjustment, Stitch selector, Stitch length and width control, Reverse sewing lever
Zigzag foot, Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot
3 years
The needle adjustment button allows for quick changes on the go while you are sewing, without the need to stop the process and set up the needle manually. Moreover, it is possible to use both pedal and button action.
The user manual could be a tad bit simpler.
The Brother Innovis A50 is an excellent option for you if you are looking forward to switching from a manually-operated sewing machine. The appliance offers a decent number of pre-programmed stitches to start with while being quite simple in operation.
Horizontal, Drop-in top bobbin
50
Automatic
Slide speed control
LCD screen, Automatic needle threader, 5 styles of a 1-step automatic buttonhole, Drop feed, Lock stitch button, LED lights
Automatic stitch selection, Stitch length and width control, Reverse sewing lever
Zigzag foot, Monogramming foot, Overcasting foot, Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot, Buttonhole foot
3 years
The support of twin needle sewing makes this particular Brother model a good choice, especially when it comes to dealing with tight fabrics like denim. What is more, you are getting a full pack of sewing feet that come together with the device.
Comes without a UK power plug (adapter needed).
The Innovis A60 SE will make sewing less of a chore while allowing you to expand your options when it comes to selecting different stitches. Likewise, the main unit features 6 diferent one-step buttonhole patterns. With all the keys and slide controls located ergonomically, this is one of the top picks in the medium price range.
Horizontal, Drop-in top bobbin
60
Automatic
Slide speed control
LCD screen, Automatic needle threader, 6 styles of 1-step automatic buttonhole, Drop feed, Lock stitch button, LED lights
Stitch length and width control, Reverse sewing lever, Twin needle setting
Zigzag foot, Monogramming foot, Overcasting foot, Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot, Buttonhole foot
3 years
Customise Stitches at a Whim
The Brother Innovis A150 features an astonishing number of 150 pre-programmed stitches, which is quite a lot to start with. However, the big number of available stitching patterns is not the only thing that makes this device special.
Like many other modern sewing machines and especially models from Brother, the A150 features a convenient LCD screen that shows up a lot of important information, like the type of the selected stitch, lettering, and the stitching speed, among others.
As for the means of control, it can be regulated with a simple speed slider on the side of the appliance, similarly to semi-automatic and manual models. What sets this automatic model from semi-automatic appliances, though, is the memorise feature that utilises the memory unit of the appliance to its full potential in order to create your own stitches by combining the existing ones.
The only real caveat about this particular sewing machine is the sheer number of functions that make it look somewhat complicated at first glance. That said, once you read the user manual and get to business with the actual stitching and sewing, it’s actually quite easy to use.
All things considered, the Innovis A150 is an excellent tool for sewing that features everything you could possibly need. The automatic design of the A150 will save you a lot of headaches since it allows selecting and combining the existing stitches without the need to manually adjust the machine itself.
| Last updated price | £579.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07HL6B4KF |
Expand Your Creativity
The Brother FS40 is a great machine that comes equipped with more than 40 stitch patterns that can be adjusted automatically, thanks to the sophisticated electronic control unit. The control panel is conveniently equipped with an LCD screen to help you pick the needed stitching speed and size effortlessly.
As for the more traditional features, the FS40 has a drop-in bobbin and a drop feed mechanism that allows performing open toe or freehand quilting. The free motion quilting is essential for creating complicated patterns when using a sewing machine. And Brother folks know how important it is to upgrade the existing systems with electronics, which they brilliantly do while leaving room for manual sewing capabilities and allowing you to control the process on your own.
The only minor issue with using automatic stitching is that the double needle tends to skip stitches on higher speed settings. To avoid that, you will need to switch to lower speeds from time to time. Other than that, we found no flaws with this machine.
In conclusion, the FS40 is one of the few semi-automatic sewing machines that automate the process but still leave some room for creativity, which is crucial when bringing unique projects to life.
Sewing Redefined
Aside from a nice, colourful design, the upgraded LS14S sewing machine has quite a lot of things both professional and entry-level tailors will appreciate.
To start off, it's a traditional sewing machine with a metal chassis that is great for those who are just starting out a new hobby. Although the amount of quilting and stitching patterns is not very impressive (only 14 automatic variants), the ability to make elaborate stitches and complex quilting manually makes up for it, letting you improve and master your skills over time. Likewise, the manual stitching makes it easier to create decorative patterns.
Like most other Brother sewing machines, the LS14S features a drop-in bobbin. What makes it different, though, is the fact that the whole package comes at a fraction of a price compared to regular full-size sewing devices.
The jam-proof construction of the bobbin topped with a transparent cover makes stitching almost effortless and easier for users to see how much thread is left. The other handy options include zigzag, buttonhole, and zipper feet.
Wrapping things up, despite lacking a large selection of stitching patterns, the LS14S from Brother is an ideal choice for beginner quilters who are looking forward to improving their skills.
More Than Just a Starter Model
The Innovis A50 is a basic automatic model from Brother that has all the standard features of a great line of the products designed for high-quality sewing but it can definitely be something more than that in the right hands.
As far as the numbers are concerned, the A50 has 50 different stitching patterns which should suffice most of your sewing needs. Although it has less variations of stitching styles, 50 will be more than enough for both amateur and professional seamstresses and tailors.
Moving on, it’s important to not overlook the accessory feet that come together with the machine. So, to name a few, the kit includes all of the standard stuff like zigzag, zipper, overcasting, blind stitch, button fitting feet, as well as the buttonhole foot. On top of that, you are also getting a monogramming foot designed specifically for decorative stitches, which is a nice little addition that can expand your options when it comes to creating your own stitching designs.
All in all, the Innovis A50 proved to be a good option for users looking for a standard automatic sewing machine with a bit of oomph to it in the form of adjustable stitch patterns and a wide variety of available feet for the main unit.
| Last updated price | £419.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07HCX9QV7 |
An Affordable Tool for Experienced Users
The Brother A60 SE is yet another Innovis model that sits in between a premium A150 automatic model and a more grounded A50 variant and designed for craftsmen that feel comfortable working with a needle.
Being more than just an entry-level model, the A60 SE offers more flexibility to the seamstresses and sewers while being quite simple in operation and easy to maintain at the same time. As the name could suggest, the machine has 60 pre-programmed stitching patterns, however, what it won’t tell you is that it has 6 styles of automatic one-step buttonholes that will definitely come in handy when working with thick fabrics. As a neat little bonus, the appliance has a set of bright LED lights to help you with guiding the needle as well as a backlit LCD screen.
Alongside the sewing machine itself, you are also getting a full set of high-quality Brother sewing feet, a seam ripper, and a maintenance kit that will make keeping the appliance in operating order a breeze. Likewise, the package includes a hard cover for storing the whole set and a handy accessory bag.
In the end, the A60 SE from Brother is a great middle-ground solution for users who need a reliable tool that not only offers a great set of features but also helps in improving the craft of sewing.
| Last updated price | £469.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07YGMHN7H |
What Is a Brother Sewing Machine?
Many will agree that it doesn't actually matter whether you are a novice or a professional tailor and whether you need a sewing machine for a small tailor shop or for home use.
Since no matter what your experience is, you have all rights to own high-quality equipment that will allow you to improve your work, be intuitive in use, and serve you for many long years. When it comes to sewing machines, this is what we expect from Brother and Singer companies.
In this review, we will focus on Brother sewing machines. Brother is the company that creates high-quality products with the user's convenience in mind. Since the launching date in 1954, Brother hasn't stopped improving existing ideas and seeking for best features to implement in each of their new products. So what does the company offer? Actually, quite a lot.
Today, the company produces multifunctional sewing machines that allow a tailor not just to sew but also to quilt, embroider, and hem different types of fabric. Brother sewing machines are designed for both small and large tailor shops and may contain a different number of functions to fit different budgets and needs including portable models for home use. To ease the search, we have picked five top Brother sewing machines available on the market.
What Features to Compare
Sewing Needs
The most important question to address when selecting a sewing machine is what you actually expect from it. Your answer will determine what type of machine you should look at. If you need a sewing machine for a small tailor shop, you'll be better off with a model that offers the versatility of use providing additional functions such as overlocking, embroidering, quilting, etc. For home use, you can choose a simpler option containing a standard set of stitches for basic tailoring tasks.
Sewing Options
The next thing to consider is how many sewing options the chosen model provides. By this, we mean buttonhole, stitch variety and adjustability, speed capacity, etc. As a rule, all Brother sewing machines allow for adjusting stitches and offer a few standard designs of buttonholes. The more sophisticated model of your choice is the more options it will have. As for a stitch pattern variety, the best Brother sewing machines feature at least several types of different stitches including straight standard, zigzags, blind stitches, applique, quilting stitches and so on. A number of designs in most modern sewing machines now may vary from ten to hundreds of options. And even though most of them will never be used, it's still nice to have a greater choice. Speed adjustability is another function that comes in handy when it comes to sewing soft, elastic, and delicate fabrics that tend to fold in the process. It allows for controlling the process making it easier for beginner tailors to get the hang of sewing.
Accessories
Most machines come with a basic set of accessories such as a pack of replacement needles and cleaning brushes, but there are many models that come including a variety of feet for monogramming, blind stitching, making buttonholes, zippers, zigzags, and much more. Even if you do not envision yourself using a sewing machine away from home, it's still nice to get a carry case together with the purchase in which you can keep it protected against intrusion of dust when not in use.
Connectivity
When it comes to embroidery-enabled sewing machines, computer connectivity option is crucial. With computerized Brother sewing machines, you have an option to choose one of the hundreds of embroidery designs available as well as creating your own and upload it via PC to a sewing machine itself. If this option sounds just what you are looking for, make sure to check the compatibility of a sewing machine with your PC operating system before buying.
Lighting and Design
Being an essential part of sewing, lighting can either complicate or simplify your job. We'd recommend you to opt for sewing machines with LEDs as they are energy-efficient and require less frequent replacement than regular bulbs. Speaking of design, choose the model that fits your workspace best (if the built-in lights are too weak it is recommended to use additional light sources). And if you plan to use a sewing machine for practising sewing at classes, go for a portable model with a small footprint which will be easy to pack and carry around.
Useful Sewing Tips
Whether you are new to tailoring and only organizing your working space or you already have some experience, having a few little tricks in your sleeve won’t be a waste. In order to help you improve your work, we have gathered some simple sewing hacks, following which will take neither much of your time nor money investment.
- If you are sick and tired of scattered bobbins, you can use a toe separator, like the one you use for your pedicure. It will help you organize your bobbins and keep them at hand.
- If you cover the end of a thread with your hairspray, it will become stiffened and go through the eye of a needle much easier.
- Aiming to save some money, you can opt for larger spools of thread. In case there is no suitable holder for such a big bobbin on your sewing machine, using a big mug may help you hold a spool in place.
- In case you have any difficulties with getting pins through thick fabrics, put your pin cushion aside and use a bar of soap instead. It lubricates pins for better pinning.
- In case you use a pin cushion, stiff it with steel wool. It will sharpen your pins each time you push them into it.
- Do you have a nice bowl for your pins? If yes, you have probably knocked it over a couple of times and had to deal with all the mess they'd made. Try to attach a magnet to the bottom of your bowl with a glue, it will hold the pins together.
- Most modern machines feature lights to illuminate workpieces (paragraph 6) and help control the process. If you find the light is still quite dim, attach a reading lamp to your sewing machine for better illumination.
- If your foot pedal always wanders around and you can't control it, attach some rubber lining to its bottom, it will help.
- For a sewed button to hold longer, brush the top of it with some clear fingernail polish.
- Steam-pressing between buttons and other cloth embellishments may be difficult. If you have a hair straightener, it will be a great substitute.
- If you attach a tape measure to the edge of your sewing table, it will be much more convenient to measure fabrics, especially when you can’t find your ruler.
- Next time you draw a paper pattern for dressmaking, secure two pencils with a rubber band together. Doing so, you'll be able to draw two lines simultaneously and save some time. And if you need to widen seam allowance, take three pencils but push the middle one up a bit so that it won’t draw an extra line.
- To cut very thin or slippery fabrics like satin use muslin. Just pin it to the material before you start cutting.
- Can’t find any chalk? Don’t worry since you can draw bastings with a piece of soap instead. Soap is readable and comes off easily in the wash.
- Fasten two pins at the bottom and the top of a buttonhole. It won’t let it rip open more than you would like it to while cutting. You can also find specially designed buttonhole scissors which can make this process simpler.
- Most soft and lumpy materials like fleece pass hard under the passing foot, because of their thickness and wool design. To improve the process, put a piece of a plastic freezer bag onto it and sew. Don’t worry, the bag will tear off easily after you finish sewing.
- If your scissors have gotten dull and you have no chance to sharpen them, cut tin foil or sandpaper with them, this will temporarily solve the problem.
Without a doubt, so many men, so many minds, and every tailor has his/her own sewing hacks to improve the working process. We hope you will find our tips useful and discover some hacks of your own that will improve your work.
Sources:
1. Chris Woodford Sewing machines, Explain that Stuff. December 19, 2017.
2. Tom Harris How Sewing Machines Work, HowStuffWorks.
3. How to Use a Sewing Machine, wikiHow.
4. Alexandra Churchill 3 Common Sewing Machine Problems (and How to Fix Them), Martha Stewart.