Needle threading is done manually with the Brother LS14 as there is no built-in needle threader. Freehand Stitching

Adjust the thread tension while test sewing on a piece of scrap fabric that is the same as that used in your project. You need to store all your accessories in the plastic bag provided. You can’t leave your accessories in there loose or they’ll fall out every time you remove the front cover.It did join the fabric together strongly, but the Ls14s hated sewing this. It sounded very loud and thumpy. It also slowed down when going over the seam allowance humps. This created uneven stitch lengths and a skipped stitch. The motor isn’t powerful enough for this fabric. Faux leather & cotton canvas zipper pouch Stitch selection is really easy. You just turn the dial to the stitch you want and sew. You don’t need to make lots of decisions about stitch length and width settings. It’s all pre-set. The Ls14s did not stretch out the fabric, which I was happy about. Many of the other budget machines I tested did. It would be hard to find a sewing machine that is as easy to use as the Brother LS14. Due to it been a budget sewing machine and therefore rather limited in terms of features, it is obviously going to be far easier to use than a computerised sewing machine. It is however, the limitations of the Brother LS14 that make it a good model for both beginners and kids. To select a stitch all that has to be done is to simply turn the dial to the required stitch, it couldn’t be easier. For more information on how to operate the LS14, see the official manual from Brother. Stitches and Buttonholes

There are five stitch length options (for straight stitch), plus left needle position, six zig zig stitch widths and lengths a four-step buttonhole option, blind hem stitch, stretch blind hem stitch and a three step zig zag stitch for attaching elastic. A great selection for an entry-level machine. In comparison to some higher-end machines the options are limited but really these 14 options are all that you need – the only missing stitches would be edge finishing stitches (which you can use zig zag stitch for), eyelets (not really an essential!) and decorative stitches. Use a good quality thread – it's common for inexpensive low-quality threads or threads designed for hand sewing to be the cause of what appears to be tension problems when there is nothing wrong with the machine. Using thread that does not pull through smoothly can cause thread breakages, poor stitching or damage to your machine. For best results, you should use a good quality, branded thread. Sewing all the stitches on 2 layers of cotton was fine. I didn’t have any problems, and I think the stitches look good. You can’t lower the feed dogs for free-motion quilting. Basic sewing machines normally come with a “darning plate” instead which covers the feed dogs. But this machine makes you buy it separately, so that’s another expense. There is a hole for an additional spool holder but no extra spool holder is included. It’s rare that you would need two spools at the same time though, this would only be useful if you wanted to use a twin needle.The thread often jumps out of the needle when you’re about to sew. It’s so annoying. You need to make your thread tails really long to avoid this, which wastes a lot of thread. There’s a simple drop in bobbin, so there’s no fiddly bobbin case to load up and insert. There’s a handy thread cutter on the side of the machine, saves you constantly reaching for your snips too! In the box There’s nothing wrong with the blind hem stitch itself, but in practice, it’s really hard to use without a blind hem foot. I prefer it over the other mechanical machines I’ve tested. It’s really simple to use. But I recommend computerized machines for hobby sewists, they have more features that you can grow with. Here’s my blog post where I compared lots of beginner sewing machines, including mechanical and computerized ones.

There’s a good distinction between the instructions for winding the bobbin and threading the top half, so you don’t get them confused. Yes, it’s lightweight and has a handle. You need to buy your own storage bag though because it doesn’t come with one. Most budget machines don’t. Overall it’s quite easy to thread. There’s no needle threader, but I like the threading instructions printed on the machine.More expensive machines have a better feeding system which solves this, like my Brother innov-is a150. It doesn’t matter how much you change the speed during a line of stitching, the stitches are consistent. Very little control over stitch settings When removed the flat bed attachment doesn’t give you that much of a smaller worksurface. Cuffs and narrow trouser legs most likely wouldn’t fit around the smaller arm unless their circumference is larger than 32cm.