Brother SQ9185 Review: A Detailed Look At Features, Performance, And Alternatives
The Brother SQ9185 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine that offers a wide variety of built-in stitches and useful features. In this Brother SQ9185 review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the main features, performance, pros and cons, and alternatives to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Overview of the Brother SQ9185 Sewing Machine
The Brother SQ9185 is a versatile sewing and quilting machine designed for both beginners and more advanced users. It includes 185 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom and quilting stitches. It also has alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming projects.
With features like a large LCD display, easy needle threading system, built-in storage and a wide table attachment, the SQ9185 aims to make sewing and quilting easy and convenient. Its lightweight design also makes it portable to take to classes or sew on-the-go.
While it has limitations compared to higher-end computerized machines, the SQ9185 offers good value with its included accessories and variety of features. Read on for a detailed review of what this Brother model has to offer.
Brother SQ9185 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Built-In Stitches | 185 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 8 One-Step |
| LCD Display | Backlit |
| Work Area Lighting | LED |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 Stitches Per Minute |
| Needle Threading System | Advanced Easy System |
| Presser Feet Included | 11 Feet Total |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Instructional Materials | DVD and Printed Manual |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited |
| Machine Weight | 17.8 Pounds |
| Machine Dimensions | 7.38 x 17.25 x 13.75 inches |
Key Features of the Brother SQ9185 Explained
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the defining features that set apart the Brother SQ9185.
185 Built-in Stitches for Versatility
The Brother SQ9185 sewing machine comes equipped with 185 built-in stitches right out of the box. That’s more than most sewers will ever use!
The stitch selection includes:
- 8 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes
- 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming
- 42 decorative stitches including satin and cross stitches
- 9 cross stitch options
- 5 stitches for quilting
- 3 stitches for joining fabric pieces
- 1 sewing font
With so many options, you’ll have plenty of stitch variety for clothing, crafts, quilting and decorative techniques. The SQ9185 certainly won’t limit your creativity!
Large LCD Display for Easy Selection
Navigating all those stitches is made easy with the Brother SQ9185’s backlit LCD display screen. It lets you easily select your desired stitch with just a few button pushes.
Icons on the display also indicate the presser foot, needle position, and more. You’ll be able to check settings and make adjustments quickly without consulting the manual. The large screen makes it sewing simple!
VIDEO/IMAGE
Advanced Easy Threading System
Threading the needle can be the bane of any sewer’s existence. Fortunately, the SQ9185 has an advanced easy needle threading system to make the process practically foolproof.
There’s an automatic threader that pushes the thread right through the needle. All you have to do is guide the thread around a clearly marked path, and the machine does the tricky part for you.
The advanced system saves time and frustration, especially for beginners still mastering threading techniques. One less thing to slow you down on sewing day!
Variable Speed Control For All Fabric Types
Having control over your sewing speed is crucial when working on different types of fabrics and projects. The Brother SQ9185 offers variable speed control to handle both fast and slow stitching.
There’s a speed control slider that lets you select the maximum speed from three options – slow, medium and high. For lightweight fabrics, you can speed things up to 850 stitches per minute.
When working on denim, leather, or tricky corners, you can slow it down to focus on detail work. Going too fast could lead to mistakes or uneven stitches. The variable speed gives you control over the end result.
Stop/Start Button for Instant Pause
Another useful convenience feature on the SQ9185 is the start/stop button. Located right on the front of the machine, you can instantly stop the stitching with the push of a button.
If you need to realign fabric, change direction or fix a mistake, just tap pause. The needle will stop in position instead of finishing the row of stitching first.
The start/stop button gives you more freedom than relying solely on the foot pedal accessory. You don’t have to keep it constantly depressed while sewing. Just push the button to stop or go!
Free Arm for Sewing Cuffs and Sleeves
Sewing cuffs, sleeves, pant legs and other narrow openings is made simpler with the SQ9185’s free arm capability.
The removable storage compartment uncovers the free arm, perfect for circular stitching. Without the flat bed extension in the way, you can easily manipulate sleeves and other cylindrical pieces. No more struggling to fit bulky fabric under the needle!
Between the free arm and the included zipper foot, you’ll be able to accurately stitch cuffs, zippers, and trim in no time.
Wide Table for Large Quilts
Quilters will appreciate the SQ9185’s wide table attachment. It provides 33% more workspace compared to previous compact Brother models.
The extended surface gives you plenty of room to manage large quilts or other big projects. With limited space, quilting can quickly feel cramped and awkward. The wide table accessory resolves that problem.
Use the free motion foot to stipple quilts with no restrictions. The ample work area makes machine quilting much more manageable.
Drop Feed Dogs for Free Motion Quilting
In addition to the wide table, the Brother SQ9185 also facilitates free motion quilting with its drop feed dogs. Lower the feed dogs so you can move the fabric freely instead of being set by the machine.
Free motion sewing takes practice but gives you creative control over the stitching path. The SQ9185 makes it possible on a home sewing machine.
Between the adjustable feed dogs and extra workspace of the wide table, you have the key features necessary for free motion quilting. Time to let your creative juices flow!
Hard Cover for Storage
The SQ9185 comes with a built-in storage compartment that also protects the machine when not in use. After you snap on the hard cover, your machine will be safe from dust, dirt and other contaminants.
The storage area is large enough to hold all the included accessories like the sewing feet, needles, screwdriver and more. No more searching around for accessories or needing separate storage containers.
The cover allows the SQ9185 to maintain a compact, self-contained footprint whether it’s sewing time or time for storage. Everything for the machine can be packed up neatly in one place.
Ease of Use For Beginners and Beyond
Now that we’ve reviewed the key features and specs, how easy is the SQ9185 to set up and use for sewers of varying skill levels? Let’s take a look.
Nearly Ready to Sew Out of the Box
One perk of the SQ9185 for beginners is that it’s designed to get sewing as soon as you open the box. All you have to do is attach the feet, thread it up, wind the bobbin and you’re ready to start stitching.
Between the detailed instruction manual and setup DVD, first-time owners can have their machine up and running in no time. There’s no complex assembly or programming required.
The quick start guide is handy for walking you through the steps sequentially. You’ll be sewing in minutes! Experienced sewers will also appreciate being able to use a new machine right away.
Slow Speed for New Users
Learning to sew can be difficult enough without having to control a fast moving machine right off the bat. The Brother SQ9185 accommodates beginners with a nice slow speed setting.
By using the variable speed control, new sewers can master straight lines and turning corners at a slow, steady pace. Once you get comfortable with the basics, then you can work your way up to faster speeds.
The slow setting also gives younger users a chance to learn on a safer, kid-friendly machine. With adult supervision, the SQ9185 provides a good introduction to sewing for all ages.
11 Presser Feet Included
From zippers and buttonholes to invisible stitches and monogramming, the right presser foot makes all the difference. That’s why the SQ9185 includes a total of 11 snap-on presser feet standard.
You’ll get options like:
- Buttonhole foot
- Overcasting foot
- Zipper foot
- Monogramming foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Button sewing foot
- Zig zag foot
- Quilting foot
With so many foot options included, you can tackle different sewing techniques right away without purchasing extras. The specialty feet provide added value for the price.
Automatic Needle Threader
New sewers often find hand threading the needle extremely frustrating. The SQ9185’s automatic needle threader eliminates that hassle completely.
Simply follow the threading guide path, press the lever, and the threader pushes the thread through the needle automatically. It takes all the difficulty and eye strain out of needle threading.
One less step for beginners to worry about! The intuitive threading system makes the sewing process smoother from the very first stitch.
Clear Bobbin Winding and Cover
A smooth bottom bobbin thread is crucial for even, quality stitching, and the SQ9185 makes it easy to achieve.
Winding the bobbin is quick with the built-in system. The numbered diagram on the machine clearly shows the winding path to follow.
Once wound, the clear bobbin cover lets you easily monitor the bobbin thread supply. You can see when you’re running low before it totally runs out mid-seam.
Bobbin winding and monitoring is a seamless process with the SQ9185. One less thing to slow you down.
VIDEO/IMAGE
Detailed Printed Instructions
Learning to use a computerized sewing machine can feel overwhelming. All those buttons, screens, and settings!
Thankfully, the SQ9185 comes with clearly written manuals and guides that are intuitive even for novices. The steps explain both how and why to carry out certain functions.
Between the starter guide, full instruction manual, and stitch reference chart right on the machine, you’ll have detailed references to guide you. No decoding cryptic icons or error codes.
While a sewing class is still recommended, the Brother materials explain everything sufficiently for self-guided learning.
Helpful DVD Tutorial
In addition to written instructions, the SQ9185 also includes a helpful instructional DVD. It provides a video introduction to the machine’s features and functions.
Seeing the steps in action can provide more clarity than static images. The DVD walks through key techniques like threading, winding bobbins, changing feet and using features like automatic buttonholes.
Watching the tutorials gives you confidence to carry out those tasks on your own machine. You can refer back any time you need a refresher.
Overall, the instructional DVD adds nice supplemental guidance to get you sewing sooner.
The Pros and Cons of the Brother SQ9185
We’ve gone over the main features and performance, so what are the biggest pros and cons of the Brother SQ9185 sewing machine? Let’s break it down.
Pros of the Brother SQ9185:
- Excellent value for the price point
- Lightweight, portable design
- Jam packed with included accessories
- User-friendly for beginners but has features for advancing skills
- Lots of built-in stitches for creativity
- Large workspace with extension table
- Runs quietly and smoothly
- Automatic needle threader
- Easy stitch selection on LCD screen
- Variable speed control for different fabrics
- Helpful instructional DVD and guides
Cons of the Brother SQ9185:
- Made of plastic so not the most durable construction
- Can vibrate/shake at higher speeds
- Not suitable for heavy duty or industrial projects
- Limited workspace compared to larger machines
- Only one font option for monogramming
- Bobbin winding system could be improved
- Manual could be more clearly written in some sections
- No custom stitch programming
As with any machine, there are some downsides depending on your needs. But for the price, the SQ9185 offers excellent value with versatile features.
Top Alternatives to Consider
The SQ9185 is a great value sewing machine, but it may not meet every sewer’s needs. Here are a few top alternatives to consider as well before making your purchase.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
For more advanced sewing capabilities, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is an excellent alternative. It has 600 built-in stitches, better speed control, a larger workspace, and more metal internal parts for durability.
The 9960 has more customization options, a stronger motor, and heavier duty construction that can manage thicker fabrics. It’s pricier than the Brother but worth it for serious sewists.
[Insert Amazon link to Singer Quantum Stylist 9960]
Brother CS6000i
If you want something more affordable than the SQ9185 for basic needs, consider the Brother CS6000i. It has 60 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, easy bobbin winding, and a beginner friendly price under $200.
It may not have as many bells and whistles, but the CS6000i delivers reliable performance for clothing construction and basic sewing needs. A great budget-friendly option.
[Insert Amazon link to Brother CS6000i]
Brother HC1850
For a similar Brother computerized model with lots of stitch options, the HC1850 is a great contender. It offers 185 stitches comparable to the SQ9185 but with added conveniences like an automatic thread cutter and more font options.
If you like the Brother brand but want upgraded functions, the HC1850 could be a better fit. It costs slightly more than the SQ9185 but provides extra value.
[Insert Amazon link to Brother HC1850]
Janome DC3050
For a compact computerized machine, Janome’s DC3050 is an excellent portable option. It includes 50 built-in stitches, easy threading system, free arm, and zigzag foot.
The DC3050 has a smaller footprint and fewer stitches than the SQ9185, but provides accurate stitching performance in a travel-sized package. Ideal for limited spaces or sewing on the go.
[Insert Amazon link to Janome DC3050]
Conclusion – A Computerized Machine Packed with Value
The Brother SQ9185 is a versatile computerized sewing and quilting machine that beginners through intermediate sewers will appreciate.
While more advanced sewists may eventually want an upgrade, the SQ9185 offers tremendous value for the price. With 185 stitch options, a built-in monogramming font, easy threading, helpful accessories, and instructional guides, you can explore a wide range of sewing techniques.
The automatic needle threader, quick start guide, variable speed control, and stitch selection display make it accessible for new users despite its computerized functions. It’s also portable and feature-packed for convenience.
For tackling clothing construction, home decor projects, simple quilting, crafts and more, the dependable Brother SQ9185 won’t let you down. Its versatility and reliability make it a recommended choice for sewists seeking good functionality and value in a computerized machine. Just be prepared to handle the learning curve!