The Brother XR9550 and CS7000X are two of Brother’s most popular computerized sewing and embroidery machines. Both offer a wide range of stitches, built-in embroidery designs, easy threading, LCD touch screens, and useful accessories.
But which one is better for your needs? Here is a detailed comparison of the key features, pros and cons of the Brother XR9550 and CS7000X.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Brother XR9550 | Brother CS7000X |
| Type | Sewing and embroidery combo | Sewing and embroidery combo |
| Built-in Stitches | 165 | 100 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 8 one-step | 7 one-step |
| Built-in Embroidery Designs | 140 | 240 |
| Embroidery Field | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 650 stitches per minute | 850 stitches per minute |
| LCD Screen | 3.2″ LCD touch screen | 1.25″ monochrome LCD display |
| Lighting | 2 LED lights | No onboard lighting |
| Feed System | Automatic needle threader | Computerized thread trimmer |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute | 850 stitches per minute |
| Warranty | Limited 25-year warranty | Limited 25-year warranty |
Overview of the Brother XR9550
The Brother XR9550 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that offers a wide range of features for sewing, quilting, crafting and home décor projects.
It has 165 built-in stitches including utility, heirloom, quilting and satin stitches. There are also 8 styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes.
The XR9550 comes with 140 built-in embroidery designs and 5 embroidery lettering fonts. The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field is on the smaller side, but suitable for most embroidery projects.
Designs can be imported from a USB stick. There are also multiple editing features to rotate, mirror image, increase/decrease size, etc.
Some handy features include the automatic needle threader, easy bobbin winding system, start/stop button and variable speed control.
The 3.2” LCD touch screen makes selecting stitches, editing designs and operating settings very intuitive. There are also built-in tutorials and help guides.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 165 built-in stitches for sewing a range of projects
- 8 one-step buttonhole styles for perfect buttonholes
- 140 built-in embroidery designs to customize projects
- 4” x 4” embroidery field suitable for most designs
- User-friendly LCD touch screen with tutorials
- Automatic needle threading and easy bobbin winding
- Start/stop button and speed control for convenience
- Built-in stitches for quilting, crafts, fashion and more
Overview of the Brother CS7000X
The CS7000X is Brother’s top-of-the-line computerized sewing and embroidery machine. It boasts 100 built-in stitches including 9 auto-size buttonholes along with 240 built-in embroidery designs. The embroidery field is 5” x 7” – larger than the XR9550.
This machine has many convenient features like automatic thread trimming, easy bobbin winding and needle threading. The CS7000X also has an adjustable sewing speed slider for better control.
While it lacks a full LCD touch screen, the backlit 1.25” monochrome LCD display is sufficient for selecting stitches, editing designs and viewing settings.
Some additional highlights include a built-in USB port for importing designs, multi-function foot controller, hard cover for storage and metal interior frame for durability. There are also 7 different feed dog settings for smooth fabric feeding.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 100 built-in stitches for garments, home decor and more
- 240 built-in embroidery designs with 5 lettering fonts
- Larger 5” x 7” embroidery field for bigger projects
- Advanced needle threading and bobbin winding
- Metal interior frame and hard cover for durability
- Adjustable sewing speed for better control
- Built-in USB for importing embroidery designs
- 7 feed dog settings for optimal fabric feeding
- Backlit LCD display screen with design editing
Also Read: Comparison Between Brother 1634DX and 1034DX
Key Differences Between Brother XR9550 and CS7000X
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each sewing machine model, let’s compare some of the key features and functions in more detail:
Built-in Stitches
- The XR9550 has 165 built-in stitches compared to 100 on the CS7000X. Both offer utility stitches, stretch stitches, quilting stitches, heirloom stitches and decorative stitches.
- The XR9550 may be better for sewers wanting more built-in stitch options without having to download additional stitch patterns.
Buttonholes
- Both machines offer auto-size buttonhole stitches for consistently sized buttonholes.
- The XR9550 has 8 one-step buttonhole styles while the CS7000X has 7. They are comparable in this regard.
Embroidery Capability
- For built-in embroidery design, the CS7000X wins with 240 designs versus 140 on the XR9550.
- The CS7000X also has a larger 5” x 7” embroidery field compared to 4” x 4” on the XR9550.
- The CS7000X can handle bigger, more complex embroidery projects. The XR9550 field is still sufficient for most embroidery needs.
Display Screens
- The XR9550 has a backlit 3.2” LCD touchscreen display for easy selection and operation.
- The CS7000X has a backlit 1.25” monochrome LCD display with navigation buttons.
- The XR9550’s larger color touchscreen is more user-friendly and intuitive. But the CS7000X display gets the job done.
Lighting
- The XR9550 is better in terms of lighting with 2 LED lights to illuminate the sewing area.
- The CS7000X does not have any onboard lighting. Separate lighting accessories would be needed.
Easy Needle Threading
- Both machines have advanced needle threaders to easily thread the needle.
- The CS7000X adds automatic thread trimming which instantly cuts both top and bobbin threads.
- This gives the CS7000X an edge for effortless needle threading and trimming.
Sewing Speed
- The maximum sewing speed on both machines is 850 stitches per minute, making them equal in sewing speed ability.
- The CS7000X does have adjustable speed control which is useful for slower precision work.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Brother CS7000X and Singer 4452
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the CS7000X is an excellent sewing machine with great features. It has 100 built-in stitches, 240 embroidery designs, automatic thread trimming and large 5” x 7” embroidery field. The automatic needle threader, easy bobbin winding plus adjustable speed control also makes it very user-friendly. It’s durable, reliable, and Brother’s top computerized sewing model.
The Brother CS7000X is Brother’s highest rated computerized sewing machine with the most features. Other great Brother models include the XR9550, CS6000i, and 1034D serger. The best one depends on your specific sewing and budget needs. Evaluate the stitch selection, embroidery capabilities, ease of use and price point that is right for you.
The Brother CS7000X was first released in 2015. It replaced the Brother CS6000i model and added new features like the automatic needle threader, larger embroidery area, and more built-in designs. The CS7000X is one of Brother’s newest, most advanced sewing and embroidery machines.
The CS7000X comes with a wide range of accessories: hard machine cover, foot controller, accessory feet, instruction manual, power cord, needle set, spool caps, scissors, screwdriver, touch pen, knee lift lever, and embroidery bobbin thread. Some versions also include stabilizer material and an embroidery hoop.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, the Brother XR9550 and CS7000X both offer many exceptional features for sewing, quilting and embroidery.
The XR9550 may be better for budget-conscious sewers wanting more stitch options and an intuitive LCD touch screen. Its automatic needle threader and lighting are also useful.
However, the CS7000X edges ahead with superior embroidery capabilities like the 5” x 7” hoop size, 240 built-in designs and automatic thread trimmer.
It has excellent user-friendly functions and top-notch performance. The larger embroidery field and more built-in designs make it ideal for avid embroiderers.
While pricier than the XR9550, the CS7000X is the highest quality Brother sewing machine with more advanced features.
It’s a worthwhile long-term investment for serious and intermediate sewists who want professional-grade performance. Make sure to compare the key differences against your sewing and embroidery needs.