Brother LS2125i Sewing Machine Review: Features And Performance
The Brother LS2125i is an affordably priced, lightweight sewing machine aimed at beginners and those wanting a portable machine for everyday mending and alterations. In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the features, performance, and ease of use of the LS2125i to help you determine if it’s the right starter sewing machine for your needs.
Brother is well known for its computer printers, scanners and other office equipment. In recent years the company has expanded into sewing and embroidery machines, offering innovative features at reasonable prices. The LS2125i upholds the Brother reputation with its versatile functionality and approachable design.
Let’s start by reviewing the main specs and benefits of this lightweight but capable sewing machine.
Main Features and Benefits
- Lightweight and portable design – Weighing in at just over 12 pounds, the LS2125i is easy to lift, carry and transport between work spaces. The small footprint takes up minimal space when set up.
- 10 built-in stitches – While not computerized, the LS2125i does provide the 10 essential stitch options a beginner needs, including:
- Straight stitch
- Zigzag
- Blind hem
- Decorative and stretch stitches
- Easy bobbin winding – winding the bobbin is quick and foolproof, with diagrams right on the machine showing the process. The built-in winder stops automatically when the bobbin is full.
- Adjustable tension control – A simple turn of the dial adjusts thread tension as needed for different fabrics. This prevents loose or puckered stitches.
- Automatic 4-step buttonhole function – Take the frustration out of buttonholes with the automatic 4-step process. Consistent results every time.
- Free arm – Sew cuffs, sleeves, pant legs and other cylindrical pieces easily with the removable free arm.
- Built-in storage compartment – The handy storage area keeps all the included accessories organized and prevents losing small parts.
- Carrying handle – Makes it easy to transport the machine.
- Bilingual instruction manual – Get set up fast with the user-friendly manual available in both English and Spanish.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Dimensions | 15 x 6.5 x 11.75 inches |
| Power source | AC/DC |
| Motor type | Electric |
| Built-in stitches | 10, including blind hem, zigzag, stretch |
| Buttonhole feature | Automatic 4-step |
| Included accessories | 3 presser feet, screwdriver, needle set, 3 bobbins, extra spool pin, twin needle, darning plate |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
Recommended product: Omnigrid Portable Light Box
The Omnigrid Portable Light Box provides a bright work surface to trace patterns or follow tutorial images when learning to sew. Lay fabric over the lit surface to clearly see markings. Available on Amazon.
Performance and Ease of Use
Despite its budget-friendly price, the LS2125i delivers reliable performance for basic sewing tasks. Its lightweight design also contributes to ease of use.
- Operating the LS2125i is very intuitive, especially for sewing novices. The illustrated stitch selector dial lets you visualize options and quickly switch stitches as needed.
- It handles lightweight fabrics like cotton and flannel with no issues. The LS2125i produces consistent, quality stitching on everyday projects.
- Combining ample foot pressure and feed dogs that grip fabric well, the LS2125i moves the material smoothly as you sew without dragging or bunching.
- The three included presser feet provide needed versatility right out of the box. Switch to the buttonhole, zipper or button sewing foot for specialized tasks.
- While not designed for heavy material, the LS2125i can make it through multiple layers of mid-weight fabrics when moving slowly. Don’t expect to zip through denim though.
Recommended product: Dritz Jean-a-Ma Jig
The Jean-a-Ma Jig by Dritz provides extra support when sewing over bulky jean seams. The adjustable clamp attaches to the sewing machine to prevent slipping and skipping. Find it on Amazon.
In most cases, the LS2125i delivers satisfying results for new sewers ready to advance beyond hand-sewing. The built-in stitches offer enough diversity for a wide range of projects from clothing alterations to crafts and home decor.
Users mention the LS2125i has no difficulty with straight line stitching, even at faster speeds. Zigzag and stretch stitches may require a slower pace to avoid thread jams, however. Moving the fabric yourself instead of letting the feed dogs take over can also help when sewing curves or corners.
For experienced sewers used to full-size machines, the compact LS2125i can feel a bit cramped. The limited throat space requires rolling up bigger items of clothing to fit under the arm. But for learning and portable use, the streamlined size is an advantage.
Recommended product: Sewing Clips by Clover
Use fabric clips like these Clover Soft Touch Clips to secure rolled fabric while allowing it to feed smoothly under the presser foot. They prevent shifting or slipping. Find them on Amazon.
Overall, while the LS2125i lacks some convenience features found on pricey computerized machines, it delivers solid utility for the money. The lightweight Brother model earns high marks for user-friendliness and approachability from novices.
Downsides and Limitations
The biggest shortcoming of the LS2125i is the inconsistent stitch quality on heavy or dense materials. The lighter weight mechanics sometimes struggle with thicker fabric layers.
- Thread tension proves tricky to manage when moving from very light to heavy fabric. Drastic tension changes can cause tangled threads.
- The vertical bobbin, while easy to insert, may not wind evenly every time. This can lead to poor stitch formation on the bottom side.
- When sewing over seams on heavy fabrics, the foot isn’t always able to hold the material flat, resulting in slipped stitches.
- The automatic 4-step buttonhole works adequately, but a 1-step buttonhole offers more precision.
- No option to separately control sewing speed – it’s either on or off. The foot pedal does allow some speed variation.
- Free arm is on the large side, making it difficult to fit inside narrow sleeves and pant legs. The squared edges add to the challenge.
The LS2125i shines on simpler projects with lighter to mid-weight fabrics like quilting cottons and flannel. Moving into canvas, denim or stretchy knits exposes some limitations in maintaining stitch quality. With care and lighter pressure, it can handle these materials for straightforward stitches.
Summary and Recommendation
The Brother LS2125i earns our recommendation as a value-packed sewing machine for beginners. Combining user-friendly design, portable size, adequate stitch options and reliable construction, it’s a top choice for learning basic sewing skills. The low price point around $100 makes it very accessible.
Light enough for kids to handle safely, it provides enough functions to teach sewing fundamentals. The LS2125i doesn’t overwhelm with unnecessary bells and whistles that could frustrate new users. Brother hit the sweet spot with a machine that’s able to grow with you.
More advanced sewers may want to upgrade after a year or two to a machine with extra performance for challenging fabrics. Novices just getting started, however, will appreciate the simplicity of the LS2125i. It delivers rewarding results without unnecessary complexity.
So if you’re seeking an affordable starter machine, put the Brother LS2125i at the top of your list. The smart design, quality construction and hassle-free operation add up to a great first sewing machine.
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