The Brother LS2125i is a great sewing machine for beginners who want to handle the occasional basic mending tasks, dressmaking, clothing, and home decorating projects and don’t want to spend a lot of money. At less than $100 this is a perfect starter setup for light tasks. It’s also a great machine for kids.
It’s portable, electric and has a built in handle tucked in the back for easy movement. The machine is white with light and medium blue trim.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Brother LS2125i Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 4.1 
LAST UPDATED: April 10, 2015
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A Basic Set of Built In Stitches
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The set of 10 built-in stitch options are utility stitches handy for repairing clothing and hems, making clothes, making curtains, or other small projects.
- 4-step Automatic Buttonhole
- 3 styles of Zigzag stitches
- Zigzag Satin Stitch
- Straight Stitch (5 different stitch lengths)
- Straight Stitch (needle left)
- Stretch Blind Stitch
- Shell Tuck
- Elastic
Included Presser Feet
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The Brother LS2125i sewing machine comes with 4 snap-on style presser feet:
- Zigzag (General Purpose)
- Buttonhole
- Zipper Foot
- Button Sewing Foot
Functionality of the Machine
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The Brother LS2125i has a front loading bobbin system. That’s one of the first things I look at when evaluating starter sewing machines or light task machines like this one. This style of bobbin system isn’t as easy as a drop in system. It might take a few tries to get figured out but that shouldn’t be a show stopper – unless the machine is for kids. I think it’s far easier for a child to use a drop-in style than the front-loading kind. (For a highly rated machine with a drop-in bobbin in the same price range, look at the Brother XL2600i.)
Loading a bobbin with thread is super simple on this sewing machine. Slip the thread through a hole in the top of the bobbin, put the bobbin on the winder, latch it into place and step on the foot pedal. The machine stops automatically when the bobbin is full.
A reverse lever also located on the front of the machine is used to lock completed stitches in place.
Free-arm sewing is possible by removing the extension arm so that fabric tubes like sleeves and legs can be slipped onto the working surface. The Brother LS2125i is suitable for light, manual embroidering, monogramming and appliqué stitches.
There is a built in work lamp, a bag for accessories which is stored in a compartment within the machine itself, and you can perform twin needle sewing with the LS2125i for decorative stitching as long as you use only the needles recommended for this machine.
The tension of the top thread can be adjusted with a dial on the front of the machine.
With the included darning plate, you can cover the feed dogs and do free form sewing work, attach buttons, or mend torn clothing with the zigzag stitch.
A buttonhole fine-adjusting screw allows you to tighten or loosen the buttonhole stitch to cover a multitude of buttonhole options from small, cuff buttonholes to larger button openings.
For a starter or backup sewing machine, this model handles a surprising number of sewing tasks and fabrics. This is a great machine for someone just starting out who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money or for those who know they need one for the occasional mending job but don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars.
Dimensions: L 15″ x W 11.8″ x D 6″
Weight: 15 pounds
Accessories
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The Brother LS2125i sewing machine comes with the following accessories:
- 3 pack of needles
- Twin needle
- 4 bobbins
- Darning plate
- Screwdriver
- Additional spool pin (for twin needle sewing)
The The Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carry Case fits this machine but must be purchased separately.
What Do Consumers Think?
As one of the cheapest, full-sized sewing machines you can get, buyers love the fact that they can get just enough machine to handle routine alterations and other projects for a very reasonable amount of money. It’s not very heavy so even children can move it easily, it has the basic utility stitches, and it’s been around long enough to have proven it can hold up for years.
If you need the most basic sewing machine or have a very small budget, you’ll appreciate the value of this machine and the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice size or workspace and you don’t have to buy a brand you’ve never heard of before.
Average Rating: 4.1
Pros, Cons & Manual
Pros: Easy to use, even for children. Handles alterations, light weight fabrics, and home décor projects. The machine is capable of making pillows, tablecloths, curtains, and more. Beginners find this machine simple to learn and begin using right away.
Cons: Requires frequent oiling to keep operation smooth and oil is not included in the purchase. Pedal speed seems to go from slow to fast with not much in between. Some problems auto adjusting during stitching.
Manual available online here: Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty – As of this date, the Brother LS2125i comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor if purchased from an authorized reseller. Electronic pattern control and selection components are covered for 2 years. Head parts, shafts, and connecting rods are covered for 25 years. Certain actions do void the warranty.
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Features Summary Review:
I’m looking for a good beginner sewing machine that I can use for sewing as well as quilting. Costco carries Brother XR7700, but your website does not rate it. How does this machine compare with Brother SQ9000?
Gwen – The Brother XR7700 is a great machine for quilting. That’s actually the one my mother-in-law has. She just finished a very large quilt for her parents’ anniversary and it was beautiful. She highly recommends that machine.
Features and accessories are the same for the two models although the layout is slightly different with control buttons in the middle vs. to the far right. The only difference really is the additional 10 stitches that come on the SQ9000. The XR7700 actually has the same platform and layout (even the same manual) as the very popular CS6000i.
Let me know if you need additional information. I didn’t go through stitch for stitch on the two to find the extra 10 but they share all the same utility stitches so the extra 10 on the SQ9000 are decorative in nature, if that helps. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi,
I am trying to find a machine for my 7 year old daughter for under $200. My neighbor who sews a lot, suggested getting her a Brother to start out with from Walmart. Her sewing teacher suggested a project runway, but wanted to make sure we purchased a machine with speed control/adjustment. For some reason the Brother website and other places do list whether or not the machines have speed adjustment/control with the exception of the CS6000i. Which I can get, but was wondering if any of the less expensive machines also have it. Please, advise.
Thanks!
Kendall
Kendall – Brother machines are excellent starter machines and they make several models under $200 that have speed control but the least expensive of them runs about $150-160. None of the machines under $100 have the speed control slider.
The machines under $200 that do have the slider are:
Brother CS6000i
Brother CP6500
Brother XR7700
All three models are very similar in operation and performance and very well rated. They’re easy to use and have proven to hold up well over time.
I was thinking their might be a way to limit the speed of the machines under $100 by somehow modifying the foot pedal but I’m not having any luck finding such an option.
Hope that helps! Either way, your daughter will be thrilled! That’s such a great age. (Happen to be watching my 7 year old son flying a Lego space ship around the living room as I write this.) 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello,
I have zero experience with sewing machines and would like to start making a quilt for my niece/nephew that is on the way. My husband is also in the Armed Forces and requires alterations to his ABUs and Dress Uniforms. I have been trying to do some research but quickly became overwhelmed by the experienced quilters and sewing machine users that are “brand die-hards.” What kind of sewing machine should I be looking for to serve my sewing needs? When looking for a sewing machine, what attributes should I be looking for? Which are more important than others? I now live on a small base and don’t really know anyone whose machine I can “test drive.” Any guidance/help you can give, I would greatly appreciate!
Thank You,
Cindy
Hello,
I have no experiance with sewing machines, but I would like to not have to sew all of my DIY projects by hand. I mosly want to do clothing Alterations and such. I don’t know anyone that sews anymore so I have no idea what to get! I would like to spend under $200. I’m not looking for anything super fancy, but something that wont go to fast and I will be able to learn on quickly!
Thank you,
Kate
I am trying to buy a sewing machine for my wife.
She is new to sewing and embroidery(preferably computerized so that she can input the design using computer).
Which one do you suggest.
I am not able to decide whether we can buy a basic one, so that she gets used to it, and then go for a more advanced ones. The main purpose is to embroider our daughter’s dresses and the 2nd purpose is sewing and any alterations.
Thanks
Badari
Erin-Your website has been SO HELPFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!Your input and simple to understand comparisons guided me right to the Brother CP6500. I am unable to leave home (an handicapped). I’ll need the correct needles, bobbins and quality thread. Where would you suggest I get those supplies on line and what else will I need other than scissors and straight pins? I’m trying to get everything I’ll need all set up in the beginning so I won’t get caught without since I can’t just run out to shop. I’ll be doing hemming and mending clothing for now but will be working with denim. I’d like to get a hard carrying case, how to I get the correct model for that as well?
You are such a treasure for a shut in.
Have a blessed day!
Hi Erin, I’m considering an SQ9050 vs a CP7500. Do all your comments on the SQ9000 apply to the 9050? The 9050 seems like a good bargain on paper, any reason you know of to stay away?
Hi Erin,
I’ve been reading your sewing machine reviews and now am totally muddled :-)! I was considering the Singer 4411 so I could hem jeans. All of us in my family are height-impaired and it’s getting costly to spend $10-$12 per pair having them hemmed. I have a 27-year-old Kenmore that has 2 stitches and, when it was new, it would sort of go through jeans sometimes. Now, it’s at a point where it won’t sew through two layers of light cotton, the bobbin thread is loose when I sew, and no matter how expensive of thread I use and how frequently I use a new needle, the thread breaks constantly. I paid $99 for the machine way back then, so it wouldn’t be cost-effective to have it repaired.
What I would like to do with a new machine is be able to hem jeans and other types of slacks and do seam repairs and that sort of thing. I’d like to spend around $200 for something decent, but that price isn’t set in stone. I don’t do enough sewing to justify $400 or $500 or more for a machine. The brand isn’t important-I’m interested in something that can do what I need it to do. Do you have any suggestions? I might be open to doing more sewing if I could get a machine that would make life easier and not be so flipping frustrating! I do a lot of other handicrafts and enjoy them. Thanks so much!
Hi, I am desperately searching for a sewing machine that is under $200 (closer to $150, preferred) that I will be able to do alterations, quilt (including a denim quilt), and has decorative stitches. I have a lot of things that I need to start sewing on, however, I’m getting frustrated trying to purchase the “perfect” machine. Please help!
Happy New Years
Hi Erin,
My 7 year daughter has been taking some sewing lessons in our 4H club. She loves it! I have always wanted to learn to sew myself, so I am thinking now that we both have the interest it is time to get a good machine. I have one my grandmother gave me, but it about 100 years old….no lie…it will sew a straight line in thin fabric…but that is it. We are both interested in making clothing, home items such as pillows, table napkins, runners etc. and also would love to expand into quilting and maybe embroidery someday. I literally know nothing and I can’t make sense of what I have been told so far. Our 4H sewing teacher stands by Husqvarna, but I have heard others say other brands are better. I don’t mind spending some money on a good machine….I would love to even have one that uses a computer with it for really fantastic projects. How I would love to be able to give everyone my my Christmas gift list a homemade item from the heart! Can you tell me what you recommend? I wouldn’t say price is no object, I would say certainly less than $1000. I actually saw a great Singer machine on HSN the other day for $799 and almost ordered it, but I fear that I will regret it. I want to make an informed decision. I don’t know what features are important, or if machines are upgradable, or what to ask. I don’t know what I don’t know….you know? Thanks so much!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
I want to help you though if your hoping to spend less than $1000 The Se 400 is a great choice for beginners and advanced sewists alike and weighs in at about $400 with free shipping from Amazon!Here is Erins review on it https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-se400-computerized-embroidery-sewing-machine-review/. Also I would Steer clear of HSN if I were you the prices are incredibly high!:( Yikes! I hope you and your daughter find your PERFECT Machine! 😀
Erin, I looked for a sewing machine a year or so ago and you gave me some suggestions. Things got busy and I dropped the idea of buying a new machine but now I’m back. Here is a short list of what I do, and what I would like to find:
-occasional sewing, denim, leather (fairly heavy, would use with walking foot and leather needles), regular fabric
-only need very simple stitching – straight, zigzag, buttonhole
-need variable height pressure foot for thick leather (and I’d get a walking foot)
-really, really like the idea of speed control, especially when sewing leather
-like idea of seeing bobbin through clear plastic lid and no jam bobbin
-I won’t be carrying it anywhere, so weight is not important. Being metal would be great, but how bad is plastic?
-Read about DC motor, your opinion?
Some of the machines I’ve looked at are Janome CD1050 and Janome HD1000 (does not have speed control) and I’m impressed by the video on your site review of the Janome Sewist 500, but again, no speed control.
I am now ready to make a decision, and would appreciate you help and opinion.
Thank you again for your time, Mimi
Love your site, best there is for reviews and info!
Hi, Erin! I found this site through a link from a YouTube video, and really appreciate the list of “top 5 beginner sewing machines under $100.” I learned how to machine-sew in junior high and high school (and using my mom’s Montgomery Ward machine), and bought a Singer portable when I was fresh out of college (30 years ago), but thrift-shopped the Singer about 20 years ago because I hardly ever used it. I do mending (popped seams, droopy hems, and reattaching buttons) and some simple doll clothes via hand-sewing, but think that I could attempt more elaborate doll garments and get the mending done more quickly if I got a sewing machine again. I already have a spot in mind in my house where I could set it up when needed (an old desk in our basement, next to the ironing board), but I’d need to store it under the desk when not in use. (So it would need to be relatively light, yet still sturdy.) I don’t want to spend more than $200 for it (and preferably no more than $100). I will be checking the local town-wide garage sales early next month, and if I don’t find one there, will try to talk my spouse into springing for one as a Mother’s Day present. There’s a well-reviewed sewing machine dealer in Morris, IL (20 miles from me) I might investigate, esp. for their used machines.
Catherine – Oh, I can just imagine the doll clothes! My mother-in-law collects dolls and always goes for the ones with very ornate, Victorian clothing. They’re so pretty.
You could easily get a machine for under $200 that will do what you need. It comes down to whether or not you would like to have a great number of decorative stitches or not. There are two mechanical Janome models that would do the job but because they’re mechanical, they will not have a very large selection of decorative stitches. Both are also just about at your $200 budget. I’m thinking of the Janome Jem Gold (which is a 3/4 machine, lightweight and yet very sturdy) or the Janome Magnolia 7318.
Otherwise, to get more decorative stitches, you have several options for a computerized sewing machine that would fit the bill. The Brother CS6000i and CP-7500 or the Singer 7258 but for just about $140 this one is a great buy at the moment: Brother CP-6500 Computerized Sewing Machine
. It’s identical to the Brother CS6000i but comes with fewer accessories which you could buy later if you needed them.
Certainly test machines at your local dealer and see what specials they might be running. Also, don’t miss checking Overstock (Extra 7% off for New Customers)
. They carry a number of refurbished sewing machines that were either working returns or have been fixed to factory specs.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Erin
I just wanted to say a quick “thank you” for creating this website, it is immensely helpful! I’m comparing machines for myself (a gift from the hubby)and your comparison tools and reviews are wonderful. I haven’t purchased yet, but I now know what I should be looking for. Thank you!
Greetings Erin,
First, thank you for providing such a comprehensive site for beginners and, I’m sure, professionals to research and conclude what they are going to spend their hard-earned money on.
I’ve spent about an (amazing) hour on your site reading and learning what is best sure me as a beginner who knows nothing about sewing but that I want to sew bowties and spats. I am completely sold on the Singer 7258 because if your analysis and… I love the look. 😉 Before I make this purchase, if there a machine I should know about in the same price range that connects to a computer for more options? I have heard of them but don’t know cost, best models, etc. I may be willing to invest more in a sewing machine if it has this feature. Help?
Thank you in advance for any feedback and information you can provide.
Blessings,
Melorra
Melorra – The lowest priced sewing machine (of which I’m aware) that connect to your computer would be the Brother SE400 which is a combined sewing and embroidery machine. The sewing machine connects by way of USB port but the connection is only used to organize and import embroidery designs – not for new sewing stitches.
Otherwise, the 7258 is a great choice and I like how it looks, too. 😉
(BTW, love your own site – what a great concept!)
Sincerely,
Erin
Help! I want to start making baby applique and embroidery items. I am 110% new to sewing but willing to take classes and learn anything I can. Which machine would you suggest to buy any price under 300ish? Thank you!!
Stacey – When you say you want to do embroidery, did you mean machine embroidery? The lowest priced combination sewing and embroidery machine is the Brother SE400 which runs around $350 at the moment. It’s beginner-friendly and has a lot of neat functions and tons of stitches and embroidery patterns to choose from. If you want just a sewing-only machine, take a look at the Brother CP7500 or the Janome DC1050 both of which are in your price range and have great ratings. The CP7500 has more stitches including decorative patterns you could use in your baby items projects.
All three of those machines are reviewed on this site and you can find links to the reviews in the Comparison tab at the top of this site.
Hope that’s what you were looking for!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi!
I was looking at the Brother CS6000i, but also started looking at all the difference (presser?) foot accessories! I like the piping foot, edge joining foot, and especially the pintuck foot. However, it seems as though the CS6000i can not accept the pintuck foot. Is that correct?
Along with regular home sewing projects (nothing complicated), I would like to try machine applique–specifically to be able to make outdoor house flags. Here’s an example: http://flagcenterflags.com/catalog.php?cat=Fla&cat2=Chr#. Any idea what kind of machine I would need to do something like that? I’ve made some curtains and pillows, but that’s about it. Want to stay under $200. Thanks!
Hi Erin,
I haven’t sewed in years, since high school. I am starting again to pursue fashion designing, to create a line with my sister. I was wondering which machine would be best for us to use?
Thank you!
Isha – I have two recommendations for you and which machine you might choose depends on how much you and your sister are going to sew and how much you want to do with the machine. The first option I’d recommend is one of the best choices for beginners because of the blend of stitches, strong ratings, and reasonable price. That would be the Brother CS6000i. There’s an alternative which is nearly identical and that is the Brother CP6500.
My second recommendation costs about twice the price but has well more than twice the features and stitches and that’s the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960.
Both machines will allow you to make clothes and the stitch quality is similar although this particular Singer model is a bit stronger so has more flexibility for working with different fabric thicknesses.
If stitch quality needs to be commercial grade because you’re going to sell or display your materials you may want to look at a Janome or a Husqvarna but the prices will be higher.
Feel free to ask additional questions if you need more direction!
(I just happen to be visiting my family and spending time with my own sister and I’m jealous that you’d get a chance to start a business with your own sister! That sounds like a lot of fun!)
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi, Erin! I am at my wit’s end regarding my sewing machine, a Brothers L-2125i which my sister sent me from the US, so I don’t think there’s any service center here in my country, the Philippines. Anyway, I’ve been using it for a year, and it probably only performed really well the first couple of months. Then, problems cropped up which I somehow addressed, but this time, the bobbincase just keeps falling out when i start to sew! I’ve put it in correctly, aligned it with the notch, cleaned it. Though, I’ve noticed the bobbin case latch, the one that you use to pull it out, is really loose. Help, and thank you!
Elphaba – This video might help you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbxAmvyAKuE. This person has the same sewing machine as you and actually pulled out the entire bobbin case and then took forever trying to figure out how to put everything back together. You might be able to see where your set up is not quite matching up correctly.
If that doesn’t do the trick, then you might double check the bobbins you’re using and make sure they’re really the ones that go with the machine.
Let me know if the video or replacing the bobbin doesn’t work for you. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Erin