Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is my third Brother machine, and overall I am happy with the product, but it is not perfect. There are a lot of reviews that state there are problems with the tension on this machine, and yes, I am finding that to be an issue. It seems that it doesn't matter how I adjust the tension, it just won't get it right. I have tried googling the problem and doing all of the required things- changing thread, changing the needle, changing the bobbin, etc, and nothing seems to work. There is as feature on the machine that when you stop stitching, it does one more stitch to finish in the down position (you can change it to finish up as well), when the machine does that, I am left with a large loop in my line of stitches. Since I like many of the other features, and this is a new machine, it looks like I will have to have it serviced (still under warranty, so I hope they can fix it). Otherwise, the machine is quiet, I find the light to be just the right brightness, threading and winding the bobbin are easy, and I really love the adjustable speed control. Essentially, you get what you pay for. If you sew on a weekly basis or do a lot of heavy duty sewing, this may not be the right machine for you. If you sew occasionally as a hobby or just to mend items, then this machine will work just fine (Assuming you can get the tension problems solved). Also, compared to my 20 year old brother that is all metal and weighs a ton, this does feel "cheap" as it is mostly plastic and very lightweight. I think that is more a sign of the times considering that most modern items are made with more plastic parts than metal. **Update: March 31, 2015** So after continued research, I have discovered the key to tension on this machine! Number one thing is that you MUST thread the machine with the needle AND presser foot in the UP position. I used to thread my old machine with the foot down so that I could see the needle better, but for this machine, it is essential that it be in the up position! Also, in the manual it says that "5" is the average tension for basic fabrics (cotton, cotton blends, poly, etc.)- for this machine though, that is NOT the average. I am having to sew with a tension between 3 and 4 for basic fabrics, and that helps a lot! Also, in my review above, I stated that when the needle finishes in the down position, I was getting strange loops in my thread. I changed that so that the needle finishes in the up position (instructions are in the manual), and that has solved that problem. So, don't give up! It might be a pain to solve some of these problems, but well worth it once they are fixed!