For people with beginner to intermediate experience or for those seeking to be a bit more creative, selecting a model with a greater range of options may be necessary. You may require a machine with more built-in stitches and various quality-of-life features to make usage easier. You might be seeking a model that allows you to express your skill and creativity and the Brother XM2701 may be just what you need.
Features
The Brother XM2701 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine with a multitude of features that can help with both simple and complex projects. It comes with various utility and decorative stitches that can help you with any future endeavors, ranging from the simple stitches for home repair to the intricate designs that decorate arts and crafts projects.
What makes this model highly desired is its variety of stitch options built into a compact and lightweight machine. Having such a small and light machine with a variety of options make this a perfect machine for home repairs or light craft projects. On top of all this, the model is highly affordable as it is much cheaper than most mechanical models.
Features are listed below:
- 27 unique built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Free-arm capability
- Efficient customer support
- 25-year warranty
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches
- Weight: 12.6 pounds
- Brand: Brother International
Accessories
- 6 sewing feet
- 3 needles
- Twin needle
- 4 bobbins
- DVD manual
Pros
- 27 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam resistant
- Free-arm capability
- affordable
- Longevity
- Quiet model
- portable
Cons
- Cannot handle heavy fabric
- No adjustable speed control
- LED light reportedly not bright enough
- Plastic parts
Notable Pros and Cons
Pros
Stitches
The 27 stitches are a great asset to have when tackling new different projects. Most simpler models are able to complete simple tasks but tend to be straightforward and lack that creative flair. This model comes with a variety of utility and decorative stitches that can help you go from simple repairs to making unique creations. You still retain the utility of simpler models for at-home repairs but the new decorative stitches open up new possibilities. This freedom in options will allow you to attempt new projects with ease.
Automatic Needle Threader
Some models don’t have an automatic needle threader which can make the task very tedious. Some users may struggle with this at the beginning but the automatic needle threader feature takes care of this issue. With this quality-of-life feature, getting straight to work will be much simpler as you don’t have to strain to thread the needle by yourself.
Jam resistant
Over time, you may develop issues with your machine where jams occur and maintenance is required. This can stem from overuse or machine age which is perfectly normal. Some machines don’t have any features to counteract this but the Brother XM2701 has a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin that ensures you don’t face this difficulty often. Having this quality-of-life feature ensures fewer interruptions that may inconvenience you in the middle of a project
Free-arm
Future projects may require specific tasks that some machines are not necessarily built for. The Brother XM2701 ensures that you possess as much range in options as possible with its free-arm capability. This will allow you to easily work on specific tasks such as cuffs or sleeves with relative ease.
Quiet Model
Various users have reported that this model is much quieter during operation than other models. This can be of great convenience when operating at home and the user or those around you may not appreciate the constant noise.
Longevity
The lifetime of your sewing machine is important when deciding to make an investment. Mechanical sewing machines run into issues from time to time and the worst thing that can happen is investing in a sewing machine and having it break on you within the year due to improper handling or manufacturing errors. Fortunately, this model comes with an efficient customer service system when you can receive assistance online, over a call, or over video chat.
Should your machine fail due to manufacturing errors or other issues, the Brother XM2701 also comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This is to ensure that you can enjoy the product for as long as possible.
Affordable
Mechanical machines are known for being much cheaper than computerized models because resources towards software allow leniency in price. This model is noted for being inexpensive, even among other mechanical models. Priced at around 150 dollars, investing in such a model with a variety of options and greater longevity makes this a worthy investment.
Portable
Many mechanical models tend to be bigger and bulkier as a result of their built-in features. However, the Brother XM2701 doesn’t have this issue with its small size. This ensures that during use, it doesn’t take up as much desk space and can be stored away efficiently when it is not in use. In addition to its small size, it is also lightweight, making it easy to transport from place to place. This makes it optimal for school projects or home repairs when you only use it sparingly.
Cons
No adjustable speed control
Similar to the Brother XM1010, this machine does not have a manual speed dial. To alter speeds, the Brother XM2701 relies on the included sewing steppers. Many mechanical models have this same issue and while it is important to learn how to operate such a type, it may become obsolete as you move onto newer models.
Not heavy duty
“Heavy-duty” means the capability to handle multiple layers of thick fabrics such as denim or canvas. Heavy duty can sometimes refer to a machine’s speed which aids in the handling of such materials. While this model does offer a lot of creative options with stitching, it is important to understand that this is not exactly a heavy-duty sewing machine and may struggle should you try to use such materials.
Plastic parts
To further emphasize that this machine is not a heavy-duty type, it has various plastic parts that both aid and hinder the machine. The plastic parts contribute to this model’s low weight but also hinder their ability to take heavy-duty materials and may lead to other complications from overuse. It is important to handle the plastic parts with care to ensure the machine lasts as long as possible but should any issues arise, be sure to contact customer support for assistance or for warranty information.
Weak LED lights
It is important to note that some users have expressed issues with the built-in LED light which was intended to assist you with projects at night. This issue can be easily resolved with exterior lighting but it is an important issue to keep in mind.
Conclusion
The Brother XM2701 is a great model for both beginners and intermediates who want to explore sewing with a greater range of options. This model comes with a variety of quality-of-life changes that make it a fun model to use. You will experience fewer issues in the middle of projects and learn how to employ different stitches. It is also lightweight and portable, making it easy for home or school use.
Despite all these features, it is important to remember that this model cannot handle heavy-duty materials very well. Sadly, this limits what kinds of projects you can take on and your freedom in options. This makes it more optimized for beginners and intermediates who don’t seek to work with such materials. If you’re seeking a fun machine with a variety of stitch options and smooth operation but don’t mind using thinner fabrics, then the Brother XM 2701 is the one for you.