I love this machine- this was the first machine I have ever bought (I have been given many.) It was SO easy to learn to use, I was making a quilt within hours of learning. The instructions are clear- it has an easy threader (YES!!), and so many cute stitches. I have not had any problems with it since my purchase. I love it immensely. Stitch Performance I can only give this an 8 if I am COMPLETELY honest. I don't care about a missed stitch, which is good- because many of my quilts have missed stitches. Especially when I am trying some of the fancier stitches, this may be user error, I am not the best quilter. Ease of Use This machine is beyond easy to use, the instructions are clear. I even found a PDF version of the instructions for my iPad. I primarily use this machine for making quilts. I should have thought about this, I wish the work area was larger. Fabric Handling This machine handles light fabrics very well. This machine struggles with large and heavy items- and starts to pull a bit. You just have to sew very slow. I run into this when I am finishing a quilt. Versatility I have made three years of halloween costumes on this machine, toddler clothes, stuffed animals, tons of quilts, hemmed pants for my hubby! You can do anything with this machine. Very versatile for a versatile sewer. Design This brother has an easy simple design. The stitch function makes it easy to change between stitches. Needles are easy to change. Durability This machine is very durable- I have used it for everything. I have never put this machine through EXTREME torture- but I have sewed heavy outdoor canvas and this machine did great!

witnee19

USA

The Brother PC420PRW is a very nice sewing machine. It comes with a wide variety of tools, pressure feet and other accessories. It also has this cool protective plastic carrying case. Gotta love the way you can thread the needle automatically (I don't have to head for the magnifying glass!) and there is also an built-in thread cutter. All the thread paths are marked, the bobbin drops in to making it easy to finish threading. Rewinding the bobbin is fun using the super easy winding system. The electronics are pretty easy to use, they do require reading the instruction manual if you want to do more than a basic stitch. (Instruction Manual is well executed and easy to understand). There is a bunch (box says 294) built-in sewing stitches available. I have not tried all of them yet, but working on it. There is a speed setting (electronic variable speed control), so that the lead footed person, does not go too fast while sewing - don't know about you but I tend to get in a hurry to finish - this stops me from making a mess! Ease of Use It is very easy to use, experienced or first time sewers should be able to jump in and use this unit without a lot of effort.

ohpooh

USA

Good brand. Good quality. Works well. Does almost EVERYTHING you could imagine a computerized sewing machine can do. It has a lot of variety of stitches and adjustment galore. You can adjust spacing, width, pattern. You name it and this machine can do it. Not too much to complain about. Stitch Performance Hard to complain when there are so many stitch option to select from. It actually can get confusing because there are just too many choices. Ease of Use Not as simple as a non-computerized machine, but for the younger generation that is probably used to such a thing (and computers) then it would be a breeze. If you've had no previous experience with programmable machines, then you might be a little intimidated with this one. Fabric Handling Only other thing I wish this model did was allow for bigger (thicker) materials and when you're trying to sew bulky things like quilts and jeans. Versatility So many different things you can do with this model that its mind boggling!

BobbettJascor

USA

I am very pleased with my new Brother Project Runway Special Edition PC-420PRW. It sews smoothly and quietly and there are so many stitches available from which to choose. I came with 11 different presser feet as well as other accessories such as screwdrivers, bobbins, needles, extra spool pin, etc. This is also equipped with a cover to protect the machine when not in use. The manual is very complete and very clearly written so that even a novice can follow it step by step to become familiar with all of the sewing machine's features. Experienced sewists will also appreciate the versatility and special features that this machine affords and that are usually only available on much more expensive products. I also purchased the extension for this so that I can use it for quilting and larger projects. All in all, I think this sewing machine outclasses so many others that are out on the market. It has the features of much more expensive machines and is backed by the Brother name with a reasonable warranty on parts and labor. Accessories are readily available both online and at authorized dealers and are also very affordable. It sews on all types of fabric from very sheer to heavyweight and can be used for all kinds of projects such as apparel, home décor, crafts, quilting, etc. I am also very happy to realize that a computerized sewing machine takes a lot of the guesswork out of the sewing process and it encourages so many creative ideas as well. I am thrilled to have made this purchase and encourage anyone looking to buy a sewing machine to check this one out. Stitch Performance Very even stitches with hundreds of styles available as well as a custom stitch programming option makes this machine a great value. Ease of Use Following the manual from beginning to end is all it really takes to become familiar with all the features of this sewing machine. The LCD screen has built in help guide, threading guide, etc. Fabric Handling Handles all types of fabric from sheer to heavyweight and adjusts accordingly. Versatility Suitable for all types and styles of sewing--apparel, home décor, crafts, quilting, etc. Design Modern, user-friendly and well thought out. Durability With reasonable care and maintenance this machine should last a long time.

JoAnnGC

Canton, GA

I had never used a sewing machine prior to buying my Brother Embroidery/Sewing machine. I found that getting started was a breeze and I have completed many projects on the machine now. My only complaint so far is that something happened to make the needle threading device not work properly so now I have to hand-thread every time I need to change threads. I have not yet contacted customer service about this issue but will be doing that soon since the one-year warranty is coming to an end soon. Great for sewing, alterations, embroidery and applique work. Finding directions for the appliques was a little difficult and required a Google search.

mysticfire0213

Knoxville, TN

Been sewing for 30 plus years and use my Brother project runway edition almost daily. Easy to set up, thread and move. Love teaching others with it and recommend it to beginners. Does plenty of stitches, but still has problems with denim. Wished I had held out money wise for an embroidery machine though. THis one does a little, but not a great machine for that.

minathan

USA

I love this machine! I was skeptical because it was a machine that was endorsed by a television show (a show I like, but still). I love love love the fact that it have an easy thread loader for both the top and bottom bobbin. In general , it it clear and easy to use. Stitch Performance The stitches can be loose if I stitch too fast, but that is mostly the decorative stitches. Ease of Use Everything is clearly labelled and numbered for easy changing. Fabric Handling the feed dogs lift up and down, and there is a tension control also that helps hold the fabric. My machine came with a walking foot which makes fabric handling easy too. Versatility I love the fact it came with multiple button hold makers as well a double needle. It has taken my sewing to a new level. Design This machine has very clear numbers and instructions which make the threading and use very simple. The simple white design is classic, though the white plastic can turn a bit yellow in the sun. Durability This is a very durable machine, and i have abused it a bit trying to sew through thick fabrics that I probably should not have. I have had it for almost 2.5 years and have had it cleaned and tuned once, but had no other issues.

jma280

Belmont, MA

I recently bought this Brother sewing machine for myself. This is my first sewing machine, and it is a great starter while also having capabilities to do more complicated functions. It is very user friendly and was extremely easy to set up. It is lightweight, and the instruction manual is quite readable. My mom, who has been sewing for many years, commented on what a nice machine it was. I think that is a great machine at a reasonable price, and I highly recommend it!

curlymama3

Lagrange, OH

I recieved the Brother Project Runway machine for Christmas this past year. It has allowed me to express my creativity. I have wanted to sew for a very long time but have no one around to show me the ropes. This machine has been so easy to use. It is very easy to thread and the stich guide and lcd display are very easy to use. I have self taught myself to sew. The manual that comes with the machine is very well written and has tons of useful information. Since Christmas I have sewn a fully lined purse, a dress for my neice, a pair of drapes for my living room, a curtain for the sewing room, and a dog sweater. I would have done more if I had more fabric. This is a very nice machine. Stitch Performance Every stitch I have selected has turned out beautiful and exactly like the display says it will look like. Ease of Use I love how easy this machine is to thread. It is also easy to change needles, feet and bobbins. Even if there is a clog in the bobbin case it is easy to clean out and fix. Fabric Handling So far I have had no problems sewing most fabrics including heavy blankets, I have had a little trouble with extremely light weight fabrics getting pulled into the feed dog gears. But I can get around that by using interfaces to make them stiffer. Versatility I love the different feet and attachments this machine has. My ruffler foot works wonderful. The number of built in stitches both useful and decorative make designing projects a breeze. Design Like the light weight design. I can move the machine to any table in the house with ease. Durability The built in needle threader broke off. I can still thread it without it but it bumms me out that it broke so easily.

lbolling2

Hopkinsville, KY

After having a couple of low-end sewing machines, the Brother PC-420 was everything I ever wanted in a sewing machine and tons of bonus features that I didn't even know I would love!  It was a much appreciated surprise Christmas present from my husband and I couldn't be more pleased. The idea of sewing without a foot pedal seemed strange to me at first, but now I could never go back.  I love being able to just press a button and let her go!  And she can go faaast if I want her too (way faster than my other machines could even dream of going).  The machine comes with lots of different feet to go with all the different stitches and features available.  Lately, I have been using the walking foot for doing machine quilting!  It was so nice that it came with the machine.  I love that it cuts the thread automatically and that it always stops with the needle down for easy turning (or you can tell it to always leave it up).  The one-step button holer is truly a miracle for me.  It really couldn't get much simpler.  I love the variety of stitches available.  Ther are lots of fancy embroidery and heirloom stitches as well as 3 monogramming fonts. I love this machine!!

stephasauri

Champaign, IL