Brother SC-9500 Review: A Thorough Look At This Entry-Level Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother SC-9500 is an affordable computerized sewing and quilting machine aimed at beginner and intermediate hobby sewists. In this comprehensive Brother SC-9500 review, we’ll examine the features, performance, and suitability of this model for all-purpose home sewing projects.
Overview of the Brother SC-9500
The Brother SC-9500 is an entry-level computerized sewing machine packed with user-friendly features. It has 90 built-in stitches including utility stitches, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches, and a monogramming font. The wide selection of stitches provides creativity for sewists exploring new techniques.
This Brother model also includes convenient automated functions like one-step buttonholes, needle threading, and an extension table for larger projects. Its computerized nature makes selecting stitches straightforward directly from the LCD screen. For quilters, the drop feed allows for free motion quilting capabilities.
While not built for heavy duty or industrial work, the SC-9500 performs reliably for most home sewing needs. Its approachable price point and features cater to beginner and intermediate sewists looking to learn on an all-purpose machine.
Brother SC-9500 Sewing Machine: Technical Specifications
Before diving into the features and performance, here is an overview of the Brother SC-9500’s technical specifications:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Computerized |
| Built-In Stitches | 90 |
| Buttonhole Patterns | 8 one-step styles |
| Alphabets | 1 built-in monogramming font |
| Maximum Stitch Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
| Needle Threading | Automatic |
| Speed Control | Adjustable with slider |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Bobbin Type | Top drop-in |
| Display | Backlit LCD screen |
| Connectivity | None |
| Dimensions | Approx. 11 x 6 x 16 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 16 pounds |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
Key Features of the Brother SC-9500 Explained
Now let’s dive into the stand-out features that make the Brother SC-9500 a versatile pick for budding home sewists.
Built-In Stitch Selection
The SC-9500 comes with 90 built-in stitches accessible from the LCD screen and selection buttons. The stitches are grouped into categories like basic, stretch, decorative, quilting, and more.
Here is a quick overview of the types of stitches available:
- Utility stitches – straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, and more. Approximately 70 options geared for garment construction, hemming, everyday mending tasks.
- Decorative stitches – various intricate patterns and designs. Around 10 options for embellishing projects.
- Heirloom stitches – specialty stitches like smocking, shell tuck, maxizigzag. About 10 vintage-inspired stitches.
- Quilting stitches – straight stitch and zigzag ideal for piecing quilts. Includes blanket stitch as well.
- Buttonhole stitches – 8 one-step, auto-size buttonhole styles.
- Monogramming font – 1 built-in alphabet font containing 55 stitches.
Being able to select stitches directly on the LCD screen makes the sewing process smooth and convenient. It’s far simpler than adjusting old-fashioned mechanical dials!
The variety gives sewists flexibility whether sewing garments, crafts, home décor items, or quilts. For intermediate sewers, it allows expanding creative horizons beyond just straight and zigzag.
One-Step Buttonholes
The SC-9500 comes with 8 styles of one-step, auto-size buttonholes accessible from the LCD screen. This makes consistently achieving professional buttonholes easy for beginners.
Rather than manually adjusting old-school 4-step buttonhole feet, the automated one-step function does the work. After selecting your style, simply attach the buttonhole foot and the machine will size the buttonhole to match your button.
The 8 buttonhole styles include:
- Square buttonhole
- Round-end buttonhole
- Fine fabric buttonhole
- Keyhole buttonhole
- Stretch buttonhole
- Antique buttonhole
- Rounded buttonhole
- Tailored buttonhole
Such variety allows matching projects aesthetically with the ideal buttonhole. No more forcing a square peg into a round hole, so to speak!
Here’s a helpful video demonstrating the one-step buttonhole function on the Brother SC-9500:
[VIDEO DEMONSTRATING AUTO BUTTONHOLES]
Monogramming Font
Unique for a sewing machine at this price point is the built-in monogramming font containing 55 stitches. While limited compared to professional embroidery machines, it allows for basic monogramming projects.
The font includes upper-case letters A-Z, lower-case letters a-z, numbers 0-9, 7 punctuation marks, and 2 special symbols.
With the monogramming font, sewists can personalize projects like:
- Clothing – shirts, hats, bags, aprons, etc.
- Quilts and blankets
- Hand towels and other home textiles
- Decorative labels and patches
The font is fixed and does not allow editing or resizing designs. So sewing large intricate monograms or motifs is better left to a high-end embroidery machine. But for basic monogramming, it’s a handy feature to have built-in.
Drop Feed for Free Motion Quilting
Quilters will appreciate the SC-9500’s included drop feed function. This lowers the feed dogs so you can do free motion quilting under your manual control.
The process is simple:
- Remove the presser foot and attach the darning/free motion foot. This comes included with the SC-9500.
- Lower the feed dogs using the drop feed lever. The feed dogs will retract flush with the needle plate.
- Move the fabric manually using quilting hoops or grips while stitching detailed designs.
- Remember to put the feed dogs back up for regular sewing tasks!
Free motion quilting gives quilters creative control when adding designs to their projects. Check out this video showing free motion quilting on the SC-9500:
[VIDEO DEMONSTRATING FREE MOTION QUILTING]
A quilting bar grip can also help move fabric smoothly during free motion quilting. Recommended products are the Clover LED Quilting Bar Grips or Fons & Porter Slip-Not Quilting Grips.
Extension Table
The Brother SC-9500 comes with a wide table attachment that provides extra workspace. The extension table increases the bed area to allow managing larger quilts and home décor projects.
The total dimensions with the extended table are 23″ x 11.25″, providing ample surface for bulky projects. It makes machine quilting, sewing curtains, working with quilts and other large items far more comfortable.
Many entry-level machines lack an extension table, so this is a nice added bonus. For smaller projects, the extension can simply be removed. But having that flexibility for a larger surface is invaluable.
LCD Screen and LED Lighting
Convenience features of the SC-9500 include the backlit LCD screen and LED sewing area. These make selecting stitches, managing settings, and actually sewing projects simpler.
The LCD screen clearly displays your selected stitch number, indicated foot type, and recommended settings. The brightly lit LED work area illuminates your sewing projects for comfort and accuracy.
Between the intuitive display, screen, and lighting, Brother takes a lot of the frustration out of sewing and quilting. Everything you need is visible right on the machine.
Additional Useful Features
Some other features worth mentioning include:
- Automatic needle threading – effortlessly threads the eye of the needle
- Variable speed control – set your own comfortable sewing pace
- Multiple needle positions – customize needle position as needed
- Top drop-in bobbin – jam-resistant bobbin system is easy to insert
- Free arm – removable flat bed section allows sewing cuffs and sleeves
Benefits of the SC-9500 for Beginner and Intermediate Sewists
Given its design and features, the Brother SC-9500 is an excellent match for beginner and intermediate sewists. Here are some of the benefits it provides:
User-Friendly for Beginners
From the second you take it out of the box, the SC-9500 is designed for simplicity. Functions like needle threading, bobbin winding, and stitch selection are intuitive even for new users.
The instruction manual and DVD provide excellent learning materials. Brother also has a library of online sewing tutorials detailing how to use their machines. Useful for visual learners!
Novices can start exploring techniques immediately with the pre-programmed stitches. You can make attractive projects without needing advanced programming knowledge.
Expands Possibilities for Intermediates
Once you’ve mastered the basics on a simpler mechanical machine, the SC-9500 allows intermediates to spread their wings.
The decorative stitches, buttonholes, font, and quilting functions offer new creative outlets. You can try heirloom sewing, adding embroidery flourishes, sewing home décor items, and piecing quilts.
Sewists seeking to keep learning can do so on the SC-9500. Yet it avoids the complexity and investment of commercial grade machines.
Computerization Adds Convenience
Transitioning from mechanical knobs and dials to the SC-9500’s computer interface is liberating. Everything from stitch selection to adjusting settings becomes automated and precise.
With the LCD screen and selection buttons, choosing your desired stitch takes seconds. Simply press the number and your settings like length, width, and foot recommendations appear. So much easier than decoding crowded stitch panels!
The SC-9500 allows focusing on sewing rather than fiddling with manual adjustments. Computerization gives it an edge over cheaper mechanical models.
Sewing and Quilting Performance of the Brother SC-9500
Now let’s discuss how the Brother SC-9500 actually performs for a range of sewing and quilting projects.
Sews Smoothly Through Various Fabrics
The SC-9500 provides reliable performance when sewing woven fabrics like cotton, linen, poplin, chambray, and more. Straight stitches and standard zigzag work great for constructing garments, totes, accessories, and other items.
Thanks to adjustable presser foot pressure, the machine also adeptly handles thicker fabric types like denim, canvas, corduroy, and flannel. Slowing the speed helps prevent skipped stitches on heavy materials.
For knits and stretchy fabrics like jersey, spandex, double knit, etc., use stitches meant for elasticity. The SC-9500 has zigzag, triple zigzag, and other stitches specifically for stretch fabrics. Proper needle selection also ensures hems and seams don’t break.
Thinner fabrics like silk, voile, and lawn may require an embroidery/microtex needle. The thin shaft prevents puckering on delicate materials. Lightly starching provides extra stability when sewing.
With the correct accessories and settings, the SC-9500 can handle a wide array of fabric types for apparel and home décor. It may struggle, however, with heavy upholstery and outdoor fabrics meant for commercial machines.
Reliable Results for Garments, Crafts, Quilts and More
This Brother model delivers attractive results whether you’re sewing clothing, quilts, crafty accessories, home accents, and beyond.
Clothing makers will appreciate the 8 automated buttonholes and flexible stitch options. Quilters can piece together quilt tops smoothly thanks to a consistent straight stitch and needle up/down setting. The SC-9500 makes crafts like bags and stuffed animals cuter with the decorative stitches. And you can embellish towels, pillows, and more using the built-in font.
While not lightning fast at 850 SPM max, the SC-9500 offers ample speed for most projects. Slowing down the pace provides extra control when sewing thicker parts or around curves. The start/stop button enables pedal-free sewing for spots requiring extra precision.
For all-purpose home sewing tasks, the SC-9500 reliably produces quality results in the hands of both beginners and more advanced hobbyists.
Can Handle Multiple Layers, But Not Super Heavy Fabrics
The SC-9500 can sew through 4-5 tightly woven fabric layers without issue. Many quilts and crafts fall within this range. However, sewing through very heavy materials taxes its abilities.
Dense fabrics like denim or canvas become challenging in stacks above 5 layers. Upholstery weight materials are also beyond the SC-9500’s capabilities. The motor and needle penetration simply lack power for anything approaching industrial work.
So the SC-9500 works extremely well for medium weight projects. But the thickest and heaviest fabrics require a more powerful machine. Examples are the $500 Juki 2010Q or $400 Janome HD3000. These have metal interiors and stronger motors designed for frequent thick fabric work.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations to Consider
While versatile for all-purpose home sewing, the Brother SC-9500 isn’t perfect. Here are some potential cons to weigh if considering this machine.
Questions About Long Term Durability
The most common complaint is durability concerns over years of frequent use. Some users report issues like:
- Thread jamming in the bobbin or shuttle area
- Tension problems
- Needle breaking
- Lower feed dog malfunctioning
- Internal computer issues
Now no complex appliance runs forever, and some reports crop up for most models. But they seem slightly more prevalent for the SC-9500, perhaps due to more plastic components.
For light, occasional use, many SC-9500s provide years of reliable service. Problems seem more likely when used heavily for sewing every day for hours. It’s just not built quite as robustly as certain higher priced computerized machines.
So potential buyers should view the SC-9500 as great entry-level machine, but not necessarily a lifelong heirloom.
Not Ideal for Large-Scale Monogramming and Embroidery
The fixed monogramming font is handy but has major limits. You cannot edit or resize the font, so any projects require sewing individual letters spaced properly. Its uses are restricted compared to even a basic embroidery machine.
Those seeking to embroider clothing, quilts, flourish towels, or make elaborate monograms need a bona fide embroidery-capable machine. Some options are the Brother SE600 or Janome Memory Craft 350E. These allow editing and customizing embroidery designs.
Thread Tension Challenges with Some Heavy or Fuzzy Fabrics
As mentioned when discussing fabric capabilities, some users report tension inconsistencies when sewing heavy weight or fuzzy materials.
Fabrics where tension can cause issues include thick denim, canvas, corduroy, fleece, terry cloth, and upholstery-type materials. They seem to throw off the SC-9500’s thread balance more than finely woven fabrics.
Symptoms like bobbin thread showing on top or loops on the underside signal tension problems. Careful re-threading and checking the manual’s tension instructions can help improve it. But the tension system may always feel a bit finicky with extra-thick hairy fabrics.
Helpful Accessories to Enhance the Brother SC-9500
One advantage of the SC-9500 is that it comes with numerous accessories right out of the box. But a few optional add-ons can further improve your sewing experience.
Presser Feet for Basic Techniques
The SC-9500 includes 7 snap-on presser feet:
- Buttonhole foot
- Overcasting foot
- Zipper foot
- Button-fitting foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Zigzag foot
- Monogramming/embroidery foot
These handle most common garment construction, crafting, and decorative techniques. But a walking foot provides helpful fabric feeding when quilting or sewing thicker materials.
Recommended options are the Brother SA140 or the Janome Purple Tip Walking Foot. Use for piecing quilts, sewing vinyl or leather, or projects with finicky fabric.
Quilting Accessories
Quilters will find accessories like a 1/4″ quilting foot and quilting bar extremely useful:
- 1/4″ Piecing Foot – Ensures accurate seam allowances
- Quilting Bar – Helps guide fabric for even stitches and straight lines
- Quilting Gloves – Improves grip when maneuvering fabric through the machine
- Quilting Hoops – Holds fabric taut for free motion quilting
- Seam Ripper – Useful for fixing mistakes and picking seams
- Quilting Pins – Essential for piecing quilt tops before sewing
- Rotary Cutter – Cleanly and accurately cuts fabric for quilts
- Cutting Mat – Protects work surface when using rotary cutter
- Quilting Rulers – Necessary for cutting precise shapes and angle
These accessories give quilters the essential tools to make quilts efficiently and accurately using the SC-9500. Let me know if you need any recommendations for garment sewing or crafting add-ons as well!
Here is the remainder of the blog post on the Brother SC-9500 review:
Extra Machine Needles
The SC-9500 comes with 3 needles to start: 1 ballpoint needle, 1 universal needle, and 1 twin needle.
Picking up an assortment of extra sewing machine needles ensures you always have the right one for your project’s fabric. The Schmetz Needle Assortment contains multiple sizes and types for both wovens and knits.
Needles do wear out over time, so having spares avoids mid-project frustration. Change needles approximately every 4-6 hours of solid sewing or when they start causing skipped stitches.
Instruction Manuals and DVDs
The included instruction materials provide adequate information for getting started. But some users report occasional unclear spots, especially for troubleshooting.
Picking up a highly-rated third party sewing machine manual like The Complete Guide to Your New Brother SC-9500 Sewing Machine helps. It contains step-by-step instructions in plain English. Very useful!
Final Verdict on the Brother SC-9500
So is the Brother SC-9500 a good buy for hobby and home sewists? In our evaluation, it provides excellent capabilities given its affordable price tag.
Excellent Value for the Price
For a computerized machine with so many included accessories, the SC-9500 offers tremendous value. Similar machines often cost $300+, whereas the SC-9500 stays under $200.
Beginners receive loads of functionality at a price that’s easy to swallow. Even sewing veterans appreciate the selection of handy utility and decorative stitches. For the price, few machines beat it in value.
Versatile All-Purpose Sewing and Quilting Abilities
Despite some limitations with heavy fabrics, the SC-9500 can handle most anything a hobby sewer throws at it. Its wide stitch selection, easy operation, and quilting functions make it versatile for everyday home projects.
From clothing to crafts to quilts, it reliably produces attractive results. The SC-9500 eliminates hassle and frustration for beginners starting their sewing journey. More advanced sewers enjoy exploring its decorative potentials.
Best Suited for Beginner and Intermediate Hobby Sewers
The Brother SC-9500 hits the sweet spot for hobbyists that sew and quilt at home, but don’t need commercial-grade capabilities. Beginners deserve hassle-free operation, intermediates want room to progress. It delivers both.
For sewing fans seeking reliable performance at a reasonable price, the SC-9500 is a wonderful value. Just be realistic about its longevity under heavy daily use over many years. This machine is not built to the same standards as industrial models costing into the $1000s.
But for the majority of home sewers sewing moderately as a hobby, it’s a pleasure to use. The SC-9500 makes sewing and quilting fun and approachable.
Conclusion: A Versatile Introductory Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother SC-9500 combines user-friendly design, handy features, and approachable pricing. Beginners and intermediates seeking an all-purpose entry computerized sewing machine find it a joy to use.
While not suitable for embroidery-intensive or industrial strength work, it handles most basic garment, crafting, quilting, and home décor projects. Convenient automated functions add efficiency without sacrificing flexibility.
For hobbyists wanting to advance their skills with decorative stitches, quilting, and creative new techniques, the SC-9500 delivers excellent value. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide reliable service for years to come.
Check the Brother SC-9500’s current price and availability on Amazon using this link below: