Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions

Cheap Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions Review

Call me a Brother convert. My 35 yr old Singer died on me this week right in the midst of a project. I called 2 different repair shops and both gave me the same diagnosis and both were candid enough to tell me it was pricey to repair and unless my machine had sentimental value (not!), it would be probably be to my advantage to buy a new one. So the hunt began. I spent about 2 hrs on the internet searching for reviews. Coming from a home where my mother was a professional seamstress, I grew up around Singers, so naturally I was drawn to those reviews first. None really hit me. One website offered an alternative machine, this Brother CS6000i. The more I read, the more I knew this is THE machine for me. Supposedly, several stores in my town carried it. After driving to 6 different well-known stores, none of them had it in stock. Only 1 store had a Brother (a beginner machine) and I was impressed with its body construction compared to others, Singer to be exact. Came home, called 2 more local stores and finally ordered it via Amazon with 2 day shipping. It arrived well under the 48 hr limit. Thank you Amazon!!

OK, now to the nitty gritty. I immediately put it to use, so keep in mind this review is with less than 24 hrs of usage.

PRO: Lightweight though solid body. Manual user-friendly. Quiet stitching. 60 possible stitches available. BEAUTIFUL stitching (although I've only use straight stitching so far). Stitches through several layers with ease. Easy bobbin winding. Speed control lever a big plus. Adjusting the tension for lining fabric was a breeze (I grew up being told NEVER to touch the tension...only let a repairman do that. Never too old to learn new tricks!) Storage compartment is great!!! Lots of attachments & accessories including 7 feet. 4 empty bobbins included was a great surprise since I have to replace all my bobbins and time is running out...didn't have to stop and run to store to buy more. Cover included, but it's not a carrying case.

CON: I'm use to all metal construction, so I'm gun-shy of the plastic presser foot lever, the bobbin cover and foot controller. I have a fear they'll break soon. Also, the presser foot lever location is a little awkward for me as they've always been in the back. Can't get the auto-threader to work but that will come in time, I'm sure. When turning back on, I wish the LCD display would return to the stitch setting/length I was using when I turned the machine off. Must remember to adjust that each time its back on. Needle plate marking needs to be clearer and would be nice if marking on both the left AND right side of plate.

Again, the CONs are simply because I'm not familiar with the machine yet. Give me a couple more weeks and I'm sure I'll know this little gem like the back of my hand.

Overall, 4 stars. Great value for beginner and intermediate sewers.

Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions Feature

• 60-stitch computerized free-arm sewing machine with LCD display
• 7 styles of 1-step auto-sizing buttonholes; 1-touch start/stop and reverse functions
• Snap-on presser feet; wide table accessory for larger projects such as quilts
• Measures 9-3/5 by 9-3/4 by 12-1/2 inches; 25-year limited warranty

Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions Overview

The CS6000i from Brother is a 60 stitch computerized free arm sewing machine with multiple stitch functions. The machine features an LCD display for computerized stitch selection. The built in stitches include utility stithces for mending and garment construction, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches and quilting stitches. This machine has a one step automatic buttonholer with 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes built-in. The machine also has built-in super-wide 7mm zigzag and decorative stitches. The CS6000i is easy to thread with the automatic needle threader and our one-step quick set drop-in bobbin. Included with this machine are accessories for zipper insertion, darning, twin needle stitching, quilting, as well as an oversized accessory table to increase your sewing area for large projects and quilting. The quilting feet include a walking foot for accurate stitching of slippery fabrics or multiple layers as well as a quilt guide for precise evenly spaced quilt lines. The CS6000i also has a drop feed so you can create free-form or traditional quilt patterns. The machine can be operated without a foot control using the built-in one-touch start/stop and reverse features. You can also choose your most comfortable sewing speed with the electronic speed control. Accessories are included for quilting, zipper insertion, darning, twin needle stitching, buttonholes and button sewing. The machine is lightweight and protable and includes a hard cover to protect your machine when it is not in use. Instructions are bilingual in English and Spanish



*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 06, 2010 20:44:04