Brother FS130QC Sewing Machine Review – Features, Performance, and Value

The Brother FS130QC is one of the more affordable computerised sewing machines that still manages to pack in a generous range of features. Whether your main interest is dressmaking, home décor projects, or quilting, it’s a model worth considering. In this review, we’ll go through each feature in detail so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your sewing needs. It’s a machine that works well for both beginners and those with more experience.

Brother FS130QC 130-Stitch Computerised Sewing Machine

Main Features

• 130 stitch options
• 8 automatic buttonhole styles
• 1 alphabet font
• Free arm sewing
• F.A.S.T bobbin winding

Ease Of Use

The Brother FS130QC has been designed to be approachable for most skill levels. The large LCD screen, along with digital stitch selection buttons, makes it easy to pick the right stitch without fuss. Its 7-point feed system handles thicker layers of fabric well, making it especially handy for quilting. The extra-wide extension table is also a plus for working on full-size quilts.

For beginners, the included instruction book and DVD are genuinely useful. Even if you misplace the manual, Brother provides it online, so you’re never left guessing.

Stitches and Buttonholes

With 130 decorative stitches, this machine gives you plenty of creative options. There’s also a built-in alphabet, which is great for adding names or monograms to your projects. You get 8 one-step automatic buttonholes, which is impressive for a machine in this price range.

If you think you’ll need even more stitch variety, Brother’s FS210 offers 210 stitches, but for most home sewists, 130 will be more than enough.

Design and Build Quality

Brother has a reputation for making sturdy machines, and the FS130QC feels solid. At 8kg, it’s heavy enough to stay in place while sewing, yet light enough to carry to classes or sewing groups. Using the provided dust cover will help keep it in good condition for years. Just keep in mind that, like any computerised model, it needs to be handled with a bit more care than a purely mechanical machine.

Presser Feet

One of the perks of the FS130QC is the generous range of presser feet included in the box, saving you from buying extras right away. The set includes:

• Walking foot with quilting guide
• Quilting foot
• Quarter-inch quilting foot
• Zigzag foot “J” (on machine)
• Buttonhole foot
• Overcasting foot
• Monogramming foot
• Zipper foot
• Blind stitch foot
• Button fitting foot

With this variety, you can explore a wide range of techniques straight out of the box.

Key Features To Consider Before Buying The Brother FS130QC

Speed Control

Alongside the standard foot pedal, the machine has an electronic slide speed control. Turn it right for faster stitching or left for slower, more controlled work. This is especially useful when you’re managing long seams or intricate sections.

Bobbin System

The FS130QC uses a quick-set, top-loading horizontal bobbin. This design is easier to load and monitor compared to front-loading systems.

Automatic Needle Threader

Threading is straightforward thanks to the built-in needle threader, a welcome feature if you struggle with threading manually. The machine also offers 12 needle positions for flexibility.

LCD Screen

The LCD screen is large and user-friendly, making stitch changes and adjustments easy. You can fine-tune stitch length and width with the buttons next to the display.

Accessories

While the presser feet selection is excellent, the rest of the accessories are the usual basics: extra bobbins, a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, and a dust cover. It’s enough to get you started, but if you need specialty tools, you may need to add them later.

Warranty

Brother includes a 3-year warranty for domestic use, which offers peace of mind. If you’re using the machine commercially, the warranty period is reduced to 1 year.

Conclusion

The Brother FS130QC is not the top-tier quilting machine on the market, but it offers a solid balance of features, ease of use, and price. It’s a versatile choice for quilting, dressmaking, and general home sewing, especially if you want a reliable computerised machine without spending a fortune. For most home sewists, it has more than enough capability to keep up with a variety of projects.