Brother GX37 Sewing Machine: A Comprehensive Review
The Brother GX37 sewing machine is a great option for beginning sewists looking for an easy-to-use and portable machine. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, benefits, drawbacks, and suitability of the Brother GX37 for different types of sewing needs.
Brother GX37 Sewing Machine Review
The Brother GX37 is a lightweight and portable mechanical sewing machine that is geared specifically towards beginners. Weighing in at around 10 pounds, the GX37 provides smooth stitching, quiet operation, and an overall user-friendly experience perfect for sewing novices.
The GX37 has a decent number of built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, easy reverse stitching, and adjustable stitch length and width. It also comes with a bright LED light to illuminate the sewing area. The affordable price point and included accessories also add to the appeal of this starter sewing machine.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore all the features and capabilities of the Brother GX37 to help you determine if it is the right fit for your needs as a beginner sewist.
Main Features and Benefits
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Built-In Stitches | 37 (including utility and decorative) |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
| Built-in Buttonhole Styles | 1 automatic one-step buttonhole |
| Included Feet | Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, blind stitch foot, zig zag foot, narrow hemmer foot |
| Drop Feed | No |
| Adjustable Stitch Length | Yes, up to 5mm |
| Adjustable Stitch Width | Yes, up to 7mm |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes |
| Lighting | LED lighting |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Weight | 10.14 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.0″ x 11.7″ x 12.5″ |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
Beginner Friendly and Easy to Use
One of the biggest selling points of the Brother GX37 is how beginner friendly and easy to use it is right out of the box. Here are some of the specifics on why this machine is great for sewing beginners:
Smooth Stitching and Quiet Operation
The GX37 produces smooth stitching on a wide variety of fabrics. Users report that it generates consistent, high-quality stitches without skipped stitches or tangles. The quiet operation is also a plus – you won’t have to speak over the noise of this machine!
Easy Set Up and Learning
Most users indicate that the GX37 is easy to set up right out of the box, even if you are using a sewing machine for the very first time. It does not require extensive adjustments to start sewing. The instruction manual and DVD guide also simplify the learning process.
User-Friendly Mechanical Operations
This is a mechanical sewing machine, meaning it relies on manual dials and buttons rather than digital displays and computerized features. The simple mechanical operations are less intimidating for beginners.
Numbered Threading Guide
The sewing machine arm has numbered guides printed directly on the machine to aid in threading the machine properly. This makes it foolproof for beginners who are still learning.
Image suggestion: Someone threading the machine using the numbered guide
Great Value for Money
Considering all the features included and versatility of this machine, it provides excellent value at a very reasonable price point.
Affordable Price Point
The GX37 has an MSRP of $149 but can be easily found online and in-stores for under $100. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. The affordable pricing is perfect for beginners not looking to spend a fortune.
Lots of Included Accessories
The machine comes with 6 different presser feet, bobbins, a pack of needles, screwdriver, spool caps, and more. Having all these accessories included right off the bat saves you money down the line.
Smooth and Consistent Stitching
The GX37 produces high-quality stitches across a variety of fabrics from lightweight cottons to medium weight mixes.
Fantastic Tension Right Out of the Box
Proper thread tension leads to good looking stitches, and the GX37 excels in this area. Users report the tension is set perfectly right out of the box for consistent stitches.
Quiet Operation
This machine operates smoothly and quietly. You won’t have to turn up your music to hear over a loud motor.
Image suggestion: Someone sewing happily on the quiet GX37
Portable and Lightweight Design
Weighing in at around 10 pounds, the Brother GX37 is designed to be portable and lightweight.
Weighs Only Around 10 lbs
The lightweight 10 pound body makes the machine easy to move around and carry. It’s great for taking to sewing classes or for stitching on the go.
Easy to Transport
The GX37 can be easily packed up in a suitcase or tote bag for transport. The lightweight design and included soft cover help make portability a breeze.
Image suggestion: Someone carrying the GX37 in a tote bag
Decent Number of Built-In Stitches
With 37 built-in stitch options, the GX37 offers enough variety for everything from garment sewing to home decor projects.
37 Built-In Stitches
The preset stitch options include utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative stitches – everything a beginner would need.
Enough Options for Basic Sewing Projects
The built-in stitches accommodate a wide range of basic sewing projects. You’ll have options for seaming, hemming, buttonholes, decorative accents, and more.
Image suggestion: Close up image of the stitch selection dial
Helpful Sewing Functions
From needle threading to a free arm, the GX37 comes equipped with features and functions that make sewing easier.
Automatic Needle Threader
The included automatic needle threader does the tricky thread-through-the-needle job for you with just a few clicks.
Easy Reverse Stitching
The reverse stitch lever allows you to seamlessly switch to reverse stitching to lock stitches. No need to re-position fabric and sew backwards.
Thread Cutter
The built-in thread cutter on the machine quickly snips top and bobbin threads.
Drop-In Bobbin System
The jam-resistant drop-in bobbin can only be inserted correctly and is easy to insert.
Free Arm for Tight Areas
The removable flat bed attachment creates a slender free arm perfect for stitching cuffs, sleeves, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Video suggestion: Quick video overview showing the thread cutter, reverse stitch lever, needle threader, and drop-in bobbin
Bright LED Lighting
The LED lighting on the GX37 illuminates the sewing surface for accuracy and visibility.
Well-Lit Sewing Area
The LED lights built into the machine prevent shadows or dark spots that can impede visibility when stitching.
Enhances Accuracy
The brightly lit sewing surface helps improve stitch placement and alignment.
Image suggestion: Well-lit sewing space thanks to the built-in LED lighting
Adjustable Stitch Settings
The GX37 allows you to customize stitch length, width, and thread tension for optimal results across project types.
Adjust Stitch Length and Width
Dials on the machine allow you to override default stitch length (up to 5mm) and width (up to 7mm) settings.
Thread Tension Dial
A dedicated dial makes it easy to adjust bobbin and needle thread tension as needed for any fabric thickness or type.
Image suggestion: Close up of the dials for adjusting settings
Drawbacks and Limitations
While the Brother GX37 has a lot to offer beginners, it isn’t without some drawbacks. Here are the key disadvantages and limitations to consider:
- Not Suitable for Heavy Fabrics: The lightweight design that makes the GX37 portable also limits its ability to handle extremely heavy or dense fabrics. Thick canvas, denim, and upholstery fabrics can be challenging.
- Inserting the Bobbin Can Be Tricky: While the drop-in bobbin design aims to make insertion easy, some users report issues getting the bobbin threaded and inserted properly.
- Tension May Require Trial and Error: Getting the thread tension balanced perfectly right out of the box is unlikely. Expect some testing and tweaking for best tension.
- Lacks Advanced Features: There are no preset buttonhole styles, speed control, start/stop button, or built-in stitches. The computerized options are limited.
Ideal Users
The biggest advantages of the Brother GX37 cater to beginner sewists. Here are the experience levels that can benefit most from this machine:
- Absolute Beginners: From the easy set up to numbered threading guides, the GX37 has everything needed for total sewing newcomers. The learning curve is reasonable.
- Intermittent Hobby Sewists: People who only sew occasionally will appreciate how this machine maintains consistent stitch quality project after project.
- Sewists Seeking Portability: The lightweight body and variety of stitches make the GX37 a take-anywhere machine perfect for classes or groups.
- Crafters on a Budget: The combination of low price and included accessories provides major value. It’s great for crafters on a tight budget.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Brother GX37 is a standout beginner machine, here are some alternatives to consider as well:
- Singer Start 1304: Very similar entry-level model with 6 built-in stitches, free arm, and automatic needle threader. More lightweight but fewer included accessories.
- Brother CS5055: Computerized machine with 50 stitches, LCD screen, and easy threading/bobbin system. Better for intermediate sewists.
- Singer Simple 3223: Mechanical model with 23 stitches, built-in needle threader, and adjustable stitch length and width. Slightly more advanced.
- Janome Sewist 780DC: Computerized machine with 87 stitches, speed control, and 7-piece feed. Great for decorative stitching.
Conclusion
The Brother GX37 is an excellent beginner sewing machine that provides a satisfying sewing experience straight out of the box. The easy set up, smooth stitching, and handy features like the automatic needle threader, built-in cutter, and free arm overcome many obstacles beginners face.
With 37 built-in stitches, LED lighting, and adjustable settings, the GX37 tackles most basic sewing projects. The lightweight yet sturdy body is portable for transporting to classes or sew-ins. Factor in the low price and included accessories, and it’s easy to see why this machine is ideal for novice sewists.
Of course, the GX37 has some limitations to bear in mind as well. The lack of computerized features, inability to handle heavy fabrics, and tricky bobbin work may frustrate more advanced users. But for those sticking to light or medium weight fabrics and basic construction, the Brother GX37 offers tremendous value.