In this comparison, we are going to compare one of the most popular affordable sewing machines, the Brother CS5055PRW and Singer 3223R. What made these two sewing machines stand out was that they were packed with features in an affordable range combined with excellent stitch quality.
What are the major differences between them? Here I will try to answer them as simply as possible.
Table of Contents
Brother CS5055PRW vs. Singer 3223R: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Brother CS5055PRW is a computerized sewing machine, while the Singer 3223R is a mechanical sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
Choose wisely depends on your sewing goal and skill levels.
Brother CS5055PRW vs. Singer 3223R : Built-in Stitches
The Brother CS5055PRW has 50 stitches. The Singer 3223R on the other hand comes with 23 built-in stitches. The apparent difference is in the buttonhole styles, where Brother CS5055PRW sewing machine comes with 5 one-step buttonhole(s), Singer 3223R sewing machine has only 1 four-step buttonhole(s).
Weight
The Brother CS5055PRW sewing machine weighs approximately 10.65 lbs, while the Singer 3223R comes with a weight of 12.2 lbs.
The extra weight can become cumbersome if you don’t have a set location in your home for your sewing machine.
Start/Stop Button
Neither Brother CS5055PRW sewing machine nor Singer 3223R sewing machine has a start/stop button. This might not be convenient for a novice to sew effectively.
Speed Control Slider
Neither Brother CS5055PRW nor Singer 3223R has a speed control slider. With a speed control slider, the sewing speed will never go above your selected speed, no matter how hard you press on the pedal.
Automatic Needle Threader
To assist the user, self-threading sewing machines have what is called an automatic needle threader. The Brother CS5055PRW has one while the Singer 3223R doesn’t.
Drop-in Bobbin
This Brother CS5055PRW sewing machine sewing machine comes with a drop-in bobbin, which allows you to see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. While Singer 3223R doesn’t
Programmable Needle Up/Down
With a programmable needle up/down function, the needle will stop down in the fabric, allowing you to raise the presser foot and adjust the fabric without the fabric moving out of position because the needle will hold the fabric in place. However, unfortunately, these two sewing machines come with this feature.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Brother CS5055PRW and the Singer 3223R. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
Brother CS5055PRW | Singer 3223R | |
Product Image | ||
Sewing Machine Type | Electronic | Mechanical |
Stitches | 50 | 23 |
Buttonhole Styles | 5 one-step | 1 four-step |
Start/Stop Button | No | No |
Built-in Memory | No | No |
Programmable Needle Up/Down | No | No |
Monogramming Font | No | No |
Drop Feed | Yes | No, Free-motion is possible with darning plate. |
Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
Working Light | Yes | Yes |
Speed Control Slider | No | No |
Weight | 10.65 lbs | 12.2 lbs |
Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | – | Yes |
Snap-on Presser Foot | – | Yes |
Automatic Thread Cutter | No | No |
Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | No |
Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | No |
USB Connectivity | No | No |
Stitch Selection | LCD and Push Button | Dial |
Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | – |
Included Feet | Buttonhole foot, Zigzag foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot, Overcasting foot, Blind stitch foot, Monogramming foot | General Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Sewing Foot. |
Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | – | No |
Tension | Adjustable With Dial | Adjustable by dial |
Knee Lifter | – | – |
Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Brother CS5055PRW Video Review
Singer 3223R Video Review
The Verdict
When you compare the performances, both machines are neck on neck. There isn’t a lot of difference in stitch quality. Both machines handle thick and delicate fabrics exceptionally well. In fact, the stitch quality is one factor that makes these two machines different from other machines in their segment. From the feature differences we have listed above, we believe you will be able to make a decision on your own. We will leave this one to you.
Q. Does the machine work well with stretchy materials?
A. The machine works perfectly with all types of fabrics. As long as the user can work with the material, there should be no problem.
Q. Why use a walking foot on a sewing machine
A. A walking foot helps move knit fabrics evenly so they don’t stretch out of shape. The walking foot eliminates the need for excessive pinning when working with slippery fabrics. That is especially useful because most of those slippery fabrics, such as satin, are easily damaged by pins.
Q. Can a normal sewing machine sew canvas?
A. Yes, canvas can be sewn on a regular sewing machine.
Q. Can i use serger thread in my sewing machine
A. Do not use serger thread in your sewing machine. These spools of thread are tempting to buy because they’re inexpensive, but they have a very rough texture on the thread. So if you put it in your regular sewing machine, it’s going to break and jam and you’ll be really frustrated.
Q. How much electricity does a sewing machine use
A. A typical home sewing machine may be in the 100-watt range. One estimate for portable sewing machines says that you are paying about 0.013 cents per hour every time. For the day you may be spending about 10 cents.
Q. How do I thread a sewing machine?
To get started with your sewing project, you’ll need to first thread your sewing machine. While your machine’s manual should guide you in the specific sequence for your make and model, the basic process starts by placing the presser foot in the up position.
Next, put your thread spool on the spool holder and bring the thread across the top of the machine, through the thread guide. Insert the thread through the tension mechanism, sliding it between the metal disks before pulling it back upwards. Find the take-up lever and place the thread into the hole. Pull the thread towards the sewing machine needle, using available thread guides as you go.
Finally, bring the needle into an accessible position by adjusting the handwheel. Insert the thread. Your sewing machine should be threaded and ready to go, but it’s always a good idea to make a test run on a sample swatch to check your work.
However, if you sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader, that would save you lots of time.