Brother: 37 Built-in Stitches: Full Review

The Brother XM3700 is an entry-level sewing machine aimed at beginners and hobbyists looking for an affordable and user-friendly option. This lightweight mechanical machine offers 37 built-in stitches and a simple dial operation, allowing you to select your desired stitch with ease.

The XM3700 features an automatic needle threader, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin, and easy to follow threading guides printed right on the machine. With 5 included sewing feet, you'll have options for basic sewing tasks like hemming, buttonholes, zippers and more. This versatile machine can handle a variety of fabrics from lightweight cottons and silks to denim and stretch fabrics.

While it lacks some of the more advanced features of computerized machines, the XM3700 provides excellent value with its robust build and reliable performance. Its compact size makes it a great choice for sewing in tight spaces or taking to classes. Overall, this Brother sewing machine is an affordable option well-suited for beginners looking to explore their creativity and take on simple sewing projects.

Design and Build Quality

The Brother XM3700 sewing machine features a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to transport and store. Despite its small size, it has a sturdy construction and doesn't feel flimsy or cheap.

The outer casing is made of durable plastic that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The machine comes in a clean white finish that looks modern and appealing. Some users may find the all-white color a bit plain, but it gives the machine a minimalist and uncluttered aesthetic.

Internally, the XM3700 uses metal parts where it counts. The interior framework, bobbin housing, needle clamp, and other key components are metal. This adds to the overall sturdiness of the machine. The metal needle plate also provides smooth fabric feeding.

Overall, the XM3700 has a simple but solid construction. While it's priced affordably, it doesn't feel like a cheap beginner's machine. The quality and durability make it suitable even for more experienced sewers looking for a reliable secondary machine.

Brother HC1850: 185 Built-in Stitches

The Brother HC1850 stands out with its impressive range of 185 built-in stitches, making it ideal for various sewing and quilting projects. This versatility allows users to get creative with decorative stitches, heirloom stitching, and even basic monogramming. The machine also includes an easy-to-read LCD screen for selecting your stitch options, making the process straightforward and user-friendly. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sewer, the Brother HC1850 offers advanced features at an affordable price point. Learn more about the Brother HC1850: 185 Built-in Stitches.

Stitches and Sewing Features

The Brother XM3700 sewing machine comes with 37 built-in stitches, including all the essential stitches you need for basic sewing projects. It has 6 different types of stitches:

• Basic stitches - These include straight stitch, zig zag, blind hem, decorative, and stretch stitches. The machine can handle all your basic sewing needs.

• Buttonhole stitches - It comes with 4 automatic one-step buttonhole styles to choose from. The buttonholes are consistent in size and require minimal effort.

• Decorative stitches - For embellishing your projects, you get 7 popular decorative stitches like the scallop, smocking, heirloom, and shell tuck.

• Quilting stitches - To make quilting easier, there are 7 quilting stitches such as quilting stippling, applique, patchwork double overlock, and hand-look quilt stitch.

• Heirloom stitches - To recreate heirloom designs, you have access to 4 heirloom stitches.

• Specialty stitches - Some handy specialty stitches are also included like the overcasting stitch to serge edges of fabric.

Overall, the selection covers both basic everyday sewing needs as well as decorative stitching, making this a versatile machine. The stitches are good quality and replicate fine details well.

If you're looking for more stitch variety and advanced features, consider the Brother CS6000i: 60 Built-in Stitches. This model offers 60 built-in stitches, providing even more options for your sewing projects. It is highly rated for its versatility, convenience, and user-friendly features including speed control and an automatic needle threader. Make your sewing experience even more enjoyable with this advanced machine.

Included Accessories

The Brother XM3700 sewing machine comes with a good selection of accessories right out of the box. Here's an overview of what's included:

Sewing Feet

The machine includes 5 different presser feet:

• Zigzag foot - For general sewing with zigzag stitches
• Buttonhole foot - For making buttonholes
• Button sewing foot - For attaching buttons
• Zipper foot - For inserting zippers
• Blind stitch foot - For invisible hemming

Having multiple feet allows you to tackle different sewing tasks without having to purchase additional accessories. The feet snap on and off easily.

Needles

Several sharp needles are included in an assortment of sizes (11/75, 14/90, and 16/100). This gives you flexibility for sewing a variety of fabric weights.

Bobbins

The machine uses plastic "L" style bobbins that are loaded from the top. 4 bobbins are included in the box.

Seam Ripper

A seam ripper is handy for removing stitches and undoing mistakes. One is included along with the machine.

Spool Pins

Two spool pins are on top of the machine, allowing you to use dual thread spools for projects that require a lot of thread or multiple colors.

Other Accessories

Some other handy accessories that come standard are a darning plate, soft cover, instructional DVD, and manual.

Overall, the included accessories provide everything you need to start sewing right away without any additional purchases. The variety of feet, needles, bobbins, and tools make this a very complete starter machine.

Ease of Use

The Brother XM3700 is designed to be very user-friendly, even for sewing beginners. The top-loading bobbin system makes winding and inserting the bobbin extremely simple. There is an easy to follow diagram with numbered steps right on the machine. The automatic needle threader is also a huge help for threading the needle without frustration or eye strain.

The machine has a simple selection dial for choosing stitches. Options are clearly marked with numbers and icons. There is also a reverse sewing lever for reinforcing stitches, which is conveniently located. The foot pedal allows for easy speed control while sewing. The buttonhole lever makes sewing buttonholes a breeze. Overall, the controls and settings on the XM3700 are intuitive and designed for simplicity.

Changing presser feet is very straightforward, with a quick snap-on system. The included instruction manual provides clear directions for setting up the machine, winding bobbins, threading, and using the various stitches and feet. For those new to sewing, the learning curve on this machine is quite minimal. Its thoughtful design makes even tricky tasks like buttonholes and zippers achievable for beginners.

Performance and Results

The Brother XM3700 performs well sewing on a range of fabrics from lightweight to medium-weight. The machine handles most common sewing projects without issue.

When sewing wovens like cotton, linen, and rayon, the XM3700 produces nice straight stitches and even seam allowances. It sews smoothly without fabric bunching or skipped stitches. The machine also does a good job with knits like jersey, interlock, fleece and stretch fabrics. Adjusting the stitch length helps when sewing stretchy material to get a stitch that stretches with the fabric.

The machine includes a basic 4-step buttonhole function that works well for buttonholes in lightweight to medium-weight fabrics. The buttonholes turn out uniform in size. For thicker or heavy fabrics, you may want to consider a machine with a 1-step buttonhole for best results.

The 37 built-in stitches provide enough options for basic sewing, mending, and some decorative stitching. The stitches are good quality and sew out nicely on most fabrics. The machine doesn't handle thicker or heavy fabrics as well as a heavy duty model though. While it can sew several layers of denim or canvas, the results are better when working with fewer layers at a time.

Overall, the XM3700 delivers reliable performance for sewing and mending on lightweight and medium-weight fabrics. The variety of built-in stitches allows you to tackle basic sewing projects. It may not be well-suited for frequent heavy duty sewing. But for clothing, crafts, quilting, and home décor projects using cottons, knits, and wovens, it can handle most tasks quite well.

Noise Level

The Brother XM3700 sewing machine operates at a reasonable noise level, which is typical for a basic mechanical machine in this price range. The motor emits a low-pitched humming sound when running that is not overly intrusive. There is some noise from the internal mechanisms and moving parts as you sew, but it is relatively quiet and unobtrusive.

The noise levels are quiet enough for sewing late at night or while others are sleeping/working nearby without causing too much disturbance. The volume ranges from about 65-75 decibels while operating, which is comparable to a normal conversation. Some users may find the noise levels perfectly acceptable, while those accustomed to very silent computerized machines could find it slightly noisy. But overall, the noise is within reasonable levels for a mechanical sewing machine and should not be an impediment for most.

Maintenance

The Brother XM3700 sewing machine requires minimal maintenance to keep it running smoothly. It is important to keep the machine clean by wiping away any lint or stray threads that accumulate. The area under the needle plate and bobbin case should be cleaned regularly. Refer to the manual for instructions on removing the needle plate and accessing the bobbin area for cleaning.

It is not necessary to oil the XM3700, as it is lubricated at the factory to last the lifetime of the machine. Avoid using oil unless specifically instructed to do so in the manual.

Make sure to consult the manual for optimal tension adjustment. There are tension adjustment dials that may need periodic tweaking for proper stitch formation, depending on the type of thread and fabric used. Test on a scrap piece of fabric and adjust tension as needed for balanced stitches without puckering.

The XM3700 may require adjustment if stitches become crooked or bunched together. Refer to the troubleshooting section of the manual for alignment and adjustment guidance. A screwdriver is required.

With regular cleaning and following the maintenance instructions in the manual, the XM3700 should provide many years of reliable service. Proper maintenance is key to keeping the machine running smoothly.

Warranty and Support

The Brother XM3700 sewing machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship, excluding normal wear and tear, abuse, or improper maintenance. To activate the warranty, you must register your machine within the first 30 days of purchase.

Brother offers multiple support options for the XM3700. You can find the product manual and other resources on their website. There is also an online knowledge base with FAQs, troubleshooting tips, and video tutorials. If you need further assistance, you can contact Brother's customer service by phone, email, or live chat. Their support specialists are available 6 days a week.

When you contact Brother support, you will need to provide your machine's model and serial number. It's a good idea to record this information after unboxing your XM3700, in case you ever need warranty service. Brother aims to quickly diagnose issues and send replacement parts if something is defective or malfunctioning.

Pros and Cons

The Brother XM2700 sewing machine has several advantages that make it a great choice for beginners and hobbyists:

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store
• 25 built-in stitches including basic, decorative, and stretch options
• Automatic needle threader for quick setup
• Drop-in top bobbin for simple threading
• Adjustable stitch length and width for customization
• Free arm for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs
• 5 included presser feet provide versatility
• Easy to operate with dial stitch selection
• Affordable price point around $100

Cons:

• Smaller work area may be limiting for large projects
• Lower maximum stitch width compared to advanced models
• Manual thread tension adjustment can be tricky
• No automatic thread cutter
• Lower piercing power may struggle with heavy fabrics
• Limited stitch functions compared to computerized machines
• No speed control setting

Overall, the XM2700 delivers reliable performance and user-friendly operation at a budget-friendly price point. The compact size and limited stitch options make it best for basic projects, minor mending/alterations, and learning the basics of sewing. For more advanced sewing with thicker fabrics, a higher-end model would be recommended. But for basic needs, the XM2700 is a great value pick.