Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine – It’s Affordable, but Is It Good?

I’ve had my fair share of sewing machines over the years, each with their own quirks and charms. But let me tell you, the Brother SE600? It’s like that unexpected song on the radio that just gets your foot tapping. It’s a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that’s as versatile as it is user-friendly, making it a real treat for both beginners and seasoned pros.

How good the Brother SE600 is, and who is it for? I’ll take you on a journey through stitches, designs, and all the nooks and crannies of the Brother SE600. Whether you’re considering buying this machine or just curious about its features, I’ll tell you all you need to know.

My good friend and neighbor was looking for an easy-to-use sewing machine, that could embroider as well, that doesn’t cost too much, and that she would be able to use for years. After a lot of researching and asking around, we decided that the Brother SE600 checks all the boxes and is the best one for the price. It sounds too good to be true, right? That is why, when she called me to tell that the machine is arriving, I sprinted to her house so I can be there when it arrives to her doorstep. And help her set it up, of course. (Setting up a new sewing machine is not that difficult, but it can be frustrating).

It seemed promising from the beginning. The box was sturdy, and the machine was well-protected, which is always a good sign. As I lifted the machine out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by its weight – not too light, not too heavy, just right for stability without being a pain to move around.

The machine itself is a looker, with a sleek design that’s modern yet not overly complicated. It’s like that little black dress that never goes out of style – simple, elegant, and always reliable. The first thing that caught my eye was the large, color LCD touchscreen. It’s like the machine’s personal billboard, ready to guide you through your sewing and embroidery journey.

• Sewing and Embroidery: The Brother SE600 is a 2-in-1 machine, offering both sewing and embroidery functionalities.
• 103 Built-In Stitches: The machine comes with 103 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches.
• 80 Built-In Embroidery Designs: 80 built-in embroidery designs, lots of flowers and monogram elements, providing a wide range of creative possibilities.
• 6 Embroidery Lettering Fonts: The machine includes 6 embroidery lettering fonts, allowing for personalized projects.
• 4″ x 4″ Embroidery Field: The machine provides a 4″ x 4″ embroidery field, which includes an embroidery arm and hoop.
• Large Color Touchscreen: A large 3.2″ Sew Smart color LCD touchscreen that allows you to preview and edit your designs.
• USB Port: The machine includes a built-in USB port, enabling you to import designs from a USB memory stick.
• Automatic Needle Threader and Cutter: The Brother SE600 comes with an automatic needle threader and cutter, providing convenience and saving time.
• Quick-Set Drop-In Top Bobbin: The machine features a quick-set drop-in top bobbin, ensuring your bobbin stays in place and providing reliable, even stitching.
• Free Arm Capability: Free arm capability makes it easier to sew cylindrical items like sleeves.
• 7 Sewing Feet: The machine comes with 7 quick-change sewing feet: spring action zigzag, buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, blind stitch, and button sewing feet.
• LED Lit Workspace: A brightly lit LED workspace allows you to work on projects with ease, even in low light.

Setting up the Brother SE600 was a breeze. The manual was clear and easy to follow, and within no time, I had the machine threaded and ready to go. For my first project, I decided to test out a simple sewing task – a cushion cover. The machine hummed to life, and I was immediately impressed by how smoothly it ran. The stitches were even, and the machine handled the fabric with ease.

Next, I decided to dip my toes into the embroidery features. I tried few basic satin stitch columns to adjust the settings, and then I chose one of the built-in designs and let the machine work its magic. Watching the Brother SE600 embroider was like watching a painter at work, each stitch perfectly placed to create a beautiful design.

Let’s chat about one of the most important aspects of any sewing machine, especially if you are a beginner – its ease of use. After all, a sewing machine could have all the bells and whistles in the world, but if it’s as complicated as a Rubik’s cube, it’s going to spend more time collecting dust than sewing, right?

Well, let me tell you, the Brother SE600 is as user-friendly as they come. The machine is computerized, which means it comes with a host of automatic features that take the guesswork out of sewing and embroidery. One of my favorite features is the automatic needle threader. If you’ve ever found yourself squinting and struggling to thread a needle, you’ll appreciate this feature.

The Brother SE600 also boasts a color LCD touchscreen that’s as intuitive as it is helpful. And let’s not forget the quick-set, drop-in bobbin. No more fumbling around with bobbin cases or worrying about getting the thread direction right. It’s as easy as dropping in the bobbin, bringing the thread through the numbers marked on the machine, pulling down the lever to thread the needle, and you’re good to go.

So, how does the Brother SE600 fare when it comes to performance? Well, let me tell you, it’s like a well-rehearsed orchestra – every part working in harmony to create something beautiful.

First off, let’s talk about stitching speed. The Brother SE600 can reach a maximum speed of 710 stitches per minute. That’s like a race car zooming down the track, but with the control and precision of a seasoned driver. Whether I was sewing a straight stitch or trying out one of the decorative stitches, the machine handled it with ease, delivering consistent, high-quality stitches every time.

I tried a variety of fabrics well. From delicate silks to sturdy denim, the Brother SE600 sewed through them like a hot knife through butter.

Next, let’s move on to the embroidery. The Brother SE600 offers a 4″ x 4″ embroidery field, which is perfect for most home embroidery projects. It’s like having your own personal canvas, ready to be filled with colorful designs. The machine handled embroidery with the same precision and quality as sewing. The built-in designs came out beautifully, with each stitch perfectly placed.

In terms of noise, the Brother SE600 is relatively quiet. It’s like a whisper compared to some of the other machines I’ve used. So, if you’re someone who likes to sew while listening to music or watching your favorite show, this machine won’t drown out the sound.

In a nutshell, the Brother SE600 delivers when it comes to performance. It’s reliable, versatile, and delivers high-quality results, whether you’re sewing or embroidering.

The advanced features of the Brother SE600 are all about making your sewing and embroidery projects as smooth and enjoyable as possible. They’re the little extras that take this machine from good to great, make you go, “Wow, how did I ever sew without this?”

First up, we’ve got the automatic needle threader. Now, I’ve already mentioned this feature, but it’s worth repeating. It’s like having a tiny, invisible helper who steps in just when you need them, threading the needle for you at the touch of a lever.

Next, there’s the quick-set, drop-in bobbin. This feature is a game-changer. No fumbling with bobbin cases or worrying about getting the thread direction right. Also, the automatic thread cutter is a small feature, but makes a big difference in the overall sewing experience, stepping in to neatly trim your threads at the end of each seam.

And let’s not forget the ability to sew without the foot pedal. This feature is like having cruise control for your sewing machine. Just set the speed, and off you go. It’s perfect for those long seams or when you just want a bit more control over your sewing speed.

Alright, let’s talk about the goodies that come with the Brother SE600. You know, those little extras that make you feel like it’s Christmas morning every time you open the box.

First off, the Brother SE600 comes with a bunch of presser feet. We’re talking a spring action zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, overcasting foot, monogramming foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, and button fitting foot. It’s like having a whole wardrobe of shoes, each one perfect for a different occasion. Whether you’re sewing a buttonhole or adding a zipper, there’s a foot for that.

Next, there’s the embroidery arm and hoop. These are your tools for creating beautiful embroidery designs. It’s like having your own personal artist’s easel, ready to hold your canvas as you create your masterpiece.

The machine also comes with a set of embroidery bobbin thread and extra bobbins. And let’s not forget the needle set, cleaning brush, seam ripper, and disc-shaped screwdriver. Last but not least, the Brother SE600 comes with a dust cover, a cozy blanket for your machine, keeping it safe and clean when not in use.

Alright, it’s time for the moment of truth. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of the Brother SE600. Because let’s face it, no machine is perfect, and it’s important to know both the good and the not-so-good before making a decision.

Pros:

• Versatility: The Brother SE600 is like a jack-of-all-trades. It’s a sewing machine and an embroidery machine rolled into one. Whether you’re hemming a pair of pants or embroidering a monogram, this machine has got you covered.
• Ease of Use: With its automatic features and intuitive LCD touchscreen, the Brother SE600 is as user-friendly as they come. It’s like having a personal sewing guide, always ready to help you navigate your projects.
• Quality Performance: This machine delivers when it comes to performance. It sews smoothly, embroiders beautifully, and handles a variety of fabrics with ease. It’s like a reliable workhorse, always ready to deliver high-quality results.
• Value for Money: Considering its features and performance, the Brother SE600 offers great value for money. It’s like finding a designer dress at a bargain price – a real bang for your buck.

Cons:

• Embroidery Field Size: The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field might be limiting for those who want to work on larger embroidery projects. It’s like having a small canvas when you want to paint a mural.
• No Hard Case: The machine comes with a dust cover, but a hard case for extra protection and easy transportation would have been a nice addition. It’s like having a raincoat when what you really need is an umbrella.
• Can Be Overwhelming for Beginners: While the machine is generally user-friendly, the multitude of features and options might be overwhelming for absolute beginners. It’s like walking into a gourmet kitchen when you’re used to a microwave.

In my book, the Brother SE600 is a solid 9 out of 10. It’s a versatile, reliable machine that delivers high-quality results, whether you’re sewing or embroidering. It’s like a trusty sidekick, always ready to help you bring your creative visions to life.

Sure, it has its quirks – the limited embroidery field size, the lack of a hard case, and the potential overwhelm for absolute beginners. But let’s face it, no machine is perfect. And the Brother SE600 more than makes up for its shortcomings with its versatility, ease of use, and quality performance.

So, would I recommend the Brother SE600? Absolutely! Whether you’re a beginner looking for a user-friendly machine to start your sewing journey, or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable workhorse, the Brother SE600 is a worthy contender.

But remember, the best sewing machine is the one that suits your individual needs and preferences. So, take your time, do your research, and choose the machine that makes your heart sing. Because at the end of the day, sewing is all about joy, creativity, and the thrill of bringing your ideas to life.

I hope you found this review helpful. If you have any questions considering this, or any other machine, do reach out via contact page, I’d love to chat. Until next time, keep those needles humming and those creative juices flowing!