If you’re looking for a couture-level sewing unit to make runway-ready masterpieces, Brother has made a special machine for you. It’s the Brother Project Runway CS5055ORW.
It’s super-versatile, computerized sewing machine loaded with different features which set it apart from traditional sewing machines. Today, I will review this sewing machine in detail.
Here’s a detailed Brother CS5055PRW review including stitch patterns, automated features, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s determine if it’s the right model for you or not.
Technical Specifications
| Dimensions: | 11.65 x 7 x 16.26 inches |
| Machine weight: | 14.75 pounds |
| Stitch speed: | 850 stitches per minute |
| Included presser feet: | 6 |
| Auto buttonholes: | 1-step auto-size buttonhole |
| Automatic needle threader: | Yes |
| Bobbin loading: | Top |
| Free arm: | Yes |
| Lighting: | LED |
| Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Table of Contents
Brother CS5055PRW Review
This project runway model has been made with fashion designers and professionals in mind. It provides a flawless stitch quality. And comes with a lot of inbuilt stitches.
It’s a user-friendly and computerized sewing machine. Although it’s created with experienced sewers in mind, it’s still easy to use. Therefore, beginners can use it as well.
If you’re looking for a super-versatile sewing machine with a large table, look no further than this model. It’s perfect for larger projects. Also, it’s lightweight and portable.
This baby weighs only 14.75 pounds. The best part? It’s covered by a 25-year limited warranty. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of Brother CS5055PRW.
Display and Stitch Selection
This Brother sewing machine has been created with an LCD screen with a simple stitch selector.
With these options, you can easily pick your desired stitch pattern. Moreover, you can see your desired stitch pattern presented on the screen.
Led-Lit Workplace
The workplace of this sewing machine is super bright and LED-lit. CS5055PRW comes with LED lighting. It allows you to see all the details of your task.
It’s ideal for dark fabric sewing. Sew at night or day, whenever you want without making a fatal mistake or straining your eyes due to poor lighting.
Larger Table
CS5055PRW comes with a wide table which provides additional space. Therefore, this sewing machine is perfect for sewing larger projects like formal wear, etc.
Bobbin Setup
The drop-in, quick-set top-load bobbin is exclusive and would ensure that your bobbin stays intact. This assists in accomplishing reliability and even stitching.
Markings on the Needle Plate
The markings on the needle plate allow users to enjoy stitching in straight lines. Additionally, they would let you keep the fabrics at the proper distance from the needle.
Convenient Chart
The convenient chart that’s printed on the front of your sewing machine allows you to see all the inbuilt stitch patterns. This is great for both beginners and professionals.
Faster Winding
This model allows for fast bobbin winding. At the same time, it’s easier and reliable
With the upper thread in place and the bobbin set over the winder, just press the bobbin to the right for getting the bobbin to do the work.
Exceptional Feed System
The feed system of this sewing machine is exceptional. It helps you in moving your material smoothly for more precisely formed patterns.
Drop Feed System
The drop feed system of CS5055PRW would allow users to handle all the free motion quilting with great ease.
Built-In Stitches
CS5055PRW comes with 50 built-in stitches and 87 stitch functions. Therefore, you will get a large choice of sewing projects you can make. They’re all printed out below the display.
Therefore, you precisely know what you’re choosing. Utilize the LCD screen to pick a stitch, adjust width and length, and see which presser foot you need to utilize with current settings.
Buttonholes and Decorations
The Brother CS5055PRW computerized sewing machine delivers a bunch of possibilities to apply to your personal touch to the sewing projects you create.
It comes with 5 types of buttonholes, checkerboard stitch, overcasting stitch, feather stitch, zipper stitch and twin needles that enable creating 2 parallel stitches.
Top Bobbin Load
Lock and load like a professional. The quick set up bobbin will make anyone feel like they’re experts in sewing. Simply pop the bobbin into the opening made for it, pull out the thread and you’re good to go!
Fabrics
With this sewing machine, there’s little you CAN’T do. It can handle all types of fabrics including stretch, vinyl, knit, denim, leather, and so on. The drop feed makes free-motion quilting a breeze!
Machine Speed
This unit can sew up to 850 stitches per minute. It’s a decent speed. Thanks to the low speed, newbies can use it as well. It provides quiet operation which is important to some users.
You can sew in the same room where your children are sleeping and you won’t disturb them at all. It’s a dream come true for sewers who’re most creative and like to sew late at night.
Automatic Needle Threader
Needle threading requires 0 effort. It’s automatic which I appreciate. This is one of my favourite features in sewing machines. Simply pull the lever and let the system do the work.
Lightweight
If you’re looking for a portable and easy to transport sewing machine, look no further than CS5055PRW. It weighs only 14 pounds which makes carrying it around in a case easy.
Free Arm
Brother CS5055PRW helps you with your projects. And keeps your fabric when you need to sew sleeves and cuffs thanks to the free arm it includes.
This is a luxurious addition that’s often found only on costlier models. It will impress you and help reach hard-to-read places like cuffs, sleeves, etc.
I appreciate free arms in sewing units because it opens up new opportunities for my sewing projects. A spool pin will provide consistent feeding even when utilizing speciality threads.
Warranty
Just like any Brother sewing machine, this one is also covered by a 25-year limited warranty. This proves that Brother stands behind its products. They also have great customer support.
Free Accessories
You will receive 7 presser feet including a zigzag foot, a blind stitch foot, a zipper foot, a monogramming foot, overcasting foot, button fitting foot, and buttonhole foot.
There’s also a needle set, bobbins, twin needle, a seam ripper, extra spool pin, spool caps, a screwdriver, a cleaning brush, a foot controller pedal, and an operation manual.
Operation Manual
I was pleasantly surprised by the bilingual operation manual that comes with this machine. It’s clear and well-written. Beginners and intermediate users will find it helpful.
Brother CS5055PRW Pros and Cons
When discussing a sewing machine that’s light and portable, there’s a concern that the performance will suffer, especially when using denser materials.
I was surprised and impressed with how good this sewing machine performs on thicker fabric and layers of fabrics. The 7 piece feed dog makes all the difference.
I tested this sewing machine on different dense fabrics including multiple layers of denim. The workflow was smooth. Let’s summarize the pros and cons.
Pros
- 50 built-in stitches and 87 stitch functions
- Lightweight and portable with a carrying handle
- Brightly lit workspace for a clear view of your projects
- Reasonably-priced with a lot of impressive features
- Convenient stitch chart for easy stitch selection
- LED screen and computerized stitch selection
- The automatic needle threader saves effort and time
- Accessory pouch with a bunch of free accessories
- 5 buttonhole styles and 6 presser feet
- A vertical spool pin is included
- Enables customization and original designs
- Provides clean and serger-like corners
- Adjustable stitch width and length via the LCD screen
- Professional-looking, designer-like stitches
- Simple winding top bobbin
- Free arm for reaching hard-to-reach places like cuffs, sleeves, etc.
- Suitable for both professionals and enthusiastic beginners
Cons
- The LCD screen isn’t backlit
- The workspace isn’t large enough
- Not the best machine for quilting
- You can find machines with more stitch patterns and presser feet in the same price range
- Not suitable for places that don’t support 120V
- Intended for smaller materials as work bed is small
- No speed control
- No hardcover case
What’s in the Package?
You will get the Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW sewing machine, 6 presser feet, needles (ballpoint needle and twin needle), a seam ripper, bobbins, and a lint brush.
There are also small/medium/large spool caps, built-in accessory storage, operation manual, warranty, a spool pin, etc. As you can notice, you will get a lot of free accessories.
How to Setup Brother CS5055PRW?
Setting up this sewing machine is easy, even for beginners. Take the following steps and you will do just fine. The first step is automatically winding and setting the bobbin.
Step 1: Automatically Winding and Setting the Bobbin
Winding the bobbin on this sewing machine is super easy if you follow the instructions in the quick start guide. You will also notice instructions on the top of the machine as reminders.
Once the bobbin is done, you will drop it in the bobbin case on the platform of the sewing machine. The instructions on the platform of the machine will lead you through the whole process.
Step 2: Threading the Needle
Threading the needle is easy thanks to the quick start guide and imprinted digits on your CS50550PRW sewing machine. They’re super helpful.
The thread is guided through the eye of the needle with the automatic needle threader system. It takes some time to master, especially for absolute beginners.
I hate threading the needle the old-fashioned way. I’m in love with automatic needle threaders because of my poor eyesight and lack of patience.
Also, using this feature saves time which you can use sewing instead of manually threading your needle. It’s also perfect for absolute beginners.
How to Use Brother CS5055PRW?
Once your bobbin is wound and your upper thread is passed via the needle, you’re ready to get to work. With the quick-set bobbin, you don’t need to draw up the bobbin thread.
The needle will finish the job automatically as you start sewing. Start sewing by pushing your foot on the foot pedal controller. Push harder if you want to increase machine speed.
And ease off if you want to slow down your speed. There’s a switch on the front of your sewing machine for reverse stitch. Although CS5055PRW has a lot of features, it’s easy to use.
You will remember your first project as a pleasant and exciting experience if you follow the instructions. The stitch selection is computerized and simple just like the rest of the settings.
For instance, making buttonholes takes a single step. Additionally, things such as faster bobbin winding, quick-set bobbin, and the automatic needle threader make things even easier!
How to Thread Brother CS5055PRW?
Threading the needle is easy thanks to the quick start guide and imprinted digits on your CS50550PRW sewing machine. They’re super helpful.
The thread is guided through the eye of the needle with the automatic needle threader system. It takes some time to master, especially for absolute beginners.
I hate threading the needle the old-fashioned way. I’m in love with automatic needle threaders because of my poor eyesight and lack of patience.
Also, using this feature saves time which you can use sewing instead of manually threading your needle. It’s also perfect for absolute beginners.
Brother CS5055PRW How to Thread Bobbin?
First and foremost, make sure to only utilize compatible Brother bobbins for your CS5055PRW. For most Brother units, this will be SA156, class 15 plastic, transparent bobbins.
To start the bobbin winding process, pull the spool pin-up or out, and put the spool of thread on it. If the sewing machine has a horizontal spindle, you need to put the spool cap over it.
Mine has a vertical spindle. Therefore, it doesn’t need a spool cap. I place the thread where it pulls from behind and to the left.
Pull the thread end out. Pass the thread around the pre-tension disk on the left of your sewing machine. Go under the pre-tension disk and around counter-clockwise.
Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft. As you turn the bobbin clockwise, you will notice a spring on the shaft that should slide into the bobbin groove.
Slide the shaft to the right and you will feel it click into place.
If your Brother has a quick bobbin winding system, keep the end of the spool thread with your left hand. Wrap the free end of the thread clockwise with your right hand around the bobbin for a few times.
Pass the thread via the slot in the base of the bobbin seat to slice the excess thread. Press the foot pedal down or touch the on/off switch and slide the speed controller to the right.
The bobbin winding will start winding fast. When it’s almost full, it will begin slowing down. Certain units will stop winding entirely. Remove your foot from the pedal or push the stop switch.
If your Brother sewing machine doesn’t have a quick bobbin winding system, place the end of the thread into one of the openings in the bobbin.
Turn on your sewing machine and either push the foot pedal down while keeping the end of the thread. Or push the start switch.
When pressing the start/stop to wind the thread a couple of times, use the slowest slider speed. Or low foot pressure. Then, increase speed or press down harder to wind the bobbin completely.
For all sewing units, now slice the excess thread. And slide the bobbin winding pin back to the left. Take off the bobbin and ensure it’s wounded evenly.
Who is Brother CS5055PRW Made for?
If you want to start your quilting or sewing business, consider other sewing machines in the market. The Brother CS5055PRW is intended for basic, personal projects.
It’s perfect for everyday sewing tasks. Professional sewers and beginners will enjoy this sewing machine. However, it’s not suitable for large-scale sewing projects.
Brother CS5055PRW Oil
The Brother CS5055PRW computerized sewing machine requires oiling. However, it has to be lubricated at a Brother authorized service centre.
If you want to do it yourself, take off the plate by the needle to clean underneath. The cleaning process will take 15 minutes of your precious time.
However, if you sew a lot as I do, you know you often have to take apart the sewing machine to remove all the lint out and oil the components.
Brother CS5055PRW Bobbin Size
Brother CS5055PRW uses SA156, class 15 plastic, transparent bobbins. Despite the brand of your sewing machine, it’s important to use the recommended type of bobbins.
Brother CS5055PRW Needles
This sewing machine comes with three multipurpose needles. No matter the size of the needle, the base of the needle is the same and will fit most sewing machines on the market.
However, it depends on the fabric that you’re using what size and type of needle you need to utilize. You can use any brand of needles with this unit but the max size needle is a size 16.
Brother CS50550PRW Manual
The manual is easy to follow. It has a good index in the front. It also has pages like “knowing your sewing machine” which includes all the accessories that come with this sewing machine.
And optional accessories that can be bought for quilting. It’s also loaded with multiple pages of terms of machine parts and their functions. It includes “caution notices” and illustrated pictures.
These pictures show you how to use your sewing machine. You will also notice “useful sewing tips” and “sewing basics”. They’re charts which describe basic stitching and utility stitches.
There’s also an appendix with maintenance info and illustrated pictures of troubleshooting if something goes wrong. It’s well-written, detailed and makes a great accessory for beginners.
Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW vs CS6000i
They’re both great sewing machines. And they’re identical. However, they have their differences such as the number of stitches. CS6000i includes 60 stitches.
The Brother CS5055RPRW has 50 stitches. CS6000i has 9 presser feet and 7 automatic buttonhole styles, while CS5055PRW has 7 presser feet and 5 automatic buttonhole styles.
The Brother CS6000i includes a removable wide table which makes it suitable for larger projects such as quilts. It also has a spring action quilting foot, walking foot and a quilting guide.
In my opinion, it’s better than CS5055PRW when it comes to features. It comes with more features but if you want a cheaper sewing machine, opt for Brother CS5055PRW.
Brother CS5055PRW for Sale
This sewing machine is available for purchase at Amazon. You can find good deals at Amazon since they always charge the right price for a product, especially a sewing machine.
Apart from Amazon’s authenticity and reliability, the other benefit of buying there is user feedback. The feedback of previous users can help you make a smart, calculated decision.
Sewing Machines Plus also sells this Brother sewing machine at a good price. You can buy it for less than $250. It’s affordable, super-versatile and includes a bunch of accessories.
Final Words
Making quality, runway-ready garments usually requires a high-end sewing machine. However, this unit by Brother meets your sewing needs at a great price. CS5055PRW is affordable.
And lightweight. And versatile. It can handle these types of projects with great ease. If you’re looking for a feature-rich, computerized and user-friendly unit, look no further than CS5055PRW.
It delivers a flawless quality stitch. The best part? It’s covered by a 25-year limited warranty and includes a well-written, detailed operation manual which is a great accessory for beginners.
If you’ve used this sewing machine, share your thoughts in the comments below. Hopefully, my Brother CS5055PRW review can help you determine if this unit responds to your needs.