There are so many different stitches you can choose from and it comes with many different feet and shows you what foot to use for what stitch, very nice and helpful. I don’t have to thread the needle myself because it comes with a built in threader which is really nice and the bobbin so simple to wind and install.

I recommend this sewing machine because I am just tickled pink with it.

I use one of those plastic white folding tables to sew on but even without any thing to keep it in place, the machine stays put. You will need another light as the one on the machine isn’t bright enough. Following the instructions I was able to thread both the upper and bobbin threads without trouble. I’ve never used an automatic threader before and wow! Ingenious!! It’s a little flimsy but does the job even though I have to fiddle with it a bit to get the arm to wrap around the needle.

My first project was a new zipper for my husband’s outdoor work coat. I was able to put in a 27″ heavy-duty zipper, using the needle that came with the machine (too lazy to change it), and it performed flawlessly for both sewing the zipper between heavy layers of canvas and flannel and re-sewing the 5 large buttons. The feed dogs moved the layers of heavy coat fabric evenly and smoothly through the machine. Switching between the regular and button-hole snap-on feet was a breeze.

By default, the needle stops in the down position keeping the fabric from shifting while pulling pins or repositioning the remainder of the garment. This actually speeds the sewing process because you don’t have to use the handwheel at all to reposition the needle after you come to a stopping point. And during the button installation, I got a double-beep telling me I’d forgotten to put the presser down before sewing. It won’t sew if the presser foot arm is up even if the button foot is holding the button tightly in place. It was simple to switch stitch types to zigzag for the buttons. The big picture of stitch types on the front of the computerized machines has always seemed intimidating but once you read the book and get the idea of how to change the stitches, you feel empowered to use them with ease. After using the computerized features of this machine, going back to a non-computerized one will make you realize how clunky and work-intensive the old ones really are. The foot pedal is flimsy plastic but works just fine.

One recommendation – even if you are an experienced sewer like me, read the book before using any of the features the first time. It only takes a minute and will save you loads of time and grief. I’ve sewn countless buttons and had I not read the book on Button Installation, I’d of never found the switch to disable the feed dogs. Oh! And the thread cutter isn’t on the shank like other machines, it’s on the left side! I had to read the book to find it. In all, this is a great machine for the money.

Besides for not working properly, the machine is also made very cheaply.

To open the bobbin door you have to tag on a little plastic catch which I’m sure will break in no time. The door itself is a thin piece of plastic that comes off the machine instead of sliding to the side. Every time you need to mess with the bobbin, you need to fit the door back in (that is if you don’t loose it while it’s off).

I was very much looking forward to using this machine but it turned out to be a big disappointment and I will be returning it.

My last machine was a Brother refurb. It lasted five years, through about 40 quilts, so I was ready for another Brother.

I like this one. It’s similar enough to my old one that threading and bobbin winding were easy to figure out. However, I’m not crazy about the LED display and stitch selection feature. I’ve already broken one needle — after setting the needle position to accommodate the presser foot I wanted to use, the needle broke on the presser plate below. I’d like to be able to use the 1/4″ foot that I used on the old machine, but I can’t get the needle positioned correctly.

The motor is much quieter than my old machine, but there’s a click with every stitch. Anyone know if that’s to be expected? Or am I doing something wrong?

I love the light weight!

Edited after using the machine for a couple of weeks: I’ve had a couple of issues with thread tension staying where I want it. I’ll get the right setting, sew for awhile, and whoopsadaisy, without making any adjustments, the tension needs adjusting.

I wrote to Brother almost 2 weeks ago asking about the clicking noise, and to let them know I didn’t get two presser feet that were supposed to come with the machine. I sent the proof of purchase, and I even copied the page from the manual and circled the presser feet that were missing. No response yet.

I’ve had to add light in my sewing room — the lights on the machine aren’t bright enough when I’m working with dark fabric.

Other than that, I’m still pretty happy, but when I can afford it, I’m going to test sew on a Bernina or Husqvarna.

Also, the stitch that’s supposed to mimic the look of hand quilting doesn’t look like any hand quilting I’ve ever seen.

I am an avid quilter and this (the BrothersCS6000I) is the second

identical machine I have purchased. I originally bought it because I did not want to carry my Viking machine back and forth to our winter home. I was so pleased with the initial purchase, I bought another to take to quilting classes because it is so light weight, has an excellent sewing stitch, as well as a walking foot, freemotion quilting function, needle up/down and the decorative stitches–which all work. The price is certainly right!

However, the light is ridiculous — small, dim, badly placed — and the first thing I did was clamp a gooseneck lamp to the table so that I could actually see to sew, thread the needle (there is some Rube Goldberg-type set up that is supposed to do that for you, but it is too small to see, requires an extra hand to operate, and works half the time), and see the screen whereon the cool stitch size/type info is displayed. Everything involving the bobbin is terrific, from winding it to dropping it in. Threading the top thread is a snap till the last two steps, which require tiny, nimble fingers and powerful laser-like vision. You will have to roll excess fabric tightly to fit it through the minimalist tunnel between the needle and the body of the machine, so don’t plan on making a heavy wool, lined coat. The narrow, plastic foot pedal feels cheap and is poorly designed. If I merely inhale while sewing, it goes from slow to warp speed, and I spend too much time chasing and repositioning it. This is one of the problems when we don’t have metal parts anymore — you can lift this whole machine with one little finger (literally) — don’t count on it to stay where you’ve put it (and that includes the machine, which I once tipped when shifting fabric). I admit, though, that the thing really does sew like a dream.

This is my first new machine since the Nixon administration, and I still have my fabulous, heavy, mechanical Singer that will sew through layers of chain mail, but I was seduced by the free-arm and the buttonholer (which I’ll eventually use, I suppose) and the alleged improvements and ease of use. I believe that, while it does sew like a dream, this machine was designed by someone who has never sat at a sewing machine to actually use it. You know — to sew something.

A very good quality product, in my opinion very cheap for what it offers.

Absolutely reccommended.

In response to other reviews. I think it sews great on paper. The 1st project I sewed was a book mark with card stock sandwiched in hand made paper (3 layers). I had no tension issues in contrast to my previous machine. Since the machine was working so well I decided to make a semi-formal dress for my daughter layering sheer fabrics. Once again – no problems with tension.

I think if you are constrained to spend less than $200 for a machine this is a great little machine and you won’t be disappointed.

As a note: the hard cover that comes with it does not attach so if you plan on travelling with the machine you might want to buy the extra cover. The included cover goes over the machine and does not clip on. By grabbing the machine’s handle the cover comes with as you carry it. This is fine for in-house storage.

Brother really won me over with this machine!

This is the machine that some of the larger sewing and quilting expos are using in their workshops now because they are so lightweight, easy to learn, and reliable. High end Berninas and Vikings are just too complicated for people to sit down and learn at in a classroom setting, and they are way too expensive. This machine is the Featherweight of the 21st century, with tons of stitches and fun built in. Go for it!!!

My son is now in scouts and they have so many patches to sew on. I decided I needed another sewing machine. Wow. I’m glad I got this one. It’s so easy to use, even for a novice like me. I couldn’t sew a straight line before, but now it’s easy. I even made my son a sleeping bag with buttons and an attached pillowcase. I sew all my son’s patches and do all the mending. It’s so easy. I simply follow the instructions that came with the machine.

Threading couldn’t be simpler. There’s a diagram imprinted on the top of the machine for reference. The automatic needle threaded works like a charm. The bobbin winds easily and all I have to do is drop it in and pull the thread through and it’s done. I remember the days when my mom, a seamstress, would have to thread her own machine. What a pain that was. Glad I don’t have to do it.

There are so many different feet that it comes with and all the necessary tools. I can choose the stitches by looking on the side of the machine and punching the button to match and the screen tells me which foot I need for that stitch. Cool.

This is the best investment in a sewing machine I’ve ever made. So easy to use, lightweight, comes with everything I need, and a great instruction book.

Overall it has been a great purchase and I look forward to sewing on it for years to come.

Sadly, shortly after it’s 6 month anniversary, it stopped working. There was squeaking, followed by beeping, followed by nada. I had to drive it 2 hours to the nearest Brother center (or take it to an unauthorized shop and pay $100). The bobbin had stopped turning. The truth is, this machine is built on a plastic (actually it’s stuffed with styrofoam) chassis, which will not last, and is prone to breaking. So all these reviews you see where people give it one star, it’s because the plastic frame just can’t stand up to real use for very long.

A metal chassis sewing machine is one of the few pieces of technology that still lasts you your whole life. You can’t get a good one for under $399 at a store (like a Brother or Baby Lock)- but when you think that half the price gets you 6 months and a load of grief with a machine like this…?

I am sad to be giving this little machine one star, but the truth is Brother makes some great machines and some junky ones. Bottom line, you should get a machine with a metal chassis, not plastic, with your hard earned cash, because once this one breaks, there’s no returning it. I traded mine in at the shop.