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Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 Review was originally written in 2014, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since this product is now retired, we have added alternatives such as Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, and Janome Memory Craft 500E.
While visiting Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum in Port St. Lucie, Florida, I came across the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100. Naturally, I had to sit down and review it at once.
Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 Overview
The Brother Dream Creator XE VM5100 is a high-end computerized sewing and embroidery machine designed for advanced sewers and embroidery enthusiasts. It features a large 7-inch full-color touch screen display, which allows easy selection of embroidery designs, stitch settings, and more. The machine has over 560 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and embroidery stitches, and also comes with 318 built-in embroidery designs and 14 embroidery fonts. The Dream Creator XE VM5100 has a large embroidery area of 7 x 12 inches, allowing users to create larger designs with ease. It also features a variety of advanced embroidery features, including My Custom Stitch, Auto Punch, and the ability to import designs from a USB drive. The machine has a built-in dual feed system for even fabric feeding, and comes with a range of accessories, including several presser feet, a seam ripper, and a needle set. The Dream Creator XE VM5100 also has a built-in speed control, automatic thread cutter, and knee lifter for hands-free lifting of the presser foot. It has a sleek and modern design, and is built to last with a sturdy construction. Overall, the Brother Dream Creator XE VM5100 is an excellent machine for advanced sewing and embroidery projects.
This product is now retired. We recommend trying out other alternatives that we have added to this post.
When I first saw the Dream Creator, I thought it was a Dream Weaver – that is until I took a closer look. It has the very same chassis and shell as the Dream Weaver. It does not, however, have a screensaver.
Among the on board function buttons and controls that the Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 shares with the Dream Weaver are: start/stop button; needle up/down; presser foot up/down; thread cutter; reverse stitch; stitch stop; variable speed slider and an automatic needle threader. There is also a see through bobbin cover, drop feed and an easy to follow thread guide.
The oversized full color bright backlit LCD touch screen is an excellent feature that helps navigate through the entire sewing, embroidery and machine quilting process.
One of the features that makes the Dream Creator and Dream Weaver stand apart from other sewing, embroidery and quilting machines is the fact that you can sew without having to go through the process of removing the embroidery unit, thanks to the see through bobbin cover
What are some alternatives for Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100?
We have mentioned in this review that the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 is a retired model. Here are some similar alternatives.
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
- A wide array of more than 200 built-in stitches
- 175 embroidery designs
- Sturdy frame to manage hard fabrics
- Editing capabilities
- Prompt touchscreen for easier navigation
- Expensive, especially for beginners
- Slow speed of embroidery
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
What are the features of Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100?
- 561 sewing stitches
- 30 on CD
- 13 bobbin work designs
- 17 alphanumeric fonts
- 140 frame/pattern combinations
- 318 built in embroidery designs
- 10 built in frame designs
- Automatic tension adjustment
- Adjustable bobbin winding speed
- Upper and lower thread sensor
- On screen assistance
- On screen editing
- Automatic thread cutter
- Quickset bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
- Needle up/down
- Start/stop
- Decorative stitch stop/sequencing
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- My Custom Stitch programmable software
- Automatic presser foot lift
- Pivot function
- Drop feed
- On screen editing
- Curving text
Working on the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100
When you sit down to work on the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100, the first thing you notice is the bright LED lighting.
Threading and winding the bobbin are simple
The workspace is not only well illuminated, it is also very large – large enough to accommodate practically any sewing, quilting or embroidery project you may want to take on.
Stitch selection on touch screen
Threading the Brother Dream Creator XE and winding the bobbin are simple enough for the very basic beginner to master. The easy to follow threading guides make the entire set up process as simple as can be. The machine I reviewed had the embroidery unit attached. It was great to be able to switch the machine on, touch the icon on the screen that changes the mode from embroidery to sewing and just wait a couple of seconds while the machine recalibrated itself. There is no need whatsoever to remove the unit. Not only is this a convenient time saving feature, it also reduces the possibility of damaging the sensitive components inside the embroidery unit by having to handle it more than necessary.
Selecting the stitches on the Brother Dream Creator is as easy as selecting the menu icon on the touch screen and then toggling through to the desired stitch mode… utility, decorative, or alphanumeric. In each mode, you have several different stitch options from which to choose. You can use the touch screen to adjust stitch length and width as well as to use the mirror imaging feature and to set your stitch memory to program a sequence of utility or decorative stitches. I had a lot of fun playing around with various stitches and programming them to render a few different sequences.
I am pleased to report that the entire process was not only very simple, it was just as easy to erase the memory and start all over again without going through a lot of unnecessary steps that slow things down when you are anxious to see your work materialize into a finished product.
Absolutely perfect stitches
The quality of the stitches produced by the Brother Dream Creator XE met and exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The stitches were absolutely perfect in every way.
Excellent embroidery designs
Although I didn’t create it, an example of one of the built in embroidery designs was on display as well. Needless to say, that, too, is excellent.
Which fabrics work on the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Denim Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather/suede Upholstery | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What are the accessories that come with Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100?
In addition to an almost infinite number of optional sewing, quilting and embroidery accessories, the Brother XE – VM 5100 comes with the following standard accessories:
- 10 Snap on presser feet
- Blind stitch
- Buttonhole
- Button
- Zigzag
- Monogramming
- Overcasting
- Zipper
- Straight stitch
- Quilting
- Free motion
- Scissors
- Eyelet punch
- Needles
- Thread nets
- Screwdrivers
- Spool caps (1 large/1 medium/1 small)
- On board accessories case
- Soft accessories pouch
- Spool pins
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Bobbins
- Soft dust cover
- Exclusive travel bag set
- Owner’s manual<Owner’s manual/li>
- Quick reference guide
Accessories
How to maintain the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 Summary
To conclude my review, the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 is an excellent alternative to the more costly Dream Weaver. If you want all of the essential features that make the Dream Weaver special without all of the extra bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with this choice. The only real differences I noticed between the two machines is the fact that there is no screen saver, and the Dream Creator has fewer stitch options. If you can live without the Disney Pixar characters and the exclusive Laura Ashley designs, you would be quite pleased with this machine.
The stitch selection process and quality of finished stitches are identical to the Dream Weaver as well as the feel and solid construction. Working on the Dream Creator is one of the most enjoyable sewing experiences I can honestly say that I have had in recent months.
In my opinion and after careful reviewing, the Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 is not a machine for beginners – especially young ones. To me, there are far too many options for a beginner to be confronted with if they have never worked with a sewing machine of any type before. I do, however recommend this machine for anyone who is ready to step up their game and explore the possibilities of not only machine quilting and embroidery, but combining all three techniques. The mere fact that you can sew with the embroidery arm in place makes this a real possibility.
I’m all for taking a few steps as possible to get the job done and done right. By being able to leave the embroidery arm where it is, switching modes is a piece of cake. A simple touch of the finger and you are ready to switch from sewing to embroidery and back to sewing in no time at all.
It also is a great benefit when you consider the fact that the less you have to handle the embroidery unit, the small chance you have of damaging the delicate inner workings of the arm.
I didn’t take the time to create an embroidery design of my own, but I did take a few minutes to scroll through the embroidery designs just to see what they were like. With so many to choose from, I can’t imagine how anyone who seriously wants to use machine embroidery would not be able to find enough designs to keep them busy for a long, long time.
If you are seriously considering a new sewing, embroidery and quilting machine, I encourage you to visit your local authorized Brother Innov-is dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Brother Creator XE – VM 5100. Don’t be shy. While you’re there, be sure to take a good look at the Dream Weaver as well and make the comparison for yourself.
Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 Review
Summary
he Brother Dream Creator XE – VM 5100 is a sewing and embroidery machine that was released in 2018. It has a 5″ color LCD touchscreen, 561 built-in stitches, 100 embroidery designs, and a large embroidery field of 7″ x 12″. It also has an automatic needle threader, quick-set, top-loading bobbin, and a variety of other features that make it a versatile machine.
It is a good option for those who are looking for a machine with a variety of features and a large embroidery field. However, it is important to note that it is an expensive machine.
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Happy Stitching.
On the whole I think you did a very nice review. I do beg to differ tho that the only difference is in the screen saver and less stitches. This machine does not have the laser guide, the sensor pen, embroidery foot with LED beam, or the Mov it digital feed foot, although the mov it foot is an (expensive) option.
The real beauty of this machine is the 11 1/4″ harp and the bright stadium lighting. It’s size is fabulous for quilters and as you said, a less expensive option. 🙂
Is there a disadvantage to not having a screen saver? How much does the VM 5100 cost new?
New they cost around 5400.00
You can purchase an embroidery foot with LED beam for this machine.
I’m looking for a possible replacement for my old Kenmore, as I am getting into quilting. This machine looks very interesting and your review was quite informative. However, I’ve looked everywhere for a price on the DreamCreator™XE VM5100 but, so far, it’s been very elusive. How much does this machine cost?
Hellok Rene.
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
According to my sources, the Dream Creator XE VM 5100 is a little less costly than some of the other machines in this category. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [MSRP] is merely a gage that people use. Dealers have lots of flexibility when it comes to the final sales price. I suggest that you visit the authorized Brother dealers in your area and do a bit of price comparison and negotiating.
Happy stitching.
Vernelle is absolutely correct. I’ve had several Brother machines over the past number of years, & didn’t consider any other brand. Having just recently purchased this machine, some stores will price match or even better. This machine & my last Brother were, both, purchased half price (w/some incentives thrown in for good measure w/the latest). “No” should, always, be on the tip of one’s tongue. That is, until one can strike a deal that fits one’s pocket book.
I just bought my Dream Creator at a dealer, it was approx. $4,000
When you can catch them on sale they are around $5400.
I am picking one up tomorrow and the price is 5000.00. It comes with a bonus package…a mobile scanner and the PE Design Plus with Photostitch software and the custom rolling bag…the MRSP is 6999.
Around $5,000.00
I just looked at one of these machines at my local store and the price was 4999.99 with the features noted by Vicki. It also has a V-series upgrade which expands your machine’s embroidery area to 12″ x 8″. MSRP upgrade value is 289.99. This sale is good until the end of June.
I was going to purchase on last year (New) for $3500.00
I notice the comments on this are about 18 months ago. I am hoping to purchase the Brother 5100 embroidery machine and wondering if there is anywhere that we can purchase this machine for around $5500
I have been to 2 different Sew And Vac shops and they are not flexible on the price of this Machine….$5,800 is still steep for a 4 year old machine. Any advise for me as I really do want to purchase this one but not at over paying,
I purchased this machine in November 2017 and this was a huge upgrade for me I’m still learning and still have stuff I haven’t used yet. I got mine for around $4500 I could have gotten it cheaper at another location if I had paid cash…it was not an option for me…broywas running a 0 interest for 60 months on a 5000 purchase so I just purchased some additional items to reach the 5000 things I knew I would need.
Brother was running the zero interest I should have proofread
January 2019…….Just purchased the Vm5100 at a dealer for $5600, marked down for $6000. Comes with the package, roller carrier, etc. Perhaps the price has increased from 2016 price?? Would have liked the laser beam.
Does anyone know how to adjust the size of the embroidery satin stitch. On my old machine it was set at 0.12, but I don’t know where it is on this one.
Just want to correct something. It is NOT the only machine that you do not have to remove embroidery unit to sew. I have a Bernina 830 LE and I can sew without removing embroidery unit. Really enjoy your reviews.
Where can take classes to learn ho to ise this machine?