Semi-Industrial Review Series: Brother PQ1500SL Review and Comparison

In this video, we unbox and review the Brother PQ1500SL, a semi-industrial sewing and quilting machine that's designed to handle heavy fabrics, multiple layers, and high-speed sewing. This machine is targeted towards sewists who want a powerful, durable machine that can handle a variety of materials and sewing techniques.
We'll take you through the PQ1500SL's specific features and functions, including its automatic needle threader, built-in knee lifter, large working area, and extension table. We'll also demonstrate how it handles putting together a quick sample zipper pouch with a variety of materials, showing you how smoothly it sews and how precise it can be.
This video is part of a series that investigates semi-industrial sewing machines to find the perfect balance of heavy-duty capabilities and user-friendly features at an affordable price point. Whether you're a beginner looking for a machine that can grow with you or an experienced sewist who wants to upgrade to a more powerful machine, the Brother PQ1500SL is definitely worth considering.
So sit back, relax, and join us as we review the Brother PQ1500SL and help you decide if it's the right semi-industrial sewing machine for your needs!
IMPORTANT: I purchased this machine with my own money and did not receive a discount or any kind of consideration from Brother or any other company in exchange for doing this video. The contents of this video are my unbiased thoughts and were not influenced in any way.
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[@christinebaker5921]

You are an excellent instructor and I just purchased this machine. I had the Brother 1500 Novelle for 15 years and wore it out. I love this machine for especially quilt piecing, binding, repairing hubby’s Exercise pants at bulky waistlines. This machine I take to quilt classes and love the speed for it. However I did certainly enjoy your review. Thank you Chris

[@bonafide4949]

I have an older model of the PQ1500 which looks exactly the same. The only thing I see differently is LED lights instead of an incandescent bulb. I use this machine for quilting, hemming up pantlegs, etc. It's great for quilting since it only makes straight-line stitching (no zig-zag stitching, etc.). Yes, the needle threader is a bit wonky but it does work once you get used to it. Overall I love my PQ1500 machine.

[@AW-pz3qc]

It's super easy to swap to an LED bulb...I did this a couple of years ago on my PQ1500S then followed up with sergers and other machines. LED makes such a HUGE change for a couple of $$$s. So technically my PQ is now a PQ1500SL...the L indicates LED.

[@bonafide4949]

@AW-pz3qc Yes. I just did the same thing on mine. Much brighter.

[@1foresteratlarge509]

Thanks so much for the review. I actually went ahead and purchased this machine and love it.

[@jeaninedrylie1499]

Super helpful! I have the machine but haven't used it much. You answered some of my big questions - thanks!

[@EmporiumThreads]

Happy to help :D

[@celiageorge822]

Great demo and info on the needle threader!

[@chrissyluna8183]

I just purchased this machine today. Excited to get it. Thank you for your tutorial.

[@EmporiumThreads]

Happy day! Enjoy your new machine!!

[@carolynkauppila4049]

I just bought this machine for the more industrialized points of it. I have three smaller domestic machines, one with basic and decorative stitches and one small embroidery machine. This should be perfect for my gifts of comfort and donations. Thank you. I'm 70. And easily intimidated by new things.

[@EmporiumThreads]

I think you will do very well with it, especially since you already have a machine experience. I hope you love your new toy and get many years of enjoyment out of it :)

[@suzanneheitzman4002]

Me too!

[@kimipranger1173]

Have been researching several more industrial home machines for quilting and for handling heavier fabric like denim and cork fabric for purses. I have 3 different machines, two Husqvarna Viking-one manual and one computerized, and one Pfaff, but none of them handle heavier fabric well. This video is excellent, and so I’m leaning strongly toward this machine. Thank you!

[@AW-pz3qc]

You won't regret your decision to buy this machine. It's perfect for any type of sewing and makes beautiful buttonholes with the addition of an attachment, also it's compatible with generic, industrial feet and other accessories which are low cost and usually a handful of $$$ each. Plus it's not a heavyweight monster either.

[@Statch011]

Nice video! I have this machine but have gone about 6 months without sewing so I watched this as a reminder and it was very helpful. (I love mine.)

[@vladspb_]

Good review

[@teresamonday81]

I was looking at this machine and also the Husqvarna jade 20. Now I'm leaning more toward the Jade. I appreciate your reviews

[@lynnhufstetler3825]

This is a great machine with great capabilities.

[@lynnhufstetler3825]

I keep my tension at 3 to 3 1/2 and have almost no problems. My thread is 50 wt cone thread when I can find the correct color.

[@muttlesslove1647]

GREAT tutorial. I am contemplating buying this machine and I so appreciate your review. BTW, I was hoping your videos would come up on the suggested videos to watch. I watched your Kam Snap makeover and really enjoyed that BUT I forgot to subscribe. I remembered this time. Thank you for taking time to make this video. My dilemma is...do I REALLY need another machine??? LOL

[@EmporiumThreads]

There are two more videos in this series that have yet to be released. I’d suggest watching those before you decide on a new machine. I’m so glad I came up in your videos and you can subscribe so you don’t miss future videos!! I hope you find this new series helpful on your machine hunt :)

[@stephaniesonnentag7833]

I have this machine and I struggled with the Tex 45 in the bobbin from wizardry. I use 35 on the top and just a guterman in the bobbin. I noticed when I use the skinny Teflon zipper foot (the white one towards the end of this video) I struggle with loops. I’m a beginner sewer and I just don’t understand the tension part of it. I look forward to your other videos you’re going to release and hope that if I have questions I can reach out to you? Thank you for this tutorial!

[@poocky100]

I find the foot pedal to be very responsive to how fast or slow I want the machine to go. I also like the needle threader now that you clarified that the thread has to go in the fork. Ty. And thanks just the same. I enjoy these reviews.

[@veronicak2759]

I have this machine and a Juki TL98Q. They're basically the same machine, same price point too I think. I bought the Brother because the cats chewed my foot pedal cord and at the time I couldn't find a replacement. It had a button on the foot pedal that would cut the thread. Well now, a few years after that fiasco, I found a foot pedal for the Juki but it doesn't have the thread cutter on the pedal, so I feel like the machines are pretty much the same. However, the Juki came with a better free motion quilting foot than the Brother, and the Juki just seems to run smoother, cuts through things like butter, and it is my favorite. I'm contemplating selling the Brother and buying the Juki model that has the speed control, which would be a nice feature.

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

I got the 1300 which came before the 1500 and I haven’t experienced the same issues as you. There wasn’t an extension table when I got mine and I haven’t noticed the speed control and motor noise. I did figure out the foot needs to be set in down position to keep it from being cut short enough to come unthreaded. I have never been able to work the needle threader. I just use a hand needle threader and no problem. I love mine and I sew clothing and quilts with it. My dealer went over the Machine and adjusted anything before I brought it home and I wonder if your machine might need some minor adjustments.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I'm not a bag maker, just garments and quilts. I don't quite understand what "too much for quilting" is. Nor do I understand what a "refined user experience" is. Quilters like straight stitch only for piecing, and they like speed because chain piecing with petal-to-the-metal is great. It seems that with the large harp, a big quilt could be quilted. Any help with specifics on why this machine is "too much" and not "refined" would be helpful before I commit.

[@poocky100]

I have the pq1500sl but I haven’t used it for three years. I don’t remember if I have to bring the bobbin thread up? Or it doesn’t matter with this machine? Ty for the video btw 😊

[@celiageorge822]

If the red indicator light next to the needle up/down icon is on - the the needle will be down when sewing has stopped. If the red indicator is off, the needle will be in a random position when sewing has stopped. If the light is flashing, then that indicates an "isue".

[@lisaconant6558]

I just got this machine and wonder why you didn’t mention the pin feed? When you did your sewing tests, had you switched over to the regular foot, or did you leave the pin feed foot on? And if so, did you change the feed dogs to the pin feed setting?

[@nakshipolly5666]

​​@JukiJunkies Which sewing machine will be best for sewing round design vine leaf flower using free motton? 1/ Juki TL 2000qi 2/ Brother pq1500 sL 3/ juki 18 Or if you have any opinion on low budget please let me know. My favorite is the janome hq stitch quilting sewing machine 710 But I can't afford to buy with that much money.

[@celiageorge822]

You are incorrect about the second "pack of needles". The other one is a spare pin feed.

[@maryeasley7004]

hey , as far as skipped stitches, use the purple tip needle for Janome , no more skipped stitches, I will try and find out what size needle it is , but its called the purple tip

[@EmporiumThreads]

Thanks for those tips! I didn’t end up keeping this machine. The one I did doesn’t have this issue really but it’s a great tip for those who do have this same machine :)

[@angelubaldoperezcastillo6319]

Thanks for the review, it was super detailed and great. Just one question, i just found this deal for $650, is it worth it in your opinion?

[@EmporiumThreads]

I’m sorry I just saw this. Imo, maybe not. I think it depends on budget constraints. If you are able to save a bit more, it’s worth it to pass on this. If that is the absolute top of your budget and it’s the only option you have, it’s better than most domestics. However, I did experience some issues with thicker layers, some skipped stitches and some finickiness on vinyl layers that you CAN overcome with various tips and tricks. However, I didn’t want to HAVE TO do that, if that makes sense. So I tried two more machines before settling with the EF1 (which I am over the moon about). I have a video on that machine as well. I don’t think this is a bad machine by any means but in this category, I was able to find a better option. I will say, for the money and experience, I vastly preferred this machine over the Juki I reviewed (separate video). I had the exact same issues with the Juki as far as those thick layers sometimes not wanting to play well, as well as some general unpleasantness and quality issues. I’d take this Brother over the Juki any day :) I hope that helps. Good luck on your hunt!

[@KellyH.-tm9bo]

What machine do you recommend over the brother? I had a viking topaz 50 before and it couldn't sew through very much. I'm into making bags and quilts.

[@EmporiumThreads]

I haven’t published the last of the review series yet but I ended up with the Elna ef1. I love it and it was my pick out of all of them I reviewed :) it’s better then the brother and the juki imo. I love it so much.

[@KellyH.-tm9bo]

@@EmporiumThreads yeah I was talking to a few people about machines and alot of people have gone with janome hd9. I havent made a decision yet. Don't have much of a selection where I'm living. Thanks for all the great reviews.

[@KellyH.-tm9bo]

Will you be doing a review on the Janome HD9?

[@EmporiumThreads]

No I didn’t make it to the HD9. I reviewed a companion machine that has many same features and is from a sister company though. I haven’t released that review yet. The criteria for this review series was that each machine had to be under 2k, be from amazon since not everyone has dealer access and then also be considered a “semi industrial”. Since the hd9 is pricier and dealer only, it didn’t meet the right criteria for this series :)

[@KellyH.-tm9bo]

@@EmporiumThreads k thanks.

[@bettymartinez4652]

En español soy colombiana y cual es el precio en pesos colombianos

[@cindywinkler4172]

Did you change your needle to a bigger one for the thicker thread?

[@EmporiumThreads]

No, I used the needles that came with the machine. Because I wasn’t having any issues with shredding, breaking or tension, these needles were correct. Additionally, I now have a similar machine, the Elna Ef1 and it came with the exact same needle size from Organ. I use those same needles with this same thread and it works beautifully and sews very well. I have a video on that machine also.

[@bettymartinez4652]

Quiero esta maquina cuanto es el precio aqui en colombia

[@EmporiumThreads]

I don’t know the price or exchange rate but if you get Amazon there, you can visit the Amazon site and check to see the price in your area.

[@nece58]

You can get a speed controller for that machine for quilting

[@lisahernandez3462]

You threaded the thread wrong

[@mcwilson6687]

FYI, there is no such thing as a "semi-industrial". The brother is a heavy duty domestic.

[@EmporiumThreads]

Actually, there is and they’re all referenced by the same terms/descriptors like “semi industrial”, “straight stitch” or “heavy duty”… even the dealers and educators I’ve met and worked with on several different brands use these terms, which are all proper names for specific types of machines :)

[@alecuneamtu3851]

Although this is an excellent review like all the others, to flaunt the Elna ef1, which doesn't even offer a functional thread cutter, over the Brother PQ1600 or Juki is weirdly strange given the price gap between the three. Also, there are tons of videos and reviews of users doing happy quilting with Brother. What user experience can you get from Elna ef1 who lacks a functional thread cutter? This is a no go for 99% of users of modern semi-industrial sewing machines. Poor lighting (Juki) can easily be fixed in a thousand ways at almost no cost, but a thread cutter you have or you don't. To even bother to mention lighting as a downside is pure nonsense to me. Singer 201 does a fantastic job for a fraction of the price, why would I need Elna? If you get pleasure from cutting threads by hand, then you are alone. Brother sewing machines are one of the smoothest and finest sewing machines in the industry. If you factor in the selling price they surely get the top spot. Nevertheless, I rate the presentation, the language and the camera angles with 5/5 stars.

[@sallyb7472]

I think the knee lift is your desk, not the knee lift design. Your desk is decorative rather than a real sewing desk.

[@EmporiumThreads]

That’s an important detail- Since a lot of consumers sew at all kinds of things that aren’t “real sewing desks” like kitchen tables, regular office desks, pop up tables, and yes, even desks with decorative elements, it’s important that the knee lift work with what the consumer is using, rather than one specific type of desk. I have other machines and the knee lifts work great with my decorative desk. I provide the information here so that others can see if what is or is not working for me, will work (or will not) for them. Thanks for watching!