Which is best? Will it sew thick fabric?

Review by Jandy P

This is a very good machine! It looks great it works very well and the tension is set to 'Spot On' so the stitches are even, top and bobbin. It's more quiet than any of the other 15 machines I have had, modern or vintage. It is light enough for me to be able to easily lift and carry; I have MS. It's easy to thread and the needle threader is a huge bonus! I've made clothing, accessories and soft furnishing already! I've gathered, put zips in, placed buttonholes, narrow hemmed, overcasted, put in elastic and blind hemmed. I've gone through 8 layers of fabric, interfacing and handbag foam with professional looking results. The needle can be moved sideways up to 14 places for accurate topstitching. I used some of the embroidery stitches on some bag handles I made and they look fab! The needle up/down button is really useful as I tend to sew while watching Netflix, (other online film sites are available) I was only able to spend a certain amount on a sewing machine but I feel as though I spent a lot more, this is one of my lifetime best buy's so far! I spent more on laptops (that I ended up sending back), than on this machine! I too have had an issue with the bobbin thread nesting and it turned out that I threaded wrongly whilst engrossed in watching whatever was showing on my laptop (the one I kept)! So yes, I'm hooked! I find it quiet because I keep the top flap open, otherwise, the needle bar hits it while sewing thus increasing the machines noise. This could be a con for some but I only close it when I stop sewing for the day and put the cover on!

Review by Sandy W

This is a wonderful machine. Out of the box ready, although I did machine sew with my mum 20 years ago, I hadn't been in front of a sewing machine since then, but knew the basics, I had the spool loaded, top thread loaded, and both threads ready in 20 mins max from getting the machine out of the box. I had only machine sewed on a Singer, but this Brother machine, due to the electronics, is awesomely forgiving, dead slow and fast speeds, I started so slow and a bit nervous, but quickly got back to speed. I think though that even for a beginner, this would be fine. So, I happened to be off work on holiday this week from a busy job. I have - fantastically (in my view) altered 4 pieces of clothing (3 pairs of trousers, 1 dress) and made my first ever patchwork quilt, which I've just posted on Pinterest - Craft 2016. This is a must have machine, just like my proper brother, this Brother machine is easy going, plug in and go, reliable, forgiving, but has some brute strength when required. I can't recommend this machine enough : ))

Review by Gillian Dolby

Fantastic machine and a pleasure to use !!!

Review by Julie B

For over a year I reviewed several top brand name sewing machines with the goal of purchasing the best machine I could with a budget. In that review I read internet sewing blogs,sewing magazines,brochures,spoke with dealers and professionals regarding the best machines. I personally used each machine with different kinds of fabric to review the quality of stitching produced by each brand. I made a journal of the results. After my review I am very pleased and excited about my purchase of the 1800 Quilting and Sewing Machine. This machine is well made and I have no problems with the mechanical workings of this product. I have put about 1000 hours on the machine and it continues to sew beautifully. Some of the features that I like are the automatic threading, the quality of lighting, the extra room in the arm area, the machines ability to detect fabric depth and adjust itself, the numerous decorative stitching and the use of downloading on USB boards. This machine sews a beautiful straight stitch and does provide good stitching on more complicated selections. Great sewing machines have great feed dog gripping ability. The NV1800Q represents itself very well. Pfaff was usually the best in feed dog gripping. But not any more and for my budget this machines feed dog gripping ability was exceptional. I am very pleased with the sewing quality of this machine. I would recommend this machine for the beginner as well as advanced person in sewing. This machine is great for home deck,clothing,drapes,quilts and creative sewing projects. Buy from a dealer with a good reputation because if problems arise they will be there to solve your issues with excellent knowledge.

Review by Stacey K

I needed to purchase a new sewing machine...no embroidery features but with upscale abilities. After much research and & test driving, I decided on the VQ2. I am very pleased with my choice. Its quiet, smooth and easy to thread and use. The only problem Ive had was with the bobbin. When removing the throat plate to use the specialty plate for quilting, you MUST replace two parts of the throat plate in the correct order or the bobbin will not seat properly causing birdnesting, breakage and MUCH frustration. But it only took a phone call to get the problem worked out. Other than that, I love my machine. My prior machines were Janome (23 Years) and Singer (18 years). This Brother will be with me for a long time.

Review by Sandy T

My machine arrived today, I've not machine sewed for years, pleasantly surprised that the principles of loading the spool and top thread haven't changed, but the years mean that you can literally take the machine out of the box, plug in, and get going. Easy to follow instructions. I'd read from the full manual, rather than the quick start summary. Beautifully simple, now no need for a foot pedal (unless you want to use, as one is included) which I love, the on/off button is perfectly placed, in no time, I had threaded the top thread, the auto needle thread function is awesome, filled a spool, loaded in the spool and was practising in 20 mins max. The electronics are easy to understand, button touch, there is a great slow speed (which is the default) but easy to get right back into satisfying quick sewing. My machine arrived in a great sized manageable box, I was lucky to also get the free quilting package when I bought. Included in the standard box, a great hard case, and a little package of key utensils/spares in the machine front compartment - spare spool, unpicker, little screwdrivers etc. I worried that 'getting the sewing machine out' in my memory, was a major operation. Not so. With the hard case on, the machine slots beautifully into a similar floor footprint space as my laptop bag, handle on top means it's easy to just pull out (not heavy at all) brilliant if your space is limited. I had one early issue with tension (reverse side stitching showing up on the top) but the reference guide suggests remedies, done. I already have many projects in mind. Oh, and it's a pretty looking, efficient thing : ))

Review by Jg P

I wanted an easy to use basic sewing machine and this one is perfect for me. It's lightweight and easy to store.

Review by Judith Fraser

I love this sewing machine. It is easy to use and the instruction book is very clear to follow. It was recommended to me and I would recommend It too.

Review by Jean Kay

Wow this is a great machine, it does so much and surprises me every time I use it. I have only used it a few times but it is amazing, it even sews sideways!! I still have a lot to learn but enjoying the process. My very first embroidery, my name blew me away. Excellent service from all the staff too and they do ring back when they say they will. Highly recommend the machine and the company.

Review by Nic P

Fantastic machine. Upgraded from older Pfaff and does every thing I require and more. Would recommend to any serious quilter