Singer vs Brother Sewing Machine | Which One is Better to Choose?
Singer and Brother both are leading names in the sewing machine industry. Both are well reputed and trusted by the customers for years.
Oftentimes, buyers find it confusing to choose between Singer and Brother machines. As both machines offer many useful features, sewing leather and canvas, and provide value for money.
Singer and Brother manufacture machines which are suitable for a variety of stitching activities. However, both machines excel in specific domains. It implies that we can differentiate them on the basis of this. For example, Brother machines stand out in manufacturing the embroidery and handheld machines. Whereas, the Singer machines dominate when it comes to sewing, stitching, quilting, and have super fast vintage machines for leather.
To make it convenient to choose, in this article will elaborate the merits and demerits of the Singer and Brother machine.
Singer’s Background
This company came into being in 1851 in the USA and has been providing well-made machines since then. Due to consistency in quality by 1890 Singer contributed 90% of the total output of the sewing machine market.
One of its most successful models is Singer 15. Even other companies manufactured machines on the basis of this model. All the domestic machines you see today are based on Singer 15.
Currently, almost all the popular brands are making using bobbin systems, Class 15 bobbins and needles in their sewing machines.
Brother’s Background
It is a Japan based company established in 1908. In the beginning, this company provided services like repairing sewing machines.
They started producing and exporting sewing machines in 1968. This happened after they took Jones sewing machine factory in Audenshaw, Greater Manchester under their wing.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Singer Machine | Brother Machine |
| Ease-of-use | More easy to use | Less easy to use-depends on model |
| Features and functionality | Less features and functionality | More features and functionality |
| Reliability | High | High |
| Affordability | Relatively less affordability | Relatively more affordability |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weight | Heavyweight | Lightweight |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Stitches | Fewer options | More options |
| Size | Can be big, depends on the model | Most models are compact, good to use at home |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
Differences and Similarities in Singer and Brother Machine
The major difference between these two is their structure and features they offer.
Singer specializes in manufacturing sewing machines only. It doesn’t produce anything else and is famous for sewing machines only.
While, Brother is not a specialist company. They are not only known for sewing machines but also for office appliances such as printers.
Ease of Use
Singer and Brother both manufacture models for every skill level- for a beginner to an advanced level user. Their machines are user friendly.
However, Brother machines are technologically more advanced therefore, they can be comparatively complex to understand and use. Specifically, the high end models are loaded with various features and are way more technologically advanced. Such models are equipped with high-tech computers and a convoluted menu system. Making it difficult for some users, especially beginners to understand and operate.
So, it is safe to say that Singer machines are more easy to use. They stick to their tagline that is “Singer is sewing made easy”. Singer machines are simple to use, more reliable and durable. They offer a variety of functions which might confuse a beginner. But once you have read the manual, then you can easily use it, even the advanced models.
Features and Functionality
In terms of features and functionality Singer and Brother are considered equal.
Many models of both these brands are equipped with drop-in bobbins, automatic needle threaders, speed controls and built-in stitches.
Notwithstanding, they differ when we compare the features with respect to price. Brother clearly dominates in this regard. You get more value for money at Brother.
Singer machines are comparatively expensive and come with less accessories.
Mechanical or Computerized
Brother takes the lead in manufacturing computerized machines. Their machines are technologically advanced and innovative. Whereas, Singer is the ultimate winner in making mechanical machines. They are more tough as compared to brothers.
Hence, if you want a computerized machine then go for Brother and for mechanical machine choose Singer.
You can also read our detailed article on comparison of both computerized vs mechanical machines.
Quality
Initially, Singer used to make machines from cast iron. Those machines had a very long life.
But now Singer as well as Brother make machines using plastic. Since, all the components are made of plastic so these machines last less than the old iron/metal made machine.
The lifespan of Brother and Singer machines is between 5-10 years. Thus, we can say both machines stand equal with reference to quality.
Durability
Singer machines are workhorses and beat Brother machines as regards to durability. No matter which model of Singer machine you are using, low-budget or high-end, they all are powerful and tough. They are suitable for every type of stitching from heavy to light.
But the same is not true for Brother machines. Their low budget machines are less durable. Because these models are wholly made of plastic and their batteries are less powerful. Nevertheless, high-end models of Brother are of the same standard as Singer machines.
If you are on a tight budget, then go for Brother sewing machines.
Affordability
Singer machines tend to be more expensive than Brother machines. Singer machines have been in use from generations to generations. So you pay for the name!
Brother machines have more accessories and functions.Therefore, buyers with tight budgets prefer Brother machines. Particularly, the basic models are cheap as they are entirely made of plastic.
Customer Service
Both companies are well-known for their excellent customer service. They are active on social media. They not only listen to customers’ complaints but also act to resolve the issue immediately.
Their help desks respond promptly and provide tech support. They also have the facility to provide manuals to those who have lost their previous ones.
Therefore, both score equal in Customer Service.
Famous Singer vs. Brother models
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Speed can be controlled | Expensive |
| Ease of selecting stitches | Can be complex to understand for beginner |
| Offers a larger workspace as it has extension table | Heavyweight(20lbs.) so, not easy to transport |
| Automatic needle threader | |
| Suitable to sew vinyl and leather, provided that they garment weight. | |
| In-built push button thread cutter | |
| 25 year guarantee |
Brother CS6000I
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lightweight-Easy to move | Controlling speed from foot pedal is difficult |
| Easy to use | Larger projects are difficult to adjust due to small throat space |
| Ease of selecting stitches | |
| Automatic needle threader | |
| Offers a larger workspace as it has extension table | |
| Push button facility | |
| Affordable |
Budget Friendly Models
Singer Stylist 7258
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy speed control | Do not use standard size bobbin, hence difficult to find in retail stores |
| Easy stitch selection | Costs more than Brother CS5055PRW |
| Perfect for beginners | |
| Six automated buttonholes |
Brother CS5055PRW
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy stitch selection | Larger projects are difficult to adjust due to small throat space |
| Five automated buttonholes | Lacks automated tension, so user has to see him/herself what suits a particular project the best |
| Jam proof drop-in bobbin | |
| Convenient bobbin winding |
FAQs
Commonly, users have following questions regarding Brother machines:
How to thread a brother sewing machine?
- Turn the machine off.
- Now, you have to raise the presser foot lever.
- Turn the hand wheel anticlockwise. This will raise the needle and the mark on the wheel will point up.
- Next, completely pull the spool pin up. Put the thread’s spool on the pin pulled up.
- Hold the thread spool with your right hand and take the thread towards you.
- Catch the thread in spring.
- Now feed the thread in the lever and needle bar as shown in the manual.
How to set up a brother sewing machine ?
Firstly, attach the power core side of the machine, plug the power in and place the foot pedal. Then, pull up the cotton holder and just place the reel on the top and then win that round as shown on the diagram on the machine. Wrap the thread around the empty bobbin.
How to adjust the bobbin tension on my brother ‘s sewing machine?
- Adjust the thread tension dial at 4.
- Then, to adjust the slotted-head (-) use a small slotted screwdriver.
- Do not move the Phillips screw (+).
How to oil a brother sewing machine?
Do the oiling before 1 day of use. You should oil your machine after 40-50 hours of use. Just put 1 drop of oil on the lower needle bar and that’s it.
How to put a bobbin in a brother sewing machine?
First turn off the machine. Place the bobbin in the casing present in the machine, with the thread going counter clockwise. Pull the thread under the notch of the casing. Hold the small lever of the casing out and load it in the machine.
Wrapping Up!
Both companies have their own strengths. Which one you choose depends on your needs and what you expect from a machine. So,before you get into the Singer vs. Brother sewing machine comparison, you should know what type of stitching you’ll be doing and what’s your budget.
