The Brother LB6800PRW and the Brother XR1300 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the main differences between them? Allow me to simplify my answers here.
Table of Contents
Brother LB6800PRW vs. Brother XR1300: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Brother LB6800PRW is a sewing and embroidery combo machine, while the Brother XR1300 is a computerized sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
The decision has to be made on an individual level.
Brother LB6800PRW vs. Brother XR1300 : Built-in Stitches
The Brother LB6800PRW comes with an attractive amount of built-in stitches, 67 to be exact. Within those 67 stitches you can find standard stitches, decorative stitches and easy-to-use buttonhole stitches. While the Brother XR1300 features 130 stitches. Similar to the Brother LB6800PRW, these stitches include standard and decorative stitches.
Weight
The Brother LB6800PRW sewing machine weighs approximately 13.66 lbs, while the Brother XR1300 comes with a weight of 13.2 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
Both the Brother LB6800PRW and Brother XR1300 come with a start/stop button. A start/stop button is an important accessibility feature. If you’re unable, for whatever reason, to use the foot pedal, a start/stop button allows you to run your sewing machine anyway. It’s also invaluable for making perfect one-step automatic buttonholes.
Speed Control Slider
Both Brother LB6800PRW sewing machine and Brother XR1300 sewing machine have a speed control slider, which allows you to set the maximum speed you are comfortable with.
Automatic Needle Threader
Many sewing machines sold today come with an automatic threader function. This is essentially a lever that will guide the thread through the eye of your sewing needle for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself. Many sewists prefer to thread their own needles, but if you have difficulty performing this task, then a machine with an automatic needle threader might be very useful for you. Fortunately, these two sewing machines both come with automatic needle threader, allowing you to thread the machine with ease.
Drop-in Bobbin
The advantage of easy drop-in, top load bobbins is that you can readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. You do not have to remove the bobbin case to insert a new bobbin, and you do not have to remove the accessory tray from the free arm to change bobbins. Both the Brother LB6800PRW and the Brother XR1300 sewing machine come with this user-friendly feature.
Drop Feed
The most common type of feeding mechanism in a home sewing machine (and some industrial machines) is the drop feed, also known as the regular feed system. Both Brother LB6800PRW and Brother XR1300 come equipped with a drop feed system, which grabs the fabric and moves it along through the machine.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Brother LB6800PRW and the Brother XR1300. 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 LB6800PRW | Brother XR1300 | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Sewing and Embroidery Combo | Computerized |
| Stitches | 67 | 130 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 10 one-step | 8 one-step |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Memory | Yes | – |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
| Monogramming Font | Yes 5 | No |
| Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes LED | Yes LED |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.66 lbs | 13.2 lbs |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | – | – |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | Yes | – |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes | – |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | – |
| Stitch Selection | LCD Touch Display | LCD Display and Push Button |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | Yes |
| Included Feet | Buttonhole foot, Overcasting foot, Zipper foot, Button fitting foot, Monogramming foot, Embroidery foot, Blind stitch foot | Buttonhole foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Zigzag foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot, Spring action quilting foot |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | – | – |
| Tension | Adjustable With Dial | – |
| Knee Lifter | No | – |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Brother LB6800PRW Video Review
Brother XR1300 Video Review
The Verdict
Both machines are neck and neck when it comes to performance. The stitch quality is very similar between the two machines. They are capable of handling heavy and delicate fabrics with ease. It is the stitch quality of these two machines that differentiates them from other machines in their segment. Based on the features listed above, we believe you will be able to make a decision on your own. The final decision is yours.
Q. Can i use clipper oil on my sewing machine
A. Yes, you can as some people do recommend it as an alternative to sewing machine oil.
Q. Why adjust tension on sewing machine
A. Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch.
Q. Are sewing machines dangerous?
A. Like any machine, a sewing machine can be dangerous if not used correctly. Always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer when it comes to maintenance, and pay attention while sewing.
Q. Can I interchange metal and plastic bobbins if they are the same size?
A. Metal bobbins and plastic bobbins of the same size can NOT be swapped. Machines are set for a very precise tension setting. If they are set for a lighter plastic bobbin, the tension will change if a heavier metal bobbin is used.
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.
Q. Do you need a special sewing machine for leather?
A. No, although a heavy-duty machine will make it easier. However, any good-quality home sewing machine can handle leather with a few special accessories. You will need a Teflon presser foot, a needle designed for sewing leather, and heavy-duty thread.
