Choosing a new sewing machine can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. If you’re considering the Brother Innov-is F560, this review should help you understand its strengths, features, and how it compares to similar models in its class. The Innov-is F-Series includes several machines – like the F420, F540E, and F580 – each with its own focus. The F560 stands out as a well-rounded choice for dedicated sewists looking for precision, ease of use, and creative flexibility.
Below, we’ll walk through the key features, what it does well, a few things to keep in mind, and how it stacks up against other machines in the same price range.
Key Features of the Brother Innov-is F560
The Innov-is F560 combines thoughtful design with advanced technology to support a wide range of sewing projects. From its touchscreen controls to customizable stitches and consistent performance, it’s built to make your sewing process smoother and more enjoyable.
For all the included features in the F560 see the feature list on the bottom of the page.
Interactive Touchscreen and Front Panel Controls
The 3.7-inch color LCD screen makes it easy to select stitches, adjust settings, and view your choices clearly. It’s responsive and user-friendly, even if you’re not tech-savvy. The main control panel features all the essential buttons – like start/stop, reverse stitch, needle up/down, thread cutter, and speed adjustment – so you can keep your focus on the fabric, not the settings.
Built-in Stitches and Customization
With 241 built-in stitches, 10 one-step buttonholes, and five fonts, the F560 offers more than enough variety for both practical and decorative sewing. The inclusion of the “My Custom Stitch” feature also allows you to design and save your own stitches, giving you even more creative freedom when working on garments, home décor, or crafts.
Stitch Quality and Feed System
The machine’s Square Feed Drive System (SFDS) ensures smooth and even fabric feeding, which really helps maintain consistent stitch quality – even on thicker or trickier materials. Whether you’re sewing straight seams on cotton or working with knits or layered fabric, the F560 delivers balanced, clean results.
Adjustable thread tension and foot pressure also give you more control over how your stitches come out, especially if you’re switching between different fabric types throughout a project.
Usability and Sewing Features
The Innov-is F560 is designed to be accessible for sewists at all levels. Set-up is quick thanks to features like the automatic needle threader, quick-set drop-in bobbin, and top-loading bobbin case, which helps prevent tangles and makes thread changes easy.
The machine includes a free arm that makes sewing sleeves, trouser hems, and other circular items much simpler. It also has built-in time-savers like the automatic thread cutter and lockstitch function, both of which help give your finished projects a polished look without extra effort.
You can control sewing speed with the front slider, which is helpful whether you’re stitching long seams or working on more detailed, intricate areas.
Quilting Features and Free-Motion Sewing
The F560 is a strong performer for quilting. It includes a knee lifter, which allows you to raise the presser foot hands-free – a big plus when maneuvering large projects or turning corners during free-motion quilting. Multi-directional sewing lets you stitch in different directions without rotating the fabric, which helps with decorative stitches or larger patterns.
Although the machine doesn’t specialize in embroidery, it can still handle basic decorative work and lettering thanks to its font options and stitch customization. For most sewing and quilting needs, it offers more than enough creative flexibility.
Design, Size, and Work Area
The Brother Innov-is F560 has a modern, compact design that fits well in most sewing spaces. At about 17.6 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches and 20.5 pounds, it’s sturdy enough to stay in place while sewing but light enough to move when needed. The included hard case helps protect the machine during transport or storage.
You’ll get 7.4 inches of space to the right of the needle, which is great for handling larger pieces like quilts or home décor. If you need more room, there’s also an optional wide table that can be attached for additional workspace.
Accessories and Extras
Brother includes a useful range of accessories with the F560, so you’re ready to start sewing right out of the box. These include:
- A hard case for protection and portability
- Multiple presser feet (for zigzag, overcasting, buttonhole, blind hem, and more)
- A knee lifter (especially helpful for quilting)
- Bobbins, needles, and spool caps
- Seam ripper, cleaning brush, and screwdriver
- Instruction manual and reference guide
These extras support a wide variety of sewing tasks and help make the machine even more versatile.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 241 built-in stitches and 5 lettering fonts
- Easy-to-use color touchscreen and centralized controls
- Custom stitch creation with “My Custom Stitch”
- Smooth, even feeding with the SFDS system
- Automatic thread cutter, needle threader, and lockstitch
- Knee lifter and wide workspace ideal for quilting
- High build quality and attractive design
Cons:
- Not designed for embroidery-focused projects
- No wireless connectivity or advanced tech features
- Some accessories must be purchased separately
- Higher price point may not suit casual or occasional users
Pricing, Warranty, and Value
The Innov-is F560 is priced in the £600–£700 range, which puts it in the premium category for home sewing machines. While that’s higher than many beginner models, the features, build quality, and performance make it a solid long-term investment for serious hobbyists or regular sewists.
Brother offers a standard warranty with the machine, and the user manual is clear and easy to follow. Combined with the strong build and thoughtful features, the F560 offers great value for its price point – especially if you’ll be using it often or across a range of fabric types and techniques.
Summary
The Brother Innov-is F560 shines as a flexible and feature-rich sewing machine that blends functionality with user-friendliness. It boasts a variety of features such as a clear LCD touchscreen, central controls for precise sewing, adjustable settings for thread tension and foot pressure, and the convenience of a free arm. This makes it a great choice for anyone passionate about sewing, from beginners to experienced crafters. With its impressive range of 241 sewing stitches, an advanced needle threading system, automatic thread cutter, SFDS (Square Feed Drive System), and more, the F560 is equipped to spark creativity and enhance your sewing projects. Its solid capabilities and innovative features are designed to improve your sewing experience significantly.
Feature List
| Features | Innov-is F560 Sewing Machine |
|---|---|
| Type of screen | LCD touchscreen colour |
| Display size | 3.7” |
| Number of sewing stitches * | 241 |
| Buttonholes | 10 |
| Built-in lettering styles (sewing) | 5 |
| Built-in lettering styles (embroidery) | - |
| Built-in embroidery patterns | - |
| Built-in embroidery frame patterns | - |
| Needle threading system | advanced |
| Automatic thread cutter | ✔ |
| Colour sorting | - |
| Jump stitch trimmer | - |
| SFDS (Square Feed Drive System) | ✔ |
| Adjustable presser foot pressure | electronic |
| Lockstitch button | ✔ |
| Multi-directional sewing | ✔ (up to 4 sideways) |
| Adjustable thread tension | automatic |
| Electronic slide speed control | ✔ |
| Combine stitches | ✔ |
| Speed control customised for zig-zag width | ✔ |
| Repeated single sewing | ✔ |
| Automatic reverse / reinforcement stitch | ✔ |
| Mirror imaging | ✔ |
| My Custom Stitch™ | ✔ |
| Realistic preview of the patterns | - |
| Patterns – size change, rotation, mirror, ... | - |
| Font size selection (L-M-S) | - |
| Text editing functions – multiple line text input | - |
| Free motion embroidery | free motion foot: optional |
| Knee lift | ✔ |
| Multi Function Foot Controller | optional |
| Mechanical dual feed (walking foot) | optional |
| USB port | ✔ |
| Wireless connectivity | - |