Although they come from the same manufacturer, Brother XR3774 vs CS6000I are actually quite different from each other. The former one is mechanical, while the latter one is computerized. Depending on your skill level and purpose, either Brother XR3774 or Brother CS6000I will be more suitable. Continue reading to find out more about the differences between the two sewing machines!

What we will discuss in this article include:
– The dimensions and weight of each sewing machine here
– The number of stitch patterns in each model
– Which model that is easier and more practical to use
– The special features of Brother XR3774 and Brother CS6000I
– The performance of Brother XR3774 vs CS6000I
– What accessories that are included with each model
– Which Brother sewing machine that is generally better

Portability
Let’s start from the dimensions. Brother XR3774 and Brother CS6000I are affordable sewing machines. As a rule of thumb, most models in this price range are compact and lightweight. They usually do come with metallic frames, but the cases are plastic. The benefit of such models is that they are portable and easy to bring along. They make nice choices if you need something that you can bring to your sewing class. See also: Brother 2340CV vs 1034D.

Brother XR3774 measures 12 inches wide, 5.8 inches deep and 15.3 inches tall. It has a weight of about 12.3 pounds. This model is quite lightweight and portable. It does not need too much room to be used. Unfortunately, it does not come with a hard cover; instead, it only comes with a soft dust cover.

Brother CS6000I  measures 11.4 inches wide, 6.7 inches deep, and 16.1 inches tall. Compared to Brother XR3774, Brother CS6000I is indeed a little bit bulkier. It is also slightly heavier at about 13 pounds. However, the weight difference is not that much. This model is still considered compact and lightweight. It comes with a hard cover, which can be very useful for protecting the sewing machine when you bring it in a trip.

Number of Stitches
One of the biggest differences between Brother XR3774 vs CS6000I is the number of built-in stitches. With more stitches, you get more options in designing your project. You can expand your creativity by using different stitch variations. However, if you only need a simple machine for basic sewing purposes, you probably don’t need having many built-in stitches.

Brother XR3774 ‘only’ comes with 37 built-in stitches. There are basic stitches as well as some other decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitches. In addition, there is a one-step buttonhole stitch, which is really practical. You select the stitch pattern that you want to use by twisting the large dial knob on the side of the machine. The stitch list is displayed just above the dial knob.

For basic sewing purposes, this is already sufficient. Brother XR3774 is great for beginners as well as basic sewing and quilting. However, an advanced user may want to have more options, and perhaps the ability to combine multiple stitch patterns into one.

Brother CS6000I is quite better in this aspect, as it comes with a total of 60 built-in stitches. There are various types of stitches, including basic construction stitches, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches, and quilting stitches. Furthermore, it comes with 7 one-step buttonhole stitches, so you can use the most suitable buttonhole styles for different projects.

You select the desired stitch pattern by dialing the number into the display screen. The stitch list is also available on the side of the unit. One minor issue is that the display screen is not backlit, so it will be difficult to read in a dim environment. Although Brother CS6000I doesn’t have the ability to combine multiple stitch patterns, the available stitch options are already quite useful for an advanced user.

Control
As mentioned in the beginning, Brother XR3774 vs CS6000I are two different types of sewing machines. Brother XR3774 is a mechanical unit, whereas Brother CS6000I is a computerized unit. Unsurprisingly, they offer different degrees of user control.

Brother XR3774 is pretty much like a traditional sewing machine. You control the start and stop of the sewing by pressing or releasing the foot pedal. This sewing machine does not have any dedicated speed control mechanism besides the foot pedal. So, you adjust the sewing speed by changing how much pressure that you apply to the foot pedal.

Some people may argue that this is the right way of sewing. However, having some other control methods can be helpful, especially when your foot has become too tired. Brother XR3774 does not have a programmable needle up/down, so when you need to pivot, you need to use the handwheel to change the needle position manually.

Brother CS6000I, on the other hand, has a start/stop button and a speed control slider. You can still control it using the foot pedal. However, you can also tell it to start or stop sewing by simply pushing a button. You can also make sure that the sewing speed won’t pass a certain level by adjusting the speed control slider, hence ensuring a consistent stitch quality.

There is an option on Brother CS6000I that enables you to program the needle to be in the up or down position at the end of sewing. This is very useful when you need to pivot the fabric and change the sewing direction. You can do the task quickly.

Stitch Length and Stitch Width
Both Brother XR3774 vs CS6000I allow you to adjust the stitch length and stitch width. So, they are already flexible enough to deal with a variety of projects that require different stitch sizes. Still, there are some differences.

Brother XR3774 only has a maximum stitch length of 4mm and a maximum stitch width of 5mm. So, you can make fine stitches without any problem, but this model can’t make thick stitches. It is not as flexible as Brother CS6000I.

Brother CS6000I offers a maximum stitch length of 5mm and a maximum stitch width of 7mm. With this model, you can make fine stitches as well as thick stitches easily. Compared to Brother XR3774, this model is definitely more customizable and more flexible, able to tackle a wider range of tasks.

Drop Feed
Both models here are easy to use. They are already equipped with an automatic needle threader, so you won’t need to strain your eyes. They also have a thread cutter, a jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin system, and an LED light that illuminates the work area. Both models come with a free arm so that you can sew sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs easily.

However, there is a difference when they come to quilting. Brother XR3774 does not have the drop feed option, so when you want to perform free-motion quilting, you need to use a darning plate to cover the feed dogs. Brother CS6000I has the drop feed option, so you can easily move the feed dogs out of the way when you want to perform free-motion quilting.

Performance
Brother XR3774 is a bit slower than Brother CS6000I. It has a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute. Actually, the sewing machine is quite easy to use. The controls are simple and intuitive. But controlling the speed requires some care and effort.

You need to handle the fabric carefully so that the sewing machine won’t skip stitches. Brother XR3774 has a tendency to skip stitches if the speed isn’t right. Nevertheless, this sewing machine can handle fabrics like satin and cotton without much of a problem. It can also sew denim, as long as you are using the right needle. Light leather can be handled well, but it won’t go through thick leather.

Brother CS6000I is slightly faster with a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute. It is also easy and intuitive to use, and the speed control slider is really useful for ensuring a consistent stitch quality.

This sewing machine is less likely to skip stitches, as you have better control over the operation. Brother CS6000I sew through common fabrics with ease. It can also sew satin without any difficulty. The zigzag stitch can be adjusted for the best result when sewing satin. It can also sew denim and light leather well, provided that you use the right needle.

Included Accessories
Last but not least, let’s see what accessories that are included with each model. Brother XR3774 is definitely a good bundle, as the essential items are already provided. However, Brother CS6000I comes with more items which can be really handy.

Brother XR3774 comes with:
– Button sewing foot
– Buttonhole foot
– Zipper foot
– Zigzag foot
– Walking foot
– Blindstitch foot
– Narrow hemmer foot
– Quilting foot and quilting guide
– 4 bobbins
– Extra spool pin
– Twin needle
– Darning plate
– Screwdriver

Brother CS6000I comes with:
– Buttonhole foot
– Button fitting foot
– Zipper foot
– Zigzag foot
– Walking foot
– Blindstitch foot
– Spring action quilting foot
– Monogramming foot
– Overcasting foot
– 3 bobbins
– Extra spool pin
– Twin needle
– A needle set
– Cleaning brush
– Seam ripper
– Eyelet punch
– Screwdriver

Brother XR3774 vs CS6000I

Conclusion
Between these two models, Brother CS6000I is certainly more recommended. It has much better features. Besides coming with more stitch patterns and buttonholes, it also offers more customizability and control. The overall performance is better too.