Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought this machine two months ago because these low end Brothers get so much bad press on other sewing sites, and some of the YouTube reviews are so awful. Mainly because they are made by people who cannot take the time to read the manual nor to learn the very basic sewing hints and helps that make using a machine possible. Having decades of sewing experience and owning several machines at a much higher price point, I wanted to see for myself what Brother has on the market in the big box stores and online that a person could purchase for a low and affordable price. Well, here is the bottom line - this is a nice machine. The case is plastic and not as sturdy perhaps as some more pricey machines. BUT, the needle bar area and the innards seem to hold up really well to the sewing I have done. I have made a few projects on this machine, including a quilted greeting card that requires sewing through the fabric, the batting and a paper backing. No problem, not even a hesitation. Then I did a stitchout of the entire stitch range on the machine including buttonholes and lettering. Yes, the lettering is simple and you have one font. BUT, can you imagine how nice some of the stitches are? AND I find the Brother machines really do a nice stitch! As nice as any machine I have used, and I have used a Bernina or two in classes, as well as my own Elna and Janome machines. No, you cannot sew a saddle on this -but then you wouldn't on a home machine anyway. I would think quilting a very large quilt would be a challenge due to the harp of the machine being rather limited at only about 5.5 inches. However, this machine is light - can be picked up easily and moved where you need it, and it is very capable. Brother machines have a very easy to learn user interface. To do lettering you merely choose the lettering button on the front and then feed the machine the numbers of the sequence of letters you want. Then sew. Easy to edit or delete as well. Choosing stitches is a sequence of button pushes near the little screen and you can chose to advance ten because you have a two digit input. Brother and Babylock put out the very best manuals in the industry. Probably in any industry. The manuals are exhaustive and easy to use - indexing is excellent. I love Brother manuals. Even my little Brother labeler has a great little manual!! Anyway, the sewing machine manuals are excellent, and I have found it very helpful to actually READ them as you set up a machine. Then when you begin a seam, hold the threads as you start and you will not have thread nests. This machine is no exception - very nice to use. In addition it comes with two separate manuals - one in Spanish and one in English, and it includes a CD with video to get you going. Excellent video as well - all the steps of setup are there. A nice set of accessories is included, and in that set are most of the feet you will need for your projects! I could say ALL the feet, as there is a hopping quilting foot included (darning foot) as well. And the large table is a nice bonus. The hard case is something that I don't use, but it comes with a hard case for stage if you need that. This is my second purchase here on AMAZON of a Brother machine, having purchased the SE400 last year as a beginner embroidery machine - I have been happily surprised by my Brother machines - I have owned the 1034D serger for over 12 years, and it too is a fine little machine. The needle threader is a lot of fun and works! It is not the same as the Brother needle threader on the SE400 and other machines that actually threads the needle for you, but it is a very accurate threader and I so love that! Again, Brother knows what they are doing! When your machine comes, whatever machine you buy - sit there and read the setup guide and take the time to go through the proper steps with your manual. It really helps! Then use the machine wisely, take the time to clean it out in the bobbin area as directed, change needles every few projects at least, and learn about sewing. You will enjoy it more and have a lot of fun!