Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing Machine

Review: Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing Machine

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If you are looking for a great combination of features and affordability in a sewing machine then the Brother XR9500PRW review could be for you.

Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing Machine

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Here we will take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of this machine, well-suited for beginners and for those who want to quilt.

PRW stands for Project Runway and this limited edition version is a really lightweight but incredibly capable piece of equipment.

With the Brother, you’ll feel equally at home with simple tasks or larger and more specialized projects. Here is a quick look at some of the key features:

Features:

  • 100 built-in stitches (utility, decorative, heirloom)
  • 55 alphanumeric stitches to choose from
  • 8 styles of buttonhole (1-step system)
  • 850 stitches per minute
  • Oversized quilting table
  • LCD screen for selecting stitches
  • Weighs 10 pounds
  • Free arm
  • Thread cutter
  • Needle threading
  • Needle position up/down
  • Twin needle capability
  • Manual thread tension is adjustable
  • Controller for sewing speed
  • Presser foot pressure adjustment
  • Presser feet are very simple to change
  • Drop-in top bobbin is jam resistant
  • Easy bobbin winder system
  • Foot controller
  • Start/stop button
  • Drop feed for free motion quilting
  • Accessory storage
  • Quick stitch guide is built in
  • Stitch length 5mm, stitch width 7mm
  • Hard cover
  • LED lighted sewing area

This machine is straightforward to use directly from the box so is ideal for beginners to the craft. The clear and detailed manual (in English and Spanish) assists with this.

If, though, you are a more skilled seamstress then the XR9500PRW will not disappoint. Packed with automatic features, there is also a huge range of automatic buttonholes and built-in stitches. Throw in a quilting table to deal with large project and even the most able sewer will be happy.

Of the 100 built-in stitches, there are 55 alphanumeric stitches. These are used for monogramming or lettering. The Brother is one of the cheapest sewing machines that offers a lettering feature. With an extremely broad range and a great LCD screen for simple selection, you are spoiled for choice.

Stretch stitches are also incorporated. This is a bonus if you want to work with fabrics like fleece or elastic.

The Electronic Variable Sewing Speed Control allows you to take charge and opt for the speed best suited to any given project. This flexibility is great.

The speed, at 850 spm, is impressive. Do not fear about quality being compromised at the expense of pace, though. Stitching is even as well as rapid.

The 1-step auto size buttonhole feature is very basic to operate. It is also quick and highly accurate. Simply snap on the presser foot, adjust the size and creating a customized buttonhole just like that. You can make a complete buttonhole within a minute.

With the XR9500PRW, you have 7 different presser feet available:

  1. Buttonhole
  2. Zipper
  3. Zigzag
  4. Overcasting
  5. Button sewing
  6. Blind stitch: Hide stitching on one side
  7. Monogramming

If you want to undertake more advanced jobs like gathering fabric, making invisible zippers or bias tape binding then you can buy many more varieties of presser feet.

In terms of accessories, the XR9500PRW delivers more than adequately. There is a handy accessory pouch with a needle set. A twin needle, ball point needle and 3 bobbins are a nice touch. There’s an extra spool pin, seam ripper and screwdriver which are useful too. The hard cover is outstanding and gives protection while also making transporting your machine safe and hassle-free.

The twin needle elevates the Brother above much of its competition. If you want quicker sewing and superior stitching for certain projects then the twin needle comes into its own.

The XR9500PRW can deal with different thickness of fabrics. You can work well with everything from lightweight material up to medium-thick. It’s not a commercial grade machine so it might struggle with really heavy duty fabric. If you have thicker fabric then you can change the needle and experiment but take care.

As is often the case with relatively complex equipment, some elements can cause problems at first. Many users claim that the needle threader is tough to get to grips with. The same consumers admit that once they put in a little practice it becomes much easier.

Every machine has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can see with the XR9500PRW that the list is heavily skewed to the positive…

Pros

  • Exceptionally quiet
  • Very lightweight
  • Able to cope with different thicknesses of material well
  • Ease of ease and getting started. DVD included to help
  • Extra-wide work table affords plenty of room
  • A feature-rich machine
  • Superb for quilting
  • Many varied stitch options
  • Table included

Cons

  • Some issues with needle threader
  • Adjusting tension can be a problem for some
  • Small letters (only 1/4 inch) with a questionable finish

This machine carries a 25-year limited warranty. This time period actually only extends to the chassis casting. The electronic components and circuit boards are covered for 2 years. You will be protected against parts, accessories and labor for 1 year. Overall this is not a bad warranty just be certain that you are clear on the specifics.

The XR9500PRW is certified by both the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and the CSA (Canadian equivalent). The UL has been around for more than a century. They are a neutral testing company focusing on safety. This is reassuring news for potential buyers of the Brother.

So, whether you are just getting started in the field of sewing or a confident practitioner, the Brother XR9500PRW is a very worthwhile investment.

From the staples of sewing on a button right through to ambitious quilting designs, there’s not much that the Brother will not do and do well.

You could easily pay double for a sewing machine this laden with features but the Limited Edition version of the XR9500, the Project Runway, means that you do not have to.

The XR9500PRW is quiet, lightweight yet durable and very advanced in terms of features. It would be fair to say that you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to sewing with the XR9500PRW.

You really do get the best of all worlds with the Brother.

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