Please rate the "Brother SE270D Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine"?

Question

I want to start sewing. i want to be able to make curtains, skirts, and the occasional halloween outfit. I really like the idea of this machine, because it also does embroidery to embellish small areas. Any experiences? any information on whether it will be discontinued soon? is there a better model, or brand??
I don't want to spend thousands +.
Is it too noisy?
Is it too heavy?
Is it easy for a beginner?
Can it use the feet for specialty projects?
Are the embroidery cards too expensive?

Any information would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Here's the saga of my 270d:

I ordered my first 270d online. It had a 30 day waranty. I had the rma to return it by the 21st day.
They sent me a replacement. That one didn't work either.
They sent me a 3rd. When I opened the box, the auto-threader arm was jammed down and twisted. I returned that one and got a refund from the online merchant I purchased it from.

I went to a local Walmart and bought one off the shelf. I've had a ton of problems with it and the only reason I did not return it, is because Walmart absolutely refused to exchange it. They'd had so many returned they refused to refund or exchange any. They very rudely told me to 'Deal with Brother'.
I haven't been back to that walmart. No big loss, I'd started boycotting them after I bought the machine, before I tried to return it.

I would not ever buy this machine again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Now, if you do choose to buy a 270d, purchase it from a Brother dealer locally. They'll be more willing to help you than any of the chain stores or online stores. I do know people who love thie

I've talked to a lot of people in the embroidery comunity and they've recommended some other machines. I'm in the process of saving up for a more expensive one now.

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Now to answer your other questions.

I don't think it's more noisy than your average sewing machine. Mines next to the computer and I like to hear the hum of my machine stitching as I'm working.

It's not heavy at all. If you need to move it from room to room, you won't have any trouble lifting it.

There's a learning period for all embroidery machines. You have to learn to get the right combinations of stabilizers/fabric/thread/needle. I learned a ton of information and got a million tips from the forums at www.artisticthreadworks.com and www.nitasplace.com. I don't recommend you buy a machine without joining one or both of these sites.

As for the cards: they range in price from 29.99 to 149.99 (typically). However, if you purchase the Ped Basic, you can transer designs from your computer to your embroidery machine. There are literally thousands of embroidery designs available for free around the 'net. If you do purchase a machine, email me and I'll give you links to some gorgeous free embroidery desigs (all legal) and I can recommend some great sites to purchase designs from without breaking the bank. I honestly have about 150,000 to 200,000 designs and I've spent rediculously little to get them.
Be very careful though, where you buy or download designs. You don't want to purchase illegal designs that might get you fined.

Now for the feet, I honestly don't do a lot of sewing. I guess it has the standard feet for embroidery, sewing, button holes, etc. You can look at the machine specs on brother.com to see what it comes with (another great place for free designs too). I was actually in a sewing shop today to buy another foot for my machine that it doesn't come with and extra feet aren't that expensive.

You're welcome to email me with any questions regarding embroidery or designs [e-mail]

Answer 2

I have had the brother SE 270d for 6 months now, and I love to hate it! . the largest design you can use is 4 x 4 (unless you re-hoop). The so called auto thread cartridge causes a lot of trouble , I have spent up to 15 min. trying to get the thread to catch. . If you plan to embroider a lot, I would not suggest this machine. The bobbin jams if it is only half full causing a mess and messed up design. As far as sewing, there are not any real complaints. You have a nice selection of stitches and the machine runs smooth. It is not heavy at all, and it is a quiet machine. I am a beginner and have had no trouble learning the details of the machine. The cards are expensive. If you decide to purchase this machine, I do recommend skipping the ped basic and going ahead with the pe design 8.0. This way you can work with your own designs and you can save the designs you down load.

Answer 3

I was not happy with it , although i love the brother embroidery machines i would recommend saving for a higher end machine, it will save alot of grief, the lower priced machines have no safety features and will continue to sew and damage the machine when there is a problem you are unaware of, the higher end machines have sensors and will stop when there is an issue, and have less repair and hassle .i own 2 of the higher end brother embr/ sewing and love them both, never have any issues with either, have been embroiderying now for about 7 years, had 2 of the lower end machines and got rid of both of them they just don't cut it!and you will find the sewing field limits you soo much you spend twice as much on stabilzers doing multiple hoopings! just check them out even a used one will save alot of hassle and money over the long run and you will have less need to ever upgrade,used they are very reasonable!

Answer 4

I have had my 270 for about eight months. I also purchased the ped basic to go with it. I think it is great if you don't plan on doing a lot of embrodiery. Everything is easy to use, but you do have to spend a little time reading the manual and trying different settings, etc. There are several brands and models available in all price ranges. If you plan to do a lot of embrodiery and want a large amount of options, you should go with a more advanced and heavier duty machine. I do not know of another brand or model that will do as much as this one for the same amount of money. It is very light and not that noisy.

Answer 5

I've never used it but here are some reviews http://www.amazon.com/Brother-SE270D-Computerized-Embroidery-Machine/dp/customer-reviews/B000BS01KK