Review Of The Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine
As a person who loves sewing, I also like researching and reviewing some of the the various sewing machines that are on the market. When computerized sewing machines first came out I didn’t like them too much, but many of the current models are outstanding. If you are like allot of sewers, then you have probably had a hard time giving up your old favorite machine, but have considered upgrading to a newer computerized sewer. In this review, I will be reviewing The Brother PC-420, which happens to be a good model to consider upgrading to.
Click Here To Buy The Brother PC-420
A Few Notes On Computerized Sewing Machines
Not all old time sewers like computerized sewing machines. In fact, many sewers will actually use both models depending on the task. For me personally, I have found it a little difficult to go back to using the old manual type.
Computerized sewing machines are a little more automated and have allot more functions. They come built in with stitches, the ability to sew buttonholes, and even zippers more easily. Many of these features can be accessed with one or a few button presses.
Where some people don’t like computerized machines is that all of these features can break. You might run into problems with a computer chips, LCD screens, motherboards, and so forth. Some people may just prefer the simplicity of the old manual machines. On average, I think most people will love a computerized machine.
When you are buying a computerized machine there are a few key features that you will find in most of them.
- A wide range of pre-programmed stitches and designs.
- Stitches are easily selected with 1 or a few button presses.
- Easy to sew button holes.
- A back lit LCD screen that allows you to select stitches and save settings.
- The ability to customize settings to your liking.
- Ease of use and more automation. Less guidance on your part.
The vast majority of machines have fairly similar features and perform rather well. It is just a matter of finding the performance, features, and price, that meet your needs.
Setting Up The Brother PC-420 PRW
Setup of many modern day sewing machines is rather easy, this includes The Brother PC-420 PRW. The instruction in the manual are very clear and come with lots of pictures.
Winding and installing the bobbin is no problem at all. All that is required is for you to lift the top cover and then follow the instructions in the manual.
The needle threading system works as advertised making it really easy to thread the needle without driving your-self crazy trying to get the thread threw the hole.
Overall, most users should find setup to be a piece of cake.
Stitches And The Brother PC-420 PRW
One of the key features of most computerized sewing machines is the built in stitches. The brother PC-420 PRW is packed with 294 stitches that makes sewing fancy designs for novices really easy. No longer are you limited to basic straight and zigzag stitches. Even an amateur can do lots of fancy stitches very easily.
Of these various stitches you will get 67 utility stitches such as your regular straight stitches, 31 decorative stitches such as flowers and hearts, 16 satin stitches for those who sew in satin, 5 different cross stitches, 10 decorative satin stitches, character stitches such as letters and numbers, and many more options. The lack of stitch variety should never be a problem.
You are not just limited to the stitches that come with the machine. If your the creative type who likes to draw their own stitches, then you will love the My custom stitch feature. This feature will allow you to sketch a pattern on a grid sheet, then program the pattern right into your sewing machine. While it is not a feature that all sewers will use, it is still a cool feature to have for those who would like to take advantage of it.
10 one-step automatic buttonholes. Buttonholes are one of the most difficult things to sew, but with this machine they are really easy once you get the hang of it. If you like sewing your own buttonholes the old fashion way, then you may not like this feature but for everyone else this is a sewers dream.
Buttons with 2 to 4 buttonholes can be attached to the machine and sewn on by the machine very easily. There is no need to go sewing on the buttons manually. Once you get the hang of it the whole process of sewing on buttons is very easy.
The LCD Screen Of The Brother PC-420 PRW
An easy to read LCD screen is always an important component of a computerized sewing machine. The screen on the PC-420 is easy to read and is back-light. It allows you to adjust stitch length and stitch width very easily. The settings can also be easily saved for your convenience.
Knee Lift
A knee lift is often a must have feature for those who do allot of large sewing projects like quilting. What does the knee lift do? The knee lift is an accessory that will allow you to use your knee to lower or raise the presser foot. This is so awesome for things like quilts where you need to keep your hands on the fabric that you are sewing. The PC-420 comes with an easy to setup and use knee lifter.
To raise the presser foot you simply press the lifter to the right with your knee. To lower the pressure foot you must release the knee lift. It really is that simple. Just make sure that you have the sewing machine off while you are doing this.
List Of Key Features For The Brother PC-420 PRW
Here is a list of some of the main features you get with this machine:
- 25 year limited warranty. 1-year labor warranty, and 2 year for electronics.
- 17.3 x 7.9 x 11.4 inches in size.
- Machine weight is 17 pounds. Shipping weight about 26 pounds.
- Advanced needle threading system.
- Easy bobbin winding and adjustable bobbin speed.
- Automatic thread cutter.
- Maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute.
- My custom stitch feature for making your own designs.
- Speed controller.
- Start and stop button.
- Pressure foot leveling and adjustment.
- Plus many more features.
Who Is The Brother PC-420 PRW Ideal For?
The Brother PC-420 can handle a wide range of different tasks. It’s features and performance make it suitable for many different sewers. It’s ability to handle buttonholes, sew buttons, and zippers makes it great for anyone who makes allot of clothing. While it may not be a high end quilting machine, it certainly can handle quilting duties just fine. The machine is also a good upgrade for anyone who wants to replace an older machine. It’s good for people who are new to sewing and good for those who have lots of experience.
The Good And The Bad
There really isn’t too much to complain about with the Brother PC-420. The machine is easy to use and comes with a wide range of solid features for it’s price. People who have the needs for a more powerful quilting machine may want something a little more high-end, but that would also come at a higher price. Overall there is very little to complain about here.
It Is Popular!
The Brother PC-420 is a really popular and well liked sewing machine. Current reviews at Amazon.com have given it 5 out 5 stars.
You can read some of these reviews here.
Where Can You Buy The Brother-420 PRW?
The brother-420 can be bought wherever sewing machines are sold in your area. I recommend Amazon.com for the low cost and often free shipping. They are popular and have a strong reputation as a great place to shop online.
Click Here To Buy The Brother-420 PRW And Read More Reviews
Compare Similar Sewing Machines
| Image |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine | Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine with 30 Built-In Stitches | SINGER 8770 Curvy 225 Sewing Machine |
| Feature | Computerized sewing machine with 294 utility and decorative stitches Pre-programmed stitches ready for use at the touch of a button Design unique stitches using built-in LCD panel; needle-threading system Twin needle function; hard cover, quilting foot, and walking foot included 25-year limited warranty | Automatic Needle Threader - No More Straining Your Eyes, Easily Adjust Stitch Length and Width with the Touch of a Button, Free Arm Capability Bright Two-Digit LED Screen For Simple Stitch Selection, Superior Feeding System and Drop Feed Capable Easily Select One of 30 Built-In Sewing Stitches with the Front Stitch Panel and LED Screen Start-Stop Button Allows you to Sew Without a Foot Control, Auto-Declutch Bobbin Winder, Easy Reverse Stitch Button and Precise Thread Tension | SwiftSmart threading system with automatic needle threader is a big time saver Drop & Sew bobbin system provides automatic thread pick-up for quicker threading Automatic stitch length and width provide the right stitch settings every time 225 built-in stitches with six fully automatic one-step buttonholes provide endless project possibilities Block and script alphabet stitches allow you to personalize any project with a monogram |
| Manufacturer | Brother | Janome | Singer |
| Model | PC420PRW | 7330 | 8770 |
| Warranty | 25 year limited warranty, 1 year Labor, 2 Years Electronics | 25 Year limited parts; 90 days full coverage | |
| Price | $419.99 | $399.00 | $399.95 |
| Height | 11.41 inch | 13 inch | |
| Weight | 25 pound | 21.95 pounds | |
| Width | 7.87 inch | 8 inch | |
| Length | 17.32 inch | 17.75 inch | |
| PackageHeight | 1050 | 1080 | 1150 |
| PackageWeight | 25.6 pound | 19.55 pound | 21.6 pound |
| Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews |
| Link | More Info | More Info | More Info |