Brother XM1010: 10 Built-in Stitches: Full Review

Brother is a well-known brand in the sewing and crafting industry that has been around since 1908. Originally starting in Japan, Brother now has a global presence and manufactures a wide range of products including printers, scanners, sewing machines and more. They are known for making affordable and user-friendly sewing machines for beginners and experts alike.

The Brother XM1010 is one of their compact, portable and budget-friendly sewing machines. As an entry-level model, it's designed to be easy to use straight out of the box while still offering useful features. Keep reading this review to learn more about the capabilities and performance of the XM1010 sewing machine.

Overview

The Brother XM1010 is a compact, portable sewing machine designed for basic sewing and crafting projects. It is an entry-level mechanical machine with 10 built-in stitches and an easy-to-use dial for stitch selection.

The XM1010 has a lightweight design weighing under 7 pounds, making it ideal for travel or taking to sewing classes. Its small footprint takes up minimal space. The machine runs on DC power and comes with a foot pedal controller. It can handle lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, silk etc. The maximum stitch width is 5mm.

Overall, the Brother XM1010 offers basic functionality and ease of use in a portable package. It's a good starter machine for learning sewing, simple alterations, crafts and home decor projects. More advanced sewers may want a machine with more stitch options and features. But for basic needs, the XM1010 provides good value.

Another excellent option is the Brother XM2701: Lightweight Machine, 27 Stitches. This model features 27 built-in stitches, offering more versatility for various sewing projects. Like the XM1010, it is also lightweight, making it easy to transport. The XM2701 includes an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, enhancing its user-friendliness. This model provides a balance of simplicity and functionality for users looking to expand their sewing capabilities.

Design

The Brother XM1010 sewing machine has a sleek and compact design that makes it ideal for beginners and travelers. It weighs only 12.1 pounds, so it's lightweight and portable. The dimensions are 15.04 x 6.69 x 11.73 inches, giving it a small footprint that doesn't take up much space.

Despite its portable size, the XM1010 doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. The plastic housing seems sturdy and durable. The white and blue color scheme gives it a clean, modern aesthetic. There is also a built-in carry handle, allowing you to transport the machine with ease. The compact design makes the XM1010 a great choice if you want a sewing machine that's easy to store away or take on the go.

If you're looking for more advanced features, consider the Brother RLX3817G: Full Size 17 Stitch Sewing Machine, Grey, Refurbished. This full-size machine offers 17 built-in stitches, providing more versatility for various sewing projects. Though refurbished, it maintains high quality and reliability, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced sewers looking for a robust machine at an affordable price.

Features

The Brother XM1010 sewing machine comes with 10 built-in stitches including basic stitches like straight stitch and zigzag as well as decorative stitches like scallop, blind hem and more. This gives you versatility to sew and finish various projects from garments to home decor.

It has an automatic, one-step buttonholer that makes sewing buttonholes easy. Just lower the presser foot and the machine does the work for you. No need for special attachments or plates.

With a top sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute, you can sew faster on projects using straight stitch. The speed is adjustable so you can slow it down if needed when using other stitch types.

The machine has a jam resistant drop-in bobbin system, making bobbin threading and changing quick and easy. There's also a built-in thread cutter for convenience.

An automatic needle threader is included, taking the frustration out of threading the needle. Simply lower the presser foot, raise the needle to its highest position, lower the threading lever and guide the thread through the slot. The machine does the rest!

Included Accessories

The Brother XM1010 comes with several useful accessories to help you get started sewing right away. It includes 4 different presser feet for basic sewing techniques:

• Zigzag Foot - For sewing zigzag stitches and other utility stitches
• Buttonhole Foot - For sewing buttonholes automatically
• Zipper Foot - For inserting zippers neatly
• Blind Stitch Foot - For invisible hemming

It also comes with 3 bobbins, a twin needle, needle set, screwdriver, foot controller, and instructional DVD. Having multiple presser feet allows you to tackle different projects without needing to purchase additional accessories. The instructional DVD helps beginners learn how to thread the machine, wind bobbins, change presser feet, and start sewing.

Overall, the included accessories provide everything you need as a beginner. You can start practicing both straight stitching and zigzag stitching, as well as sewing buttonholes and hemming projects. The bobbins, needles, and screwdriver assist with machine maintenance and care.

Ease of Use

The Brother XM1010 is designed to be very user friendly, making it a great choice for beginners while still meeting the needs of more experienced sewers.

For beginners, the XM1010 has several features that make it easy to use right out of the box. It has a simple interface with just a few basic dials and buttons, so new users won't be overwhelmed. The bobbin is very easy to insert and remove. There are guides printed right on the machine showing where to thread the needle and how to wind the bobbin. It also comes with an instructional DVD to help you get started. The stitch selection dial makes it easy to switch between the 10 built-in stitches.

Despite the simple design, the XM1010 doesn't sacrifice functionality for experienced sewers. It has adjustable stitch length and width settings to customize your stitches. The presser foot pressure can also be adjusted based on your fabric type. The free arm allows for easy sewing of cuffs and pant legs. An automatic needle threader is also included, which is convenient when switching between different thread colors.

Overall, the intuitive design and included guides make the XM1010 a great starter machine for beginners. At the same time, it includes features for customization that will continue to be useful even as your skills progress. This versatility makes it a machine that can grow with you over time.

Performance

The Brother XM1010 sewing machine delivers excellent stitch quality and evenness. The stitches are very uniform, with no bunching or looping of the thread. This evenness continues whether sewing in straight lines or around curves and corners. Even at higher sewing speeds, the stitch quality remains consistent.

The stitches are also very durable, able to withstand regular use and laundering without coming loose or fraying. Fabrics don't pucker around the stitching, indicating a sturdy seam. The thread tension stays balanced during sewing so the locking between the top and bobbin threads is secure. This produces seams that can handle reasonable wear and tear, making the XM1010 well-suited for most sewing and mending jobs around the home.

Overall, the performance and stitch quality allow sewers to complete projects with reliable, professional-looking results. The XM1010 delivers solid stitching for basic garment construction, crafts, home decor items, alterations and everyday repairs.

Noise Level

The Brother XM1010 sewing machine operates quietly overall, making it a great option for sewing in small spaces or apartment living. At low sewing speeds, the noise level is minimal and comparable to a quiet conversation. You can hold a phone call while sewing slowly without having to raise your voice much. The quiet operation also makes the XM1010 a good choice for sewing while others are sleeping or working nearby.

When running at full speed, the noise increases moderately but is still lower than many other budget sewing machines. It has a soothing hum rather than a high-pitched whirring sound. The top speed is 800 stitches per minute, and at max speed there is an audible hum that some users may find bothersome in very quiet environments. But the noise won't carry throughout a home or disturb most households. For reference, the noise level at full speed is comparable to the volume of a running dishwasher. Overall, the XM1010 strikes a nice balance between power and quiet operation for a machine in this price range.

Maintenance

The Brother XM1010 is a low maintenance machine that requires minimal upkeep to keep running smoothly. Here are some tips for cleaning, oiling, and troubleshooting the XM1010:

Cleaning - It's a good idea to wipe down the exterior of the machine occasionally with a soft cloth to remove any dust or lint buildup. Use a small brush to remove lint and threads from crevices and around the bobbin case. Avoid using harsh cleaners or getting liquids inside the machine.

Oiling - The XM1010 requires oiling of the inner mechanisms every now and then to keep things operating properly. Refer to your owner's manual for oiling instructions specific to your model. Generally, use sewing machine oil applied with an oil dropper to lubricate moving parts like the hook race, bobbin case, and feed dogs. Only use light sewing machine oil - not regular household oils.

Troubleshooting - Some common issues and solutions:

• Thread bunching - Check threading path and rethread top and bobbin. Adjust top thread tension.

• Skipping stitches - Change needle, rethread top and bobbin, check needle/thread compatibility.

• Noisy operation - Clean lint out of bobbin case and replace needle. Make sure presser foot is lowered before sewing.

• Needle breaks - Insert needle properly and tighten screw fully. Change to new needle.

Refer to the manual for more troubleshooting tips. If problems persist, take the machine to an authorized Brother repair center for servicing.

Pros and Cons

The Brother XM1010 sewing machine has several pros that make it a great choice for beginners and casual sewing. Some of the main pros include:

• Lightweight and portable design. Weighing under 7 pounds, this machine is easy to move around and store. The compact size is perfect for small spaces.

• User-friendly operation. With just one dial to select stitches, this machine is incredibly easy to use, even for total beginners. The instructions are straightforward.

• Reliable performance. It can handle basic sewing tasks like hems, seams, and repairs without frustration. The motor provides ample power.

• Variety of built-in stitches. 10 stitches are included, providing options for basic sewing needs. The 4 step buttonhole is also handy.

• Good value for money. At an affordable price point, this machine provides reliable performance without breaking the bank. It's a great starter machine.

Some potential cons to consider include:

• Limited functionality. With just 10 built-in stitches, this machine lacks some of the decorative stitches and options offered by more advanced models. The stitch selection is basic.

• No speed control. The Brother XM1010 only operates at one sewing speed, which some users may find too fast for intricate projects. A speed control would allow more precision.

• Small throat space. The distance between the needle and machine body is quite narrow, which can make sewing larger projects like quilts more difficult.

• No automatic needle threader. It must be threaded manually, which some users may find tricky or frustrating. An auto-needler would make setup quicker and easier.

• Noise level. This isn't the quietest machine, so it may not be the best if you need to sew at night without disturbing housemates. Some plastic gears contribute to the noise.

Overall, the XM1010's simplicity and ease of use make it ideal for beginners, while more advanced sewers may want more features and capabilities. For basic mending and projects, it delivers reliable performance at a wallet-friendly price point.