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Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D review was originally written in 2015, and has been modified and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, Janome Memory Craft 500E, and Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E.
One of the machines in the Brother Q series is the Innov-is NQ 3500D, a sewing, quilting, and embroidery machine that offers 35 embroidery designs featuring Disney characters. I had an opportunity to review this very user friendly combination machine while visiting Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D Overview
The Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is a sophisticated sewing and embroidery machine that blends advanced technology with user-friendly features. With its expansive 6.2-inch color touchscreen display, users can easily navigate through its 290 built-in stitches, 10 one-step buttonholes, and 173 built-in embroidery designs. The machine also has a built-in USB port, allowing for additional design downloads and updates. The Innov-is NQ 3500D has a large embroidery area and advanced needle threading technology, making it easy to create intricate designs with precision and ease. It also features a programmable pivot function, allowing users to stop the needle in the fabric and turn corners without lifting the presser foot. The machine has a My Custom Stitch feature that allows users to create and save their own custom stitches, and a quick-set bobbin system that simplifies bobbin winding and changing. With its combination of advanced technology and intuitive design, the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is an excellent choice for sewing and embroidery enthusiasts looking to take their creativity to the next level.
The familiar Mickey Mouse silouhette on the column is a dead giveaway that the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is in some way tied to Disney characters.
The particular machine I reviewed also had a removable Mickey Mouse decal on the workspace surface. There is an LCD touchscreen with a touchpad beneath containing a series of function control buttons. Function buttons above the needle and workspace include start/stop; needle up/down; design stop; thread tie off and cut; presser foot up/down; and a variable speed slider.
Above the needle, you will also find Brother’s advanced needle threader and beneath the needle is a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with clearly defined seam guides. There is also an on board stitch selection guide beneath the lid and a double sided accessory case that doubles as work space when the machine is used in the sewing mode and a ruler along with a slot for the knee lift to be inserted on front.
The free arm is accessible when the case is not attached. The Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D also has an embroidery unit which is attached when it is time to create embroidery designs.
What are some alternatives for Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D?
We have reviewed several embroidery machines similar to Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D and here are some alternatives that we highly recommend.
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
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.
What are the features on Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D?
- 290 on board utility and decorative stitches including:
- 58 combinable stitches
- 10 one-step auto-size buttonholes
- 5 sewing lettering fonts
- 173 built-in embroidery designs
- 35 designs featuring Disney characters
- 140 frame pattern combinations
- 11 embroidery lettering fonts
- More than 5,000 designs available for purchase through iBroidery.com
- Embroidery area 6″x10″
- Upper and lower thread sensors
- Adjustable presser foot pressure[ Automatic Height Adjuster™ … AHA®]
- Pivot Function
- Enhanced My Custom Stitch™ allows users to combine and edit custom and built-in sample stitches
- Embroidery mode on-screen editing enables:
- letter editing
- enhanced zoom
- resizing
- rotating
- repositioning
- combining designs
Working on the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D
The most difficult part of setting up the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D for use is deciding whether you want to sew, quilt or embroider.
Regardless of the mode you finally settle upon, the process of threading the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is the same. All that is necessary is to follow the easy to understand threading and bobbin winding guides.
The embroidery unit and accessories slide into place and can be removed with ease. It is important to remember, however, to turn the machine off before removing the embroidery unit.
When in the sewing or embroidery mode, the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D can be operated with the accessory case attached, making for a functional useful work surface, or with the accessory case removed, exposing the convenient free arm.
The stitch selection process is as uncomplicated as selecting a stitch design from the stitch selection guide to determine which category it falls into then using the menu buttons to go into that category and using the control buttons on the touchpad located beneath the touch screen to bring up the stitch you want.
If you want to change the default stitch length and width settings, simply use your finger tip to touch the icon in the upper right hand corner of the touchscreen.
Directional arrows on the touchpad make it possible for you to adjust the length and/or width to accommodate your specific requirements for customizing stitches to suit your needs at the time.
You have the option of saving frequently used stitch adjustments for future use. For this review, I sampled several utility and decorative stitches.
Not only was each stitch perfectly formed, sturdy and well defined, the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is quite, you can tell from the feel of it that this machine is solid and very well built.
I also sampled the machine while in the embroidery mode. The embroidery unit very easily slides onto the machine and locks in place. The embroidery hoop slides onto the unit and is locked into place by a small lever.
The embroidery designs are easily accessible. Selecting a design starts by first going into the menu and then scrolling through to identify the desired. User friendly on board helps enable users to make adjustments to design size and placement is as easy as can be.
In fact, it was not necessary for me to refer to the owner’s manual during this review a single time. For this part of the review, I decided to combine a frame with a monogram.
Executing this design was as easy as positioning the frame first and then the initial, then touching the start/stop button. When the frame was done, the machine stopped and sounded a soft beep.
Although I could have changed thread colors, I opted to use the same color for both steps in the interest of time. I simply touched the start/stop button a second time and in less than ten minutes, the entire design was finished… and done perfectly.
Which fabrics work on the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D?
| 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 Innov-is NQ 3500D?
Standard accessories:
- 13 Snap on presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Monogramming foot
- Overcasting foot
- Zipper foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Button fitting foot
- Embroidery foot
- Open toe foot
- Non-stick foot
- Stitch guide foot
- Adjustable zipper/piping foot
- Free-motion quilting foot
- Needle set
- 4 Bobbins
- Bobbin center pin and instruction sheet
- Seam ripper
- Scissors
- Cleaning brush
- Eyelet punch,
- 4 Screwdrivers (1 large/1 small/l-shaped/disc-shaped)
- Horizontal spool pin
- 4 Spool caps (1 large/2 medium/1 small)
- Thread spool insert (mini king thread spool)
- Spool net
- Knee lifter
- Standard bobbin case
- Alternate bobbin case
- 2 Embroidery frames
- 6” x 10”
- 5” x 7”
- Embroidery bobbin thread (60 weight, white)
- Accessory bag, Hard case
- Grid sheet set
- Owner’s manual
- Quick reference guide
- Embroidery design guide,
- Disney, Registration sheet
Optional accessories:
- Extension table
- Free motion guide
- Rolling bag set
- Pre-wound embroidery bobbins
- Snap on presser feet
- ¼” Piecing foot with or without guide
- 5 Piece embellishing pack:
- Stitch in the ditch foot
- Roller foot
- Piping foot
- Edge joining foot
- Gathering foot
How to maintain the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D?
| 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 NQ 3500D Summary
The Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is an excellent sewing and embroidery machine. It is so easy to use, one might be tempted to use it to teach children the art of sewing and machine embroidery.
However, I strongly encourage budding home sewers younger than 12 or 13 years of age to use single function machines before venturing into the world of computerized combination machines like this one.
It is, however, a good machine for beginners who are in high school, but only high school students who are focused enough to understand that it is necessary for them to first learn and master the basics of sewing machine operation before attempting anything fancy like machine embroidery. Having said all of that, I think the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is one of the most user friendly combination machines I have seen to date.
I love the ease with which you can select stitches and embroidery designs then execute them using simplified on board aids that are easy to follow even without the use of an instruction manual. I do not, however, recommend that anyone operate the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D without first reading the manual and taking advantage of any and all classes in the machine’s use, operation and maintenance before working on it.
The Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is more than just user friendly. It is solid, well built and does not vibrate at all. It is also affordably priced. This is one of those sewing and embroidery machines that really needs to be seen to be believed. Very seldom do I come across a sewing machine that I cannot find a single thing to criticize or complain about, but this is one.
Anyone who might be interested in adding a combination sewing and embroidery machine to their sewing room should make it a priority to visit their local authorized Brother Innov-is dealer and ask for a demonstration.
Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D Review
Summary
The Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 290 built-in sewing stitches, including 173 embroidery designs, and an adjustable stitch length and width. It also features a large workspace, an Automatic Height Adjuster (AHA) feature, and a Pivot function. The NQ 3500D is a portable machine with a lightweight metal frame and a soft cover.
The Brother Innov-is NQ 3500D is a good choice for sewists who are looking for a versatile and easy-to-use machine. It is also a good option for those who are interested in learning how to embroider.
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Happy Stitching.
I really appreciate your website & all your reviews. Just wanted to share with people who are in the market for a new machine. Please do your shopping!!!! Locally where I live, sales people wanted at least $1,000 more for the exact models. For example, a Babylock Aventura was quoted to me $3,499 + $299 Gold Standard (warranty). I called a couple of stores 2 hours away & my price was $2,999 including Gold Standard warantee. So buying local does not mean cheaper.
I also looked at a Brother . In my town, asking price for a discontinued model (which I was not aware) INNOV-IS 2800D, $3,499 + $262 tax. Once I again I checked another store 90 miles away & was given a price of $2,500 (tax included) plus owner is driving to my city to deliver it. It pays to shop around, let your finger do the walking & hagling.
I am interested in one
I am interested in one can u send me price??
I have been looking at a quilting and embroidery machine. Could you tell me the difference between the Innovis NQ 3500D and the Innovis NQ2750D?
Great review! I just purchased this at my local store thinking I was getting a heck of a deal, almost 1/2 price, lol. Ummm normal price! Yes do your price comparison shopping for sure!
Where do I get the optional accessories for the NQ 3500D?
Would like to have also seen a review on quilting abilities for this machine! I have never had to much success trying to quilt on a sewing machine
I buy my optional accessories on Amazon
I also am interested in this machine and the answer to the question about difference between 3500D and NQ 2750D
Hi. I bought my Brother nq3500d for a retirement present a couple years ago. I had used it some over the last 2 years, but just recently I have begun to finally use the embroidery and feel so much more comfortable making the designs. But I few questions for you. I recently saw a video on YouTube that demonstrated some “how-to’s” for this machine. I was surprised when he showed how to change the bobbin case. He said the one is for embroidery only and the alternate bobbin case was for utility sewing. I had never heard that before and I didn’t remember seeing any other bobbin case with my acessories. I looked and sure enough, I didn’t get one. I looked in the manual and it is listed in there as something I should have received. But there us NO mention of having to change it in the manual. So is it true that I have to change the bobbin case for utility sewing? My other question is can I use regular thread when utility sewing for the upper and bobbin thread? Or do I have to use the embroidery thread on top and the special bobbin thread? I know there is a chart in the manual that shows the types of materials with the recommended needle sizes and kinds of threads. But someone told me that I had to use the embroidery thread and the special bobbin thread no matter if I am sewing or embroidering. And that if I used ither thread it would ruin my machine. I hope you can clarify for me?
Hi. I bought my Brother nq3500d for a retirement present a couple years ago. I had used it some over the last 2 years, but just recently I have begun to finally use the embroidery and feel so much more comfortable making the designs. But I few questions for you. I recently saw a video on YouTube that demonstrated some “how-to’s” for this machine. I was surprised when he showed how to change the bobbin case. He said the one is for embroidery only and the alternate bobbin case was for utility sewing. I had never heard that before and I didn’t remember seeing any other bobbin case with my acessories. I looked and sure enough, I didn’t get one. I looked in the manual and it is listed in there as something I should have received. But there is NO mention of having to change it in the manual. So is it true that I have to change the bobbin case for utility sewing? My other question is can I use regular thread when utility sewing for the upper and bobbin thread? Or do I have to use the embroidery thread on top and the special bobbin thread? I know there is a chart in the manual that shows the types of materials with the recommended needle sizes and kinds of threads. But someone told me that I had to use the embroidery thread and the special bobbin thread no matter if I am sewing or embroidering. And that if I used ither thread it would ruin my machine. I hope you can clarify for me?