Best Brother Sewing Machines in 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Brother has been one of the sewing industry’s most innovative and respected brands for nearly a century. Despite Brother’s humble beginnings as a small, Japanese stitching company, the brand has now grown into one of the world’s most recognizable manufacturers of high-quality sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines.

Whether you are in the market for a budget-friendly, entry-level sewing machine, or you require a more advanced, computerized embroidery machine, you will find exactly what you need by shopping Brother’s extensive and impressive catalogue.

To help you narrow down your search and find the perfect sewing machine for your needs, we are going to list and review some of the best Brother sewing machines available in 2021.

OUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

The Top 5 Best Brother Sewing Machines

Each of the sewing machines highlighted below were selected because they are user-friendly and offer the perfect balance between performance and durability.

While some models are more affordable than others, and certain machines offer more features, each Brother machine below impressed us in its own unique way:

1. The Best Overall – Brother – CP60X Computerized Sewing Machine

The reason the Brother CP60X Computerized Sewing Machine took our top spot is because it offers a variety of high-end features at a budget-friendly price.

While it is versatile enough to be a capable machine for those with advancing sewing skills, it is so user-friendly and affordable that even beginners will find that it is a practical sewing machine to learn with.

Given that the CP60X is a computerized sewing machine, users can quickly and easily choose from 60 unique, built-in stitches. These include basic utility stitches, as well as more complex and advanced decorative and heirloom stitches. We also really liked that it has seven pre-programmed, auto-size buttonholes, so you can easily create and repair garments.

A two-step automatic needle threader ensures that the Brother CP60X is incredibly easy to use. Not only does this save you the frustration of having to thread the needle yourself, it will also save you time.

In terms of durability, the CP60X delivers exactly what we have come to expect from Brother. The durable metal frame and flawless construction ensure that this embroidery machine will work reliably for many years to come. It is powerful enough to tackle thick fabrics, like denim and heavy quilts, but it can still be delicate enough to work on light fabrics when you need it to be. Overall, this is an excellent sewing machine that is a great option for those with either advanced or entry-level sewing skills.

2. The Best for Tough Fabrics – Brother – ST371HD Strong & Tough Sewing Machine

If you regularly work with thick fabrics and tough materials, the Brother Strong & Tough is the perfect sewing machine for you.

It comes packaged with a variety of heavyweight needles and is powerful enough to sew through even the toughest fabrics. In fact, the Strong & Tough is even capable of sewing through multiple layers of denim at the same time!

While its powerful design is the real highlight, it is also a versatile sewing machine that can be used for a wide variety of different sewing projects. With 37 built-in stitches, including an auto-size buttonhole maker, it should have no problem completing any task you throw at it.

Like the CP60X, the Strong & Tough features an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant, drop-in top bobbin, so it is incredibly easy to use. The free-arm design also makes it easy to sew and hem cuffs, sleeves, and even the legs of denim jeans.

The settings are all controlled with straightforward dials and switches so you can quickly and easily adjust the machine to the exact specifications required for your current sewing project. It comes packaged with plenty of accessories, including six sewing feet, an instructional DVD, various needles, and much more.

Overall, this is the perfect option for those that require a sewing machine that is both flexible and durable. It can tackle everything from thick outdoor-worthy fabrics, to lightweight and delicate silks.

3. Best Budget-Friendly Option – Brother – RLX3817A 17-Stitch Beginner Sewing Machine

The Brother RLX3817A was designed to be the perfect home sewing machine for beginners and those that are on a tight budget.

Despite its relatively simple-looking appearance, this little sewing machine is actually capable of tackling some fairly complex sewing projects. With 17 built-in stitches and a four-step auto-size buttonhole settings, you should have no problem tackling basic sewing tasks, as well as some more advanced projects.

It features a versatile free arm design, which makes it easier to work with and maneuver garments you are sewing or hemming. It also has an easy-to-use upper thread tension control dial, which allows you to avoid the frustration of loose and puckered stitches.

It comes packaged with some useful accessories, including an additional sewing feed, needles, and an instructional DVD and booklet. What we really liked about this machine is just how user-friendly it is, which is perfect for those that are just starting to explore stitching and sewing. Selecting your preferred stitch is as easy as turning a dial and the instructional DVD walks you through everything you need to know about using your new machine.

Not only is it a great option for beginners, the lightweight, compact, and portable design means it is perfect for those that have limited storage space, as well as those that are looking for a machine that they can take with them to sewing classes.

4. The Most Versatile Brother Sewing Machine – Brother – HC1850 185-Stitch Sewing and Quilting Machine

For those in search of a computerized sewing machine that can handle just about any task, the Brother HC1850 is a fantastic option.

Right away, users will notice they have their choice of 130 built-in sewing stitches, as well as 55 alphanumeric stitches. On top of that, it even features eight auto-size buttonhole styles. In other words, this computerized machine can perform just about any type of stitch you can think of.

Not only do you have plenty of options, thanks to the backlit LCD screen and intuitive push-button design, selecting a particular stitch is incredibly easy and takes less than a second. The built-in reference flip chart makes it easy to know which stitch or setting you are selecting and an adjustable sewing speed dial makes it easy to fine-tune your selection.

Other convenient features, such as an automatic threading system, detachable foot controller, and high-performance feed system, ensure this sewing machine is incredibly easy to use. Despite its wide variety of features and stitch options, the HC1850 is surprisingly light and portable, so it is a great option for those that do not have a dedicated sewing room.

As the name suggests, it is also a great option for those that would like the ability to tackle the occasional quilting project. The basic monogramming features and variety of decorative stitches are ideal for quilters, as is the extra-wide work table, which features a built-in measuring tape.

Overall, this highly versatile sewing and quilting machine is perfect for those that are looking for a reliable and affordable machine that is capable of handling just about any project you can come up with.

5. The Most User-Friendly Option – Brother – XM1010 Mechanical Sewing Machine

This straightforward home sewing machine is the perfect option for those that value simplicity. Just about every setting is controlled with a user-friendly stitch selection dial, so you do not have to worry about complicated controls or confusing instructions.

With the simple turn of a dial, you can select from 10 built-in stitches, which are all very practical. Where more complex machines come equipped with stitch options that you will rarely use in day-to-day situations, the XM1010 has just what you need, which makes things much easier for beginners and those that just plan to complete basic tasks.

The automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin are very convenient and make the machine that much easier to operate. The versatile free-arm design also makes it easier to complete typical sewing tasks, such as simple hemming jobs.

The Brother XM1010 also comes with a variety of accessories, which is great for beginners as well as those that have never previously owned a sewing machine. As you would expect from a simple, user-friendly machine, it is also very lightweight and compact, so you do not have to worry if you only plan to work from the kitchen table or a small desk.

Overall, it is a great option for those that are in the market for a simple yet full-sized sewing machine. It is affordable, compact, and incredibly easy to use. Best of all, it comes backed by Brother’s 25-year warranty and free technical support line, so you can rest assured that Brother will help you through any problems you may encounter during the lifespan of your machine.

Final Words

No matter how much experience you have with sewing machines, or how large or small your current budget is, you can easily find a Brother embroidery machine that will meet your needs.

Not only is Brother known for having exceptional customer service, but the brand has also been trusted by countless sewing enthusiasts for nearly 100 years, so you know you are buying a high-quality product from a company that you can trust.

Weigh up your own specific needs by thinking about the sorts of sewing projects you would like to tackle. If you are only looking to complete basic sewing tasks, one of the more affordable and basic machines, like the Brother XM1010 or RLX3817A might be all that you need. On the other hand, if you have an advanced level of skill and you are looking for a more versatile machine, you should opt for one of the computerized models, like the CP60X or HC1850.

No matter which model you choose, deciding to purchase a Brother sewing machine is an excellent decision that you will not regret!