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Brother Innov-Is 2800D Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Brother Innov-Is 2800D review was originally written in 2016, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is now discontinued, we have added similar alternatives such as Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, Janome Memory Craft 500E, and Brother PE545.
One day while visiting my friends at Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, FL, I came across a Brother Innov-Is 2800D. This machine has actually been on the market for a few years, but this was my first opportunity to review a Brother Innov-Is 2800D.
The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is a sewing and embroidery machine that features more than 100 Disney embroidery designs as well as enough sewing and decorative stitch options to more than satisfy nearly every home sewer’s wildest dreams.
Brother Innov-Is 2800D Overview
The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that offers a range of advanced features for the serious sewer and embroiderer. It features a large, high-resolution touchscreen display that allows for easy navigation and customization of embroidery designs, and a built-in camera that scans fabrics and automatically sets the embroidery settings for perfect results. The machine also has over 500 built-in embroidery designs and 232 built-in stitches, including essential stitches such as straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches, as well as stretch stitches and a one-step buttonhole function.
The Innov-Is 2800D also features an automatic needle threader, a programmable jump stitch cutting function, and a range of stitching options, including decorative stitches, quilting stitches, and more. Additionally, this machine has an exclusive sensor system that senses and adjusts to any fabric thickness for perfect, even feeding. It also includes a range of advanced sewing features such as a pivoting function for easy sewing around corners, a customizable stitch creator, and a range of specialized feet for different sewing tasks.
This product is now discontinued. We recommend trying out other alternatives that we have added to this post.
The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is equipped with an embroidery unit that when removed is replaced by an on board accessories case/work space. In addition, there is a large color LCD touch screen that is used to help users navigate through the sewing and embroidery stitches and designs.
Users are also able to access on board tutorials and guides through the touch screen as well.
On the right side of the column there is a card slot, a USB port and a port that was designed to allow the machine to be connected to an older computer. On the machine head, just above the needle is an advanced needle threader and function control buttons: start/stop; reverse/lock stitch; needle up/down; thread tie off/cut; presser foot up/down; and a speed control slider.
Beneath the needle, is a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with etched seam guides. A large, comfortable carrying handle disappears behind the lid when the machine is in use.\
What are some alternatives for the Brother Innov-Is 2800D?
We have mentioned in this review that the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is now a discontinued product. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.
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
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
If you are actively searching for an embroidery machine that is both compact and has user-friendly options, then we highly recommend you use the Brother PE545 Embroidery Machine. Why? The machine promises to amaze you with its amazing features that exist in the shape of a 3.7-inch color touchscreen, which lets you select designs easily and continue on-screen editing as well. The story does not end here, as you can enjoy using 135 built-in designs and the option of wireless connectivity. You can import your favorite designs through Brother’s Design Database Transfer if the existing patterns fail to appeal to you. Hence, you will find the machine irresistible to ignore.
- Affordable
- Compact design to easily use in smaller spaces
- The 4’’ x 4’’ embroidery area proves to be great for customizing clothes, accessories, and home decoration.
- Automatic needle threading
- Top-drop bobbin to save time, simplify your embroidery and reduce irritation.
- Single embroidery size
- Lack of sewing capability may upset sewing passionate
- Lack of versatility
What are the features on Brother Innov-Is 2800D?
More than 700 utility, decorative and quilting stitch options
- 129 Disney designs
- 314 Decorative stitches
- 14 one step buttonholes
- 3 alphanumeric fonts
- 340 on board embroidery designs.
- 129 designs with Disney® characters
- 10 monogram fonts
- 10 embroidery frames
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Reinforcement function
- Embroidery rotation: 1, 10 or 90 degree increments.
- Trial Position/Layout Adjustment
- 9 point trace
- On-screen editing
- Compatible with PE-Design/PED Basic design software.
- Sewing and embroidery design memory
- Ability to upgrade software via USB cable
- Advanced on-screen help
- Oversized LCD color touch screen
- Automatic Height Adjuster™ AHA™
- Pivot function
- Back to Beginning key
- Embroidery field 10 “ x 6”
- Dual USB ports
- Free motion stitching
- On board seam guides
Working on the Brother Innov-Is 2800D
Brother sewing machines are well known for being user friendly. That is certainly true in the case of the Brother Innov-Is 2800D.
Easy to follow on board guides simplify the process of winding the bobbin and threading the machine so much, I daresay a child as young as eight or nine will be able to master the process after just a few attempts.
Selecting the right stitch is almost as easy. All it takes is to select the stitch category on the touch screen.
The choices are: utility stitch, character/decorative stitch, embroidery, and embroidery edit. For this review, I first selected the utility stitch option.
From there, a visual icon of each available utility stitch choice was literally at my fingertips. After sampling several of the utility stitches, I moved on to the character/decorative stitch option and the results were the same. Regardless of which stitch option I selected, each stitch was perfect in every way – perfectly formed, well balanced and secure.
Which fabrics work on the Brother Innov-Is 2800D?
| 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) Upholstery Denim | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
What are the accessories that come with Brother Innov-Is 2800D?
As stated in the introduction, the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is not a brand new machine. In fact, research on the Brother website revealed that this particular machine is no longer listed with other Brother sewing and embroidery machines.
However, I was able to gain access to a comprehensive list of genuine Brother accessories that are compatible with the Innov-Is 2800D.
The bad news, however, is there was no way of determining which of the accessories listed below are included with the purchase of a new 2800D and which accessories are optional.
- Presser feet
- Binder foot
- Cording foot
- Non-stick foot
- Gathering foot
- ¼” Piercing foot
- Narrow hem foot
- Invisible zipper foot
- Free motion sewing foot
- Quilting foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Gathering foot
- Walking foot
- Braiding foot
- Fringe sewing foot
- Open toe foot
- Ruffle
- Pearls/sequins foot
- Cording foot (5 or 7 groove)
- Adjustable zipper foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Button attaching foot
- Stitch guide foot
- Straight stitch foot
- Edge joining foot
- Pintuck foot
- Candlewicking foot
- Bobbins
- Scissors
- Threads
- Extension table
- My custom Stitch software
- Embroidery hoops
- Stabilizer
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Screwdriver
- On board accessory case
How to maintain the Brother Innov-Is 2800D?
| 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 | Yes | No |
Brother Innov-Is 2800D Summary
The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is one of those combination sewing and embroidery machines that is not only user friendly, but durable. This particular model has been discontinued, but available at those authorized Brother Innov-Is dealers who still have some in stock.
The machine that I reviewed was the very last one of in stock at Ace Sewing and Vacuum. I found the Brother Innov-Is 2800D to be an excellent choice for the person who is adept at sewing and quilting by machine, but new to machine embroidery.
However, it is also an ideal option for the seasoned sewing and machine embroidery enthusiast who has chosen to dedicate more time to creating an extended array of machine embroidery designs. The Brother 2800D is a very good alternative to the brand new line of Brother combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machines simply because dealers are no doubt willing to offer more flexible pricing options.
With more than 100 Disney embroidery designs, the Innov-Is 2800D would be a great addition to the sewing room of a mom with young children or a grandmother who does a lot of sewing for the little ones.
I especially like the way the Brother Innov-Is 2800D sews. Not only are the stitches perfect in every way imaginable, regardless of the selected stitch option, this machine is solidly built.
I didn’t experience any vibration whatsoever, and even when running at the highest speed setting, the Brother 2800D is whisper quiet. There are so many advantages to owning this machine, I am tempted to wonder why the folks at Brother stopped making it.
With this in mind, however, I must add that the newer models, especially the newest series of sewing, quilting and embroidery machines from Brother … the Q line … seem to be even more sturdily built and offer features that are simply not available on this one.
My final word on the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is if you want the experience of a solidly built combination sewing and embroidery machine without having to spend top dollar, take the time to investigate the 2800D for yourself. You just might discover that, like a gently used automobile, a good used model is every bit as good as one that is fresh from the factory.
This is not to say that a brand new machine is not a good investment. However, in the real world, not everyone is in a position to invest in a brand new sewing machine when they are in the market to upgrade the equipment in their sewing room.
Investing in an older model machine that is either brand new and as yet unsold or a trade-in is a much wiser choice than making a decision to purchase a newer model sewing machine that is available for sale through a big box store or via the internet. Far too often, I receive e-mails from people who purchase machines from these sources who are disappointed with their machines and have very little recourse when it comes to customer service.
I repeatedly tell people that in the long run, they will much better if they save their money and invest in a sewing machine sold by an independent authorized dealer. It is the only way to be assured of the hands on customer service, training and caring relationship that makes owning a new sewing machine the most positive and productive experience it could possibly be.
Brother Innov-Is 2800D Review
Summary
The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is a sewing and embroidery machine that has a 7″ color LCD touch screen, 340 built-in stitches, 100 embroidery designs, and a large embroidery field of 10″ x 6″. 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 and not as portable as some other machines.
One of the standout features of the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is the Automatic Height Adjuster (AHA), which automatically adjusts the height of the needle to accommodate different fabric thicknesses. This can be helpful for getting consistent stitches and avoiding skipped stitches.
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Happy Stitching.
Vernelle, I too have sewn a long time but I am having trouble just learning how to sew decorative stitches on my 2800D. I bought my machine in another state so I didn’t (big mistake) get any lessons. It took me two years not to be afraid of it. I like to sew heirloom dresses for my great-grandaughters so I especially wanted to do scallops, and decorative designs. I can’t figure out how to set up the machine to get me to the point of actual sewing. Any help you could give me would be very appreciated. thank you, Beverly
What is a good price to pay for a used 2800D machine with low Embroidery Stitches?
This may be off topic, but about 6 months ago I purchased a Brother Innov-is 2500D as is off eBay. I paid $400 for the machine and it works fantastic except…no embroidery unit. I never thought about it when i paid so little for it. I just assumed the embroidery unit would be included.
So I am looking for a replacement embroidery unit that won’t cost me $1000.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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I was able to to purchase a used Brother Innov-is 2800d and love it, but I do have the opportunity to trade it in on a Baby Lock- Is there a Baby Lock that would be as good and a step above this one?
Besides upgrading the Disney designs can you do other up grades on my 2800D