Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
- VIDEO
Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
- 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
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery MachineFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Only 7 left in stock - order soon.
- Portable Sewing Machine Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machine with 200 Unique Built-in Stitch and 8 Buttonholes10% offLimited time dealFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, Computerized, 165 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, Wide Table, 8 Included Presser Feet, WhiteFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Sew Tech Embroidery Hoops for Brother PE800 SE1900 PE770 780D PE700 PC6500 Brother Innovis 1250 700 Babylock Embroidery Machine HoopFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- New brothread Tear Away Machine Embroidery Stabilizer Backing 12" x 50 Yd roll - Medium Weight 1.8 oz - Cut into Variable Sizes - for Machine Embroidery and Hand SewingFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 requires textiles-based products to be tested against a list of 1,000+ chemicals, to limit those which may be harmful to human health. Certification focus: #ProductSafety and #ChemicalsUsed.
- Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, HC1850, 185 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 8 Included Sewing FeetFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
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 includedSuper 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 fabricsBrightly 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.Videos
Videos for this product
0:45
Click to play video
Customer Review: exactly what it is supposed to do.
Farmfriendly
Videos for this product
1:52
Click to play video
Brother Sewing Machine
Merchant Video
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 21.5 x 16 x 22 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 10 pounds |
Department | General Home Products |
Manufacturer | ROMMA |
ASIN | B003EPLBMO |
Item model number | LB6800PRW |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 31, 2010 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
The machine has a touch screen for choosing stitches and built in patterns, which I like. I don't like that the default stitch is one that I will never use (left stitch instead of centered in the foot), but I got used to always changing it pretty quickly. The auto-threader is awesome as well, threading the needle was usually a pain, especially with thicker thread. No issues on this one after a few months of use. The auto-thread-cut is a great feature as well (push a button and the machine cuts the top and bobbin thread)
The first thing I did was make some curtains for a small half-moon window in my bedroom. There is an annoying streetlight right on the other side, so it definitely needed a curtain. Trimming one from the store to 24" long solved the problem nicely. The machine did great, though it was only about 40 inches of sewing. No issues to speak of. The feed tracks straight, so when sewing only minimal left-right adjustment is needed to stay on track.
Once that was completed, I wanted to try out the embroidery functions. There were 2 main projects I wanted to use the machine for. Those were a custom shirt for someone at work, and a baby bib for a friend who is having a baby. the first thing I tried was putting my name on a towel for a test using the built in embroidery font. That failed miserably on the first try because I did not use a stabilizer. The instructions said a stabilizer was 'recommended', but it is actually pretty much required. I have yet to find a fabric that can be embroidered on this machine without a stabilizer.
Once I put on a stabilizer, the result looked fine when I took it out of the machine, but as I started to trim the jumps between letters, the thread started unraveling. I put it back in the machine and embroidered my name right over the existing design again, and paid more attention to what the machine was doing. Sure enough, the machine was not locking the thread at the beginning and end of each letter (backing up and going over the thread again to keep it from unraveling). That's a pretty big oversight in the programming. I was able to get around it by manually going over the end of each letter. Still, it was an annoyance, and the results didn't look as good as I would have liked. Some letters are worse than others, with the lowercase 'A' being the worst. In some instances, the 'A' would start unraveling while the next letter was being sewn.
I also broke a needle by following the instructions. The instructions state to gently hold the tread for the first few stitches, so the top thread doesn't pull out of the needle. Well, 'gentle' is actually 'not at all' as the needle can only take a very small amount of force before bending enough to hit the foot and break on the down stroke. So I swapped out the needle, and made my first accessory purchase, a pack of 100 needles.
After giving up on the built in fonts, I tried some graphical embroidery. I looked around for some patterns (besides the ones on the machine) and found that they all cost a decent amount of money. I found a free dragon finally, and put it on a wash towel using some overlock thread I had laying around. It looked really good, and the design had the lock stitches built into it correctly. It was actually a surprising amount of stitches, more than 10,000. It took about 20 minutes for the machine to sew it, so the machine averaged about 500 stitches per minute on that design. I timed a few different designs, and it looks like the average speed is around 300 stitches per minute. I wish there was a way to slow down the machine manually sometimes; I think some designs and fabric would benefit from that.
Since the first try, I have embroidered more than 50 different things with this machine (shirts, patches, dinner napkins, towels, felt), almost all of them custom designs that I created using software called Embird Digitizing Studio. So far, the machine has worked great! Moving designs from a computer to the machine is easy as cake. A regular USB cable is used, and the sewing machine shows up as a drive on the computer. All that is needed is to copy/paste over a design. I tried Windows 7, XP, and a flavor of Linux and they do not have an issue accessing the machine.
I have done surprisingly little regular sewing on the machine, but it works well, with no issues there either. The only things I think could be better is that the cord for the foot pedal comes out of the side of the pedal instead of the back, and the pedal has almost no weight to it. The combination of these 2 things make it so the pedal can move around on the floor when you don't want it to.
----
Now that I have had this machine for about a year, I can add more to this review. My LB6800PRW is starting to show it's age I use it all the time, it is just too much fun making stuff! I can't figure out how to check the stitch count, but back of the envelope math on how much stabilizer & thread I have used says I am somewhere between 20 and 30 million, with only a few minor problems along the way.
I do swap out needles often, since they are only about a dime when you get a hundred at a time. I have used about 75 or so. There is no reason not to swap them out often, besides that it is somewhat of a pain to do it if you have larger fingers like I do. I have managed to break a few needles, most of the time it is due to the thread wrapping around the spool pin when unwinding. It happens maybe once a month, so it isn't too bad. I used to wind my own bobbins for embroidery, but that takes until forever, so I switched to prewound ones. I really like the ones from World Weidner here on Amazon, they have constant tension, and unspool well. Several other brands I have tried have winding knots in them, and will jam the machine. I have never had that problem with World Weidner's, and I went though 2 gross of them so far.
One of the problems that I had was that the needle threader stopped working. When I pressed it, it would stick at the bottom, and not try to 'wrap' the needle. I took the needle threader apart, and used a drop of sewing machine lubricant on it, and gently worked it a few times. The needle threader then worked again. I have had to do this twice in the last year.
The embroidery foot itself actually wore out as well. The foot moves up and down with each stitch, and the guide pin actually elongated the hole of the presser foot. This made the foot move enough so that it would block the needle threader, and too much more wear would have allowed the needle to hit the presser foot. I looked all over for a replacement, and couldn't find one on Amazon. I ordered one direct from Brother for about $15 because I could not find it anywhere. It is part number XD0474151, and fits both the SE400, and the LB6800PRW. 20 million stitches sounds more than fair for how long it lasted.
Besides those 2 things, the machine has been flawless. I need to clean the lint out of it and wipe it down, but those are both normal maintenance things. It runs like champ both when doing embroidery and regular sewing. All in all, I highly recommend this machine. I even bought another (though the SE400 instead because I didn't need a case) to give as a Christmas present. It is very quiet, and can sew circles around any machine I have used in the past.
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 Colors
The 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 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).
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2012
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!!!
*************************************************************************
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).