Brother ES2000 Sewing Machine: A Review For Beginners
The Brother ES2000 is an affordable, lightweight, computerized, free arm sewing machine aimed at beginners. With 77 built-in stitches and stitch functions, it provides ample options for basic sewing and some decorative touches. This in-depth review of the ES2000 will examine its ease of use, portability, functionality and performance based on consumer experiences.
Overview
The Brother ES2000 is a computerized sewing machine that features 77 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, stretch and heirloom stitches. It has a free arm for ease in sewing cuffs and sleeve hems, along with a top drop-in bobbin system that allows quick and simple bobbin replacements.
With its lightweight design weighing only 11 pounds, the ES2000 is easy to move around and carry. Its compact size also makes it a great option for small spaces. Key features that make operation user-friendly for beginners include the automatic needle threading function, a thread cutter, adjustable stitch length and width controls, and a reverse sewing button.
Here is a summary of the main specifications and features of the Brother ES2000:
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Stitches | 77 built-in stitches |
| Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
| Buttonholes | 5 one-step buttonhole styles |
| Bobbin System | Top drop-in bobbin |
| Thread Tension | Adjustable manual tension |
| Presser Feet | 7 presser feet included |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Sewing Table Size | 6.7 x 16.1 inches |
| Machine Weight | 11 pounds |
| Machine Dimensions | 16 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches |
| Lighting | LED lighting |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
Features
- Computerized stitch selection
- LCD display screen
- Automatic needle threading
- Built-in thread cutter
- Reverse sewing button
- Free arm for sleeves and pant hems
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Variable needle positions
- 7 included presser feet
Video walkthrough of the ES2000’s features
The ES2000 comes with an instructional manual that provides clear guidelines on how to use the various functions and accessories.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at how the features and performance of the Brother ES2000 make it an ideal starter machine for beginners.
Ease of Use for Beginners
One of the biggest selling points of the Brother ES2000 that makes it a top choice for beginners is its ease of use. Threading the needle is simplified with the built-in automatic needle threading function, taking the frustration out of this tricky task.
Choosing stitches is also straightforward with the computerized stitch selection and LCD display screen. Simply press the buttons to scroll through the stitch options, with each stitch number displayed. The included instruction manual provides a stitch reference guide so users can easily look up which stitches they want for their projects.
Many reviewers mention that the detailed instruction manual that comes with the ES2000 is clearly written and easy to follow – even for those who have never sewn before. It provides excellent guidelines on how to set up, thread, and operate the machine. The manual also offers troubleshooting tips to quickly resolve any issues that may come up.
Overall, new sewers comment that the ES2000 has a gentle learning curve compared to mechanical sewing machines. Its computerized features, preset stitches, and user-friendly design allow beginners to feel comfortable behind the machine right away.
Image of ES2000 stitch selection screen
Lightweight and Portable
Weighing in at around 11 pounds, the Brother ES2000 lives up to its reputation as a lightweight sewing machine. Users mention how effortlessly they can lift and carry it from room to room.
This portable design also makes the ES2000 an excellent choice for small spaces. It can easily be stored away in a closet or cabinet when not in use. The compact footprint is perfect for sewing in tight corners or on the go.
Those who take their sewing machine along to classes or workshops will appreciate the travel-friendly size and weight of this model. The ES2000’s lightweight build gives sewers flexibility to quilting groups, sewing circles, and even craft fairs.
Some reviewers use the ES2000 as a secondary machine just for its portable capabilities. They reserve their heavier, more advanced sewing machines for complex projects at home, and take the ES2000 along for quick mending jobs, crafts, and classes.
Image of person carrying ES2000 machine
Free Arm Functionality
One of the handiest features of the Brother ES2000 is the free arm design. By removing the flat bed attachment, the arm of the machine is exposed to more easily accommodate tubular items for sewing.
This free arm functionality makes tasks like hemming pant legs, sleeves, and cuffs much simpler. Instead of struggling to fit the fabric cylinder around the flat bed, you can now slide it right onto the free arm for easy access.
The free arm is also incredibly useful for mending holes in socks or elbows in shirts. Small tubular projects like these are difficult to manage on a standard flatbed machine. The ES2000’s free arm allows you to seamlessly sew these miniature tubes and circles.
Some users even report sewing entire pairs of pants, pajamas, and children’s clothing on the ES2000 thanks to the free arm convenience. While it may require a bit more focus than a larger surface area, the exceptional free arm access opens up many projects for this compact sewing machine.
Video demonstrating free arm sewing
Stitch Functions and Options
A key component of any sewing machine review is examining the built-in stitches and functions. The ES2000 comes equipped with 77 stitches total, including:
- 37 utility stitches – strong everyday stitches like straight, zigzag, blind hem, and stretch
- 21 decorative stitches – for embellishing projects with a festive flair
- 5 one-step auto-size buttonholes – quickly finish button closures
- 9 heirloom stitches – delicate options like lace and satin for specialty fabrics
- 5 quilting stitches – basic quilting and stitching in the ditch options
With nearly 80 stitches to utilize right out of the box, sewers have plenty of options for garments, crafts, home decor and more.
The variety of stitches available in the ES2000 allow sewing on a wide range of fabric types and weights. Construct cotton blouses, silk dresses, knit scarves, canvas bags and flannel pajamas. Decorate projects using the buttonhole, satin, cross and other decorative stitches.
While more advanced users may desire additional programmable stitch options, the selection in the ES2000 is more than sufficient for most basic sewing needs. Beginning sewers in particular will appreciate the multitude of stitch choices while learning how to use each one.
Image or video showcasing ES2000 stitch options
Performance and Ease of Use for Experienced Sewers
While the ES2000 sewing machine is exceptionally user-friendly for beginners, some more experienced sewers have noted limitations in working with thicker fabrics and projects requiring precision.
The built-in stitches cater more towards lighter weight woven and knit fabrics. Sewing multiple denim layers or canvas may tax the machine and cause skipped stitches, according to some users. There have also been comments about tension problems when working with slippery polyester or stretchy knits, despite adjusting the tension dial.
Others note the lack of a presser foot pressure adjustment, which helps when sewing thicker seams. The fixed presser foot pressure may make bulky projects difficult to feed under the foot evenly.
When it comes to construction, fitting and more technical sewing, the lack of precision offered by high-end models becomes noticeable. For instance, there is no stitch length fine-tuning beyond the preset options. And the zigzag and buttonhole feet do not have fine adjustment options for placement.
This doesn’t mean the ES2000 can’t handle any advanced projects, however. Many users report success in sewing denim, fleece and other medium weight fabrics. But for regular heavy duty work, a more expensive metal machine may be preferable. The ES2000 performs best for lighter sewing tasks.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy to use, especially for beginners | Not suitable for heavy duty or precision sewing |
| Lightweight and portable | Limited thick fabric capabilities |
| User-friendly features like automatic threading | Possible tension problems with knits and stretch fabrics |
| Detailed instruction manual | No presser foot pressure adjustment |
| Free arm for sleeves, hems, etc | No fine tuning of stitch length and width |
| 77 built-in stitches for versatility | Smaller work surface than standard machines |
| LCD screen simplifies stitch selection | May “walk” at high speeds |
| Good value for the price | Not many quilting stitch options |
Suggested Accessories and Upgrades
Here are some recommended accessories to enhance your sewing experience with the ES2000:
- Extension table or cabinet – Provides more work surface area and stability when managing large projects
- LED light – Illuminates the sewing area better than the built-in light
- Silicon foot – Provides better grip for smoother feeding of slippery fabrics like vinyl, leather, or silk
- Walking foot – Helps feed layers evenly for quilting and sewing thicker fabrics
- Quilting guide or bar – Ensures even stitching spaces when quilting
- Specialty needles – Denim needles for heavy fabrics, stretch for knits, etc. Use the proper needle for your fabric type
- Stabilizers – Interfacing, tearaway, or cutaway stabilizers support stitches in knit fabrics
- Thread stand – Holds thread spools to prevent tangling
Adding these accessories can help maximize the ES2000’s potential for both beginning and more advanced sewing.
Conclusion
For sewers looking to purchase their first machine or transition from mechanical to computerized, the Brother ES2000 is an excellent choice. It provides user-friendly features, ample built-in stitches, and free arm functionality perfect for beginners starting out.
More advanced sewers may want to opt for a heavier duty machine for frequent and precision sewing. But for light to medium home sewing and crafting, the ES2000 delivers outstanding value.
The lightweight build and ease of use also makes the ES2000 ideal for portable sewing, small spaces, and classes. Its beginner-friendly design allows new sewers to gain confidence using computerized features and exploring different stitches.
While no machine is perfect for every user, the Brother ES2000 balances capabilities, convenience and value in a package beginners will appreciate.