Based on outstanding consumer ratings alone, the Brother PC-420 PRW eserves consideration. When a $400-500 home sewing machine gets almost forty 4 and 5 star ratings, you can’t help but take a look, right?
When it’s also tied to a major hit television show about fashion and design, interest grows exponentially.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Brother PC420PRW Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 4.8 
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
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Is this machine too much functionality for beginners? A lot depends on how much you plan on sewing. The more you are going to sew, the more features you are going to want because as your skills grow, your tools need to grow, too. Shortchanging yourself early on will just have you back in the market for a new machine sooner than you’d like.
This kind of expense, though, is certainly one of those situations where you need to “know thyself”. Are you going to use all the features now or in the future?
Because – when it comes to features – this one is loaded with them!
Enough Stitches to Keep You Happy for Ages
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There are 294 built-in stitches including 10 styles of 1-step buttonholes and three fonts of letters, numbers and characters:
- 67 Utility Stitches – All the most popular utility stitches plus! Straight,several zigzag styles, stretch stitches, blind hem, overcasting, overedge, basting, appliqué, patchwork, piecing, joining, and several styles of one-step buttonholes and more (in fact, it has the same 67 stitches as the Brother SE 400 combination sewing and embriodery machine).
- 31 Decorative Stitches – Faggoting, shell tuck, scallop, heirloom stitches, smocking, vines, hearts, and scrolls are a few examples.
- 16 Satin Stitches – increase the size of satin stitches up to 5 times the normal size)
- 5 Cross Stitches
- 10 Decorative Satin Stitches with adjustable stitch density
- 55 Letters and Characters in 3 Different Fonts (for a total of 165 stitch patterns): Gothic, Script, and Outline
Brother PC420 PRW Utility Stitches
Brother PC420 PRW Decorative Stitches
Brother PC420 PRW Satin and Cross Stitches
Brother PC420 PRW Font Stitches
Stitches are selected using the panel control buttons and there are 12 direct-select buttons for the most used utility stitches.
This one includes My Custom Stitch creation program so you can design your own stitches and save them to your machine. To create stitches, you draw them out on the supplied grid sheets. The grid sheets then provide you the stitch points (think x and y axis) of where the needle should come down to create the stitch. Enter those points into your sewing machine and save the pattern.
This is perfect for customizing your work. If you’re making a dress for a daughter or granddaughter and they favor a particular type of flower that you’d like to hem along the collar but the PC420 PRW doesn’t include that flower pattern, you can create it yourself, save it to your sewing machine and use it to complete the dress.
Up to 70 stitch patterns can be used in combination to come up with patterns, too. This helps with monogramming as you can program the machine to sew the three necessary letters in the monogram without stopping. This can also be used to create your own pattern of decorative stitches, for example a number of satin leaf stitches followed by a number of asterisks and then back to the leaf pattern.
The size of the letters in only the Gothic and Outline fonts have two possible sizes: small and large.
Many stitches can also have a mirror option to reverse the direction of the stitch.
Stitch length adjustable up to 5mm and stitch width adjustable up to 7mm for select stitches.
Quite a Pile of Included Presser Feet!
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It comes with 13 snap-on style presser feet. Presser foot pressure is adjustable.
- Buttonhole Foot – creates buttonholes
- Overcasting Foot – used to finish off the edge of fabric and prevent unraveling
- Monogramming – beveled edge on the foot keeps it from snagging satin stitches as you sew
- Zipper – used to insert zippers
- Zigzag – includes a leveling button to assist in getting over thick seams (also known as the General Purpose foot)
- Blind Stitch – a guide on the foot keeps the needle perfectly aligned with the seam and manipulates the fabric for a perfect blind stitch
- Button Fitting Foot – for sewing on buttons
- Walking Foot – used often for quilting and working with heavier fabrics, the walking foot provides a set of feed dogs on top of the fabric to move it forward both from below and on top
- Quilting Foot – used for free-motion quilting and designs
- Stitch Guide Foot – includes a small ruler on the foot
- Adjustable Zipper/Piping Foot – works with right or left seams and includes an adjustable guide to suit different piping widths
- Non-Stick Foot – helpful when sewing leather, vinyl or other materials that tend to stick to regular presser feet
- Open Toe Foot – makes it easier to see your stitch work when sewing intricate designs and patterns
Great Automation and Thread Handling Features
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This is the kind of sewing machine that is not only designed to handle so many different kinds of sewing projects but also meant to make sewing easier.
This is especially true for anyone who is going to be making lots of clothes with their sewing machine. The stitch selection covers all bases but things like stitch memorization, push-button thread trimmer, and custom stitch programs mean you’ll spend less time switching from buttons to zippers to seams to decorative trim.
The features include things that enhance the sewing experience by eliminating the most frustrating tasks like pulling up the bobbin thread and threading the needle. A solid, 6 point feed dog system also enables all kinds of fabrics to move easily through the machine.
- Automatic needle threader
- Twin needle function for parallel stitch lines
- Quick Set bobbin – no need to pull up the bobbin thread on your own
- Adjustable thread tension
- 14 needle positions
- Max speed of 850 stitches per minute
- 6 point feed dog system
- Free-arm sewing
- Speed control slider to cap the maximum sewing speed
- Horizontal top thread delivery
- Drop feed dog lever
- Programmable thread trimmer (no hunting for scissors!)
- Start/Stop button lets you sew without the foot pedal
- Reverse/Reinforce button – lays down tie off stitches mirroring your stitch pattern
- Needle Up/Down button tells the machine where to leave the needle when you’re done with your row of stitches
- See-through bobbin cover
- Built-in carry handle
The Brother PC420 sewing machine comes with a knee lifter, too. The knee lifter is a pad at the end of a metal rod that attaches to the bottom of the sewing machine and is intended to rest just above your knee. As you need to raise the presser feet either because you’ve finished sewing or in order to reposition your fabric, raise the knee under the knee lifter pad in order to raise the presser foot rather than having to take your hands off of your fabric to do so. You do not have to use the knee lifter nor do you need to leave it attached to the machine.
LCD control panel is used for stitch selection and settings. There’s even a help button which will scroll threading and bobbin winding instructions.
The top of the sewing machine lifts up to reveal the thread spool and then down to cover up spool and thread when you’re done sewing for the day.
The LCD screen will show your selected stitch, which presser foot is required for that stitch, whether or not a twin needle is allowed for that stitch, the stitch width, and the stitch length.
Graphics on the LCD screen represent various sewing machine functions and settings. Four arrow keys, an OK button, and a Back button help you navigate those icons and settings.
The language on the LCD screen can be changed to any one of the following: English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese.
Requires SA156, XA5539-151 bobbins. Bobbins from older models may damage this machine.
There is also a bright work lamp and built-in carry handle.
Dimensions: – L 17 1/3” x W 11 2/5” x D 7 7/8”
Weight: 17 pounds
Included Accessories
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Rather than a simple box space in the extension arm, there is an organizer tray in the machine for all the included accessories. This makes it much easier to locate and store your presser feet and sewing tools.
- Seam Ripper
- 4 Bobbins
- 6 pack of needles (2 75/11 size, 2 90/14 size, and 2 90/14 ball point needles)
- Twin Needle
- Cleaning Brush
- Eyelet Punch
- 2 Screwdrivers (small and large0
- 4 Spool Caps (1 small, 2 medium, and 1 large)
- Extra Spool Pin
- Hard Cover Case
- Spool net (used to protect spools of thread where the thread comes off more quickly than regular thread, like transparent nylon thread)
- Grid Sheet Set for My Custom Stitch design
OPTIONAL – The Brother SA537 Extra Wide extension table can be purchased separately for larger projects. The table has fold out legs and a slot in which you can store the knee lifter. The extension table also attaches to the hard cover case for easy storage.
Here’s a video demonstrating it in action. You can see the quality of the stitch work, samples of a few of the decorative stitches and all of the accessories that come in the box.
A Big Hit with Consumers
Consumers overwhelmingly give this machine high ratings for a number of reasons. It’s easy to use even though it offers so many great features and stitches. Some mention that going from a more basic model to this one really highlighted for them how much less work it is to use the PC420 because of the power and automation.
It does an excellent job with specialty stitches and fine work. Handles all kinds of fabrics including the most delicate sheers and laces. For anyone who will be making clothing, this is an ideal choice.
You can read more here: User Feedback
Average Rating: 4.8
Pros, Cons & Manual
Pros: – Adjustable presser foot pressure. Drop-feed dog lever. Needle up/down button. Start/Stop button. Speed control. My Custom Stitch program for creating your own stitches. Excellent selection of utility and decorative stitches for quilting, free motion embroidery and monogramming. Adjustable needle position. Walking foot included. Satin stitch density and size flexibility. Comes with hard cover case.
Cons: No compatible circular sewing foot. Lettering stitches are rather small.
Manual available online here: Read the Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: As of this date, Brother offers a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, a two year warranty on electronic pattern control and selection components (parts only), and a 25 year warranty on shafts and rods on the machine head.
These two stores currently have the lowest prices:
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Features Summary Review:
Does it serger the seams! Thank you
Lu Ann – Yes, but you have to purchase the Brother SA177 Side Cutter Presser Foot which, when used with the select side cutter stitches on the PC420, will trim the excess fabric and leave the edge wrapped to prevent fraying. Very handy!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi! great job on all the information and awareness for novices like me. I have a basic machine (Singer Talent) which I eventually bought after a lot of deliberation and I love it.
I already want to upgrade as it turns out that I want a new sewing machine with additional features. Now, this baby here, pc420 is great from all I’ve been reading all over the net, so its an option, but do you know if presser foot pressure is adjustable? and do you have any idea if it has the stitch elongation feature, this feature allows you to take a decorative stitch an elongate, not necessarily enlarge, without losing the desired density, esp for satin stitches.
If this doesn’t, do you know any other that does?
Thanks again
It says under the “Presser Feet” section that the presser foot pressure is adjustable. I have just about “made up my mind” to purchase this machine and certainly hope they are correct. I definitely need that function.
Laura – It is adjustable. 😉 There’s a dial at the top of the machine you use to control the presser foot pressure. It’s a hard feature to find these days, for some reason.
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello, I have really enjoyed reading all of your reviews. This is so helpful to have everything in one place. I am trying to decide between the Brother PC-420 PRW and Janome Magnolia 7330. My most favorite machine a Husqvarna Viking Freesia 415 (only 15 stiches counting the 2 button wholes) died on me after 8 years. We had a good run. Anywho, I considered getting another Husqvarna, but the one in this price range has terrible reviews (Emerald 183) plus I would be buying a store sample. So anywho, I can’t decide between the Brother PC-420 or Janome Magnolia 7330. I know you yourself bought the Janome so what made you pick it over the Brother? Right now there is only a $9 price difference and you get way more stitches with the Brother and more feet. I probably don’t really need all those stitches, but who knows. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
Laura – Originally, my mother had a lot of good things to say about Janome. I started searching for a Janome in my price range, tested quite a number of them and settled on the Janome Magnolia. Since then, I’ve tested a considerable number of machines and even went on a testing spree with my mom when we had a chance. Based on what I’ve seen since, there are several Brother machines that I would have gladly purchased to get the extra stitches and the PC420 is one of them. The Brother SE400 and the CS6000i and…well…there’s a whole list. So don’t let the fact that I got a Janome stop you from getting a Brother. My mother and I have decided that the next machine we’d get in the family would be a Brother.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Erin
Oh my, the Brother SE-400. I almost had my mind made up on going with the PC-420PRW then I looked at the SE-400 and now I’m in love. Can it really be true? A 2 in one machine, that is not $1000. My mom has a Husqvarna Designer 1 series and I’ve always lusted after it. Now I leaning toward the SE-400. I watched the whole hsn video and read all of the comments on the review page. Plus all the comments at Amazon. The video makes it look so easy. Have you had a chance to play around with it yourself? I really want to believe it’s true, but am afraid that it’s too good to be true. AHH…This is such a hard decision. Do you think it’s user that there are some bad reviews?
Laura – Oh, yes, it’s true! The Brother SE400 is the best deal for a combination embroidery and sewing machine. The reviews are amazing, the price is incredible, and it comes with a lot of accessories. There are over 500 comments alone on my review of that machine, many from actual users. The worst complaint I can recall from all of those comments has to do with the machine’s preference for high-quality (read “more expensive”) embroidery thread but if you shop for sales and buy in bulk, you can make out pretty even.
Yes, I have had a chance to play with this model and it’s easy, fun, and the stitch quality is really good. Both the sewing and embroidery functions work well, not just one or the other. It’s been on the market long enough for consumers to have gone through it with a fine tooth comb and it’s still highly rated. This machine was one of the most popular sewing machines this past Christmas – even running out of stock until mid to late January.
It’s the one my mother and I have our eye on for one of my nieces this year.
And the number of embroidery patterns you can do with this machine is endless. Think family gifts and table runners and cute kitchen towels and adorned collars and napkins and table cloths and…well, you get the picture. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin,
I am not an experienced sewer. I would be classified as “dangerous” when it comes to sewing. I do run a Serger that creates bandanas for a multitude of puppies who like to wear them. I am indeed dangerous on that machine. LOL. I need a new sewing machine to do the little things I need to do and when I need to do them, like creating curtains, draperies, mending, and maybe even that scrapbook project I keep putting off for the past 3 years because my current sewing machine is inept at anything but making me sweat thanks to the hottest machine lamp I’ve ever come across. etc. Now, I really need “ease of use” in a machine, as I’m getting older and am not as agile in trying to fit the stupid thread through the stupid needle eye that gets smaller each year. That equates to a machine needing to be smarter than me! I’ve researched, read, and reviewed every machine out there that has terms like “computer”, “monogramming”, “start/stop” in its description (note the monogram need – I like to monogram the bandannas, shirts, etc.). After all my searching, I am basically tottering on the edge of the abyss of either the Brother SE-400 or the Brother PC-420PRW units. I need someone to push me in either direction. Oh, my current machine is a Janome with a monogram feature (terrible monograms!). So, it’s imperative that the monograms are readable! I can’t tell if the PC-420’s are. Thanks for your candid response!
Dennis – LOL! I wish I’d come up with the “dangerous” description for myself! I’m sure that is what my mother was thinking when she let her teenage daughter use her prized possession in high school and watched in horror as I botched needle, thread, bobbins and anything else I touched on that thing. 😉 I stayed away from sewing for YEARS after so I’m still very inexperienced but for some reason it seems so much easier now than it was then. Patience with age? Computerized machines? Starbucks? Not sure…
Brother SE400.
There is a method to my madness, though. The PC-420PRW has 3 fonts instead of the 5 that come with the SE400. The fonts on the S400 look really nice, too. Plus, you can always add more through the embroidery side. I just saw a Curlz font online for only $2.95 so I know you can find great looking fonts for dirt cheap prices to add to your portfolio.
I’m thinking, too, that if you make puppy bandannas, how cute would it be to accent them with some puppy embroidery? A bone? A dog bowl? A little picture of the type of dog who will wear the bandanna?
The SE400 is just a huge price bargain. It costs about $100 less than the PC-420PRW and you can do so much more with it in terms of creativity. The PC-420PRW is excellent for those who specialize in garment construction but if you have scrapbook projects and anything you want to decorate with images, artwork, or a variety of fonts, the SE400 will get you much further.
Consider yourself pushed! 🙂 Let me know what you think.
Sincerely,
Erin
Okay, you did a good job of pushing! Thank you! Now I’m shopping for the best price out there on the SE-400 and it looks like my old favorite watering hole, “amazon.com” is the place. Works for me. Thanks again. – Signed, Dangerous Dennis. LOL
Dangerous Dennis – LOL! I try so hard not to be “pushy” but sometimes a deal is a deal and I call it like I see it. 😉
Enjoy your new machine!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello,
I have this machine and I love it. However, I am not able to find a compatible satin stitch for sewing appliques. Do I need to create a customised stitch or have I missed a stitch that is already provided. Any help on this would be deeply appreciated. Thanks!
Use stitch number 7 or 60 and then adjust the width as desired. Then adjust the length of the stitch down to a lower number until you get the satin effect you want.
Bonus: If you set the length to 0 you will get a bar-tack 😉
cheers,
Rick
Will a SA128 Concealed Zipper foot fit this machine. Thanks
I am trying to decide what sewing machine to buy … just when I think I have decided I read another review which confuses …. I am not sure about a brother machine. The only thing I know about Brother is that they make computer printers and I was never happy with any of those products that I have had. They were cheaply made and did not hold up and that is my fear with a brother sewing machine. I am considering a PC-420 PRW or SE400. I am looking for a sewing machine that will last! One that can sew through jean material … hemming, replacing zippers etc. Will either of these machines sew through multi layered jean material / leather? These days I mostly do repairs, buttons, hemming etc. but my hope is that in the future I will be able to get back to making clothing and not just repairs and curtains etc. I can not afford another machine that will not hold up. I have had two Kenmore machines and I am certain I DO NOT WANT another one of those! Any help or suggestions?
THANK YOU
Anne
I am looking for a machine to do monograming and applique…I have seen a couple of reviews on the Brother PC-420 PRW that say the lettering is small. How can I find out what size range the monogram feature provides? Open to suggestions on the machine as well. I sew some graments but rather enjoy the craftier side of appliqued aprons, etc. Thanks in advance for your input.
Hi,
I have been looking at the PC420 mainly for the fun stitches. Can you tell me what is the difference between buying a machine on Amazon and buying the expensive Brothers from a dealer like the innovis 80? Is there really a difference? Are they really built better? the 420 has even more stitches!
thanks,
Amy
I think the main difference is that the dealer’s get to make more profit selling the ‘exclusive’ machines. If the machine on Amazon has the right features and the right price for YOU then don’t hesitate buying it there. I didn’t and I am very happy with my Brother SE-400 purchased from Amazon at a great price.
Amy – As best I can figure, yes, there is a difference in the internal material used for some of the Brother machines that are produced for mostly online sales. Retail stores will tell you the material is “inferior” but I always take that with a grain of salt because the store is certainly hoping to get your sale vs losing you to an online sale.
Instead, I look to the online reviews, the length of time those reviews are available, and then compare specific features. Reviews of the Brother PC 420 PRW are very positive and have been for quite some time. That demonstrates to me that the material has some longevity. People are not complaining that the machine doesn’t hold up so that’s a good sign.
When it comes to specific features, the PC 420 has a six point feed dog instead of the 7 point feed dog built into the Innovis 80. If you’ll be working with lots of heavy material, the additional point of contact with the material that the Innovis provides, might be beneficial.
However, an even more significant difference between these two machines has to do with size and weight. The PC 420 is larger, heavier, and has more work space for your hands. That comes in handy when you want to work with large projects as you would with quilting.
Based on the history of these two machines, I would not be concerned that the parts were different inside but look at the specific features and price to decide which one is best suited to you.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Erin
I’m looking to buy a 1/4″ seam foot for the Project runway machine does anyone know the exact number for this foot. It’s number is CE5000
Thanks Nancy
I’m pretty sure you want a Brother part number SA125 1/4″ Quilting Foot or Brother Part Number SA185 1/4 Inch Piecing Foot-Guide
use the SA125 1/4 inch quilting foot for quilt and patchwork piecing with 1/4″ or 1/8″ seam allowances. Using the center needle, straight stitch position, the right front edge of this foot provides a guide for creating even ¼-inch seams for quilts, doll clothes and heirloom sewing projects. When using the left side of the foot as a guide, an 1/8-inch seam is created.
Use the SA185 1/4 piecing foot for centered straight stitching quarter inch seams on fine fabrics. Quarter inch piecing foot with blade for seam sewing. Accurate reference marking on 3 sides of foot for visibility and accuracy. Single hole foot prevents fabrics from sinking into feed dogs.
cheers,
William Richard “Rick” Sterling
Hello… I do not know how to sew and I want to buy a sewing machine to learn sewing. Is Brother PC420 PRW Project Runway Sewing Machine will be a good sewing machine for me? Am I not going to have a big headache using this? Thanks
I think you would be happy to go right to the PC420. You only need to use the features you want in the beginning and I think having all the nice features this machine has will keep you sewing. I stopped sewing for many years because my machine took the fun out of it. I am now back into sewing and have this machine for 3 years and even though I don’t use all the stitches the ease and convenience has made it fun again. If you find that you love to sew you will end up buying another machine (and probably this one) any way. Saves you $ in the end. If you are only doing some repair work, this will be overkill, but if you want to sew, get it.
Oh, Helen, you make a very nice point! I think it’s the way you phrased it: You only need to use the features you want in the beginning.
It’s after that, once you’ve worked your way through the basics, that you either end up with a machine that will ONLY do the basics – which is fine for some – or you’ll have a machine that will allow you to explore new techniques and projects.
Thanks for sharing!
Sincerely,
Erin
What a wonderful review you’ve made, and yours is the very FIRST that gave most information on the My Custom Stitch feature! Thank you! I’ve been searching the web for more information and actual users of this feature, hoping to find their experiences using it. I wish there was a Blog out there just for My Custom Stitch feature.
I just received my Brother pc420prw, and have had one problem…that is bunching of thread doing Decorative Stitches. I’ve found that some of the auto settings for some of the stitches is to short of a stitch, therefore, bunching. Now I’ve been lengthening the stitch and seems much better. I am using quality needles and using size 11 for them also only and always quality thread. I have a 30+ year old Singer…I was having the jamming problem with the 420, and got so frustrated (after rethreading both bobbin and top threading…still jamming…I took 6 giant steps to the room where my Singer sits, and with the same fabric, old needle, just blasted through a Decorative Stitch with no problem whatsoever! I came back to the 420, adjusted the length of the stitch, and only have had a few problems…now I’ll have to always check on the fabric that I will be sewing with to test that thread jamming won’t happen on what I’m making. Any thoughts? Also, do you know of any My Custom Stitch sites at all? I drool at the thought of finding a blog of just this feature and people sharing their designs and experiences.. Thanks!
Have just discovered your site and bookmarked it…you’re very thorough [sp :} Thanks so much!
Hi, I posted my 1st post some time ago, and see it’s not on here. I’ll repost hoping it comes on this time. I recently bought the Brother pc 420 prw, and I am constantly searching for experiences, examples of people who have used the My Custom Stitch feature.
What were their experiences with it, were they successful…and tips…anything about My Custom Stitch on this machine.
I wish that someone would make a site/blog about My Custom Stitch only, and that users would fill the site with information, tips examples and etc etc.
I’m surprised that with reading almost (what I think) every review on the pc 420 prw, no one says anything about using this feature of the machine, their triumphs, now they surprised themselfs with their success or failures.
Comments would be much appreciated.
Thanks to all,
Lasha
I am a beginner to say the least! I have only sewn twice, once in home-ec class and once making a T-shirt quilt with the help of my mother. I am borrowing her pc-420 (brother). I want to make my second babies crib bedding. I would like to put some appliques on it. Can this machine do that? Can I buy one online and have them email me the infomation that I then program into the machine? # I have no idea what I’m doing :).
Melissa, the PC-420 does have an applique stitch so you can use it to attach appliques to your projects. If you mean can you add new stitches and do embroidery with it, then no. The Brother SE400, however, can have embroidery stitches added to it that you buy online or on specially made cards. That’s the machine that might suit your crib bedding projects better if you want to do embroidery. Sounds like a fun project!
Sincerely,
Erin
Dear Erin,
First off, like so many others, I want to thank you for all of your work with this site. It is INCREDIBLY helpful and unlike any other I’ve found as I’ve been searching for a new machine.
I currently have an Elnita 225 (I think) and it needs some significant repairs. Instead of putting money into it, I’d like to upgrade to something new. I can’t spend more than about $350 and was considering the Brother cs6000i, but then I was looking at the SE400 and PC420PRW and the Singer 9960. I like the Singer and all that it includes (some upgrades I would grow into), but it does not have the knee bar, which seems like it would be nice. My current machine doesn’t have any of those capabilities (thread cutting, needle down, quilting feet), so I am not sure which ones I would use the most. I like the idea of being able to do monogramming with the SE400(larger letters or names), but other than that I’m not overly concerned about decorative stitching and I don’t know how much I’d use the smaller letters.
I want a strong machine that can handle upholstery projects (I’m about to start canvas slipcovers.) and quilting (larger throat if possible). I saw that the PC420PRW only has 6 feed dogs. I don’t know what the Singer has or how much that would matter. I wondered if you had any advice or recommendations given what I’m looking for. Perhaps there are others I should be considering.
I guess it comes down to: Is the SE400 strong enough to handle upholstery and quilting and therefore worth it for the capability to monogram?
Or should I bypass that and pay more for the more advanced features of the Singer 9960 or Brother PC420PRW? Or for what I want, should I just stick with something like the Brother CS6000i?
Thanks so much for your time and for any help you can provide. I truly appreciate it.
Kate
I have had three different machines, (se 400, dz3000, and this one) bookmarked for a week and keep going back and forth between which one. I finally decided on this one thanks to your fabulously helpful site. I went to go amazon to buy it and the price had jumped up a hundred bucks! Now I’m torn again over which one to get. I’m a total newbie who wants to do applique for the baby’s onesies and try my hand at making dresses for my toddler. I’d also like to make pillows, curtains, hem jeans, and if I get really brave try sewing clothes for myself. Any suggestion which machine I should go for? I’ve saved 350 and am wondering if I should wait unt this one goes back down and keep saving in the meantime in case it doesn’t. I’m taking my first class this week. Thanks so much for your helpful site!
Denise – Ugh, don’t you hate that? Boy, that price did jump and I’m not sure it’s worth that considering some of the alternatives. Fortunately, I think I have a suggestion you’ll like (unless you’re totally opposed to getting a Singer). I’d take a look at the Singer 9960. It’ll do everything you want (and then some) and the current price is more than $100 less than the one I see on the PC420 today. Take a look at my review of the 9960 and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Erin
Wow Erin, thank you so much for your speedy reply! The review for the Singer is so detailed, I love it! Running patterns of cute little stitches is exactly the kind of decoration I want to do and why I was leaning more towards the pc420 then the se4000. I took my first sewing class this morning and they had us using entry level mechanical Viking machines. I’m so short that my foot was having trouble regulating the foot pedal. I think the stop amd start button and speed control features are a must for me! I haven’t really looked into Singers because people keep saying they don’t make good machines anymore but it has such great reviews and I am okay with plastic. Is the bobbin the same as the brother and viking ones?
At 5′ 1 1/2″ (and I fight keep every bit of that 1/2″) I can relate. 🙂
For the most part I do caution people about some Singer machines but they do still make some great options and the 9960 is one of them. It’s just an unbeatable deal and the bobbin works much the same way as the Brother and Viking machines. This is the machine I keep trying to convince my mother to get – she’s almost ready to give up her 40 year old Kenmore!
Okay so now the pc420 is back down to 350 and I don’t know what to do! Crazy Amazon!
They are crazy at times. What I’ve noticed is that sometimes when a machine is available over at Walmart and they run out of stock you’ll see the price at Amazon go up…they must keep an eye on each other. Sometimes it’s just that the seller is someone other than Amazon and they’re testing pricing. You just never know. I find it rather fascinating from a research perspective but quite frustrating as a consumer!
In either case, if it were me (or my mother) I’d go with the 9960. You just can’t get that combination of features on any other model at that price.
Okay I ended up going with the Singer. I’m so excited yet nervous for end to show up. lol That’s funny about your Mom and the Kenmore. I have my Grandma’s from the 70’s but it needs to be tuned up. And everybody said it would be easier to learn on a new machine. Thanks so much for all you helpful insights!
I’ve used my mother’s machine – your “everybody” are correct. It’s much easier to work with today’s machines. Even though the controls may seem overwhelming at first it really won’t take long to learn them. You’ll simply be able to do more than you can on those 40+ year old machines. I think you’re going to love it! You’ll have to tell me how it goes. Good luck and congrats!
Sincerely,
Erin
hi, I just purchased this from a thrift store. It’s missing the bobbin case cover, extra spool pin for twin stitching,& half the feet (I’LL HAVE TO LIVE W/O BECAUSE OF COST). I can’t find the bobbin case cover, extra spool pin anywhere online – or the phone # for Brother. Help! – I’ve been w/o a machine for yeeaarrs!
Hi Erin,
I am looking for a heavy duty sewing machine that will hold up for a long time to come.
I am an advance beginner who has done some sewing periodically over the years. I need a machine that is intuitive to use, can sew through jean/leather material and can help me become more creative in my sewing projects.
I have looked at Janome DC4030P, Janome Magnolia 7318,Brother CS 6000i, Brother Project Runaway CS5055PRW, Brother CS 8000i, Brother SE400
Erin, can you give me some advice?