Brother CS6000i opinion?
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,066
I purchased this machine to take to retreats. I like it so much that I rarely sew on my Singer or Janomi. I make quilt as you go potholders with 2 layers of batting. One cotton and one for heat with 2 layers of fabric. I sew on all my bindings for large quilts and have never had a reason to use the walking foot. If this one dies I will get another.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
I have this machine and I love it. I bought it from Amazon about 5 years ago when I thought I would like the try quilting and it has never failed me. I do use those plastic foldout tables and it moves around a lot. I really would love to have a table that I could set it into, but just haven't decided on one yet. Maybe someone who has this machine could offer suggestions?
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I had one of these, and it was a pretty good machine while it lasted.
It has a very small harp, so difficult to use for quilting. I managed to quilt a twin size on it, but anything larger would be really difficult.
It's extremely lightweight, which is good and bad. It scooted away from me when I was sewing, so I had to put a mat underneath it. Lightweight means very portable, but it also means a lot of plastic innards, which isn't great for longevity.
I gave the machine to my niece and nephew to learn how to sew with, after I'd had it about a year and realized I needed a better machine. They used it for about another year, but now it is having computer problems. You can turn it on and sew a seam, but as soon as you stop sewing the first time it gives an error. You can turn it off and back on to clear the error and sew another seam, but as soon as you stop again, you get the error back. MECHANICALLY the machine is still fine - it sews great for that first seam, but that computer problem makes it nearly useless. It's such a cheap machine, it's not really worth repairing. I'm probably going to buy them a simple vintage machine to replace it.
So I'd say it's an acceptable backup machine for piecing or for a beginner, but not great as a primary machine for a quilter, and I wouldn't really expect it to last more than 5 or 6 years tops - less if you get a buggy computer like mine apparently has.
It has a very small harp, so difficult to use for quilting. I managed to quilt a twin size on it, but anything larger would be really difficult.
It's extremely lightweight, which is good and bad. It scooted away from me when I was sewing, so I had to put a mat underneath it. Lightweight means very portable, but it also means a lot of plastic innards, which isn't great for longevity.
I gave the machine to my niece and nephew to learn how to sew with, after I'd had it about a year and realized I needed a better machine. They used it for about another year, but now it is having computer problems. You can turn it on and sew a seam, but as soon as you stop sewing the first time it gives an error. You can turn it off and back on to clear the error and sew another seam, but as soon as you stop again, you get the error back. MECHANICALLY the machine is still fine - it sews great for that first seam, but that computer problem makes it nearly useless. It's such a cheap machine, it's not really worth repairing. I'm probably going to buy them a simple vintage machine to replace it.
So I'd say it's an acceptable backup machine for piecing or for a beginner, but not great as a primary machine for a quilter, and I wouldn't really expect it to last more than 5 or 6 years tops - less if you get a buggy computer like mine apparently has.
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Usually in my sewing room
Posts: 813
I had the Brother SQ9050 for 3 years and made almost 40 quilts. The tension finally crapped out so I donated it to GW. Bought another Brother cs6000i for $99 and it's a nice little machine for piecing. I wouldn't pay more than $100 since it's not worth repairing if it breaks. Not a lot of space to FMQ anything bigger than a twin. It's my back up to my new Juki 2200 plus it's great to teach my granddaughters how to quilt.
I say get it....you're only out $100. I think you can find it cheaper than $149.
I say get it....you're only out $100. I think you can find it cheaper than $149.
Last edited by Stitch124; 03-30-2016 at 11:24 AM.
#45
I love my Brother. I've had it for years. I bought my sister one, too. It is now our back- up machine. It is easy to operate, change bobbins and comes with more features than other machines at that price.
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2,222
I think the stores that have just been closed are offering a 20 percent off list price. All sales are final, since it is a liquidation. Hancocks had great sales on the heavier weight material I buy for slipcovers. The liquidator will have to discount close to 80 percent before they can come close to the sale prices Hancock offered. A shame to see all the employees losing their jobs.
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lumby, British Columbia
Posts: 2,769
Well they maybe noisy, but they are great little machines. Both my daughter have these I mainly use mine for classes, she uses her for everything and she sews a great deal. We have had ours at least 8 years now
#49
Thanks to all who offered their opinions in my search for a back up machine. I finally made a purchase and decided to get a Janome DC2014 from my local Sew and Vac dealer in Napa. I appreciated all the comments and approvals of the Brother machine and while I saw a lot of positives, I know Janome machines and have always liked them. It did try out the Janome 4120QDC and decided I didn't need all the features. I am happy with my Janome DC2014. It's quiet and feels almost like my old Elna. It's comfortable and just the right size to take to class. I was even able to pick up a Tutto carrier in Purple at my local Goodwill for only $20! An incredible find for sure. So again, thanks. I can always count on getting a lot of feedback here. Sew On!
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