Whether you’re an amateur, hobbyist, or seamstress-extraordinaire, having a sewing Machine is essential. While there’s something soothing and special about hand-sewing, when you’re in the middle of a huge project and don’t have a moment to spare, sewing machines are critical. Hand-sewing simply can’t compete with the high-speed stitching that sewing machines offer.
There’s a common misconception that by using a sewing machine you may be sacrificing detail and precision. While the most basic sewing machines are only capable of doing a few stitches and their variations, many more are able to do fine needlework that will make you reevaluate everything you thought a sewing machine could do before.
For instance, some specialized sewing machines are made especially for embroidery and programmed with tons of patterns and styles—with more available for download online.
Which brings us to our next point—sewing machines have been brought into the digital age. So, if there’s a certain embroidery style that you have your eye on that your computerized sewing machine doesn’t have, you can download it quick and easy.
Not all sewing machines are created equally, however, nor is there one machine that is completely perfect for everyone. What you need to focus on, then, is finding the perfect sewing machine for you.
Below, we’ll be reviewing the Brother CE1100PRW so you can find out if this is the sewing machine of your dreams before gambling your purchase. It is our goal to provide you with as accurate and unbiased information as possible, so you can make the best decision for you come purchase time.
What is the Brother CE1100PRW and How Does it Work?
The Brother CE1100PRW is a computerized sewing machine, so it is able to download and learn new stitching styles through your purchase of them online. This is a lightweight sewing machine whose goal is to be easy to use while still providing professional features. It is a Project Runway Limited Edition product, so don’t delay if you have your eyes set on it.
This sewing machine is meant to last—Brother promises that it will serve you for many years down the line, whether you’re the type who just needs to mend something on occasion or you work with heavy garment construction on the regular.
Using the Brother CE1100PRW is simple. As its power is going, the needle will bob up and down, moving thread through the material so that it performs a series of rapid-fire stitches. The fabric will naturally be pushed forward, you just need to give it a steady guiding hand. You can select the kind of stitch to use simply through selecting it on the LCD screen.
What Makes the Brother CE1100PRW Unique?
Key Features
As stated above, the Brother CE1100PRW is made with user-friendliness in mind. Like many modern sewing machines, it features an automatic needle threading system. This is a particularly useful feature that all users can take advantage of—those who’ve used older sewing machines can attest to how long and arduous a process threading the machine needle can be.
Also nice is the LED-lit work area—bright LED lights shine down on the frame of fabric you’re feeding through the machine so that you know exactly what you’re doing. No need to worry about any shadows or murky spots.
The design of the sewing machine also offers a free arm, ideal for sewing the cuffs of sleeves, hemlines, etc.
The feed system of the machine works with the user for flawless seams. For starters, the design of the feed system makes it possible to sew through almost any fabric. It also utilizes 7-point feed dogs, creating a smooth and even feed of your fabrics. Lastly, it features a drop feed, which allows for free motion sewing and quilting.
Finally, the Brother CE1100PRW features a quick-set drop-in top bobbin that you shouldn’t have any problem using, even if you’re used to a side bobbin.
Stitching Styles
And now for the stitching styles. The Brother CE1100PRW offers over 100 built-in unique stitches, not including all of the slight variations for each one. It also offers eight styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes.
It should be noted that this is not an embroidery machine, so don’t expect and swirling patterns. These stitches can get pretty intricate and decorative, however.
If there’s a certain stitch that you’re just dying to use but that the Brother CE1100PRW doesn’t offer, never fear! This techy sewing machine has an internal computerized system that enables you to download different stitches online. Simply find the stitch you want on one of many sewing or embroidery websites, purchase, and download—now you’re ready to go.
Accessing and switching stitches is nice and easy. Simply use the LCD screen to scroll through your options, make your selection, and presto, your sewing machine is fully ready to start sewing the way you want it to.
Accessories
Included with the Brother CE1100PRW are seven different accessory feet: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, overcasting, monogramming, and blind stitch.
It also comes with an accessory bag that holds a needle set, twin needles, a ballpoint needle. Further included are multiple bobbins and spool caps, along with a seam ripper, cleaning brush, extra spool pin, power cord, and screwdriver.
It also come with a detailed owner’s manual, so you know exactly how to operate your machine and get the most out of it.
Keep in mind that, just as with the stitches you can download online, there is a whole host of other accessories and products from Brother that are compatible with this sewing machine. So, if you’re in need of any different types of presser feet or anything else to enhance your sewing experience, you can always look into purchasing further accessories.
Warranty
The Brother CE1100PRW comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Pricing
The most common place you can find the Brother CE1100PRW is at Walmart, either online or at your local store. Walmart offers the sewing machine for $139.97.
As with many things, you can also find this sewing machine on Amazon for the reduced price of $99.95. This is not a brand-new product, however. The Brother CE1100PRW is only available on Amazon in a used, refurbished condition. This product has been certified refurbished by Brother, so it should still work just as good as new—just perhaps not for the same long lifetime as a new product.
All in all, this is on the cheap end as far as sewing machines go. Most standard sewing machines fall somewhere within the range of $100-$500, their prices usually depending on the advanced features and durability of the machines.
There are, of course, outliers. You may be able to find a miniature or very simplistic sewing machine for around $60 or under, while a truly sophisticated and heavy-duty machine can reach upwards into the thousands.
Public Perception
Public perception of the Brother CE1100PRW is a little divided. Those in favor LOVE it. They say that it is extremely easy to use and they love the amount of design stitches that it comes preloaded with. They also love the pack of different presser feet that it comes with.
Those that aren’t in love with this sewing machine have a few reasons. Some state that it worked great at first, but then quickly declined. Others complain that it has tension issues that need to be continually fixed and that are difficult to do so.
It seems a tentative consensus among general users is that this is a good machine if you just need to mend or hem something on occasion, but not for a serious sewer.
Additionally, some say that it eats up delicate materials like knit fabrics. While it isn’t great with delicate fabrics, however, it’s great to use on tough ones such as leather and canvas.
How it Compares
Now that we’ve taken a close look at all the Brother CE1100PRW has to offer and its public perception, let’s see how it stacks up against some other similarly priced sewing machines on the market. Below, we’ll be comparing the Brother CE1100PRW to the Janome 2212 and the Singer Heavy Duty 4423.
But first, here are a few general ratings of the Brother CE1100PRW to keep in mind as we conduct our comparison.
Brother CE1100PRW | JANOME 2212 | Singer Heavy Duty 4423 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Build | |||
Features |
This post first appeared on 2016 Sewing Machine Reviews: Best Sewing Machines, please read the originial post: here
