Construction, Stability and Appearance

Singer 7258

Though they might have similar outward appearance, the internal construction of these machines are quite different. Unlike the Brother CS6000I, the Singer 7258 features a sturdy internal metal frame. This metal construction gives the Singer increased stability over its Brother counterpart. The stability of the Singer 7258 is further emphasized with its automatic tension and rubber feet which ensure stable and smooth stitching even on tough fabrics and large, heavy pieces.

Both machines are white in color. The Brother CS6000I is trimmed with bluish accents while the Singer 7258 is tinted with hints of green.

Size and Weight

While the Brother CS6000I supersedes the Singer 7258 in terms of length, the Singer machine is wider and taller than the Brother CS6000I. Invariably, due to its internal metal frame, the Singer 7528 is the heavier of the two machines. Though both sewing machines are reputedly portable, the lighter nature of the Brother CS6000I makes it even more portable than its Singer counterpart.

Maximum Stitching Speed

This is one area in which the Brother CS6000I virtually trumps the Singer 7258. The Brother machine can accomplish 850 stitches in a minute while the Singer is limited to a maximum speed of 750 stitches per minute.

It should be noted that the speed of either machines can be adjusted to suit the needs of the user.

Maximum Stitch Length and Width

The maximum stitch length and width of the Brother CS6000I are slightly greater than that of the Singer 7528.

Built-In Stitches

Any sewing machine worth its salt has in-built stitches programmed into its design. The total number of these stitches and their various types or categories determine the overall quality of the machine compared to the competition. For the Singer 7528, there are 4 categories of stitches: basic, decorative, stretch and buttonhole. The basic set has 9 stiches, the decorative 76, the stretch 8 and the buttonhole 7, giving a total of 100 built-in stitches for the Singer 7528.

On the other hand, the Brother CS6000I has a total of 60 built-in stitches divided into 5 categories namely: garment construction, decorative, buttonhole, quilting and heirloom. Out of the 60 stitches, 20 are in the garment construction set and 20 in the decorative category. The buttonhole and quilting sets comprise 7 stitches apiece while the heirloom has the least with just 6 stitches.

On comparing the two sewing machines, it is pretty obvious that the Singer 7528 is superior in terms of the overall number of in-built stitches. Also, the 76 decorative stitches in the Singer is roughly 4 times that of the Brother’s decorative set of just 20 stitches. This makes the Singer 7528 a better choice for decorative stitching and embroidery.

The Brother CS6000I is termed the more practical machine of the two as it offers 20 basic everyday stitches (garment construction stitches) compared to the 9 basic stitches of the Singer 7258. The Brother is also targeted towards quilters, as evidenced by the inclusion of quilting stitches into its programmed stitches compilation and the provision of a quilting table with the product’s packaging. Infact, the Brother CS6000I comes quilt-ready and users can immediately start quilting without the need for any additional purchase. Thus, if you intend using the sewing machine for quilting, then you should probably purchase the Brother CS6000I rather than the Singer 7528.

However, it should be noted that the Brother CS6000I does not take the place of a dedicated quilting machine as it only offers simple quilting functions. Users won’t be able to carry out complex quilting projects on the machine. It is more suitable for amateur quilters who are in need of a bit of practice.

Stitch Selection and LCD Display

Users of these sewing machines can select the desired stitch from the provided options using the designed push buttons on the machines. The machines are also equipped with an LCD screen for displaying the selected option.

Presser Feet

Click here to get more details on the Singer 7258

Click here to get more details on the Brother CS6000I

Various presser feet for specific sewing purposes are included in the packaging of these machines when purchased. The Brother CS6000I comes with 9 standard presser feet which comprises a buttonhole foot, an overcasting foot, a monogramming foot (for adding a personal or customized design to a project), a zipper foot, a zigzag foot, a blind stitch foot, a button fitting foot, a walking foot (for smoothly stitching multiple layers of clothing), and a quilting foot.

With the Singer 7258, users are gifted with 10 standard presser feet. They include an all-purpose foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, an overcasting foot, a blind hem foot, a satin stitch foot, a darning or freehand embroidery foot, a gathering foot, a narrow rolled hem foot, and a quarter Inch foot.

These included presser feet eliminate the need for users to stitch manually using these sewing machines. The feet work in tandem with the sewing machines to give an automated or computerized feel to the stitching process. For example, to create a buttonhole stitch with either of these machines, users only have to select the buttonhole setting and the desired buttonhole stitch. Once this is done and the button is placed on the buttonhole foot, the machine automatically creates the desired stitch in a single step with no additional manual input from the user.

Included Accessories

When purchased, both sewing machines come with a ton of accessories that aid the smooth operation of the machine and also improves the overall consumer experience. Apart from the included presser feet, the accessories in either of these machines include a foot controller (otherwise known as foot pedal), a needle set, bobbins, spool caps and pins, a seam ripper, a lint brush, a needle plate screwdriver, an instruction guide and manual, and a power cord.

In addition, the Singer 7528 comes with a training DVD and a darning plate. Apart from the quilting table, the Brother CS6000I also comes with an eyelet punch and an accessory pouch.

With a dozen accessories or more, the issue of storage becomes very important. The manufacturers of these machines have proven themselves equal to the task, equipping both sewing machines with an in-built compartment for storing accessories.

Automated Features

Both machines feature a start/stop button that simplifies and automates the sewing process. Rather than stepping on the included foot pedal to start or stop the machine during use, users can make use of the start/stop button conveniently situated on the surface of the machines.

Stitches can be sewn in reverse using the reverse stitch push button also located on the machines’ surface instead of users going through the hassle of manually putting the machine in reverse.

The automated nature of these sewing machines is further emphasized by the automatic self-threading needle included in their design. Users of these machines are saved the trouble of manual needle threading.

When a stitch is selected, the machines automatically set optimal length and width measurements appropriate for the chosen stitch. Users of the Singer 7528 however have the additional option of overriding this automatic setting and manually inputting their own desired measurements with the stitch length and width controls.

Though both machines exhibit a wide and similar range of automated features, the Singer 7258 has more of an edge in the automation department. For example, while the Brother CS6000I comes equipped with a dial control for users to manually adjust the thread tension, the Singer 7528 employs an automatic approach to the thread tension adjustment process. Also, the Singer machine uses automatic thread cutters compared to the dual manual cutters of the Brother CS6000I.

Needle Positioning

Users are allowed to change the needle position on either of these machines depending on the nature of the project being carried out at the moment. However, while the Brother CS6000I is designed with only two needle positons, the Singer 7528 gives its users the ability to change the needle position in about 13 different ways.

In addition, users can also program the needle to stop in a particular position, either up or down depending on their preferences or the type of sewing activity being done.

Twin Needle Feature

Both sewing machines are designed with twin needle capability. This simply means that they can sew with two needles simultaneously. However, while the Brother CS6000I comes with a twin needle included in its packaging, users of the Singer 7258 would have to purchase the twin needle before they can enjoy this feature with their machines.

LED Lights

The Brother CS6000I is designed with two LED bulbs to specially illuminate the sewing area. This helps to ensure accuracy and prevent users from squinting in areas with dim lighting. The Singer 7528 also has this illumination feature, but instead of dual LED lights, it possesses just one.

Few users of the Brother CS6000I complained that the LED bulbs had very low wattages and were virtually useless in dimly lighted areas.

Convenient Features

Brother CS6000i

Both sewing machines are designed with a cover for protection purposes. However, the type and quality of the cover differ for the two machines. While the Brother CS6000I has a hard protective case, the Singer 7258’s side cover is soft and only serves to protect the machine against dust.

The Brother CS6000I also comes with an extension table which could be very handy for large projects. The Singer 7258 lacks this feature.

Both machines are also designed with a free arm for sewing hems and cuffs. The free arm itself is equipped with a removable cover that provides users with better access to the free arm for sewing purposes.

Bobbin Design

For bobbin loading, both the Singer 7528 and the Brother CS6000I are designed with a quick-set top drop-in bobbin. This bobbin design allows for quick and easy setting of the bobbin thread. Once the bobbin is dropped in, it threads itself and this eliminates the possibility of the thread being stuck or the bobbin being jammed. The bobbin cover is transparent, making it very easy for users to monitor the thread supply and the status of the bobbin. The bobbin winding system is automatic, allowing for a quick and reliable operation.

Voltage

Both machines use a standard voltage of 110v.

Warranty

Both sewing machines have a limited warranty period of 25 years.

Pros and Cons of the Singer 7258

Pros

• More versatile
• Higher degree of automation
• Sturdy metal frame ensures stability during use
• Great choice for decorative stitching
• Greater number of built-in stitches
• More presser feet

Cons

• Lower stitching speed
• Lacks quilting stitches and accessories
• The metal frame design reduces its portability

Pros and Cons of the Brother CS6000I

Pros

• Greater stitching speed
• Includes quilting stitches and accessories
• Has a more practical purpose
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Lesser number of built-in stitches
• Not as automated as the Singer 7258
• Reduced stability during use
• Reduced number of presser feet