Written By Robin Cook
April 29, 2011 | I purchased this machine for garment and home dec sewing. I know it was designed for quilting, however this is a good fit for me, as I usually sew on a vintage industrial machine. I wanted a portable machine, so I could sew somewhere other than our basement, but have been spoiled by the speed, knee lift, larger harp of a true industrial sewing machine. I prefer a mechanical machine to computerized. These are the things I was looking for when purchasing a machine: Adjustable foot pressure, large harp/space to the right of the needle, ability to disable needle up/down, drop feed, no drop in bobbin, foot lift extending back instead of to the side, knee lift. Here are some additional nice things about this Brother: The take-up lever has a hole instead of hook, so the thread doesn't come out when sewing fast, You can't miss the reverse lever, the way needle down works on this machine is designed better than any machine I've tried.....no needle up...it's down or neutral, lots of feet are included, thread cutter is nice, needle threader works good. The machine handles heavy thread well, even in the bobbin. I've hemmed heavy weight jeans with no problem. Generally, the stitches are perfect. Narrow feed dogs make rounding curves easy. Things you may not like: Can't wind bobbins while sewing, if you're not left handed you really have to use the needle threader.....threads left to right, right handers may also have trouble getting the bobbin case inserted, no zig-zag, no buttonholes (unless you get a vintage Greist #10 buttonhole attachment), special needle system is recommended, no adjustable speed, no free arm. This machine is the best I could find to fit my needs. I am not disappointed at all, even though it was a little scary to buy online without trying the machine. I could not give the machine 5-stars because I don't know how long it will last. I have only had it for a few months. All in all a great machine for the price if you don't like bells & whistles. |