Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine: The Ultimate Buyers Guide
You have found the most comprehensive buyers guide for the Brother XM2701 - a lightweight full-featured sewing machine that comes with 27 stitches.
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Don't have time to read the whole article? Here are the highlights of the Brother XM2701:
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
Pros
Cons
You really can't go wrong with the XM2701. It has everything you could want in a starter sewing machine.
In this review, you'll find everything you need to know about this beautiful little machine to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Who is the Brother XM2701 best for?
Brother has designed the XM2701 with two users in mind: the beginner and the experienced sewist.
Beginners
For those new to sewing, this machine comes with some spectacular features, all of which have simple, ergonomic operation.
It's specifically designed to be easy to operate for anyone unfamiliar with the intricacies of a computerized sewing machine like the Janome 8077.
A dial is used to select the stitching, and it comes with a foot pedal for hands-free operation.
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Experienced sewists
If you are an experienced sewist, this machine can be helpful in several ways.
First, it is very lightweight, weighing only 12.6 pounds. So, it's easy to keep in storage and pull out only when needed.
You can take this machine with you to sewing classes or anywhere else you might want. If you need a lightweight machine that you can move around, this model is perfect.
Second, this model can be useful for those simple tasks that don't require a special high-end machine.
Some people like to have more than one machine when working on big or complicated projects.
Why?
Because you don't always want to have to switch out the thread or the presser foot just for one simple stitch. This model makes a great secondary or back up machine because it does everything, and it doesn't cost much.
It's simple to set up on a kitchen table or spare workspace for temporary use. You don't need a special sewing table for this machine.
What stitches can you do with the XM2701?
Brother has equipped this machine with 27 different stitches which can all be selected by simply turning a dial to the stitch you want.
There are way too many stitches to list all of them.
But, here are some of the highlights so you can know what kind of functionality this machine has.
Basic stitches
Of course, it comes with your everyday stitches, like a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. This will accomplish most of what the beginner needs.
Blind hem stitch
The XM2701 comes with some handy advanced stitches like a blind hem stitch. Making blind hems can be challenging, but sometimes you need to do it. This machine makes the job easier when you need to do a good job of hiding the hem.
Elastic stitch
It also comes with stitches for sewing elastic and other stretchy fabrics where you need some flexibility. This allows the thread to give - and not snap - when the fabric is stretched.
Other stitches
Sometimes you need to sew two pieces of fabric together by butting them up against each other or by overlapping them, like when you're making patchwork or applique. The XM2701 has stitches for that:
- Bridging stitch
- Rampart stitch
- Double action stitch
There are several other decorative stitches to dress up your projects, including:
- Shell tuck stitch
- Feather stitch
- Bead stitch
- Arrowhead stitch
- Smocking stitch
So, this should give you a good idea of the many stitches available for you to make beautiful hems or decorations on your projects.
If there is any basic stitch you can think of, this model has it.
Unless you need some specialized stitching for advanced projects, you should be able to get it done with this machine.
What feet come with this sewing machine?
This Brother machine comes with six different feet for your sewing needs.
Changing the foot is easy. Just press down to remove one foot and snap another into place. It takes only seconds to do.
Zipper foot
With the zipper foot, you can easily add a zipper to your project - whether a pair of pants, a pillowcase, or a purse. If it needs a zipper, you can sew it on!
Zigzag foot
The Zigzag foot lets you sew a zigzag stitch in fabrics that are more stretchable - like I did in my cowl neck top sew along.
You can also use it if you need to edge two pieces of fabric together temporarily.
Narrow hemmer
Another foot that Brother has included in this machine is the narrow hem foot. This is an amazing little foot that so many people overlook.
Trying to hem a piece of fabric as small as 1/8" an inch can be extremely difficult.
You have to keep it folded over perfectly while running the machine and keeping the fabric straight. Many experienced sewists have difficulty doing this by hand let alone by machine.
But with the narrow hem foot, even the beginner can sew very narrow hems.
This attachment has grooves on one side and a curl fold on the other to guide the fabric through the sewing machine. With a little practice, you'll be able to make a straight and even narrow hemline.
One-step buttonhole foot
This is a great feature that takes the guesswork out of making buttonholes.
The one-step buttonhole attachment automatically makes the right size buttonhole to fit your button.
Button sewing foot
With the button sewing foot, you can sew on buttons way faster than doing it by hand.
You can easily repair that one shirt that always seems to be losing its buttons!
Blind hem foot
Brother has also included a blind hem foot to make hidden hems in clothing and home decor items easier than ever to do.
This can be one of the more difficult stitches to master. But, with the blind hem foot, you can become proficient at it in no time.
What other features does this model have?
Automatic needle threader
One of the really exciting features offered on this model (and others like the Brother HC1850) is an automatic needle threader.
If you're new to sewing, you know that threading a needle can be one frustrating task.
And even experienced sewists can get flustered trying to get a thick or frayed thread through the tiny eye of a needle.
With the automatic needle threader, all these frustrations disappear.
How does the automatic needle threader work?
The threader is attached directly to the machine near the buttonhole lever. Just loop your thread through the device, and when you press it all the way down, a little plastic hook will shoot through the eye of the needle.
Move the thread into the hook, release the needle threader, and the hook will go back up into the machine, pulling your thread through the needle as it goes.
And with the LED light positioned on your working area, you can see this whole process take place.
As you get used to using the automatic threader, you will be able to get the whole process down to seconds, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
No more squinting to see the eye of the needle or wetting the end of the thread to get it to go through the needle. A welcome relief for newbie sewers and veterans alike!
Drop down bobbin
Another time-saving device that any sewist will welcome is the automatic top drop-in bobbin. Simply pop the bobbin in place and pull the thread out to the side along the track, and begin sewing.
There's no need to pull the thread up before use - the machine will do that for you automatically.
This is another bonus for beginners because it eliminates one of the frustrating elements of learning to sew.
And advanced users will love how quickly they can insert a new bobbin and just start sewing!
The bobbin is also located under a transparent plastic cover, so it's easy to see when you are low on thread. No more wondering if you have enough thread to finish a seam.
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Needles
Brother includes a set of extra needles with your new machine. So you'll have some backups in case one breaks or if you need a different size for your fabric.
This saves you the hassle of having to buy extra needles right off the bat.
In addition to these extra needles, you'll also get a twin needle with the machine. These are used when you need a professional looking seam, and they'll also give the seam greater durability.
Bobbins and winder
Also included are four bobbins so you can have four different colored threads ready to go.
With the bobbin winder you can quickly and easily load the bobbin from the spool of thread spool you are sewing with. This makes it simple to match whichever thread you want.
Instruction manual and DVD
Another nice bonus that Brother includes is an instructional DVD. It walks you through the process of operating the machine and teaches the basics of how to use it.
So you get a free sewing lesson - great for a beginner!
Of course, there's also a manual included with all the details of what you need to know.
Operating a sewing machine can be challenging, so these visual aids help a lot as you're learning to use it.
Are there any problems with this machine?
While this amazingly lightweight machine is packed with all sorts of great features, it's not perfect. There are a couple of things you should know about it.
1. Not suited for several layers of thick fabric
This is a light-duty machine. If you are trying to sew more than one layer of thick fabric, the machine will struggle to get through them all.
Fabrics like denim will also prove difficult for this machine if you want to sew more than one or two layers.
And, by the way, don’t forget to buy right size needles, even if you're only working with one layer of thick fabric.
2. LED light is just okay
The LED light is somewhat low, and that can make it hard to see what you're sewing.
If you have any eyesight problems, or if you just prefer a well-lit workspace, consider using an extra lamp to fully illuminate what you are working on.
But considering that the XM2701 is not meant to be a heavy-duty sewing machine for leather or other fabrics, these limitations might not really matter.
If you want something for light-duty use, then with an additional lamp, this unit should work well for you.
What kind of warranty does Brother offer?
Brother offers an impressive warranty with their machines. If anything should malfunction on the machine, Brother will cover it against all manufacturer’s defects for 25 years.
That’s the kind of guarantee only a company that believes in their product offers.
Brother is known for its high quality products, and this warranty is just further evidence of that standard of excellence.
What's the price?
This basic yet full featured lightweight machine from Brother is affordable.
You can check the current price at Amazon by clicking here.
You won’t have to break the bank to learn how to sew or to get a spare machine for some extra use.
With the Brother XM2701, you get many of the features of more expensive Brother machines at a very reasonable price.
Verdict
Brother has done very well with this machine. It has everything you could want in a starter sewing machine.
It is fantastic for any beginner needing an entry-level machine to get them going, but experienced sewists will also find it useful to keep around as a portable machine.
So, what are you waiting for? There are clothes to be made and craft projects to be done!
If the Brother XM2701 sounds like the right sewing machine to get your projects done, you can grab one for yourself today.
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