Brother SM8270 offers you a full package. It has the stitches and it has the quality. But it is not a machine without limitations. And watch the price as well.

Brother SM8270 Main Features

• 160 built-in stitches
• Automatic needle threader
• Programmable needle up/down
• Top drop-in bobbin
• Variable speed control
• Sewing start/stop

Brother SM8270 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : HIGH

Brother SM8270 is a recently launched computerized sewing machine. It hasn’t yet made to the top selling machines list, but it looks promising. Let us have a closer look at it. By the looks, SM8270 looks very similar to the Laura Ashley CX155LA model which features 155 built-in stitches. CX155LA is a popular model in the price segment, thanks to its top notch quality. Brother SM8270 comes with 160 built-in stitches and this machine is a slight upgrade from the Laura Ashley model. SM8270 has 8 one-step buttonholes. As far as monogramming is concerned, SM8270 is well equipped with 2 sewing fonts and 55 alphanumeric stitches (the Laura Ashley model had just 1 built-in font).

The LCD display of Brother SM8270 is of reasonable size (Horizontal 1.1″x Vertical 2.5″) and it is backlit, which is a blessing in low light conditions. The work space is also well lit by LED bulbs. In addition to the stitch number, the screen also displays the recommended presser foot, stitch width and length. Stitch width and length are adjustable. The max stitch width is 7mm and stitch length is 5mm. The stitch chart is displayed right in front of the machine for easy reference. Stitches are selected by pressing buttons. The automatic needle threader takes care of all your threading worries. There is an independent bobbin winding motor as well.

Brother SM8270 comes with an easy to use top drop-in bobbin, which is pretty much a standard nowadays. You can sew on SM8270 without using the foot pedal, thanks to the variable speed control slider and sewing start/stop button. Starting with slow speed settings will bring better results in the beginning. The 7-point feed system from Brother provides you the versatility to sew different types of fabrics. The included extension table is really handy while working on larger projects. Quilters will love the programmable needle up/down on board.

You can always drop the feed dogs, if you want to do some free-motion works. To sew cuffs and collars, you can easily convert the machine to free arm mode. A built-in handle is provided for portability. Another unique thing about Brother SM8270 is that it is almost featherweight. Weighing at just 9.9 pounds, it is one of the lightest machines around. So portability won’t be an issue at all. Brother SM8270 has a motor which is on par with competition in terms of power (850 stitches/min). The machine comes with 25 year limited warranty. It comes with an included hard cover as well. It also comes with 13 sewing and quilting accessory feet.

Usability

As a beginner, the user manual is the first thing you will look at and SM8270 has a well written manual (thank God). Brother SM8270 has a generous work space in the price segment. It measures to 5.7″ Height x 3.8″ Width. The stitch quality of this machine is very good. The stitches on offer are quite good and there is variety in it. For the most part, the stitches come out as expected, there is nothing to worry in the stitch quality department. The machine operates smoothly without skipping stitches. Its performance on multiple layers of denim is also very good. The threading part is very easy, there is nothing to confuse you. I can’t emphasize more on how easy it is to make buttonholes on this machine. Overall, it is a fun machine to have.

Limitations

The monogramming may not look perfect, but they are okay. Letters are a bit on the smaller side.

Since SM8270 is lightweight, some may raise questions about its durability. You can’t expect this machine to serve you for 10 years. Honestly, none of the modern day machines will last that long. However, I felt that the build quality of SM8270 was good for the price segment it is in.

The bobbin winder is slightly tricky. But it won’t be a problem once you figure out how to use it.

Pros

• Great stitch quality
• Easy to thread
• Lightweight

Cons

• Small fonts
• Tricky bobbin winder

Verdict

Overall, I am very much impressed with this machine. Brother SM8270 will be a good machine for experienced sewers and even better one for beginners, considering the ease of use and stitch quality. One thing you need to watch out is the price. You must compare the price of Brother SM8270 with that of Laura Ashley CX155LA. The price of SM8270 must be justifiable for a slight upgrade from CX155LA. In simple words, there shouldn’t be a huge price gap between them.