Brother PS500 Pacesetter Computerized Sewing Machine

I will keep this review brief as there are many good reviews and informational videos online. I grew up with basic mechanical machines, so this is my first computerized machine. That makes it a bit different to use. I read instruction manuals and believe this is absolutely necessary so that you understand how to use its features. It makes beautiful stitches and feeds the fabric very well in general. (Keep in mind basic sewist skill and knowledge about choosing fabric, needle, thread, and settings combinations!) I do have one gentle complaint in that the space in the needle and presser foot area is cramped. It takes a bit of dexterity and care to get one's hand under there, for example to change a needle! I did learn that my hump jumper has a small hole that you can insert the needle into. This helps especially when inserting a new needle in place. Always make sure your needle is completely and correctly ins erted! Read how to use the needle threader. It works beautifully if you follow instructions. I just made a blouse and had not made buttonholes in some time. In the past I used a mechanical device that mounted on my old machines and made very lovely and consistent. buttonholes. I also knew how to make a buttonhole in steps with my zigzag machine. (I own an old semi-industrial Pfaff.) I had not used the type of buttonhole foot that is now commonly available on the new machines. I was very pleasantly surprised at what a nice buttonhole it made. I experimented a lot, terrified that I would "mess up." I chose #58 on my PS500 and changed the width and length slightly from the default. My blouse is made of printed cotton and has light woven interfacing. I think the hardest part is making sure that you have marked where to put the buttonhole and how to align the foot and needle with that mark! If you have to remove the throat plate for cleaning or switching it out for some reason, getting your hand in there is hard and you have two tiny screws to remove and keep track of. Some machines in the past, at least, allowed much easier removal. With this model you have to use a special short screwdriver to get in there.

Sews beautifully, quiet and easy to use. Great value, extra nice features, such as thread cutter, automatic needle threader. Would definitely purchase again.

I love the machine, however it takes a long time to get accessories.

This is a great machine! I use at home for piecing and I love the features. Just right for the price.

Resisted replacing my old machine for over a year. So glad I finally did!

Sturdy, easy to use. Not too many bells and whistles but all the right ones for me.

This machine is incredible! Conveniences galore! I haven’t sewn in over 30 years and I was grateful for how user-friendly this lovely machine is! Even when referencing The operational manual, Instructions are so clear and straightforward. Love my machine and all the functionalities available.

I have sewn for 60 years, always with hand-me-down or gifted machines, I saved enough to purchase this machine. What a mistake! Makes good seams, but that is all. The only function that works well consistently is the thread cutter. Biggest issue is fabric getting pulled into the feed dog. Varied stitches work well once and then are a mess the 2nd time with same fabric, same thread. Some stitches work fine for 2”-3” and then the top/spool thread seizes up and pulls bobbin thread to the top. Thread knotter only works if pressed 5-6 times. This is the first machine I was able to select for myself. It is a HUGE disappointment and a waste of money and opportunity.

This is a huge improvement over my old machine, but I think a couple of features could be added that would not cost a lot to manufacture but would be very helpful. For example, it would be nice if 1/4 inch sewing lines could be extended from the needle out to the ruler at the front of the machine. Better lighting under the throat and at the needle area. Better screwdriver to get the screws out of the metal feed dog area to make it easier to clean on a regular basis. A way to warn the sewist that the needle is not in the middle position (I have broken two needles because they hit a foot that only had a middle hole). Would love the metal feed dog plate to extend another couple of inches under the throad so a magnetic guide can be used further out from the needle. Also I love that I can start sewing without holding the loose threads to the back, but I still get a little bird's nest under the fabric, some of which cannot be removed because the threads are hung up with each other. Love the longer feet and the longer feed dogs, love the automatic threader which works great and is much more intuitive than on my former machine (and which I never used), controls are very intuitive and easy to use with a small learning curve. Threading and putting the bobbin in are easy with a bit of a learning curve. Winding a bobbin is easy.

Absolutely love this machine. Easy to thread, fill bobbin, use the different stitches, change presser foot. Love having the option to use the Start button instead of the foot control and love the speed control. It is truly a dream machine. So glad I made the investment.

Great machine for many different fabrics. Easy to understand symbols to adjust stitches!

I LOVE my new machine!! I bought my last Brother machine in 1982. This new one has so many new features that makes sewing so much fun.

I love the machine. Very quite. I do have a problem with the thread cutter, very inconsistent. I also have a problem with the stitches being consistent and neat.

I love the way it sews, but the bobbin winder has caused a tremendous amount of frustration. No matter how many times I rethread, reread the directions the bobbin still doesn't wind properly.

I had to get a new machine because They couldn't get parts for my Pfaff and so I chose this machine and am so tickled that I did. It has so many features that I didn't know I needed. I have a button that starts the machine now and with my arthritis this is so helpful. Also a tie off button and a cut button. Great machine.

I love this machine! I got it as a new sewer and told myself I would grow into it. I have had it a year and I am still loving my Brother sewing machine. I am still learning what all it can do.

I purchased my pacesetter PS500 after two other machine purchases. I love this machine it does everything I want and much more! I Still believe it's the best buy for the money compared to its closest competitor. ftd Michael

I love this machine and I have 5 Brother machines! this is very user friendly and would highly recommend it.

I am happy with the machine, in fact, I bought 3 in the Bahamas during the Pandemic, but one came without a bobbin cover. I went to the dealer where it was purchased but was given the runaround. I would like to purchase a bobbin cover please.

I LOVE my Brother Pacesetter PS500. I am just getting started with sewing, so have a lot to learn. This machine does way more than I am capable of doing at the present moment, but i intend to learn. So pleased with the ease of use. Cannot wait to learn how to use the button hole foot and the walking foot that I purchased separately. Am working on making quilt tops at the present time.