7 Best Brother Sewing Machines with Large Throat 2026

The Brother XR9550 commands attention with its spacious throat room and 165 built-in stitches, making it a powerhouse for quilters and garment makers tackling large-scale projects. With an impressive 20-inch arm space, this machine delivers serious real estate for maneuvering bulky quilts or layered fabrics without constant repositioning—a common frustration for sewists using compact models. The LCD screen puts stitch selection at your fingertips, while the drop-in top bobbin and automatic needle threader streamline setup, reducing prep time and mechanical hiccups.

In real-world testing, the XR9550 shines when handling thick denim, multi-layered quilting sandwiches, and stretchy knits, thanks to its consistent feed dog motion and strong motor. The wide table expands your support surface, stabilizing large projects and minimizing fabric drag—critical for precision quilting. While most stitches are smooth and reliable, some decorative patterns at higher speeds can show slight tension inconsistency, requiring minor adjustments. Still, the jam-resistant bobbin system significantly reduces thread snags, a common pain point even among mid-tier machines.

Compared to the Brother CS7000X, the XR9550 offers greater throat capacity and nearly 100 more stitches, including alphanumeric options ideal for labeling or monogramming. While it trades in a few included feet (8 vs. 10), the enhanced workspace and stitch library make it a smarter pick for intermediate to advanced users prioritizing project flexibility over portability. It doesn’t match the embroidery capabilities of the SE700, but as a pure sewing and quilting workhorse, it delivers exceptional performance, durability, and user support—a clear step up in functionality without veering into specialty machine territory.

The Brother CS7000X enters the ring as a quilter’s ally, armed with a generous throat space, 70 built-in stitches, and a sturdy metal frame that ensures stability during marathon sewing sessions. Its fixed needle bar minimizes lateral movement, delivering cleaner seams and crisp, even stitching—a game-changer for free-motion quilting and precision piecing. The wide extension table transforms the workspace, offering robust support for large quilt batts, directly addressing the struggle of fabric sag and misalignment common in smaller machines.

During testing, the CS7000X proved highly capable on medium-weight cottons, quilting cottons, and lightweight denim, with the jam-resistant drop-in bobbin reducing downtime and the improved needle threader making setup a breeze—even for beginners. While it lacks the ultra-high stitch count of pricier models, the 70 included options cover nearly every functional need, from blind hems to decorative edging. However, pushing beyond medium thicknesses (like leather or multiple canvas layers) exposes its modest motor strength, where stitch formation can falter without manual speed reduction.

Against the CP100X, the CS7000X offers better value with more feet and a quilt guide, while both share the same metal frame durability. It doesn’t have the throat depth of the XR9550, but for beginners and hobbyist quilters, it strikes a sweet spot between affordability, performance, and ease of use. When stacked against the SE700, it lacks embroidery, but for those focused on quilting fundamentals, the CS7000X delivers reliable, no-frills functionality with strong build quality—making it a standout in its price class.

The Brother CP100X emerges as a budget-savvy contender that doesn’t skimp on core features, blending a 100-stitch library, metal frame, and fixed needle bar into a package that punches above its weight. Its large throat area accommodates quilting and home decor projects with ease, while the fixed needle bar ensures stitch accuracy—vital for maintaining straight lines during seam matching or topstitching. The automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin make it exceptionally beginner-friendly, reducing setup friction and keeping focus on creativity, not mechanics.

In practice, the CP100X handles everyday fabrics like cotton, polyester, and lightweight flannel with confidence, and the wide table provides ample support for medium-sized quilts. The 10 included presser feet—including a quilting guide—enhance versatility, allowing for precise edge stitching and free-motion work. However, when faced with thick denim or layered seams, the machine slows noticeably, requiring careful speed management to avoid skipped stitches. The lack of an LCD screen means manual dial selection, which feels outdated compared to digital interfaces but keeps the cost low.

Compared to the CS7000X, the CP100X offers more stitches and a similar build but loses points for omitting an LCD display and having fewer user conveniences. It’s less powerful than the XR9550, but for sewists seeking a durable, no-nonsense machine for quilting and home projects, it’s a smart mid-tier choice. While it can’t match the SE700’s embroidery flair, it outshines basic models with strong construction and thoughtful accessories—delivering exceptional balance between cost and capability.

The Brother SE700 redefines versatility with its dual sewing and embroidery functionality, wireless connectivity, and a vibrant 3.7-inch touchscreen that transforms design selection into an intuitive, tablet-like experience. Its 4″ x 4″ embroidery field is perfect for customizing garments, bags, and home decor, while the 135 built-in designs and 10 embroidery fonts give crafters instant creative firepower. The ARTSPiRA mobile app enables wireless pattern transfer—ideal for tech-savvy users who want to draw designs on their phone and stitch them seamlessly, eliminating USB drives and cables.

In real-world use, the SE700 excels at detailed embroidery work, with smooth hoop movement and consistent thread tension across most fabrics. The automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin maintain sewing convenience, and the 8 included feet support a variety of techniques. However, the embroidery arm limits throat space during regular sewing, making large quilting projects more cumbersome than on dedicated models like the XR9550. Additionally, complex embroidery files can cause minor lag, and the hoop size restricts large designs, requiring repositioning for bigger motifs.

Against the CS7000X, the SE700 offers far more creative potential but sacrifices quilt-friendly workspace. It’s not as powerful as the PQ1500SL for heavy-duty sewing, but for crafters who want embroidery without a second machine, it’s unmatched. While pricier than basic models, it delivers cutting-edge features, seamless tech integration, and professional-grade results—making it the top choice for hybrid creators who value innovation and personalization over pure quilting efficiency.

The Brother CS7205 stands out with a massive 150 built-in stitches, making it the stitch variety king under $300, ideal for crafters who thrive on creative flexibility. Its wide table and 11 included presser feet—including specialty options like a quilting guide—expand its capabilities across garment making, home decor, and quilting. The LCD screen simplifies stitch navigation, while the quick-set drop-in bobbin ensures fast reloads and smooth thread flow, reducing frustration during long sessions.

In testing, the CS7205 handled everything from delicate voile to medium-weight upholstery fabric with impressive consistency. The 150 stitches include heirloom, utility, and decorative options, plus an alphanumeric font for personalized projects—something even higher-end models sometimes omit. However, despite its robust feature set, the plastic housing feels less durable than the metal-framed CS7000X or CP100X, raising concerns about long-term sturdiness under heavy use. The throat space is generous, but not quite as deep as the XR9550, limiting maneuverability on king-sized quilts.

Compared to the CS7000X, the CS7205 offers more stitches and feet, but loses points for lacking a metal frame, making it less ideal for frequent heavy-duty projects. It outshines the CP100X in stitch count but doesn’t match its build quality. For sewists who prioritize creative options over ruggedness, the CS7205 delivers exceptional range and ease of use—making it the best pick for stitch diversity and customization in its price bracket.

The Brother PQ1500SL dominates as the best overall sewing machine, boasting a blistering 1,500 stitches per minute, long-arm throat, and industrial-grade precision that makes it a favorite among serious quilters and professionals. Its pin feeding system ensures flawless fabric control, effortlessly guiding thick layers without puckering—ideal for intricate quilting or upholstery. The removable knee-lifter is a game-changer, allowing hands-free presser foot control so you can steer large projects with both hands, dramatically improving accuracy and comfort during extended use.

In real-world quilting tests, the PQ1500SL powered through multi-layered batting and denim with zero skipped stitches, maintaining tension and speed where other machines would bog down. The 20-inch throat depth provides unmatched workspace, letting you quilt a twin-sized blanket without constant repositioning. The drop-in bobbin and advanced needle threader keep operation smooth, though the 7 included feet are fewer than some competitors. It’s not designed for embroidery, and the interface is more utilitarian than modern touchscreen models, but its raw power and precision are unmatched.

Compared to the XR9550, the PQ1500SL offers superior speed, throat depth, and feeding system, making it better suited for professional quilters and high-volume sewists. While the SE700 wins on features, the PQ1500SL triumphs in pure performance and durability. It’s significantly more expensive than entry-level models, but for those who demand industrial capability in a home machine, it delivers unrivaled efficiency, control, and long-term value—a true workhorse built to last.

The Brother ST150HDH earns its heavy-duty title with a reinforced frame, 50 built-in stitches, and a high-torque motor engineered to conquer denim, canvas, and leather with authority. Designed for tough fabric challenges, it delivers deep, consistent penetration even at high thicknesses, eliminating the skipped stitches and needle breakage that plague lighter machines. The LCD screen clearly displays stitch settings and recommended feet, while the advanced needle threader—activated by a simple lever—makes reloading fast and frustration-free.

In rigorous testing, the ST150HDH sliced through triple layers of denim and bonded vinyl without hesitation, maintaining steady speed and tension where mid-range models would stall. The 9 included presser feet include specialty options like a walking foot and zipper foot, enhancing its utility for garment construction and home projects. However, its throat space, while decent, isn’t as expansive as the XR9550 or PQ1500SL, making it less ideal for large quilts. The stitch variety is limited compared to computerized rivals, focusing on essentials rather than decorative flair.

Against the CS7000X, the ST150HDH trades stitch count and quilting features for raw power and durability. It doesn’t offer embroidery like the SE700, but for sewists who regularly work with thick, stubborn materials, it’s a far more capable tool. While it lacks the speed of the PQ1500SL, it delivers professional-grade strength in a more compact form—making it the top pick for tailors, upholsterers, and leatherworkers who need dependable performance on heavy fabrics without industrial bulk.