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Brother Innovis 950D Review (2025 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Brother Innovis 950D review was originally written in 2016, and has been revised and edited in 2025. We have added alternatives such as Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, Brother PE545, EverSewn Sparrow X2.
When I reviewed the Brother Innovis 950D, my initial thoughts about a sewing machine that does absolutely everything were pretty much confirmed.
Brother Innovis 950D Overview
The Innovis 950D by Brother is a commercial grade embroidery machine that starts out its list of features with 105 inbuilt embroidery designs, including 35 special Disney designs, and 10 one step autosize buttonholes. There is an Embroidery Design Boutique CD included in the box that features another 126 embroidery designs. The UI of this model is extremely helpful and a cakewalk to use. The device allows sideways stitching and allows you to customise your stitches and patterns via the My Custom Stitch program.
When I first spied this machine, I was tempted to believe it was a child’s machine or at best, a portable sewing machine for carrying to class or traveling. Upon further examination, however, I saw a whole lot more.
The Brother Innovis 950D is probably the first compact sewing machine I’ve encountered that comes with a detachable embroidery unit, an extension table and a free arm.
It also has a USB port, a slot for memory cards, a variable speed slider, needle up and down on-board bobbin winding and thread guide graphics that are so plainly designed even a child in elementary school could easily follow them.
What are some alternatives for Brother Innovis 950D?
The Brother Innovis 950D is a decent sewing machine but there are departments where it is lacking. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.
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.
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
The EverSewn Sparrow X2 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, dubbed a "next-generation" machine, eliminates the requirement for USB design import and instead uses the free EverSewn Pro app to modify and transfer devices using a phone, tablet, or laptop. Literally, you can operate your device's stitching without being close to your machine.
Given that it lacks a sizable computerized display for on-machine design editing, this machine does in fact rely on the use of a compatible device and dependable Wi-Fi. For that, you must depend on the app.
Some advantages of this machine include automatic tension adjustment, automated thread trimming, and automatic needle threading. 100 embroidery patterns and a 4.75" x 7" hoop are included in the Eversewn Sparrow X2. As it can also be used as a sewing machine, it offers 120 different stitch options.
What are the features on Brother Innovis 950D?
For a machine this small, the Brother Innovis 950D is loaded with accessories, many of which are found only on much larger, more costly machines.
- 105 built-in embroidery designs
- 35 Disney designs
- 6 alphanumeric embroidery fonts
- 3 alphanumeric sewing fonts
- 10 one step buttonholes
- My Custom Stitch™
- Sew Nice Pic™ Frame for added customization
- Embroidery Design Boutique CD featuring 126 additional designs
- Maximum embroidery area of 4″ x 4″
- Adjustable pressure foot pressure
- Sideways stitching
Working on the Brother Innovis 950D
On-board graphic decals almost make winding the bobbin and threading the Brother Innovis 950D child’s play every step of the way. Attaching and removing the embroidery unit and extension table are quick and easy.
The backlit LCD screen not only helps with stitch selection, but also guides you through the process of stitch adjustment, selecting the right presser foot and making your stitches truly yours.
My only concern, however, is that the quality of the stitches, especially the decorative and quilting stitches is, in my opinion, lacking to say the least.
Since quilting was one of the major selling points for the Brother Innovis 950D, I decided to test its quilting capability. When working with utility stitch options, I was not impressed, though not disappointed.
They were tight, well formed and well defined. However, when I attempted working with some of the decorative stitching options, I was not impressed with the results at all. They were inconsistent and, to be honest, rather disappointing.
In addition, I find that sewing on the Brother Innovis 950D is not the most comfortable sewing experience. The machine tends to be a bit noisy and for lack of a better term, “clunky”.
Bearing in mind that I was sewing in the quilting mode for most of this review, I think it runs more smoothly when working with no more than two or three fabric layers.
What fabrics work on the Brother Innovis 950D?
| 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) | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Upholstery |
What accessories come with the Brother Innovis 950D?
- 7 Presser feet
- Buttonhole foot
- Overcasting foot
- Zipper Foot
- Zigzag foot
- Button fitting foot
- Monogramming foot
- Blindstitch foot
- Embroidery foot
- Hard Cover for the machine
- Separate cover for the embroidery unit
- Seam ripper
- 4 bobbins with bobbin clips
- Needle set
- Twin needle
- Lint brush
- Eyelet punch
- Screwdriver
- Touch pen
- 3 spool caps
- Spool pin
- Spool net
- Scissors
- Disc-shaped screwdriver
- Accessory case
- Bobbin thread
- Picture frame
- Instructional CD
- Owner’s manual
How to maintain the Brother Innovis 950D?
| 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 Innovis 950D Summary
To conclude my review, the Brother Innovis 950D might be a great machine for people who want to just do some straight sewing and a little embroidery and quilting. However, my feeling is that if you are going to spend this kind of money, you could do much better by making a different choice.
Not only is the machine on the noisy side, the stitch quality is questionable. My biggest disappointment came when I attempted the alligator stitch. If you take a moment to compare the photos, you can clearly see what I mean.
If you ask me, the end result doesn’t look at all like the graphic on the screen. I am willing to concede that the gators I sewed were made on thick fabric and a quilting foot.
However, in my opinion, that should make very little difference. Several of the other stitch options I selected during this review came out with questionable results as well, though not as obviously distorted as this one.
The threading process is one of the simplest, easiest to follow I’ve see on a new sewing machine. I have no doubt a child in elementary school would have no difficulty whatsoever threading this machine or winding its bobbin.
When I consider the multiple functions, interchangeable quilting frame and extension table, and again, stitch quality, however, I couldn’t honestly recommend this one for anyone who intends to really use it for a long time.
At just a little over 16 pounds, the Brother Innovis 950D is lightweight – which is a definite plus on my review, and it looks good with a cute lavender motif; it has the potential for being a good way for someone who is new to sewing to determine whether they prefer straight sewing, machine embroidery or machine quilting; but is that worth the investment? If so, then this might be the sewing machine for you.
It’s hard to make a really good sewing machine that can sew, quilt and embroider, especially when it’s a compact 16 pound portable. The people at Brother made a great attempt, but fell a bit short.
I always had reservations about sewing machines that are designed to perform too many tasks. While there are some sewing, quilting and embroidery machines on the market that perform well, this isn’t one of them.
Brother Innovis 950D Review
Summary
The Brother Innov-is 950D is a sewing and embroidery machine that offers a wide range of features. It has a large color LCD screen, a built-in embroidery module, and a number of sewing stitches. The machine is also very easy to use, thanks to its intuitive controls.
Overall, the reviewer of the Brother Innov-is 950D found it to be a good machine for sewers and embroiderers of all levels. They recommended it for those who are looking for a machine with a lot of features and that is easy to use.
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Happy Stitching.
I have been using the Brother Innov-ís 950D for over 3 years now. It is my take to class and traveling machine vs hauling around my heavy Innov-ís 4000D. As I had 14 days to return the machine if it did not meet my needs I did a stitch test of every pattern on this machine, embroidery and sewing and the quality is amazing! I used a heavy cotton duck fabric for my tests, and always the proper foot. I even did some exact designs on both machines and asked the sewing class ladies which machine stitched the designs, they could not tell the difference!
When the patterns are stitched with the Proper foot and correct material, for the design being stitched, you will have a great looking project every time. And if you can not invest in a large machine this is the machine to get.
If I am embroidering a 4″ x 4″ design, or smaller, I ALWAYS use my 950D machine.
I love this machine!
I own a Brother Innov-is 6000D and the smaller Brother 950D. I love both machines but use the smaller machines mostly for sewing and the big brother for embroidery only. The only improvement the 950 could offer is an improved table. Occasionally the table will pop off the machine when in use even when the bottom feet are adjusted well. I’m considering the purchase of the “Sew Steady Table” to replace the table that comes with the Brother 950 machine.
I totally agree with your post. I am the owner of the Brother 950 D and a big Brother Innovis 6000D machine. I love both machines and the stitches on my small Brother 950 D machine stitch out just as nice as on the big Brother machine I own. The owners manuals on both machines are easy reads. I love both machines but I have to share that I spent 3 hours in a class to learn the features offered on the new Brother Dream machine. The Brother Dream machine, does indeed take ones breath away!
I have a problem the bobin threat is coming Up when I make a embroidery
Hello, Lise –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Have you tried different tension settings? Sometimes that is all that is needed to correct the problem. Also… When was the last time your Innov-is 950D was serviced? It might just need a minor adjustment by an authorized service provider.
Happy stitching.
Can anyone teach me how to use brother nv950? I’m a newbie in sewing, and is it compulsory to use brother threads? Please help me… Tq
I bought 950D about a year and a half ago and I love it. I’ve had a couple of challenges with it along the way but being that I was still a “newbie” also when I got it I can’t say that it was due to poor quality or machine error. If you still need some help or have any questions, let me know. I couldn’t find anyone to help me when I needed it so I understand how frustrating it can be. Enjoy your machine and happy sewing =)
I like my little sewing machine. The only real problem I’ve found is that it does not like Fleece in comparison with my very old Singer which I just got fixes. I feel the feed dogs are not up to dragging all that material through the machine. Love the stitches and embroidery. I do not quilt. Thanks for the review. — Kathy
Can I use a Brother SA538 Screw Down Metal Seam Guide on this machine? I love my machine!!!!
Hello, Rachel –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Because of the electrical and computerized components inside this machine, I think you should first consult with your local authorized Brother dealer before using a metal screw that does not come with the machine as an original accessory. Like all computerized sewing machines, the 950 has sensitive magnetic and electronic units that could be damaged by the introduction of something not intended for that specific machine.
Happy stitching.
Thank you so much for a through review. I got this machine in August after having it on lay away for 10 months. I do not have much money, and I should have done a little more research before such a purchase. I have not been happy with this machine at all. The sewing stitches are fine (I already had a machine that could do that), but the embroidery has never worked right, my sole reason for purchase. I think I will take it back into the shop and see what they can do. Lets just hope I can get it to work for long enough to make some money to purchase a better machine.
Oh my . . . so sorry. I’ve had nothing but excellent results from my little Brother 950 machine. Yes, do take it back to the shop. You deserve a machine that serves you well and does nice sewing stitches and embroidery.
hello , i love the my machine 950 but it suddenly developed a little problem , the thread keeps cutting when i try to sew . i have checked that the bobbin is well seated and i have cleaned . i have also read through the error list on the manual , but still yet its not working . please id like to be replied asap. i currently have a project i am working on , and i had tp pause all work and I’m running out of time .
thanks .
i currently don’t have any local dealer as I’m in Nigeria .
I have the 950D and it is not cutting the thread, I took bobbin out and cleaned it but still not cutting, any other suggestions?
Sounds like it is in need of service. Good luck. I own the same little machine. I take it in for cleaning and service once a year. I’ve never had an issue with mine and I use it on a regular basis.
I have the 950 an the problem I’ve got is i can’t get the tension right at all can anyone she’d some light as what i can do please I’ve gone through all from 1-7
My 950 sewing machine is sewing backwards. How do I correct it. Anyone who knows how to correct it, please help.
I have the 950d. Bought at a garage sale for ten dollars. Love it. Although I now have five project that all need buttonholes and cannot seem to make it work. Pulled down the lever but not sure what do do last that. help. I just ordered a new machine hoping I can figure out the new one
Me compré un innovis 950D , y nose como usar la aplicación de costura , no suben los dientes.solo la uso para bordar pero la compré con la idea de usar las sos funciones .
Hi just purchased this machine Luv it only thing didn’t receive the slot card that fits in machine is there any way to purchase one??? Thx
hola me sale en mi maquina el dispositivo de seguridad se ha activado.. me pueden decir como se soluciona eso?
sorry i am unable to help. you will need to reach out to your nearest repair center
Would you happen to know what year this model was released in? I can’t find it anywhere!