RATING = 4 THIMBLES
The Brother CS6000i sewing machine comes with a host of stitches, is very easy to use, and is reasonably priced. Many owners feel it provides great value for the money and is an excellent machine for beginners. It is also quite capable on both thin and thick fabrics. The machine is fairly lightweight and this is in part due to the fact that there is a lot of plastic used in its construction. Overall, consumer ratings are very good with limited low scores.
Owner Ratings
Consumer ratings from a range of retail websites are very good – on the order of 4+ stars out 5. On Amazon the CS6000i scores 4.5 stars out of 5 and this is the result of over 5000 reviews.
Consumer Insights
A detailed review of comments across a host of retailers provides the following likes and dislikes:
Brother-CS6000i-Stitches
PROS
– Very Easy to use
– Affordable
– Lots of stitch options
– Capable on both think and thin fabrics
– Manual is detailed and very good
– Comes with a great package of accessories
– Good for quilting
CONS
– Threading the bobbin can be tricky
– Overly sensitive foot pedal
Owners repeatedly highlight that they feel this sewing machine is an excellent buy and good bang for your buck. Most owners rate the CS6000i 5 stars out of 5 but there are some 1 star ratings. These tend to be related to the machine instantly failing upon first start up or something key breaking in the first few months. These 1 star ratings are fortunately well outnumbered by the machine’s higher ratings.
A number of people report taking the machine to classes as it is so light. Although when a machine is too light it sometimes has a tendency to move around when you are sewing.
A lot of people buy this for a younger family member who is just getting starting sewing. It is also popular for adults who are beginners. The machine is capable of handling light, thin fabric as well as heavy fabric like denim.
You can see more reviews on Amazon
If you are just starting with this machine the following is a great video to help you get going:
Features
– 60 built-in stitches (selectable via LCD display). 20 Decorative, 20 Garment Construction, 7 Quilting, 6 Heirloom, 7 Automatic Buttonhole.
– LCD display panel
– Adjustable stitch length and width
– Stitch width = 7mm
– Stitch length = 5mm
– Start/stop button
– Variable speed control slider
– Drop in bobbin
– Detachable, oversize table (good for quilting)
– Automatic needle threader
– Built-in free arm
– LED lit work area
– Sewing speed is 850 stitches per minute
– Variable needle position
– Drop feed capable
– Quick change presser feet
– Adjustable tension control
The CS6000i comes with quite a few accessories including 9 presser feet: Walking foot, Spring action quilting foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Monogramming foot, Button fitting foot, Overcasting foot, Zipper foot, and Zigzag foot. There is also a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, a needle set, spool caps, bobbins, a spool pin, an eyelet punch, and a screwdriver. In addition, you receive a power cord, a hard case, and a sewing machine manual (English & Spanish). The accessories store conveniently in the accessory storage compartment which is built into the arm of the machine.
The machine weighs a very lightweight 13 lbs and is both UL and CSA listed. It also carries a 25 year limited warranty, which means 25 years on the machine chassis, 2 years on electronic components, and 1 year for parts, labor and accessories.
Summary
This machine is a great buy for beginners and intermediate sewists. There are thousands of owner reviews of the Brother CS6000i and these are predominantly very good. It is also light weight which makes it portable and handy for classes. It comes with plenty of features including 60 stitch options, and no less than 9 presser feet are included in the accessory package. It may lack some of the features expected by a more experienced seamstress however, and due to the extent of plastic used in its construction likely does not have the longevity of some of the more expensive sewing machines on the market.
Manual
You can view the sewing machine manual here.
