Project Runway sewing machines are limited-edition machines manufactured by Brother in collaboration with the TV series ‘Project Runway’. They are a great choice for dressmakers and fashion designers. Project Runway sewing machines are typically compact which makes it easier to store and carry them. Moreover, they come with several great features that one can expect only from high-end sewing machines.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Most models in this series of Project Runway sewing machines come with an extension table. This makes it easier for you to make quilts and large items. The reason these machines carry the Project Runway name is that they are a result of a collaboration between Brother and the reality show “Project Runway”. This show allows fashion designers, dressmakers, and crafters to showcase their creativity while providing them a roadmap to reach the New York Fashion Week.
The maker of the Project Runway show knows that a good sewing machine is just as important as the talent of a designer. So they got into a discussion with Brother and came up with Project Runway sewing machines that will help passionate designers and dressmakers showcase their creativity. The Project Runway sewing machines by Brother have more features than ordinary machines and they aren’t as expensive as some of the other high-end models.
If you are looking to buy a Brother Project Runway sewing machine and can’t decide which one is right for you, you are at the right place. We will list down some of the best Project Runway sewing machines to help you choose the one that is right for you. But before that let us look at some features you should consider when looking for a Project Runway sewing machine.
Features of the Brother Project Runway Sewing Machines
When you are looking to buy a Brother Project Runway sewing machine, there are several features to consider, depending on what you intend to use it for.
Type
If you intend to make clothes or hemming items, then you should purchase an all-purpose Project Runway sewing machine. On the other hand, if you plan on doing embroidery, then you should consider buying a special-purpose embroidery machine. There are also sewing machines available to do quilting work and these come with more functions than a regular model.
Generally, sewing machines are divided into four categories: electronic, computerized, overlocker, and mechanical machines. Electronic sewing machines are most widely used and they have dials for selecting different stitches. Computerized sewing machines have an LCD display and buttons for changing machine settings and selecting stitches. Overlocker machines are usually called sergers and they help create smooth hem edges. Finally, the mechanical sewing machine uses foot power and they aren’t popular nowadays.
Motor Speed
A sewing machine’s motor speed is given in stitches per minute. Basically, the motor speed shows how fast a machine can sew. This speed varies depending on the sewing machine. Usually, the speed of a sewing machine can be controlled. When you are sewing simple fabric, you can increase the speed and when you are dealing with thicker fabrics, you can turn the speed down to ensure that the machine doesn’t get stuck.
Stitches and Stitch Functions
One of the most important things to consider when looking for a Project Runway sewing machine is the number of built-in stitches available in the machine. Beginners mostly just create straight lines but advanced sewers experiment with complex patterns. Built-in stitches help both beginners and advanced sewers complete their projects with ease. Some project runway machines come with several built-in stitches. For example, the Brother XR9559PRW boasts 110 stitches for you to choose from.
Foot Accessories
If you are beginner, you won’t need a lot of foot accessories. However, if you are advanced sewer and intend to sew crafts, you should consider the foot accessories available with the machine as you will need them to complete your work.
Automatic Needle Threader
One of the hardest and most frustrating parts of sewing is threading a needle. You might waste a lot of time in threading a needle, especially when you are new to sewing. Therefore, you should look for a Project Runway sewing machine that has an automatic needle threader. An automatic needle threader will thread the needle with a simple push of a button.
Warranty
Since sewing machines tend to be expensive, you should look for a warranty when buying one. Many Brother sewing machines including Project Runway sewing machines come with a warranty. Check the warranty available with them before you purchase a Project Runway sewing machine.
Extra Features
You have the option for purchasing a basic sewing machine or one that comes with several extra features to make your sewing work easier. It depends on how much money you can shell out and what you want from your sewing machine. Extra features may include a computer connectivity option that allows you to import more designs from your computer into the machine or a wide table that you can use to make quilts.
The 5 Best Project Runway Sewing Machines
1. Brother XR9550PRW Project Runway Limited Edition
The Brother XR9550PRW comes with 110 built-in stitches that can be selected with the push of a button. The machine also features eight-foot accessories including blind stitch, overcasting, and zigzag. The Brother XR9550PRW has eight buttonhole styles, allowing you to create an amazing outfit with ease.
Since it’s a computerized machine, you can select any option using the buttons and LCD screen. The Brother XR9550PRW also has a free-arm capability for sewing cuffs and sleeves and a wide table that will help you take on larger garments. So, you can complete any kind of sewing project no matter how big or small it is.
The Brother XR9550PRW comes with a 25-year limited warranty which serves as a testament to its durability. Technical phone support is also available just in case you run into any issues. The machine is lightweight yet durable and comes with a carrying handle. Overall, the Brother XR9550PRW is an impressive model with several features to satisfy the needs of both beginner and intermediate craftsmen.
2. Brother CS5055PRW Project Runway
If you are looking for a top quality project runway sewing machine, then the Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW should be on your shortlist. This machine comes with 50 built-in stitches, five buttonhole styles, seven-foot accessories, and 87 stitch functions. The maximum stitch speed of the Brother CS5055PRW is 850 stitches per minute.
This machine is designed for intermediate sewers, which is why it has more options than basic Brother sewing machines like the XM2701. The Brother CS5055PRW has an LCD screen that you can use to select the many functions available in the machine. You can select a stitch style and change its width. The Brother CS5055PRW is lightweight which means you can easily carry it with you to sewing classes. The top bobbins and threads are easy to use allowing you to get started quickly. Overall the Brother CS5055PRW is a great choice for intermediate sewers and comes with plenty of features to satisfy their needs.
3. Brother CE7070PRW Project Runway
The CE7070PRW is another great project runway sewing machine by Brother. It has received positive reviews from the majority of customers and is a good option for those who don’t want to shell out a lot of cash on a sewing machine. You can get a brand new CE7070PRW for around 150 bucks.
The Brother CE7070PRW sewing machine comes with 70 built-in stitches and seven styles of 1-step automatic buttonholes. It also has an automatic needle threader, which makes it easier for you to thread the needle. The top drop-in bobbin system of the machine is easy to use.
The Brother CE7070PRW also features an LCD screen that displays the current stitch and you can select any stitch using the buttons below the screen. The machine also has an illuminated work area which will help you sew dark fabrics or do the work in low lights. The needle plate marking on the machine helps you do stitching properly. The stitch chart right in front of the Brother CE7070PRW can be used to quickly select the stitch you want to use. Overall, the Brother CE7070PRW is a great model with plenty of features to satisfy your needs.
4. Brother Project Runway XR9500PRW
The Brother Project Runway XR9500PRW boasts 100 built-in stitches and several features that we normally only find on high-end sewing machines. It’s a professional quality sewing machine, which is easy to operate and won’t break the break. An instructional DVD comes with the machine to help you get started right away.
The wide range of built-in stitches is great for both novice and expert sewers. You can select from decorative, utility, zigzag, and monogramming stitches using the large backlit LCD screen. Thanks to the free arm and oversized table, you can take on larger quilting tasks and projects with ease.
Automatic needle threader, thread cutter, automatic bobbin winding, automatic presser foot adjust, and eight styles of auto-size buttonholes all make this sewing machine a great option. Speed selection feature is also available in the Brother XR9500 sewing machine allowing you to change the sewing speed according to your needs.
There is a good selection of accessories including seven different presser feet and a hard cover to protect your sewing machine during transport. Overall, the Brother XR9500 is a great machine that comes with several features at an affordable price. If you are looking for a sewing machine from the Project Runway range, then the Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Limited Edition should be on your shortlist.
5. Brother CS-8800PRW
The Brother CS-8800PRW is another great sewing machine from the Project Runway range. It features 80 built-in stitches including eight styles of 1-step buttonholes. An LCD display screen allows you to select the stitch of your choice and you can use the bright LED-lit working area to sew darker fabrics. The advanced needle threading system of the Brother CS-8800PRW allows you to easily thread your machine and you can start sewing almost immediately, thanks to the quick set drop-in bobbin setting system.
The Brother CE8800 is durable so you will get several years of quality service regardless of what you are using the machine for. This sewing machine isn’t as popular as others on the list like the XR9500PRW but it still packs some good features. One thing we don’t like about the Brother CE8800 is that it doesn’t have a speed control option and start/stop button. The machine does, however, have an automatic needle threader and a top drop-in bobbin.
Our Final Thoughts
We have discussed some of the best Brother Project Runway sewing machines currently available on the market. Now take your time to look at the features and capabilities of each machine to decide which one is right for you. Consider the type of projects you will be taking on, the features you will need and the price you are comfortable with. The Project Runway sewing machines we listed vary in price, but their features are quite similar. Moreover, consider the number of built-in stitches you are comfortable with.
We recommend you choose a Brother Project Runway sewing machine that comes with several automatic features and at least 100 built-in stitches. This way you will be able to complete sewing projects with greater ease using the automatic functionality and built-in stitches.
We hope you find our guides helpful in selecting the best project runway sewing machine.
