Sewing machines have come a long way since the ones your grandmother used. The Brother XL-2600 is the perfect model to get you started on basic sewing. Whether you are a crafter or not, this sewing machine can do all the basic functions for mending or repairing fabric items in a jiffy. And if you ever decide you want to learn to sew, than this model will rise to the challenge with a variety of stitch functions and features. Let me give you an overview of this impressive little machine.
As a basic mending machine
I’m not real big into sewing. In fact, I haven’t done a lot of it since Home Ec. in junior high. But I needed a sewing machine to get started with basic sewing and to use for quick repairs instead of pulling out the old needle and thread. The consistency you get from a machine is better than what I can produce by hand by a long shot. My only concern was to find a machine that would be easy enough to figure out, and portable enough to move around when needed. What I found was the ease of the Brother XL-2600.
For most people it is the threading of the needle and the setting up of the bobbin that baffles them. Not so with the Brother XL-2600. This reliable Brother has built-in instructions for these set up tasks. The easy number guide when threading the upper portion of the machine is amazingly simple. All you need to do is follow the numbers as you weave the thread through. And threading the needle eye is a cinch with the built-in needle threader; even if you can’t figure it out right away from the numbers on the machine itself, a quick set-up guide is included that walks you through this part. The bobbin is similarly easy. You only need to drop it in as directed by the picture next to the work area of the machine and you are ready to begin. I would recommend you keep a bobbin of white, black, and brown available because they are the most used colors for basic mending.
The grid on the plate provides an easy guide to making straight sewing lines as you go. Even if you haven’t worked extensively with a sewing machine before the Brother XL-2600 does most of the work for you.
Portability
One of the best features of the Brother XL-2600 is its portability. You may remember your grandmother’s sewing machine that weight as much as a small boat. The Brother XL-2600 is only a mere 11 pounds and will not cause any back problems if you need to move it frequently. It is relatively small in size to fit on a slim desk space if necessary.
Good for Beginners
If you want to try your hand at sewing clothing, toys, blankets, or home décor, than this is the model to use. The Brother XL-2600 runs for about $90-170.00 depending where you look. You can find it for closer to $100.00 if you order it online. It is in the middle price range for sewing machines, but is a great value. It is an attractive machine, low maintenance, and features 25 built-in stitches. Simply use the dials to select the stitch you want and the length. It’s super easy to use and gives you enough built-in stitch variety to allow you to make a wide range of self-made wares.
Although it doesn’t come with a case to store it in (just the foam and box it comes in), it does include some extras. There are a few extra needles (including a twin needle for sewing with two threads), extra spool pin, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, screwdriver, darning plate, 3 bobbins, and a zipper foot. It might take a little practice to get used to utilizing all of these accessories, but you will find that the ease of working the Brother XL-2600 sewing machine is well worth the cost.
