BrotherSkitch PP1 Embroidery Machine, 100 x 100 mm Embroidery Area, Artspira App Operated, Personalisation Machine, Grey

I'm amazed this was released in the UK so quickly! First of all, if you have any pes files at all then don't bother with the paid version of the app, it's the same old designs we have had bundled in for free for decades now and they recently updated so you can import your own files and modify them without having to upgrade. Just email them to yourself and download on your phone.It's compatible with the Brothread thread packs and doublin size A 60S/2 (60S2) bobbins, both available on amazon UK. I used the brothread tear away stabilizer, had it dead centre on tension and it was perfection.The single thing which needs highlighting is that the hoop size is 100mm x 100mm. This means that only a fraction of the designs on the app are available to you, both free and paid. This hoop though, just amazing! You take a picture of it before transferring the design to the machine and you can not only see your design but also reposition it within the hoop. There is also a feature within the app where if the thread breaks, and mine did once because I missed the 5 slot when threading, you can take it back to the very stitch where it broke, and it's actually super easy to match them up and completely avoid disaster - I could never have done that on any of my earlier machinesSuch a good machine, although no, it's not the one you want for adult hoodies or shirt slogans. What you can do is add details to pockets, baby clothes, pet stuff, hankies, napkins, tea cosy and so on, using the latest technology but without having to pay thousands. Ok without the app it's a brick, but I doubt the app is going anywhere within the next 10 years and at that point my skitch will absolutely be worn out with use.I'm a pfaff user and tbh, I think I'm going to stop saving for the fancy creative now, if I do upgrade in the future it would have to be a brother as I'd miss the app features too much and this, my dear sewing friends, I suspect is the whole point of brother making this adorable fantastic machine.

This machine is decent when it actually works but getting it to work is a nightmare. I’ve had it about a year now and it works about 1/20 times I try to use it. Every time there is a new problem and no real resources to help fix it. I have used the brother support website and app and they don’t have any help for 90% of the issues I’ve faced, just common sense stuff. That is if the app even works as half of the time it crashes before you can even really use it. It’s a half baked product that needs lots more work. It could’ve been so good. Also the app is only really useful for pre-made designs or drawing your own (which takes some practice, even if you are used to drawing digitally), the photo to embroidery feature is terrible and importing files is also really difficult, which to be fair could be my fault. The only plus sides are that it’s quite small and not as expensive as other machines, but I’d rather have one that actually worked.

I was looking forward to a machine that was easy to use, affordable but highly disappointed. Wish I could return it and buy a different one. Keeps jamming, loosing signal with app, additional money for use of app. You need high quality materials such as cotton. Good quality threads, or it will just break. So far in six months managed three napkins. Wasn't fit for purpose, now need to find more money for different machine.

I will preface this review with some information. We haven't been able to extensively test the machine in the time frame we've been given. However I am able to form an opinion from inspecting the machine and a test runThe machine itself is well packaged and protected. The machine feels very solid and appears to be well engineered. The plastics feel good quality as do all the buttons and surfaces. The standout features here are the free arm and the magnetic hoop frame. This makes things s easier and opens up options for all sorts of clothing types. After reading the manual it isn't too hard to setup. I have no real experience with machines like these but I was able to follow it and get it running.The biggest issue is the APP and it's subscription service. The Skitch will only work with the APP. There is no way to connect it to a PC or utilise your own embroidery software. Even importing designs into the APP isn't straightforward and requires a work around. What nearly ruins the entire machine is the subscription model. Many designs, fonts etc are behind a £9.99 per month subscription. This almost unforgivable until you learn that until recently even your ability to create your own designs was also locked behind the same pay wall. Fortunately Brother listened to the criticism and have moved this to the free tier. I do question though why does a £449 need one?A well throughout and engineered machine that is almost rendered unusable by an APP with a subscription model. Fortunately it doesn't render the machine useless. I would urge Brother to add additional support for Windows and allow people the opportunity to get the most out of their machines.

The media could not be loaded. Great little embroidery machine. Bit of a learning curve. Use a spool stand and make sure you thread the machine correctly… easy to miss a step resulting shredded thread. Nicely tensioned embroidery. I use it for quilt labels and “dad hats”. Great for the price.

long awaited and finally received, absolutely love the machine already spent hours practicing and shared to family and friends, cannot wait to start some bigger projects

What sells as an easy to use machine just fails to deliver. Being app based and trying to create your own designs on a mobile phone just doesn’t work, you just can’t get the detail you want. First 3-4 runs were ok before constant jams and needle breaks. Even when it was running you couldn’t take your eyes off it because as soon as you did a thread snapped. Biggest waste of my money in a long time, more headaches than success.