A seamstress is perhaps the best person to understand the value and importance of a good sewing machine. Its importance rises notches higher if you are purchasing a sewing machine perhaps for the first time. Like any layman, you would undoubtedly like to go for a Singer or a Brother machine.

These are two giant names whose every model competes aggressively against each other. Known for their quality, durability, and affordability; it is a tough nut to choose between the two brands. In the under $200 range, both offer you excellent choice i.e. Singer 7258 and Brother CS6000i.

Even the veterans find it daunting to choose between the two and declare one a winner. Ultimately, it just boils down to one or two features that win the game for any brand and help you choose one. Thus, we put these two beginner’s sewing machines against each other and do a candid review and comparison of the two here. Check out the head-to-head between the Singer 7258 vs Brother CS6000i.

Singer 7258 Review

Singer is a brand that goes back in time. With their headquarters in La Vergne, Tennessee, United States; they have been offering excellent sewing machines for beginners, intermediate as well as advanced sewers. Singer 7258 is a sewing machine meant for beginners and intermediate beginners. This computerized machine was even awarded the Consumer Digest’s ‘Best Buy’ sewing machine. Let’s look at this machine in some detail.

List of features

Singer 7258 is a feature-rich sewing machine that not only facilitates any beginner to get their basics correct but also provides them with sufficient ground to practice and gear up for the next levels. Few of its features that would appeal to masses are:

• Over 100 built-in stitches which include 76 decorative stitches, 7 fully automatic buttonholes and other basic and stretch stitches.
• One step automatic buttonhole.
• Automatic needle threader.
• Automatic bobbin winder-stop.
• Automatic stitch length, tension and width adjustment.
• Large LCD screen for easy display of selected stitch including their length and width.
• Six-segment feeding system
• 10-different presser feet to adjust the machine for varied projects.
• Extra-high pressure-foot lifter.
• 2 LED lights for enhanced illumination of the work area.
• Ideal speed control button for beginners to set maximum speed. The speed can be adjusted to a maximum of 750 stitches per minute.
• Programmable needle up/down.
• Easy loading top drop-in bobbin.
• Transparent bobbin cover for easy monitoring of thread supply.
• Built-in free arm to make sewing of cuffs, collars, hems, sleeves, etc. a breeze.
• Selection of stitch with an easy push button.
• Twin-needle capabilities.
• Soft cover for protection.

Pros of Singer 7258:

• Body constructed for reliability and durability.
• Terrific ease of use
• Start/stop button
• Automatic needle-threader
• Automatic tension
• Built-in thread cutter
• Speed control and electronic autopilot.
• Top- loading jam-proof bobbin system
• Computerized LCD screen
• Smooth, even and beautiful stitches.
• Appreciably quiet operation.
• Numerous features and accessories facilitate easy graduation from beginner to intermediate state of expertise.

Cons of Singer 7258

• Pressure foot pressure is automatic but lacks the manually adjustable feature.
• Maximum stitch width is 6 mm against most machines which offer a 7 mm width.
• Sewing speed is slow in comparison to various other similar models available in the market.

Beginner friendly features of Singer 7258

With its intuitive design and an impressive list of automatic features, Singer 7258 is perhaps the best machine a beginner can lay hands on. Moreover, it has enough versatility to help one progress to the next level.

Foremost, the ease of use of the machine is what fills confidence in any beginner. Other features like automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin loader, transparent bobbin cover to monitor thread supply etc. are some highlights which eliminate all hassle while sewing.

The programmable up/down needle gives the flexibility to the sewer to decide on the position of the needle when the machine stops. This is crucial as keeping the needle down is a lifesaver while quilting or pivoting fabric. While the speed controller helps any sewer sew with safety; the free arm proves a boon while sewing cuffs, collars, etc. The seven styles of –step automatic buttonhole and several decorative stitches are a perfect arsenal for any beginner to complete projects that look like a pro.

What comes in the box?

The machine comes with a wide array of accessories to prove more than adequate for any beginner. Things included are:

• 10-pressure feet to cater to all kinds of sewing.
• Pack of needles.
• Foot pedal
• Thread spool caps
• Darning Plate
• Auxiliary spool pin
• Bobbins
• Needle plate screwdriver
• Soft-sided dust cover
• Spool pin felt
• Power cord
• Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
• Machine Intro DVD
• Instruction Manual in English, Spanish and French.

Brother CS6000i Review

Now let’s throw a scanning glance at Brother CS6000i sewing machine.

Brother is another noteworthy brand to reckon with in the world of sewing machines. If any machine gives a close competition to the Singer machine; it is this machine. This high-quality feature-rich machine is not only value priced but also flaunts an amazing array of features that are not only delightful to beginners but extremely satisfying for intermediate seamstress as well. Let’s put this machine under our scanner.

List of features

• 60 built-in stitches that work great for all kinds of sewing and quilting work.
• 7 styles of the One-step automatic buttonhole to increase your creative versatility.
• Hardcover for protection
• Large and wider detachable table which makes the machine ideal for large quilting projects.
• Automatic Needle Threader.
• Jam-resistant top-drop-in bobbins.
• Adjustable stitch length
• Easy selection of stitch
• with easily visible settings on LCD display.
• Easy stitch speed control with a maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute.
• Adjustable stitch length with the maximum length of 7mm.
• LED light illuminating the work area.
• Built-in free arm to facilitate easy stitching of collars, cuffs, and sleeves.
• 9 pressure feet to provide versatility in all stitching projects.
• Wider zigzag and decorative stitch styles(7mm) for greater versatility.

Pros of Brother CS6000i

• A highly affordable and low-maintenance machine.
• Easy to use computerized controls and display.
• Light and portable unit ideal for stitching as well as quilting.
• One-step automatic buttonhole; seven buttonhole styles
• 60 built-in stitches with adjustable stitch length.
• Consistent stitches.
• Impressive sewing speed with a maximum of 850 stitches per minute.
• Silent operation
• Easy sewing with twin needles to create perfect hemlines.
• Illuminated working area due to LED lights.
• Wide table included for easy quilting.
• Included are nine presser feet.
• Comes with plenty of accessories.
• A detailed comprehensive manual is included.

Cons of Brother CS6000i

• Narrow throat design can restrict free motion.
• Threading the bobbin may prove challenging.
• The foot pedal is overly sensitive and needs careful handling.
• Automatic embroidery functions are missing.
• Unsuitable for thick materials like leather.
• Thread tension needs to be set using a manual dialer.

Beginner friendly features of Brother CS6000i

With a good mix of automatic features and accessories; the machine is a delight to work with for any beginner. Foremost, its threading system is easy and user-friendly for any beginner.

The automatic needle system, top-drop-in bobbin loading, easy bobbin winding, wide table with adequate illumination, free arm, speed controller, Snap-On pressure feet are just some features which let any novice feel as confident as a pro and successfully complete any project.

What comes in the box?

• Power cord
• Hard case
• 9 presser feet
• Seam ripper
• Cleaning brush
• Needle set
• Bobbins
• Spool caps
• Spool pins
• Eyelet punch
• Screwdriver
• Comprehensive instruction manual in English and Spanish.
• Instructional DVD

Frequently Asked Questions about Singer 7258 vs Brother CS6000i

Before we begin to draw out similarities and differences between the two sewing machines; let us find answers to the most common queries that any buyer has in his mind regarding the two.

1. Which is best for beginners?

Both machines are great for beginners but the decisive factor would boil down to just a few factors. The CS600i is portable with extra options for everyday stitches. Thus, it tends to be more ideal for beginners. It is the perfect choice for beginners who are more inclined towards quilting. However, if you wish to gain expertise in decorative stitches and dream of drooling out more professional work; then the Singer 7258 is the sewing machine for you.

2. Which is faster?

Brother CS6000i is a faster machine at 850 stitches per minute. Singer 7238 boast of a maximum speed stitch of 750 stitches per minute. However, both come with a speed control which works great for beginners.

3. Which is noisier?

Both are relatively quiet and thus it is difficult to state one as superior to another on this parameter. Both will raise no ruckus while being used.

4. Which machine has more stitches?

Singer 7258 wins in this department with 100 built-in stitches while the Brother CS6000i has just 60 built-in stitches. However, one needs to note a few things here.

Singer 7258 has 76 decorative stitches, 9 basic stitches, 8 stretch stitches, and 7 buttonhole stitches. In contrast, Brother CS6000i has 20 decorative stitches, 20 garment construction stitches, 7 buttonhole stitches, 6 heirlooms stitches, and 7 quilting stitches.

Thus, if you are more inclined to quilting and practical stitches; you should opt for the Brother sewing machine but if you desire for more decorative stitches, then the Singer machine is the way to go.

5. Which has more Snap-on Presser feet included?

The Singer Machine comes with 10 Snap-on presser feet against 9 in the Brother machine. Feet included in the Singer machine are:

• All-Purpose foot
• Quarter inch foot
• Zipper Foot
• Blind Hem Foot
• Buttonhole Foot
• Overcasting Foot
• Satin Stitch Foot
• Gathering Foot
• Rolled Hem Foot
• Darning and Embroidery

The foot included in Brother CS6000i has two quilting feet amongst the nine. They are:

• Walking foot
• Overcasting foot
• Spring Action foot
• Zipper foot
• Quilting Foot
• Monogramming Foot
• Zigzag Foot
• Buttonhole Foot
• Button fitting Foot
• Blind Stitch Foot

Thus, keeping your needs in mind, you can choose the most appropriate machine.

Similarities Between the Singer 7258 vs Brother CS6000i

As evident, Singer 7258 and Brother CS6000i have plenty of similarities amongst themselves. Some noteworthy similarities amongst them are:

• Both machines are computerized and automatic that gives an extra edge of confidence to any beginner.
• Both have LCD displays where you can read the stitch pattern selected as well as monitor them.
• Both offer automatic needle threader to make the cumbersome job, a breeze.
• Both have easy to use top drop-in bobbin system with a transparent cover for easy thread monitoring.
• Both have adjustable sewing speed controls, programmable needle as well as reverse stitch benefits.
• It’s easy to sew cuffs, collars, hem, etc. in both machines because of their free arm feature.
• Both have space inside the free arm to store all essential accessories provided with the machine.
• There is a marginal difference between the pricing of two machines. The difference is nominal enough to be ignored.

Differences between the Singer 7258 vs Brother CS6000i

While both sewing machines enjoy plenty of similarities; they show some key differences which turn out to be the decisive factor. Few noteworthy differences are:

• While both machines are lightweight and portable; The CS6000i is more portable with just 13 pounds of weight and dimensions of 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches against the Singer model which weighs 19 pounds and has the dimensions of 14.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches. It is evident that the Brother sewing machine is more lightweight and compact.
• The Singer model comes with a soft cover as protection while the brother model has a hard cover for protection.
• The Brother CS6000i has only 60 built-in stitches while the Singer 7258 boasts of 100 built-in stitches. However, a beginner rarely requires the use of a large number of built-in stitches.
• The Brother sewing machine has a higher number of quilting and practical day-to-day stitches while the Singer model has a wide array of decorative stitches. Thus, the Brother CS6000i is meant strictly for home use but the Singer machine can be used by amateur professionals as well.
• Brother CS6000i offers a wider stitch size than the Singer 7258. The former offers a maximum stitch width of 7mm while the latter offers a maximum stitch width of 6mm. This may look trivial but it does make a huge difference when sewing things.
• The sewing speed of the Brother CS6000i is better at 850 stitches per minute. The Singer 7258 loses here by a good margin with a lower stitch rate at 750 stitches per minute. This difference makes a huge impact on the decision about which machine to opt for.
• The Brother machine has a detachable large wide table for better quilt making which is absent is the Singer machine.
• The versatility of decorative stitches is far higher in the Singer machine against better quilting versatility in the Brother machine.

Final Verdict

Both Singer 7258 and Brother CS6000i have a successful and proven track record behind them. The customer satisfaction ratings of both machines are exemplary. Thus, it is easy to see that both give each other a close competition despite the Brother machine looking with a slight edge.

Selecting between the two is an easy yet an extremely difficult choice. Both of these are great choices for everyday work and very few can beat them in this department. The choice would finally depend on your inclination. Those looking for more of quilting option should opt for the Brother CS6000i while those wanting more of decorative stitches should go blindly for the Singer 7238 sewing machine.

However, for those who want the best value for money; the verdict tilts more in favor of the Brother CS6000i sewing machine. This is merely because of a few additional options like a drop feed and a large detachable table which increases its practicality and functionality.

Simultaneously, you cannot ignore the Singer 7258 which has been awarded twice with the ‘Best Buy’ adoration by the ‘Consumer Digest.’ Unfortunately, the Brother sewing machine has no match in this department.

Thus, we can easily conclude by saying that it is difficult to choose between these two behemoths. The differences are only slight but extremely important to any sewer. Both machines are a killer in their own right. You will love any for years to come. You can purchase keeping in mind the kind of projects you would be doing with the machine.

Do let us know which of the two became your darling and how was your experience with it. Chime in below!