Brother XR3774 Review: A Detailed Look At This Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machine

The Brother XR3774 is an affordable, lightweight, and beginner-friendly sewing machine that provides useful features at a budget-friendly price point. In this detailed Brother XR3774 review, we’ll take an in-depth look at what this machine has to offer for entry-level sewers.

[Suggested image: Brother XR3774 sewing machine]

With 37 built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, a drop-in bobbin system, and a host of included accessories, the XR3774 has much of what you need to get started sewing or quilting. Its compact size makes it easily portable, and it sews smoothly and quietly.

While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty or industrial projects, the Brother XR3774 is a great option for beginners looking for an easy-to-use, portable sewing machine on a budget. Read on for the full Brother XR3774 review!

Ease of Use for Beginners

One of the standout features of the Brother XR3774 is how beginner-friendly it is. This lightweight sewing machine has several functions that make it easy to operate even if you’re just learning.

The automatic needle threader is a huge help for threading the eye of the needle – a task that can be tricky and frustrating, especially for beginners. With just the press of a lever, the threader pushes the thread right through the needle for you.

The XR3774 also has a top drop-in bobbin that is jam resistant. Bobbins can often get tangled or need adjusting, but the drop-in style on this machine is easy to insert and remove. It’s also clear so you can monitor how much thread you have left.

Stitch selection is made simple with a turn dial that allows you to select from 37 built-in stitches. Adjusting stitch width and length is also manual via clearly marked dials. The machine doesn’t have computerized settings that can overwhelm beginners.

Overall, the Brother XR3774 sewing machine is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for someone just learning to sew. The automatic features reduce frustration, and it’s ready to start sewing right out of the box.

[Suggested video: Brother XR3774 being used by a beginner]

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Number of Built-In Stitches	37
Buttonhole Styles	1 One-Step Buttonhole
Stitch Selection Method	Manual Dial
Stitch Width	5mm
Stitch Length	4mm
Maximum Sewing Speed	800 spm
Needle Threader	Automatic
Bobbin Type	Top Drop-In
Free Arm	Yes
Included Accessories	8 Presser Feet, Quilting Table, Instructional DVD
Machine Weight	12.3 lbs
Machine Dimensions	15.3″ x 5.8″ x 12″

Portability

Weighing in at just 12.3 pounds, the Brother XR3774 is extremely lightweight and portable. You can easily move it between rooms or even transport it to classes, club meetings, or retreats.

The plastic construction helps reduce the weight without compromising too much on durability. While all-metal machines can withstand more heavy-duty projects, the trade-off is substantially more heft.

For those with strength or mobility considerations, the lightweight nature of the XR3774 makes it much more manageable to wrangle in and out of storage. Even for those without these concerns, less weight means greater portability for taking your machine on the go.

The compact footprint is another advantage for portability. Measuring just 15.3″ x 5.8″ x 12″, it doesn’t take up much space when stowing or transporting.

Thanks to the integrated carry handle and a canvas cover included with the machine, you can safely and easily move the XR3774 wherever your projects take you. Whether heading to a class or a weekend quilting retreat, enjoy the portability of this Brother sewing machine.

[Suggested image: Person carrying the Brother XR3774 machine using the handle]

Built-In Stitches and Accessories

While computerized sewing machines offer hundreds of stitches, the Brother XR3774 keeps things simple with 37 built-in stitches. The variety is enough for everything from garment sewing to quilting and craft projects.

Stitches include:

• Straight stitch
• Zigzag
• Blind hem
• Decorative stitches
• Stretch stitches
• Quilting stitches

There are also 8 included presser feet that allow you to make the most of the built-in stitches:

• Zigzag foot – For applique, satin stitching, button sewing
• Buttonhole foot – For sewing buttonholes
• Zipper foot – For inserting zippers
• Blind stitch foot – For hemming projects
• Button fitting foot – For sewing on buttons
• Walking foot – Helps feed layers evenly for quilting
• Quilting foot – For basic quilting stitches
• Narrow hemmer foot – For hemming projects

That’s more presser feet than many other entry-level sewing machines come with, adding functionality right out of the box.

Other included accessories are:

• Quilting table – Provides extra space for larger projects
• Instructional DVD – Teaches beginners how to use the machine
• Darning plate – Needed for free motion quilting
• Twin needle – For two-line stitching
• 4 Bobbins – Holds bottom thread
• Seam ripper – For fixing mistakes
• Needle set – Assorted needles for different fabrics
• Screwdriver – For light maintenance

With 37 stitches and all the accessories, this Brother sewing machine comes ready to tackle a wide range of sewing and quilting projects.

[Suggested image: Photo collage of the included accessories]

Free Arm and Quilting Capabilities

While the Brother XR3774 may not be an advanced quilting machine, it provides some handy features for basic quilting projects.

It comes with a detachable quilting table that expands the work area, giving you more surface to maneuver quilts. For smaller projects, the table can be removed.

There is also a free arm for sewing sleeves, pant legs, and any circular items. To access it, the flat bed attachment is removed.

Included quilting stitches like zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches are useful for piecing quilt tops together. The walking foot helps feed quilt layers evenly to prevent shifting.

You can do free motion quilting on the XR3774 by covering the feed dogs with the darning plate and moving the fabric manually. Note that you can’t lower the feed dogs, so the darning plate is required for free motion work.

The maximum stitch width of 5mm and length of 4mm gives decent flexibility when quilting. Adjust these settings using the clearly marked dials.

While the Brother XR3774 may not have all the perks of a heavy-duty quilting machine, it provides ample functionality for beginners wanting to learn quilting fundamentals without breaking the bank.

[Suggested video: Using the XR3774 quilting capabilities to make a baby quilt]

Performance and Features

Let’s look at some of the key features and functionalities that influence the Brother XR3774’s performance.

Sewing Speed

With a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute, the XR3774 offers decent speed for smaller projects. It may not be fast enough for large quantities of garments or quilts, but for most general sewing it provides ample pace. The speed is suitable for beginners as well.

Stitch Quality

According to customer reviews, the stitch quality on the Brother XR3774 is good for the price. It produces uniform, even stitches on most fabric types from lightweight cottons to denim. However, performance may decline if pushing the machine beyond its capabilities on heavy fabrics.

Noise Level

This lightweight machine operates quietly, allowing you to converse, listen to music, or watch TV while sewing. The noise level is much lower than many older mechanical machines. One benefit of computerized sewing machines is they tend to be even quieter, but for a budget-priced mechanical the XR3774 noise level is impressive.

LED Light

The LED light on the Brother XR3774 provides illumination right where you need it. While it may not be as bright as the lights on advanced machines, it is more than adequate for lighting your work area. Easy to see stitching is essential, and this LED light delivers.

Needle Positions

With the XR3774’s central needle position and option to drop feed dogs, you can handle basic free motion quilting. However, the lack of adjustable needle positions limits some more advanced techniques. Just be aware of this constraint if you think you’ll pursue intricate free motion quilting down the road.

Overall, while the Brother XR3774 may not have the most robust feature set, it delivers excellent performance for the price. The stitch quality and low noise please most customers.

[Suggested image: Close up photo highlighting the stitch quality]

Customer Reviews

With several thousand reviews across various websites, the Brother XR3774 earns consistently positive feedback. Here is a summary of the pros, cons, and commonly mentioned features based on customer experiences with this sewing machine:

Pros:

• Easy to set up and learn to use, even for total beginners
• Lightweight and portable
• Runs smoothly and quietly
• Provides decent stitch versatility for the price
• Good value for the money

Cons:

• May not stand up to heavy, prolonged use
• Bobbin loading can be tricky
• Automatic needle threader is fussy
• Not enough throat space for large quilts

Commonly Mentioned Features:

• Useful instructional DVD for beginners
• Adequate LED lighting
• Handy automatic needle threader
• Easy stitch selection dial
• Sufficient variety of stitches and feet
• Smooth foot pedal control

While a small number of critical reviews mention issues with inconsistent stitching or problematic bobbins, the vast majority are pleased with the performance and ease of use of the Brother XR3774, especially given the affordable price tag. It rates well as a beginner-friendly machine with enough functionality to grow your skills.

[Suggested image: Chart or graph showing breakdown of positive, critical and neutral customer reviews]

Alternatives to Consider

The Brother XR3774 hits a sweet spot of being budget-friendly while offering ample features for basic sewing and quilting. However, there are some alternatives worth considering depending on your needs:

Brother CS6000i

This computerized machine offers 60 built-in stitches, an LCD screen, and more buttonhole options. It’s priced higher than the XR3774 but adds functionality. Worth the extra cost for intermediate sewers.

Singer Start 1304

If you want a true bare-bones budget buy, the manual Singer Start 1304 provides only the basics. With just 6 stitches but a $100 price tag, it’s the cheapest way to start sewing.

Singer Heavy Duty 4432

For sewing thicker fabrics like denim, the Singer Heavy Duty 4432 is a mechanical machine with an all-metal interior. More durable than the XR3774 but also more expensive.

Janome Magnolia 7318

Known for quality, the Janome Magnolia 7318 is a mechanical machine with fewer built-in stitches but sturdy construction and reliability. Falls in a similar price range to the XR3774.

Depending on your budget and sewing needs, one of these alternatives may be a better fit than the Brother XR3774. Evaluate which features are essential to you.

Conclusion

The Brother XR3774 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine at an affordable price point. Between the automatic needle threading, jam-resistant bobbin, 37 built-in stitches, included accessories, and lightweight design, it provides a lot of value.

While it may not satisfy advanced sewers, the XR3774 shines as a beginner-friendly machine. The top-drop bobbin, automatic threader, easy stitch selection dial, and instructional DVD make it intuitive even for total newcomers to master. More experienced sewers also appreciate the smooth operation and abundance of stitches.

For those seeking a portable sewing machine for quilting, crafts, home decor, and mending, the Brother XR3774 handles most projects with ease. The accessories and stitches accommodate quilting fundamentals. Just don’t expect industrial-level performance.

At the end of the day, if you want an affordable yet versatile sewing companion, the XR3774 deserves your consideration. Light enough to tote around and budget-friendly for beginners, yet powerful enough for tackling an array of fabrics and projects, this Brother sewing machine strikes an excellent balance.