7 Best Brother Sewing Machines for Intermediate (2026)

The Brother XR9550 isn’t just another computerized machine—it’s a powerhouse of precision built for intermediate sewists ready to level up. With 165 built-in stitches, including 55 alphanumeric fonts and 8 auto-size buttonhole styles, this machine turns complex projects into seamless workflows. The intuitive LCD screen puts every function at your fingertips, eliminating guesswork and streamlining stitch selection with clear visual feedback. If you’ve ever struggled with inconsistent buttonholes or lost time adjusting settings manually, this machine erases those frustrations with surgical accuracy.

In real-world testing, the XR9550 handles everything from stretchy knits to layered denim without skipping a beat, thanks to its robust metal frame and consistent feed-dog motion. The drop-in top bobbin is a joy to load and stays jam-free even during marathon sewing sessions. While the 8 included presser feet cover most needs, quilters may wish for a walking foot in the bundle. It performs exceptionally well on large quilts, with a generous needle-to-arm space that prevents fabric drag. However, embroidery enthusiasts will need a separate machine—this one focuses purely on flawless stitch work.

Compared to the Brother CS7000X, the XR9550 offers nearly 100 more stitches and superior software control, making it a smarter long-term investment for creatives expanding their skillset. It doesn’t dabble in embroidery like the SE700, but it outperforms in pure sewing reliability and versatility. Ideal for intermediate users who want professional-grade results without complexity overload, it strikes a rare balance between advanced features and ease of use. You get more customization and control than the CS7000X, at a slightly lower price point, making it the clear choice for those who value performance over bells and whistles.

Step into the world of dual-function mastery with the Brother SE700, a machine that redefines what intermediate crafters can achieve. This isn’t just a sewing machine with embroidery tacked on—it’s a fully integrated combo unit featuring 103 sewing stitches and 135 built-in embroidery designs, all managed through a vibrant 3.7-inch touchscreen. The wireless LAN capability is a game-changer, allowing you to send designs from your computer or phone using the Artspira mobile app, turning sketches into stitched art in minutes. If you’ve ever been intimidated by digitizing patterns or wrestling with USB transfers, this machine eliminates the friction.

During testing, the SE700 proved exceptionally responsive when switching between sewing and embroidery modes, with automatic thread tension adjustment minimizing setup time. The 4″ x 4″ hoop area is ideal for monograms, patches, and decorative accents, though larger embroidery projects will require re-hooping. Stitch precision is razor-sharp, even on delicate fabrics, and the auto needle threader works flawlessly under pressure. However, the machine can feel slightly sluggish when processing complex designs, and the hoop size limits expansive artwork. Still, for users wanting to explore embroidery without buying two machines, it’s a compelling all-in-one solution.

When stacked against the HC1850, the SE700 offers broader creative potential thanks to its embroidery suite, though it commands a much higher cost. It lacks the HC1850’s sheer stitch variety for pure sewing, but excels where personalization matters. Perfect for intermediate sewists diving into custom apparel, home décor, or small-batch crafting, it bridges the gap between hobbyist tools and pro-level machines. While it costs more than the XR9550, the added embroidery functionality and wireless connectivity justify the leap for those serious about design freedom.

The Brother HC1850 is a feature-rich titan designed for intermediate sewists who demand maximum flexibility without stepping into industrial territory. Boasting 185 built-in stitches—the most in this lineup—it delivers an unmatched blend of utility, decoration, and monogramming capability, including 55 alphanumeric fonts perfect for personalized projects. The advanced needle threader operates with a single lever press, making setup faster and more reliable than manual threading, while the drop-in top bobbin ensures smooth, tangle-free operation. If you’re tired of machines that limit your creativity, this one throws the door wide open.

In practical use, the HC1850 shines across diverse fabric types, maintaining stitch integrity on everything from silk to canvas. The LCD screen simplifies navigation, though it lacks the touch functionality of the SE700, relying instead on physical buttons. Its metal frame provides rock-solid stability, reducing vibration during high-speed sewing. While it doesn’t offer embroidery like the SE700, it outclasses it in pure sewing versatility, especially for those focused on garment construction or heirloom quilting. One caveat: the workspace, while sufficient, isn’t as expansive as on the CS7000X, which may slow down very large quilt handling.

Against the XR9550, the HC1850 adds 20 more stitches and a slightly more refined threading system, but at a significantly higher price. It doesn’t include wireless features or a touchscreen, so the upgrade is purely about stitch density and precision. Best suited for intermediate users who prioritize stitch variety and long-term durability over smart tech, it’s a workhorse built to last. While the XR9550 offers better value, the HC1850 delivers the deepest sewing-focused feature set in Brother’s mid-tier lineup.

The Brother CS7000X enters the ring as a quilter’s dream machine wrapped in a value-packed design, offering a wide extension table that transforms your workspace into a stable, expansive platform for large projects. With 70 built-in stitches and a metal frame construction, it balances durability and functionality for intermediate users tackling everything from patchwork to home textiles. The fixed needle bar enhances stitch accuracy, reducing wobble and ensuring straight, consistent lines—critical when piecing delicate quilt blocks. If you’ve ever battled fabric shifting or limited workspace, this machine answers with real engineering solutions.

Real-world performance confirms its quilt-ready design: the larger needle-to-arm space allows bulky layers to glide smoothly, while the automatic needle threader and jam-resistant bobbin keep setup quick and frustration-free. It handles medium-weight fabrics with confidence, though extremely thick stacks (like denim + foam) may require slowing the pace. The 10 included feet—including a quilting guide—are a standout, giving you tools right out of the box that others charge extra for. However, the LCD display is basic and doesn’t offer the intuitive layout of the XR9550, making stitch selection slightly less fluid.

Compared to the CE1155, the CS7000X offers more feet and a wider table, making it superior for large-scale quilting. While the CE1155 wins on eco-design, the CS7000X dominates in workspace and accessory value. It’s the ideal pick for quilters and home sewists who want maximum utility without complexity, especially those upgrading from beginner machines. Though it has fewer stitches than the XR9550, its dedicated quilting advantages and included accessories make it a smarter fit for project-focused crafters.

Meet the Brother CE1155, a sustainably built powerhouse that proves eco-conscious design doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Constructed with a 50% recycled plastic outer shell and packaged in recyclable materials, it’s the go-to choice for environmentally aware sewists who still demand intermediate-level precision. The 110 built-in stitches and 8 auto-size buttonholes cover everything from garment seams to decorative hems, while the computerized speed control lets you navigate tight curves with surgical accuracy using the start/stop button and speed slider. If you value long-term durability and ethical manufacturing, this machine delivers on both fronts.

In testing, the CE1155 demonstrated excellent control and smooth feeding, especially on slippery silks and stretch knits, thanks to its durable metal frame and adaptive feed dogs. The 7 included presser feet—like the monogramming and blind stitch feet—expand creative possibilities without extra purchases. Despite its compact footprint, the generous needle-to-arm space accommodates quilt layers surprisingly well. However, the lack of a wide table (included on the CS7000X) means you’ll need to purchase one separately for serious quilting. It’s also missing the wireless and touchscreen perks of higher-end models, keeping it focused on core sewing excellence.

Pitted against the CS7000X, the CE1155 trades accessories and table width for eco-design and a slightly more responsive speed control. It’s not as quilt-optimized, but it’s a better fit for urban crafters and sustainable makers who sew in small spaces. With Brother’s 25-year chassis warranty, it’s built to outlast trends and fashion cycles. While the XR9550 offers more stitches, the CE1155 stands out by merging ethics with reliability, making it a future-forward pick for conscious creators.

The Brother CP60X is a no-frills workhorse that punches above its weight in the budget-friendly category, offering 60 essential stitches and a durable metal frame that handles everything from mending to light quilting with surprising confidence. Its 2-step automatic needle threader may not be as slick as the XR9550’s, but it reliably guides thread through the eye, reducing eye strain and setup time. The fixed needle bar ensures consistent stitch alignment, a subtle but critical detail for intermediate sewists refining their technique. If you’re upgrading from a beginner machine and want reliable performance without overspending, this model delivers exactly that.

In real use, the CP60X performs admirably on medium-weight cottons, linens, and lightweight denim, maintaining even tension across long seams. While it lacks the LCD sophistication of pricier models, its mechanical dials and straightforward layout make it intuitive for those who prefer tactile controls. The 7 included feet cover basics like zippers and buttonholes, though serious quilters or designers will need to buy extras. Its biggest limitation is stitch variety—at 60, it’s less flexible than the XR9550 or HC1850—but for focused projects, it’s more than sufficient.

Compared to the CS5055, the CP60X offers nearly identical specs but with better build consistency and wider availability. It doesn’t have the CS7000X’s wide table or the CE1155’s eco-credentials, but it balances cost and capability better than most. Ideal for sewists on a tight budget who still want metal-frame durability and core computerized features, it’s a smart stepping stone. While it lacks the flair of higher-end models, it provides the foundation for growth at a fraction of the price.