Rated 5 out of 5 Great for occasional user or beginner I'm a 36 yr old male and picked up this machine to take care of simple tasks. I am a police officer and got fed up paying 5$ per patch sewn on my uniforms. Almost 25$ per shirt in the end! I bought this today. I haven't used a sewing machine since 8th grade 20+ years ago I didn't watch the DVD but was set up and ready in a few minutes. Spent a few minutes lining up and pinning my patches and within an hour had 6 completed shirts. The machine has already paid for itself as it was 75$ and to have 6 shirts set up at the tailor would've cost almost 150$. Since it was set up I hemmed the legs on a pair of thick wool hunting pants with no problems. I specifically bought this machine because it said it had the free arm part for working inside sleeves that part worked great.I would recommend this for simple usage like I intend a few times a year, if you have kids in scouts and putting patches on, someone learning to sew, or occasional crafters. The machine seems well built for what it is but I'm sure with heavy daily usage it would eventually wear out. To people that really know sewing might find some faults but for 75$ I wasn't expecting a Rolls Royce.I found the gas pedal to be a little tough to get a feel for at first but found I had greater control of it once I took my shoe off and worked it in socks. This is a simple straight forward machine that exceeded my expectations, performs the tasks I need and was affordable. 03/05/2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by DecidingWisely Sturdy machine, sews well! My primary sewing machine, a more expensive dealer brand, decided to quit just as I was in the midst of sewing Christmas gifts. Thankfully Walmart sells sewing machines! I carefully read review after review and settled upon this Brother LX2500. Why? It is inexpensive, yet it performs smoothly and strongly like a more expensive machine. It isn't a "must" to spend hundreds at a dealer! Walmart is a wonderful place to find a wonderful sewing machine.I've sewn through thick layers and through just one layer of thin fabric, and regardless, the machine handles it all without skipping stitches or tension trouble. This machine comes with an excellent, simple DVD, making it a breeze for the novice sewer to get started and make basic stitches and also a buttonhole. I was really impressed that Brother included a nice DVD even though this was just an inexpensive machine. The manual is EXCELLENT and actually works like a nice sewing supplement to a basic sewing reference guide for a new sewist. This manual would really help a brand new beginner. Brother offers many feet for purchase at a minimal price that allow you to use this machine to do just about any sewing necessary (except for something more advanced like embroidery - - though someone with a bit of skill could use the darning plate to cover the feed dogs and do some free motion embroidery). This machine is lightweight enough to take to a class or for someone whose health requires lifting lighter loads; but it isn't so lightweight as to be flimsy. It actually feels substantial and sturdy. So overall, I think this is a wonderful sewing machine, which will be able to sew lightweight materials and thick layers both.Did I have any negative thoughts about it? Truthfully, for the price, it probably is fine as is. Nevertheless, price notwithstanding, I honestly do think they could have included a little cleaning brush; the zipper foot ought to be metal not plastic; and there ought to be an included overcasting foot. But these amount to inconveniences, not reasons the product isn't good. It's a fine sewing machine that I'm happy with, and that I feel confident in using, and confident in its longevity, with care.Do I have any tips? I do want to stress especially to new sewers that while thread and bobbin and tension issues are sometimes the most common problems, they are, thankfully, the most easily preventable **with care.** (1) Be meticulous to clean your bobbin area after every project. (2) Make sure that you've chosen the right thread and fabric and needle combination. (3) Start sewing with the needle IN the fabric, not above. (4) Turn the hand wheel TOWARD you not away from you. (5) Thread your upper thread with the needle in its highest position and move precisely through the threading steps. (6) Change your needle after at least every 6 hours of sewing. (7) Hold the thread ends for about three stitches at the beginning of stitching every time. (8) When you are done sewing and ready to remove your piece of work, FIRST raise your presser foot, and THEN raise your needle - don't reverse the order of those steps. These sound like small points, yet as minor as they sound, they can cause vast amounts of trouble if not adhered to. So just do them! :) Your machine won't balk and make trouble for you and you will be happy and sew smoothly! Happy sewing, and should you be in need of an inexpensive (but not cheap, poorly-made), sewing machine, I can recommend this Brother LX2500. 01/08/2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by thatonechick2 Super happy with this! I just got this machine after inumerable problems with a Janome. I got this home and used it on projects I knew the $1000 machine I HAD would not have handled and it did it all without complaint! I just got it, but if it continues the way it has started I will buy Brother sewing machines for a long time! 08/08/2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by grandmasgotit not a great product I thought this machine was a good one. After sewing one baby quilt top it went crazy. The tension will not work right I have tried every possible setting and it still does the same thing. Like other reviewers i find it difficult to thread the needle. the light is worthless and the foot feed is very hard to work. Needless to say its going back to wal-mart and will be replaced with a singer. 11/09/2012