When it comes to making the Singer vs Brother comparison, we’re actually encompassing what the world of sewing machines has to offer to regular consumers.
The truth is that Singer and Brother are the two most popular brands in the world of sewing machines for household users.
Whether we’re experienced amateurs or we’re looking for our very first sewing machine to mend and make clothes, then these two brands are the ones we’ll check out first.
Moreover, both Brother and Singer make some truly awesome sewing machines that even professionals praise often.
To make a small conclusion, Singer vs Brother constitutes an entire universe of machines that can fit anyone’s needs and budgets. Just by reading about these two, you’ll discover what using a very good sewing machine can be like.
I would also say that these two popular brands have a lot of things in common. This in-depth comparison is going to be great.
Singer vs Brother: Which Is the Best?
I didn’t decide to write about a Singer vs Brother comparison to say that one is better than the other. We really can’t say with absolute certainty that Singer is better than Brother or vice versa.
In my opinion, they’re both equally good when it comes to making some of the best sewing machines on the market. Which is great for us buyers because it gives us plenty of options to choose from, no matter our budget or needs.
Singer is famous for durable and long-lasting sewing machines. When it comes to heavy-duty models that don’t break the bank, Singer certainly excels.
It’s also my favorite brand but that’s just because I’ve always ended up buying Singer models. If the reverse had been true, now I would be saying that Brother is my favorite brand.
Brother is famous for reliability, high-quality, and ease of use. It also makes awesome embroidery machines. And it manufacturers some of the most popular models on the market that don’t cost too much, around $200, like the Brother CS6000i.
Whether we’re looking for cheap sewing machines, heavy-duty models, embroidery machines, sergers, computerized sewing machines, quilting sewing machines, these two brands have us covered.
Brother also mostly manufactures sewing machines with drop-in bobbin. Singer has machines with both top loading bobbin and front load bobbin. Some people might find the top loading model easier to use but I think that both are quite easy to understand and learn.
Singer vs Brother: which is the best for beginners?
Will a beginner sewist like Singer or Brother better for their first sewing machine?
I would actually say that both brands are perfect for beginners. They’re pretty easy to figure out, even if this is your first sewing machine.
If you’ve never used a sewing machine, there is a learning curve, whether you’re buying a Singer sewing machine or a Brother model. However, if you have the patience to read the manual and to experiment with your machine and learn everything you need to know, then you’ll stop being a complete beginner very quickly.
My advice is to absolutely read the user manual, no matter which brand you end up choosing. You might also decide that neither of these two offer the best machine for you so you might end up choosing a Janome or a Juki.
That’s always a possibility. For example, when I wrote my reviews for the best sewing machines under $50, Janome Pink Lightning Basic was my favorite.
That one was my favorite because there are not many manufacturers that are capable of making very cheap machines that are any good. Janome is one of them. Thus, some of you might end up with neither a Brother nor a Singer.
No matter which brand you end up choosing, you should always read the user manual first. Try to follow the instructions written in there.
Nevertheless, sometimes the instructions written in there are a bit confusing for complete beginners. If you do better with visual guides than written words, then you should search for YouTube tutorials. You’ll find videos for whatever model you end up buying, they’re really good and easy to follow.
Do Singer or Brother make sewing machines under $100?
If we’re talking about very big differences in our Singer vs Brother comparison there are three. We’ll cover one of them right now and talk about the other two a bit later.
Singer actually makes a sewing machine for under $100. Brother doesn’t. The cheapest we can get is the Brother XM2701 but it’s still priced above $100. Thus, that’s one difference between these two brands.
The second difference that I’m going to cover a bit later is that Singer also makes handheld sewing machines. Brother doesn’t manufacture any handheld sewing machines.
The third difference is that Brother is the brand to look at if you’re looking for very competent embroidery machines. Singer is not excelling in that area. Brother has quite a few models to choose from.
Other than these three differences, I would say that this Singer vs Brother comparison is quite balanced.
Singer M1000
Given that the Singer M1000 is a sewing machine that costs less than $100, I would say that you shouldn’t expect much. Frankly, I much prefer the Janome Pink Lightning Basic if we’re looking for very cheap machines.
I’m not saying that the Singer M1000 is all bad but it has plenty of negative reviews. It has received praising reviews, too. You should read from both camps if you’re interested in the M1000.
The Singer M1000 is a mending machine. Don’t buy this one if you want to make clothes from patterns. In that case, I would recommend sewing machines that cost $150-$200. There’s plenty of those to choose from.
However, if you only want a lightweight sewing machine (it weighs 5.5 pounds) that can mend clothes and that only works for light and medium weight fabrics, then the M1000 can be quite a nice choice.
We get 32 stitches that cover everything we need. There’s also a pretty accommodating sewing space, a presser lifter, basic components, LED light, and a few nice accessories for basic work.
There’s only one speed and there’s no buttonhole stitch.
Singer or Brother for machines under $150?
This is the price level where the first clash of the titans takes place. Frankly, it’s pretty impossible to decide which one comes on top. I’m a bit partial and I’ll say that the Singer MX231 is the winner for me.
The important thing is they both have worthy models for prices under $150. However, this introduction to sewing machines under $150 will demonstrate that you actually don’t need to spend big if you want to make your own clothes or mend whatever you want. They also work for quilting.
Brother XM2701
If you’re looking for an affordable model that doesn’t cost much above $100 and it’s awesome for beginners, then you should check out the Brother XM2701.
It’s a very popular machine and with good reason.
We get 27 unique built-in stitches with 63 stitch functions. That’s a lot of them and they include decorative and quilting stitches.
We also get 1-step buttonhole.
There’s an automatic needle threader, free arm, LED light, foot controller for controlling sewing speed. And it weighs 12.6 pounds so we can see it as being portable.
There are plenty of accessories to help us with whatever project we want to take on: zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, etc.
Singer MX231
The Singer MX231 might not be a heavy duty machine but it’s still capable of handling a wide variety of projects.
What I like the most is that, with the right needles and thread, you can actually sew through heavyweight fabrics with this affordable Singer model.
Thus, what I like the most about the MX231 is the fact that it handles light, medium and heavyweight fabrics. It’s a versatile model, even though the cheap price might not inspire that.
First of all, we get 97 stitch applications, which is a lot. These stitches cover a lot of needs.
We also get 4-step buttonhole and 1-step buttonhole. When it comes stitches, there’s nothing to find lacking.
We get a foot switch for speeds, automatic needle threader, LED light, large sewing space, free arms and bunch of other useful components.
The accessories for the Singer MX231 are just as impressive as the rest of the machine. We get zipper foot, 4-step buttonhole foot, 1-step buttonhole foot, seam ripper, etc.
And it’s a machine that only weighs 11.79 pounds so you can even consider it to be portable.
Heavy Duty Sewing Machines from Singer and Brother
We’ve come to my favorite part of this article. And I’m not even referring to talking about expensive sewing machines. Sure, those expensive models from well-known brands can be truly enchanting. But what I truly like are heavy-duty sewing machines that are pretty affordable. They’re priced around $200.
The heavy-duty machines from Brother and Singer are appreciated by many different users: complete beginners, people who want sewing machines to make wigs, people who want to sew through leather, buyers who want to invest into a model that promises to last for years to come, people who want to make their own clothes or mend projects, and professionals.
Singer Heavy Duty 4423
This is a powerhouse. Even if there are certainly more powerful sewing machines on the market, those are also models that cost double or triple. What the Heavy Duty 4423 offers users for its price can be summed up in one way: best value. That’s why I like it so much.
If you’re looking for one of the best sewing machines for leather that won’t break the bank, the Singer 4423 is one to check out.
We get a very spacious sewing space, LED light, free arm, automatic needle threader and a very extensive list of components.
We also get a high-performance motor that is 60% stronger than a standard sewing machine.
It reaches up to 1100 stitches per minute. And it has a complete metal frame.
There are 97 stitch applications that encompass everything we might need to do. One step buttonhole is included. As well as bartack buttonhole.
There’s also the possibility of adjusting the needle position.
The accessories are plenty: general purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, edge/quilting guide, seam ripper, soft dust cover, etc.
Brother ST371HD
If you don’t like the Singer heavy-duty machine that I mentioned above, just remember that we’re here to make a Singer vs Brother comparison. Which means that we get to talk about a Brother heavy-duty machine that is pretty much in the same price range.
The Brother ST371HD can also sew through multiple layers of leather, it’s great for beginners, for people who want to make clothes from intricate patterns, for quilting, for making wigs, and it’s also appreciated by professionals.
There are 37 stitches that include 1-step buttonhole.
We get nice accessories like zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, blind stitch foot, non stick foot, soft cover, etc.
The non stick foot is exactly what we need for leatherwork. It’s another demonstration that this Brother ST371HD is another powerhouse at an affordable price.
Singer vs Brother Sewing Machines for Quilting
I would say that the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine is one of my favorites when it comes to quilting sewing machines that cost around $200 or a bit under. The affordable price is impressive and it also comes with some amazing features.
Since this a Singer vs Brother comparison, we must also include a Singer model for quilting.
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9985 that I review just below can be definitely used for quilting.
The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 is also quite nicely equipped for quilting. Many buyers use it for quilting and are very satisfied with its performance. The Heavy Duty 4423 is reviewed just above.
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
We get 60 stitches that also include decorative stitches and 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes. We have enough for whatever quilting project we want to pursue.
Of course, there’s an automatic needled threader.
The surprising feature is the sewing speed controller. It comes in the form of a slider button that we slide to the left to decrease the sewing speed or to the right if we want to increase it. Thus, we don’t have to use the foot controller if we don’t want to.
The sewing space is brightly lit.
We also get a wide table that is fantastic for quilting projects.
Sewing feet: buttonhole foot, zipper foot, overcasting foot, blindstitch foot, monogramming foot, zigzag foot, quilting foot, walking foot, quilt guide, button sewing foot.
Other accessories are: seam ripper, bobbins, need set, cleaning brush, screwdriver, extra spool pin, and foot controller.
The Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine is also a portable machine that only weighs 13 pounds.
Brother wins for embroidery machines
With this category we’re moving into the territory of expensive sewing machines. But it’s such a nice place to be around if you have the budget for it.
Usually, very good embroidery machines are models that are priced around $1,000 and more. These are capable models that can sew whatever design we feed them.
As you might have gathered, embroidery machines are computerized models that stand in a league of their own.
Embroidery machines are not cheap things to buy but we also demand quite a feat from them.
Check out my reviews for the best embroidery machines for beginners if you want to learn more.
Brother SE1900
I mentioned that embroidery machines are expensive things to buy. Brother SE1900 is a perfect example of that at a price above $1,000. It will be fascinating to see all that it has to offer given that it’s one of the best embroidery machines at the moment.
When it comes to embroidery, Brother is a clear winner by far.
We get a large embroidery space, 138 embroidery designs and 240 built-in stitches.
The designs that you want to sew can be seen on a large color touch display screen. You can choose the design from the 138 embroidery designs. Or you can import your own designs from iBroidery.com or other sources.
Brother mentions that this combination machine offers users the ultimate sewing and embroidery experience. It’s certainly one of the best.
We can also monogram or personalize our projects with the 11 built-in fonts.
We are also told that the exceptional feed system makes sewing a breeze, allowing for smooth fabric feeding.
Another interesting feature is My Custom Stitch, which allows users to design their own custom sewing stitches and save them in the machine.
There are a lot of embroidery features that you can explore. It will take too long talking about them here and that’s not the place since we’re here to analyze Singer vs Brother.
Just know that if you’re interested in embroidery machines, your first option should be the Brother SE1900.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9985
Do I consider the Quantum Stylist 9985 to be a very good embroidery machine? Not really. It doesn’t stand a chance when it’s compared with the Brother SE1900, which is one of the best embroidery machines on the market.
However, to be honest, it’s not described as an embroidery machine. It’s called a sewing and quilting machine. Well, since Singer is not focused on manufacturing embroidery machines, the Quantum Stylist 9985 was the best I could do.
There are 1000+ stitch applications. There are plenty of decorative stitches and fonts and that’s why I decided to include it here.
Still, the Quantum Stylist 9985 is primarily a sewing and quilting machine with the chance to do some simple embroidery on the side. We get heirloom stitches for quilts and table linens. Plus, a variety of decorative stitches.
As a sewing and quilting machine, the Singer 9985 is truly good. But it’s also quite expensive.
The 9985 is a computerized machine that can handle light, medium, and heavyweight fabrics. It’s quite complex and it’s excellent for a wide variety of uses and users.
The list of accessories and components for the Singer 9985 is very long so I’m not going to enumerate them all. Suffice it to say that the Singer Quantum Stylist is one of the most complex models from this manufacturer. The price also reflects that aspect.
Singer handheld sewing machines
As I’ve mentioned, Singer even makes handheld sewing machines. Brother doesn’t. If this is the type of model that you’re looking to buy, Singer is your answer.
I will admit that I’m not the biggest fan of handheld sewing machines but there are plenty of users who have made them work very well for their mending projects.
If you’re looking for a handheld model, look no further than the Singer Stitch Quick +. In my opinion, that’s the best we can get.
You can buy the Singer Stitch Quick + for making repairs on clothes, curtains, for mending and for even hemming jeans. If you figure out how it works, it can be a good tiny thing to have in the house.
The instructions that come with the Stitch Quick + are not exactly the most detailed. For beginners, that might present some problems. That’s why my recommendation would be to watch YouTube tutorials for the Singer Stitch Quick +. They’re very good if you can’t figure things out.
There are two modes in which we can use the Stitch Quick +: handheld and desktop. I really like that and it’s not something you’ll find with other models.
It works with 4 AA batteries or with an AC/DC adapter but neither are included so you should expect extra costs.
Singer short history
It all started as far back as 1850 when Isaac Merritt Singer manufactured the first straight stitch sewing machine. It was named Standard 1 and it was the world’s first practical sewing machine.
The Singer Manufacturing Company was named in 1853. The first machines were sold at $100.
Sewing machines brought speed and revolutionized the market. While a hatter could loop 7 times per minute, a Singer machine could do the same at 347 times per minute.
It took 14 hours to sew a man’s shirt by hand but only 1hr16min on a machine.
The prizes started as soon as 1855 when Singer received the first prize in sewing machines at World’s Fair in Paris. It became the largest selling brand of sewing machines internationally.
In 1857 it became the first multinational/global company.
In 1895 Singer launched the Singer 15, which was the most successful sewing machine design ever, remaining in production for over 100 years.
Thanks to the Singer 15, a new design of needle was introduced. It became the standard needle for most Singer domestic machines and for virtually all other brands.
Also, thanks to the same model, the class 15-11 bobbin case and hook system has become the standard design used by almost all other sewing machine manufacturers.
The Athena 2000 was launched in 1975 as the world’s first electronic machine.
When it celebrated its 100th anniversary of its incorporation, Singer had a $307.8 million sales figure.
The world’s first Sewing Assistant App was launched in 2017. Singer intends to help everyone around the globe.
Brother short history
Brother actually originated in Japan. It started with the Yasui brothers who inherited the Yasui Sewing Machine Co. from their father. The beginning of Brother is the new Yasui Brothers’ Sewing Machine Company.
This starts the manufacturing of a Japanese sewing machine that will surpass machines manufactured overseas in 1928.
The Brother International Corporation was founded in 1959.
In 1972 it became the first company in Wall Street’s history with 50% foreign ownership.
The Computer-Sew 1000 was the first computerized home sewing machine. It was manufactured way back in 1979 and it cemented Brother’s reputation as industry leader.
It became a $1 billion company in 1997. The company continues its unprecedented growth as an industry leader.
The only conclusion we can draw from our Singer vs Brother comparison is that these two famous brands offer all categories of users whatever sewing machine they might be looking for, for whatever budget they have and that’s what matters and what makes these two manufacturers so incredibly popular.
