The stitching was also very even, demonstrated through the five decorative designs we tested on this machine. We tried two different sewing designs and found them to be both sleek and simple. Though the tension needs to be tweaked a bit for some of the features, for basic sewing, it's a breeze to use straight out of the box. The stitching was straight, clean, and easy. The machine comes with several different feet suitable for both quilting and decorative sewing needs, as well as accessories like a seam ripper and extra needles. We also liked how easy it was to thread the bobbin. This Brother model has features that include a light, buttonhole capability (which was quite effective), a needle threader, and a twin needle feature. There's a quick guide to help you set it up, and we liked having the paper manual to take down notes and keep track of key settings for later sewing sessions.

The Brother XR9550 is very easy to set up, even compared to another Brother model we had tried. For expert insight on what to look for when purchasing a sewing machine, we consulted with Haning and Elise Chase-Sinclair, costumer and sewing blogger. Using cotton and denim, we observed how well they could execute basic stitches like straight and zigzag, and we explored special features like buttonholes and decorative and embroidery stitches. To select the best sewing machines, we tested 24 models of sewing machines and sergers, evaluating each on their ease of setup, performance, design and features, and overall value. “All of that extra quilting and embroidery and 50 different stitches on the inside lid of the machine-that's all great, but it's not very important.

“I'm looking for a machine that feeds well, sews well, and has a couple of main primary functions,” she explains. Good mechanics are everything when purchasing a sewing machine, says Shae Haning, owner of the Oklahoma-based Tallgrass Tailor and the host of the “Sew Show with Shae” on YouTube. But with so many models available on the market, how do you choose what’s right for your at-home sewing needs? Are you an aspiring fashion designer? Creator of colorful quilts? Even if you simply wish to expand your tailoring skills past basic needle and thread, the right sewing machine will enhance your craft.

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