The Brother CS6000i sewing and quilting machine includes a lot of stitches, it’s user-friendly and budget-friendly. I feel like I just described the ideal entry-level sewing machine.
Many sewers feel it delivers great value for the money. And it’s a great machine for users without much sewing experience. It’s suitable for both basic and heavy-duty projects.
If you’re new to the market, you probably don’t know much about this machine. However, if you’re here for a while, you’re aware of the reputation of CS6000i on the market.
It’s fairly lightweight due to the plastic construction but don’t let the design full you into thinking it’s not worth your time and money. Overall, it’s a durable sewing machine.
Today, I will review this legendary model in detail. If you’re interested in learning more about this model and why it’s so popular, make sure to read my Brother CS6000i review.
Technical Specifications
| Dimensions: | 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches |
| Machine weight: | 16 pounds |
| Built-in sewing stitches: | 60 |
| Automatic needle threader: | Yes |
| Built-in free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs: | Yes |
| Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Table of Contents
Brother CS6000i Review
This workhorse would work quietly. And the stitch results would be even and nice. It’s user-friendly. And you can sew easily through a wide selection of fabrics.
Brother CS6000i sewing machine is also loaded with extra features like a hard dust cover, 9 presser feet, and a jumbo work table for larger projects.
These accessories don’t come with other sewing machines. Therefore, this machine saves you time and money you would spend on shopping for these items.
One of the key advantages of this sewing machine is the low cost. You can purchase this machine for less than $150 and get accessories like a complete set of feet.
The best part? Brother CS6000i requires low maintenance. It doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly which is great. However, what blew my mind is the range of accessories.
This workhorse comes with a bilingual user manual. This manual will make it easier for newbies to start using their machine. It’s also loaded with other features such as:
Stitch Selector
Brother CS6000i comes with a user-friendly, intuitive LCD stitch selector. This feature is great because it makes it easier for users to choose their desired stitch.
It’s all done with the touch of a button. Once you select your desired stitch, you will be able to view your stitch choice on the screen. This is very helpful and makes things easier.
Sewing Speed
One of the main things I like about Brother CS6000i is the ability to control the sewing speed. There’s a stitch speed slide that provides full control over the sewing speed.
Easy Threading
This sewing machine threads itself. You can complete the threading in record time by just following the numbered diagram that’s been printed on the sewing machine.
Accompanying Table
I also adore the accompanying table. It’s perfect for quilts and other larger projects. This over-sized work table provides extra space that people need to manoeuvre their sewing tasks.
Portability
You can easily transport this sewing machine from place to place because it’s lightweight. Simply pack it in your hard carry case that comes as standard and take it anywhere you want.
Automatic Needle Threader
This sewing machine has been made with an automatic needle threader by the assistance of which the unit will be able to push the thread. Just touch the lever that’s located on the side.
Workspace
I love the workspace of this sewing machine. It’s easy to use and properly lighted. This is very important for sewers who work with darker fabrics or work in poorly lighted working stations.
Bobbin Winding
Brother CS6000i includes a jam-resistant and quick set-top drop-in bobbin which makes it simpler to set and access your bobbin thread.
There’s also a printed diagram that shows where to put the thread. This is very convenient for new users and people without sewing experience.
Free Arm
This sewing machine includes a built-in free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs. This is perfect for making sleeves and other cylindrical creations.
If you’re a beginner who’s looking for a user-friendly sewing machine, look no further than this machine. Check out these tutorials on how to use it.
Brother CS6000i Pros and Cons
Although it’s a great sewing machine, Brother CS6000i also has a few setbacks worth mentioning. Let’s summarize some of the main pros and cons.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable, and easy to store
- It’s loaded with a user-friendly stitch selection system
- The automated threading system is great for new sewers
- You will get a large work table that makes your quilting easier
- Winding the unit’s bobbin is effortless thanks to the graphic guide
- The workspace is perfectly lit to make sure you can see clearly
- The free arm makes it super easy to sew cuffs and sleeves
- It’s covered by a 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- The LCD screen isn’t bright enough
- This sewing machine sits on a plastic frame. Therefore, it’s not as strong as other units of similar size. Cases of the unit breaking along the frame have been reported
- The unit can’t be utilized in countries that don’t have 120 AC mains connection
- The accessory storage on the machine isn’t that big. It features a small opening inside that may not be big enough for all the accessories
- You will need a basket to store supplies
Is the Brother CS6000i a Good Machine?
Owners repeatedly claim that they feel this sewing unit is a great buy and good bang for your buck. And you can notice this by scrolling down the consumer reviews.
Most users rate this sewing machine 5 stars out of 5. You will notice some 1-star ratings as well. They’re usually associated with the unit instantly falling upon the first startup.
Or something key breaking in the first couple of months. However, keep in mind that these 1-star ratings are well outnumbered by the unit’s higher ratings.
A lot of users claim to take the unit to classes as it’s lightweight. However, when a machine is too light, it tends to move around when you’re working.
Many people buy this machine for a younger family member or friend who is just getting started sewing. However, it’s popular among adult beginners as well.
Brother CS6000i sewing unit is capable of handling both heavy fabric like denim and thin, light materials. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features.
- Start/stop button
- Drop feed capable
- Quick change presser feet
- Adjustable tension control
- Automatic needle threader
- Maximum stitch width of 7mm
- A maximum stitch length of 5mm
- The sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute
- 60 inbuilt stitches (selectable via LCD screen). You will receive 7 quilting stitches, 20 decoratives, 20 garment construction, 6 heirlooms and 7 automatic buttonhole
- Removable, large table (perfect for quilting)
- Intuitive and easy to use LCD panel
- Variable speed control slider
- Variable needle position
- An inbuilt free arm
- LED-lit workspace
- Drop-in bobbin
The Brother CS6000i includes a bung of free accessories such as nine presser feet.
You will also get regular accessories like a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, an eyelet punch, a spool pin, a needle set, bobbins, a screwdriver, a hard case, a power cord, and a user manual.
The user manual is bilingual (English and Spanish). The supplies store easily in the accessory storage part which is constructed into the arm of the sewing machine but it’s not big enough.
CS6000i sewing and quilting machine weighs 16 pounds. Therefore, it’s lightweight, portable and easy to store. It’s also covered by a 25-year limited warranty. It’s perfect for beginners.
However, intermediate sewers can find it useful as well. Although it lacks some advanced features that experienced sewers can find in high-end sewing machines, it’s worth considering.
How to Use Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine?
Brother CS6000i sewing machine has been made in a way to assist beginners to start quickly with all its automatic features. Also, it’s loaded with lots of features which can help you add decorative stitches to sleeves and sew zippers on custom-fitted garments.
It’s easy to use thanks to the jam-resistant quick-set top drop-in bobbin. It saves time on setting up and utilizing the thread. You also have printed diagrams.
They’re placed on appropriate threading areas to help you complete everything quickly and correctly. If you’re looking for a self-threading unit, look no further than this one.
CS6000i takes care of the needle threading automatically. Simply push a lever and you’re done. The LCD is also helpful. It’s not a large screen but presents important notifications.
You can see which presser feet to utilize with each stitch so you don’t have to read the manual over and over again. Also, it notifies you if you’re doing something wrong.
What I like most about this sewing machine is the start/stop button for use without the foot control. It’s also great for stopping the needle so you can reposition your fabric.
The variable settings allow sewers to adjust the speed of each stretch. They also ensure a constant pace without stressing about keeping the same pressure on the pedal.
I also love how simple it is to change to reverse. All you need to do is push a button. The needle position key makes the unit stop the needle in either its lowest or highest point.
The accessories included in your purchase are easily accessible. They’re situated in a part on the arm of the sewing unit. There’s also a sharp manual thread cutter.
All these features help the new sewers become proficient without stress. Brother CS6000i makes sewing the delight it should be for all sewers. That’s why it’s so popular!
How to Thread Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine?
Threading Brother CS6000i is super easy.
There’s a small diagram printed on the unit. Then, the parts of the unit where you will pass your thread are numbered. Brother CS6000i practically threads itself.
Once you’ve completed the threading process for a few times, you will see it’s nothing complicated. Nor scary as many users, especially beginners, think.
Getting the thread through the needle can be done the old-fashioned way. Or by utilizing the machine’s needle threader. The choice is yours!
What does the Brother CS6000i Come With?
Everything you need to begin with sewing is included in the box. All you need to purchase is thread and fabric. Let’s take a closer look at things that come with CS6000i.
- 25-year limited warranty
- Oversized removable large table (ideal for larger tasks such as quilts)
- Accessory kit (needles, twin needle, a spool pin, and 3 bobbins, 9 presser feet, and a spool pin
- You will also get a bilingual manual (English and Spanish)
- The machine itself along with foot pedal and power cord
- Hard carrying protective case
With all these supplies and presser feet, there’s no need for spending extra money on accessories before you start sewing. That said, I hate only getting 3 bobbins, so I ended up buying extra bobbins.
I kindly suggest sticking with the original Brother bobbins. Otherwise, you might encounter issues. Third-party bobbins don’t fit as well. Also, make sure you have additional needles, thread and scissors.
Where to Buy Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine?
Since Brother CS6000i sewing and quilting machine is so popular, you can find it anywhere near you. It’s probably available in almost all the sewing stores.
You can visit Brother’s website. Or Target. Or Walmart. Of course, it’s also available at Amazon. Also, you can come across good deals at Sewing Machines Plus.
Brother CS6000i for Quilting
Although CS6000i doesn’t feature a big arm, you can do quilting with it.
The stable, removable extra-large table somewhat compensates for the limited space. Also, you will get preset quilting stitches such as stippling, hand-look, applique, and zigzag.
Utilize the zigzag pattern when it comes to the binding as it looks better and lays flatter than the straight pattern. This workhorse can handle three layers of a quilt with great ease.
There’s a walking foot included which delivers a bigger accuracy placing your stitches and allows a better feeding of the layers. The manual says you can’t patch reverse stitches with this foot.
It also advises utilizing the walking foot at medium or slow speed with zigzag or straight stitches.
The quilting tutorial assists you in making evenly spaced lines. Infant quilts are smaller so you can utilize the free-motion quilting foot if you want. You can also perform free motion quilting.
Drop the feed dogs and utilize the spring action quilting foot to quilt. Is this your first time quilting? If so, refer to the user manual for help and clear instructions on how to do it properly.
FAQ
Final Words
The Brother CS6000i is a sewing and quilting machine that comes with all the necessary accessories you need to get started. It brings great value for money.
But most importantly, it’s reasonably-priced. You will enjoy easy reverse sewing, computerized selection of patterns, and adjustable speed control. It’s super-versatile.
You can sew practically everything with this sewing machine from leather to silk. Hopefully, you find my Brother CS6000i review helpful, informative and fun.