Brother BM3850: 37-Stitch Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Brother BM3850 is a versatile sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It comes with 37 built-in stitches including utility, quilting, heirloom and decorative stitches. The machine features an automatic needle threader, easy bobbin winding system, drop-in top bobbin, adjustable sewing speed control, and a bright LED light.

With its sturdy metal interior frame and extra-wide extension table, the BM3850 can handle a variety of projects from garments to home decor. It has an 8.3" x 11.7" sewing space which allows you to work on larger projects easily. The machine comes with 6 quick-change sewing feet including buttonhole, zipper, zig zag, blind stitch, button sewing feet. An instructional DVD is included to help you get started right out of the box.

Overall, the Brother BM3850 offers user-friendly features, ample workspace and versatile stitch options making it suitable for beginners learning to sew as well as more experienced sewers looking for an affordable machine with great performance.

Specifications

The Brother BM3850 is a compact sewing machine weighing just 13.8 pounds. It measures 16.5 x 7.3 x 12 inches, so it doesn't take up too much space. Some key specifications include:

• 37 built-in stitches including decorative, heirloom and quilting stitches
• 55 alphanumeric sewing font options
• Automatic needle threader
• Drop-in top bobbin
• Adjustable sewing speed up to 850 stitches per minute
• Maximum stitch width of 7mm
• Maximum stitch length of 5mm
• Built-in thread cutter
• Automatic reverse/reinforcement stitch button
• Extension table included
• Hard protective cover included
• 25-year limited warranty

The sewing machine comes with several handy accessories:

• Zipper foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Button sewing foot
• Blind stitch foot
• Screwdriver
• Needle set
• Twin needle
• Bobbins
• Spool caps
• Spool pin felt
• Scissors
• Cleaning brush
• Seam ripper
• Eyelet punch
• Screwdriver
• Foot controller
• Power cord
• Instructional DVD
• Manual

This is a very generous inclusion of accessories for a sewing machine in this price range. The extension table, hard case, 25-year warranty and abundance of accessories really add value.

For a similar quality option, check out the Brother GX37: 37 Built-in Stitches. This model also comes with a wide range of built-in stitches and features, providing excellent versatility for both beginners and experienced sewers. It includes features such as an automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, and adjustable stitch speed, making it easy and convenient to use. Click here for more details: Brother GX37: 37 Built-in Stitches.

Stitches and Functions

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine comes with 37 built-in stitches including utility stitches, heirloom stitches, quilting stitches and buttonhole stitches.

It has 6 different types of one-step auto-size buttonhole stitches for buttons of various sizes. There are also 4 different styles of sewing buttonholes to choose from. For basic sewing needs, the machine includes a good selection of utility stitches like straight stitch, zig zag, blind hem, stretch stitches and more.

For decorative projects, there are multiple decorative heirloom stitches such as honeycomb, lattice, cross-stitch and scallop stitches. Quilters will appreciate the included quilting stitches like hand-look quilt stitch, stippling stitch and patchwork stitch.

Overall, the variety of built-in stitches covers all the basics for garment sewing, quilting, crafts and home decor projects. With 37 stitches to choose from, you'll have plenty of creative options for any sewing project.

If you're looking for an even broader selection, consider the Brother Computerized: 165 Built-in Stitches. This model offers an impressive 165 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and heirloom stitch functions. It's perfect for those who need more versatility and creativity in their sewing projects, providing additional freedom and options for intricate designs and patterns.

Ease of Use

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine is designed to be very user-friendly, even for beginners. The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, walking you through how to thread the machine, wind the bobbin, select stitches, and adjust settings.

Threading the machine is straightforward with the numbered threading guides and easy to follow diagrams. The top thread features an automatic needle threader that threads the eye of the needle for you at the push of a lever, making the process frustration-free. There is also a separate bobbin winding system so you can quickly wind bobbins while sewing.

Adjusting settings like stitch length and width is simple using the turn dial. You can easily go from basic straight and zigzag stitches to more decorative stitches with just a turn of the dial. The stitch selection is clearly labeled and easy to navigate.

An extension table provides a larger flat work surface around the machine, giving you more space for managing large sewing projects or quilts. This makes sewing easier by supporting the fabric as it feeds through.

Overall, the Brother BM3850 is designed for simplicity and ease of use, even if you are new to sewing. The machine has intuitive controls, easy threading, and a handy quick start guide to get you up and running quickly.

Performance

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine delivers excellent stitch quality and performance across a wide variety of fabrics. The 37 built-in stitches are precise and even at speeds up to 800 stitches per minute.

Stitch Quality

The stitch quality is impressive for a sewing machine in this price range. The stitches are consistent in length and tension, producing professional-looking seams and details. Even at high speeds, the stitching remains high quality without bunching or skipped stitches. The machine handles lightweight fabrics like silk and voile as well as heavy canvas and denim without compromising stitch integrity.

Speed

With a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute, the BM3850 offers versatility for sewing projects both large and small. The speed is adjustable with the foot pedal, allowing you to slow it down for tricky areas or speed up for long seams. Fast and efficient performance for everything from garment construction to home decor projects.

Fabric Handling

From sheer chiffon to multiple layers of thick denim, the BM3850 has the power to handle it all. The internal motor provides enough force to feed heavyweight fabrics without hesitation or stalling out. Lightweight fabrics don't get pushed or distorted at high speeds. The machine is designed to sew an impressive range of fabrics with ease.

Design and Build Quality

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine features an all metal frame and interior metal parts, making it very sturdy and durable for long-lasting use. The machine has a solid weight to it at 13.7 pounds, providing stability when sewing at high speeds.

Reviewers note the machine feels well-constructed with quality materials that do not feel flimsy or cheap. The buttons and dials have a responsive tactile feedback and turn smoothly. The plastic exterior and casing seem thick and resilient.

The machine appears designed to hold up well under frequent use. Customers report using it regularly for years without any issues. The metal interior components allow it to sew through heavy fabrics without flexing or movement. Overall, the build quality exceeds expectations for the price point.

Many reviewers mention they expect this machine to last them a decade or longer with proper care and maintenance, making it a worthwhile investment. While no machine lasts forever, the Brother BM3850's sturdy construction and quality parts give it better longevity than cheaper plastic models. For those seeking a workhorse sewing machine with industrial-like durability, this Brother model delivers reliable performance.

Noise Level

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine runs quietly overall. There is some noise from the motor while sewing, but it is not overly loud or distracting. Many users mention that the noise level is low enough to allow for conversation or even listening to music or TV while sewing.

There is minimal vibration while the machine is running. The internal components and mechanics seem well-balanced to prevent excessive vibration. This makes the sewing experience smooth and comfortable without a lot of bothersome shaking.

The noise and vibration levels seem comparable to other sewing machines in this price range. While not whisper-quiet, the noise is reasonable for a home sewing machine. Customers are pleased that the BM3850 does not make irritating rattling or grinding noises while in operation.

Additional Features

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine comes with several handy additional features that enhance your sewing experience.

Extension Table

The machine includes a wide extension table that provides extra workspace around the needle. This allows you to easily sew larger projects like quilts without fabric bunching or slipping off the table. The extension table is easy to attach and remove as needed.

Free Arm

The free arm allows you to sew cylindrical pieces like pant legs and sleeves. To access the free arm, you simply remove the extension table. This reveals the free arm for ease of sewing tubular or circular fabric pieces.

Reverse Sewing

The reverse sewing feature lets you reinforce stitches by sewing backwards. Just press the reverse sewing lever and the machine will sew in reverse. This is useful for backtacking over seams to lock them in place. You can also create decorative stitch effects using reverse sewing.

Warranty and Support

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for the entire warranty period.

For customer support, Brother offers several options:

• Phone support is available 6 days a week (closed Sundays) at 1-877-BROTHER. Wait times are usually very short.

• Email support can be accessed by filling out a form on the Brother support website. Responses are provided within 1 business day.

• Brother's support website also contains an extensive library of manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting tips, and video tutorials. So many questions can be answered without contacting support directly.

• For major issues, Brother has over 200 authorized service centers throughout the US to provide repair services.

Overall, Brother's warranty coverage and customer support options are extensive. The warranty period is one of the longest in the industry. And multiple support channels are available 6 days a week, with fast response times. This provides great peace of mind for customers.

Pros and Cons

The Brother BM3850 sewing machine has many notable pros along with a few potential cons to consider.

Pros

• 37 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom and quilting options
• Easy bobbin winding and jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
• Automatic needle threader for hassle-free threading
• Large backlit LCD display screen with easy stitch selection
• Wide table for supporting large sewing projects
• Adjustable sewing speed control for precision
• Free arm for sewing sleeves, cuffs and other cylindrical pieces
• Hard cover for storage and portability
• 25-year limited warranty

Cons

• May not handle very thick fabrics well
• LED light could be brighter for seeing work area clearly
• Limited automatic buttonhole styles
• Not ideal for heavy duty or industrial sewing
• Noise level may be disruptive in close quarters

The Brother BM3850 offers user-friendly operation and versatility for most sewing projects. The extra wide table provides ample workspace. While not made for heavy duty sewing, it handles common fabrics well. The stitch selection and adjustable speed allow both basic and more advanced sewing. Overall an affordable, feature-rich machine for home sewing enthusiasts.