Brother VX-950 Review

I received this wonderful gift for my 48th birthday.  Those who follow my blog, you know that I gifted two of the first three machines I ever owned (Singer 247 & JCP 7064).  Additionally, you know that I currently have in production two sewing machines (Brother XL3200 & Viking Emerald 183) along with two serger/overlock.

Not one machine failed me. With minor maintenance: required needle/bobbin, bulb change, dusting, oiling, and covering, they keep rolling right along, humming that precision tune.

My latest gift, an estimated 25+ year old Brother VX-950 deserves an ovation.

It is essentially the marriage and best features of all of the machines I ever owned.  Like the Singer 247, it is heavy duty, and I mean heavy.  I know that the parts are steel and thus durable.  Though smaller in size than the Emerald 183, this gal is sturdy and heavier...go figure!

Brother VX-950 Electronic Sewing Machine

Anxious like it's Christmas, I removed the machine and plugged it in, searching for its maintenance page in the owner's manual.  All machines require maintenance between use.  Even if it has not been in production for years, it still requires the same love as if it was regularly stamping out garments several times per week!

As you can see it has a boatload of stitches and for a dated model, quite similar to my JCP 7064, i.e. a reverse stitch button, and electronic digital display that provides a 'cheat sheet' to operate the indicated stitch on the dial.

What I needed to get started: oiled its required parts, adjusted the upper thread/bobbin tensions, and changed its needle...then off it went!!!

I absolutely love this machine.  I am so unbelievably grateful for this gift.  The universe has conspired to gift me with such a wonder and I will cherish it always!

If you own a similar model, and you have some questions about it or you saw one and wondered more about its operations, leave me a message below and I will return your question a.s.a.p.

Brother XL-3200 vs Viking Emerald 183

I am often asked what is/are the major differences and similarities in features between the Brother XL-3200 and the Viking Emerald 183. These are the standout features that give the Viking its highly regarded reputation. Of course, there are other added bonuses in the Viking machine, but these are not features that I use enough to boast.

Differences

Manual vs. Digital

Let us start by saying the major difference in these two machines other than the wide berth between their sticker prices, is that the Viking Emerald 183 is a digital machine that does all of the optimization of your stitch lengths/widths for you. It is not a perfect calibration; for at times the fabric weight causes you to make a few tweaks in the stitch length/width. However, the display on the digital read out makes the task easier. It even tells you what presser foot to use to carry out your project and where to best position your needle. Additionally, all functions carried out by the Viking are visible on the display monitor.

Brother XL 3200 (l), Viking Emerald 183 (r)

Embroidery Stitches

The Viking Emerald 183 has an immense selection of embroidery stitches. Some of these stitches work great in unison to form some unique detail on your fabric. From basic to more intricate, the machine makes fuss-free movements without the need of a hoop. The Brother displays its total limit in stitches.  

Brother XL 3200 (l), Viking Emerald 183 (r)

Speed Control

The Viking varied speed controls allow you to manage the power under your needle and your foot on the pedal. The Brother's only speed control is in your foot applying pressure to the pedal.

Viking Emerald 183

Press and Go Button Reverse Stitch

You do not have to hold a button to complete this maneuver on the Viking. You simply press the button and go back to guiding your fabric. Depress when you want to return to forward stitching. 

Brother XL 3200 (l), Viking Emerald 183 (r)

Classic

The Brother XL-3200 is such a brand/model classic that it joins a legion of other classical machines in sparing out interchangeable presser feet among the machines. These feet are so inexpensive because of their interchangeability that manufacturers are practically giving them away.

You can find them in Walmart, EBay, or aliexpress.

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Similarities

Sew Simple. 

They both sew.  It is as simple as that.  As you may recall, when I needed to replace my presser foot ankle on the Viking, the Brother did a remarkable job of pinch-hitting.  I even made about four bathing suits with it while I waited for the ankle to deliver.  The Brother sat on the shelf for all of time the Viking functioned as the main workhorse.  Since it served me so well during my time of need, I could not imagine storing it again.  Now, it no longer subs as a back up in time of desperation, but is a major function in the manufacturing of Beauty of Creating, daily.

Automatic Needle Threader.

They both carry this feature.  I remember when I first purchased the Brother over 17 years ago, I barely used this feature.  With great lighting and younger eyes, I deferred to the old-fashion do-it-yourself way of threading a needle.  I defaulted to this so much that the needle threader required a little oil to move when I actually needed its function.  

Accessories on Deck.

Both machines fancy additional accessories, like presser feet, screw drivers, and other multi-functioning tools.

Clean as You Go.

Machines need maintenance.  The higher the machine, the more expensive is the maintenance.  Oiling and dusting keep these machines working like new.  Proper care will extend the life and reduce maintenance/repair costs.

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For me, they go hand-in-hand.  Together, they reduce construction time by minimizing the need to change threads.  I am able to move effortlessly from one to the other which makes efficient, those projects requiring two thread colors.

Ruffles and Gathers...Simplified

In my recent efforts of pulling off some impressive ruffles and gathers the hard way, I discovered a smarter way looming on the shelf of knowledge!  The Viking Husqvarna Emerald 183 comes with a gathering tool.  However the tried and true Brother XL 3200 did not.  It does not mean you cannot achieve ruffles and gathers.  

But now I have a few tools to make the Brother XL 3200 continue to rival the Husqvarna Emerald 183.  They arrived yesterday by China Post.  I purchased both on Ebay for pennies compared to the pricey retail tag.  

First, let's take a peek at the Gathering Foot. 

This little tool makes amazing gathers on the Brother XL 3200.  You help it do its work by loosening the bobbin tension.  It screws right on and goes right to work.  I found it on Ebay for $.99!  It can cost up to $20 retail.  

But here is the beast of the trade.  The Ruffle Foot.  

It works for heavier fabrics making a collection of ruffles.  I purchased it for less that $5 on Ebay.  It retails for as much as $20.  

Take a look at the videos which give an awesome demonstration of how to use both!  Enjoy!