Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine

I read all the reviews on Amazon and decided this was the right machine. I have been using it for over a month and love it! I am a beginner at sewing but this machine makes it so easy.

I've been sewing since I was little and just upgraded from a solid, mechanical machine by Singer (which I'd had for 10 years) to this one. I love all the features! I've yet to come up with a stitch it can't do or a project I can't complete easily. I've done a couple quilts, a set of curtains, and two dresses so far. I like that I can add embroidery to the quilts--a baby's name, the date, my initials, etc.--it feels so professional!

It is easier to master than my old machine and the instruction book is quite useful--mostly I've followed the instructions in the book the first time I did something (automatic buttonhole, blind hem stitch, etc) and then the next time I could do it without the instructions. I've also taught one of my friends to sew--her first time--and she found the machine easy and intuitive, so I think it's a winner no matter what level you're at, though it's certainly more expensive than a beginner needs. As a nice bonus, it included all the presser feet (including a walking foot for quilting!) and attachments and other accessories I need.

I was so nervous about purchasing a sewing machine...It would be my first, and when it came to experience, I basically had next to none. I searched online for weeks reading reviews and consumer reports. I didn't have the time to visit certified sellers, so it was nerve-wrecking to make a decision soley online.
All my research had me believe that this machine would be my best bet...For the price, I figured I could spend a few hundred more (than, say the brother cs6000i) and have a machine that could grow with me and last a lot longer.
I really worked myself up over this, practically bubbling over with excitement waiting for my shipment to arrive. Surprisingly, I was not let down. I love this machine!
I'm still learning and getting a feel of the different sewing patterns and options. I've mostly used the following stitches so far: straight, basting, decorative patterns, lettering, button holes and buttons. But I look forward to getting the most out of the 200+ options available to me as I get better at what I'm doing.
The guidebook is essential, and it is very easy to navigate and to understand.
I broke my first needle last night, and I blame that on my own laziness- For one, I shouldn't have been sewing at 3 AM (but I really just get sucked into it!), and I should have read the manual and figured out how I needed to adjust for the super-thick stitch I was attempting. I think the only toubleshooting issues I am going to have will be from human error...which is great.
I did sew when I was growing up, but always by hand (and at a whim) - I never learned techniques, terms, etc. This is the perfect machine for a new beginner (as I consider myself to be).
I recommend that you do NOT buy a "simple" or "basic" machine if you're a newbie! I've found those to be so much more of a pain, and also very limiting. The PC-420 PRW is so easy and versatile - I'm already planning my glamorous fashion career ;)

I bought this sewing machine from Amazon 2 months ago to replace my 38 year old Singer Futura that had been a wedding gift. I am not a professional seamstress but did do a lot of sewing when first married. Simple clothing, baby clothes, aprons, curtains etc. The Singer still worked but I had been away from sewing for several years and needed some motivation to get back into it again. Boy did this machine get me motivated!! I have become obsessed with sewing and doing projects I never dreamed of doing before. It is so easy to use, the manual is very clear and easy to understand. The machine comes with a TON of accessories including many, many different presser feet. The machine is quiet, sleek, handles all thickness of materials and I LOVE the presser foot knee lifter! I will agree that the onboard machine light is a little lacking but I use an 18 Watt Daylite table lamp for all my crafting and it works great illuminating my sewing area also.

I have made fine lingerie items using delicate tricot and thin liner materials without problem, and also have worked with heavy duty upholstery fabrics which the machine handles with ease after I equip the proper needles, presser feet and adjust tension. Right now I am making purses and tote bags using heavy fabrics with contrasting vinyls and the machine sails right through them! I can't speak to long term reliability yet since I have only owned it 2 months but so far I have not had a single problem with it. The auto-threader is a great feature and saves lots of time for these old eyes. Simple and quick bobbin winding. It took me just a few minutes to get totally comfortable with the basic machine threading and using the LCD screen to view menu options. I have been playing around with the variety of stitch patterns and lettering. It adds such a nice custom, finishing touch to your projects.

I pulled out my old White SuperLock Serger and use it side-by-side now with the Brother PC-420 PRW. I am discovering the fun of sewing again thanks to this machine! I would highly recommend this sewing machine to anyone who wants full featured professional capability at a non-professional price.

I am very, very satified with this sewing machine. It more than meets my expectation. I have a Babylock Quilter's choice sewing machine at my home in Florida, and needed a new machine for my summer home here in Michigan. I was so surprised when it came because it looked almost exactly like my Babylock and performed the same way. Did all the same things. And it cost me a lot less!! The ordering experience was very good too. It came earlier than promised. I was a little hesitant to buy a sewing machine that I could not try out first and actually see, but I took the risk and it was well worth it.