Comparison between Brother XR1355 and CS6000i becomes valid when there is a fluctuation in the price of the former. The choice is clear if the price is similar.
Brother XR1355 and CS6000i are two quality, computerized sewing machines from Brother. The feature difference is quite a bit when you compare both the machines. Brother CS6000i has a stable price whereas the price of XR1355 fluctuates a lot (XR1355 is generally the more expensive one). The main reason is because XR1355 is an upcoming model, whereas CS6000i is already an established one with a long queue of satisfied sewers. XR1355 is clearly the most advanced of the two and the fluctuating price, sometimes brings it in the range of CS6000i which makes the comparison quite interesting. From the point of view of a sewer, all I want to know is which one offers more in value and quality.
Brother XR1355 Vs CS6000i – Features Comparison
There is quite a big gap between the two in terms of features. First we will be going through the areas where there is difference.
Built-in Stitches : XR1355 is the king in this department. It has more than double the number of stitches than CS6000i. XR1355 has 130 built-in stitches including 8 one-step buttonholes and 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming. CS6000i on the other hand has just 60 built-in stitches including 7 one-step buttonholes. XR1355 is clearly the best ‘creativity friendly’ machine among the two.
Monogramming : You can do monograms with XR1355 as it has 1 sewing font with 55 alphanumeric stitches. You can’t do monogramming on CS6000i.
Accessories : Brother CS6000i comes with an included free motion quilting foot which is additional purchase in the case of XR1355. CS6000i comes with an extra walking foot as well. So in the accessories department, CS6000i is slightly ahead.
Machine Weight : XR1355 is 2.9 pounds lighter that CS6000i. This will be an advantage for those who want to carry the machine around.
Below table shows the features as a whole
| Sewing Machine Features | Brother XR1355 | Brother CS6000i |
| Stitch Selection | LCD Display | LCD Display |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Thread Sensor | Upper Thread and Bobbin Sensors | No |
| Bobbin System | Top drop-in | Top Drop-in |
| Motor Speed | 850 stitches/min | 850 stitches/min |
| Built-in Stitches | 130 | 60 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 8 1-step | 7 1-step |
| Sewing Font | 1 | No |
| Max Stitch Width | 7mm | 7mm |
| Max Stitch Length | 5mm | 5mm |
| Start/Stop Button & Speed Control | Yes | Yes |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
| Free Motion | Yes | Yes |
| Quilting Stitches | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Quilting Table | Yes | Yes |
| Hard Cover | No | Yes |
| Foot Pedal | Yes | Yes |
| Machine Weight | 10.1 lbs | 13 lbs |
| Warranty | 25 year limited warranty | 25 year limited warranty |
Brother XR1355 Vs CS6000i – Performance Comparison
CS6000i is a tried and tested machine. That is the reason why it has been the best selling sewing machine in US, ever since it was released. However the availability of a lot of built-in stitches works in the favor of XR1355. Performance wise, there is very little to choose between the two. Both machines use the same motor and internal parts. The stitch quality is almost identical and both performs quite well with multiple layers of fabric. One thing I have noticed is that both machines adjust to different types of fabrics seamlessly. Stitch quality is quite consistent.
Verdict
You will find CS6000i limited in creativity only when you compare it with XR1355. Your choice depends on two factors
- Do you need the extra 70 stitches and monogramming capability of XR1355 ? If the answer is yes, go with XR1355
- The price closes the deal for me. If XR1355 is just around $30 – $40 more expensive, then it will be a better choice than CS6000i. Anything more than $50 is not justifiable.