Brother Innovis NV2700: Review

Brother Innovis NV2700 Sewing and Embroidery Combination Machine: In this post, I am sharing my personal experiences with this machine, which can both sew and embroider.

The most important things at a glance:

• I report on my experiences with the Brother Innovis NV2700
• I write according to my personal evaluation criteria
• You will gain insights into the most important functions of the Brother NV2700
• At the end of the post, I summarize my experiences

I need a new sewing machine.

This sentence stands at the beginning, and the reasons for it are numerous. Either the current machine is too old or broken, or one’s own sewing talent has developed further and the machine simply needs to be adjusted accordingly. The needs and interests in this area are as diverse as the selection of sewing machines available. And you don’t just buy a new sewing machine on a whim. For me, it is a tool, a creative partner, and sometimes a place of calm. In my case, my skills have developed further and a new machine needs to be more capable and perform better. I upgraded from the Pfaff Passport 2.0. An absolute entry-level machine. Reliable, but also showing its age and insufficient in terms of the capabilities I now require from a sewing machine.

I had clear expectations: reliable sewing, neat embroidery – since I absolutely wanted to try that out – intuitive operation, and enough power for both large and demanding projects. The conversion process shouldn't be too complicated, handling should be simple, the accessories extensive, and in itself, please space-saving. It also shouldn't cost a fortune, and I would prefer a model off the mainstream. Don't worry, it doesn't need to make coffee. My espresso maker does that.

The Nähwelt Flach had a great recommendation for me: "Why not try the Brother Innovis NV2700?" And so, this wonderful little machine moved in with me. Now, here and today, I am sharing my personal experiences with you after 10 months of intensive use of this sewing/embroidery combination machine – honest, positive, and practical. I orient myself toward the most important questions that most end customers ask themselves before buying a new sewing machine. These are exactly the questions I asked myself – and I am answering them here based on my daily usage.

YouTube Video Brother Innovis NV2700 - Unboxing, Experience & Info

First impression of the Brother Innovis NV2700

There it stood. This huge box. Since my old machine was quite small, I wasn't used to that. But it makes sense – the Brother NV2700 can do ten times as much as my old machine. And the embroidery unit was included too.

After opening the box, you notice how securely and systematically the machine and the embroidery unit are packed. And when unpacking, the Brother Innovis NV2700 makes a very high-quality impression. The casing seems stable, nothing rattles, everything is exactly where you expect it to be. It is not a "lightweight travel machine," but deliberately built solidly – which proves beneficial during operation later on. Because where it stands, it stands reliably. Everything was packed very securely and firmly. It is quite unlikely that anything would happen to it.

I like machines where you immediately notice: This is made to run reliably for many hours. This is exactly the feeling the NV2700 conveys from the very beginning.

Scope of delivery

Of course, I knew that the sewing machine itself and the embroidery unit would be included. But what other accessories can you expect with the Brother Innovis NV2700?

I received the following accessories:

• Zigzag foot “J” (on the machine)
• Monogramming foot “N”
• Overcasting foot “G”
• Zipper foot “I”
• Buttonhole foot “A”
• Blind stitch foot “R”
• Button fitting foot “M”
• Embroidery foot with LED pointer “U+” (I was especially excited about this one 😇)
• Appliqué foot (transparent)
• Open toe foot “O” for free-motion quilting
• Non-stick foot
• Stitch guide foot “P”
• Adjustable zipper/piping foot
• Walking foot
• Patchwork foot
• Side cutter “S”
• Quilting guide
• Needle set
• Twin needle
• Bobbin (4) (One bobbin is in the machine.)
• Seam ripper
• Scissors
• Cleaning brush
• Eyelet punch
• Screwdriver (large)
• Screwdriver (small)
• L-shaped screwdriver
• Disc-shaped screwdriver
• Horizontal spool pin
• Spool cap (large)
• Spool cap (medium) (2) (One spool cap is inserted in the machine.)
• Spool cap (small)
• Spool insert (mini king thread spool)
• Spool net
• Knee lifter
• Standard bobbin case (green screw mark) (in the machine)
• Second bobbin case (without screw mark)
• Foot controller
• Embroidery frame set (extra large) 26 cm (H) × 16 cm (W)
• Embroidery frame set (large) 18 cm (H) × 13 cm (W)
• Bobbin thread (weight class 60, white)
• Accessory bag
• Dust cover
• Grid sheet set
• Operation manual
• Quick reference guide
• Embroidery design guide

Yes, the list is long. And at this point, I couldn't do anything with many of the items yet. Honestly, I also have to say at this point: I don't do everything. Quilting is a chapter of handicrafts that doesn't get much attention from me. I also won't go into every detail in this post. That would go beyond the scope.

At the same time, it should be mentioned here that an additional wide table is not included. For anyone who thinks that is important, you can purchase it separately. So far, I haven't needed it.

The first commissioning of the Brother Innovis NV2700

Learning by doing is my motto. Studying the operating manual for hours before turning it on has never been my strength. It's not necessary with the Brother Innovis NV2700 either. Its operation is similar to that of all sewing machines. Put it down, plug it in, and use it. And as simple as that sounds, it is just as easy. It has already earned another plus point from me. Simple commissioning - check.

The operating manual is nevertheless very easy to understand, logically structured, and truly guides you through the process. Especially with more complex topics like embroidery or special feet, many functions can be figured out even faster and are well explained.

The display is clear, the menus are logically structured, and many functions are almost self-explanatory. Of course, as with any comprehensive machine, you need a short acclimatization period. But this feels more like getting to know someone, not a struggle.

Is the Brother Innovis NV2700 easy to thread?

In short – yes. Every single step is self-explanatory and marked on the machine. The fact that the needle must be in the highest position when threading also applies here. Now you just have to follow the small numbers. Solid lines for threading and dashed lines for winding the bobbin. To thread the needle, there is even an automatic needle threader. Caution: Please use this with the presser foot lowered. It worked immediately and surprisingly well and reliably for me. I haven't had that with a machine before. Of course, the thread can also be guided into the eye by hand. There are no nasty surprises with the lower bobbin thread either. In everyday life, this saves an enormous amount of time and nerves.

What is the stitch selection like on the Brother Innovis NV2700?

The Brother Innovis NV2700 offers a truly impressive selection of stitches that might be a bit overwhelming at first. A total of 291 built-in sewing and decorative stitches, including all necessary utility and special stitches. Of these, there are 10 automatic one-step buttonholes – an enormously practical function for clothing and accessories. In addition, there are 5 fonts for sewing letters directly with the machine, e.g., for initials or labels. Have I tried them all yet? No. Because here too, the motto is: learning by doing. And for everyday projects, you usually use the same stitches.

What I personally like particularly well is the “My Custom Stitch™” function: You can design your own stitches or adjust existing ones, directly via the large touch display. This means creative freedom far beyond the standard selection. Here you can let your desire to experiment run free.

This selection covers almost all the needs you could imagine while sewing – from classic everyday stitches to stretch, zigzag, and overlock stitches, to decorative patterns. Always within reach and clearly depicted in the cover of the Brother Innovis NV2700 and very well explained in the operating manual.

How is the sewing result of the Brother Innovis NV2700?

Let's move on to sewing – and here too, the machine impresses across the board. The sewing result is very good: even stitches, clean seam patterns, and reliable fabric guidance.

It is important to know: The machine needs a little guidance from its user. It is not a toy, but a powerful tool. If you engage with it, get to know it, and give it time, a true partnership quickly develops. One reason to write this post only after 10 months. But once you have reached this point, it is an absolutely reliable partner – even for demanding projects.

When sewing, it quickly becomes apparent whether a machine is truly well-calibrated – and this is where the Brother Innovis NV2700 clearly shows its strengths. The stitches are uniform from the start and look very professional. Whether I am sewing cotton, woven fabric, jersey, or mixed fabrics, the stitch pattern remains steady and controlled. What I notice particularly positively is the consistent stitch quality across different speeds. Even when I sew slower or faster, the appearance of the seam barely changes. This conveys safety and trust in the machine – especially with visible seams or high-quality projects.

As mentioned, the NV2700 does require a bit of guidance from the user. It is not a machine that "does everything on its own," but rather one that wants to be deliberately guided. For me, however, this is not a disadvantage, but rather a sign of quality: those who work cleanly will be rewarded with excellent results. Okay, sometimes I just need things to go fast, too. 😉

The interplay between the feed dog, presser foot pressure, and motor power is particularly nice. The fabric is fed evenly without sliding or stalling. This ensures precise seams – even over long distances or with demanding fabric combinations. The Brother is equipped with the innovative, rectangular feed system SFDS (Square Feed Drive System), which ensures effortless, uniform feeding, including horizontally, and excellent stitch quality for every fabric thickness. Yes, you can even sew to the right and left with this machine. The built-in fabric sensor system ICAPS detects changes in fabric thickness and automatically adjusts the presser foot pressure for particularly even stitches. The Innov-is NV2700 also automatically detects the sewn fabric and adjusts the thread tension accordingly. Although a walking foot is included with the machine, I have never had to use it.

Comfortable sewing with all materials

In everyday life, I sew a wide variety of materials. It handles fine cotton fabrics just as confidently as firmer fabrics or multiple layers of material.

With jersey and other stretch fabrics, I am particularly impressed by the clean start of the seam. The machine does not chew the fabric, does not pull it down, and starts in a controlled manner. In combination with the appropriate stretch stitches, elastic, durable, and visually beautiful seams are created. Even in thicker areas – such as seam intersections, hems, or multi-layered projects – the machine remains quiet and powerful. With the right needle and settings, it sews evenly over transitions without stumbling or skipping stitches.

Reading tip: Sewing over thick areas: No reason to despair! and Sewing thick fabrics

Of course, always with the appropriate guidance from the owner and the perfect setting. It is not just about choosing the right stitch, but also about using a perfectly matched needle and suitable thread. After some bad experiences at the beginning of my sewing life with poor materials, I only rely on tested goods from experts. I can unreservedly recommend Mettler sewing thread or Schmetz needles for a smooth sewing process with the Brother NV2700.

Reading tip: Sewing thread: Which thread for which seam?

Sewing becomes really comfortable with the knee lifter. Because this allows you to keep both hands on the material, you can guide it even better when things get tricky. And once you have gotten used to the threader, thread cutter, and multifunctional pedal, you will not want to be without them.

How loud is the Brother Innovis NV2700?

A point that is very important to me personally: noise and vibration.

The Brother Innovis NV2700 runs pleasantly quiet. Of course, you can hear it – but it never sounds shrill or unpleasant. Vibrations are also well-damped, even at higher speeds.

Embroidery and sewing in combination with the Brother Innovis NV2700

What I especially appreciate about a sewing-embroidery combination machine is the ability to connect both worlds. And now, the embroidery world finally wanted to be conquered by me. It is especially important to me that I do not have another embroidery machine "standing around." But a complicated conversion was not an option either. Now, the good embroidery reputation of the Brother preceded it and met my extremely skeptical sewing world to teach me better. Because not only was the conversion to an embroidery machine uncomplicated and quick, but the embroidery result is simply wonderful.

An impressive 258 built-in embroidery designs offer you a large selection for clothing, home decor, gifts, or personalized pieces right from the start. 13 fonts make it possible to design names, texts, or messages directly. Additionally, frame-based patterns, borders, and shapes are available, which you can combine creatively. In concrete terms, this means: You can embroider almost any project without additional files – or use the built-in designs as a starting point for your ideas. A great start, right?!

You can perform minor edits directly on the machine, completely without a PC. The large touch display allows you to intuitively rotate, mirror, enlarge/shrink, or position patterns. Text size, line spacing, and font arrangement can also be adjusted directly. This makes the creative workflow very pleasant: You immediately see a realistic preview and can implement changes live before the machine starts. I recommend you just try it out and get to know your machine.

I find access to Brother's own embroidery software - Artspira particularly interesting. Here you will find countless more embroidery templates, your own editor, and even the possibility to convert your own pictures into embroidery patterns on the tablet. The data can be transferred via USB stick or even more conveniently via Bluetooth directly to the machine.

Converting from a sewing to an embroidery machine

For me, one of the greatest strengths of this machine is clearly the simple conversion to an embroidery machine. The switch is logically structured, well-explained, and done quickly. Even if you do not have much embroidery experience, you do not feel overwhelmed.

The embroidery arm is easy to attach, the embroidery hoop sits securely, and the machine reliably recognizes the embroidery mode. I never felt afraid of doing something wrong – a huge plus.

Embroidering with the Brother Innovis NV2700

The machine embroiders really great – and I say that quite clearly. The embroidery images are executed cleanly, evenly, and in detail. I am particularly enthusiastic about the thread tension: even with more complex motifs, everything remains calm and controlled. The NV2700 also masters longer embroidery processes confidently. I can rely on it to do its work while I take care of other things. For me, a real quality feature.

Most frequently, I actually reach for the large embroidery hoop (18 × 13 cm). It is perfect for many everyday projects: labels, lettering, small motifs, details on clothing or bags.
The extra-large hoop (26 × 16 cm) is used when it can be a little more – larger motifs, statement embroidery, or larger designs. It is not a daily companion, but incredibly valuable when you need it. The maximum embroidery area covers everything that I realistically implement.

Of course, there are machines with even larger hoops, but that usually comes with significantly more space requirements and a higher price. For me, the NV2700 is a very good middle ground here. Especially for people with embroidery or plotter ambitions, the NV2700 is very exciting because it offers enough room for creativity without appearing oversized. You can grow, experiment, and implement larger projects – without hitting technical limits right away.

Tip: Always have an additional already-wound bobbin ready. Should it run out during an embroidery process, the change is uncomplicated and the embroidery process can be continued relaxed with the upper thread threaded.

Maintenance & care of the Innovis NV2700

A sewing machine should be able to do a lot, but please do not be temperamental. That is exactly why I was particularly curious about the topic of maintenance and care with the Brother Innovis NV2700. Because let's be honest: who enjoys sewing passionately only to clean for hours afterward?

In everyday life, I keep it quite pragmatic. After intensive sewing phases – especially with highly lint-prone fabrics such as jersey, sweat, or fleece – I clean the hook area and the needle plate. This is fast, uncomplicated, and easily accessible. Loosen 3 small screws and the lint will get a collar from my mini vacuum cleaner. For me, this feels more like a small routine than an annoying duty. With normal use, it is completely sufficient to take a regular look inside and reach for the brush and vacuum cleaner when needed.

In the last 10 months, I have not had any significant error messages. If something is wrong – such as a wrongly inserted foot, an open embroidery arm, or a forgotten lever – the machine reports this clearly and understandably on the display. No cryptic codes, no guesswork. And very important: I never felt that it was "acting up" for no reason. Everything it complained about was understandable and quickly resolved. And that was really not much.

The Brother Innovis NV2700 is pleasantly easy to maintain. It demands attention, but no excessive care. Anyone who treats their machine with respect will be rewarded with quiet running and consistently good results.

Conclusion

After 10 months of intensive use, I can say: The Brother Innovis NV2700 is not a machine for "doing it quick." It is a machine for people who love to sew properly. With a plan, with standards – and with a joy for clean work.

It takes me seriously. It challenges me. And it rewards me when I take my time. It doesn't sew for me – but it sews with me. And that is exactly what makes it so valuable to me.

Yes, it is big. Yes, it can do a lot. And yes, sometimes I look at it and think: "Today, just a straight stitch, okay?" But that is exactly when it reminds me why I sew: Because I want to create. Because I love quality. And because I like it when technology doesn't get in my way, but supports me. To me, the Brother Innovis NV2700 is not a short-lived trend, but a long-term companion. One that stays. And one that definitely doesn't need to make coffee – instead, it reliably provides moments of creative happiness. ☕🪡

Happy simple sewing from Eve & Sabine