The machine arrived, taken out of the box and it was set up – so shiny and new, so many accessories to find a home for. That wasn’t hard, as everything has its home within the accessory tray within the flatbed attachment (a large amount of space front and back to accommodate everything, plus some!). The standard machine feet have their own space and lock into place – perfect for taking the machine to classes or ASG groups without them moving everywhere and potentially getting lost. Read our Brother NV1800Q Review.
Quick Overview
Sewing and quilting machine
- 290 built-in stitches, including 58 combinable stitches, 10 one-step buttonhole styles, and 5 sewing fonts
- 8.3in from needle to arm
- included wide table for large projects such as quilts
- Sideways sewing
- Automatic Height Adjuster (AHA) feature
- Pivot Function for fast and easy fabric manipulation
- My Custom Stitch feature allows the creation of personalized stitches
- Improved sewing with longer feed dogs and zigzag foot
- Reinforcement stitch button to automatically sew a tie-off stitch and to easily sew a row of decorative stitches
- Advanced needle threading system and automatic thread tension
- Jam-resistant Quick-Set drop-in top bobbin
- Hard case included
- Wide range of included accessories
RRP (AUD): $
Warranty: 5 year return to base (RTB)
Time to turn this amazing piece of machinery on and start playing. The machine is quiet at start-up, and the amount of lighting is fantastic. Threading and bobbin winding are as simple as one-two-three, all you need to do is follow the numbers illustrated on the machine face. Steps 7 to 9 for the machine threading are the automatic needle threader.
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Inside the ‘top cover’ is the Stitch Guide – the array of stitches is somewhat overwhelming. This was the time to get out scraps of different types of fabrics, stabilisers and wadding and play, experiment. I would recommend making a folder and working with A4 size pieces of medium-weight fabric and stabiliser, stitch out each of the stitches in each stitch selection of utility and decorative stitches for a reference (not essential, but visually easier to work out), write the stitch code next to each and then file for future reference.
The LCD touch pad is easy to work with. This is where you control the machine, set your preference of machine operations and sewing settings (I worked with the default ones for a while and then changed to my liking – oh, you so have to do this first up, sewing became awesome, not just fun!). You will never need to lift the machine foot with a lever again, set the machine and it will do it for you, or it’s a press of a button at the front of the machine. You get to choose the combination of needle down/up, foot down/up, backtack or lock stitch at the beginning and end of a row. A fabulous feature for both dressmaking and quilting, all set to your own liking. Once a row is stitched, press a button and it will cut your thread and raise the needle for you.
The correct machine foot is indicated with every stitch selection and the default stitch length and width. If you have sewing preferences of stitch length and width, select the stitch, change to your desired setting and save. The next time you select this stitch your preferences will automatically appear.
Turning the Automatic Fabric Sensor ‘ON’ means the machine will detect the thickness of the fabric being used and automatically adjust the pressure of the foot, insuring the fabric is feed smoothly. This feature, plus the machine set for needle down/foot down made roll-hemming a breeze (see page 30)! It is particularly important to have the AFS turned ON when quilting; I found the quilting stitches were more even and consistent in size.
Having tested the main stitches that are used for dressmaking, they are consistent and straight for both woven and knit fabrics of varying weights. The arm to needle width is ideal for sewing bulky garments – whether it be an overcoat or a bridal gown. Add to this the extension table that comes with the machine and sewing just became less stressful … all fabric weight is supported.
Walking foot – this is a universal foot between the dressmaking and quilting elements of a sewing machine, and it comes standard with the machine! Matching strips and checks, sewing slippery, plush or other tricky fabrics is now made so much easier.
There are hundreds of built-in utility and decorative stitches – I’ve tried most of them! The darning stitches are perfect for those quick repair jobs. Hand-stitching buttons to a garment will become a thing of the past with the Button Foot. Construct a knit garment with the stretch and overcast stitches, whilst using a Side Cutter (an optional extra) to cut and neaten your edges – basically it works like an overlocker. Combine the decorative stitches to create your own design – up to 70 patterns can be combined on one stitch combination. With 10 buttonhole stitch choices, I think every type of fabric is covered. Turn to page 42, Buttonholes Explained!
Although the Innov-is NV 1800Q has a huge amount of standard feet and accessories for both dressmaking and quilting, I would recommend the following additional feet:
Concealed Zipper Foot – an essential foot for all dressmakers.
- Stitch in the Ditch Foot – an excellent foot for stitching quilt bindings and concealed seams on garments. It is also a perfect companion when twin-needle stitching a neckband to a t-shirt (see page 62).
Accessories that should be considered:
Multi-function Foot Controller – choose from one of the four following functions: Thread cutter, Sewing one stitch, Reverse stitch, Needle up/down. When you heel-kick on the foot controller the chosen function will be performed.
- Side Cutter – Cut and overcast fabric edges simultaneously to achieve a professional finish using various overcasting stitches. Ideal for those not confident using an overlocker, but still wanting neatened edges.
If you are on the lookout for a new sewing machine, you can’t go past the Brother innov-is NV1800Q. I can see this machine appealing to many people (the experienced through to the novice sewer), and it should, with so many features, standard feet and accessories, it is fantastic value for money … your creativity will be in its complete element for years. The machine is an easy weight and size for travelling to classes. Even if you are new to sewing and quilting, this machine should definitely be considered. You will be surprised how easy it is to use, and as your sewing confidence and capabilities grow, you will have all the features and stitches right there waiting for you … taking you to the next level of sewing/quilting, and beyond!
The NV Series is exclusively sold across the Brother Authorised Dealer network. To find out more about the great features that this range has to offer visit the home sewing machines pages of the Brother Australia website (www.brother.com.au) or a Brother Authorised Dealer.
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