Introduction
The Brother XM3700 sewing machine has earned a strong reputation as a dependable, beginner-friendly model designed for everyday household sewing. Known for its lightweight design, practical stitch selection, and intuitive controls, this machine is often chosen by new sewists, hobbyists, students, and anyone looking for a reliable secondary sewing machine.
In this in-depth Brother XM3700 review, we explore the machine’s design, stitch performance, ease of use, accessories, durability, and real-world applications. This detailed guide is written to help you understand exactly what the Brother XM3700 offers and whether it fits your sewing needs.
Overview of the Brother XM3700 Sewing Machine
The Brother XM3700 sewing machine is a lightweight mechanical model featuring 37 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and stretch options. It also includes a one-step auto-size buttonhole, a free arm for cylindrical sewing, and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin system.
This machine is engineered for simplicity without sacrificing essential features. While it does not include computerized functions, it provides consistent stitch quality and easy operation, making it ideal for learning and daily sewing projects.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Mechanical sewing machine |
| Built-in Stitches | 37 |
| Buttonhole | One-step auto-size |
| Weight | Lightweight and portable |
| Bobbin System | Top drop-in, jam-resistant |
| Threading | Automatic needle threader |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Voltage | 120V (US only) |
| Warranty Support | Brother At Your Side Support |
Design and Build Quality
The Brother XM3700 is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. Its lightweight body makes it easy to carry, store, or transport to classes and sewing groups. Despite its lighter construction, the machine feels stable during operation on flat surfaces.
The exterior is clean and functional, with clearly marked stitch selectors and tension controls. The stitch dial allows quick changes between stitch patterns, and the front-loading controls are easy to understand even for first-time users.
While the internal frame is lighter than that of heavy-duty machines, it is well-suited for its intended purpose: light to medium sewing tasks at home.
Stitch Selection and Capabilities
A major highlight of this Brother XM3700 review is the variety of stitches included. The machine offers 37 unique built-in stitches, covering a broad range of sewing needs.
Stitch Categories Include:
- Straight stitches for seams and construction
- Zigzag stitches for finishing edges
- Stretch stitches for knit fabrics
- Decorative stitches for embellishment
- Blind hem stitches
- Button sewing stitches
The stitches are evenly formed, and stitch length and width are pre-optimized for simplicity. This eliminates guesswork for beginners and ensures consistent results.
Buttonhole Performance
The one-step auto-size buttonhole is a standout feature in this category. Using the included buttonhole foot, the machine automatically measures the button and creates a uniform buttonhole in a single step.
This feature is particularly helpful for beginners who may struggle with manual buttonhole creation. The resulting buttonholes are balanced and functional, especially on light to medium-weight fabrics.
Threading and Bobbin System
Ease of threading is one of the strongest advantages of the Brother XM3700 sewing machine.
Key threading features include:
- Automatic needle threader, reducing eye strain
- Top drop-in bobbin, allowing clear visibility
- Jam-resistant bobbin system, minimizing tangles
The threading path is clearly marked, and the bobbin cover is transparent, making it easy to monitor thread supply. These features significantly reduce setup time and frustration for new users.
Included Accessories and Sewing Feet
The Brother XM3700 includes a thoughtful selection of accessories that support a wide range of sewing tasks right out of the box.
Included Sewing Feet
| Sewing Foot | Function |
|---|---|
| Zigzag Foot | General sewing |
| Zipper Foot | Zipper insertion |
| Blind Stitch Foot | Blind hems |
| Buttonhole Foot | Automatic buttonholes |
| Button Sewing Foot | Attaching buttons |
Additional Accessories
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White Accessory Pouch | Storage |
| 3-Piece Needle Set | Fabric compatibility |
| Twin Needle | Decorative and parallel stitching |
| 4 Bobbins | Thread preparation |
| User Manual | Operation guidance |
This accessory set covers most beginner and intermediate sewing needs without requiring immediate additional purchases.
Free Arm Functionality
The versatile free arm is a valuable feature that allows easy sewing of cylindrical items such as:
- Sleeves
- Cuffs
- Pant hems
- Baby clothing
- Small craft projects
By removing the accessory compartment, users gain access to the free arm, making detailed sewing tasks more manageable and precise.
Ease of Use for Beginners
The Brother XM3700 review would not be complete without emphasizing how beginner-friendly this machine is. From threading to stitch selection, every aspect is designed to reduce complexity.
Beginner-friendly elements include:
- Clearly labeled controls
- Simple stitch dial
- Minimal setup steps
- Lightweight handling
- Comprehensive instruction manual
This makes the XM3700 an excellent learning tool for those new to sewing, while still being capable enough for everyday household tasks.
Performance on Different Fabrics
The Brother XM3700 sewing machine performs best on light to medium-weight fabrics.
Suitable Fabrics:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Jersey knits
- Polyester blends
- Lightweight denim
For thicker materials such as heavy denim, canvas, or multiple quilt layers, the machine may require slower speeds and careful handling. It is not designed for industrial or heavy-duty sewing, but it performs reliably within its intended range.
Noise Level and Speed Control
The machine operates at a moderate noise level, suitable for home environments. Speed is controlled via the foot pedal, allowing natural adjustment based on pressure.
While there is no speed slider or start/stop button, the foot pedal provides adequate control for most users, especially beginners learning to manage sewing speed.
Maintenance and Care
Routine maintenance for the Brother XM3700 is simple and minimal.
Basic care includes:
- Cleaning lint from the bobbin area
- Changing needles regularly
- Using quality thread
- Covering the machine when not in use
With proper care, the machine maintains consistent performance over time.
Brother At Your Side Support
One notable advantage highlighted in this Brother XM3700 review is the inclusion of Brother At Your Side Support. This service provides free technical assistance via online resources, live chat, or phone support for the life of the machine.
This support system is especially valuable for beginners who may need guidance during setup or troubleshooting.
Intended Use and Voltage Information
The Brother XM3700 sewing machine is intended for sale and use in the United States only. It operates at 120 volts, and use outside this specification may void the warranty.
This is an important consideration for buyers planning international use.
Who Is the Brother XM3700 Best For?
This machine is well-suited for:
- Beginners learning to sew
- Students and hobbyists
- Home users doing basic alterations
- Crafters working on light projects
- Anyone needing a portable sewing machine
Those seeking advanced features such as embroidery, computerized stitch memory, or heavy-duty construction may want to explore higher-end models.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy threading system
- Wide stitch variety for its class
- One-step buttonhole
- Strong beginner support
Limitations
- Not designed for heavy fabrics
- No computerized features
- US-only voltage compatibility
Final Verdict
The Brother XM3700 sewing machine remains a strong choice for beginners and casual sewists who want reliability, simplicity, and versatility at an accessible level. With its 37 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, and thoughtful accessory package, it offers excellent value for home sewing tasks.
This Brother XM3700 review confirms that the machine delivers consistent performance where it matters most, making it a dependable companion for learning, crafting, and everyday sewing projects.