10 Best Brother Sewing Machines: Ratings, Comparison, and Deals

Brother is by far one of the most favorite brands of sewing machines in the world. Through several last decades, the company was innovating relentlessly to make sure that you’ll get all the sewing and embroidery blows and whistles at an unprecedented price. In the end, there are so many models in Brother’s range that it’s almost impossible to pick the right one. I’ve tried to do some digging and hope my research will help.

Are you interested in a particular question about the subject of this article? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Why consider Brother Sewing Machine? 

Brother Industries, Ltd. is a firm founded in Japan back in 1908 as the Yasui Sewing Machine Co, according to our researches. Brother Industries has played a significant part in the country’s economic growth and its industrialization, and it continues to be a major multinational electronics company. You will be amazed, but in addition to the sewing machines Brother Industries, Ltd. also makes printers, desktop computers, fax machines, etc. 

It has strived hard to deliver reliability, durability, and capable sewing machines in almost all sewing categories. It has also tackled the challenge of producing devices that are user-friendly and convenient for home use as well as professional use.

Despite the many ups and downs over the years, the company stayed on the market and expanded, supplying nearly every country with it’s reliable and capable sewing machines. It has become renowned for its superior quality and diligent service. 

And thanks to the brand’s relationship with one of sewing America’s most beloved reality shows “Project Runway,” Brother sewing machines also achieved massive popularity among aspiring designers.

Where are Brother sewing machines made?

In 2010, Brother Industries’ sewing divisions around Europe were consolidated into a larger entity called “Brother Sewing Machines Europe GmbH” With a turnover exceeding $ 90 million, it is the fourth biggest organization under the Brother Industries Ltd. umbrella. 

Currently, the company has several production facilities, mostly in Asian countries: China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines. 

Brother sewing machine troubleshooting

When you learn a brand-new skill, an error or two is inevitable. It’s a part of the learning curve. But even a qualified seamstress can fall victim to the dreaded skipped stitch or broken needle, or what may be the most irritating of all the headaches of the sewing machine: thread bunching. 

A great thing about Brother sewing machines is that the business produced incredible content and thorough responses to all the commonly asked questions that might assist you in solving any possible issue. 

So whether the fabric is not feeding or your machine not sewing or keep skipping stitches, you can always discover the solution in Brother’s FAQ. 

Compare the best Brother sewing machines

For your convenience, you can access all the major data points describing each sewing machine from this rating in a table below.

Model	Weight, P	Price	Stitches	H.Duty	Easy	SYS Score
Brother GX37	15.4	$	37	Y	Y	8.2
Brother XR9550PRW	19.8	$$	110	Y	Y	9.3
Brother SE400	24.1	$$$	67	Y	Y	9.5
Brother CS6000i	13	$	60	Y	Y	9.5
Brother DZ3000	21.6	$$	240	N	Y	9.5
Brother PQ1500SL	33.5	$$$	1	Y	N	9.3
Brother ST371HD	18.4	$$	37	Y	Y	7.8
Brother PE535	10.82	$$	9	Y	Y	9.3
Brother SM1738D	13.32	$	17	N	Y	9.7
Brother XR9550PRW	19.8	$$	110	Y	Y	9.3
Brother XR3240	18.45	$	140	Y	Y	9.3
Brother XM2701	18.45	$	140	Y	Y	9.3

Best Brother sewing machine for beginners

Brother GX37

Description:

If you’re an occasional sewer or just getting started, the Brother GX37 is a wonderful machine to make you better and more confident in sewing fast. If you don’t have dedicated sewing or craft room, you’ll want a lightweight and portable machine, one that doesn’t take up a lot of space when set up for use, or tucked away in the back of your cabinet.

There are enough “fancy” stitches in this machine that will make you feel like you can advance and still use it, yet it’s easy enough that you can just follow the manual and start sewing right away. 

The occasional Halloween costume or hemming – that’s what this machine created for. And even beyond that.  It is lightweight, simple to set up, move, and store.

Brother  GX37 manual: 

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• The GX37 maximum stitches per minute is 850
• It has 37 Unique built-in sewing stitches,  including Overlock Stitch, and Elastic Overlock stitch
• Free arm sewing for sewing cuffs and sleeves
• The GX37 can handle material up to 6mm
•  Automatic threading system
• 6 included accessory sewing feet: zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, etc.

You can check more specifications here. 

Looking for more “beginners” options? Check our research of best sewing machines for beginners here.

Brother project runway sewing machine

Brother XR9550PRW

Description:

This machine comes with plenty of stitches and feet, all of the top quality. It’s also heavy duty and does an excellent job on denim hems, just make sure you read the instructions for working with thick fabrics and using the right needles and thread.  

It’s light and can be easily picked up and relocated where you need it, and it is very efficient. 

Although the presser foot does not have adjustable pressure, it operates fine with one layer of fabric or several layers. The instruction book provides vital data for each step, but even more insights can be found in internet videos.

Brother XR9550PRW manual: 

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• Includes 110 utility, decorative and heirloom stitches.
• 8 sewing feet included (for buttonhole, zipper, overcasting, blind stitch, monogramming, quilting, etc)
• Comes with a protective hard case and an oversized wide table 
• Equipped with a large LCD screen that enables computerized stitch selection
• Free arm capability for sewing cuffs and sleeves
• Drop feed for free motion quilting and sewing
  

You can check more specifications here.

Brother sewing and embroidery machine

Brother SE400

Description:

This machine comes with plenty of stitches and feet, all of the top quality. It’s also heavy duty and does an excellent job on denim hems, just make sure you read the instructions for working with thick fabrics and using the right needles and thread.  

If you want a machine that will allow you to embroider and sew with a variety of stitching options, this machine is for you. 

It is easy to set up, easy to use, and it’s even Mac-users friendly. Solid little worker.

When using the right needle size, the machine can sew through thicker textiles. It comes with a user-friendly DVD / CD that explains a lot of the characteristics of the devices and the user manual (paper book) that is also simple to understand and follow.

Of course, the embroidery could have been more extensive, but if you don’t want to pay ~$1000 for embroidery machines that have this capacity, Brother SE400 will fine-tune all your requirements. 

Great bonus: Brother.com also has tons of free downloadable PES files to use with this device.

Brother SE400 manual: 

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Download User’s manual for USB connection (PDF)

Download User’s guide for optional accessories (PDF)

Features:

• 4″x4″ embroidery capabilities 
• 67 sewing stitches with 98 stitch functions
• Embroidery design library of 70 decorative designs
• 5 embroidery fonts for monogramming
• Self-threading needle 
• Has enough basic feet to complete your basic sewing jobs

You can check more specifications here. 

Here’s what you might need to purchase if you take that embroidery function seriously: Needles. You’ll want to replace your needle every 8 hours or so to prevent thread breakage. 

Stabilizer- Many people are buying tear away stabilizer with this machine, but in some cases, it could be the wrong choice. If you’re doing t-shirts or a bulky design, it’s better to go with cutaway stabilizer. Even after washing, it will hold the design.  This one works just fine for the purpose.

You’ll also want to buy an iron-on stabilizer to iron on the inside of a finished piece, so it doesn’t scratch the person wearing it (e.g. this one is fantastic and very easy to work with). 

But even with that additional investment, you’ll save a lot of cash on personalized gifts for years to come. Imagine all those future grandparents gifts, baby gifts, and years of birthday parties you and your children are likely to be invited to. 

Just calculate the price per present per party and think if it makes sense to create it yourself with comparatively low investment easily. 

Brother computerized sewing machine

Brother CS6000i

Description:

This machine comes with plenty of stitches and feet, all of the top quality. It’s also heavy duty and does an excellent job on denim hems, just make sure you read the instructions for working with thick fabrics and using the right needles and thread.  

This machine is fantastic and comes with a bunch of accessories! The eyelet punch is very long-lasting and comes with an outstanding variety of feet, including a walking foot. You’ll love the overcast foot it operates really well and keeps your stitches in line at the edge, even at really elevated speeds!

It also comes with the Free-Motion quilting foot that you may use even for a large quilting projects thanks to the free motion feature. 

Works great for thicker fabrics (even leather) when used with the proper needles.  The included manual is detailed and easy to follow so you can’t get wrong with it. 

Brother CS6000i manual: 

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• Comes with 8 sewing and 1 Quilting Feet
• Hard protective case and wide table included
• Offers a wide range of quilting tools
• Automatic needle threader
• Adjustable sewing speed control system
• Built-in free arm 
• 60 built-in sewing stitches

You can check more specifications here. 

Brother quilting sewing machine  

Brother Designio Series DZ3000

Description:

This machine is easy to master, and it has many characteristics that a newbie sewer could “grow into” as they learn. It comes with many attachment. Overall it’s an exceptional machine for the money when you are on a budget notably with all the extras it equipped with, including all the accessories for quilting along with some others you might want to use someday. 

You’ll also be impressed with the manuals on how to operate the machine and the manuals on how to use the distinct quilting attachments. Very detailed and clear. 

Brother Designio Series DZ3000 manual: 

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• 240 built-in stitches
• 8 styles of  professionally looking buttonholes 
• Comes with a full set of designer accessories including the table
• Easy threading of both top thread and bobbin
• Includes 14 sewing feet including

You can check more specifications here. 

If you are serious about quilting we suggest to check our research of the best quilting sewing machines here.

Brother industrial sewing machine

Brother PQ1500SL

Description:

Okay, technically brother pq1500sl is intended as a quilting sewing machine. But not everyone has a couple of thousands to invest in an actual industrial sewing machine. So if you’re just searching for speed and quality, this option might be the ideal choice for POWERFUL, FAST, and inexpensive straight stitch machine. 

Just use a larger needle and heavy thread, practice getting the tension correct, and it will sew like a dream. This is a quick industrial machine for the determined sewer wannabe on a budget. 

And here’s a tip to get the best of it: the threading may be tricky, but when you thread with the foot level up it separates the tension and allow the thread to fall easily between the disks.

Brother PQ1500SL manual: 

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• Automatic thread trimmer
• Comes with 4 feed dog settings for maximum fabric control
• Knee lifter and a bed extension for quilting included
• Lightning-fast sewing up to 1,500 stitches per minute
• Automatic thread cutter 
• Heavy for better stability

You can check more specifications here. 

Brother heavy duty sewing machine

Brother ST371HD

Description:

The machine can sew through six layers of heavy denim and still did an excellent job. Even though it’s relatively lightweight, the stitches are stable once you figure out the needle-thread formula right.  Although not as tough as an industrial model, it’s definitely possesses added durability and enhanced sewing power.

Brother ST371HD manual

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• Strong, tough, and durable 
• Quick-set drop-in top bobbin helps ensure your bobbin stays in place
• Easy threading system
• Free arm/flatbed sewing surface 
• 6 versatile feet included
• Built-in handle that allows the machine to go to storage quickly
• Tackles a wide range of fabric from denim to silk

You can check more specifications here. 

Interested in more heavy duty models? Check our research of the best heavy duty sewing machines HERE.

Brother monogram machine

Brother PE535

Description:

Even if you’ve never done monogramming before and have zero training, you can purchase this machine, and you’ll be able to monogram your first item in just a few hours! It’s so straightforward to use.   

It doesn’t come with all the supplies you might need (threads, needles), but it comes with everything the machine needs to do the monogramming (and embroidery). You can’t sew on this machine, and you can only make your designs up to 4×4 (even if you purchase a larger hoop).  However, PE535 is an excellent little machine if you’re not interested in sewing and just want to embroider and monogram your own designs, potentially saving a fortune on the gifts.

Brother PE535 manual

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Download embroidery design guide (PDF)

Features:

• Comes with 80 designs, 6 adjustable fonts, borders and more
• 3.2” Sew Smart color LCD touchscreen display 
• Includes a built-in memory function to import more designs
• Automatic needle threader 
• Embroidery designs up to 4″x4″

You can check more specifications here. 

Brother Disney sewing machine

Brother SM1738D

Description:

A perfect basic sewing machine for the beginner or someone who only want to use a sewing machine casually. All the functions work well.  And the device feels sturdy and strong.

The customizable Disney-themed faceplates are an exceptional addition to the design. The machine doesn’t have a lot of blows and whistles but it handles the basic features of a  sewing machine just fine. And it’s difficult to ask for more given the cost.

Brother SM1738D manual

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• Includes 17 utility and decorative stitches 
• Jam-resistant Quick-Set drop-in top bobbin
• Comes with 4 sewing feet
• Customize the look of your machine choosing from one out of four Disney themed faceplates
• Convertible free arm

You can check more specifications here.

Brother sewing machine with table

Brother XR9550PRW (again!)

Description:

Monogramming, quilting, 100+ stitches, and fantastic Brother’s quality at that price? They must be kidding…

And you’re getting a lot of extras. The large table, the ease of the bobbin and threading it, the built-in stitches, different foot sets, needles, everything a newbie sewer could ask for. And it also does an excellent job on denim hems, just make sure you use a denim needle (thicker than other needles).

The machine is lightweight, simple to move. The handbook is a lifesaver, simple to read and find stuff in.

Brother XR9550PRW manual

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• 110 utility, decorative and heirloom stitches
• 8 styles of one-step, auto-size buttonholes
• Comes with a hard case and a wide table
• Jam resistant Quick-Set drop-in top bobbin
• 8 quick-change presser feet included (zipper, overcasting, blind stitch, monogramming, quilting and more)
• Built-in auto needle threader

You can check more specifications here. 

Brother basic sewing machine 

Brother xr3240 (Renewed)

Description:

While the machine is well known for its quilting characteristics, the Brother XR3240 is also a neat sewing helper. This computerized device provides a range of features for intermediate level sewers.

The device is capable of delivering 850 great, smooth stitches per minute and there are over 140 built-in stitch patterns that you can quickly navigate with the push-button stitch selector. Lovely little workhorse. 

Brother xr3240 manual

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• 140 sewing and quilting stitches
• 9 accessory feet
• Detachable wide table for larger projects
• Automatic threading system
• 1 built-in sewing font for basic monogramming 
• Push-button stitch selector
• Adjustable sewing speed
• Free-motion quilting

You can check more specifications here. 

Brother best value for money

Brother xm2701

Description:

With Brother xm2701 it’s simple sewing, nothing fancy. However, if you’re a beginner looking for essential sewing experience and broad capabilities without spending a ton of money, this bad boy is definitely for you. 

If you are an expert sewer and know the value of a hard-earned dollar, this working horse is also for you. 

With 20 + stitch patterns (including button holes) and an easy-to-use SUPER threading mechanism, this is the way to go. You’ll also love the needle threader, extra feet, and automatic bobbin drop feature. 

And you’ll enjoy the beautiful and even stitching, of course. And considering the cost, it’s a real life-changer that will assist you in saving time and money on all those clothes that were intended to be thrown away: pants that could be hemmed, knees that can be patched, etc.

Brother xm2701 manual

Download User’s guide (PDF)

Features:

• Come with 6 quick-change sewing feet
• Built-in free arm
• Built-in easy needle threader
• Jam-resistant Quick-Set top drop-in bobbin

You can check more specifications here. 

Looking for more inexpensive options? You might like our list of 8 best cheap sewing machines HERE.

Best Brother Sewing machine deals

Credits: photos by Canva

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