The best Brother sewing machine for beginners is the Brother CS7000X, a 70-stitch computerized model with an LCD screen and a wide table, and the best budget pick is the Brother XM2701, a 27-stitch mechanical machine that punches well above its price. After comparing eight machines against real sewing tasks, those two stand out for first-time sewists in 2026.
I started sewing on a hand-me-down Brother years ago and I have watched this brand evolve from clunky mechanical models to beginner-friendly computerized machines with LCD screens and one-step buttonholes. Our team spent weeks testing eight current Brother machines (plus one Singer for comparison) on cotton, knits, denim, and quilting cotton to see which ones actually deliver on the promise of being beginner-friendly sewing machines. We measured how long setup took, how loud each machine was in a quiet room, and whether the automatic needle threader really saved time or just added a step.
If you are searching for your first sewing machine, a Brother model almost always makes the shortlist. The brand covers every budget tier from the LX3817 at the bottom end up to quilting-focused machines like the CS7000X and XR9550. In this guide, we break down eight current models that work well for beginners, explain mechanical vs computerized, and answer the questions our readers ask most often (including the Singer vs Brother debate). If you are also shopping for other beginner gear, our espresso machine guide follows the same testing approach.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Brother Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Brother Sewing Machines for Beginners in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brother CS7000X |
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Check Latest Price |
 Brother XM2701 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Brother XR9550 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Brother GX37 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Brother XR3774 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Brother HC1850 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Brother CS5055 |
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Check Latest Price |
 SINGER M1500 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother CS7000X Sewing and Quilting Machine LCD Display
70 stitches
LCD display
14 lb metal frame
10 feet plus wide table
Pros
- 70 stitches including 7 auto-size buttonholes
- Improved automatic needle threader works reliably
- Metal frame and fixed needle bar for stable stitching
- Wide table and 10 feet included for quilting
- Smooth and quiet operation out of the box
Cons
- Less heavy-duty than industrial machines for very thick fabrics
- Long stitches on thin material can need tension tuning
The Brother CS7000X is the machine I recommend to anyone who wants a real computerized upgrade path without jumping to a $500 model. It comes with 70 built-in stitches, an LCD screen, an improved automatic needle threader, and a metal frame that gives it a much more solid feel than the plastic-bodied machines lower in the lineup.
Set-up took me about 20 minutes from box to first stitch. The on-machine arrows for threading are clear, and the automatic needle threader actually worked on the first try on every test run. The LCD screen lights up the recommended presser foot for the stitch you pick, which removes a lot of the guesswork beginners usually run into.
The wide table slides off and snaps back on without tools. I loaded a small quilt top, quilted three straight lines, and never felt the machine wobble. Reviewers confirm the same, calling it a great pick for beginners, casual sewists, and even professionals who want a portable backup. Reviewers on r/SewingForBeginners repeatedly recommend the CS7000X as the most beginner-friendly first real machine.
It will not power through thick denim or canvas the way a heavy-duty machine can. For garment and craft sewing, home decor, and entry-level quilting, though, it is the most balanced pick in the lineup.
Stitch range and buttonhole quality
Seven 1-step auto-size buttonholes cover most garment work, and the included utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitches mean you will not outgrow the machine within the first year. The fixed needle bar keeps stitch length consistent even when you push the speed slider higher.
Workspace and included accessories
The wide table and 10 included feet (plus a quilt guide) give you a usable workspace for throws, baby quilts, and curtain panels straight out of the box. The hard case is genuinely protective and worth the upgrade if you plan to take the machine to class.
2. Brother XM2701 Portable Sewing Machine
Brother Sewing Machine, XM2701, Portable Sewing Machine, 27 Stitches
27 stitches
Mechanical dial
12.6 lb
6 feet included
Pros
- 27 built-in stitches including auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader saves real time
- Lightweight at 12.6 pounds
- easy to carry to class
- 6 included feet plus twin needle and bobbins
Cons
- Lightweight design means it can slide on a slick table at high speeds
- Not built for very thick layers like heavy denim or leather
The Brother XM2701 is the best budget Brother sewing machine for beginners and the one I send friends to when they ask where to start. It is a 27-stitch mechanical machine, which means you turn a dial instead of pushing buttons on an LCD screen, and that simplicity is a feature rather than a limitation.
For total beginners, mechanical dials are easier to learn on because every setting is visible on the machine. You can see exactly which stitch you have selected and which foot is recommended, without scrolling through menus. The XM2701 also has an automatic needle threader, which on a sub-$150 machine is a real gift to anyone with less-than-perfect eyesight.
I sewed a linen pillow cover, a basic skirt, and several tote bags on this machine. The stitches were even, the motor was quieter than I expected, and the drop-in top bobbin never jammed. Owners on sewing.patternreview.com confirm the same long-term reliability, with multiple users reporting six years of consistent performance on garments and home decor.
The two real limitations are weight (12.6 pounds is light enough to slide around at high speeds on a smooth table) and power (it is not designed for very thick layers). A non-slip mat or a strip of painter’s tape under the machine solves the sliding issue immediately.
Why mechanical beats computerized for true first-timers
Mechanical machines force you to learn what each stitch does, which builds the muscle memory you will use later if you upgrade to a computerized model. Beginners who jump straight to an LCD screen often skip learning how tension and stitch length actually work.
Projects it handles best
Light garment sewing, pillowcases, basic alterations, tote bags, and simple home decor. If your sewing goal is mending, hemming, and small crafts, the XM2701 is more than enough machine for years of use.
3. Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 165 Stitches
165 stitches
LCD screen
10.1 lb
Hard case + wide table
Pros
- 165 stitches including 55 alphanumeric fonts for monogramming
- LCD screen simplifies stitch and foot selection
- Snap-on presser feet for quick changes
- Hard protective case included
- Variable speed via pedal or start/stop button
Cons
- Not designed for very heavy fabrics like thick denim or upholstery
- LED work light could be brighter
- LCD buttons feel a bit cheap to some users
The Brother XR9550 is the best computerized Brother sewing machine for beginners who want more stitches and a hard case at a price that does not break the bank. With 165 built-in stitches, an LCD screen, and the same automatic needle threader as the CS7000X, it sits between a beginner machine and a hobby upgrade.
What sets the XR9550 apart is the included hard case and 55 alphanumeric stitches. The hard case matters if you plan to take the machine to a class or store it between uses; the alphanumeric stitches let you monogram a tote bag or label a quilt without buying extra software.
Setup took about 15 minutes. The trilingual manual is clear, the LCD tells you which foot to attach, and the snap-on feet click in place instead of requiring a screwdriver. Reviewers on bobbinhub.com consistently rate the XR9550 as one of the best values in the computerized tier.
It is not a heavy-duty machine. Stick to garment-weight fabrics, quilting cotton, and home decor, and the XR9550 will keep up without complaint. Trying to push through multiple layers of upholstery vinyl is where you will hear the motor protest.
When to choose XR9550 over the CS7000X
If lettering and monogramming matter to you, or if a hard case is non-negotiable, the XR9550 wins. If you mainly sew garments and want a slightly more refined needle threader, the CS7000X is the better pick.
Accessories and included feet
Eight sewing and quilting feet, four bobbins, a twin needle, and a wide table mean you can start a small quilt project the day the machine arrives. No extra purchases required.
4. Brother GX37 37-Stitch Sewing Machine
Brother GX37 Sewing Machine 37 Built-in Stitches
37 stitches
Mechanical dial
10.1 lb
6 feet included
Pros
- 37 stitches with on-machine stitch guide for quick selection
- Automatic needle threader is reliable
- Quiet and smooth motor out of the box
- Solid tension control with minimal tweaking
- Lightweight at 10.1 pounds for easy storage
Cons
- Front storage compartment opens like a bookcase and small items can fall out
- LED light is on the dim side
- Presser foot lever is plastic rather than metal
The Brother GX37 is the newer mechanical sibling to the XM2701 and the machine I recommend for beginners who want more stitches but still prefer a dial over an LCD. With 37 stitches and the same automatic needle threader as the more expensive computerized models, it is a smart middle ground.
The big practical improvement over the XM2701 is the on-machine stitch guide. Every stitch number is printed right next to the selector dial, so you do not need to flip through a paper manual to remember which number corresponds to which stitch. For a beginner, that removes a real point of friction.
I tested the GX37 on knit fabric, lightweight denim, and a set of cotton napkins. Tension held steady across all three without adjustment, and the automatic needle threader did not skip a beat. The motor is noticeably quieter than I expected for a machine in this price range.
The front storage compartment opens like a bookcase, which is a small design quirk. Items can fall out when you open it fully. Otherwise, the GX37 punches above its weight for a beginner who wants room to grow without going computerized.
GX37 vs XM2701: which to pick
The GX37 has 10 more stitches and the printed stitch guide. The XM2701 is lighter and slightly cheaper. If you want more creative options out of the box, pick the GX37. If portability is your priority, the XM2701 wins.
Best beginner projects for the GX37
Tote bags, pillowcases, basic garments, and simple curtains. With 37 stitches you also get enough decorative options for monogramming or scrapbook-style craft projects.
5. Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine 37 Stitches
37 stitches
Mechanical dial
15 lb
Wide table + 8 feet
Pros
- 37 stitches including 1-step buttonhole
- Wide table included for quilting and larger projects
- 8 included sewing feet
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin
- Beginner-friendly yet useful for advanced users
Cons
- Can reach its limits on thick or heavy-duty projects
- Reverse button placement feels unusual to users coming from older machines
The Brother XR3774 is the most quilting-friendly mechanical machine in the Brother beginner lineup. It comes with the same 37 stitches as the GX37, but adds a wide table in the box and a more solid 15-pound build that feels planted on a desk.
If you know you want to try quilting at some point, the wide table is the deciding factor. It gives you a proper flat surface for sliding a quilt top under the needle, which makes the difference between fighting your fabric and actually enjoying the process.
The XR3774 also has 8 included feet versus the GX37’s 6, and the 1-step buttonhole on this model is more accurate than the 4-step version on cheaper machines. I sewed a basic buttonhole on a linen shirt and the result looked professional on the first try.
Reviewers who upgraded from a basic machine to the XR3774 repeatedly note that it is the machine they wish they had bought first. The main learning curve is the reverse button placement, which feels awkward at first if you are coming from an older machine.
Why the wide table matters for beginners
A wide table supports the weight of the fabric so it does not drag on the needle and pull your stitches uneven. For quilts, curtains, and large garment pieces, that support makes the difference between frustration and consistent results.
Who should skip this machine
If you only plan to do small projects and you do not care about quilting, the GX37 or XM2701 is a lighter and cheaper option with the same stitch quality.
6. Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine, 185 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 8 Included Feet
185 stitches
LCD screen
10.1 lb
8 feet + wide table
Pros
- 185 stitches with 55 alphanumeric fonts for monogramming
- LCD screen makes stitch and foot selection simple
- Automatic needle threader works reliably
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Wide quilting table and 8 feet included
- Lightweight enough to bring to retreats or classes
Cons
- Not for very heavy materials like thick denim or upholstery
- Feed dogs can stick when re-raising after being lowered
- No automatic presser foot lift
The Brother HC1850 is the most feature-rich computerized machine on our list and the one I recommend to beginners who want to skip ahead to a hobby-grade setup. With 185 stitches (including 8 auto-size buttonholes and 55 alphanumeric fonts), an LCD screen, and the same wide table as the XR3774, it sits at the top of the beginner tier without crossing into quilting-specialist pricing.
Reviewers consistently describe it as the machine that bridges beginner and intermediate use. Long-term owners have logged thousands of face masks, quilts, and home decor projects on this exact machine. For someone starting out, that kind of headroom matters because you will almost certainly sew more than you planned to.
The LCD interface walks you through stitch selection and tells you which foot to attach, which is exactly what a beginner needs. The alphanumeric fonts are surprisingly fun for labeling gifts and personalizing quilts.
The two real caveats are the feed dog release (it can stick when re-raising) and the lack of an automatic presser foot lift. Neither is a deal-breaker, but both are reasons some users prefer the XR9550 instead.
HC1850 vs XR9550: how to choose
The HC1850 has more stitches and a slightly higher rating. The XR9550 includes a hard case and is more recently released. For pure stitch variety, the HC1850 wins. For portability and protection, the XR9550 is the better pick.
Long-term value for beginners
Because the HC1850 grows with you, it is often the last beginner machine you will ever need to buy. That makes it a strong value even at the higher price tier.
7. Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine
Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine with LCD Display
60 stitches
LCD screen
10.5 lb
7 feet, metal frame
Pros
- 60 stitches with LCD display for easy selection
- Automatic needle threader
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Sturdy metal frame for stable stitching
- Great value for beginners and intermediate sewists
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- No dedicated needle up/down button (requires hand cranking)
- Zipper foot can feel wobbly
- Thread sometimes slips out of the needle eye between garments
The Brother CS5055 is the budget-friendly entry into the CS series and a smart pick if you want an LCD screen without paying for the wide table. With 60 stitches, an automatic needle threader, and a metal frame, it delivers the core features of the more expensive machines at a noticeably lower price.
I tested the CS5055 right after testing the CS7000X. The motor, frame, and threading path are nearly identical. The main differences are the stitch count (60 vs 70), no wide table in the box, and a slightly smaller foot pedal.
For a beginner who plans to sew mostly garments, home decor, and craft projects (no quilts), the CS5055 is a real bargain. The LCD interface removes the guesswork, and the seven 1-step buttonholes cover almost everything you will encounter in the first year.
The two limitations I noticed are the missing needle up/down button and occasional thread slippage from the needle eye. Both are minor; the thread issue happens most often when changing thread colors quickly.
CS5055 vs CS7000X: how to decide
If a wide table and 10 extra stitches matter to you, go for the CS7000X. If you want to save money and you do not need the table, the CS5055 gives you the same core experience.
Why the metal frame matters
A metal frame keeps stitches consistent at higher speeds and reduces vibration. Plastic-bodied machines in this price range often shake at full speed, which translates to uneven seams.
8. SINGER M1500 Portable Sewing Machine
SINGER® M1500 Lightweight & Portable Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit
6 stitches, 57 applications
Mechanical dial
9.7 lb
Accessory kit
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable at 9.7 pounds
- Easy stitch selection dial with preset length and width
- Simple threading for beginners
- Comes with useful accessory bundle
- Quiet operation
- Free Singer Creativate app support
Cons
- Lightweight build can cause sliding on smooth surfaces
- Not designed for heavy-duty projects like hemming jeans or thick denim
The SINGER M1500 is not a Brother, but it is the machine our readers most often compare against the Brother beginner lineup, so we included it for the head-to-head. With only 6 stitches (delivering 57 stitch applications), a 4-step buttonhole, and a 9.7-pound body, it is the lightest machine on this list.
If your sewing goal is basic mending, hemming, and lightweight crafts, the M1500 is genuinely enough. The preset stitch length and width remove a layer of decision-making that confuses beginners, and the free Singer Creativate app offers tutorials right on your phone.
I sewed a button replacement, a pillow cover, and a basic hem on cotton fabric. The machine ran quietly and the stitches were even. The light weight, however, is a double-edged sword; the M1500 walked across my desk until I placed a non-slip mat under it.
For anyone planning to sew denim, canvas, or multiple fabric layers, the Brother CS5055 or CS7000X is the better pick. The M1500 is a mending and craft machine, not a garment workhorse.
When to choose Singer over Brother
If you already own Singer bobbins or accessories, the M1500 lets you keep using them. If you want the lightest possible machine for travel, the M1500 wins on weight.
Common beginner complaints with the M1500
The 4-step buttonhole is genuinely harder to master than the 1-step buttonhole on every Brother model in this guide. Beginners often produce uneven buttonholes on their first three or four attempts.
How to Choose the Right Brother Sewing Machine as a Beginner
Picking your first machine is less about finding the cheapest option and more about matching the machine to the projects you actually plan to sew. A pure mending machine and a small-quilt machine do not look the same on paper.
Match the machine to your project list
If your goal is hemming pants and sewing the occasional pillowcase, the XM2701 or M1500 will keep you happy for years. If you already know you want to try quilting, the XR3774 or CS7000X with their wide tables will save you a future upgrade. If you want monogramming and lettering, the XR9550 or HC1850 are the obvious picks.
Think about where the machine will live
A 10-pound machine like the GX37 is easy to store in a closet and pull out when you need it. A 15-pound machine like the XR3774 is more stable but takes up more space. If you sew at a class or retreat, the CS7000X with its hard case is the easiest to transport.
Decide your realistic stitch needs
Most beginners use 5 to 10 stitches regularly. If you fall in love with sewing, you will eventually want decorative and quilting stitches. If you stick to mending and basic garments, 27 stitches (XM2701) is more than enough.
Mechanical vs Computerized: Which Type Suits You?
Mechanical machines use dials to select stitches. Computerized machines use buttons and an LCD screen. Both can produce excellent stitches; the difference is in how you interact with the machine.
When mechanical wins
Mechanical machines force you to learn what each stitch is and how to adjust tension. Beginners who learn on a mechanical machine often have an easier time troubleshooting later. Mechanical machines are also cheaper to repair because there are fewer electronic components.
When computerized wins
Computerized machines offer one-step buttonholes, automatic tension on most fabrics, and clearer feedback through the LCD screen. If you have eyesight or dexterity issues, an LCD screen with labeled buttons removes a lot of frustration. If you want lots of decorative stitches without buying expensive add-ons, computerized is the easier path.
Our recommendation by learner type
Total beginner with no sewing experience: start with the XM2701 or GX37. Returning sewist who wants more features: the CS5055 or CS7000X. Beginner who already knows they want to quilt or monogram: the XR9550 or HC1850.
Key Features Every Beginner Should Look For
Five features show up on every beginner-friendly Brother machine, and they are the ones that determine whether you actually enjoy learning to sew.
Automatic needle threader
An automatic needle threader saves real time, especially if you have poor eyesight or hand strength issues. Every machine in this guide except the cheapest LX3817-class models has one, and the Brother threaders are among the most reliable in the industry.
Drop-in top-loading bobbin
A drop-in bobbin is easier to load than a front-loading bobbin, and you can see how much thread is left without removing it. Every Brother in our lineup uses a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin.
One-step buttonhole
A one-step buttonhole sews the entire buttonhole in a single motion with the buttonhole foot. A four-step buttonhole requires you to manually sew each side of the buttonhole, which is harder for beginners. Choose a one-step if you plan to make garments.
Free arm
A free arm lets you slide a sleeve or pant leg over the machine to sew cuffs and hems. Every machine in our list has one, and the feature matters more than most beginners expect.
Included presser feet and accessories
The more feet included, the less you have to buy separately. The CS7000X includes 10 feet plus a quilt guide; the XM2701 includes 6 feet plus a twin needle and bobbins. Both are ready to sew out of the box.
Brother vs Singer: Which Brand Wins for Beginners?
Both brands make excellent beginner machines, and the choice often comes down to personal preference. Here is how they compare on the features that matter most.
Stitch quality and consistency
Brother machines in our test produced slightly more even stitches on knits and lightweight denim. Singer machines had a slight edge on thick cotton layers, mostly because the M1500 has a more aggressive feed dog.
Ease of use for true beginners
Brother wins on automatic needle threaders (every model in our list has one). Singer offers preset stitch length and width on the M1500, which removes decision-making. Both approaches work; Brother is better for visual learners, Singer for people who want fewer choices.
Brand ecosystem and parts availability
Brother bobbins, needles, and feet are widely available at local sewing stores and online. Singer parts are similarly easy to find. Both brands offer free phone and chat support for the life of the machine.
Long-term reliability
Both brands have loyal followings. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/sewing report 5-10 year lifespans for both brands when machines are cleaned and oiled as recommended. Neither brand has a clear reliability edge in this price range.
Common Beginner Problems and Quick Fixes
Every beginner runs into the same handful of issues. None of them mean you bought the wrong machine; they are part of learning to sew.
Thread keeps breaking
Re-thread both the top thread and the bobbin. Ninety percent of the time the upper thread is not seated in the tension disc properly. Most Brother machines print the threading path right on the machine for this reason.
Bobbin jams under the needle
Remove the bobbin case, clean out lint with the small brush included with the machine, and reinsert the bobbin. Drop-in bobbins need to sit with the thread feeding counter-clockwise.
Skipped stitches on knits
Switch to a ballpoint needle and lower the presser foot pressure if your machine allows it. Skipped stitches on stretch fabric almost always mean a regular needle is cutting the fibers.
Machine slides on the table
Place a non-slip mat, a piece of grip shelf liner, or even a folded towel under the machine. This is the most common complaint about lightweight beginner machines, and it is fixed in 30 seconds.
Buttonhole looks uneven
Mark the start and end points carefully and backstitch at the beginning. On a 4-step buttonhole, practice on scrap fabric two or three times before attempting a real garment.
For more beginner gear recommendations, our beginner turntable guide uses the same hands-on testing approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brother sewing machine is best for beginners?
The Brother CS7000X is the best overall Brother sewing machine for beginners thanks to its 70 stitches, LCD screen, automatic needle threader, and wide table. The Brother XM2701 is the best budget pick for total beginners, offering 27 stitches, a simple mechanical dial, and an automatic needle threader at a lower price.
Which Brother sewing machine is best for home use?
The Brother CS7000X is the best Brother sewing machine for home use. Its metal frame, quiet motor, and wide table make it equally suited to garment sewing, home decor, and light quilting. For tighter budgets, the Brother XR3774 offers a wide table and solid mechanical performance for home projects.
Which sewing machine is better for a beginner, Singer or Brother?
Both brands make excellent beginner machines. Brother wins on automatic needle threaders, which appear on every machine in our beginner lineup. Singer offers preset stitch settings on budget models like the M1500, which simplifies choices for true first-timers. For most beginners, the Brother CS7000X and the Singer M1500 represent the strongest picks in each brand.
Can you quilt with a Brother CS7000X?
Yes, the Brother CS7000X works well for entry-level quilting. It includes a wide table, 10 presser feet plus a quilt guide, and 70 stitches that cover utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting functions. It will not replace a heavy-duty quilting machine for thick layers, but for throws, baby quilts, and wall hangings it is more than capable.
Is the Brother XM2701 a good sewing machine?
Yes, the Brother XM2701 is one of the best-rated beginner Brother sewing machines available. It has over 19,000 reviews with a 4.6 average rating, an automatic needle threader, 27 stitches, and a lightweight 12.6-pound body. Reviewers consistently praise its ease of use and quiet operation, with long-term owners reporting years of reliable performance.
What are the common problems with Brother sewing machines?
The most common beginner complaints with Brother sewing machines are the lightweight body sliding on smooth tables at high speeds, occasional thread breakage from incorrect upper threading, and the reverse lever placement on budget models like the XM2701. None of these are mechanical failures; they are easily fixed with a non-slip mat, re-threading, and practice on scrap fabric.
Final Verdict: Which Brother Sewing Machine Should Beginners Buy?
After testing eight current models, the Brother CS7000X is the best Brother sewing machine for beginners in 2026. It combines a 70-stitch LCD interface, an automatic needle threader, a metal frame, and a wide table for quilting, all at a price that still qualifies as a beginner machine. The Brother XM2701 remains the best budget pick, the Brother XR9550 is the best computerized choice for monogramming and lettering, and the Brother HC1850 is the best long-term investment for sewists who plan to stick with the hobby.
If you are still deciding between mechanical and computerized, start with the XM2701 and upgrade to the CS7000X once you know you love sewing. If you already know you love sewing, the CS7000X is the right place to start. For more beginner gear picks across other categories, browse our beginner DJ controllers guide.