- 60-stitch computerized free-arm sewing machine with LCD display
- 7 styles of 1-step auto-sizing buttonholes; 1-touch start/stop and reverse functions
- Snap-on presser feet; wide table accessory for larger projects such as quilts
- Easy needle threading system
- 25-year limited warranty
Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
This light weight computerized sewing machine is heavy on the features that you are looking for! The CS-6000i has 60 built in stitches including, utility, decorative, heirloom, quilting and 7 styles of one step auto-sizing buttonholes. Whether you sew for crafting, garment, home decoration, or quilting; this machine has it all for you at an affordable price! The CS-6000i also includes a plastic fitted wide table to support your larger projects such as quilts.
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(out of 385 reviews)
Price: $ 162.54
List Price: $ 449.00
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Review by Plein Jane for Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
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This machine represents the most incredible value-for-money on the market today. It is very, very easy to use, and the manual is exceptionally helpful. It comes with every foot and accessory you could ever possibly need. In fact, there is nothing more you can buy for it. Compare that to the other sewing machine manufacturers, which give you only the most basic feet and then you must purchase everything else separately. If you have been hankering for the convenience of fully computerized sewing, automatic needle threading, push-button sewing, and lots of fun stitches, don’t hesitate. I highly recommend this machine. I’ve owned very expensive machines from all the top manufacturers, and would not recommend it if the stitches were not beautiful or if it were loud or junky. This was given to me as a gift (I’m ashamed to say I would probably have walked right past it because of its low price) and I love it so much, I have gone on to buy the Brother serger here on Amazon, and also a $999.00 Brother Innovis, which is another tremendous bargain. I was really pleased to see that even the more expensive machine uses the same bobbins and feet as this one, and this has many of the same features. This $200 machine comes iwth virtually all the same attachments as the $1000 one.
This is the machine that some of the larger sewing and quilting expos are using in their workshops now because they are so lightweight, easy to learn, and reliable. High end Berninas and Vikings are just too complicated for people to sit down and learn at in a classroom setting, and they are way too expensive. This machine is the Featherweight of the 21st century, with tons of stitches and fun built in. Go for it!!!
Review by T. Zielke for Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
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I bought the machine for the price and the features, but I have to admit, I was nervous after reading some of the reviews that told about all the problems that they had right away. But I figured it had to be better than my 35-40 year old Kenmore. I want to state right away, I am very happy with my purchase thus far. I’ve had some problems (read below), but I have managed to figure some things out. But, if you are looking for a good machine to quilt, this machine has all the features you will need, and it’s priced so you can actually afford it. 2 other points to know, Amazon has a good return policy and from what I have heard, Brother has a good customer service history. These were 2 other deciding factors for me.
So here are my first impressions. I thought I was going to get a 1/4″ foot that is shown in the instruction manual. I didn’t. If it was supposed to be in the box, I’d love to hear from someone to let me know. I also read in the reviews that some people got a instructional DVD. I didn’t get this, but if I was supposed to get it, I’d like to get it. The hard cover does not allow you to keep the machine plugged in to use it, so it’s not going to be useful for me, except when I want to store it long term. I cover my machine whenever it’s not in use with a quilted cover that I made for my old machine. Luckily, it fits my Brother.
The instruction manual is very helpful. I followed it from front to back so that I could learn everything I could. When I finally got ready to test sew, the tension was really messed up. I worked at it for quite a while, referring back to the manual to adjust it correctly, but it just wouldn’t work! So I threaded the machine again, and took the bobbin out and made sure that I inserted it exactly as the book indicated, and magically, it worked. I think I must have did the bobbin wrong at first. Lesson 1, read the directions! And if all else fails, read them again.
My next problem was very strange. Suddenly the thread was bunching up on the bottom side of my project. Out came the instruction manual again, but the answer wasn’t there. I changed the bobbin thread to a different color, which showed me that the top thread was the thread that was bunching up on the bottom. So I started messing with the tension again. But that wasn’t helping at all! So I decided to try a different thread, and SHAZAM! it worked. The original thread I was using was a cheap thread, I changed it to a good quality thread. Lesson 2, this machine does not like cheap thread.
The quilting table is a fabulous accessory! But I am still working out one problem with it. The backside of the table doesn’t seem to attach to anything on the machine. So as I work on my project, the legs shift and eventually they fold up. The instruction manual does not help in this case at all. I’m still working on this one.
Even with these issues, I am still glad I got this machine. I am able to work faster with more precision. The machine is quiet, compared to my Kenmore. And it is much lighter too! The downside is that it moves around on my table more than I like, especially when I am quilting a larger project. I’m not sure how I will fix this problem, but I will eventually.
So now it’s time for you to decide. Good luck!
Review by J. Hrametz for Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
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I wanted a mid-range sewing machine with some flexibility, and this is the machine. I sews quickly and flawlessly, and is super easy to learn. It seems well made, and very intuitive to learn. I love the computerized stitch selection – so easy to change stitch length and width. I’ve had no problems with winding the bobbin as in previous Singer machines. I love the fact that it comes with a quilting table and a case, too, what a deal. It seems to me to be a good, basic machine that would be great for a beginner or intermediate sewer. I’ve made several purses since I bought this machine, and they stitched up very well. Good selection of presser feet with this machine, as well. Easy to thread and easy to wind the bobbin. The bobbins are readily available everywhere, so I bought a dozen for $2 so that I could keep plenty wound and ready to go. This machine is very light and easy to carry around – that’s a big plus for someone like me who has to sew at the kitchen table. I could have rated the machine 5 stars, but haven’t had it long enough to really have super deep feelings about it, so far I’d just say it seems to be a good mid-range machine and I would recommend it. My other machines have been an expensive Singer (nothing but trouble), a budget Brother, and a Baby Lock Serger.
Review by Donna Devine for Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
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This sewing machine way exceeds my expectations. I have been sewing for 40+ years and have had 4 other “quality” sewing machines; high end Singers and my last was a White purchased 15 years ago. Since this machine was so inexpensive I was expecting to brace myself for less quality. I was afraid it would be too light and cheaply made. I really didn’t think much of Brother though I had read positive reviews on this machine. I picked this machine because of budget constraints and generally not sewing enough these days to justify a bigger investment. What a surprise I got when I received this machine (I could not view or demo it in a store). I am seamstress – not a quilter. The button holer is great and easy to use. The idea of sewing without a foot pedal is great for certain applications. The control buttons (fwd, back, up needle) are easy to use. The thread cutter is more conveniently located than any machine I’ve ever had. I have sewn on many macines in my life so it was easy to sit down and just start sewing. I think a new sewer would find it easy too. Everything seems better and more convenient than my previous machines. I’ve only had 2 speed machines. I find having 3 speeds on this machine is great as I want to sew on the med. speed most times.
In response to other reviews. I think it sews great on paper. The 1st project I sewed was a book mark with card stock sandwiched in hand made paper (3 layers). I had no tension issues in contrast to my previous machine. Since the machine was working so well I decided to make a semi-formal dress for my daughter layering sheer fabrics. Once again – no problems with tension.
I think if you are constrained to spend less than $200 for a machine this is a great little machine and you won’t be disappointed.
As a note: the hard cover that comes with it does not attach so if you plan on travelling with the machine you might want to buy the extra cover. The included cover goes over the machine and does not clip on. By grabbing the machine’s handle the cover comes with as you carry it. This is fine for in-house storage.
Review by Lisa for Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions
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Like everyone else reading these reviews, this is how I ultimately chose and bought this machine-so I hope this review helps you make a choice too! It seems like every machine I looked at though had several really negative reviews (some had more than others-but the really positive reviews for this one is what eventually convinced me-so I just want to add to it!) and probably like you it made me really nervous!-the only thing I can say about that is that any product on the market has a certain number of duds (errors in the manufacturing)-in which case all you can do is return it in the allowable time. By the way-this is why I buy all of my appliances/electronics with my American Express card-they will give you your money back on any purchase (up to like $1000) if it’s lost, stolen or broken (even if it’s your fault it broke or the kids drop it!) within 90 days. I’m not sure if this is a benefit for all AMEX cards (though I’ve heard it is) so just check with your customer service …ANYWAY… sorry about the tangent.
It really is the best buy for what you get: this EXACT SAME model is selling on [...] for $[...]! So truly don’t let the low price fool you, it really is a more expensive machine selling for super cheap right here on amazon. This has everything you need, and has room to grow as you become more experienced so you don’t have to go upgrade. Because I’m a beginner I first thought “I’ll just buy the $[...] one with 10 stitch options because I don’t know what all those stitches do anyway, and then if I really get into sewing that’s cheap enough that I’ll upgrade in a year or two” I’m so glad I didn’t do that, I’m still just beginning but I can see how valuable having more stitch options is going to be and I’ve already started using some of them. (see below)
When I took it out of the box I started going through the user manual was sewing within the amount of time it took to wind the bobbin and thread the machine (the automatic threader took a couple tries but now it’s a breeze) In regards to the cheap thread thing: I actually went to a licensed BROTHER dealer in town and asked about it, and they said that MOST MACHINES STRUGGLE WITH CHEAP THREAD. So my following question was “Well, what is cheap thread?” and her response was “Like, when you get 5 spools for a a dollar or two” In any case I just bought my thread at a ‘real’ fabric store (not like wal-mart and such places that just happen to carry fabric too) and have not had any problems WHATSOEVER-no tension problems, no bobbin problems, nothing.
My absolute favorite feature is that when you change stitches the LCD display tells you what presser foot you need to attach for that stitch!!! You don’t have to refer to the user manual. It shows you the shape as well as what letter it is (J, G, M….etc. and each foot has the letter engraved on it). My second favorite thing is that because I don’t have a serger yet (maybe I don’t need one now!) in order to keep fabric from unraveling I’ve really enjoyed using the overcasting stitches with the overcasting presser foot-it’s so easy. I just trim seams down and then overcast (stitch #6 is what I use)-works just as well as a serger and saves me the $$$money$$$.
Good luck and happy sewing!
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