The Brother Innov-is F560 sits in the mid-to-upper range of Brother’s Innov-is F-Series, alongside models like the F420, F540E, and F580. This one is the sewing-and-quilting pick: a color touchscreen, a full stitch library, and enough workspace for garments, home projects, and quilt tops without stepping into embroidery. It suits dedicated home sewists who want precision and flexibility more than a bare-bones starter machine.
Below is how the F560 handles features, setup, everyday sewing, and who it fits best. Availability and pricing vary by region; check the product box for the current dollar price where listed.
Features
The F560 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine with a 3.7″ (about 9.4 cm) color LCD touchscreen, 241 built-in stitches (including 10 one-step buttonholes), and five lettering fonts. My Custom Stitch lets you design and save your own patterns on the screen. Brother’s Square Feed Drive System (SFDS) and multi-directional / sideways feeding are both on board, which helps decorative work stay even without constantly rotating the fabric.
For the full published feature table, see the feature list at the bottom of this page.
Touchscreen and front controls
The 3.7″ color LCD is clear enough for stitch selection and basic edits without digging through menus. The main front panel keeps the controls you use constantly in one place: start/stop, reverse, needle up/down, thread cutter, and the speed slider. You can keep your hands on the fabric and still reach what you need.
Stitches, feed, and workspace
241 stitches is a lot of variety for garments, crafts, and decorative work. Five fonts cover lettering for labels and simple text. Adjustable thread tension and electronic presser foot pressure help when you move between cotton, knits, and thicker layers. Maximum sewing speed is listed at about 850 stitches per minute.
Workspace to the right of the needle is about 7.4″ (190 mm), which is usable for quilt blocks and larger garment pieces. An optional wide table adds more surface if you need it. Overall size is roughly 17.6 x 9.8 x 11.8″ (446 x 248 x 300 mm), and weight is about 20.5 lb (9.3 kg): stable on a table, still manageable to move with the hard case.
Setup
First setup is straightforward for a machine in this class. The advanced needle threader, quick-set drop-in bobbin, and top-loading bobbin path cut down on the usual threading fumbles. Automatic upper thread tension is available, so you are not dialing tension for every fabric change, though you can still intervene when a specialty thread needs it.
The free arm slides off for sleeves, pant hems, and other tubular work. Automatic thread cutter and lockstitch keep ends tidy without hunting for scissors every seam. The speed slider is useful when you are learning a new stitch or easing through a curve. Included accessories typically cover a hard case, several snap-on presser feet (zigzag, overcasting, buttonhole, blind hem, and more), knee lifter, bobbins, needles, spool caps, seam ripper, cleaning brush, screwdriver, and the manual.
Performance
On everyday cotton and similar wovens, stitch quality is even and predictable. SFDS helps keep feed consistent on knits and layered pieces, which is where cheaper machines often wander. Decorative stitches and multi-directional sewing look crisp when tension and foot pressure are set sensibly for the fabric.
For quilting, the knee lifter is a real help when you need both hands on a bulky sandwich. Drop feed supports free-motion work with the right foot. This is not an embroidery machine, so expect lettering and decorative sewing stitches rather than hoop embroidery. For most sewing and quilting at home, the creative range is more than enough.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- 241 built-in stitches and five lettering fonts, plus My Custom Stitch
- Clear color touchscreen with central front controls
- SFDS feed and multi-directional sewing for cleaner decorative work
- Automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and lockstitch
- Knee lifter and about 7.4″ (190 mm) of workspace for quilting and larger pieces
- Solid build, hard case, and a usable accessory kit out of the box
Limitations
- Not built for hoop embroidery (look at the F540E or F580 if that is the priority)
- No wireless app features or similar connectivity
- Optional extras such as the wide table cost more separately
- Price sits above casual or occasional-use machines
Who it is best for
The F560 fits intermediate sewists and serious hobbyists who sew regularly across garments, home decor, and quilting, and who want a touchscreen machine with a large stitch set. Beginners can learn on it, but the feature depth and price make more sense if you already know you will use more than a basic stitch dial. Skip it if embroidery is your main goal, or if you only need a machine for occasional mending.
Manuals, warranty, and registration
Manuals: Search your exact model on Brother Support or Brother USA Support for the Operation Manual and Quick Reference Guide (or Sewing Guide).
US: US limited warranty periods vary by model (often a long chassis period with shorter coverage for electronics and labor). Register at Brother USA product registration. Keep your dated receipt.
UK / EU: See the Brother Sewing & Craft warranty page and register at sewingcraft.brother.eu product registration. UK Brother Online: atyourside.brother.co.uk/register-your-device.
Official site: Brother USA.
Verdict
The Brother Innov-is F560 remains a flexible, feature-rich sewing and quilting machine that balances capability with day-to-day usability. The touchscreen, SFDS feed, automatic helpers, and quilting-friendly extras make it a strong long-term choice for sewists who will actually use those tools. It is not an embroidery machine and it is not a budget starter, but for dedicated home sewing it earns its place as a reliable workhorse.
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 | - |