Brother CS7000i Sewing Machine Review
The Brother CS7000i is one of the brand’s most popular computerized sewing and quilting machines. In this comprehensive brother cs7000i review, we’ll examine all the features, specs, performance, and value this model offers. Read on to find out if the CS7000i is the right choice for your sewing and quilting needs as a beginner or experienced user.
Overview of the Brother CS7000i Sewing Machine
The Brother CS7000i is a computerized sewing and quilting machine packed with user-friendly features. It has 70 built-in stitches for decorative sewing, quilting, heirloom stitching, and automatic buttonholes. The automatic needle threader avoids eye strain, while the easy-to-view LCD screen makes stitch selection a breeze.
This Brother sewing machine includes a wide table for large projects like quilts. It also has a free arm for sewing sleeves, pant legs, and other tubular areas. Dual LED lights illuminate the workspace, and a hard protective case provides portability and storage.
While computerized, the CS7000i doesn’t sacrifice ease of use. It’s intuitive enough for beginner sewers but powerful enough for more experienced crafters looking to upgrade. If you want the convenience of a computerized machine without the learning curve, the CS7000i is an excellent choice.
Key Features and Specs of the Brother CS7000i
Before diving into the performance and value of this machine, let’s look at some of the important features and specifications of the Brother CS7000i sewing and quilting machine:
Stitches: 70 built-in stitches including utility, quilting, decorative, heirloom, and 7 auto-size buttonhole styles
Needle Threading: Automatic needle threader
Display: Backlit 2.0″ LCD display
Speed: Adjustable up to 850 stitches per minute
Included Feet: 10 presser feet – zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, blind stitch, button, walking, quilting, monogramming, overcasting, and 1/4″ quilting
Bobbin: Quick-set, top drop-in bobbin
Work Area: Wide detachable table for larger projects
Free Arm: Yes, for sewing sleeves and pant legs
Lighting: Dual LED bright work area lighting
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
Size & Weight: 16.0” W x 6.7” D x 12.1” H, 17 lbs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Stitches | 70 built-in |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
| Buttonhole Styles | 7 one-step auto-size |
| Included Feet | 10 presser feet |
| Drop-in Bobbin | Quick-set, jam resistant |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Work Area Lighting | Dual LED lights |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
| Size | 16″ W x 6.7″ D x 12.1″ H |
| Weight | 17 lbs |
With 70 built-in stitches, automatic buttonholes, a fast sewing speed, and useful attachments right in the box, the CS7000i offers excellent value. Keep reading to see why we think it’s one of the best Brother sewing machines for both beginners and more advanced sewers.
The Brother CS7000i is Extremely User-Friendly for Beginners
The Brother CS7000i sewing and quilting machine is designed for simplicity. Here are some of the key features that make it one of the best Brother sewing machines for beginners.
- Easy stitch selection: The LCD screen displays the stitch number, recommended presser foot, and stitch length/width settings. Buttons beside the screen make it easy to adjust these settings.
- Labeled diagrams: The machine has guides imprinted right on it for threading the needle and winding the bobbin – no more guessing!
- Automatic needle threader: This game-changing feature pushes the thread through the eye of the needle with the touch of a lever. No more eye strain or frustration!
- Jam-resistant bobbin: The quick-set, top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert correctly, avoiding a common source of threading headaches.
- Variable speed control: Start slowly and work up to the max 850 stitches per minute as your skills improve.
- Error messages: The handy LCD screen displays error messages for common mistakes, like forgetting to lower the presser foot before starting to sew.
With features like these, even someone who has never touched a sewing machine before can learn to use the CS7000i. It takes the frustration out of sewing and quilting for beginners.
Suggested video: Beginner demonstrating threading the Brother CS7000i
Performance and Stitch Quality on the Brother CS7000i
Once you’ve got your Brother CS7000i sewing machine threaded and ready to go, it’s time to start stitching! Here’s an overview of how this computerized machine performs for sewing and quilting various fabric types and thicknesses.
Sewing Lightweight and Medium Fabrics
The CS7000i handles lightweight woven fabrics like quilting cottons, poplin, and chambray beautifully right out of the box. Medium-weight fabrics like denim, twill, and flannel also sew smoothly, with the proper needle selected.
The 6-point feed dogs provide good grip and feeding control on slippery fabrics like silks and satins. The stitches are uniform in length and quality, so projects turn out looking professional.
You may want to use an even feed walking foot when sewing very light fabrics to prevent layers from shifting. The included walking foot helps feed the top and bottom fabric layers at an equal rate.
Quilting Performance
Quilters will appreciate the Brother CS7000i’s spring action quilting foot, which helps when doing free motion quilting. When sewing together quilt blocks, the included 1/4″ piecing foot is crucial for accurate seam allowances.
The wide sewing table provides ample support for managing a large quilt. While the CS7000i can handle smaller quilt projects, the throat space is too small for quilts larger than a twin size. For larger quilts, a long arm quilting machine with a bigger throat space is recommended.
Suggested images: Brother CS7000i set up for quilting
Sewing Thick Fabrics
While designed for lightweight fabrics, the Brother CS7000i can sew some medium to heavy weight fabrics like denim, canvas, and sweater knits. However, for the best results follow these tips:
- Use the appropriate needle size and type for thicker fabrics – try a size 16/100 jeans needle
- Set the machine to sew slowly, no faster than 400-500 stitches per minute
- Use an all purpose polyester thread rather than cotton thread
- Use a seam sealant like Fray Check on the raw edges first to prevent fraying
- Use the hand wheel at times, not just the foot pedal, for more control through extra thick areas
- Consider a walking foot if fabrics layers are shifting
For regular sewing of heavy fabrics like denim or canvas, a more heavy duty sewing machine is recommended. But the CS7000i can manage occasional medium/heavy weight projects.
How Does the Brother CS7000i Compare to Similar Models?
The Brother CS7000i sewing machine replaces the previous CS6000i model. How does it compare to its predecessor and the newest CS7000X version?
Brother CS7000i vs. Brother CS6000i
The CS6000i is an older but very similar model from Brother. The main differences include:
- CS7000i has 70 built-in stitches vs 60 on the CS6000i
- CS7000i adds a hard protective case
- CS7000i includes a wider extension table
The maximum sewing speed, automatic features, and overall performance are otherwise identical on these two computerized sewing and quilting machines.
Brother CS7000i vs. Brother CS7000X
The Brother CS7000X is the newest upgrade to the line. It has a few advantages over the CS7000i:
- Improved needle threading system
- More stable at high speeds
- Slightly lighter weight at just over 10 lbs
- Different decorative styling on the body
However, there are a couple drawbacks of the CS7000X to be aware of:
- Maximum sewing speed reduced to 750 stitches per minute (vs 850 on CS7000i)
- No included accessories pouch
Overall, the CS7000i and CS7000X offer similar performance and user-friendliness. The CS7000X costs a little more but has a better needle threader. But the CS7000i is still an excellent machine.
Suggested video: Side-by-side comparison of CS7000i and CS7000X
Potential Drawbacks of the Brother CS7000i Sewing Machine
While we recommend the Brother CS7000i for beginners and intermediate sewers, no machine is perfect. Here are a few of the possible downsides to consider:
- No monogramming font: The CS7000i does not have built-in lettering stitches for monogramming. Consider the Brother HC1850 if you need monogramming capabilities.
- Small throat space: As mentioned above, the throat is too small for king-size quilts or other very large projects.
- Presser foot pressure not adjustable: Being able to adjust the presser foot pressure can help when sewing tricky fabrics. This feature is not available on the CS7000i.
- Short warranty period: The limited 25 year warranty covers the machine casing for an impressive 25 years. However, the electronic components and other parts are only warranted for 1-2 years by Brother. Purchasing an extended warranty through the dealer is recommended.
- No automatic thread cutter: Having to trim threads manually after sewing isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s not as convenient as machines equipped with an automatic thread snipper.
While the CS7000i has limitations like any sewing machine, we think the benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks for most crafters. However, know your needs and sewing habits before choosing which Brother model is best for you.
Suggested images: Brother HC1850 for monograms, Brother machine with automatic thread cutter
Is the Brother CS7000i Worth Buying?
Considering the combination of user-friendly features, performance, and value, we think the Brother CS7000i is absolutely worth buying for the right sewist. Here’s a summary of why:
- Excellent entry-level price around $300
- Perfect for beginners but with enough features to grow with you
- Reliable construction and stitch quality
- User-friendly operation and setup
- Enough speed, stitches, and accessories for most sewing/quilting projects
This computerized Brother sewing machine provides a lot of convenience without the steep learning curve often associated with more complex models. If you want a feature-packed machine for clothing, quilting, crafts, home decor and more at a reasonable price, the CS7000i delivers.
It meets the needs of beginner sewists but gives developing seamstresses room to grow their skills over many years. While not suitable for professional-grade or heavy duty sewing, it’s a great family machine and perfect for intermediate sewers and quilters.
We think the CS7000i deserves its reputation as one of the best Brother sewing machines for beginners and beyond. If your budget allows, it’s an excellent investment that will pay for itself with years of creative enjoyment.
Suggested images: Example sewing and quilting projects
Final Thoughts on the Brother CS7000i
If you made it all the way to the end of this brother cs7000i review, hopefully you now have a detailed understanding of this popular computerized sewing and quilting machine!
To recap, the CS7000i offers user-friendly operation, excellent stitch quality, lots of accessories, and great performance for the price. We think it’s one of the best Brother sewing machines for beginners and intermediate sewers alike.
While no machine is perfect, the Brother CS7000i won’t disappoint if you understand its strengths and limitations. It provides outstanding value for money and will grow with developing sewing skills.
Ready to get started on your sewing and quilting adventures? Pick up a Brother CS7000i to make your projects a reality! Check the current price on Amazon and order yours today.
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