When comparing Brother DZ2400 185-Stitch vs Singer 7258 100-Stitch, the Slant community recommends Singer 7258 100-Stitch for most people. In the question“What are the best sewing machines for beginners?” Singer 7258 100-Stitch is ranked 2nd while Brother DZ2400 185-Stitch is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Singer 7258 100-Stitch is:
This machine was made with beginners in mind. Since it is computerized, it tells you the length and width of a stitch after you choose one and it corrects you if you use the wrong presser foot. The machine practically does everything for you. It threads your needle, guides you how to thread your bobbin, and buttons your clothes.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Built-in handle is better than a hinged handle
The built-in handle cut out on the machine itself is better and safer than hinged handles which are prone to unfasten with prolonged carry.
Pro Wide selection of stitches
This machine boasts 185 built-in stitches.
Pro Easy bobbin-winding because of the instructions on top of the machine
To wind a bobbin, you can pull the metal pin up at the top of the machine, put your spool of thread on it, and follow the step by step instructions located at the top of the machine for the exact path that the thread needs to follow. Because of its ease, users find it convenient to change color threads to another. Take note to always use the slow setting when winding bobbins.
Pro Offers a choice of 8 styles of one-step auto buttonholes
Unlike a similar feature in Brother's older models, this machine's one-step buttonhole capability adjusts and fits every specific button size.
Pro Can easily read the screen
You will be able to see your stitch elections clearly displayed on the brightly lit LCD screen.
Pro Very easy to operate with its multiple buttons
There are multiple buttons to make controlling the machine easier. There is a button for start and stop, needle up/needle down, and a push bar or slide switch for speed control.
Pro Wider table means larger workspace
The extended table makes the total workspace measure at 7" x 12", larger than the tables from the older Brother models. It is ideal for bigger projects like gowns, coats, or blankets.
Pro Package comes with manuals
There are well-written manuals included in the package, both in English and Spanish.
Pro Package includes an instructional DVD
For the visual learners, the DVD is definitely a plus. It has instructions from basic setup to video tutorials on how to maximize your machine's features.
Pro Machine beeps in warning if there is an error
The machine beeps to warn you when there is an error (i.e. when an incorrect foot is placed, or when the foot is not down).
Pro Has 55 alphanumeric monogramming stitches
The machine includes 55 alphanumeric stitches (letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, symbols such as & and ? and umlauted letters like Ä, Ö and Ü) for basic monogramming on clothes. Monogramming is the art of stitching letters and numbers in fabrics, mostly on linens, and towels.
Pro The computer on the machine thinks for you and minimizes human error
After you input a stitch number, the computer on this machine shows the stitch you chose, the width and length of that stitch, and the required foot to use on the LCD. It prevents mistakes some sewers make.
Pro Lightweight and very portable
The machine weighs exactly 9.9lbs, very convenient for traveling.
Pro Package includes 12 presser feet
The machine has 12 free presser feet with each foot valued at more than $10 each: Zigzag foot (on machine), Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot, Overcasting foot, Blind stitch foot, Monogramming foot, Quilting foot, Walking foot with quilt guide, and a 1/4 inch (piecing) foot.
Pro Comes with free sewing accessories
The machine comes with your basic sewing essentials: a needle set, twin needles, a ballpoint needle, a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, a screwdriver, an extra spool pin, 4 bobbins, a bobbin clip, and an eyelet punch.
Pro Phone and online tech support available
For tech support issues with your Brother DZ2400, you can always call 1-877-BROTHER (877-276-8437) during M-F, 9:00am to 6:00pm Eastern Time or send them a message here.
Pro Easy to use
This machine was made with beginners in mind. Since it is computerized, it tells you the length and width of a stitch after you choose one and it corrects you if you use the wrong presser foot. The machine practically does everything for you. It threads your needle, guides you how to thread your bobbin, and buttons your clothes.
Pro Can be used for heavier fabrics because of its solid metal build
Compared to its competitors, this Singer can be used for heavier materials such as denim, burlap, and canvas since it is made of a solid and sturdy metal frame.
Pro Sturdy metal frame is heavy duty
Unlike most of the sewing machines released in the market which are made of plastic, Singer's solid metal frame ensures that the machine can handle prolonged use.
Pro Has 6 styles of 1-step buttonholes
Just insert your preferred button in your buttonhole presser foot, snap the foot on the machine, choose among the 6 styles and voilà- a button which perfectly fits the hole.
Pro Stitching corners and curves are more precise with the needle up/needle down feature
Most sewists look for this particular feature in machines. A needle down is helpful in holding your stitching position when turning a corner or stitching a curve. Pressing the needle up/down button is more precise and helpful when you've already finished stitching and would not want to manually turn the hand wheel/step on the presser foot to lift the needle.
Pro 10 free presser feet
A presser foot is a small attachment on your machine, it is what holds your fabric down like two fingers at either side of the needle. It guides the fabric smoothly depending on which stitch style you choose. The package includes 10 free presser feet: zigzag/all purpose, buttonhole, zipper, rolled hem, blind hem, darning and embroidery, overcast, straight stitch, gathering, and satin stitch/straight stitch. There is no need to buy extra presser foot since the free ones basically cover all the basic-advanced sewing stitches.
Pro Easy bobbin threading
There are numbered illustrations of how to thread your machine step by step located at the top of the machine and thanks to these instructions. it is easier to transfer thread from the original spool to the bobbin, which is a smaller spool that goes under the machine.
Pro Easy to select stitches
There's a picture at the side of the machine with images of the stitches and its assigned number. You can select one among the 100 stitches, input them using the buttons below the LCD, and the screen displays which presser foot to use. It also automatically sets the stitch length, width, and tension, which you can still adjust to your own preference.
Pro Automatically threads your needle to save you time
The automatic needle threading capability helps those with poor eyesight, shaky hands, and those rushing on projects. Place the thread on the hook near the needle and the machine will thread the needle for you. There is absolutely no need to insert the thread on the needle's small eye by yourself.
Pro Wide selection of 100 built-in stitches
This model is popular among beginner and intermediate sewists because of its 100 built-in stitches:
9 basic stitches
8 stretch stitches
76 decorative stitches
7 fully automatic buttonholes
Cons
Con Machine runs on 120V AC only
This machine is built to only use 120V AC which means it cannot run in most countries. It cannot be supported or used with a voltage adapter.
Con Prone to breakage because of the soft plastic material used
The machine and its components are made out of soft flexible plastic, which is more prone to breakage compared to metal.
Con Thread holder is fragile
This machine's thread holder found at the top is extremely fragile and is prone to breakage. You will have to be extra careful when handling the thread spool.
Con Monogramming font is small
The alphanumeric monogramming fonts are set to one size only: 1/4".
Con Machine does not come with a hard case
This machine has no cover or hard case and has no protection against damage and dust during storage. You will have to buy a separate hard case (preferably the Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case which is a perfect fit).
Con Lighting on the sewing area is dim
The lighting on the sewing area is brighter compared to Brother's older models, but is still dim. You will need extra lighting especially when stitching darker fabrics.
Con Accessory bag is small
The accessory bag provided is small and will not fit your sewing accessories. An accessory tray would have been more organized.
Con The machine is shaky, you would have to hold it down
Compared to most machines which are merely vibrating when in use, this machine shakes even on flat surfaces during operation. Some sewists hold the machine down to prevent it from toppling over.
Con Loud sound when sewing
The machine whirs loudly during operation, like a low rumbling noise of a motor running.
Con LCD can be difficult to read when the light is dim
The LCD which displays the stitches and stitch details has no backlight and glares against normal room light.