Customer Reviews

Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine

5 star:		(97)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This a nice machine. I read the manual through once and was able to sew on it with confidence. I usually have trouble getting used to a new machine. It's very quiet and sews like a dream. There are many features that most seamstress' would love. My favorites are the automatic threader, the adjustable sewing speed (you can go real slow when working on something intricate), the auto thread cutter and the one touch reverse stitch. There are so many more features that I haven't used yet. I've only found one thing I don't like and that is the automatic presser foot lift and lower feature. There is a metal bar thing that goes under your sewing table and you use your knee to raise and lower the foot. It's kind of hard to do although I'm sure it would get easier with practice. I just do it manually. This is a solid, well built machine. I was using a $700 Husqvarna. Boy did I get ripped off when I bought that one. This machine can do so much more and was almost half the price. I did a lot of research looking for a new machine. Consumer reports recommended a different "Project Runway" machine. I looked everywhere but couldn't find one to purchase. I came across this machine and found it was similiar to the other but with more features. So I started reading reviews about it by people who purchased it. I could not find one bad review! That tells me all I need to know. If you're considering this machine you can buy it with confidence. It is a fantastic sewing machine at a fantastic price!!!

I did a lot of research before buying this machine. I have been using a 50 year old Kenmore for my home decor and clothing sewing/design. Therefore, I am used to working with what I have, and being creative with my machine's capabilities. That being said, I decided it was time get a new, computerized machine that could do things that my ancient machine never dreamed of. My budget was $400 to $500. The PC-420 was so highly reviewed that I thought I couldn't go wrong!

Well, my machine arrived and right away it can't do a reliable straight stitch. It's not a tension issue, so I tried five sizes of needles and three brands of thread. I call Brother and get customer assistance. Still, the straight stiches are horrible- ugly skipped stiches and weird loops at intervals on the back of the fabric. Maybe a timing issue? So, I do an exchange for another machine. Amazon, by the way, has a wonderful return policy. So easy!

Well, my second machine comes and the automatic needle threader breaks on the second use. The stitches are fine, though...

Hmmm. Is this machine a good value if it isn't reliable? Am I just really unlucky by getting two lemons in a row, or will I be using my 25 year warranty on a regular basis? I'm worried.

A word about some of the stitches that come with the machine. Many of the decorative and utility stitches are very clean and tight, but some are pretty sloppy looking. Don't be surprised if you find that you just choose not to use some of them.

If this machine actually functioned properly, I'd give it five stars for value: the number of features it comes with is insane for the price. I wish I could rate it higher.

I have done some very basic sewing in the past, but was asked to create some costume items for my husband, and decided that I needed something better than my little "Tiny Tailor" which is good for hemming cuffs and mending seams. I spent a week looking at various reviews and information, and while I was originally looking at the 'little brother' to this machine, the Brother 210-PRW, the 420 had such glowing reviews that I was truly torn.

I knew I wanted to invest in a good machine that was going to last me for a long while, especially if I really started getting into sewing, and so with my husband's blessing, I took the plunge and paid $80 more for the 420. I needed it right away, and so as an Amazon Prime customer, I paid the extra $4 to get one day shipping. There was a notice that it might take an extra day or two processing, but after placing the order before noon on a Friday, I got a shipment notice that very afternoon, and FedEx brought it to my door a bit before 11 the following Monday (today).

After taking some time to read through the first couple sections of the manual, I was able to unpack the machine, plug it in, fill a bobbin with thread, load it, and thread the machine to start sewing. The automatic threader and the bobbin thread that is automatically pulled up made this machine a cinch to get started with. And then I sewed some simple seams. This machine is a dream! It's very quiet compared to my memory of older machines, and the start/stop button and speed control make it a breeze, even when I'm just getting going and relearning the tricks of using a machine (which I hadn't done in 10+ years).

I would highly recommend this machine to someone who is new to sewing, but really intends to get into it and wants a machine that will be fun and easy to use, as well as sturdy and capable of sewing through thicker fabrics and multiple layers (I've been sewing fake fur today). This machine comes with several types of presser feet, 4 bobbins, numerous accessories like a second spool pin and twin needle, an eyelet punch, two screwdrivers for changing presser feet and the plate, a cleaning tool with brush, and a hard shell cover.

I recently upgraded to this machine from a 10 year old Kenmore I was having issues with. What a find! This machine has lots of bells and whistles, which is an added bonus, but it's also very user friendly. I've already produced a tote bag on it and look forward to working with it more in the near future.

I wanted a reliable machine that had multiple functions, so that I could expand beyond my current methods to something more elaborate. This machine has met my expectations so far. It sews smoothly through multiple layers of fabric, interfacing and lining, with ease. I haven't even had to use the foot pedal as there's a start/stop button feature! I feel like I've stepped out of the dark ages into the future. =) I'm hoping that the machine lasts, especially for the price, but for now, I'm satisfied with my investment. I would recommend it to anyone considering buying it!

I been sewing as long I can remember. I have 2 machines already a brother and a serger. This brought me to the 21st Century. I love the machine. Had it since 9/08 and have not stopped sewing(shirts, pants, suits, bags, etc.) even did some monograming for the first time on a few xmas gifts. Only thing I do not like was the zipper attachment not sturdy enough for me so I actually replaced it with the regular zipper foot I use on my other machine. But so far, definitely worth the money.

I found this to be a wonderful machine, a miracle, and I was in love with it for the first few hours. When it hopelessly locked, with no thread jam to explain it, I was quite upset. The machine was useless and would not sew. The Brother website was difficult to sort out, but it offered only the advice to check for a thread jam and, if that didn't work, take it in for service. The nearest service facility was one hour's drive from my home and this was a brand new machine! I emailed Brother and 4 days later received a response with the same advice.
I called Amazon customer service. Within 2 minutes a new, replacement machine was on the way and a UPS mailing label for return was ticking out of my printer! The new machine arrived in 2 days!
I beleive the first machine I received was defective...which can happen to the best of items from the best of companies. No problem. When it worked, this was the best sewing machine I've ever used. I gave it 4 stars rather then 5 only for the frustrating customer service at Brother.
The lesson here is: always buy at Amazon! Great response...great service!

I am in love.

I was hesitant to drop so many bucks on a sewing machine. My past machines have included thrift store scores or freebie curbside machines. Always metal, and circa the 60s or 70s they did their job and were large and in charge, usually with a tabletop.

I thought about this Project Runway machine for several months and researched quite extensively. I originally wanted the model suggested by Consumer Reports but I really don't have a need for extensive embroidery or quilting.

I sew many materials, but I mainly sew leather bags. That's right, leather bags! My trusty metal singers could sew through anything, and I was scared to part with it. But guess what - This Project Runway Brother machine has sewn through some of my thickest leather with no qualms. In fact, I must say the stitching looks evener and more professional.

I have more space! And I can pack this puppy away in the closet, so it's not always out taking up precious NYC Studio space. I do miss the tabletop at times for larger projects but there is an extension available for purchase once I have some extra cash.

For the record, I have been using it the machine now for 2 months. The thread cutter and automatic threader, a dream. I wish I upgraded to a more modern machine months, ago. It's those little things that just make life that much easier.

This is an amazing sewing machine that anyone can use. I've been a sewer since childhood and I have several machines, 2 are Brothers. Both of my Brothers are extremely user friendly, amazing value for the price, wonderful highend features, awesome stitch selection, wonderful auto-thread cutter, reinforcement/reverse stitching, always needle down, speed control, the ability to design your own stitches, programable memory, stitch combinations, and extremely easy to use. This machine will last me forever.

I sew herbal pillows daily & needed an upgrade from my old Kenmore, so I bought the PC-420 Brother from Amazon. Glad I did, as it is a HUGE improvement over my old Kenmore (which also had great reviews, but is a dinosaur compared to this Brother).... and yet, the PC-420 does have a few negatives you need to be aware of.

BIG HINT ~ buy as many REAL Brother made bobbins as you are allowed to purchase from Amazon, as any other 'similar' plastic ones will cause you much frustration & due to the sensitivity of this machine, will jam thread up quickly. I wanted to order more, but Amazon would only let me purchase a limited supply.... your plastic bobbins may look nearly identical, but trust me they will NOT work properly on this machine.

I personally found the extra presser foot lever to be a silly, unnecessary addition that only gets in the way....if you are lifting the foot, you are probably turning your fabric, so your hands are involved anyway. Also tried the on/off sewing button & didn't care for that either. The foot pedal gives you more instant control.

I really wish Brother had included the extra large, plastic sewing surface along with this machine, instead of its basically useless, plastic cover. Wow. For $60 extra dollars, I say go ahead & buy it, but to me, they would have done their customers a huge service by switching these items out.

For pillow strength, I use the 'triple stitch' or stretch stitch on my products. ALL the stitches of this machine are very nice & uniform, but using this particular stitch makes sewing very, very slow, unfortunately.

Due to it being a highly sensitive machine, you also must have some patience & a bit of mechanical acumen, because you will spend some time unscrewing the housing piece to clear tangled thread from inner parts, as well as taking apart the bobbin shuttle & cleaning it out so that the machine sews properly (Brother did not include a decent tool brush for this, so I use my old Kenmore brush to perform this task, & it works well). At least getting into the bobbin area is relatively easy, as the top plastic piece just pulls out & snaps back into place. No screws.

The auto thread is a great time saver of course (just make sure your needle is all the way up & in position to receive thread... I was pretty slow at realizing why I was having so much trouble). The automatic snipping of your top & bottom threads is also terrific & definitely saves on thread, although on my machine, it still leaves a good inch of each (any one know if this is normal)?.... plus it doesn't cut threads clean all the time.... again, you need to constantly get inside & clean out your bobbin/cutter area, as threads tend to want to stick & jam things in there.

The design of the PC-420 is sleek & professional looking (don't know why so many manufacturers want to make their machines look like cutesy, little girl sewing machines with color & swirls, etc.)... so it looks good just sitting there when not in use. Threading is easy & fast.... machine is sturdy & solid, though not heavy, so it's great for portability... the computerized stitch window is also easy to understand & work, although the little embroidery letters are just okay, nothing more, so don't think you're going to do a lot of good looking personalization embroidered names with this. On the other hand it has a great stitch selection, & really, the stitches again are very, very nice & uniform.

Due to the fact that I sew professionally for my business, & the Project Runway is not designed to be industrial, I should have probably invested in a much more expensive sewing machine, but if you are a beginner or advanced home sewer, I honestly think you will be pretty happy with the Brother PC-420, as all in all it is a well designed, solid little work horse.

ANOTHER HINT: Do invest in fine grade thread, as I believe whole heartedly that even average priced thread can really slow you down if you sew constantly. And don't even think of using cheap, big outlet store thread on this particular machine! Believe me you will be less than happy with your results. Hope this helps!

This machine replaced my older Brother XR-52, which I thought was a good machine. However I didn't realize that I had been hand cranking my way through many a project. Especially heavy seams on denim fabric, which is my fabric of choice, so I do sew on it a lot. Well, after getting my new Brother PC-420, I found it to go right over a double seam of denim, effortlessly! The machine is so powerful that it will sew right into a pin causing the pin to bend and go into the undercarriage. (Not fun to have to get out with pliers.) So, if you are a pinner, as I am, you have to be very careful that you go over the pins or remove the pins as you go, or this mighty might will sew it right into the machine. I have found that the machine is somewhat sensitive of dust build up, etc, so if you regularly remove the cover plate and blow out the bobbin carriage, all is great. One feature that I really enjoy is that fact that everything is internal. The spool of thread and the thread take up lever are consealed into the case. This is a great feature when sewing things that are not flat and would come up over the machine. They don't hang up on anything, because it is all enclosed. A wonderful feature! The electronic part of the machine took a bit to get used to, after having the traditional mechanical machine for so many years. I like how you push a button and the needles goes down into the fabric, then you push another button and it sews in reverse. Oh, almost forgot, it even has a leg push presser foot lifter adapter. I usually don't use it, however it would be nice in some applications that require both hands on the project. I would definately recommend this machine for beginner and novice alike. I would say that it is a bit much for the only occasional mender, but if you are a sewer, as I am, this is a great inexpensive, up to date, base level electronic machine. I use my machine to sew mostly garments and accessories, not for other fancy features, so it serves me well! If you purchase this machine, you will not regret it. Fantastic value!! Highly recommended machine.