BROTHER FS20s
A computerised sewing machine with 20 stitches, including 3 buttonhole types. Designed for beginners: the screen shows the selected stitch, its length and width and the presser foot to use.
The machine is compact, weighs 4.5 kg and has a built-in carry handle. Drop a wound bobbin in from the top; the built-in needle threader and the threading diagrams printed on the machine make it easier to get started.
The sewing area is 99 × 158 mm. Remove the accessory compartment to get a free arm for sewing tubular items such as trouser legs or sleeves.
Features
20 stitches and 3 buttonhole types
Choose from utility and decorative stitches; the full list is in the “Stitches” section.
There are 3 buttonhole types: two narrow ones (rounded and squared) for light and medium-weight fabrics, and a keyhole buttonhole for heavier fabrics and larger flat buttons. The machine sews each buttonhole in one step. The maximum buttonhole length is about 28 mm (button diameter + thickness); a bar tack can also be up to about 28 mm long.
LCD screen and stitch settings
The screen shows the selected stitch, the presser foot to use, stitch length and width, the needle stop position and single or twin needle mode. When you select a stitch, the recommended values appear automatically, and you can change them with the keys next to the screen.
Needle threader
The built-in needle threader helps you thread the needle. Diagrams on the machine show the thread path. The threader can be used only with home sewing machine needles 75/11–100/16; it cannot be used with decorative threads, twin needles or wing needles.
Quick-set bobbin
Drop a wound bobbin in from the top and start sewing without drawing up the bobbin thread. The hook is horizontal.
Bobbin winding
Wind thread onto the bobbin with the built-in bobbin winder.
More features
6-row feed dogs
- They feed both thin and thick fabrics evenly.
- You can lower the feed dogs manually for free-motion sewing or embroidery, for darning and for quilting.
Fixed needle bar
- The bar stays stable, so stitches look neat even on thick fabrics.
- According to Brother, the machine uses 46% less plastic than the previous model.
Quick-release presser feet
- Presser feet can be changed quickly, and the presser foot has a levelling button.
Thread tension
- You adjust the thread tension manually with the dial.
LED light
- The LED light illuminates the sewing area, so your stitches are easy to see.
Metal inner frame
- The machine is sturdy because it has a metal inner frame.
Speed control
- You control the sewing speed with the foot controller: the harder you press, the faster the machine sews.
- The maximum speed can be set to standard or slower (see “Additional sewing settings”).
Reverse button
- With a straight (00, 01) or zigzag (04) stitch selected, holding down the reverse/reinforcement stitch button sews backwards.
- With other stitches, pressing the button sews 3 to 5 reinforcement stitches in the same place.
- Use it to secure the start and end of a seam.
Tutorial videos
- The machine has a QR code: scan it with your phone to watch online video tutorials.
- In the Brother Support app you can find the machine manual and compatible accessories.
- You can also add the machine to the Brother Artspira mobile app (iOS / Android) for free access to manuals and video tutorials.
Button sewing and zippers
- With the included foot “M” you can sew on buttons with two or four holes.
- The zipper foot “I” is used to insert zippers; select the straight stitch with the needle in the middle position (01).
Maintenance
- The user must not oil the machine: it was lubricated at the factory with the right amount of oil, so periodic oiling is not needed.
- Unplug the machine before cleaning; clean the bobbin case area with the brush and do not oil it.
- If the handwheel is hard to turn or the machine makes an unusual noise, contact a service centre.
- Do not clean the bobbin case area with compressed air.
Additional sewing settings
You can change these settings by holding down the matching key while you switch the machine on. The settings are kept when the machine is switched off.
- Needle stop position: lowered (in the fabric) or raised
- Initial needle position when switched on: left or centre
- Automatic reverse / reinforcement stitching: on or off
- Maximum sewing speed: standard or slower
- Single or twin needle mode. The twin needle is not included: use the twin needle made for this machine (part number X59296-121) with zigzag foot “J” and a stitch width of 5 mm or less. Thread it by hand; the needle threader cannot be used. The second spool needs the extra spool pin XG3488-001, which is not included. The twin needle can only be used with the stitches marked in the official stitch chart: 00–05, 08 and 11–15. If you select an unsuitable stitch, an error message appears.
Stitches
The machine has 20 stitches numbered 00–19: 00 and 01 are straight stitches (needle at the left or in the centre), 02 is a triple stretch stitch, 03 a stem stitch, 04 a zigzag, 05 a 3-step elastic zigzag, 06–08 overcasting stitches, 09 and 10 blind hem stitches (for woven and stretch fabrics), and 11–15 decorative and edge stitches (blanket, shell tuck, satin scallop, patchwork double overlock and feather stitches).
Buttonholes are numbered 16–18, and the bar tack (for example, to reinforce a pocket opening) is no. 19.
Each stitch has a presser foot assigned to it: “J” (zigzag foot) for straight stitches and most utility and decorative stitches (00–05, 08, 11, 12, 14, 15), “G” for overcasting (06, 07), “R” for blind hem (09, 10), “N” for the satin scallop stitch (13), “A” for buttonholes and the bar tack (16–19). With overcasting foot “G” use only the stitches intended for it, otherwise the needle may hit the presser foot.
The twin needle can be used with stitches 00–05, 08, 11–15. Use it with zigzag foot “J” and the twin needle mode, even if the table shows another presser foot (see the “Additional sewing settings” section).
For the blind hem stitches (09, 10), the width value is not in millimetres (default value 0, setting range −3 to 3).
The names, presser feet and default stitch width and length of all stitches are listed in the table below (default values according to the official Brother stitch chart; you can change them with the keys next to the screen). Presser foot letters are given as shown in the Brother stitch chart.
All 20 stitches
| No. | Stitch | Foot | Default width / length, mm | Twin needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | Straight stitch (left needle position) | J | 0.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 01 | Straight stitch (middle needle position) | J | 3.5 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 02 | Triple stretch stitch | J | 0.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 03 | Stem stitch | J | 1.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 04 | Zigzag stitch | J | 3.5 / 1.4 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 05 | 3-step elastic zigzag stitch | J | 5.0 / 1.0 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 06 | Overcasting stitch (light and medium weight fabrics) | G | 3.5 / 2.0 | – |
| 07 | Overcasting stitch (heavyweight fabric) | G | 5.0 / 2.5 | – |
| 08 | Overcasting stitch (reinforced seaming of stretch fabric) | J | 5.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 09 | Blind hem stitch (hemming woven fabrics) | R | 0 (not mm) / 2.0 | – |
| 10 | Blind hem stretch stitch (hemming stretch fabric) | R | 0 (not mm) / 2.0 | – |
| 11 | Blanket stitch (appliqués, decorative blanket stitch) | J | 3.5 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 12 | Shell tuck edge stitch | J | 4.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 13 | Satin scallop stitch (decorating blouse collars and handkerchief edges) | N | 5.0 / 0.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 14 | Patchwork double overlock stitch | J | 5.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 15 | Feather stitch (fagoting, decorative stitching) | J | 5.0 / 2.5 | yes (foot “J”) |
| 16 | Narrow rounded buttonhole stitch | A | 5.0 / 0.5 | – |
| 17 | Narrow squared buttonhole stitch | A | 5.0 / 0.5 | – |
| 18 | Keyhole buttonhole stitch | A | 7.0 / 0.5 | – |
| 19 | Bar tack stitch (reinforcement at a pocket opening, etc.) | A | 2.0 / 0.4 | – |
Fabrics, threads and needles
| Fabric or use | Thread | Needle | Stitch length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight fabrics (lawn, georgette, organdy, crepe, chiffon, voile, gauze, tulle, lining, etc.) | Polyester thread: No. 60–90. Cotton and silk thread: No. 50–80 | 65/9–75/11 | fine stitches, 1.8–2.5 mm |
| Medium-weight fabrics (taffeta, gabardine, flannel, linen, terry cloth, poplin, satin, quilting cotton, etc.) | Polyester thread: No. 60–90. Cotton and silk thread: No. 50–60 | 75/11–90/14 | regular stitches, 2.0–3.0 mm |
| Heavyweight fabrics (denim of 12 ounces or more, canvas, etc.) | Polyester and cotton thread: No. 30 | 100/16 | coarse stitches, 2.5–4.0 mm |
| Heavyweight fabrics (denim of 12 ounces or more, canvas, tweed, corduroy, velour, melton wool, vinyl-coated fabric, etc.) | Polyester thread: No. 60. Cotton and silk thread: No. 30–50 | 90/14–100/16 | coarse stitches, 2.5–4.0 mm |
| Stretch fabrics (jersey, tricot, T-shirt fabric, fleece, interlock, etc.) | Polyester, cotton and silk thread: No. 50 | ball point needle 75/11–90/14 | set according to the fabric thickness |
| Top-stitching | Polyester and cotton thread: No. 30 | 90/14–100/16 | set according to the fabric thickness |
| Top-stitching | Polyester and cotton thread: No. 50–60 | 75/11–90/14 | set according to the fabric thickness |
| Any fabric | transparent nylon thread | home sewing machine top-stitching needle | – |
Video
Official video about this model from Brother SewingCraft Europe.
Technical specifications
| Type | Computerised sewing machine |
|---|---|
| Number of stitches | 20, including 3 buttonhole types (sewn in one step) |
| Display | monochrome LCD |
| Stitch length | up to 5 mm |
| Stitch width | up to 7 mm |
| Adjustment ranges | Straight stitches 00 and 01: stitch length 0.2–5.0 mm, width 0.0–7.0 mm; for all other stitches the length is 4.0 mm at most (the limits for each stitch are in the official stitch chart) |
| Maximum buttonhole length | about 28 mm (button diameter + thickness) |
| Twin needle | stitches 00–05, 08, 11–15; zigzag foot “J”, stitch width up to 5 mm; needle X59296-121 and spool pin XG3488-001 are not included in the box |
| Maximum sewing speed | 750 stitches per minute |
| Hook and bobbin | horizontal hook, quick-set bobbin |
| Bobbin | Class 15 type, 11.5 mm high (SFB: XA5539-151) |
| Needles | home sewing machine needles, sizes 65/9–100/16 |
| Recommended threads | 30–90 wt (according to the manual's table), silk 30–80 wt; thread of 20 wt or lower (heavier thread) must not be used |
| Number of needles | 1 |
| Needle threader | built in; only for home sewing machine needles 75/11–100/16; not for decorative threads, twin needles or wing needles |
| Thread tension | manual adjustment |
| Feed dogs | 6-row, lowered manually |
| Presser foot | quick-release, with levelling button |
| Lighting | LED |
| Free arm | yes (remove the accessory compartment) |
| Workspace | 99 × 158 mm |
| Reverse | automatic reverse / reinforcement stitching |
| Bobbin winder | built in |
| Quilting | free-motion |
| Wide table | optional accessory (WT17) |
| Dual feed | optional accessory |
| Power | 220–240 V, 40 W |
| Dimensions | 413 × 178 × 307 mm |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Presser feet in the box | 7 (J, A, G, N, I, R, M) |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Intended use | Household use (according to the Brother manual) |
| Warranty | 3 years (1 year for commercial use, according to Brother) |
In the box
In the box, according to the official Brother included-accessories sheet. In the figure: 1 – zigzag foot “J” (on the machine), 2 – buttonhole foot “A”, 3 – overcasting foot “G”, 4 – monogramming foot “N”, 5 – zipper foot “I”, 6 – blind stitch foot “R”, 7 – button fitting foot “M”, 8 – seam ripper, 9 – bobbins (4; one inserted in the machine), 10 – needle set (one each of 75/11, 90/14 and 100/16), 11 – ball point needle (gold coloured, 90/14), 12 – cleaning brush, 13 – L-shaped screwdriver, 14 – bobbin case (inserted in the machine), 15 – foot controller, 16 – dust cover, 17 – operation manual, 18 – quick reference guide.
- Zigzag foot “J” (on the machine)
- Zipper foot “I”
- Buttonhole foot “A”
- Overcasting foot “G”
- Monogramming foot “N”
- Blind stitch foot “R”
- Button fitting foot “M”
- Foot controller
- L-shaped screwdriver
- Bobbins, 4 pcs (SFB; one inserted in the machine)
- Bobbin case (inserted in the machine)
- Seam ripper
- Cleaning brush
- Needle set (75/11, 90/14, 100/16)
- Ball point needle (gold coloured, 90/14)
- Dust cover
- Operation manual and quick reference guide
Optional accessories (not included in the box)
List compiled from the Brother operation manual and the Brother support page section 'Consumables & Options' for this model.
- Seam accuracy kit FP01
- Decorative edge presser foot kit FP02
- Patchwork presser foot kit FP03
- Creative Sewing Pack CSP2 (5 presser feet)
- Wide table WT17
- Bobbins and bobbin clips (BCL)
- Bobbins, 10 pcs (SFB)
- Twin needle (2/11) X59296-121
- Extra spool pin XG3488-001
- Eyelet punch XG7791-001 (for keyhole buttonholes)
- Adjustable zipper/piping foot F036N
- Blind stitch foot F017N (adjustable, for blind hems on a variety of fabrics)
- Concealed zipper foot F004N (for easy installation of concealed zippers)
- Edge joining foot F056
- Narrow hemmer foot F002N
- Non-stick foot F007N
- Picot foot F039N
- Piping foot F067
- Roller foot F066
- Side cutter F054
- Stitch guide foot F035N
- Stitch in the ditch foot F065
- Straight stitch foot F042N (needle in the centre position)
- Vertical stitching alignment foot F063
- Zigzag foot with levelling button F053
- Narrow zipper foot F079
- Concealed zipper foot F080 (for sewing in concealed zippers)
- Adjustable binder foot F071 (bias tape 5–20 mm wide)
- Binding foot F014N
- Braiding foot F021N
- Clear-view foot F023N
- Cording foot F013N (up to 3 cords)
- Cording foot, 5-hole F019N
- Cording foot, 7-hole F020N
- Fringe foot F025N
- Gathering foot F012N
- Open toe foot (metal) F060
- Open toe foot F027N
- Pearls and sequins foot F028N
- Pin tuck foot, 5 grooves F069
- Pin tuck foot, 7 grooves F058
- Bi-level feet, right and left (F081 and F082)
- 1/4-inch patchwork foot F001N
- 1/4-inch patchwork foot with guide F057
- Quilting guide F016N
- Open toe quilting foot F061
- Quilting foot F005N
- Walking foot F033N (only for straight and zigzag stitches; do not sew reverse stitches with it)
- Open toe walking foot F062
- Free motion guide grip FMG2
- Dynamic walking foot set F085
- Interchangeable toe set for dynamic walking foot F086
Manuals
Any questions?
Call +370 685 85915 or email info@siuvimomanija.lt. We will help you check whether this sewing machine is right for your work.