BROTHER LS14 Metal Chassis Sewing Machine

Product Information

A screwdriver is also needed to remove the presser foot, whereas some machines come with a quick release button to swap the feet over – have a look for machine with this feature if you think fiddly screws might be an issue for you. This sewing machine has some great features: there’s only one pedal and lead cable, they are joined together so there’s less to get mixed up in your sewing space! I noticed the machine sounded loud and thumpy when going over humps, sometimes the backstitch lever would even rattle. Quality control isn’t as strict, so manufacturers don’t mind if things don’t fit together tightly, or the metals don’t meet a certain standard.

However, this also means you have very little control over the stitches, so a hobby sewist would find it limiting.Simply Sewing magazine’s Technical Editor Roisin loves every part of the dressmaking process, from sketching to sewing the final design, and enjoys working with luxury fabrics such as silk and chiffon. The Brother LS14s sewing is an entry level sewing machine that is intended to be affordable and easy to use. The machine has a push down spool holder – this is a brilliant idea and means removable ones won’t get lost. Another challenge with this machine is that you have almost no control over the stitch length, width, and needle position. Threading guides such as small arrows or numbers marked on the machine make it easier to see how to thread the upper thread, which is especially helpful for beginners.

The stitches were consistent, but when I look at them up close, there’s a weird pucker between them.The machine comes with a 3-year warranty through Brother so you can be sure that if any issues occur in that time you will be covered.

DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock: Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, 1 when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended. Using the needle as a pivot, turn the fabric, lower the presser foot lever, and then continue sewing.However, Brother do include an instructional DVD, so there are plenty of ways to learn about the machine if you struggle with the fold-out manual. It pulls the fabric into a tunnel with the standard tension of 4, so more experimenting is needed with that.

If the fabric does not t easily under the presser foot, raise the presser foot lever even higher to bring the presser foot to its highest position. If automated controls are important to you then you might like to consider a machine classed as Competent, Advanced or Professional. You’ll get the most important stitches, but very few stretch, overcasting (=stops fraying), and embroidery ones.The LS14 sewing machine features 14 stitches including three embroidery stitches and a 4-step buttonhole. My old machine had a horizontal 'leg' at the back which supported the sewing table better when using the free arm mode.