Customer Reviews

Brother Project Runway CE7070PRW 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Wide Table

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I grew up using a Singer sewing machine in a cabinet - it was okay but had some unresolvable tension issues. A decade ago we went to a local trusted sewing machine store where they recommended a White. WOW were we led astray. We all hated that White - the bobbin was a pain to load and it frequently broke the threads in the middle of projects causing extensive frustration and anxiety. The White was HORRIBLE to deal with loading the bobbin; the bobbin thread and sewing thread often broke, it was simply a nightmare and we stopped using it altogether. The White is so horrible no one wants that sewing machine; I've tried giving the White away free a few times, NO ONE has picked it up, despite being FREE to a good home hence it's still sitting in my garage. Afterall we paid well over $200 for the pile of useless plastic so I hate to landfill the machine. (Thankfully a local friend read my review here and gave the White to a local single mom in need.) A year ago we bought the Brother CS6000i Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Hard Case & More! to replace the detested White Sewing machine.

So in steps our new Brother CS6000i. A friend recently came over to help make new window treatments for our living room. Sight unseen, he unboxed the Brother CS6000i and within the evening our new window treatments were completely finished without any issues whatsoever. Pretty good for the first project on a previously unknown machine.

Since then we've used the Brother CS6000i for a number of other smaller projects, it's just such a breeze to use and so refreshing after the previous horrible experience. I've come to trust Brother for good quality products, it's amazing their quality extends into sewing machines. Brother has now become the name of quality for me.

Then the Brother CE7070 arrived for review. Side by side with the Brother CS6000i, they are both fantastic machines. Both Brother machines feature the very easy to load top bobbin, and an automatic needle threader. Yes, read that again, both machines feature the AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER!! VERY NICE!!

The primary differences I have noted so far include:
* The CS6000i comes with a hard protective cover, the 7070 does not come with a case nor a cover. For either machine I recommend getting the Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case.
* The CS6000i has 60 built in stitches, the CE7070 has 70 built in stitches; both come with a wide table which is a very very handy attachment!

The CE7070 features the following stitches: Garment construction including button sewing, 7 button hole stitches (1-step auto-size), mending, zipper insertion, and various stretch stitches; Decorative stitches including twin needle straight and zigzag stitches as well as serpentine leaf and serpentine flower stitches (I love the look!); quilting stitches and heirloom stitches.

Both the Brother CS6000i and the Brother CE7070 are FIVE STAR MACHINES! My recommendation: Go with the Brother 7070 sewing machine for the 10 extra built-in stitches then spend the few dollars saved to buy the Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case. Brother's customer service is 877-276-8437.

Whatever you do, don't repeat my mistake of entrusting a local sewing machine store to lead you to the machine that's supposedly easy to use and will serve you well, especially when they also offer a lengthy series of very expensive classes to then teach clients how to use the expensive confounded machine they sell.

Length:: 9:51 Mins

In my video review of this Brother sewing machine I will show you the basic features and what the stitch quality looks like. I also talk a little about how light weight this sewing machine is, which isn't necessarily a problem, I just hope the machine lasts a while and isn't made off too cheap of parts.

When I say I wouldn't recommend spending too little on a sewing machine, less than one-fifty or so, I'm not necessarily talking about this machine. The non-reduced price of this machine is higher and the features are better than the really cheap machines which I would avoid. Very much like cars, you don't want to spend too little on a machine, in my opinion, if you're hoping it will last you a good long time.

I've only had a couple months to use this machine, but I will be sure to update my review if my opinions change! Please feel free to leave questions in the comments section, I'm happy to answer them. Thanks for watching!

Executive Summary: Great little machine and functionally very similar to the Brother CS6000i. These machines are about perfect for learning and hobbyist level use. Also, it is almost a sin to waste time and money by paying someone to hem a pair of pants. Much faster and cheaper to buy an inexpensive sewing machine and learn to do it.

Unlike other reviewers, if both were the same price then I'd take the CS6000i over the CE7070PRW. I value the CS6000i's included cover (not a carry case) more than the additional 10 stitched of the CE7070PRW. Also, the CS6000i seems to have a few more metal parts in places where metal may be important (spindle, ...).

I've owned and used the CS6000i for about a year now. Great little machine. Now being loaned out to a friend learning to sew.

Unboxing the CE7070PRW was like finding a familiar friend. It's got that nice little needle threading gizmo. Hence I was running a few test swatches through it almost immediately. It simply works. Just like it is supposed to. On the other hand, I almost exclusively us straight, zig-zag, and blind stitches.

It's simply amazing what Brother packs into these little machines. It's also amazing how many little attachments are included. Especially all the different feet for different kinds of stitches.

I know a fair number of people that turn their noses up at these sewing machines. They like to spend a few hundreds of dollars (or more) on other brands. After hemming a bunch of pants and numerous jedi robe designs, I can't tell the difference.

One of the odd things about these machines is that they are very light. That makes them easy to get out, put away, and haul around.

One of the really nice things is the instruction book. It does a decent job showing how to do the various stitches. HOWEVER, youtube is even better. Lots of instruction there.

Anyways... This is more than enough machine for someone at my hobbyist level.

I grew up learning to sew on my grandmother's & mom's Kenmore. In the early years of our marriage, my husband bought me a Brother XL-3022. It's still going strong but does show it's age. Loud & clunky, but very serviceable. Last spring I bought the Brother CS6000i as a new treat to myself, so when the Brother Project Runway CE7070PRW was offered to me I was very interested in seeing the difference. Both machines are very similar, including in price.

Both the CE7070PRW & CS6000i are very lightweight. It's easy to move them from table to box and back again. They're amazingly quiet too. Lots of decorative stitches that are so fun to use, the CE7070PRW has 10 more than the CS6000i. I love the drop in bobbin that they both feature. That is a HUGE improvement over the old XL-3022. The automatic threader is fantastic. The wide table attachment is also a great accessory. I look forward to using it for my future large projects.

Now down the the "nuts and bolts." The price is great on the CE7070PRW, the machine is relatively easy to use. So I think it would be a great machine for a beginner. It's good to start with, and has all the bells & whistles for when your skills improve and you want to try something of higher level. It's sturdy so it should stand up to years of use. The same thing for the CS6000i. The only thing I wish it had was a case like my CS6000i but those should be relatively inexpensive. The other small item I prefer on my CS6000i is the "needle position" button. It's just a handy thing that I've gotten used to on that machine, so it really doesn't make much of a difference that the CE7070PRW doesn't have it. Sort of more a personal thing.

So I would equally recommend either the Brother CS6000i OR the Project Runway CE7070PRW. Both are fantastic machines in similar price ranges. As to which machine I'd recommend on an individual basis depends on what you want in features.

The Brother Project Runway 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Wide Table is an awesome sewing machine that is very easy to use even for an amateur such as myself. I am probably not the typical sewing machine user but I wanted to learn how to make some items for myself such as beanies, gloves, add/replace buttons, replace zippers, and to modify some of my clothes for backpacking and hiking trips by reinforcing them for added durability. It is amazing what modifications can be made with a little ingenuity.

Aspects of the Brother Project Runway CE7070PRW that I like include:

+ Pre-programmed with 7 styles of buttonholes which the unit automatically sizes to use with your specific buttons
+ Wide table to accommodate larger projects which really comes in handy
+ Provides high-end stitch quality
+ Comes with 70 built-in stitch types
+ Has an LCD display to select switch type
+ The LED-lighted work area is surprisingly bright
+ Easy threading with an automatic needle
+ Top-load, drop-in bobbin helps ensure the bobbin stays in place
+ Has a 25-year limited warranty

This is a great sewing machine that comes loaded with a lot of options and features in a very reasonably priced machine. I wish this machine was capable of working on my gear such as backpacks and other gear that has heavy duty material. I recommend the Brother Project Runway 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine for those new to sewing and experienced users alike. This is an easy sewing machine to use even for a rookie like me!

Just the incredible choices in preset STITCHES is enough reason to LOVE this Brother! But it also takes on the very thinnest, delicate fabric to the very heaviest - like multiple layers of denim. Also quilts, monograms, etc. Plus, the instructions are good, if you know the basics already, and changing the foot, or anything else, on the machine is super easy AND it has a removable WIDE table extension for when u need it. If u can, grab this 4 your self ASAP! Also, be sure to check out the FREE tutorial "Sewing Machine 911" by Claudia Miller at craftsy dot com - which is really good! (Just put "miller" in the search box and click on the pop-up for info.)

This machine has really had a workout! If you follow the instructions the bobbin winding is a cinch to do. The threading of the machine is so easy! It doesn't come with the automatic start/stop function, does have a reverse stitch function. The bobbin is easy to pop in and out! Without the start/stop function it means using the foot pedal which I found to be very easy to use and smooth running, no jerking or racing. It is a very quiet sewing machine to run! I haven't had a chance to use the wide table yet so can't comment on that part, but if it is as easy to use as the rest of the machine then it too should be a snap. I love the 70 stitches and button hole stitches, they are awesome. I used some of the stitches to make some things to give to my friends for Christmas. I have tried them all! This sewing machine is very fun to use. I will need to get the walking foot for doing quilting. I can't wait to get back to using this sewing machine to make other things!! Happy sewing on this machine!

I learned how to sew on a Bernina sewing machine and have been using Bernina ever since, so I was completely unfamiliar with the Brother brand when I got this sewing machine.

This review ran a bit long; so, here is a quick list of the pros and cons before I get into the details:

Pros:

- Light/easy to carry

- Display is good--shows which presser foot should be used with which stitch

- Machine automatically ends with the needle raised, but you can change it if you would prefer it to end with the needle down

- Self threader on the needle is nice. If the needle is not in all the way, it won't work

- Quick-set drop-in bobbin is convenient

Cons:

- I am used to a knee lever to raise the presser foot, and the brother machine doesn't have that

- Blind hem was hard to figure out, even though I have successfully done many blind hems in the past.

- Because the machine is so light, when the reinforcing stitch button is pressed, you have to be careful to not just push the whole machine

- Task light is not very bright

- The machine does not come with a cover

- All pieces are made out of plastic, which contributes to its lightness, but I wonder how durable it will be

Since I don't have a permanent place to keep a sewing machine, and have to get it out of the closet when I want to use it, I was pleased by how light this machine is. It would be even better if it had some kind of cover or case to go with it, but I can just keep it in the box. The problem with that is that when I get the machine out to use, it ends up just sitting on my dining room table with the box on a chair much longer than it otherwise would because I hate to repack it in the box if I might use it again sometime soon.

The first thing I thought when I plugged the sewing machine in was that the "super bright LED light" was not as bright as I would like it. I saw a task light at the store that can be bought separately to attach to the brother machine for more light and I can see why someone would want to get that. Personally I am not a big fan of having to buy extra things that will then have to stored somewhere, so I was disappointed in the brightness of the light. The directions are easy to follow for winding the bobbin and threading the machine. The bobbin is extra easy to put in because all you have to do is put the bobbin in the place it goes, guide the thread through a special track with a thread cutter at the end of it, and it's ready to go. It is nice that the machine has a self threader for the needle, too. I'd never used something like that before, but once I figured it out I was glad it was a feature on the machine. Especially since it would be hard to thread the needle myself with such a dim task light.

I played around with some of the stitches and I think the machine does a nice job. I don't use special stitching very often, but it's nice to know it's there if I ever have a need. When I need to use the stitch reinforcement, all I have to do is press a button on the front of the machine. The first time I pressed it the whole machine scooted away from me on the table because the machine is so light. So I have to be careful of that. With previous machines I have always had a knee lever that I push that will raise the presser foot so I don't have to remove my hands from what I'm working on to mess with raising the presser foot. This machine doesn't have anything like that, so I have to manually raise the presser foot every time I'm done with a run. I was somewhat annoyed by that. But the machine does sew smoothly and the controls are easy to understand. Whenever you change the stitch number, there is a part on the display that lets you know which presser foot you should be using. And each presser foot it labeled on the foot itself. When you stop sewing the needle automatically goes to the raised position. You can change that, if you want, so it ends with the needle in the down position. There is a little compartment on the front of the machine that you can put all the feet and bobbins and things that you aren't using, which is nice.

Many of the parts on the machines, including the bobbins, are made of plastic. This contributes to how light the machine is, I just hope that the machine will still be durable. Only time will tell.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this Brother machine and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for something lightweight and inexpensive.

I own two other sewing machines including a Singer 7470 Confidence and a Euro Pro Craft N Sew however, this little Brother might be my favorite of the three...here is why:

1. Super User Friendly! At the risk of aging myself, I learned to sew on an old machine where everything was mechanical. This little machine is simply amazing to see in action; so many functions with such simplicity! Press a button and change to the most adorable stiches, leaf patterns to hearts, thre is a nice selection to select from. Available selections are all visible clearly on the front of the machine so there is never a need to scroll around like with other machines.
2. Superb Instruction Manual. I think it was actually written in English by an English speaker! Seriously, it is so difficult to find decent manual's today but this was the exception to the rule. It's easy to read, has ample descriptions and drawings, love the trouble shooting guide and even helpful hints on how to start sewing for newbies.
3. Line drawings on the machine itself. Don't know how to thread the bobbin? Just follow the arrows on the machine itself.
4. Drop in bobbin - anyone that has ever fought with the old fashioned bobbins knows what a delight these new drop in bobbins are/can be. Suffice to say, a nice tough.
5. Self-Threading - Okay, in my opinion this is a negative because mine did NOT work. OUt of the box, the self threading needle just caused the machine to lock up each and every time used. I opted to self-thread and all worked perfectly. BIG disappointment for these aging eyes. Hopefully others will find this feature to work properly.
6. Easy slide adjustments - slide adjustments to select lenght/width etc of stiches. One button for reverse.
7. LED light - solid visibility.
8. Detachable arm - good solid sized detachable arm for use of use.
9. Very light - This could be viewed as a negative but this is a very lightweight machine. Suprisingly light.
10. Ready to Go! - This is now my preferred machine for those day to day applications. I leave it set with neutral thread for a quick mend/other. It's so simple to use, has plenty of great features for an exceptionally reasonable price. Aside from the auto thread feature not working, everything else seems to work like a charm. Amazing given the price!

Perfect little machine for a beginner or someone that just needs to make small repairs, alterations or small projects from time to time. My Singer remains the preferred machine for larger projects and I'll probably keep the Euro Pro just for the ability to handle thick fabrics however, I've replaced the Euro Pro for my day to day quick machine with this one due to the ease of use and additional stiches/features.

We own this machine for now about 3 months and my wife really loves it. She is expert in sewing and has always used manual machines. This is her first automatic sewing machine and she is so excited to talk about this machine to her friends. Honestly, she is still learning but every time I see her happier and excited while sitting on the machine. This is medium-to-heavy duty machine for a family and we strongly recommend this.