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Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since the NQ 700 PRW is a limited edition model, and is now discontinued. We have added alternatives such as JUKI TL-2000Qi, Juki HZL-F600, and Elna Elnita ec60.
During a visit to Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, I came across the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW, one more entry in the highly anticipated Brother Q line, and I got to reviewing it.
The NQ 700 PRW is a sewing and quilting machine that was designed for the beginner, but did not forget about the advanced home sewer who is in the market for a new sewing machine that is capable of satisfying the most demanding of tastes.
Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW Overview
The Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW is a computerized sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewists. It features 180 built-in stitches, including decorative stitches and 10 one-step buttonhole styles, and has a large LCD display for easy stitch selection and customization. The machine has advanced features such as automatic needle threading and trimming, and adjustable sewing speed control for precise stitching. Additionally, the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW has a wide sewing area of 8.3" x 4.1", making it suitable for larger projects.
The Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW has a monochromatic LCD screen, a series of control and function buttons that enable the user to take advantage of every singly sewing task with the touch of a finger.
Above the needle are the start/stop; needle up/down; reverse stitch; design stop and thread tie-off/cut buttons as well as the a variable speed slider.
The advanced needle threader is directly above the needle and on the left column. Below the needle is a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with seam guides.
On the right column is the LCD screen and a touch pad with a series of control buttons that not only control the stitch length and width, memory, mirror image and pivot functions among other things, menu buttons on this touch pad are also used in the stitch selection process.
A quick reference stitch selection guide and easy to follow threading and bobbin winding guides are beneath the lid along with the manual tension adjustment dial. Across the front is an 18 inch ruler and on the front right side is a place where the knee lifter is inserted.
What are some alternatives for Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW?
We have already mentioned in this review that Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW is a limited edition model and is no longer available. Here are some alternatives that we highly recommend.
Juki’s TL-2000Qi is a workhorse with an intimidating stitching speed, but it will not quite intimidate you because it is fairly easy to work with. If weight is an issue for you, it is a true industrial machine that weighs a lot. to counter that is extremely substantial. The device responds super quickly and gives you a rather smooth experience at the worktable. To save you time and tension while threading the needle, there is an automated threader. It's true that it takes a few attempts before you feel confident threading the needle. When working on large sewing or quilting tasks, the machine's working surface, which measures around 23 inches, is ideal. With the machine purchase, a flat-bed extension table is supplied to expand your workspace.
In order to hang on to the fabric and concentrate on the project you're working on, there is a knee lever that enables you to elevate or lower your presser foot without using your hands. For skilled and experienced sewers, this is useful. Since it is industrial in character and heavy-duty, this machine is ideal for professional sewers. It should last you for many years.
The Juki HZL-F600 takes the lead in the sewing and quilting machine industry. The tool has the potential to impress you with its professional performance and user-friendly features. Why should you invest in this machine? The reason is that it comes ahead with a sturdy motor designed to sew thick materials such as denim and several quilting layers, which other machines fail to do. Furthermore, you can unleash your creative side by making the most out of 255 stitch patterns and 16 buttonholes completely automatic. And do not forget the bonus part: it offers a large working space, bright LED lighting for you to navigate the instructions, and a box feed system to guarantee precision and ease so you can continue with your complicated sewing projects.
A flexible and easy-to-use computerized sewing machine, the Elna Elnita ec60 offers a number of functions for both beginner and experienced sewers. This machine can handle a variety of chores, from straightforward repairs to more challenging sewing tasks, thanks to its 60 built-in stitches, which include basic, decorative, and stretch stitches.
The Elna Elnita ec60's user-friendly LCD screen, which makes it simple to choose and modify stitches, stitch length, and stitch width, is one of its noteworthy characteristics. Additionally, the machine has an automatic needle threader that makes threading the needle simple and does not require hand threading.
This sewing machine's constant and accurate stitching is another advantage. Each stitch is even and accurate thanks to the machine's sophisticated features, which include a drop-in bobbin system that prevents jams, automated tension adjustment, and an adjustable speed control.
The Elna Elnita ec60 is light-weight and transportable, making it convenient to use for extended periods of time. The machine also includes a foot control, which makes it simple to manage the sewing machine's speed while allowing your hands to be free to control the cloth.
- Best purchase that lasts for a long time
- A small but strong structure
- Easy operation
- Highest level of value
- Upscale accessories
- More stitches may have been incorporated into the machine
What are the features on Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW?
- 180 built-in stitches including
- 40 combinable stitches
- 10 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles
- 5 Fonts
- 3 Alphanumeric fonts
- 1 Cyrillic
- 1 Japanese
- My Custom Stitch™
- Advanced needle threading system
- Quick-Set™ drop-in top bobbin
- Function buttons
- Start/stop
- Thread tie off and cut
- Design stop
- Reverse stitch
- Needle up/down
- Variable speed slider
- Manual tension adjustment
- Stitch memory
- Mirror image
- Pivot function
Working on the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW
On board guides simplify the process of threading the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW and winding the bobbin. There is even a guide to help with inserting the drop in bobbin and guiding the thread through so that it is easily picked up by the needle.
The hardest thing about using this machine is deciding which stitch to use first. The actual stitch selection process is not at all complicated.
All that is necessary is to identify the menu category in which the stitch is located, select the menu icon on the column then scroll through the menu until the desired stitch appears on the LCD screen and sew.
Even when sewing at top speed, the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW is whisper quiet and does not vibrate at all… a clear indication of a solid, well-built sewing machine.
The quality of the stitches is what I would call well above average. My only real concern about the stitches is the fact that some of the decorative stitches appeared to be less dense than I would like.
The situation, however, is easily remedied by adjusting the length and width until the desired density is achieved. Aside from that very small observation, I observed the stitches to be well formed, clearly defined and sturdy.
For this review I used a piece of plain cotton fabric and sampled several different utility and decorative stitch options. The manual tension adjustment was not an issue during the review.
I suspect the only time a use may have to change the default tension setting is if they were working with extremely delicate or thick fabric.
Which fabrics work on the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW?
| 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 | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
What accessories come with the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW?
Standard accessories:
- 7 Snap on presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Monogramming foot
- Overcasting foot
- Zipper foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Button fitting foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Extra needles
- Twin needle
- 4 Bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Eyelet punch
- Large screwdriver
- L shaped screwdriver
- Disc screwdriver
- Horizontal spool pin
- 4 Spool caps (1 large, 2 medium, 1 small)
- Thread spool insert
- Spool net
- Knee lifter
- Grid sheet set
- Owner’s manual
- Quick reference guide
- Accessories pouch
- Dust cover
Optional accessories:
- Additional presser feet
- Free motion echo quilting foot
- Quilting foot
- Free motion quilting foot
- Walking foot
- ¼” Quilting foot
- Quilting guide
- ¼” Quilting foot with guide
- Open toe foot
- Non-stick foot
- Stitch guide foot
- Adjustable zipper foot
- Straight stitch foot/needle plate set
- Pin tuck foot
- Roller foot
- Stitch in the ditch foot
- Side cutter
- Extension table
- Q-series roller bag set
- Free motion guide
- Bobbin clips
- Bobbin Work kit – includes:
- 20 free motion design templates
- Specialty bobbin case
- Small screwdriver
- Instructional CD rom
- Specialty thread bobbin cover
How to maintain the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW?
| 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 Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW Summary
To conclude my review, I like the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW for use by older beginners… people 12 years of age and up.
It is not a good option for younger children because there are too many options to take into consideration for most youngsters to deal with while learning the basics of sewing and sewing machine operation.
This sewing machine is also a great choice for the advanced home sewer who is looking for an uncomplicated computerized sewing machine that has all of the essential features, but not a lot of unnecessary bells and whistles or requires a lot of extraneous steps in order to complete a simple task.
The Brother NQ 700 PRW has a memory function, which allows the user to create and store their own customized stitch settings.
This is a definite plus when it comes to adjusting the default settings on those design stitch options that are less dense than some might prefer.
With this feature, the adjusted stitch setting could be saved and automatically executed every tie that stitch is used, without the user having to once again make adjustments to the stitch length and/or width.
The omission of some of the features that are found on many of the other machines in the Brother Q series like the Brother Innov-is NQ 1400, the Brother Innov-is NQ 3500, or even the Brother Project Runway Liited Edition NQ 900 PRW stands out, but not so much so that the missing features are deterrents to the machine’s functionality and user friendliness.
The difference results only in a lower price tag, which is a definite plus for some budgets. When it’s all said and done, the final decision as to which machine in the Brother Q series could very well depend entirely upon the personal financial circumstances of the buyer.
I think all of the machine in the Brother Q series are excellent. The Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW is definitely a winner. This machine feels, sounds and operates like a much more costly machine.
It is, in my opinion, durable and while only time will tell, I am inclined to believe that this is one of those sewing machines that will be around for quite a long time.
Beginners will be pleased with the Brother NQ 700 PRW because it is such an easy machine to learn to operate.
People who have bene sewing for many years will be able to appreciate this machine even more than beginners because they know beforehand what to expect.
Whether your sewing skills are at the beginner or advanced level or somewhere in between, I strongly urge you to visit your local Brother Innov-is dealer and take a long hard look at the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW before making a final decision as to which sewing machine to add to your sewing room.
Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW Review
Summary
The Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW is a computerized sewing machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 180 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. The machine also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a needle threader, a top-loading bobbin, a free arm, and a drop-in feed dog. The Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 700 PRW is a good option for those who are looking for a versatile and easy-to-use sewing machine.
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Happy Stitching.
I must be putting the bobbin in wrong or threading incorrectly. Is there a video that demonstrates the proper ways on the Brother Innovis nq700prw?
I’m having trouble threading my NQ700PRW. I need to sew face masks for a doctor’s appointment. Can you help me now, it’s 5:17 pm on Mon., April 13th?
I just bought my machine and I can’t find where I can use thread cones instead of spools. Pls help