Review of the Brother Innov-is F580 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
Starting a new project with the Brother Innov-is F580 feels like opening a door to endless creative possibilities. In the sewing world, Brother Sewing Machines is a name that often comes up when talking about quality and innovation. They have a reputation for creating machines that are both reliable and packed with features, making them a great choice whether you’re just beginning your sewing journey or you’ve been stitching for years. The Brother Innov-is F-Series is a line of sewing and embroidery machines that blend functionality, ease of use, and versatility, catering to a variety of crafting needs. This series includes the Brother F420, Brother F560, F540E, and of course the F580, each offering unique features suited to different aspects of sewing and embroidery.
The Innov-is F580 stands out in their lineup. It’s designed with a keen eye for both technology and the art of sewing, making it a perfect fit for anyone who loves to sew, quilt, or dive into embroidery. With this machine, it’s not just about joining pieces of fabric together; it’s about crafting something truly special, stitch by stitch.
Overview of Features
The Brother Innov-is F580 is equipped with a 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen display, providing a user-friendly interface for effortless navigation. This large, clear screen is a gateway to the machine’s diverse capabilities. It offers an extensive selection of 241 sewing stitches and 10 distinct buttonhole styles, accommodating a wide range of sewing needs from basic to complex projects. The machine doesn’t stop there; it includes 5 lettering styles for sewing and 13 for embroidery, allowing for personalised touches in projects. Moreover, its embroidery prowess is showcased with 193 built-in patterns and 140 frame patterns, opening up endless possibilities for creative expression. The full list of all included features are available in the table at the bottom of the post, or by clicking here.
Sewing Features
- 241 Built-in Stitches and 10 Buttonhole Styles: This range ensures versatility in both decorative and functional sewing, catering to various garment and project requirements.
- My Custom Stitch™: A standout feature that empowers users to create or modify stitch patterns, perfect for those desiring a unique touch in their creations.
- Multi-directional Sewing: Enhances flexibility in sewing, particularly useful in detailed or constrained spaces.
- Automatic Thread Cutter: Cuts both top and bottom threads, accelerating the sewing process and enhancing convenience.
- Slide Speed Control: Allows for precise speed adjustment, crucial for intricate work and beneficial for users of all skill levels.
Embroidery Features
- Large Embroidery Area: With a sizeable 180 x 130 mm area, the machine allows for larger, intricate designs, ideal for ambitious and detailed embroidery projects.
- Built-in Designs and Fonts: Offering 193 designs and 13 fonts, it provides a broad spectrum of options for immediate use, fostering experimentation and personalization.
- Pattern Editing Capabilities: Users can resize, rotate, mirror, and combine patterns directly on the machine, facilitating the creation of bespoke designs without additional software.
Features for Enhanced User Experience
- Advanced Needle Threading System: Simplifies threading, significantly saving time and easing the process, especially beneficial for beginners or those with limited dexterity.
- Drop-in Bobbin and Bobbin Winding System: Streamlines machine setup, with the drop-in bobbin design offering ease and visibility of thread quantity.
- SFDS: The Square Feed Drive System guarantees smooth fabric feeding, critical for consistent stitch quality across varied fabric types.
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure and Thread Tension: These customizable settings ensure optimal stitching on diverse fabrics, from delicate to robust materials.
Quilting and Embroidery Excellence
The F580 excels in quilting and embroidery, with features like stitch combination, zig-zag width control, and single sewing repetition, adding depth to quilting projects. Mirror imaging, My Custom Stitch™, and pattern preview push creative limits in embroidery. Customisation extends to pattern resizing, rotation, mirroring, and text editing.Walking Foot Inclusion, this feature is invaluable for quilters, aiding in the smooth handling of multiple fabric layers, crucial for high-quality quilting results.
Connectivity & Innovations
The machine is user-friendly for all levels, with features like automatic reverse/reinforcement stitch and optional free-motion embroidery foot. Knee lift and Multi Function Foot Controller offer hands-free control. Mechanical dual feed handles challenging fabrics with ease. The USB port and wireless connectivity, including Artspira integration, bring modernity and expansive creative potential to sewing projects.
Instruction Manual and Warranty Information
Brother machines are known for their comprehensive manuals, and the Innov-is F580 is no exception. The manual offers detailed instructions on machine setup, operation, and troubleshooting. This resource is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned users, ensuring that every aspect of the machine’s capabilities is accessible and understandable. Download the manual from Brother here.
Warranty
The Brother Innov-is F580 comes with a 3-year warranty, which is a testament to the company’s confidence in its product. This warranty typically covers parts and labor for any manufacturing defects, providing peace of mind for your investment. It’s always advisable to review the warranty terms to understand what is covered and how to access warranty services, should the need arise.
Pros and Cons of the Brother Innov-is F580
Pros:
- Versatility: With 241 sewing stitches, 193 embroidery designs, and various lettering styles, the Innov-is F580 caters to a wide range of sewing, quilting, and embroidery needs.
- User-Friendly Interface: The 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen display makes navigating through options intuitive and straightforward.
- Advanced Technology: Features like the advanced needle threading system, automatic thread cutter, and SFDS for smooth fabric feeding enhance the sewing experience.
- Large Embroidery Area: The 180 x 130 mm embroidery area allows for larger and more intricate designs, expanding creative possibilities.
- Connectivity Features: Wireless connectivity and integration with Artspira offer access to a plethora of designs and updates, keeping the machine current and versatile.
- Customization Options: The ability to combine and edit stitches and embroidery patterns, including the My Custom Stitch™ feature, allows for extensive customization.
- Comprehensive Warranty: The 3-year warranty provides assurance and peace of mind regarding the machine’s quality and longevity.
Cons:
- Price Point: Positioned at the higher end of the market, the pricing may be a barrier for beginners or those on a tight budget.
- Complexity for Beginners: Despite its user-friendly features, the sheer number of options and advanced capabilities might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
- Size and Weight: The machine’s size and capabilities might translate into a larger, heavier build, potentially making it less portable and requiring a dedicated space.
- Optional Accessories Cost: While the machine comes well-equipped, some desirable accessories, like the optional magnet frame, are additional purchases.
- Wireless Connectivity Setup: Setting up and navigating wireless connectivity features may require a learning curve, especially for those not tech-savvy.
Pricing and availability
The Brother Innov-is F580, with its advanced features, falls into the higher end of the pricing spectrum for sewing machines. In the UK market, the price for such a multifunctional machine typically ranges from £1,500 to £2,500, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions or discounts. It’s important to note that prices may vary, and it’s advisable to check with local authorized dealers or online marketplaces for the most current pricing and availability.
Conclusion
The Brother Innov-is F580, in my eyes, stands as a testament to what modern sewing machines can aspire to be. It’s not just another addition to your crafting arsenal – it’s a partner in your creative journey. Whether you’re delving into intricate quilting patterns, embroidering delicate designs, or sewing up a storm, this machine seems to handle it all with a kind of grace and efficiency that’s hard to find elsewhere.
For someone passionate about textiles, the F580 feels like a dream come true. The vast array of stitches and embroidery designs opens up a world where your imagination is the only limit. I particularly appreciate how it balances advanced features with an ease of use that doesn’t intimidate. Whether you’re a beginner finding your footing or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable workhorse, this machine seems to tick all the right boxes.
One of the things I find most striking about the F580 is its ability to make complex tasks feel simple. The advanced needle threading and thread cutting, for instance, save so much time and hassle, letting you focus on the creative part of your projects. And the way it allows for customization with My Custom Stitch™ adds a personal touch that I find invaluable in my work.
But perhaps what truly sets the F580 apart is its commitment to supporting your creative vision. The way it handles fabric, the precision of its stitches, and the ease with which you can switch between sewing, quilting, and embroidery modes make it feel like a true extension of your creative intent.
Feature List of the Brother Innov-is F580
| Features | Innov-is F580 Sewing, Embroidery & Quilting Machine |
|---|---|
| Machine Size | Medium |
| Product Type | Embroidery, Quilting, Sewing |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate |
| General Features | |
| Accessory Compartment | Yes |
| Bobbin Type | Horizontal |
| Case | Hard Case |
| Machine Type | Electronic |
| Insertion of Bobbin | Quick Set Bobbin |
| Number Of Needles | 1 |
| Lighting | 2 LEDs |
| Connectivity | |
| Design Database Transfer app for Windows PC | Yes |
| My Design Snap App | Yes |
| USB Port | USB Port |
| Wi-LAN Function | Yes |
| Display | |
| Type of Screen | LCD-Touchscreen Colour |
| Display Size | 3,7″ |
| Embroidery Features | |
| Font Size Selection (L-M-S) | Yes |
| Max Embroidery Speed (Stitches per Minute) | 650 |
| Number of Hoops (Standard Accessory) | 2 |
| Number of Spool Stands | 1 |
| Pattern – Size, Change Rotation & Mirror | Yes |
| Realistic Preview of Patterns | Yes |
| Built-in Embroidery Frame Patterns | 140 (10 shapes x 14 stitch types) |
| Built-In Lettering Styles (Embroidery) | 13 |
| Built-In Patterns | 193 |
| Embroidery Area in mm | 180 x 130 |
| Font Editing Functions/Multiple Lines and Alignment (L-C-R) | C |
| Jump Stitch Trim | Yes |
| Thread Colour Sorting | Yes |
| Environment | |
| Voltage | 220 – 240V |
| Sewing Features | |
| 7 Point Feed Dog | Yes – SFDS (Square Feed Drive System) |
| Automatic reverse / reinforcement stitch | Yes |
| Bobbin Work | Optional |
| Built-In Lettering Styles | 5 |
| Buttonholes | 10 |
| Circular Sewing | Optional |
| Combine stitches | Yes |
| Drop feed setting | Manual |
| Electronic slide speed control | yes |
| Extension Wide Table | Optional |
| Knee lift | Yes |
| Longer Feed Dog | Yes |
| Longer J-Foot | Yes |
| Max. Sewing Speed (Stitches per minute) | 850 |
| Mechanical Dual Feed | Yes |
| Mirror imaging | Yes |
| Multi-Directional Sewing | Yes (up to 4 sideways) |
| Multi-function foot controller | Optional |
| My Custom Stitch | Yes |
| Needle Positions | 15 |
| Needle Stop Position Control Up/Down | Yes |
| Presser Foot Levelling Button | Yes |
| Repeated single sewing | Yes |
| Snap on Presser Feet System | Yes |
| Speed control customised for zigzag width | Yes |
| Workspace (cm) | 19 |
| Adjustable presser foot | Yes |
| Free arm sewing | Yes |
| Lock stitch button | Yes |
| Number of sewing stitches *incl. buttonholes | 241 |
| SFDS (Square Feed Drive System) | Yes |
| Stitch Length (mm) | 5 |
| Stitch Width (mm) | 7 |
| Warranty Information | |
| Warranty | Brother 3 year Warranty *Commercial use only 1 year warranty |
| Threading | |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes |
| Bobbin Winder | Yes |
| Lower Thread Sensor | Yes |
| Needle Threading System | Extra Advanced |
| Upper Thread Sensor | Yes |
| Adjustable Thread Tension | Automatic |
| Weight and Measurements | |
| Machine Dimension (mm) | 446 x 248 x 300 |
| Weight (kg) | 9.3 |