Brother Persona PRS100 Single Needle Embroidery Machine with 4-Spool Thread Stand and PRCF3 Cap Frame and Driver Set

I love this machine. Was disappointed that the hat hoop is no longer included with the machine as everything I'd read before purchasing indicated that it was but it is still a fantastic machine. Fits in perfectly to my Brother lineup and now I can really get things done!

I have previously had a Quattro 6000, then a DreamMaker embroidery machine from Brother. Due to Houston floods, I moved to the less expensive PRS100 and its ability to do projects that the DreamMaker could not do. I have been satisfied with the PRS100 but there are some drawbacks. The PRS100 is more industrial in nature, so makes lots more noise. It does not come with many usable frames--mostly small ones. And the biggest drawback is that the embroidery size limit is 8"x8". The DreamMaker was 8"x12", so many of my larger designs cannot be easily done on the PRS100. The PRS100 also needs a very sturdy stand due to the vibration. That does not come with the machine but is an additional, rather expensive, purchase. That being said, my dealer provided me with additional frames that work with the PRS100 called Fast Frames. The set comes with many sizes and work pretty well with the machine. The dealer also included a sturdy stand designed for this machine that works well.

I love this machine. The hooping system is so much easier for people with disabilities that affect their hands. I used it to make a wedding gift of Embossed Monogram Towels this past week. The only con that I have about this machine is the threading at steps 6 and 7. There needs to be a tool made to help with threading through the hole at 6 as it is a tad bit dark in that spot. The clip at 7 is hard to do the way Brother shows it to be done. I found if you lower your needle it makes it much easier to see the clip and thread it that way. The other is I so wished this machine was out when I bought my first embroidery machine 4 years ago. I highly recommend this machine to anyone that struggles with hooping on the standard home embroidery machines. I find the 8" x 8" hoop size perfect. Would be nice to have an 8" x 10" hoop for this machine some day.

I have had this machine for a year now and there are 3 issues that really bother me with this machine. Two issues involve threading. The first is that the automatic needle threader gets bent and does not work. This happens constantly. You need a microscope and lots of time to fix it and then after finally fixing it, it happens again. Mine is now bent to the point that it is no longer fixable so I have to thread the needle by hand every time I change the thread. Not fun when your eyes are less than perfect. The second issue is changing the thread. It is a major pain. More so than the broken needle threader. I have gotten to the point that I won't buy embroidery files with many colors because of how much I hate to change the thread. I had a Brother PE770 prior to this machine and it was 1000 times easier and faster to change the thread color. Having to tie the thread to another thread and pull it through the machine is awful. No matter how tight I tie the knot (and I've tried different types of knots) the knot breaks apart somewhere in the middle of the threading process and you have to rethread the entire thing about 80% of the time. Last of all, I thought having an 8x8 embroidery area would be a big difference from a 5x7. IT IS NOT. I think this machine sews better, as in the stitches look better, than the PE770, but the PE770 is much easier to work with when it comes to threading and changing thread colors. Oh, and the way the hoop is made on this machine is HORRIBLE for doing applique. It is impossible to cut the fabric in certain areas because the hoop is set deep. If I had known everything I know now when I was shopping for a new machine, I really would have looked at something with a bigger embroidery area and a lot more ease with threading and changing thread colors.

I should say exciting AND intimidating. I have been in the sewing business for years on a Brother that must be 60 years old. No bells or whistles, goes forward and backwards. My new PRS100 has so many advanced features that I sat and stared at it for a day! I studied the manual and jumped in. What an amazing machine. It is very user friendly and works like a dream. I have been working on it for about three weeks and am having a blast. My suggestion for new owners - shut off your cell phone, turn off your TV, get rid of hubby and the kids and concentrate! This machine is predictable but you have to concentrate. Soooo many options. My suggestion to Brother - come up with a light we can purchse for thread guide number 6. I purchased Brother brand because of the excellent reliability of my previous machine. Let's see if this one will last 60+ years.