Brother CE1155 Review: A Practical Computerized Machine—With Limits
Is the CE1155 a smart first computerized machine, or are its 110 stitches distracting from the things that matter? This review looks at the controls, included feet, everyday project fit and purchase checks that actually determine value.
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Check PriceA sensible choice if you want control—not just more stitches
The Brother CE1155 makes the strongest case for itself as a versatile home sewing machine for learners and regular garment or craft sewers who value push-button start/stop, adjustable speed, an LCD stitch selector, an automatic needle threader and a top-loading bobbin. Its seven included feet cover several everyday tasks. Skip it if your primary work is industrial upholstery, unusually heavy assemblies or dedicated embroidery: the CE1155 is a domestic sewing machine, not a heavy-material specialist or embroidery machine.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is a documentation-based assessment of the exact CE1155 model, not a hands-on stitch or durability test. Manufacturer specifications establish features; suitability judgments below are editorial inferences.
Who should buy the Brother CE1155?
| What you sew | CE1155 fit | Reason and caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Hemming, repairs and clothing alterations | Good starting point | Utility stitches, free arm and zipper/blind-hem feet address common operations; practice on the actual fabric first. |
| Beginner garment construction | Promising | Speed limit and electronic stitch selection can help learning; correct threading and seam practice still matter. |
| Knits and casual stretch garments | Conditional | Brother documents stretch-stitch guidance; a suitable ballpoint needle, stabilization and fabric handling are essential. |
| Patchwork and occasional quilting | Possible | General sewing features suit piecing; large quilt handling depends on physical workspace and accessories. |
| Frequent thick upholstery or leather | Look elsewhere | No verified heavy-material capacity or industrial feeding system; a stitch count is not a penetration rating. |
| Machine embroidery | Wrong machine type | Decorative stitches and monogramming stitches do not provide hoop-based embroidery functionality. |
What makes this model distinctive is its combination of ordinary sewing features with hands-free start/stop and speed control. A beginner who dislikes coordinating a foot pedal can practice with the machine's controls, while an experienced sewer can still use the pedal. Brother describes a preset maximum speed of 410 stitches per minute; that is a published speed-control detail, not a verified maximum mechanical sewing speed for every mode. See the official CE1155 product page for Brother's wording.
Features explained without the marketing shorthand
| Feature | Brother's documentation | What it changes for you |
|---|---|---|
| Stitch selection | 110 built-in stitches, LCD selection | More utility/decorative options; no reason to assume better stitch quality solely from the count. |
| Buttonholes | 8 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes | Convenient for garments; test placement and stabilizer on a sample first. |
| Starting and speed | Start/stop button, foot-pedal option, speed control | Useful for learning curves, corners and controlled stitching. |
| Needle and bobbin | Automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin | Convenient everyday setup; still follow the correct threading route. |
| Workspace | LED lighting, free arm, manufacturer-described needle-to-arm workspace | Helps with sleeves and smaller tubular items; no measured quilt-clearance claim here. |
| Construction | Aluminum frame; shell with 50% recycled plastic | Material information, not evidence of impact resistance or lifespan. |
The distinction between 110 built-in stitches and 8 one-step buttonhole styles matters when comparing listings: some sellers may count or group stitch patterns differently. Use the CE1155 stitch chart rather than a generic Brother model's pattern list. Brother publishes a separate CE1155 stitch chart and operation manual so you can verify the particular stitches you intend to use.
Three controls that are more useful than the stitch count
Start/stop and speed limit
The machine can be operated using its on-machine control or foot pedal. Start with a slower speed when learning straight seams, pivoting at corners or guiding a narrow hem. Keep hands away from the needle and follow the manual when changing operating modes.
LCD stitch selection
Electronic selection reduces dial hunting, but it does not select the correct needle, foot, fabric support or tension for you. Check the stitch chart's prescribed foot and settings before trying a decorative pattern.
Free arm and top bobbin
Removing the flat-bed attachment makes cuffs and sleeves easier to position. A top-loading bobbin helps with access, but a poorly wound or incorrectly seated bobbin can still create stitch problems.
A useful first-week exercise is to sew three sample strips: a straight seam on stable woven cotton, a zigzag seam on a knit using Brother's recommended stretch-sewing guidance, and a buttonhole on stabilized fabric similar to your intended garment. Record the needle, foot, stitch setting and stabilizer for each. That builds repeatable skills without claiming a machine can handle every fabric.
Considering the Brother CE1155?
Compare the exact CE1155 listing and verify its included feet and warranty before buying.
Seven feet are included—but which ones?
Brother lists seven included presser feet: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button-sewing, overcasting, blind-stitch and monogramming. That is a genuinely practical bundle for someone sewing garments and home projects. The zipper and buttonhole feet support clothing construction; the blind-stitch foot can assist with certain hems; and the overcasting foot is for supported edge-finishing stitches, not a replacement for a serger.
Do not assume a walking foot, quilting extension table, hard case or specialty foot comes in the box. Brother's CE1155 support and compatible supplies page lists accessories, including some separately sold items. Check the exact package contents and accessory notice before paying. Accessories can be tucked into the removable flat-bed storage compartment; Brother also explains how to locate apparently missing accessories in its support guidance.
When adding accessories, confirm CE1155 compatibility through Brother rather than assuming every low-shank foot, bobbin or needle bundle advertised online fits. Brother's support page lists the SA156 bobbin as a compatible supply; the exact needle type and needle size should be selected according to the operation manual and fabric.
What the CE1155 can—and cannot—tell you about fabric handling
Light and medium woven fabrics
For cotton, poplin and common apparel fabrics, begin with the appropriate needle and a standard utility stitch. Test seam allowance, tension and feed on a scrap from the same fabric. The included zipper and blind-stitch feet expand the range of routine garment tasks, but they are not shortcuts around proper setup.
Stretch fabrics
Brother's CE1155-specific help recommends stretch stitches and a ballpoint needle for knits, with basting and, when needed, water-soluble stabilizer. It also cautions against stretching fabric as you sew. Follow the stitch numbers on your machine's own stitch chart; similar Brother models may number patterns differently. Read Brother's stretch-fabric advice before attempting a stretchy hem.
Denim, canvas and bulk
It is tempting to treat an aluminum frame or large stitch menu as proof of heavy-duty capability. Neither establishes a safe number of denim layers, canvas thickness or leather suitability. Check Brother's guidance for your specific fabric, needle and thread, test a representative seam stack at a controlled speed, and stop if the machine struggles. Do not pull fabric through the needle or force the handwheel.
When a different Brother is the better buy
The CE1150 is worth investigating if you find it in the same market. Brother also lists 110 stitches and eight one-step buttonhole styles for that model, so buying the CE1155 just because of the number 1155 would be a mistake. Compare the exact included accessories, controls, retailer bundle and warranty. The CE1155's manufacturer-described recycled-plastic shell and packaging are a differentiator, but those attributes do not automatically justify any price premium.
For a broader general-purpose comparison, see our Brother CS7000X vs XR9550 comparison. For a compact setup, our small-space sewing machine guide focuses on footprint and storage tradeoffs. If your priority is heavy seams, use the heavy-duty machine buying guide to understand why the feed system and materials matter more than decorative stitches.
The five-point CE1155 purchase checklist
- Verify the exact model: the box and listing should say CE1155, not CE1150 or a different CE-series variant.
- Confirm the seven feet: check the retailer bundle against Brother's official list and accessory notification.
- Check the manual: download the current CE1155 operation manual and stitch chart; confirm the particular stitch or foot you need.
- Ask about support: check return policy, local service arrangements, replacement bobbins and warranty terms in your region.
- Match your projects: if most of your sewing involves upholstery, thick leather or hoop embroidery, choose a machine designed for that job instead.
Ready to compare the CE1155?
Use the model number when checking listings; accessory bundles and seller terms can differ.
Our verdict: choose it for control and versatility
The Brother CE1155's most persuasive features are the start/stop control, adjustable sewing speed, one-step buttonholes, useful included feet and easy-access bobbin. Together they form a practical home-sewing package. The 110-stitch headline is a bonus if you will actually use the decorative options, but it is not a quality score or a reason to buy on its own.
It is a strong candidate for everyday garments, repairs and creative projects—not a verified winner over similarly equipped machines and not a replacement for specialized equipment. Choose it if its controls match how you want to learn and sew; pass if your projects demand capabilities the documentation does not establish.
Research basis: Brother USA's CE1155 product and support pages, CE1155 manual library and stitch chart, CE1150 product information, and Brother's CE1155-related stretch-fabric and accessories guidance. No first-hand performance or long-term reliability test was performed.