Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine: A Comprehensive Review For Beginners
The Brother XM2701 is a lightweight, beginner-friendly sewing machine that comes with useful features to help you get started sewing or complete simple projects. In this comprehensive Brother XM2701 sewing machine review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the capabilities, ease of use, accessories, and overall performance of this budget-friendly model.
Overview of the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
The Brother XM2701 is a mechanical sewing machine, meaning it is not computerized. Sewing options and settings are changed using manual dials and knobs rather than digital controls. Here are the key specifications and dimensions for the XM2701:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.3 x 5.9 x 12.1 inches |
| Weight | 12.6 pounds |
| Built-in stitches | 27, including 1 automatic buttonhole |
| Maximum stitch width | 5mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 4mm |
| Sewing speed | 800 stitches per minute |
| Included accessories | 6 presser feet, instructional DVD |
With its lightweight build and small footprint, the Brother XM2701 sewing machine is easy to move around and transport. It has a convenient built-in carry handle and weighs just 12.6 pounds.
The XM2701 comes with 27 built-in stitch options accessible through a manual dial. The stitches include utility stitches like straight, zigzag, and blind hem, as well as decorative options like shell tuck, satin, and feather. There is also an automatic 1-step buttonhole function to easily add buttonholes sized to your buttons.
Beginner-Friendly Features
One of the standout features of the Brother XM2701 is that it incorporates several beginner-friendly functions to make sewing more accessible.
Automatic Needle Threader
Threading the needle can be tricky, particularly for new sewers. The XM2701 has an automatic needle threader that threads the eye of the needle for you with the push of a lever. This saves time and frustration, especially if you have trouble seeing up close or dexterity issues threading manually.
Top Drop-In Bobbin
This sewing machine uses a top drop-in bobbin that is jam resistant and very easy to insert and remove. The clear bobbin cover allows you to monitor your bobbin thread supply as you sew. Loading the bobbin is quick and straightforward compared to front-loading bobbins on other machines.
LED Sewing Area Light
The XM2701 has an LED light that brightly illuminates the sewing area. This helps you see your stitches clearly and is useful when working with dark fabrics. The LED light makes sewing easier on your eyes.
Free Arm
A free arm allows you to easily sew cylindrical pieces like sleeve cuffs and pant legs. Just slide off the accessory storage compartment and you have access to an elongated arm. Kids can also use the free arm to learn sewing skills on smaller projects.
Performance and Stitch Quality
In testing, the XM2701 produced consistent, evenly spaced stitches on most fabric types from lightweight cottons to midweight linens and knits. It sews smoothly and the stitch length and width can be manually adjusted using dials.
The straight stitch function sews nice even seams and the zigzag stitch securely joins two fabrics together. The machine also handles basting, blind hems, and other everyday tasks well. Decorative stitches like scallops and stretch stitches for knits give you some creative options.
The Brother XM2701 is best suited for simpler projects like clothing alterations, crafts, home decor items, and mending or hemming. Multiple layers of very thick fabrics like leather and denim can be challenging for this lightweight machine. But it can handle most lighter garment sewing, crafting, and mending jobs with ease.
Ease of Use
This beginner sewing machine is designed for intuitive use right out of the box. Key settings are changed using manual dials with printed diagrams.
Easy Stitch Selection
Choosing stitches is done by turning the pattern selection dial. The stitch options are printed right on the body of the machine, making it obvious which setting you are choosing.
Quick Set Up
Most users are able to get the XM2701 threaded, bobbin loaded, and ready to sew within just a few minutes of taking it out of the box thanks to the detailed instructions printed on the machine itself. An instructional DVD is also included for visual demonstrations.
Adjustable Settings
The top dials allow you to manually adjust tension, stitch length, and stitch width as needed for your project. The settings are easy to tweak and test for the perfect stitch.
The well-labeled diagrams and overall simplicity of the Brother XM2701 make it very straightforward to start sewing quickly as a beginner.
Accessories Included
The Brother XM2701 comes with several handy accessories right in the box:
- 6 different presser feet for basic tasks:
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Zigzag foot
- Button sewing foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Narrow hem foot
- Twin needle
- 3 bobbins
- Darning plate
- Needle set
- Screwdriver
- Spool pins
- Instructional DVD
- Bilingual user manual
With included feet for buttonholes, hems, zippers, and more, you can take on a wide range of projects right away without purchasing additional presser feet. The instructional DVD also helps you learn to use the machine properly.
Portability
Weighing in at just 12.6 pounds, the lightweight Brother XM2701 is easy to move around and transport. The built-in carry handle allows you to conveniently pick it up and take it to classes, sewing groups, or other rooms in your home.
The small footprint doesn’t take up much space if you need to store it when not in use. It’s a great portable machine if you don’t want to be stuck sewing in just one location.
Pros and Cons of the Brother XM2701
Pros
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use out of the box
- Budget-friendly price point
- Lightweight and portable
- Automatic needle threading
- Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- 27 built-in stitches for basic projects
- 6 useful presser feet included
Cons
- Limited functionality for thick fabrics
- Fewer stitches than computerized machines
- No speed control, sensitive foot pedal
- Small accessory storage can spill items
- No automatic thread cutter
Conclusion
The Brother XM2701 is an excellent entry-level sewing machine that beginners will find easy to learn on. It incorporates features like automatic needle threading, LED lighting, and a top drop-in bobbin that make getting started sewing much simpler.
With 27 built-in stitches, 6 included presser feet, and lightweight portability, it offers enough functionality for basic sewing and mending projects, simple clothing construction, crafts, and more. The stitch quality is smooth and even on most fabrics.
While more advanced sewers may want additional features like computerized controls and speed adjustment, the affordability and quality of the XM2701 make it one of the best options for novices starting out. It eliminates a lot of frustration for the beginner sewist.
The Brother XM2701 provides excellent value for crafters and sewists looking for a versatile machine under $200. Its user-friendly design and performance allow you to learn the basics of sewing with ease.