Brother CP-6500 Review - Sewing Machine Review

Brother CP-6500 is a wonderful beginners sewing machine. If you find a better price, it is definitely worth buying. It is that good.

Brother CP-6500 Computerized Sewing Machine Features

60 built-in stitches
Automatic needle threader
Free arm capable
Needle position key

Brother CP-6500 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : HIGH

Feature wise, CP-6500 is very similar to CS6000i, which is by some distance the most popular beginners sewing machine in U.S. Actually CP-6500 is the newer machine, it is very different in design when you compare it with CS6000i, but under the hood, everything is the same. Being a new machine with updated features, it is worth having a look. CP-6500 comes with 60 built-in stitches which include 7 one-step buttonholes. I really like the design as it is very simple and straight forward. Buttons don’t crowd the front area, which is a good thing as you won’t end up pressing the wrong buttons. All the stitch information will be displayed on the LCD screen. I would have loved the screen to be slightly bigger as it would be easier for older people to read.

Stitch selection and stitch settings (length and width) buttons are placed right next to the LCD screen. Maximum stitch width is 7mm and stitch length is 5mm. The automatic needle threader is really a blessing for beginners. The quick set drop-in bobbin with clear cover is another feature that beginners will always love. With the clear cover, you can always keep an eye on the bobbin thread supply. An LED work light illuminates the whole sewing space. Brother CP-6500 comes with a powerful motor that can deliver 850 stitches/minute. You can sew this machine without the foot pedal, thanks to the start/stop button and the speed control slider. With the speed control slider, you can adjust the sewing speed in 3 levels, low, medium and high.

Another huge advantage is the programmable needle up/down button. Now this is a feature that you normally won’t get on all beginners machines. To get this feature, generally you need to spend over $140 for a machine. Needle position key is vital for pivoting or removing the fabric. It is literally like having an extra hand for sewing. Brother has done a nice job with that. There is a drop feed dog lever for free-motion quilting. Weighing at just 10.1 pounds, you can say that CP-6500 is one of the lightest machines around. The machine has 25 years limited warranty.

Usability

The user manual is absolutely great. Even an idiot can understand the instructions. This makes Brother CP-6500 an easy to set up machine. Actually it is a great machine for beginners. The machine operates very quietly, I think it is one of the quietest I have come across in the recent past. The machine is very very easy to thread. The stitch quality is excellent. The machine has a good variety of stitches which is more than enough for an average sewer. The machine handles thick and thin fabrics equally well. You can call it an all-rounder for sure. Being a light weight machine, you can easily carry it to sewing classes as well.

Limitations

One feature missing on Brother CP-6500 is the reinforcement function. It would have been a perfect machine, if that too was included.

Pros

Quality stitches
Variety of features
Affordable
Lightweight
Quiet operation

Cons

No reinforcement option

Is It Worth Buying ?

Yes, of course. If you are a complete newbie and you don’t want to spend a lot of money and at the same time want a good quality, uncomplicated machine, then Brother CP-6500 is definitely the one to consider. Great value for money. One more thing, you must have a look at the price of Brother CS6000i and compare it with this machine, because CS6000i comes with few extra accessories. If the price difference is less than $20, then CS6000i would be a better option considering the extra accessories you get, which includes an extension table.