Brother CP 7500 Sewing Machine Review
Want a really good deal for under $200? Add the Brother CP7500 sewing machine to your short list. The rounded styling and pink trim are just the pretty icing on an incredibly functional, computerized piece of cake.
Come December, this one is sure to be a holiday gift favorite. The model is comparably priced to the manufacturer’s most popular model, the CS6000i, and matches it in every way but with an added bonus of 10 additional decorative stitches.
Read the rest of our Brother CP7500 sewing machine review below:
This is a machine that works for beginners and will grow with the user no matter what kind of sewing projects are pulled into the mix. More than one person noted they purchased this as a backup only to stop using their original model all together because of all the great features that come with this one.
Table of Contents (jump ahead!)
Stitch Count Presser Feet Functionality
Accessories Customer Reviews Pros, Cons & Manual
Don’t miss the mail-in rebate good 11/21/2011 through 12/24/2011! See details & forms: Brother CP-7500 Rebate
Brother CP-7500 Built In Stitches
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You’ll find an assortment of 70 built in stitches that include utility stitches, decorative, heirloom, and quilting. You can make clothing, perform alterations, hem jeans, appliqué, take up quilting, make home decoration items like blankets, pillows, drapes, curtains, and bedspreads, and even do the most delicate heirloom work.
There are 7 styles of 1-step buttonholes – my favorite. These are literally 1-step, as in push one button and let the machine create a buttonhole. You just have to cut the slit in the center when it’s done. If you’ve ever struggled to do well-balanced buttonholes by hand or with an older machine, you’ll be amazed at how easy these are. Even kids can do buttonholes like this with no problem.
Many stitches can be modified in width or length for a total of 110 stitch functions (total variations of the built in stitches). Stitch width can be modified up to 7mm and length up to 5mm for select stitches which means you can create a super side zigzag stitch with this machine.
Presser Feet
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This machine comes with 9 snap on presser feet. The original package included only 7 presser feet but two important quilting feet have been added as a bonus:
- Zigzag (general presser foot)
- Overcasting
- Monogramming
- Blind Stitch
- Zipper
- Buttonhole
- Button Fitting
- Quilting Foot
- Walking Foot
Brother CP-7500 Features and Functionality
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As I mentioned, the Brother CP-7500 sewing machine is one, feature-rich machine. All the favorite features that make today’s sewing machines so much easier to use are included:
- Quick-set, drop-in bobbin
- Automatic bobbin winder
- Automatic needle threader
- Built in manual thread cutter
- Automatic presser foot pressure
- Start/stop button to start or stop sewing with the push of a button
- Variable speed control
- Speed control slider
- Reverse/Reinforcement button
- Thread tension control dial
- See through bobbin cover
Drop in bobbins are usually easier to work with for those who are just starting out. The additional enhancement of the Quick-Set ™ bobbin with the one step replacement makes things just that much easier. You literally plop the bobbin in the case and hook the thread to one side and it’s ready to sew.
The combination of the Start/Stop button and the speed control slider allow you to sew without the foot pedal, if you so choose. While a foot pedal is included, the combination of the Start/Stop button and the speed control slider can be used to sew completely with your hands – no foot pedal required. If you’ve grown up sewing with a foot pedal, you might not care to use this feature but beginners LOVE this option and often never use the foot pedal.
The machine is built to keep thread flowing smoothly through the machine to minimize thread jams, too:
- Threading diagram printed on the machine
- Horizontal thread delivery
Operating controls are very simple. An LCD screen display selected stitch information and tells you which presser foot you need for each stitch. Two pairs of up/down arrow keys control stitch selection, stitch width, and stitch length.
The stitch pattern reference guide is printed at the top of the machine so there’s no need to pull out the manual or check a printed sheet to figure out the number of the stitch you want to use.
The machine is capable of tackling advanced sewing projects with these features:
- Drop feed dog lever
- Free arm for sewing circular tubes of material such as pant legs and sleeves
- Twin needle sewing for two rows of stitches for reinforced seams or decorative accents
- Variable needle positions
- Can be used to attach buttons with 2 or 4 holes
The CP7500 is really lightweight, too. Sturdy enough to handle heavy fabrics and large projects, especially with the included extra-wide extension table, but still light enough to move around your house without complaint. This is a practical for those who take their machines to classes or quilting guilds.
The spool pin is a little unusual in that it’s the fold out style. Most machines in this price range have a vertical or horizontal pin that is firmly affixed to the machine while this one folds out from the top. Some people have mentioned a concern that because of the joint, perhaps the spool pin could be prone to breaking but I could not find a single complaint of that happening to date. If you’re going to move the machine or cover it, just make sure the spool pin is folded back into place.
Brother puts a nifty little option on a number of their home sewing machines including this model. You can program the needle stop position so that the needle ALWAYS stops in the up position or ALWAYS stops in the down position. You can switch this from one preference to the other depending on your project.
A hard cover is included but be aware this is truly a cover and not a case. There is no bottom. You can fit this over the machine to keep it from prying hands or falling objects but there’s also a cutout in the top so you can reach the carrying handle which means it won’t really protect the machine from dust.
You can buy the Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case
Because the CP7500 so closely resembles the Brother CS6000i in regards to features and price, one of the questions that come up most often lately has to do with the differences between the CP7500 and the CS6000i. Here’s what’s different:Both machines have the same 60 stitches but the CP7500 comes with 10 more decorative stitches for a total of 70 built in stitches
- Both machines have the same 60 stitches but the Brother CP-7500 comes with 10 additional decorative stitches for a total of 70 built in stitches
- Design – pink trim and rounded shape vs. blue trim and more boxy look
- Price (sometimes) – right now they’re the same price at Walmart so all the same things with 10 extra stitches…makes the CP7500 a real online bargain
Everything else is the same – even the operating manual!
Dimensions: L 16.26” x H 11.65” x D 7.01”
Weight: 14 pounds
Accessories
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A number of sewing notions and accessories are included in the box when you buy the Brother CP 7500 sewing machine:
- Hard cover
- Seam ripper
- Extra bobbins (3)
- Set of 3 extra needles (1-75/11, 1-90/14, 1-100/16)
- Twin needle
- Ball point needle (gold colored)
- Cleaning brush
- Disc-shaped screwdriver
- Spool caps (1-large, 1-medium, 1-small)
- Extra spool pin
- Foot pedal
- Eyelet punch
- Quilting guide
- Extra wide extension table
Brother CP-7500 Customer Reviews
“Bobbin is super easy, threading is super ease and there are a multitude of options to enhance a garment. As far as I’m concerned you can’t go wrong with this sewing machine and the price is…(read more here: Brother CP7500 Review
)”
“I compared alot of different machines but I’m glad I bought this one. I was some what intimidated by the word “computer” but, it’s easy to use and the variety…(read more here: Brother CP 7500 Review
Average Amazon Rating: 4.7
Pros, Cons & Manual
Pros: Great with denim and thick fabrics. Easy to use. Lots of stitches to choose from. Runs very quietly. Nice looking stitches. Lots of presser feet. Included hard cover, extra wide extension table and bonus quilting accessories.
Cons: Dim work light. Might need to keep a lamp handy. Spool pin doesn’t feel very sturdy (although no one has complained about it falling off or breaking yet).
Manual available online here: Brother CP-7500 Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: As of this date, Brother offers a 25 year limited warranty.
For current pricing information, follow this link:
Features Summary Review:
Tagged with: $100-200 • Brother • Brother CP-7500 • electric • free motion embroidery • free-arm • lightweight • portable • quilting • sewing machines • sewing machines for beginners
Filed under: Reviews
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Hi!
I’m so glad to have found your website! I’m a total beginner and it is so overwhelming looking at all the different options between machines. I’m torn between the brothers 7500 and the singer 7258 model. My goal for projects is to be able to do fairly basic things- hem pants, making simple little summer dresses for my toddler, Halloween costumes and eventually basic little quilts for babies. I want to have a machine that will be able to grow with my needs, in case I really get the hang of it and want to do more ambitious things ( though I’m not even sure what those projects would be!) and in case I never really pick it up, I don’t want to regret spending a large amount of money on a machine. Both these machines I think are reasonably priced right now, I cant decide if having more stitches is better or having more included accessories, like the footplates with the Brother. And it seems like both machines would need a dustcover, right off the bat. Any thoughts?
Thank you so much for you time & well researched site!
Emily – You’re the second person in two days to have narrowed their choices down to the Singer 7258 and the Brother CP 7500. Which means I’m pretty freshly up to date on these two and can give you some thoughts pretty easily.
Here are the three differences to consider between these two models:
1. Stitches (as you already noticed) – The Singer 7258 has 100 and the CP7500 has 70. It looks like there’s a big difference between the two, HOWEVER, 23 of the stitches included in the Singer 7258 are really just the reverse image of other stitches so there are really only 77 unique patterns with the 7258 vs 70 unique patterns. Both have all the basic utility stitches and quilting stitches so if you’re torn between the two sets just look at the decorative stitches and see if any on either machine are must haves for you and the projects you have in mind.
2. Size – Both machines weigh the same but the Brother CP 7500 is a couple inches longer than the Singer. This translates into a few more inches in the “throat” area of the machine – the opening between the controls on the right and the needle. Having more space here is handy if you work on large projects, like quilts, where you might have to sew in the middle of yards of fabric and you have to roll the fabric on one side to fit through the throat area. It just gives you a little more work space.
3. Accessories – The Brother CP 7500 comes with the quilting foot, walking foot, quilting guide, hard cover, and extension table. The Singer 7258 does not come with those accessories although they can be purchased separately.
You are correct in that neither come with a dust cover but that’s such a great first project and you can personalize one to go along with your new toy.
Outside of those differences, the controls are very similar, threading is easy on both, and they have the same level of automation. Both are also highly rated by consumers and have lots of great reviews online.
Of course, you could always pick by color preference, too….blue or pink trim?
Sincerely,
Erin
PS – Glad you like the site!
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for the fast & detailed reply! I’m leaning more towards the 7500 now, as the extra throat space sounds like a good benefit I hadn’t thought about. Thank you for pointing out that 23 of the stitches are not unique, that helps a lot too, because the difference between 70 and 77 Is much less than when I first thought it was 100 vs 70! And the funny thing is, I’m expecting my 2nd child now so I do ponder the blue vs pink question a lot these days (we won’t know the sex for another month)! I don’t even know if I’m completely delusional thinking I have the time to pick up a new hobby at all these days, but I think part of the nesting behavior is imagining all these wonderful things I could make IF I only had the perfect sewing machine…
Thanks so much again!
Emily
Emily – Congratulations! That’s so exciting. As I type this, my 2nd baby (now 13) is sitting next to me on the sofa. I remember being pregnant with him and wondering how I’d juggle two small children along with everything else and then he was such an incredible sleeper I often found myself bored waiting for him to wake up and need me. You just never know. Of course, I figured that was only fair because it felt like my first child never slept more than 15 minutes at a time.
Either way, you really will settle into a routine and you will find yourself with some free time again. When the mood strikes to try your hand at making bibs or diaper covers or a new baby blanket, you’ll be ready to go!
Pretty funny that you’re two choices had pink trim and blue trim, all things considered!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi, I’ve been going through various reviews on your site and this has been amazing and helped me narrow it down to two machines. Brother CS6000I and Brother CP-7500.
When I head over to the brother site the accessories for the CS6000I come up with lots of additional presser feet including the side cutter which I very much want. Unfortunately the CP-7500 which would be my machine of choice has no such list.
Do you know if the additional feet are identical for both of them? Thank you so much!
AnnaMarie
AnnaMarie – As both of these sewing machines are 7mm machines (meaning the max stitch width is 7mm), both will take the same list of presser feet.
Glad the reviews helped!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much!
AnnaMarie
Thanks for this review! I’m new to sewing and wanted something affordable but also had the latest technology. This review had the exact comparison I wanted – between the 6000 and 7500 models. Definitely choosing this sewing machine as my final choice
Hi! Im planning to get a sewing machine and I’m glad i found you website. I’m a beginner and I’m looking forward to sew. But I have a question, can I embroidered an initial or a name with a free motion embroidery feature? If i want to that do i need to get the sewing and embroidery machine? I only wanted to do initials and name. Hope you can help me with my question. Thanks. God bless!
EnEn;o)
EnEn – If the sewing machine, like the Brother CP7500, allows you to drop the feed dogs or cover them with a darning plate, then you can do free motion embroidery. What this means is that the feed dogs would not guide the fabric in any way. Instead, you would manually move the fabric under the needle so that the stitches form a letter or a name. To see what that’s like, put a piece of paper on a table and put your hands on the paper as if it were fabric on a sewing machine. Have a friend hold a pen with the point on the paper. Have your friend hold the pen in place against the paper. Then, see if you can form an initial by moving the paper under the pen. That’s what free motion embroidering is like.
You don’t need to buy any special accessories to get started as long as the machine has drop feed dog capability.
If that seems too complicated, you can buy a sewing machine with a built in font like the Brother SQ9000 or a combination sewing and embroidery machine like the Brother SE400.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin,
Recently, I bought a Brother CE8080PRW at Walmart even though I couldn’t find any reviews for it. I figured it was probably REASONABLY close to the CS6000i but without the start/stop button (which wasn’t a factor for me) and more decorative stitches. HOWEVER, I’m finding I’m having ALL KINDS of problems with it. In the first machine, the feed dogs starting sewing only in reverse. I brought it to my friend (she’s been sewing for years, I’ve been sewing for two weeks) and she couldn’t fix it. We called Brother, they tried to help, but ultimately said return the item (I bought it at Walmart). I brought it back and got the same machine, even though I REALLY wasn’t happy about how difficult it was to get the thread into the guide to wind a bobbin. The second machine never worked at all– no matter WHAT I do, the bottom thread continues to get snarled. Again, called brother, same result, return the machine. Now I’m ready to try a different machine, but I’m not sure what to do. My friend swears by brother machines, and I don’t want to give up on them, but now I don’t know whether to get the CS6000i or the CP 7500. The CE8080PRW had the same spool issue as it seems the CP 7500 does, but do you know how the bobbins wind on the machines? I was so excited to help my friend start her costume business, and now I’m getting discouraged.
Andrea – That’s terrible! To have problems with two purchases is completely frustrating. Especially when you had a specific project in mind such as helping your friend with her business.
It’s really strange, too, because I read reviews about sewing machines until my eyes fall out of my head and Brother machines really do get high marks repeatedly for so many models. Your friend’s loyalty to Brother is well placed as overwhelmingly large numbers of consumers have had great experiences. That being said, no manufacturer is blemish free.
The bobbins on the CS6000i and the CP 7500 wind the same. There is an automatic bobbin winder with an auto declutch mechanism. Just push the spindle to the side, set up the bobbin and push the Start button or step on the foot pedal to start winding. The spindle will slow and then stop when the bobbin is full.
The CS6000i and he CP 7500 are IDENTICAL in every way EXCEPT the CP 7500 has 10 more stitches and a different exterior. Usually, you can find them for nearly the same price and if that’s still the case in your area or online, then go for the CP 7500 just to get the additional stitches. I did a comparison of the CS6000i, the CP 6500, and the CP 7500 here with a chart if it helps: http://www.sewing-machines-for-beginners.com/compare-brother-cp-7500-cp-6500-and-brother-cs6000i/.
I hope you’re able to replace the machine soon and get back to doing what you planned. It sounds like an exciting venture. New businesses are always having to solve problems so maybe this is just one of those little hurdles you’ll be able to look back on and laugh about…someday.
Good luck!
Erin
Forgot to mention that I also need whatever machine I end up buying to be able to sew with a lot of different fabrics. My friend and I are sewing period costumes, so it’s really important that the machine is able to work with lighter fabrics without snarling them.
Andrea – I just caught this additional comment. Both of those machines can work with lighter fabrics. Just make sure to use the right needle and thread combination. Play around with some scrap fabric to see which presser feet work best. If you don’t get a nice, smooth glide then you might want to use a non-stick presser foot with some fabrics.
Sincerely,
Erin
I am considering the CP7500 and the CS6000i. I have read your comparisons, thanks so much for the hard work, this has gotten me to my decision point. It looks like these are great machines for the money. My only question, based on the design of the body, is one longer in the “throat” area than the other? The CS6000i looks longer, but it could be the photography. I would appreciate a professional view on this! Thanks again!
Darlene
Well, I went with the CS6000i. Not because of the earlier question I had, but because of the way the controls and the LED screen are positioned. I just liked it better. The addtional 10 stitches were not a deal maker for me, 60 is enough, way more that what I have now. So, I get it Friday, and I will let you know what I think!
Thanks so much for letting me blather on!
Darlene
Hello -
I am looking to buy my first sewing machine and am interested in this model or the Brother CS6000i. My husband would like me to be able to sew patches on his leather vest and I was wondering if either of these models would be heavy duty enough to sew leather? Thanks!
Melissa
Melissa – If the leather sewing is infrequent, you would be fine with either of these machines. Just make sure to use the right needle. If, however, you’d be sewing on leather regularly you might want a more heavy-duty machine built to go through heavy fabrics repeatedly. The Singer 4411 or the Janome HD1000 are two such options with high marks.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks for the wonderful info at this site! Can you tell me about ‘stitch functions’? I read somewhere that this machine offers mirroring of stitches. Is that correct? Does the cs6000i have that? I almost bought the cs6000i and then saw this site and comparisions. I’m now thinking this cp7500 is a better deal. Thank you!
I just browsed through the manual for this machine and did not see any mention of a mirror stitch function. I really like this function on my Brother SE400.
Christine – Stitch functions are the additional stitches that can be made from built in stitches. By either lengthening a stitch, widening it, flipping it, or sewing the mirror image of a stitch gives you a function of an existing stitch that allows for more flexibility from your machine. You have to watch stitch descriptions for sewing machines pretty carefully as some product descriptions play up the total stitch functions vs built in stitches but for the sake of comparison it is best to look at the base, built-in stitches for one machine to another and then consider the additional functions that are provided for modifying those stitches.
Neither the Brother CP7500 nor the CS6000i have the mirror stitch function.
As Rick mentioned, the Brother SE400 combination sewing and embroidery machine does have that function.
Sincerely,
Erin
PS – Glad you like the site!
Hello. I am a husband wanting to surprise my wife with a sewing machine. She is a beginner, she has some limited experience but has never owned a machine.
In this case do you suggest one of the two above or another one?
Thanks for all your help- I am learning a lot from you.
Alfred – Such a great gift idea for your wife! I’m sure she’ll be thrilled!
I’d go with the CP 7500. Right now it’s only $4 more than the CS6000i on Amazon and it has a few more stitches. Outside of the stitches they have the same features and performance. For the money, this is the best deal under $200 for a beginner machine AND they’ve been on the market for awhile, have great reviews, and hold up well over time.
She’ll be able to do any kind of sewing that she wants with this machine, too – alterations, clothing, quilting. Plus, it includes a great number of accessories that don’t come with the other machines in this price range.
Happy (early) holidays!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks so much Erin. You really are a big help. Thanks for taking time to help us beginners out!
Not a problem!
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin,
I have read that the Brother CP7500 requires special bobbins not usually available in stores like JoAnn whereas the CS6000i takes a standard bobbin. Is that true?
I am new to sewing and love all of the information I am reviewing on your website. My question is, does the Brother CP7500 allow you to drop the feed dogs or use a darning plate?
sincerely,
Janet
Hi. I am new to sewing & stumbled upon your website. I want something affordable with excellent reviews & latest technology. I have learned a lot of excellent information from your website.
I ap was looking at the Brother CS6000i & now I am considering the CP7500. My question is… Does the CP7500 allow you to drop the feed dogs or come with a darning plate? If not, I was also looking at the SE-400.
Sincerely,
Janet
Hi,
Thank you for your site. it really helps me get motivated to buy a sewing machine. I am actually a beginner with no knowledge on how to use or start. There are two sewing machine I am looking. One is CP7500 and XR9500PRW. What are your opinion for this machines?. Help me decide. Thank you
Sincerely,
Charrie
After days of comparing with lots of help of your website I just put in my order on Amazon for the Brother CP7500 over the Singer 7258. I’m just starting to sew, the last time was about 10-15 years ago and I’m just starting out with small projects, a dust cover i found online and some christmas stockings. Is there any other materials that you feel are essential at this time other than pins and scissors?
Thank you again for all of your knowledge,
Tiffany
Hi Erin, I am thinking about getting this machine, and I have been handsewing for some time now, and I have never used a machine before. Is the manual sufficient for learning how to use this? And also, is it sufficient enough to make clothes projects from Youtube channels such as Threadbanger, Craftovision, and Secretlifeofabionerd?
Thank you!
I stumbled across your blog on Goggle and I am so glad I did. Your posts are very informative and detailed. I went with the Brother CP7500 after reading and comparing it to the CP6500 and CS56000i. I can’t wait for it to arrive (I ordered it from Amazon) and get stuck into my first project – making cushions. It’s my first ever sewing machine. I’ll check back in with you in a few weeks and let you know how I’m getting along with it.