Brother Industries, the company that makes these sewing machines (along with printers, computers, typewriters, fax machines, and more), is one of the biggest names in machine building.
Headquartered in Japan, and with national branches all over the world, it is a brand that has proven to be reliable for over a century. This is definitely the case with the Brother sewing and embroidery machines, and they have carved a niche in the industry as being the best.
Brother USA has crafted the XM2701, especially for beginners, with a focus on portability, budget, and reliability. If you’re just starting out on your sewing journey, you will find that the XM2701 is just perfect.
It is very easy to use, and has just the right amount of features that will enable you to accomplish your needs, while not being too confusing. And if you are an experienced seamstress, you will find that when you need to move this machine around, it will be the perfect travel companion for the work you do and will fulfill a myriad of your sewing projects.
Benefits Of The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
As already mentioned, the Brother XM2701 is built for portability and ease of use for everyday sewing projects. Here, we will go more in-depth with its specifications. The maximum sewing speed is 800 stitches per minute, which is one of the higher amounts for a portable machine. However, it can be varied, as needed, using a speed control slider.
The XM2701 also sports a one-step buttonhole that will easily serve all your buttonhole purposes. It also has a quick set drop-down or top drop-in bobbin system, so that you do not have to remove the needle to refill the bobbins. This is also one of the features that make it incredibly user-friendly. The super easy bobbin winding system that makes it easy for even a beginner to use this machine.
The Brother XM2701 has a stitch width of 5mm and a length of 4mm. There are 27 stitch types available in-built. It is, again, very easy to change by the use of a prominently featured dial. Fantastic stitch selection.
Another very handy feature is the automatic threading system. This makes it very convenient in changing and refilling of the thread. Other models that lack this feature bring about a tiresome waste of time in threading the needle, but with this model, you sure will be glad for this feature. Let me also casually mention the automatic thread cutter that comes in handy 😉
You can get an optional case with the machine, as well as an in-built accessory compartment.
If you take a look online for reviews on this machine, you will see that beginners are thrilled with this machine as well as hardcore enthusiasts (with some caveats for the more experienced sewers!)
More experienced sewers will want this machine for as a secondary machine for its many features. Beginners, in their reviews, almost always mention how they can get right to hemming basics after watching the instructional DVD. Furthermore, this machine is extremely ideal for children and novices alike.
Dismissing it as a “kid’s sewing toy” would be a foolish mistake as this baby comes with tons of features and has quite a few benefits, which we are about to delve into below, so let’s get started.
And Umm, wait until we delve into the benefit of having a free arm! The ease of use this alone brings is amazing!!!
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine Accessories
The Brother XM2701 is made for ease of use, while still delivering a full-featured experience. These include a set of 6 presser feet (unfortunately, there are no quilting feet included, for those who want to do some quilting).
The sewing feet on this machine are zigzag, buttonhole, narrow hemmer, zipper, button and blind stitch. However, you can also buy more separately, as needed, keeping in mind that they need to be clip-on.
Other accessories present are a 3 piece needle set with a twin needle, a darning plate, extra spool pin, 3 bobbins, and a screwdriver. With the set also comes an instructional DVD, as well as a manual to help you with the initial setup and assistance as you continue using it.
Features of the Brother XM2701
The Brother XM2701 sewing machine comes with a range of superior features that make it fun and easy to use. Some of these features are listed below.
#1. Variety Of 27 Built-In Stitches
Anytime you use a sewing machine, you are likely to need several stitches. The Brother XM2701 sewing machine comes with 27 different stitches you can easily select by using a dial. These stitches are important in ensuring the functionality of the sewing machine.
You can also choose the stitches to use, depending on your level and expertise. The basic stitches, zigzag and straight, are suited for beginners. It simplifies the hard task of hiding a hem when you use the blind hem stitch.
The elastic stitch comes in handy when you are working on stretchable fabric, ensuring that they don’t snap.
The bridging, double action, and rampart stitches are useful in sewing together two overlapping pieces of fabric. The other stitches available with this machine are arrowhead, bead, smocking, shell, and feather. These 27 unique built-in stitches will help you in decorating and beautifying the projects you are working on.
Here is a neat way of look at some of the more common stitches in a list form:
- Bridging stitch
- Rampart stitch
- Double action stitch
Here are the more decorative stitches to dress up your projects:
- Shell tuck stitch
- Feather stitch
- Bead stitch
- Arrowhead stitch
- Smocking stitch
There are so many options with stitch variety here that it should fit beginners’ needs as well as more experienced sewing enthusiasts.
#2. Wide Range Of Feet
Just like the stitches, this Brother machine does not hold back in feet. It has six different feet options to use, depending on your needs.
You don’t have to struggle anymore when making hidden hems for your home décor and clothing, as you can accomplish it easily using the blind hem foot.
The zipper footer is useful in adding zippers on any fabric you are working on. When working on a stretchable fabric, or looking to have a temporary edging on the fabric, you will be better off using a zigzag foot. You can use narrow hemmer when stitching little pieces of fabric. Oh yeah! How could we forget the button sewing foot?!
#3. Automatic Needle Threader
One of the most frustrating tasks in the sewing process is getting a thread through the eye of a needle. An automatic needle threader is placed near the buttonhole lever to help pull the thread through the needle eye.
All you need to do is touch the lever the thread will go through the needle automatically. Presto! Boomo!
#4. Jam-Resistant Drop-In Automatic Bobbin
This is a feature that is included to save you time. It is great for beginners, as all you have to do is place the bobbin in the right position and it will automatically pull the thread as needed, using a built-in winder.
#5. Easy To Stitch Buttonholes
This is yet another feature helpful to beginners. The machine comes with auto-sizing for the buttonholes, which makes it possible to work on a wide range of projects.
To top off these amazing features, the Brother machines come with a set of regular and twin needles to use at the start. This saves you money and the hassle of looking for the right needle to use.
Does the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine Come With a Warranty?
Brother USA gives a free comprehensive 25-year warranty with every purchase. This warranty includes toll-free expert technical support. This is a testimony to the robust build and reliability of Brother products.
As you climb the steps of your sewing experience ladder, the XM2701 will be a close and reliable companion, and in case you come across any problems, Brother will be more than happy to help you.
Brother XM2701 Assets
#1. Easy To Use
This machine is one of the easiest to use, due to most of the automated features, like the drop-in bobbin and needle threader. The accompanying instruction manual DVD is also helpful in getting you through the basic steps and difficulties you might experience while using the machine. In addition, you will also receive a user manual.
#2. Portability
Moving this machine in different rooms, or when traveling is easy due to its lightweight capabilities. This makes it convenient for the user.
Let’s drill further into the portability benefit. This machine comes in at 12.6 pounds making it extremely easy to carry around. Seasoned sewists can add this one as a secondary machine, next to your primary, heavy duty machine.
It should fit most tables and you can easily move it from one part of your home to another.
#3. Affordability
The great features included with this machine can easily make you think it is expensive to purchase. The truth is that it is competitively and reasonably priced in relation to the other sewing machines on the market.
#4. Quiet
Sewing machines can get pretty loud!
If you live in an apartment with thin walls, you could be annoying your roommates and neighbors alike with a regular, loud machine.
If this is a huge issue for you, then you should know that this machine scores well on the quietness factor.
Downsides of the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
#1. Not fit For Heavy Fabrics
This machine is made for light fabrics, and does not easily sew fabrics of several layers. It is also not the best for sewing heavy materials, like denim.
#2. Low Quality LED Light
This machine comes with an LED light for dimly lit conditions. The only shortcoming is that the light is a little low for those who prefer well-lit workspaces, or have poor eyesight. You might need to use external lighting sources for better vision. If you don’t have good eyesight, you will want to limit your sewing on this machine for shorter periods of time.
HOWEVER, some machines don’t come with any LED lights!
The LED light is still useful for brightening the work area. Seems like a common sense feature, but but unfortunately, it does not.
Should You Buy the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine?
In this Brother XM2701 review, we have gone over all the benefits, features, and pros and cons that we considered useful… so what is the verdict: should you buy this machine or not?
So far, we are convinced that the Brother XM2701 is the best sewing/embroidery machine for beginners. It is a budget machine with many features that will more than serve just casual work, so even the cons aren’t a big deal when considering pricing.
The professional will also find occasion to use it, especially if it involves a lot of travel. It is very easy to set up, use, and maintain. The free arm also allows for a wide range of projects to be completed.
You’ll be glad to know that if you have children who want to learn sewing, then this is the best machine for them.