I prefer it over the other mechanical machines I’ve tested. It’s really simple to use. But I recommend computerized machines for hobby sewists, they have more features that you can grow with. Here’s my blog post where I compared lots of beginner sewing machines, including mechanical and computerized ones. The twin needle should only be used with the Straight Stitch (Center Needle Position) and the Zigzag Stitch (1.5 mm (1/16 inch) width). Do not use the twin needle with any other stitches. Adjust the thread tension while test sewing on a piece of scrap fabric that is the same as that used in your project.

Cheap machines have more plastic parts inside and weaker metals are used. Quality control isn’t as strict, so manufacturers don’t mind if things don’t fit together tightly, or the metals don’t meet a certain standard. Another handy feature for beginners are the thread guides, these are arrows on the machine which basically guide you on how to thread the upper thread.It’s very small compared to other machines. You can fit all the accessories the machine came with though. Access our complete list of sewing, quilting, embroidery and ScanNCut machine manuals to help you set up and maintain your Brother machine. A simple and easy to use sewing machine. The Brother LS14s sewing machine has 14 stitches and a 4-step buttonhole.

If the upper thread was incorrectly threaded, the upper thread may be too loose. In this case, refer to “ How do I thread my machine?” The cons are: you have almost no control over the stitch length, width, and needle position. Its free arm is too big, so you’ll need to sew small tubes without it. And you don’t have many options for stretch, overcasting (= stops fraying), or embroidery stitches. The stitch length is affected by how fast or slow you sew. So if you start fast and then slow down, your stitches will be different lengths. For comparison, all of the beginner machines I tested also have this problem.There’s a good distinction between the instructions for winding the bobbin and threading the top half, so you don’t get them confused. Weighing in at 6.2 Kg the Brother LS14 sewing machine can easily be taken pretty much anywhere you want to take it. With beginners in mind, the portability of this model is great if you are new to sewing. Having a sewing machine that can easily be taken to sewing classes or a friend’s home has its obvious benefits. Included Accessories

We have designed your machine so you can sew with this needle and two top threads. You can use the same color or two different colors of thread for making decorative stitches. It’s definitely worth the money – although if you have any accessibility concerns, read that section of this review before you dive in. Overall it’s quite easy to thread. There’s no needle threader, but I like the threading instructions printed on the machine.The first time I sewed buttonholes, the left and right bars were uneven. Brother obviously knows about this because they designed a “buttonhole screw” to fix it. It’s a bit of work the first time, but then you don’t need to do it again. This machine does not come with any quilting feet, but you can buy them separately. You’ll need the walking foot, quilting guide, 1/4″ foot, and free-motion foot. When removed the flat bed attachment doesn’t give you that much of a smaller worksurface. Cuffs and narrow trouser legs most likely wouldn’t fit around the smaller arm unless their circumference is larger than 32cm. Yes, I think the Brother Ls14s is good enough for basic quilting. Its throat space is big enough for large quilts and quilting feet are available to buy separately. It can quilt straight lines OK, but the machine does wander slightly to the left/right, so it’s hard to sew perfectly straight. You can’t drop the feed dogs for free-motion quilting, and it doesn’t come with a “darning plate” to cover the feed dogs either. You’ll need to buy that separately. Expand the work area of your sewing machine with an easy to attach, wide extension table that is perfect for larger sewing projects.