Are you a sewing novice or do you know your way around a sewing machine? Either way, you need to make sure that you get a good machine. The Brother sq9185 is known for building good sewing machines. This article will focus on the Brother SQ9185.
What to Look for in a Sewing Machine
When buying a sewing machine, you want to make sure you know what to look for. There are different types of machines, special features, and other things to consider.
Mechanical Machine
These are good for the occasional sewer on a budget. They need you to work most controls by hand and can handle the basic repairs, hems, simple clothing, and craft projects.
Electronic Machine
This is a good machine if you sew a lot. It can be a bit expensive, but a worthwhile investment. They shift many boring sewing jobs from your hands to computer chips.
A typical machine offers touchpad controls, LED screen, a variety of presser feet for challenges like piping and topstitching. It also has settings for dozens or even hundreds of stitch types.
Embroidery/Sewing Machines
This is similar to an electronic machine, but it will also give you the ability to do monogramming and embroidery for projects such as clothing, bedspreads, and pillowcases.
It holds a hoop under its needles and moves the hoop in all 4 directions as the needle sews. Designs are built into the machine’s memory, or purchased on memory cards, CDs, or USB sticks. You can even find designs online.
These sewing and embroidery machines often let you resize, reposition and mirror designs, and sound an alert to let you know when to change colors.
Sewing Machine Features to Look For
Most basic machines should be able to handle a variety of fabrics from satin to denim without stretching or puckering the fabric or making loose, loopy stitches. But there are other features to consider.
Automatic Buttonholer
Sew a buttonhole in one step and you won’t need to stop and turn the fabric or manipulate a dial. Some machines let you insert the button into a slot so that the machine will sew a buttonhole to fit.
Feed Dog Adjustment
Some machines allow you to drop the toothy mechanism below the sewing surface to do freestyle embroidery or darning such as the feed dog adjustment.
Good Ergonomics and Controls
The machine should be responsive to pressure on the foot pedal and not stall or growl when sewing thick fabric or multiple layers. The controls should be easy to reach and use. The symbols on the machine or LED display should be easy to read.
Machines that have more room to the right of the needle provide more space for fabric and your hands.
Lightweight
If you don’t have a specific area for your machine, you may have to move it around often. You’ll want to have one that’s light and easy to carry. Even better if it has a handle on the top.
Needle Position
This feature lets you move the needle and stitching line from left to right, and to have the needle up or down when you stop.
Needle down makes it easy to lift the pressure foot and turn a corner without a jump stitch.
Needle Threader
It pulls the thread through the eye of the needle and saves you from squinting and prevents frustration.
Presser Feet
You should find out how many of these come with the machine. For basic sewing a multi-purpose foot lets you do straight and zigzag stitches. But, you want a zipper foot and button foot too.
An adjustable presser foot regulates how tightly the machine holds the fabric and stretching in knits. There are hundreds of specialty presser feet to choose from.
Power Switch
This is used to turn the machine on and off. It’s a safety feature if you have kids around. If the machine doesn’t have a power switch think about plugging it into a safety strip with a master switch.
Speed Control
This determines the speed that the fabric is fed through the machine, letting you sew at a steady tempo rather than stopping and starting.
Stitches
The number varies wildly, from the basics like straight and zigzag, to decorative stitching. When looking, check a machine’s maximum stitch length and width.
Tension Adjustment
You’ll need to change how tight the thread is. When it’s too tight it can cause puckered fabric. Too loose, the result is loopy stitches.
Top Load Bobbin
Unlike older machines, where you had to thread the bobbin in a recessed compartment, many machines now let you slide open a panel and drop the bobbin in easily. A clear cover lets you see when thread is running low.
Find the Right Thread for Your Project
Choosing the correct thread can be done easily if you know which things to focus on. The best thread for your project will largely depend on which fabric is our go-to. A good tip is to choose thread that matches the size, weight and feel of the fabric you're using. Some experts suggest matching the thread itself to the material. For example, this would mean cotton thread for natural fibers, polyester thread for synthetic blend fabrics.
Another factor is color. Most of the time, you can find an all-purpose thread of your choice in the right color, and the results will be great. If you are trying to determine what the right color is, the answer is it is a total preference/as you see it type of situation. There are two routes you can take: pick the color that perfectly matches your fabric, or select a contrasting color.
When choosing the quality of thread itself, purchasing the best kind your budget can buy is the best bet. This cheap thread gives you cheap looking results, and lack of quality shows.
Cotton Thread
Cotton thread is suitable for designs using light to medium weight and natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon. Most of the cotton thread on isles goes through a finishing process that leaves the thread soft and glossy. Cotton thread is softer than polyester. You also get a little bit of elasticity and security knowing cotton will help what you are creating to hold whatever shape it's in. If you are trying to make a totally stretchy fabric, you will want to use something different.
Cotton thread is a favorite type for those who love this craft. If you want your pieces to be well done, you will be sewing with high-quality quilting fabric.
Thankfully, quilting cotton can be bought in a coated form which lets the thread to pass through quilt fabric easily. You also have the option of wax the thread. Just remember,if you purchase coated quilting cotton, the only work with hand quilting. The stickiness of the coating will mess up your machine.
Polyester Thread
Polyester type of thread is known as the ultimate all-purpose thread and it is perfect for most sewing projects. If you are looking for a stretchy thread, this is your best bet. Polyester is stretchy and won't break because it's pulled on. Most polyester threads go through a process with a wax coating. This helps the tread to slide through fabric smoothly. Polyester type of thread can be bought anywhere thread is sold, seeing as it is the most common behind cotton. It is sold in all the colors, which makes it very easy to purchase for your specific project's needs.
Silk thread
This type of luxury thread is reliable, soft, and glossy. It is perfect for wool or silk materials. This can be a costly one because it is so specific, but it is fun to use for those special pieces.
Ideas for Your Sewing Room with a Brother SQ9185 Sewing Machine
1. Get a Good Sewing Table
Most would say having a sewing machine is very important for any sewing room, but don't forget that the table is vital as well. Getting a table is a big purchase because many out there are not sturdy enough to hold a sewing machine. Having a table that moves around while you sew is a big no-no. A big fix to this is purchasing hardwood table. You need to make sure the table you get is not too high up either, because your machine plugs into an outlet.
The best table is the drop-in, because they make room for the bottom of your machine to lay flat with the rest of the table. Having this seating arrangement gives support for your back as you work, and it allows keeps the fabric from falling or stretching. Some drop-in sewing tables have extension flaps, which you can pull up if you need to sewing a bigger fabric. Another good thing these tables are good for are cutting, which you do a lot of when you're a sewer.
2. Create an Idea Board
This idea is one that you can find all over Pinterest and it will really change everything about how you work. These boards are not only pretty to look at and double as decoration, but they’re a great way to match colors and textures side by side under bright light, as well as good for creating a place where you can observe from afar over time as you dream up your next project. Add literally anything that helps you come up with a complete idea for the next project you want to jump into and enjoy having it all in one place in plain sight.
3. Invite Amazing Lighting
Natural light is perfect for sewing and any type of work like this, really. But be wary of sunlight that is too pure and powerful. It can give you actually impact the fabrics you use by bleaching the vibrant colors. On the other hand, having a sewing room that is too dim will affect your eyes negatively as well as not give you a good representation of what colors to use and what your stitching looks like. The key is to invite and create a mellow glow that helps you see well and does not overpower everything in the room. Stay away from harsh lighting and invite up close light for your sewing projects.
4. Get a Comfy Chair
It doesn't make sense to invest in a perfectly chosen and beautiful sewing table and settle for an uncomfortable chair you got from the backyard. Chairs are so important, especially when you spend most of your working time sitting down. Having a good chair has endless benefits. A good chair helps with stress, fatigue, promotes good posture and better breathing, not to mention it is the difference between pain in your lower back and hips or none at all. A good chair is worth the splurge. Look into office chairs with good support. A great sewing room chair will bring up the comfort level to a million, which you will need when you do you dive into your sewing projects! Make something great!
About Brother SQ9185
Brother was established in 1954. It creates home, home office, and business products, along with industrial solutions.
Their philosophy is that quality is at the heart of every level of their organization. They work to anticipate future needs to deliver technological expertise and innovation through good, user friendly product solutions.
What is Brother SQ9185?
It’s a sewing and quilting computerized machine that shares features of high end models without the expensive price tag. It’s loaded with features, like 130 built in sewing stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitches. It also has 8 styles of one step auto size buttonholes and 1 built in sewing font with 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monograming.
Its maximum stitch width is around 7mm and the maximum stitch length is 5mm. It does have reverse stitch function that helps reinforce stitches with 2 or 3 stitches at the start and end of the seam to secure it. It has speed, handling 850 stitches per minute at maximum speed.
It weighs 18.45 pounds. It’s 11.48 inches wide, 6.69 inches deep, and 16.02 high.
What Makes Brother SQ9185 Unique?
It has special features that only come with have a Brother SQ9185. As mentioned before there is 130 built in stitches, including 8 styles of 1 stop auto size buttonholes. Also the 1 sewing font with 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches for basic monogramming.
It also comes with a large backlit LCD display for easy viewing in low light and bright LED lit work area. It has advanced easy needle threading system, variable speed control, and start/stop button.
Its smooth fabric feeding is because of its 7-point feed dogs. Other features include drop feed for free motion quitting, wide table, easy bobbin winding system, and needle position button.
It also comes with a manual and DVD. People have found these to be both easy to understand and informative. They have both because some people are visual learners and need to see what is being taught instead of just words being used.
- 130 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The RSQ9185 comes with 130 built-in stitches in addition to 55 alphanumeric stitches plus 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER AND DROP-IN TOP BOBBIN: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Included with the RSQ9185 is a wide table, 10 sewing feet, and instructional DVD
- LCD SCREEN: The backlit LCD display allows you to easily view your stitch selections
- 25 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: The RSQ9185 is backed by a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product
What Other People Think of Brother SQ9185
You can buy a Brother SQ9185 from multiple purchasing sites like Brother, Walmart, and Amazon. We will break down what customers from each site thought of the Brother SQ9185.
Brother
4-Star Rating
On Brother, it has a 4-star rating. People like this sewing machine because it’s lightweight, it’s easy to use, and it’s good with quilting.
They have complained about it needing a brighter sewing light, the foot pedals seem hard to use, and it seems to have a hard time keeping the thread tight.
Walmart
4.5-Star Rating
On Walmart, the Brother SQ9185 has a 4.5-star rating. Pros of this machine are that it’s good for beginners, the amount of stitches, and that it can handle a variety of thickness when it comes to fabrics.
Cons are that the spool holder seems very fragile, it can be a little noisy, and that the sewing light isn’t bright enough.
Amazon
3.8-Star Rating
There aren’t many reviews on Amazon, but it is a trusted site for honesty. The Brother SQ9185 has a 3.8-star rating. People like that it works for quilting, the automatic buttoner, and that it’s easy to use.
The only negative review says that their order didn’t come with all the parts it was supposed to and that Brother will not send the missing parts. Whether this is a onetime thing or not is uncertain.
How Brother SQ9185 Compares to Other Sewing Machines
Now that you’ve seen what customers think of it, let’s see how it stacks up against other machines. There are comparisons between different brands and even within Brother.
Brother SQ9185 Vs Brother CS6000i
VS
Even though they are from the same brand, their designs are very different. The SQ9185 is more of a square design while the CS6000i is curvier. Their button positions are different as well.
The Brother SQ9185 has a backlit LCD screen. You can see the screen no matter what the lighting conditions. It uses a 7-piece feed system and comes with 130 built in stitches. This includes 8 one step buttonholes.
It only has one font for monogramming and comes with a bunch of accessories.
The CS6000i also has an LCD screen, but it’s not backlit. For the most part it’s easy to read the screen but, in certain lighting, it can be difficult. It only uses a 6-piece feed system instead of 7.
It only comes with 60 built in stitches, including 7 one step buttonholes. It has no monogramming features. It’s 3 pounds heavier than the SQ9185. It also comes with a good amount of accessories.
Both machines have good stitch quality and can handle different fabrics. The CS6000i may be better for beginners you are looking for an entry level machine.
- SIMPLE-TO-USE SEWING AND QUILTING MACHINE: The CS6000i sewing and quilting machine is user-friendly. The stitch selector switch allows you to easily see and choose your stitch
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER: This quilting machine includes an automatic needle threaded that perfectly pushes thread through the needle
- ADJUSTABLE SEWING SPEED: The Brother CS6000i sewing and quilting machine features an adjustable stitch speed that gives you easy control
- WIDE TABLE: Designed for quilts and other larger projects, the CS6000i includes a wide table that gives you extra space. Maximum Sewing Speed (Stitches Per Minute) : 850
- BUILT-IN FREE ARM: Doing intricate sewing projects is simple thanks to the free arm that helps sew sleeves, pant legs, and other cylindrical items
Janome Vs Brother
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Janome has better build quality. They tend to take extra care to use metal wherever possible. This adds durability to their machines. They tend to be heavier than Brother. They make the best heavy duty sewing machines.
Though once again they aren’t as featured packed and are pricier.
The biggest difference between Janome and Brother is the features and price. Brother tends to have more features for less money. To get the same amount of features of a Brother machine for $150, you would have to spend $250 on a Janome machine.
Brother also has more built in stiches than Janome. Janome don’t have a lot of built in stitches at all. They are also lighter because they are made of plastic.
What We Think About Brother SQ9185
We think the Brother SQ9185 is a good machine, especially for beginners. The amount of built in stitches and automatic buttoner is extremely helpful for anyone who wants to start sewing and has no experience.
Many people like this machine because it’s easy to use and it comes with a sewing light. It’s lightweight so you can carry it around with ease.
The fact that it has so many features and comes with accessories make it fun for anyone of any level to explore and try different things. It lets you use different styles for the same project getting different results.
There are downsides too though. It seems like some of the parts are fragile and it can be hard to get it repaired. For some people the sewing light isn’t bright, even though people like the idea.
Another complaint that came up often was that the machine couldn’t keep stitches tight. This is bad because it can ruin a sewing project or make you start over and over again.
As with any purchase online, make sure to keep a few things in mind while you are looking. You should create a budget for you to follow. Sewing machines can vary in their price very quickly.
Also make sure to read the reviews. Products can sound good on paper and promise you everything, but then not actually deliver. Reviewers don’t hold anything back when they discuss why or why not they liked a product. They’ll also explain in detail and in ways that make it easy to understand.
Overall, Brother as a brand has a good reputation. They make quality machines that people like and find easy to use. If you are unsure of what brand to look into, check Brother out even if the Brother SQ9185 isn’t the right sewing machine for you.
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