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Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 531 ratings

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  • Enjoy true versatility with a full range of 67 sewing stitches, comprehensive sewing functions, plus 4-inch-by-4-inch embroidery design and editing. Easy-view back-lit touch screen LCD display accesses all your stitches and designs
  • Comes complete with 4-inch-by-4-inch embroidery hoop, 7 specialty sewing feet, designer rolling bag, USB cable, embroidery bobbin thread, soft cover, and more.Large 4” x 4” Inch embroidery area
  • Reliable, easy threading of both top thread and bobbin for even, consistent stitching. One-touch automatic thread cutter cuts your top and bobbin thread with ease. Maximum Sewing Speed (Stitches Per Minute) : 710
  • Bilingual user manual, 25-year limited warranty, and free phone support for the life of the product. We do not recommend using this machine in countries that do not support 120V AC even if a voltage adapter is in use

Customer ratings by feature

Easy to learn
4.6 4.6
Versatility
4.3 4.3
Easy to use
4.1 4.1
For beginners
4.1 4.1

Product guides and documents

Product Description

Product Description

Get the best of both worlds with this combination Sewing and Embroidery machine from Brother! The LB6800PRW Project Runway Limited Edition model offers a full range of 67 sewing stitches with 98 sewing stitch functions, and allows you to add beautiful, decorative embellishments to your creations with its included 4”x4” embroidery capabilities. Choose from the built-in embroidery design library of 70 decorative designs, 120 frame pattern combinations and 5 lettering fonts, and, for even more options, use the built-in USB port to import designs from your PC. Plus, the beautiful Project Runway custom rolling bag helps protect your machine, and makes it easy to take to classes. Perfect for beginners and more advanced sewers, the LB6800PRW includes built-in tutorials to view on the LCD display screen, a printed Quick Start guide, and a complete instructions manual in English and in Spanish.

Amazon.com

Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Get the best of both worlds with this combination Sewing and Embroidery machine from Brother! The LB6800PRW Project Runway Limited Edition model offers a full range of 67 sewing stitches with 98 sewing stitch functions, and allows you to add beautiful, decorative embellishments to your creations with its included 4”x4” embroidery capabilities. Choose from the built-in embroidery design library of 70 decorative designs, 120 frame pattern combinations and 5 lettering fonts, and, for even more options, use the built-in USB port to import designs from your PC. Plus, the beautiful Project Runway custom rolling bag helps protect your machine, and makes it easy to take to classes. Perfect for beginners and more advanced sewers, the LB6800PRW includes built-in tutorials to view on the LCD display screen, a printed Quick Start guide, and a complete instructions manual in English and in Spanish.

67 built-in sewing stitches

The LB6800PRW has 67 built-in sewing stitches, including utility, quilting, heirloom and decorative stitches, for virtually all your fashion and home decor projects.

70 built-in embroidery designs

Enjoy the range of 70 built-in embroidery designs, including floral, holiday, animal and kids' designs, as well as 120 built-in frame patterns and 5 built-in fonts.

4"x4" embroidery area

The 4”x4” embroidery area is the perfect size for adding seasonal designs to napkins or towels, personalizing shirts with lettering, or adding fun designs to your child’s clothing.

Easy-to-use LCD touch screen display

Through the easy-to-read LCD display, you can access the built-in sewing stitches, as well as all of the exciting embroidery features: embroidery designs, lettering, frames, and editing functions.

Built-in tutorials

View built-in tutorials right on the LCD touch screen display. Includes topics such as how to use the included automatic bobbin winder, how to correctly position the spool of thread, and more.

Design Editing features

Rotate, mirror-image, enlarge and reduce the size of your designs, and see how your edited design looks, right on the LCD display, before stitching.

Computer connectivity for updating your machine and importing designs

Import designs from your PC, or designs purchased from ibroidery.com and other web sites. Plus, you can download machine updates to keep your machine up to date. (USB cable included

Super easy bobbin winding system

Once you have the thread in place, just move the bobbin to the right, push the Start button, and the bobbin is quickly wound for you.

Reliable, easy-to-use Quick Set drop-in bobbin

It's smooth sailing with the jam resistant, Quick Set drop-in bobbin. No more "fishing" for bobbin thread.

Smooth Fabric Feeding with 7-Point Feed Dogs

Usually found only on higher-end machines, this feature helps ensure smoother feeding of a wider variety of fabrics

Brightly Lit Workspace

No more task lights needed, as brilliant light floods the needle area.

Includes Project Runway rolling bag

Includes a beautiful Project Runway rolling bag to help protect your machine when you take it on the go.

Complete designer sewing and finishing solutions – right at your fingertips

Exciting range of built-in designs

Enjoy the range of 70 built-in designs, including floral and appliqué designs, as well as 120 built-in frame patterns and 5 built-in font styles. Through the intuitive LCD touch screen display, you can access and edit the machine’s built-in designs, allowing you to tailor the designs to fit your needs.

iBroidery Compatible

Brother embroidery customers can easily purchase thousands of fabulous exclusive, downloadable embroidery designs on www.iBroidery.com. Choose from a multitude of selections, including licensed characters from Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, Disney, Disney▪Pixar, plus limited edition designs from the Brother design library. All at your fingertips at a price you’ll love.

Plus, these outstanding features:

•Easy ‘one-handed’ threading, with advanced needle threader The LB6800PRW has a clearly marked, numbered diagram right on the machine, showing you how to thread it. Plus, the advanced needle threader helps take care of threading the needle for you. • Built-in embroidery card slot The built-in embroidery card slot enables use of optional Brother embroidery cards, available for separate purchase.

Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Exciting range of built-in designs

Great selection of 67 built-in sewing stitches

In the box

• Project Runway embroidered rolling bag
• 4" x 4" embroidery hoop
• Embroidery arm
• Soft cover
• Accessory feet:
o Buttonhole foot
o Overcasting foot
o Zipper foot
o Button fitting foot
o Monogramming foot
o Blind stitch foot
o Embroidery foot
• English/Spanish operation manual

About Brother International Corporation

Brother International Corporation has earned its reputation as a leading supplier of innovative products for home sewing and embroidery enthusiasts. The company is recognized for its high-quality, state-of-the-art machines and accessories, offering ease of use and flexibility at affordable prices. Brother is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brother Industries Ltd.

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Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here [PDF ]

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Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine


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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
531 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quiet operation, versatile uses, and stitching capabilities of the sewing machine. They say it has a lot of nice features and the possibilities with this machine appear limitless. Customers also appreciate the clear instructions and the LCD display. They are satisfied with the quality, value, and case of the product. However, some customers have reported issues with the embroidery size and hoop size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

208 customers mention160 positive48 negative

Customers like the quality of the embroidery machine. For example, they say it's an excellent machine, the stitch quality is very good, and it surpassed their expectations in quality. Customers also say it creates great pieces, is easy to learn to use, and has an automatic needle threading and thread cutting features.

"...No issues to speak of. The feed tracks straight, so when sewing only minimal left-right adjustment is needed to stay on track...." Read more

"...The automatic needle threading and thread cutting features of this machine make it an absolute breeze to use for a beginner...." Read more

"...The embroidery works great, though we did find that it is somewhat sensitive to thread type and quality. We ended up using 100% rayon thread...." Read more

"...the basics and then some, is easy to learn to use, and it's extremely reliable." Read more

154 customers mention132 positive22 negative

Customers find the sewing machine easy to use. They say the instructions are clear, the threading is easy, and the computer to the machine is easy as cake. They also appreciate the LCD display and the picture step by step directions on the actual machine. Customers say it's a great machine for beginners and experienced sewers, with an easy-to-load bobbin and thread cutter.

"...Moving designs from a computer to the machine is easy as cake...." Read more

"...The instruction book is a "must read" and contains very detailed instructions on stitch selection, needle selection, thread selection, how to sew..." Read more

"...Transferring these designs to the machine is an easy drag and drop operation with no need for expensive and finicky card reader/writers, dongles or..." Read more

"...It covers the basics and then some, is easy to learn to use, and it's extremely reliable." Read more

84 customers mention63 positive21 negative

Customers like the value of the product. They mention it's well worth the price tag, a good investment, and a great toy. Some say it'll work for home usage.

"...The bag is well-worth the extra cost of this model vs. the SE 400 Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine-..." Read more

"...They are also less expensive than some others. Don't hesitate to buy this machine :)" Read more

"...In summary, this machine is a great price for a great versatile products that I highly recommend...." Read more

"...comes with the machine for making customized patterns, and it is pretty expensive, so keep that in mind...." Read more

74 customers mention67 positive7 negative

Customers like the stitching of the sewing machine. They say it has lots of stitches for experimenting with, and it sews and embroiders like a dream. Customers also say the embroidery capabilities are enticing, and the long gather stitch makes ruffles a breeze. Overall, customers are satisfied with the stitch quality of the product.

"...The machine has a touch screen for choosing stitches and built in patterns, which I like...." Read more

"...It contains everything you need to embroider, plus every item is the correct size and compatible with the machine, so you don't have to stress over..." Read more

"...The embroidery capabilities were enticing - I've always intended to learn machine embroidery, but haven't yet done so...." Read more

"...it has an automatic needle position button and an automatic thread snipper- Sewing is now fun again. Thanks, brother!" Read more

23 customers mention21 positive2 negative

Customers are satisfied with the noise level of the product. They mention that it is very quiet and easy to use.

"...It is very quiet, and can sew circles around any machine I have used in the past." Read more

"...This machine is quieter than any other I've ever had, too, which is great because I will binge-watch tv..." Read more

"...The machine is very quiet, and that makes using it quite enjoyable...." Read more

"...It has a lot of cool features and is very quiet to operate. It would be great if the screen was in color or had a better resolution." Read more

20 customers mention20 positive0 negative

Customers like the features of the sewing machine. They say it has nice features, versatile uses, and is easy to use. Customers also appreciate the serger features and say the possibilities with this machine appear limitless. They love the machine and say it's perfect for all their needs.

"...It's relatively easy to use given the many features built into the machine...." Read more

"...For the price, this machine offered a pretty amazing array of features and benefits...." Read more

"...In summary, this machine is a great price for a great versatile products that I highly recommend...." Read more

"...It has a lot of cool features and is very quiet to operate. It would be great if the screen was in color or had a better resolution." Read more

15 customers mention15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the carrying case that comes with the quilting machine. They say it's great for traveling and handy. Some customers also mention that the rolling case is a great bonus item.

"...This is exactly the same as the SE-400, except it comes with a carry-cart for portability, and has some 'project runway' branding on it...." Read more

"...cents per needle, you can't go wrong plus these needles come in a convenient little plastic, reusable, flip-top box that holds 10 packs of ten...." Read more

"...I really liked the fact that it came with a carrying case because I like to go to quilting classes...." Read more

"...It comes with the beautiful rolling traveling case with complete accessories, one of my best purchases!" Read more

23 customers mention6 positive17 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the embroidery size of the product. They mention that the hoop size can't go beyond 4 inches, the embroidery patterns are a little too small, and the machine is smaller than their old one. They also dislike the small area where they change the needle and the work space for regular sewing is very small.

"...ConsLimited embroidery size - you can only embroider designs 4x4" or smaller...." Read more

"...get me wrong, this machine does what it says and is fun but the hoop is small and you have to buy larger hoops to use the larger designs...." Read more

"...need to embroider, plus every item is the correct size and compatible with the machine, so you don't have to stress over sizes of bobbins and needles..." Read more

"...The downsides to this machine that I see are the smaller embroidery area and the fairly small throat...." Read more

LOVE IT!! An absolute beginners review...PLUS update!
5 Stars
LOVE IT!! An absolute beginners review...PLUS update!
I absolutely LOVE this machine! I've been using it for about 2 months and I am totally brand new to sewing. I have never, ever used a sewing machine before in my life. I never even learned how to sew by hand, but I developed an interest in sewing and fabrics when I began collecting vintage clothing about 3 years ago. While I can't compare this to other machines, I can offer some insight as a novice sewer. I have to say that I do more embroidering with this machine than sewing (probably 70/30 or 60/40). However I have used the sewing features of this machine to make 3 sets of curtains, about a dozen pillows, aprons, change-out zippers, shorten hems and various other projects - with minimal difficulty. My family cannot believe how many things I've made as a brand new sewer. The automatic needle threading and thread cutting features of this machine make it an absolute breeze to use for a beginner. Although I felt overwhelmed at first - I had no idea what a bobbin or a pressor foot was and actually had to use Google for definitions - I was up and running in no time. I think this is a fantastic machine for a novice.Prior to purchasing, I did extensive research into all aspects of sewing machines and found this machine to offer the best features for the price, and consistently high reviews. Many of the negative reviews have similar complaints: needle breaking and/or bobbin issues. My theory is that the machine has an internal flaw/weakness that occurs on about 10% of machines. Maybe some machines are handled rough and become "tweaked" so that bobbins misfeed and needles aren't precisely aligned. My guess is that Brother is aware of this issue but feels it's an acceptable loss. (Brother is a huge company that makes a wide range of products = less attention to details) If it were a safety issue, there would probably be a recall. The problem seems to occur right away, so I would definitely just return the machine if this happens to you- one of the benefits of Amazon's 30-day return policy.In terms of the negative reviews, you also have to consider the amount of variables that factor into the equation - type of sewing, stitch selection, sewing speed, quality of thread, type of fabric- PLUS cleaning the machine - very, very important. The instruction book is a "must read" and contains very detailed instructions on stitch selection, needle selection, thread selection, how to sew hems, buttons, darn socks, etc. I've learned a lot from the book and refer to it often.I also bought the Brother Embroidery Starter Kit which I would strongly suggest if you are new to embroidery. It contains everything you need to embroider, plus every item is the correct size and compatible with the machine, so you don't have to stress over sizes of bobbins and needles. I also bought the Brother Sewing Starter Kit which I would also suggest. However, if I had to choose only one, I would go for the embroidery kit.OMG- the embroidery is addicting! I absolutely love embroidering designs on towels, bibs, napkins - so easy! The machine comes with a hoop, but CAN be used with the optional Brother SA434 4-Inch-by-6 3/4-Inch Large Hoop for sewing multiple patterns in an area without having to re-hoop. You CAN sew larger designs, and there are large designs that are broken into smaller sections, you just have to carefully re-hoop the fabric. It's a pain, but it's do-able.You CAN download designs using a Mac computer. The machine comes with a USB cord that you simply plug in, and the sewing machine pops-up on your desktop as a "No Name" device. I simply download patterns directly to my desktop (there are free patterns available at the Brother website), and drag-and-drop them into No Name - you do NOT need to buy the additional $100 Brother PED-Basic Software for Downloading Embroidery Designs and you DO NOT need to download special software. (There are free programs available, if you want to be able to open and view a pes file on your Mac. Google "StitchBuddy" and/or "Needle Works" for free software). Occasionally, the "No Name" device does not show up on my desktop when I plug the USB cord into my laptop, but if I turn the sewing machine off for a minute, and back on - it solves the problem.You CAN use the cheaper thread, but you have to clean the machine more often, as it leaves more fuzz behind. You also must pay very close attention to the spools, as they bind up easier and will bend/break your needle. I used and reviewed both radiant threads 40 Spools Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread and thread art Polyester Embroidery Thread Set - 40 Spools (500 meter spools/40 wt.) - Set A Vibrant ColorsThe bag is well-worth the extra cost of this model vs. the SE 400 Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine- especially if you are in need of a bag or are considering ever taking the machine out of the house- as long as the price difference is reasonable. I looked at the cost of comparable bags and would say that this bag is easily worth 50 bucks, if not more. When I bought mine, the LB6800PRW was only $30 more than the SE400. The bag and wheeled handle weigh a solid 10 pounds and are sturdy and well made. The bag is not attached to the handle - there is a strap on the back of the bag that slips over the handle. It also has a handle on the top so you can carry it without the wheels. The bag is thick nylon and comes with 6 nylon padded pieces that you attach inside the bag to make the sides and bottom stiff and to create storage sections inside the bag. When not in use, you can remove these and the whole bag/wheels folds flat for easy storage (About 5" high so you can easily slip it under the bed or in a closet). Since the bag is made for this machine, it fits inside perfectly with no extra room to bang around or parts poking into the sides - a big plus over buying a generic bag from JoAnn's. Plus there is plenty of room for accessories, notions, etc. If you are put-off by the Project Runway label, it's easy enough to cover up and there is only the one label on the front.All in all, this is probably one of the best purchases I have ever made! I decided to buy this machine over the similarly priced PC-420 because of the embroidery feature. Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine. (I had narrowed it down to the 2 Brother PR machines because I liked the features of both, not because of the PR thing - I have never even watched the show). I had no real interest in embroidery, but for the price, I figured it was a nice feature to have. What an understatement! The embroidery is a total blast and as I mentioned, I am totally addicted!I probably should not be posting this, but here goes: I was craving more designs, but was discouraged by the prices of the Brother cards and the popular websites. I ended up buying a CD off of Ebay that has 9000 designs for < 20 bucks. All I can say is WOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS MACHINE!!!*************************************************************************Just wanted to post an update - as of October 2012. I have used this machine to death! Well, not literally...but I have been using nearly every single day for 10 months, and it still functions flawlessly, like NEW - and even looks brand new. It has held up through literally 100s of sewing projects, including fur, denim, minky, satin, silk, organza...you name it. As far as the embroidery, I am as hooked as ever and have probably embroidered close to 1000 items - truly, it never gets old! I am now expecting my first baby in February and have been going crazy sewing and embroidering blankets, burb cloths, diaper covers, bibs -anything and everything! A few helpful hints I have to offer based on my experience:1) Clean your machine - frequently! Especially after sewing fuzzy materials like velvet and minky, and/or if you are using anything other than Brother/Pacesetter threads. The cheaper threads (like Radient Threads) create a lot of fuzz that clogs up the area around the bobbin case. Use the tiny screwdriver included in the kit, remove the two tiny screws on the bottom metal plate and get in there with the tiny brush/picker that came with the machine. Anywhere the brush can reach should be cleaned. I even stick my vacuum cleaner tip in there to get the fuzz out and vacuum the entire machine off. (just be careful not to vacuum up the little screws).2) Buy this--> Machine Oil-3/4 Ounce Dritz (sewing) machine oil - the 3/4 oz size is plenty. Use a few drops of this on a toothpick to lubricate the automatic threader once a month or anytime it shows signs of sticking. TWICE I thought the automatic needle threader was broken, and a quick lube job did the trick. Simply PUSH and HOLD DOWN the little lever on the side of the machine (labelled number 9) and put this stuff up and down the metal shafts and all over the threading mechanism.3) Change needles FREQUENTLY. I sometimes go through a few needles a day. Buy these--> Brother SASEW8012 Sewing Machine Needles by Organ Organ size 80/12 needles - 100 of these is about 12 bucks. At 12 cents per needle, you can't go wrong plus these needles come in a convenient little plastic, reusable, flip-top box that holds 10 packs of ten. I find this size to be perfect for both basic embroidery (on cotton fabrics) and general sewing. Also, use the correct needle size for the job - 100/16 needles like this Schmetz Leather Machine Needles 5/Pk- Size 16/100 for leather, 110/18 needles like this Schmetz Jean & Denim Machine Needles - Size 18/110 for denim, 75/11 for satin, etc.4) Use lots of pins, spaced every 1.5-2 inches when sewing through multiple layers or slippery fabrics. I like these Wrights 881428 Flower Head Multicolor Pins, 75-Pack flat head pins the best because they are 2 inches long, very thin (don't leave holes) and you can iron over them. Also, sew on a very slow speed when sewing through layers and slippery fabrics. I also LOVE these Clover wonder clips to hold fabrics together Clover Wonder Clips, 50 Per Pack5) For best embroidery results, always use stabilizer. My favorite is the tear away sheets like these 50 PRECUT SHEETS FOR EMBROIDERY MACHINES, EASY TEAR AWAY LIGHT WEIGHT STABILIZER PAPER TEARAWAY 9 x 12 INCHES FITS THE JUMBO HOOP AND 5 x 7. I cut these in half and they fit great. Sometimes I use masking tape or painters tape to tape an edge to the top of the hoop (to keep from shifting) and/or tape the fabric to the sheet - especially if it's too small of an item to fit in the hoop (like a baby's bib).6) For really beautiful embroidery results, google & download "Stitchbuddy" to open and customize patterns in .pes form. This program comes with like 100 free downloads and allows you to see pattern size, stitch count, simulate stitch pattern (so you can visually see exactly how the pattern will stitch) and even change colors - giving you the exact color match & number that correlates to the Brother thread color and number.7) For best embroidery results, use the built-in features of this machine to adjust pattern size and layout. I always check the layout of the design first and customize it from there. The other incredibly helpful features are under the "adjust" setting of the embroidery menu. You can re-do specific stitches and/or re-do entire colors, if you want a "deeper" or more dramatic 3-D effect. I posted a picture of a Minnie Mouse I embroidered onto a bib above. I embroidered each color twice and it just came out gorgeous (uses more thread, but worth it for certain items).
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Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2011
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Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2012
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5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!! An absolute beginners review...PLUS update!
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2012
I absolutely LOVE this machine! I've been using it for about 2 months and I am totally brand new to sewing. I have never, ever used a sewing machine before in my life. I never even learned how to sew by hand, but I developed an interest in sewing and fabrics when I began collecting vintage clothing about 3 years ago. While I can't compare this to other machines, I can offer some insight as a novice sewer. I have to say that I do more embroidering with this machine than sewing (probably 70/30 or 60/40). However I have used the sewing features of this machine to make 3 sets of curtains, about a dozen pillows, aprons, change-out zippers, shorten hems and various other projects - with minimal difficulty. My family cannot believe how many things I've made as a brand new sewer. The automatic needle threading and thread cutting features of this machine make it an absolute breeze to use for a beginner. Although I felt overwhelmed at first - I had no idea what a bobbin or a pressor foot was and actually had to use Google for definitions - I was up and running in no time. I think this is a fantastic machine for a novice.

Prior to purchasing, I did extensive research into all aspects of sewing machines and found this machine to offer the best features for the price, and consistently high reviews. Many of the negative reviews have similar complaints: needle breaking and/or bobbin issues. My theory is that the machine has an internal flaw/weakness that occurs on about 10% of machines. Maybe some machines are handled rough and become "tweaked" so that bobbins misfeed and needles aren't precisely aligned. My guess is that Brother is aware of this issue but feels it's an acceptable loss. (Brother is a huge company that makes a wide range of products = less attention to details) If it were a safety issue, there would probably be a recall. The problem seems to occur right away, so I would definitely just return the machine if this happens to you- one of the benefits of Amazon's 30-day return policy.

In terms of the negative reviews, you also have to consider the amount of variables that factor into the equation - type of sewing, stitch selection, sewing speed, quality of thread, type of fabric- PLUS cleaning the machine - very, very important. The instruction book is a "must read" and contains very detailed instructions on stitch selection, needle selection, thread selection, how to sew hems, buttons, darn socks, etc. I've learned a lot from the book and refer to it often.

I also bought the [[ASIN:B002U0K8GE Brother Embroidery Starter Kit]] which I would strongly suggest if you are new to embroidery. It contains everything you need to embroider, plus every item is the correct size and compatible with the machine, so you don't have to stress over sizes of bobbins and needles. I also bought the [[ASIN:B002U0K8GO Brother Sewing Starter Kit]] which I would also suggest. However, if I had to choose only one, I would go for the embroidery kit.

OMG- the embroidery is addicting! I absolutely love embroidering designs on towels, bibs, napkins - so easy! The machine comes with a hoop, but CAN be used with the optional [[ASIN:B001TOSJ0E Brother SA434 4-Inch-by-6 3/4-Inch Large Hoop]] for sewing multiple patterns in an area without having to re-hoop. You CAN sew larger designs, and there are large designs that are broken into smaller sections, you just have to carefully re-hoop the fabric. It's a pain, but it's do-able.

You CAN download designs using a Mac computer. The machine comes with a USB cord that you simply plug in, and the sewing machine pops-up on your desktop as a "No Name" device. I simply download patterns directly to my desktop (there are free patterns available at the Brother website), and drag-and-drop them into No Name - you do NOT need to buy the additional $100 [[ASIN:B000GTNEEO Brother PED-Basic Software for Downloading Embroidery Designs]] and you DO NOT need to download special software. (There are free programs available, if you want to be able to open and view a pes file on your Mac. Google "StitchBuddy" and/or "Needle Works" for free software). Occasionally, the "No Name" device does not show up on my desktop when I plug the USB cord into my laptop, but if I turn the sewing machine off for a minute, and back on - it solves the problem.

You CAN use the cheaper thread, but you have to clean the machine more often, as it leaves more fuzz behind. You also must pay very close attention to the spools, as they bind up easier and will bend/break your needle. I used and reviewed both radiant threads [[ASIN:B0035DBUPS 40 Spools Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread]] and thread art [[ASIN:B001S157G2 Polyester Embroidery Thread Set - 40 Spools (500 meter spools/40 wt.) - Set A Vibrant Colors]]

The bag is well-worth the extra cost of this model vs. the SE 400 [[ASIN:B003AVMZA4 Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine]]- especially if you are in need of a bag or are considering ever taking the machine out of the house- as long as the price difference is reasonable. I looked at the cost of comparable bags and would say that this bag is easily worth 50 bucks, if not more. When I bought mine, the LB6800PRW was only $30 more than the SE400. The bag and wheeled handle weigh a solid 10 pounds and are sturdy and well made. The bag is not attached to the handle - there is a strap on the back of the bag that slips over the handle. It also has a handle on the top so you can carry it without the wheels. The bag is thick nylon and comes with 6 nylon padded pieces that you attach inside the bag to make the sides and bottom stiff and to create storage sections inside the bag. When not in use, you can remove these and the whole bag/wheels folds flat for easy storage (About 5" high so you can easily slip it under the bed or in a closet). Since the bag is made for this machine, it fits inside perfectly with no extra room to bang around or parts poking into the sides - a big plus over buying a generic bag from JoAnn's. Plus there is plenty of room for accessories, notions, etc. If you are put-off by the Project Runway label, it's easy enough to cover up and there is only the one label on the front.

All in all, this is probably one of the best purchases I have ever made! I decided to buy this machine over the similarly priced PC-420 because of the embroidery feature. [[ASIN:B000XE3FGO Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine]]. (I had narrowed it down to the 2 Brother PR machines because I liked the features of both, not because of the PR thing - I have never even watched the show). I had no real interest in embroidery, but for the price, I figured it was a nice feature to have. What an understatement! The embroidery is a total blast and as I mentioned, I am totally addicted!

I probably should not be posting this, but here goes: I was craving more designs, but was discouraged by the prices of the Brother cards and the popular websites. I ended up buying a CD off of Ebay that has 9000 designs for < 20 bucks. All I can say is WOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS MACHINE!!!

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Just wanted to post an update - as of October 2012. I have used this machine to death! Well, not literally...but I have been using nearly every single day for 10 months, and it still functions flawlessly, like NEW - and even looks brand new. It has held up through literally 100s of sewing projects, including fur, denim, minky, satin, silk, organza...you name it. As far as the embroidery, I am as hooked as ever and have probably embroidered close to 1000 items - truly, it never gets old! I am now expecting my first baby in February and have been going crazy sewing and embroidering blankets, burb cloths, diaper covers, bibs -anything and everything! A few helpful hints I have to offer based on my experience:

1) Clean your machine - frequently! Especially after sewing fuzzy materials like velvet and minky, and/or if you are using anything other than Brother/Pacesetter threads. The cheaper threads (like Radient Threads) create a lot of fuzz that clogs up the area around the bobbin case. Use the tiny screwdriver included in the kit, remove the two tiny screws on the bottom metal plate and get in there with the tiny brush/picker that came with the machine. Anywhere the brush can reach should be cleaned. I even stick my vacuum cleaner tip in there to get the fuzz out and vacuum the entire machine off. (just be careful not to vacuum up the little screws).

2) Buy this--> [[ASIN:B004BPE1VO Machine Oil-3/4 Ounce]] Dritz (sewing) machine oil - the 3/4 oz size is plenty. Use a few drops of this on a toothpick to lubricate the automatic threader once a month or anytime it shows signs of sticking. TWICE I thought the automatic needle threader was broken, and a quick lube job did the trick. Simply PUSH and HOLD DOWN the little lever on the side of the machine (labelled number 9) and put this stuff up and down the metal shafts and all over the threading mechanism.

3) Change needles FREQUENTLY. I sometimes go through a few needles a day. Buy these--> [[ASIN:B002U0K8H8 Brother SASEW8012 Sewing Machine Needles by Organ]] Organ size 80/12 needles - 100 of these is about 12 bucks. At 12 cents per needle, you can't go wrong plus these needles come in a convenient little plastic, reusable, flip-top box that holds 10 packs of ten. I find this size to be perfect for both basic embroidery (on cotton fabrics) and general sewing. Also, use the correct needle size for the job - 100/16 needles like this Schmetz Leather Machine Needles 5/Pk- Size 16/100 for leather, 110/18 needles like this Schmetz Jean & Denim Machine Needles - Size 18/110 for denim, 75/11 for satin, etc.

4) Use lots of pins, spaced every 1.5-2 inches when sewing through multiple layers or slippery fabrics. I like these Wrights 881428 Flower Head Multicolor Pins, 75-Pack flat head pins the best because they are 2 inches long, very thin (don't leave holes) and you can iron over them. Also, sew on a very slow speed when sewing through layers and slippery fabrics. I also LOVE these Clover wonder clips to hold fabrics together Clover Wonder Clips, 50 Per Pack

5) For best embroidery results, always use stabilizer. My favorite is the tear away sheets like these 50 PRECUT SHEETS FOR EMBROIDERY MACHINES, EASY TEAR AWAY LIGHT WEIGHT STABILIZER PAPER TEARAWAY 9 x 12 INCHES FITS THE JUMBO HOOP AND 5 x 7. I cut these in half and they fit great. Sometimes I use masking tape or painters tape to tape an edge to the top of the hoop (to keep from shifting) and/or tape the fabric to the sheet - especially if it's too small of an item to fit in the hoop (like a baby's bib).

6) For really beautiful embroidery results, google & download "Stitchbuddy" to open and customize patterns in .pes form. This program comes with like 100 free downloads and allows you to see pattern size, stitch count, simulate stitch pattern (so you can visually see exactly how the pattern will stitch) and even change colors - giving you the exact color match & number that correlates to the Brother thread color and number.

7) For best embroidery results, use the built-in features of this machine to adjust pattern size and layout. I always check the layout of the design first and customize it from there. The other incredibly helpful features are under the "adjust" setting of the embroidery menu. You can re-do specific stitches and/or re-do entire colors, if you want a "deeper" or more dramatic 3-D effect. I posted a picture of a Minnie Mouse I embroidered onto a bib above. I embroidered each color twice and it just came out gorgeous (uses more thread, but worth it for certain items).
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Marcelle
1.0 out of 5 stars Le produit est supposé venir avec la valise de transport ...
Reviewed in Canada on July 8, 2018