Okay, y'all, we have never had a product review on Biscuits and Burlap. It just makes sense to share how much I LOVE my sewing machine with our readers. This post is not being sponsored in any way. I am not an expert at sewing and I am not an expert on sewing machines.
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I hope that you will appreciate the perspective I'm coming from. If you are an expert in either area, this review is not for you. This is for the beginner, or someone like me -- with limited skills, just looking for a solid, reliable machine that won't cost an arm and a leg.
My Perspective
I would say I'm somewhere between an advanced beginner and a moderately-skilled sewer. I enjoy mostly the home decor accessories that I can make with my limited sewing skills, but I do occasionally like to make some minor alterations to clothes. I find that you can give your clothes a more custom-look with just a few adjustments.
That being said, my sewing skills have really not advanced much over the years. I occasionally try something new, but mostly, I find that I can make a few throw pillows, or drapery panels with the skills I have. My favorite so far has been this DIY Bed Skirt that's so easy and adjusts to the height of your bed.
Until a couple of years ago the only sewing machine I ever had was a hand-me-down from my mother. It sewed straight, zig-zag and I think it would make buttonholes, but I never had the nerve to tackle that. It was in a big, wooden cabinet so sewing was done at home. Period.
So, that's where I'm coming from. If you're a beginner or looking to modernize from what your grandma gave you (but not spend much) then read on.

Easy to Use and Affordable
I think I hesitated getting a new machine for so long mainly because I thought it was a big investment. I figured I would spend $400-$500. My sister-in-law, Susan, was telling me about her new sewing machine and I could not believe how cheap it was.
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Seriously, right now it's $142.00 on Amazon. What a deal!
I read a few of the short reviews on Amazon and listened to Susan and how much she like it. But, this sealed the deal. The instructor at a sewing class I was taking recommended it. She, of course, had numerous big, expensive, machines with lots of crazy features, but for basic sewing, this machine was her recommendation. Sold!
This is it! This is my exact sewing machine. It's the Brother CS-6000i

You can click the image, or the link right above it, to get all the technical information.
My Favorite Features
Now, y'all, it probably does a lot that I don't know about, but here are a few features I love:
It's idiot-proof! I mean it! There are actually drawings on the top that show you how and where to thread. If you're winding a bobbin, you follow the dotted-line drawing. If you're threading for actual sewing you follow the solid line.

At the bottom there is a drawing for threading the bobbin. It shows you which way the spool should turn and where to pull the thread.

On the front is a diagram of all the stitches it will make. Some of them are for a specific purpose and some are just fancy, decorative stitches. You dial in the corresponding number, step down on the foot pedal, and away it goes.

When I first got mine I made a few of these little Christmas ornaments just so I could play with the decorative stitches.

It comes with this "flat bed attachment" which gives you a flat surface to work on. With it attached the sewing machine looks like this.

Or, you can remove the flat bed and it would be easier to put something small (like a sleeve) on the work surface.

The case is very simple. It just slides over the machine and has an opening where you reach through to grab the handle. I sort of wish it clipped on, but this works fine, once you get used to it. Another of my favorite features is how lightweight it is. I can literally put two fingers into that handle and lift it.

This shows a close up. There is yet another diagram of how to thread the bobbin and to the right of the presser foot there are metered lines that you can follow, depending on how wide you want your seam allowances.

Button holes are super easy. (With my Brother CS-6000i I finally had the nerve to tackle them). That's about it. If I had to find something negative I would say I wish the case would fit on with the thread sitting on top, but it won't. A minor inconvenience, but a little hump in the top of the case to accommodate the thread would have solved that.
Hard to believe this sewing machine is $142.00 right now on Amazon.
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Feel free to comment and ask questions. I've had my Brother CS-6000i Machine over two years now. I've made numerous projects with it, and a few of them are posts here on the blog if you want to check them out.
My favorite (and apparently a reader favorite) is this DIY Bed Skirt, which is fully adjustable according to the height of your bed.
Way back when we first started Biscuits & Burlap I made this Shower Curtain with Cornice. I think that was my first time trying the button hole feature.
For your convenience, you can order the Brother CS-6000i by clicking right here.
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Aunt Susan says
Still loving mine too! I can change the fabric on my pillows on a whim- something I have been known to do 🙂
Julie Pharoah says
Hi I have had my Brother Innov-‘Is 400 for a few years I love it so easy to thread I also have Brother 3034D overlocker which is fantastic
Rozanne says
I have a Brother GS2700 it's such a disappointment. The fancy stitches are not even nor is it neat.
I want to invest on a machine that has super quality fancy stitching, can you recommend one?
Cindy Weidinger says
Thanks for posting this Pam, I am still using the sewing machine I received from my parents as a wedding shower gift. Your machine sounds awesome!
Molly says
Your post caught my eye on Pinterest because I bought a small Brother machine a few years ago as a backup to my old reliable Viking 6440. It seemed like the little Brother machines were mostly mechanical and not computerized (they seem to have a built in cam mode versus actual computer chips?) and that makes them so reliable! I liked mine so much because of its light weight but suckered out and gave it to my sister whose icky modern cheapo Singer bit the dust. She hasn't been able to get the knack of this little Brother but I don't know why...they are so easy to operate! I am still looking for a replacement for the one I gave away because sometimes my Viking lives in the quilting frame and I need another machine for basic sewing. I love that Brother makes such a great product at such a good price-point.
Pam says
I totally agree. Sounds like you are a more accomplished seamstress than me. I love that it's heavy enough to sew through several layers, but easy to handle!
ANgie says
HI, I was thinking of getting one also but would like the embroidery feature. Does this one have that feature?
Pam says
I don't think so, Angie. I would love to be able to do embroidery too, but I bet you have to spend more for that. If you find a machine that will do it this affordably, please let me know!
Rose says
I have a very similar Brother, the XR9500PRW. It's also very affordable, selling for about $180 on Amazon. It doesn't do embroidery, but it does do letters and numbers. I love the ability to personalize the items I make.
Maresy says
I bought this machine about a month ago after my Singer died. Not an accomplished sewer but love playing around. This machine is so easy.
Sharon Frink says
I have the same machine. I purchased it because my Elna would no longer sew a zig zag. The built in cams no longer work. The only feature that frustrates me is the automatic needle threaded. I have not been able to utilize it. Videos have not been helpful. I love how lightweight this machine is. The day it needs to be serviced is probably the day it will be replaced. It was so inexpensive it will probably cost more to repair.
Pam says
Well, I'm definitely showing my "beginner" level because I don't know what "built in cams" are 🙂 I guess it's nothing I've needed. I also didn't realize the machine would automatically thread the needle. I'll have to get my owner's manual back out. Thanks for stopping by the blog. I hope you'll visit often.
Debbie Priebe says
I too never figured out how to use the "auto threader". I can thread the old fashioned way. I too love this machine. I have made lots of curtains, hemmed dresses, and eve made a canopy for a gazebo. I have this model and love it too.
Pam says
That's great to hear. I love hearing from others that love their machine too.
martha cratty says
I have made many a throw quilt, baby quilt, pillow, stuffed toys, clothes. This is the very best, user friendly machine I have ever sewn with. I love it. I have had this machine several years. Still going strong!
Pam says
Great to hear that! I totally agree with you.
Nancy ONeill says
Thank you so much. You have probably saved me hours upon hours of research! I need a new machine but I have only a 6th grade class education on sewing! My list of sewing projects gets no more complicated than halloween costumes and hemming pantlegs, but my current machine is old and giving me trouble. I would like to expand my sewing project level and i need a better machine. I put it on my Amazon wish list. You should also tell your readers that along with puchasing this machine, they get free phone help for life! Big plus!
Pam says
That's so awesome Nancy. I know you will love it. Great idea too, to put it on your wish list. I've just started keeping my own wish list. It's like being registered for a wedding all over again 🙂
Laurie Guzman says
Thanks for this review. My old Bernina sewing machine finally died so I've asked for a Brother sewing machine for Christmas and your review makes me even more excited to get it.
Pam says
Yay, Laurie! I think you're going to love it.
Theresa says
I have issues with "jamming." My machine is supposed to be jam-proof, but every time I sew with heavy fabrics, like jeans, it does the jam thing but instead of actually jamming it just bunches up the threads on the bottom side. Do you know if this machine does that or not? I just really need a very heavy duty machine and wondering how heavy duty this one is I guess.
Thanks!
Pam says
Theresa, I have to admit that I haven't sewn anything as heavy as jeans with it. I have had several layers of other, medium weight fabric to get through, and I haven't had any trouble with that, though.
Julie Gray says
I used mine to sew denim and heavy outdoor fabric and had no problems. I made sure to use a needle especially for those materials and thread to match too. Maybe that helped avoid any jamming problems.
Pam says
Great to know, Julie. Thanks for letting us know.
Michelle says
I can totally identify with your sewing level, I feel I'm right there with you. I had been sewing on a 1960's Singer, and thank goodness it had a button hole attachment or I would not attempt button holes. One day I went into the local Goodwill store and I saw a Brother PC-6000 for $20 dollars so I bought it and took it home. I thought I had hit the jackpot, the machine is great, not only did it have all the decorative stitches, it also has the alphabet so I can monogram on things. The best or worse thing it does is I just press a button and it cuts the thread when I'm done. I have to say it really has spoiled me from using the cutting tool that is on the machine. Using the buttonhole presser foot I just need to place the button in the back of it and select the type of button hole I want and it does the rest. I just love this machine.
Pam says
Wow, Michelle! I would say you did hit the jackpot! What a deal.
Jannet says
I am from India and when I visited my daughter living in Jersey city,New Jersey I bought this machine and I used it very sparingly.Everything was fine until once while stitching normally it suddenly stopped with a noise and error 6 flashed and I am not able to turn the hand wheel.Does this happen toyou.If so how do you solve it.I read the manual and did what was told.Nothing worked out.
Pam says
Jannet, I have never had that problem, or really any problems with my machine. My best advice would be to contact Brother - maybe even submit an inquiry on their website.
Dorothy says
I have had a brother for 10 years and I love it never had any trouble ever sews like a dream stick with brother
Reyse Marcus says
Hello Sara & Pam,
this brother cs6000i is a total professional sewing machine for all kind of basic use and so as advance. this machine is a great use to the users and so much comfortable too. great idea to have one of them
Natalie Brock says
Pam I need new machine . I have looked at brother now I find you mentioned a computerized one. I had a singer computerized one and it wasn’t dependable. If I didn’t use it for three or four days it had to be pampered to start. Then it flat dab quit and was gone be three hundred for repairs. I am hesitate to get that kind again. If I buy one from amazon, what kind of qrarentee and who repairs. Thanks for your suggestions. N