Just a few months old, and the Brother CP6500 sewing machine is making waves. Underneath its sleek design and pink, rounded accents, it is the exact copy of one of Brother’s most popular models but priced unbelievably low.
I’d seen it around Christmas and had included it in some of the online deals at that time but hadn’t done a full review. It’s time.
Here’s a thorough look at all its features and stitches and a thought about why this is a great machine for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune but wants enough variety from their sewing machine to keep things interesting.
Lots of Great Stitches on the Brother CP6500 Sewing Machine
There are 60 built-in sewing stitches which include seven different styles of buttonholes. All seven are 1-step, auto-sizing buttonholes so you can produce a number of them in a matter of minutes.
The assortment of stitches can be used for lots of creative sewing. You can make clothes, curtains, drapes, costumes, pillows, tablecloths, home goods, mend jeans, quilt and even decorate your scrapbooking work with pretty stitches.
There are joining, piecing, heirloom and smocking stitches for heirloom sewing, so items as delicate as christening gowns and bridal veils are very doable.
Embellish the hems of collars or children’s clothing, or create your own quilt designs with free-form sewing stitches. Freehand means you guide the fabric to create the letters as there is NO font on this model for monogramming.
Stitch width is adjustable to 7mm, and width is adjustable to 5mm for certain stitches. You can make a super wide zigzag stitch for edging or design.
The stitch reference guide sits above the control panel. On other models, Brother has positioned the stitch reference guide in unused space below the control panel. You can see the stitch reference guide without having to remove your hands from the control panel.
When it is underneath, your hand and arm are often in the way of seeing the guide as you’re working the controls.
More than Just the Standard Set of Presser Feet
When you buy, you get seven presser feet in the box. These include:
- Buttonhole foot
- Overcasting foot
- Monogramming
- Zipper
- Zigzag
- Blind Stitch
- Button Fitting
Presser’s feet are the simple, snap-on style which can be changed easily with one hand. Some listings say that this machine comes with only six presser feet, but those listings are not counting the Zigzag (general purpose) presser foot which comes attached to the needle arm in the box.
If you have to climb a small hill of fabric on a thick seam or overlap, just push that button, and the presser foot will level out to the highest point and continue to sew consistently through the seam without dropping stitches or getting hung up anywhere. You can also read brother 1034.
The presser feet are made of a very sturdy, metal-coloured plastic and white plastic.
Functionality of Brother CP6500
This is a computerized sewing machine which means that you control the machine’s settings through push buttons and a screen which interacts with a small computer component inside the machine. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry – these buttons are easy to figure out. This allows for more automation to be built in so that more time can be spent sewing and less time spent on set-up or routine tasks.
Features include many of the most user-friendly options:
- LCD screen
- Automatic bobbin winding
- Automatic needle threader
- Quick-set, drop-in bobbin
- 6-point feed dog
- 850 stitches per minute
- Start/Stop button
- Reverse button
- Programmable Needle Up/Down button
- Speed control slider
- Drop feed dog lever
- Free arm sewing
- Twin needle capability
- The adjustable thread tension dial
- Variable need position
- Brightly lit LED lights
- Built-in carry handle
- Threading instructions printed on the machine
- Horizontal thread delivery
- See-through bobbin cover
few more…
Leave it unattached, and you can start and stop the Needle with a press of the Start/Stop button. The speed control slider controls the sewing speed.
This is a great setup for beginners, especially kids, because you can keep the machine at a low speed for easier fabric control. It’s also useful when working on complicated sewing techniques where you need to be very precise.
Reverse button – Causes the machine to sew in reverse to lock stitches in place.
Start/Stop button – starts and stops the Needle when the foot pedal is not attached.
Needle Up/Down button – push this to lift or lower the Needle without having to use the hand wheel.
Speed Control Slider – use this to control the sewing machine speed. Keep it on a slow setting when you’re just starting or teaching kids; speed it up when you need to fly through a bunch of straight lines.
The stitch control panel consists of the LCD screen, two arrow keys below the screen, and two arrow keys to the right of the screen. The two arrow keys below are used to select the desired stitch pattern.
The first button controls the first digit of the pattern number, and the 2nd button controls the 2nd digit in the pattern number. The left/right arrow keys are for stitch width and length changes.
According to the manufacturer, the CP6500 has the same motor as the well-rated Project Runway sewing machines they produce. The outside is redesigned with more round curves and different trim.
For those of you outside the US, the Brother CP6500 sewing machine is 110volt and would require an adapter. Also, read Janome Sewing Machines.
Dimensions: L 16.26″ x W 7.01″ x D 11.65′
Weight: 13 pounds
Accessories of Brother CP6500
These sewing notions and accessories are included with your purchase:
- Ballpoint needle
- Three bobbins
- 3 needles (spare size 11, 1 size 14, and 1 size 16)
- Twin needle
- Disc-shaped Screwdriver
- Seam ripper/cleaning brush
- Three spool caps (small, medium, and large)
- Extra spool pin
- Softcover
Consumer Ratings are Very Strong
I’ve read through all available reviews, and the comments are overwhelmingly positive. The only issue that came up at all was from two people who mentioned that the top thread seemed to come undone while sewing. Since it has only come up twice, it doesn’t seem to be a common issue with the machine. You can also read brother 1034.
Average Rating: 4.7
Pros, Cons & Manual of Brother CP6500
Pros: Great set of built-in stitches. Automated controls like the Start/Stop button, Needle Up/Down button and the Speed Control Slider. Nice selection of presser feet. Automatic buttonholes. Levelling button for getting through thick seams and fabrics. Twin needle included.
Cons: Pressure foot pressure is not adjustable. No hard cover is included but can be purchased separately.
