Brother XM3700 74 Stitches Free Arm Sewing Machine Review

Specifications

Best Budget Brother XM3700: The Ideal Lightweight Machine for Quilting and Garments

When it comes to sewing machines, Brother has been a trusted name in the industry for years, offering affordable and reliable options for both beginners and seasoned professionals. One of the most popular models in their lineup is the Brother XM3700 74 Stitches Free Arm Sewing Machine. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into its features, performance, pros and cons, and everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right choice for your sewing needs. Whether you’re looking to make garments, quilt, or work on small projects like baby clothes and cuffs, this versatile machine covers you.

1. Overview of Brother XM3700 Sewing Machine

The Brother XM3700 is a mechanical sewing machine designed for versatility and ease of use. It is perfect for individuals who want to expand their sewing skills with a budget-friendly option. This model comes with 37 built-in stitches and 74 stitch functions, making it ideal for a variety of sewing projects, including garment construction, quilting, heirloom sewing, and decorative stitching.

Threading a Brother sewing machine is also easy. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate sewers with features like an automatic needle threader, a jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin, and a free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs.

Key Specs:

• Stitches: 37 unique built-in stitches (74 stitch functions)
• Weight: 12.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 7.6 x 14.25 inches
• Included Feet: 5 feet (zigzag, zipper, blind stitch, buttonhole, and button sewing foot)
• Price: $107.99 (varies depending on the seller)

2. Key Features of the Brother XM3700

37 Built-In Stitches

The Brother XM3700 has 37 different built-in stitches, offering various options for utility, decorative, and heirloom sewing. From straight stitches to zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches, you can easily choose the right stitch for your project by turning the stitch selector dial.

The stitch options are clearly labeled on the front of the machine for quick and easy reference.

One-Step Auto-Size Buttonhole

The XM3700 makes creating buttonholes a breeze with its one-step auto-size buttonhole feature. The machine automatically sizes the buttonhole to fit your specific button, ensuring professional results every time.

Easy Threading and Automatic Needle Threader

Threading a sewing machine can be frustrating, especially for beginners. The Brother XM3700 solves this problem with its automatic needle threader, quickly pushing the thread through the needle. The drop-in bobbin system is quick and straightforward, ensuring smooth stitching and minimal hassle.

Free Arm for Sleeves and Cuffs

One of the standout features of the Brother XM3700 is the convertible free arm, which allows you to easily sew smaller cylindrical items like cuffs, sleeves, pant legs, and baby clothes. This feature is convenient for sewers who work on detailed or intricate garments.

3. Why Choose Brother XM3700?

Best for Beginners

The Brother XM3700 is a fantastic choice for beginners thanks to its simple and intuitive design. It offers an easy dial stitch selector and automatic threading, making it perfect for those new to sewing. The clear labeling and user-friendly interface also help to ease the learning curve.

Perfect for Quilting and Garment Construction

Whether making your first quilt or constructing a new garment, the XM3700 has everything you need to tackle various projects. Its built-in quilting stitches and free arm functionality are ideal for quilters and garment construction workers.

Affordable with 5 Included Feet and Accessories

For the price, the Brother XM3700 offers an impressive selection of accessories, including five different sewing feet and various other helpful items like bobbins, needles, and a user manual. This makes it a budget-friendly sewing machine that doesn’t skimp on functionality.

4. In-Depth Look at the Performance

Smooth Stitching Performance

The Brother XM3700 delivers smooth and consistent stitching thanks to its reliable drop-in bobbin and strong motor. Whether you’re sewing on lightweight fabrics or thicker materials, the machine handles it easily. The stitch quality is excellent, and you can adjust the stitch length (up to 5mm) and width (up to 7mm) to suit your needs.

Free Arm Functionality

One of the Brother XM3700’s free-arm highlights is its free-arm feature. It lets you sew smaller, cylindrical projects like baby clothes or cuffs. This makes it much easier to work on intricate sewing tasks without struggling with bulky fabric.

LED Light for Better Visibility

Sewing in poorly lit areas can be challenging, but the Brother XM3700 has a built-in LED light that illuminates your workspace. This is especially useful when working with darker fabrics or during late-night sewing sessions.

5. Accessories and Included Items

The Brother XM3700 comes with several essential accessories to get you started, including:

• 5 accessory sewing feet: Zigzag, zipper, blind stitch, buttonhole, and button sewing foot
• 3-piece needle set
• Twin needle
• 4 bobbins
• Foot controller
• User manual (English/Spanish)

6. Ease of Use and Setup

The Brother XM3700 is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Setup is quick, with clear instructions and easy-to-follow steps for threading and inserting the bobbin. The automatic needle threader makes it especially easy for beginners, while the easy stitch selector dial ensures you can switch between stitches without confusion.

7. Comparison: Brother XM3700 vs XM2701 vs Brother CS7000i

The Brother XM3700, XM2701, and CS7000i offer various features for different sewing projects. Understanding their core differences will help you choose the right one, whether a beginner or an experienced sewist.

Let’s compare these three machines to highlight their strengths and help you make an informed decision based on your needs.

Comparison of Brother XM3700 vs XM2701 vs Brother CS7000i

Feature	Brother XM3700	Brother XM2701	Brother CS7000i
Built-In Stitches	37 built-in stitches (74 stitch functions)	27 built-in stitches	70 built-in stitches (including decorative and quilting)
Buttonhole Type	1 one-step buttonhole	1 one-step buttonhole	1 one-step buttonhole
Stitch Selection	Dial selection	Dial selection	LCD screen with button selection
Needle Threader	Automatic needle threader	Automatic needle threader	Automatic needle threader
Sewing Speed (SPM)	800 stitches per minute	800 stitches per minute	850 stitches per minute
Free Arm	Yes, for cuffs and sleeves	Yes, for cuffs and sleeves	Yes, for cuffs and sleeves
LCD Display	No	No	Yes, LCD display for easy stitch selection
Accessories Included	5 accessory feet	6 accessory feet (including walking foot)	9 accessory feet, extension table, and quilting feet
Quilting Features	Basic built-in quilting stitches	Basic built-in quilting stitches	Advanced quilting features, including extension table
Weight	12.5 pounds	12.6 pounds	13 pounds
Price Range	$107.99	$109.99	$249.99

Analysis of Brother XM3700 vs XM2701 vs Brother CS7000i

1. Built-In Stitches: The Brother CS7000i leads with 70 built-in stitches, which is ideal for those who want variety, especially for decorative and quilting stitches. Brother XM3700 offers 37 stitches, perfect for basic sewing, while XM2701 is geared toward beginners with 27 stitches, suitable for essential tasks.
2. Sewing Speed: The CS7000i offers a slightly faster speed (850 SPM), making it ideal for larger projects. XM3700 and XM2701 have 800 SPM, which is sufficient for everyday sewing tasks but a bit slower than the CS7000i.
3. Ease of Use: The XM2701 and XM3700 are straightforward, with dial selections and automatic needle threaders. However, the CS7000i adds convenience with its LCD for quick stitch selection, making it easier for sewers who want more options at their fingertips.
4. Quilting and Accessories: The CS7000i excels in quilting with an extension table and additional feet, making it ideal for quilting enthusiasts. The XM2701 has a walking foot, while the XM3700 offers bare accessory feet for regular sewing.
5. Price: The Brother XM3700 and XM2701 are more budget-friendly, priced under $120. The CS7000i is priced higher, around $249, but offers more advanced features, particularly for quilters and experienced users.

Our Opinion: Which Sewing Machine is Right for You?

• Brother XM3700: This is a great choice for beginners on a budget who need basic sewing capabilities. It’s lightweight and easy to use for everyday sewing.
• Brother XM2701: Similar to the XM3700 but with an added walking foot, this model is perfect for those who want more control over their fabrics.
• Brother CS7000i: This machine is best suited for sewers looking for versatility, especially those interested in quilting or decorative stitching. It’s a more advanced machine offering additional features like an LCD display, quilting feet, and a larger stitch library.

8. Comparison: Brother XM3700 vs Other Brother Sewing Machines

Below is a detailed comparison between the Brother XM3700 and similar Brother sewing machines, highlighting the key differences and similarities. So that you may have a clear idea before buying any Brother sewing machine:

Comparison of Brother XM3700 vs Brother ST371HD XR3774 CS5055 1034D and SDX85C

Feature	Brother XM3700	Brother ST371HD	Brother XR3774	Brother CS5055	Brother 1034D	Brother SDX85C
Price	$107.99	$179.99	$159.99	$149.99	$279.99	$274.99
Machine Type	Mechanical Sewing	Strong & Tough Mechanical Sewing	Mechanical Sewing & Quilting	Computerized Sewing	Serger with Differential Feed	ScanNCut DX Cutting Machine
Included Stitches/Designs	37 Sewing Stitches	37 Sewing Stitches	37 Sewing Stitches	60 Sewing Stitches	3/4 Thread Functions	251 Drawing & Cutting Designs
Buttonholes	1 One-Step Auto-Size	1 One-Step Auto-Size	1 One-Step Auto-Size	7 One-Step Auto-Size	—	—
Stitch/Design Selection	Dial Selection	Dial Selection	Dial Selection	LCD Screen & Button Selection	Dial Selection	3.47″ Touchscreen
Notable Features	Auto Needle Threader, Free Arm	Heavy Duty Construction, Jam-Resistant Bobbin	Free-motion Sewing, Extension Table	Easy Lay-in Threading, Built-in Material Scanner	Free Arm, 3/4 Thread Functions	Built-in Material Scanner
Included Sewing Feet	5	6	8	7	3	—
Included Attachments	Free Arm	Free Arm	Free Arm & Extension Table	Free Arm	Free Arm	—

Analysis of the Brother XM3700 vs Similar Machines

1.     Price & Value: At $107.99, the Brother XM3700 is the most budget-friendly option, offering good value for basic sewing tasks. In contrast, the ST371HD ($179.99) and 1034D ($279.99) are pricier but have additional features for more specialized functions like heavy-duty sewing.

2.     Stitches & Buttonholes: The Brother ST371HD, XM3700, and XR3774 offer 37 sewing stitches, making them great for general sewing. However, the CS5055 stands out with 60 stitches, and the ST371HD has heavy-duty capabilities that can handle thicker fabrics.

3.     Stitch Selection & User Interface: The XM3700, ST371HD, and XR3774 use a simple dial selection. The CS5055 improves usability with an LCD screen and button selection for precise stitch choice, while the SDX85C uses a 3.47″ touchscreen for design selection.

4.     Features for Specific Uses: The Brother 1034D is ideal for serging, providing 3/4 thread functions for professional seam finishing. Meanwhile, the XR3774 and CS5055 are great for quilting, with the XR3774 offering an extension table for larger projects.

5.     Ease of Use & Versatility: The XM3700 and ST371HD offer basic, user-friendly features like auto needle threading and a free arm for easy garment sewing. For more advanced users, the CS5055 provides a more refined experience with computerized functions, while the SDX85C is a cutting machine ideal for crafting.

Final Opinion: Brother XM3700 vs ST371HD, XR3774, CS5055, 1034D, SDX85C: Which is Best for You?

• Brother XM3700: Best for beginners seeking a simple, affordable mechanical sewing machine.
• Brother ST371HD: Great for users who need a potent machine for heavy-duty fabrics at a moderate price.
• Brother XR3774: Ideal for those who enjoy quilting, with extra features like a large extension table.
• Brother CS5055: Perfect for more experienced sewists who want a computerized machine with more stitches and advanced functions.
• Brother 1034D: A top choice for those looking for a serger machine to add professional finishes to projects.
• Brother SDX85C: Best suited for crafters who need a cutting machine to complement their sewing projects.

9. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable and budget-friendly
• 37 built-in stitches and 74 stitch functions
• Free arm for smaller cylindrical projects
• Automatic needle threader for easy setup
• Lightweight and portable
• Easy-to-use interface and stitch selector
• It comes with five accessory feet and other essential items

Cons:

• Limited quilting feet (additional quilting feet need to be purchased separately)
• No automatic thread cutter
• No LCD screen or advanced controls

10. Conclusion

The Brother XM3700 74 Stitches Free Arm Sewing Machine is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced sewists looking for an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use sewing machine. With features like a one-step auto-size buttonhole, automatic needle threader, free arm functionality, and a wide variety of built-in stitches, it offers excellent performance for various projects. Whether you’re quilting, garment sewing, or working on small items like cuffs and baby clothes, the Brother XM3700 delivers the reliability and ease of use you need.

Common Questions About Brother XM3700 Sewing Machine