Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine
by Brother
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List Price: Our Price: $83.99 You Save: $66.00 (44%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $72.75 (click here) Category: Art and Craft Supply See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine
Customer Review: After Two Years of Use, and Some Abuse, It's Holding Up, with a Caveat
Summary: 4 Stars
My boys bought me this model as a birthday gift two years ago this autumn. I flunked sewing in Home Econ many moons ago, but had small craft projects and pillow covers I wanted to make. I found the machine easy to set up and use and within a few hours, had sewn pillow covers, small quilted projects and others involving fairly thin materials. The machine did what I asked it to--the only time I had bobbin jams was when I failed to hold the thread tails at the start of stitching, which every sewing book I have recommends that you do.
This autumn, I pushed the machine to its limits, making a mantle scarf that required me to sew braided trim with a lip and sandwich various layers of fabric with batting. I did have mechanical difficulties with this. I suffered from wild bobbin jams that required me to unscrew the face plate, clean out and re-seat the bobbin case, etc. That was definitely somewhat tricky--I had to be careful about how I tightened the face plate--too tight on one side seemed to make the bobbin case unhappy.
HOWEVER--I did some research on the Web about my woes and found that many experienced sewers with much more expensive machines complain about bobbin jams and thread tension issues. Most recommended using better thread, always changing needles on a new project or after 4-8 hours of continuous sewing--and I found changing needles frequently on this project did help. I also have suspicions about the quality of the thread I used--it was basic Hobby Lobby stuff, and I noted complaints about it, too.
Finally, as other reviewers have noted, you can't adjust the foot height on this model. On this last project, I wound up with more layers of fabric, batting and trim lip than I'd anticipated--it is probably 1/4" thick, and it just won't feed, not even with a walking foot. That said, the machine did sew the lip just fine (with a zipper foot), and handled sewing together a sandwich of four layers of thin cotton, one of lip and two of low-loft batting.
I'm still pleased with the purchase--the bobbin issue is on my radar now, though (and as others have noted, Brother's decision to hide the little thread catch for the bobbin thread under a plastic arm is a design flaw). Still, putting new needles in did help, and I knew I was pushing the machine's limits. I'll be trying better thread on holiday pillow covers....once I'm done hand-sewing the last layer of my quilted mantle cover!
Customer Review: All plastic.....not like the older models
Summary: 3 Stars
The machine seems to work ok but there is not a piece of metal on it. Even the slide plate is plastic. I will keep it but think I will have my older machine repaired just in case. They just don't make them like they used to.Customer Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
I was amazed by all the things this little machine offered. I have now sewn my first quilt with this machine. I absolutely love it. I used it for heavy use and no complaints or problems. I broke one needle (but it was my fault) but there were 4 backup needles included so it barely slowed me down. It handled layers with ease and all sorts of fabric. I'm a first time sewing machine user but I recommend it for any level.Customer Review: Amazing Sewing Machine!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a beginner and this machine is so easy to use that I was sewing in no time! Amazing!Customer Review: Amazing machine for the money.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first sewing machine, and having managed to survive 60 years without one, I had more than a little concern that I would be able to figure out how to use it. Not to worry -- this thing is simple to use, amazingly easy to thread and wind bobbins. and it's very powerful. I sewed together thick sheets of plastic film, and it had no problem punching through it. Provides very precise control over stitch length. Since this is the only sewing machine I have used, I can't compare it to others, but it may be the only one I will ever need.