7 Best Brother Automatic Sewing Machines of 2026

The Brother CS7000X bursts onto the scene with a durable metal frame and a fixed needle bar, delivering rock-solid stability that quilters and heavy-duty sewers crave. With 70 built-in stitches—including utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting functions—this machine offers more than enough versatility for intermediate crafters tackling everything from denim to delicate fabrics. The improved automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin eliminate two of the most common frustrations beginners face, making setup fast and frustration-free. Whether you’re piecing together a quilt top or hemming curtains, this machine handles stress with quiet confidence.

In real-world testing, the large needle-to-arm workspace (nearly 7 inches wide) proves invaluable when maneuvering bulky quilt layers or garment sections without constant repositioning. The LCD display is intuitive, letting users scroll through stitch types with ease, while the included wide extension table adds crucial support for expansive projects. It powers through multiple layers of cotton and denim with minimal skipped stitches, though ultra-thick materials like leather or layered upholstery require slower feeding. While it lacks advanced features like programmable needle stops or speed control, its performance remains consistent across standard sewing tasks.

Compared to the Brother XM2701, the CS7000X is a clear step up in both power and precision, offering nearly triple the stitch variety and a sturdier build. It sits comfortably between entry-level models and high-end quilting machines, making it ideal for serious hobbyists and quilters who need reliability without complexity. While the SE700 offers embroidery capabilities, the CS7000X focuses purely on strong, consistent stitching performance—making it a smarter choice for those prioritizing quilting over decorative embellishment. It delivers professional-grade construction at a mid-tier price, outperforming similarly priced competitors in durability and workspace design.

The Brother XR9550 is a stitch powerhouse, flaunting 165 built-in stitches that include not only utility and decorative options but also 55 alphanumeric characters—perfect for monogramming towels, jackets, or personalized gifts. Its intuitive LCD screen makes navigation effortless, letting users preview stitches and adjust settings with a single button press. The automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin ensure quick setup, while the wide table provides essential support for large quilting projects, reducing fabric drag and improving stitch accuracy.

During testing, the XR9550 handled everything from stretchy knits to medium-weight canvas with impressive consistency, thanks to its strong motor and responsive foot pressure control. The 8 included presser feet cover most common tasks—from zippers to buttonholes—though quilters may wish for a walking foot (sold separately). It excels in precision stitching, especially when using narrow decorative patterns or cursive lettering, where alignment and spacing remain spot-on. However, at higher speeds, lightweight fabrics can shift slightly without additional stabilization like spray or tape.

Positioned above the CS7000X and CP100X, the XR9550 justifies its place as the best for stitch variety, offering significantly more creative flexibility than mid-range models. While the HC1850 matches it in total stitch count, the XR9550 edges ahead with better menu navigation and lifetime free support via chat, phone, or online—a rare perk that adds long-term value. It’s ideal for crafters who love customization, from custom labels to personalized home décor. With more stitch options than the CS7205 and better interface design than older models, it strikes a perfect balance between creativity and usability.

Step into the world of all-in-one creativity with the Brother SE700, a game-changer that seamlessly blends sewing and embroidery with wireless connectivity and a vibrant 3.7-inch touchscreen. The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field supports a wide range of custom designs, and with 135 built-in patterns and 10 lettering fonts, personalization is limitless—from baby onesies to custom tote bags. Its ARTSPIRA mobile app integration lets you draw designs on your phone and beam them to the machine wirelessly, a feature that feels futuristic yet remarkably easy to use.

In hands-on use, the SE700 shines brightest during embroidery tasks, where the on-screen editing tools allow resizing, rotating, and combining designs before stitching begins—saving time and thread. The automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin simplify transitions between sewing and embroidery, while the included hoop and arm ensure stable fabric tension. However, the embroidery process slows on dense designs, and re-hooping is required for projects larger than 4 inches. Sewing performance is solid, though not as robust as dedicated machines when handling thick layers.

When stacked against the CS7000X or XR9550, the SE700 stands alone as the undisputed champion for embroidery enthusiasts. It outperforms pure sewing machines in creative flexibility, though it demands more setup time and workspace. It’s best suited for makers who want to explore embroidery without buying two machines, especially crafters focused on gifts, apparel, or small business projects. While it costs more than combo alternatives, its seamless wireless workflow and touchscreen interface deliver a premium experience that justifies the investment.

The Brother HC1850 makes a bold claim as the best overall sewing machine, and it backs it up with an impressive 185 built-in stitches, including 55 alphanumeric characters and 8 auto-size buttonhole styles—a treasure trove for crafters who love monogramming and custom details. Its advanced needle threader works flawlessly, reducing setup time, while the LCD screen offers clear visibility for selecting stitches and adjusting settings. The jam-resistant drop-in bobbin ensures smooth thread flow, even during long sewing sessions.

Real-world performance shows this machine handles diverse fabrics with confidence—cotton, polyester, and lightweight denim glide through without skipped stitches or tension issues. The 8 included feet cover most basic to intermediate needs, though quilters may miss a dedicated walking foot. It maintains consistent stitch quality at moderate speeds, but pushing it too fast on stretchy fabrics can cause slight puckering. The absence of a wide table (sold separately) is a minor setback for large quilting projects, limiting workspace expansion.

Compared to the XR9550, the HC1850 offers nearly identical stitch variety but lacks the wide table and premium case. Against the CS7205, it delivers more stitch options but fewer included feet. It’s a well-rounded performer that bridges the gap between creativity and reliability, ideal for intermediate sewers who want versatility without complexity. While it doesn’t have embroidery or touchscreen tech like the SE700, it offers greater value through sheer stitch diversity and dependable build, outclassing budget models in long-term usability.

The Brother CP100X emerges as the best mid-range option, striking a sweet spot between affordability and advanced functionality with 100 built-in stitches and a durable metal frame that laughs in the face of thick fabric stacks. Its 1-step automatic needle threader is a joy to use, consistently guiding thread through the eye with minimal effort—no more squinting or fiddling. The fixed needle bar enhances stitch accuracy, making it ideal for quilting and precise seam work, while the included wide table adds critical support for large projects.

In testing, the CP100X handled layered denim and quilt sandwiches with impressive stability, thanks to its solid construction and consistent feed dog movement. The LCD display is straightforward, allowing quick stitch selection, and the 10 included feet—including a quilt guide—cover most common tasks out of the box. It performs reliably across medium-speed sewing, though very high speeds can cause slight thread tension fluctuations on slippery silks. It’s not designed for embroidery, but as a pure sewing machine, it delivers smooth, clean results.

Pitted against the CS7000X, the CP100X offers more stitches and a broader accessory kit at a slightly higher price, making it a better value for growing crafters. Compared to the XM2701, it’s sturdier and more feature-rich, yet still user-friendly for confident beginners. It’s perfect for sewers stepping up from basic models who want long-term durability and expanded creative options. With better build quality than entry-level machines and fewer frills than high-end models, it offers balanced performance that grows with your skills.

Don’t let its lightweight frame fool you—the Brother XM2701 packs a surprising punch as the best budget-friendly sewing machine, offering 27 essential stitches and a versatile free arm that makes hemming sleeves and cuffs a breeze. Its automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin remove two of the biggest hurdles for beginners, while the 6 included feet cover everything from zippers to buttonholes. This machine is built for everyday sewing tasks, from fixing jeans to crafting simple tote bags.

In real use, the XM2701 performs admirably on cotton, polyester, and lightweight denim, delivering consistent stitches at moderate speeds. The free arm design enhances accessibility for tight spaces, and the machine runs quietly with minimal vibration. However, it struggles with thick layers or stretchy knits unless tension is manually adjusted. The no-frills mechanical dial system limits precision compared to LCD models, and stitch selection requires physical knob turning—slower but intuitive.

Compared to the CS7000X or CP100X, the XM2701 lacks advanced features and stitch variety, but it’s perfect for beginners or occasional sewers who need reliability without complexity. It’s significantly more capable than toy-grade machines, offering true beginner-to-intermediate functionality at an unbeatable price. While it can’t match the HC1850’s stitch count or the SE700’s embroidery magic, it delivers exceptional value for basic sewing needs, making it the go-to choice for students, renters, or crafters on a tight budget.

The Brother CS7205 is tailor-made for advanced beginners ready to level up, offering 150 built-in stitches, a bilingual manual, and an impressive 11 included sewing feet—more than any other model in its class. The quick-set drop-in bobbin system is a standout, allowing fast reloads and automatic winding, while the LCD screen provides clear stitch previews and settings. Its wide table and fixed needle bar ensure smooth fabric feeding, making it a reliable partner for quilting and garment construction.

In practice, the CS7205 handles medium to heavy fabrics with ease, maintaining stitch integrity across denim, canvas, and double-layer cotton. The extra feet—including a satin stitch foot and edge joining foot—unlock advanced techniques right out of the box. The single alphanumeric font limits monogramming options compared to the HC1850, but it’s sufficient for labels and simple text. The machine’s responsiveness is excellent, though the lack of speed control means users must regulate pace manually.

Stacked against the CP100X, the CS7205 offers more stitches and feet, making it a better fit for crafters expanding their skills. Compared to the XR9550, it lacks alphanumeric versatility but includes more accessories. It’s ideal for intermediate learners who want hands-on experience with diverse techniques without stepping into pro-level complexity. With more features than entry models and better value than high-end machines, it delivers growth-focused performance that evolves with your sewing journey.