Brother 270 Disney Embroidery Machine

[twinsr241]

I am seriously considering buying the Brother 270E Sewing Machine that has the Disney Embroidery built in.
I have no idea how to sew (I learned about 25 years ago in jr. high, but have long since forgotten), but I plan to take sewing lessons this fall.
I am wondering if anyone has any information about, or experience with this machine. Would it be an ok first choice for a novice?
I was originally planning on getting a regular sewing machine, but when I saw the Disney embroidery I was hoping this machine would be good for learning both basic sewing and embroidery.
I should mention that my sewing aspirations are to make basic pillows, window treatments and simple dresses or costumes. I'm not looking to go into business with the embroidery, just make things for my family and some gifts for friends.
Thanks in advance!

 

[rcraw45425]

I have not looekd on this forum in ages and up popped your post! I have the Brother 270D and think it is a wonderful started machine. I too had no previous sewing experience and I have to say it's so easy tht my 9 & 11 year olds can change the thread for the embroidery. My only gripe, if any, is the 4X4 hoop limits your embroidery potential. I am constantly finding designs that are too large for the hoop. But, comparing it to $1900 for a BabyLock that does the same things but has a 5X7 hoop............ it's well worth the money. Very easy to operate, both regular sewing and embroidery. I have used it for several projects and it has worked fine. Email or PM me if you have any more questions!

 

[twinsr241]

Thanks so much for your reply. I think I will probably go ahead and buy it. Once I get it do you mind if I PM if I have any questions (I promise I won't drive you crazy with tons of questions )

Did you buy your machine new or did you get a refurbished machine ? -- I have been looking at the refurbished on Overstock.com.

Thanks!

 

[rcraw45425]

I bought new at Walmart almost two years ago now. I have had no problems with it, and have used it quite a lot for embroidery. By all means PM, or email me and I'll be glad t o answer any questions I can, and also give you some links to sites for designs. For the money it can't be beat, IMO. The drop in bobbin is great, and I really like the thread cartridge design, basically because I had never learned to sew on the old fashioned machines (think home ec in the '70's, how much do you remember?). I do know that talking to people that learned to sew on older machines, they find those two things a hinderance to them. I also recommend buying a second hoop so you can have your next project ready to go. Another recommendation would be a card writer so you could load designs.

 

[Marianne0310]

Hi,

I've always wanted to buy an embroidery machine, and after reading the posts I bought one this afternoon. They're not easy to find. The Wal-Marts in the surrounding towns always seem to be sold out of them.

I've been sewing forever, and have a serger as well as a regular machine. I wanted to use this machine strictly to embroider for my grandaughters. I'm babysitting the girls and have to wait to play with the machine until their mom comes home. I just had a couple of questions. Do you have to change the thread color while embroidering or is that already programmed into the machine? Do you have an embroidery thread that you prefer to use?

Thanks in advance.

Marianne

 

[rcraw45425]

Marianne, the Brother machine has the thread cartridge system. What will happen is the machine will tell you the color for each step. It will stop when it's time for a thread change, you load the next color and then just start it back. I like the Mettler threads, I buy the spools that are the size of you finger at places like Hancocks. I have found that my machine does not like the rayon thread at all. I can count on a thread break if I use the rayon ones like Sulky. I prefer the polyester ones especially for kids clothes and towels because they are bleach proof. I embroider white towels with black thread and bleach them every washing. For larger spools you have to use the extender that goes on the back of the thread cartridge, and sometimes the little net to keep the thread from unwinding. The pre loaded Disney designs sew out really nicely, especially on things like T shirts and sweats. Just remember to hoop the fabric tightly (think of the old "bounce a quarter" adage). I usually give it a little thump and it will sound something like a drum. Enjoy!

 

[Marianne0310]

Hi Robin,

I really appreciate you getting back to me as quickly as you did. I'll be heading off to Hancock Fabric tomorrow. I'll look for the same thread company that you use. I know if I ever have a question about something this is the place to look for answers.

Thanks again,
Marianne

 

[rcraw45425]

marianne, I just sent you a private message.

 

[nancyhacildo]

how much did it cost you. I just want to know coz I'm planning to buy a sewing machine. but i have no idea how much will it cost me.

 

[JohnsPrincess]

I got this machine as a gift from my Dh about a year ago...and then came to Kuwait, lol, so I haven't had a chance to use it yet!! I'll be home soon and hopefully by Jan I'll be sewing and embroidering up a storm!! Lol. Thank you for the thread info!!
Oh...and I've never used a sewing machine before. LOL But before he bought it I did a bunch of research and it looked good for a beginning!