Sewing Machine Reviews

Here we compare sewing machines in the affordable and semi-pro range to help you make an informed decision. Brands: Brother, Singer, and Shark.

Brother CS-6000i
The Editor Pick Editor's Pick

Brother CS-6000i

- A wide variety of built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches, each with multiple stitch functions
- LCD screen with computerized stitch selection
- 7 styles of 1-step, auto-size buttonholes
- Super-wide (7mm) zigzag and decorative stitches
- Automatic needle threading
- Built-in thread cutter
- Variable needle position
- Fast, automatic bobbin winding
- 1-step bobbin replacement with quick set drop-in bobbin
- Quilting features included
- one-touch start/stop/reverse operations
- Operates with or without foot control
- Drop feed for free motion quilting. Create free-form or traditional quilt patterns
- Sew fleece, elastic and other stretchy fabrics with the built-in stretch stitches
- Use the built-in decorative stitches to embellish clothing, pillows, towels and more. Perfect for creating crazy quilt designs
- Create delicate family treasures using the built-in heirloom stitches
- Free arm/flatbed convertible sewing surface
- Accessories for zipper insertion, darning, twin-needle stitching and button sewing
- Built-in accessory storage
- Electronic speed adjustment allows you to choose the most comfortable sewing speed for your project
- Quick change presser feet
- Stitch width and length control
- Adjustable thread tension control
- Safety power and light switch
- Lightweight with built-in handle for portability
- 25-year limited warranty
- Oversized table for large sewing and quilting projects
- Walking foot for easy, accurate stitching of slippery fabrics or multiple layers
- Spring action quilting foot for darning, quilting or free motion decorative stitching
- Quilting guide helps create precise, evenly spaced quilting lines
- Hard case/cover

Avg. Price: $180

Learn More: More reviews of this product

Singer Sewing Machine 7422

Singer Sewing Machine 7422

- 30 stitch patterns including 2 styles of a 1-step buttonhole
- Fully electronic for precision and consistency
- Simple stitch selection with a touch of a button
- Stitch setting electronically set at optimal settings
- Stitch length and width controls
- Automatic lock stitch (to neatly finish decorative stitching)
- Needle threader
- Free arm with accessory storage (spool caps/felts/pin, screwdriver, seam puller/brush, feed cover, needles, bobbins)
- Dust cover
- 5 pressure feet (Blind hem, Special purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Zigzag)
- Manual in English/French/Spanish
- Easy bobbin winding
- Top drop-in bobbin with a clear view plate
- 13 Needle positions
- Horizontal thread feed

Avg. Price: $180

Learn More: More reviews on Amazon.com

Shark 7133 by Euro-Pro

Shark 7133 by Euro-Pro

- 80-stitch sewing machine
- Easily converts from flat-bed to free-arm
- Double over-lock; 1-step button holes; stitch width/length adjustments
- Automatic needle threader; drop feed
- Includes quilting table
- protective hard cover
- 12 creative feet
- 1 walking foot
- 3 bobbins
- Oiler
- Seam ripper
- Spool holder
- Seam guide
- 14Hx18-1/2Wx9-1/2D

Avg. Price: $150

Learn More: More reviews of the Shark 7133

More Home and Garden Reviews
More Household Appliances Reviews
More Electronics Reviews

Leave Your Comment

Can't read the word? Click Here
Type the letter you see in the image here:

What research says

Sewing machines run the gambit from beginner crafters to professional tailor and designers units. Here we compare three machines from Brother, Singer, and Shark. These reviews come from hands on usage as well as owner feedback and reviews.

Each of the selected machines are above beginner and all share some great common features such as durable ABS plastic and metal construction and automatic thread feeders. There is a note that we must mention for any machine with an automatic thread feeder; if you do not properly get the machine to accept the thread feed you WILL have problems. Many customers quickly blame the machines in this, for things such as loose stitches, bobbin problems, jamming, and more... All of this primarily stem from not correctly setting up the automatic threading. Take time to read the manual for any machine you purchase no matter what your skill level may be because each machine has its own automatic threading mechanism. This point cannot be stressed enough.

The feature king here is the Brother 60-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine, CS-6000i. Hands down this computerized machine bridges the gap between traditional sewing and modern stitching techniques. This machine simply trumps the category of diversity, it can do a whole lot of very cool things. If you are experienced with sewing this machine will open up creativity and save you lots of time with common sense features like a built-in light, automatic; thread cutting, accessory storage, bobbin winding and more. The feature list here seems endless, but the build quality of this machine cannot be ignored either, the Brother CS 6000i is well built at this price point, while the old days of all metal construction is over, there is no mistaking that this is one rugged machine. The value award goes to the Shark 80-Stitch Sewing Machine with Bonus Quilting Table - 7133. At $30 less that its competitors, it has strong features and a solid build quality with a great set of features like a seam ripper, quilting table and double over-lock. This machine is great for the budget and the beginners. Finally in the middle ground, the Singer 30-Stitch Electronic Sewing Machine, 7422. Without the extensive features of the Brother CS 6000i, this is still a "sew anything" machine with five pressure feet to do zippers, zig-zags, blind hems and more. The build of the Singer 7422 shows that this company has been in the sewing business for a very long time, with consideration for well placed controls, all the functions you need without the excess, and a name you can trust.

In consideration your purchase should be base largely on your intended usage for the product, if you plan to grow into sewing, all the features of the Brother that might seem overwhelming now, might be useful later. If you need a great basic machine for occasional use the Shark won't break the bank. As a frequent use machine that you can always go to the Singer is an easy yes.

Jenny Carano said:

I own the Brother CS6000i that I bought from Amazon and it is the best sewing machine I've ever had. My previous two sewing machines were older (one a hand-me-down from my mom and the other I bought from Goodwill) but both of them were solid machines. I tried a friend's newer, computerized machines before and it felt light and flimsy, although it stitched well. My Brother feels solid like the old machines, but with way smoother stitching and way more features. Good review - you picked the right one.

Grant said:

Thanks for your sewing machine reviews here. My wife asked for a sewing machine for Christmas and I was worried I wouldn't know which one to get her. Sounds like the Shark is a pretty decent machine for my price range. It's good to know I can get her a solid machine without spending three or four hundred dollars.

Jamey said:

Bernina is the only family owned company that features ALL metal parts inside of the machine. NOTHING compares. If you want to buy a machine once and never have to buy another Bernina is the only way to go. My mom has had hers for 40 years and I've had mine for 11 and neither has ever had to be repaired.

Missy said:

This is a good starter list of sewing machine reviews, but I'd like to see a few more machines on here. For instance, while I know the Brother you reviewed is a great machine, I also know that my Janome Magnolia 7330 is also a fantastic sewing machine, but I don't see it in your list of sewing machine reviews. In fact, I don't see any Janomes on here, which is a shame considering they are one of the leading brands.

I guess you can't make everyone happy all the time though. ;-)

Tessi said:

I'm new to the sewing game, but I thought the reviews were great.

Other Resources and Reviews

Copyright © Compare The Brands     Subscribe to RSS Feed  |  Comparison Shopping Home  |  About Us  |  Site Map  |  Recent Reviews  |  All Review Categories
All product specs, prices and deals are subject to change. The comparison shopping information provided on this website was collected at the time the page was written and may not be accurate by the time you read the comparison. Many of the links on comparethebrands.com go to directly to the product page on a retailer or manufacturer website. We are not responsible for the outcome of your dealings with any company other than www.comparethebrands.com. As always, exercise caution when purchasing products or services online. Search for the business on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for more information if it your first time dealing with the company. All reviews, brand comparisons, comments and product information on this website should be considered editorial content and opinion.