Arts and Crafts Brother SE-270D Sewing/Embroidery Machine

[Bareacuda]

It is so intimidating! I have only just gone out and bought some thread. I haven't even tried to put it together yet...have to soon if I want to embroider something before our trip! Any hints anyone?

Hey are you my twin sister?
Ive opened the box and have several thread colors and tried to read the instructions. Then put it all away.
I agree.... any help out there?

 

[Lunchlady]

This machine is so different from what I have used before. All the computer stuff. My 16 yr old sat down with me and we took it step by step. I am getting used to it now. I have embroidered some washcloths for my niece's birthday. I found a ton of material at a yard sale last weekend and am looking foward to playing with that. I am very pleased how the machine works. Have fun!

 

[mtblujeans]

Has anyone seen this machine anywhere for under $300?

 

[tiggrbaby]

I need to replace my old kenmore, and I am interested in this machine. I would need to do regular sewing/hemming/repair work, but I would love to have something that I could do the embroidery for trip shirts and gifts. Would I be able to use regular thread spools? I read something about the self-threading cassette being difficult to work.

TIA for all info and advice!

 

[mrs.beast]

i dont have the machine, but i have purchased bows for my girls from Aliisa. we love them. they are super cute and we get tons of compliments on them wherever we go. the embroidery work is nice. i would purchase the machine if i had any sewing talent. also aliisa, if you read this my girls love the bows i purchased from you. thanks so much again.

 

[Cyndi1975]

Hello there!!
I'm very new to the site! I only found it after doing an extensive search for the large embroidery hoop for the disney 270D machine. I've had mine for over a year and have not had great experiences with it. I'm looking for accessories but my area of the world doesn't seem to offer them. I live in the triad area of NC. I've searched online but haven't located a dealer that offers this hoop.
Any suggestions? I'm also searching for bobbins so I can actually use the machine without having to switch threads on the 2 provided. I've bought and taken back more bobbins than I care to even think about.
I would appreciate any and all suggestions you may have about this machine so I can get enjoyment from using it not frustration!!!

Thank you so much!
Cyndi1975

 

[kjbrown]

Hello there!!
I'm very new to the site! I only found it after doing an extensive search for the large embroidery hoop for the disney 270D machine. I've had mine for over a year and have not had great experiences with it. I'm looking for accessories but my area of the world doesn't seem to offer them. I live in the triad area of NC. I've searched online but haven't located a dealer that offers this hoop.
Any suggestions? I'm also searching for bobbins so I can actually use the machine without having to switch threads on the 2 provided. I've bought and taken back more bobbins than I care to even think about.
I would appreciate any and all suggestions you may have about this machine so I can get enjoyment from using it not frustration!!!

Thank you so much!
Cyndi1975

I saw the large hoop for this machine on ebay.

Someone else asked about the thread cassette. I had a few problems after using the machine a while and realized that I needed to change my needle. If the needle gets bent, the self-threader won't work. I also used the "large" spool thingy for ALL spools of thread and this worked SO much better.

Love this machine, have made a ton of stuff including a sUPER cute Minnie & Mickey bath towel for my daughter.

Enjoy!

 

[Cyndi1975]

I did find the large hoop online but am still having a hard time finding the correct bobbins. The site I used to get the large hoop is Sew Vac Direct.
I ordered the hoop on Monday and had it by Wed! Now to find the correct bobbins and I'll be in heaven! LOL.
by the way, do you use color thread in your bobbin for the embroidery you do?

 

[kjbrown]

I did find the large hoop online but am still having a hard time finding the correct bobbins. The site I used to get the large hoop is Sew Vac Direct.
I ordered the hoop on Monday and had it by Wed! Now to find the correct bobbins and I'll be in heaven! LOL.
by the way, do you use color thread in your bobbin for the embroidery you do?

Nope, I use white embroidery bobbin thread. I am using the stuff that came with the machine, but I also bought an extra spool at Joann's for when I run out. Good to hear about Sew Vac Direct. I think I came across their site and wasn't sure about buying from them since I didn't know anyone else who had. Let me know if you find the bobbins!

 

[Cyndi1975]

nearaby tomorrow ... they tell me they have the loaded bobbins I need for the machine. If they fit, I'd be more than happy to either give you the store's info or pick up some for you.
My problem is I only got 2 empty bobbins with my machine. Can't recall getting any thread.. so.. haha..
Of course, my mind is a "terrible thing".. haha

 

[celerystalker]

Hey all. I just bought the machine on Sunday. It was intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of the thread cassete, it's easy to use.

My question is about the embroidery though -
Are you able to do adult size polo shirts?
Do you have to use the large hoop if you just want a small design over the left breast?

 

[kjbrown]

Hey all. I just bought the machine on Sunday. It was intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of the thread cassete, it's easy to use.

My question is about the embroidery though -
Are you able to do adult size polo shirts?
Do you have to use the large hoop if you just want a small design over the left breast?

You don't HAVE to use the large hoop, if you want to go out and buy the small hoop. There are several Brother hoops, so make sure you get one that fits your machine. They make one just for monogramming stuff.

I don't see why you couldn't do an adult size polo shirt, I've done baby onesies, toddler sized t-shirts, towels, skirts, etc. I'm addicted!!

 

[Cyndi1975]

I did buy the large hoop.. got it at a great price. But, I haven't used it.
I just can't seem to get the hang of this machine.. I think I have it, then wham.. it messes up.. operator error again I'm sure..
I think I've let this machine intimidate me for too long.. this weekend.. for sure, I'm buying the correct thread, the correct backing for the shirts and I'm not stopping until I have defeated this thing!!! LOL..

 

[kjbrown]

I did buy the large hoop.. got it at a great price. But, I haven't used it.
I just can't seem to get the hang of this machine.. I think I have it, then wham.. it messes up.. operator error again I'm sure..
I think I've let this machine intimidate me for too long.. this weekend.. for sure, I'm buying the correct thread, the correct backing for the shirts and I'm not stopping until I have defeated this thing!!! LOL..

According to the manual and the websites I've looked at, the correct stabilizer makes all the difference. Because I quilt and sometimes do applique, I was lucky enough to have the right stabilizer for the first projects that I tried.

For example, a water soluble stabilizer is GREAT for towels (you put it on the front and then embroider), but horrible for t-shirts. For t-shirts, I have found the iron on kind of stabilizer on the back is best. And you really have to be careful not to stretch the tshirt when hooping it.

Then of course, a fresh needle and the right thread are important, too.

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. I'm not an expert or anything, but I've been having fun!

 

[Cyndi1975]

Thank you !!! The ladies at Walmart swore the thread wouldn't matter but I've found it does.. the thread they sold me is so fragile it breaks every time I try to use it.. and the satablizer I have isn't the iron on kind.. I'm not lucky enough to have a fabric store.. only walmart.. I think I'll order embroidery thread and stabilizer online..
I really may take you up on the help.. If nothing else just to get a sense of security! LOL..

 

[kjbrown]

Thank you !!! The ladies at Walmart swore the thread wouldn't matter but I've found it does.. the thread they sold me is so fragile it breaks every time I try to use it.. and the satablizer I have isn't the iron on kind.. I'm not lucky enough to have a fabric store.. only walmart.. I think I'll order embroidery thread and stabilizer online..
I really may take you up on the help.. If nothing else just to get a sense of security! LOL..

Yes, the Coats n Clark (which is I think what is at Walmart) is not very good. I never realized there was a difference until I had to get my old Singer serviced. It was filled with dust. I bought the new Brother almost the same day I brought back my Singer from servicing. I only sewed a couple of things on my Singer with Coats n Clark, and sewed a lot of things on the Brother with either Gutermanns or Mettler. There was very little dust inside the Brother and tons already in the just cleaned Singer! Just to test it, I used some Coats n Clark on the Brother and it filled up with dust!

Plus, the machine embroidery thread is prettier, it's got a little shine that looks nicer than "regular" thread.

I really don't mind helping at all. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Cyndi1975]

Thank you!!! I may be able to go to a shop today and pick up some thread. Since I babysit my granddaughter and a great niece *5 months apart in age* it gets a little hard to travel during the week. Today I'll have extra help so I might venture out.. MIGHT is the key word! LOL..
I can't wait to get started again.. you've encouraged me a lot just by responding to my simple little posts!

Thanks again.. and have a great day!

 

[John VN]

I have the 270 D and just love it. I did have a class on how to use it and that made a big difference. Thread, stabilizer,needles all come in to play when embroidering. I use the brother pacesetter thread and that works the best. I have many different stabilizers depending what I am doing and the weight of the material. Different needle sizes also makes a big difference and to change it out often.
I updated last July and got myself an Innovis 1500D and this is of course is even better. I can do heavier jobs that I purchase on embroidery library.
I do polos, pillow cases, blankets, towels, sweatshirts and anything else I can get my hands on. I am doing Christmas nativity scenes right now on quilted material 28 X 22 for my daughter as a present.
Good luck and just take the time. Books help
Kathy

 

[Cyndi1975]

Thank you for the info... I need to find the correct thread, a good book to follow and get the correct stabilizer. Maybe I can find a store nearby that offers all of those things. It's been difficult...

I think I have mental block on this macine too.. dangit! LOL...

 

[rcraw45425]

I have that machine, and also a Babylock that I adore. The Brother, IMO, just whets your appetite for a better bigger machine. I had issues with the Brother, agree, it hates the Coats & Clarks thread, I have found that Mettler, you can find it at Hancock Fabrics, works the best, and I prefer the polyester to the Rayon Sulky. Sulky breaks easily. You can also use Robison-Anton, but you have to use the large spool adaptor due to the thread cartridge. I have had excellent luck with Singer #15 and the WalMart brand bobbins (something home) also #15 I think. Don't use the #66, they won't fit. I have never used prewound disposible ones although I know a lot of people do. I also have found that the bobbin thread makes a difference for embroidery too. I now use Sulky brand bobbin thread and it works pretty good. There was a spool of thread with my Babylock that I liked but for the life of me I cannot find it to give you the name. My Babylock is my baby now, I have actually given the Brother to my DDs, but use it occasinonally for mending chores. I have a Babylock Ellure with a 5x7 embroidery area, which really opens you up to more options. I chose the Babylock because it uses the same .pes format and some things are interchangeable. I have an Amazing Box card reader and use Monogram Wizard by Needleheads monogramming software. I use the washable topper on everything I monogram, it gives a neater look. This is an addictive hobby. I have taken a break from it for a while but still do towels, shoe bags and aprons, especially during the holdays.