The Ultimate Brother XR3340 Sewing Machine Review
The Brother XR3340 is a lightweight, computerized sewing and quilting machine packed with features like easy threading, 140 built-in stitches, and a large sewing area. Although it’s discontinued, the XR3340 remains a popular choice for beginners and intermediate sewers. This in-depth review covers everything you need to know about the Brother XR3340’s performance, ease of use, accessories, pros and cons.
Overview of the Brother XR3340
The Brother XR3340 sewing machine is a computerized model with a lightweight design making it portable and easy to take to classes or on trips. It comes programmed with 140 built-in stitches including utility stitches as well as decorative stitches for quilting, heirloom sewing, crafts and more.
The advanced easy threading system and automatic needle threader makes setting up the XR3340 quick and frustration-free. Adjustable stitch length and width settings allow you to customize your stitches for different fabric types and sewing techniques.
Other convenient features include a top loading drop-in bobbin, free arm, adjustable presser foot pressure and a large sewing space provided by the extended table. The LED light illuminates the sewing area beautifully and the LCD screen makes selecting stitches and seeing your settings a breeze. The ability to drop the feed dogs gives you freedom to do free motion quilting and sewing.
Brother XR3340 Sewing Machine Specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Built-In Stitches | 140 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 8 One-Step |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 spm |
| Built-in Needle Threader | Yes |
| Presser Feet Included | 10 |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Drop Feed Dog | Yes |
| Work Light | LED |
| Weight | 19 lbs |
| Warranty | 25 Years Limited |
Image showing the Brother XR3340 sewing machine controls and stitches display
Performance of the Brother XR3340 for Sewing
The Brother XR3340 sewing machine can handle a variety of fabrics from delicate silks and lightweight cottons to heavier materials like denim, wool suiting and leather. It’s suitable for sewing all kinds of projects including clothes, crafts, quilts, home decor items and more thanks to its versatile features.
The adjustable presser foot pressure helps prevent lightweight fabrics from sticking or puckering and ensures even feeding on heavier fabrics. The variable speed control allows you to sew slowly and precisely, especially around corners and curves.
You get a wide range of presser feet with the XR3340 including those designed for installing zippers, hemming, sewing buttons, overcasting, blind stitching, and more. These give you diverse options for all types of garment sewing and craft projects. Bobbin winding is quick and easy with the built-in winder.
The 8 one-step buttonhole styles automatically adjust to the button size for perfect fitting buttonholes every time. You also have access to built-in decorative stitches like scallops that add beautiful detail to your sewing projects.
Image showing sewing samples made with the Brother XR3340
Performance for Quilting
This versatile Brother machine allows quilters to do free motion quilting by dropping the feed dogs. The included quilting foot grip fabric well as you move the fabric manually to create your desired quilting designs.
The spacious extended table provides ample room for managing quilts, especially larger pieces. The LED light brightly illuminates the needle area so you can clearly see quilting lines as you sew them.
Useful utility stitches like blanket stitch are built-in along with decorative stitches that can be used to creatively embellish your quilt. The needle up/down function helps quilters pivot fabric and maintain smoother stitching.
Video showing free motion quilting using the Brother XR3340
Ease of Use
Many users love how user-friendly the Brother XR3340 is, making it an ideal choice even for beginners new to sewing machines. The LCD screen clearly displays all the built-in stitches available and selected settings.
Choosing stitches, adjusting length/width, and programming other settings is very straightforward with the panel of buttons. The advanced easy threading system and automatic needle threader prevent frustration and allow you to get sewing faster.
At around 19 pounds, this lightweight computerized machine is conveniently portable. The instructional DVD provided makes setup and learning to use the XR3340 very simple. It requires minimal regular maintenance – just wipe it down occasionally and use the included brush to remove lint.
Accessories Included
The Brother XR3340 comes with a selection of accessories including:
- 10 presser feet – zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, blind hem, overcast, monogramming, quilting, etc.
- Specialty needles – ballpoint, universal, etc.
- 4 bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Spool caps
- Spool pin
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning brush
- Dust cover
- Extra-wide extension table
The extension table provides extra support for large sewing and quilting projects. You have all the key accessories right in the box to get started sewing a wide variety of projects.
Image showing the Brother XR3340 accessories
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable price point usually under $300
- 140 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, quilting stitches
- User-friendly features like easy threading, top loading bobbin
- Good selection of included accessories like feet, needles, table
- Lightweight and portable
- Brightly lit sewing area
- LCD screen makes operation very straightforward
Cons
- Lacks some convenience features like automatic thread cutting
- Maximum 850 stitches per minute is decent but not as fast as other machines
- Presser feet are snap-on rather than changeable by button
Conclusion
The Brother XR3340 is a versatile sewing and quilting machine ideal for beginners and intermediate sewers looking for an affordable computerized model. With 140 built-in stitches, easy threading and bobbin features, a selection of included accessories, and useful functions like free motion capability, it delivers excellent value. More advanced sewers may want higher end features like automatic thread cutting and cutwork functions but the XR3340 covers the basics very well. Its lightweight design and user-friendly operation make it a great portable machine for taking classes and sewing on the go. While it lacks some convenience elements, the Brother XR3340 remains a solid choice for starting out on computerized sewing and quilting.
Products for Sewing with the Brother XR3340:
- Dritz Washable Fabric Glue Stick – helpful for sewing knit fabrics and binding
- June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler – takes the guesswork out of cutting fabric pieces
- Dritz Boxed Pattern Weights – prevent fabric from shifting during cutting and sewing
- Flower Head Pins by Dritz – keeps fabric layers in place
Products for Quilting with the Brother XR3340:
- Olfa 60mm Rotary Cutter – essential for cutting fabric
- Omnigrid 4-1/2″ x 24″ Quilter’s Ruler – accurate cuts for piecing quilts
- Quilter’s Tips Chaco Liner – improves free motion quilting
- Clover Clips – quickly piece quilts before sewing