There are so many sewing machines on the market, you can find it a bit overwhelming to decide on what to get. And this is in keeping with the fact that not all brands or models are the same in quality or value. That is why it is good to rely on some of the well-known brands that have been doing this for many years.
When you have a tried and proven brand like Brother sewing machines, you get quality for your money. The manufacturer makes a number of units that adequately serve consumers all over the world.
They also have some really affordable models like the XM2701.
The Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine enjoyable, strong sewing machine, which gives you a lot of features for a lightweight design. It can do 27 stitches, which also permit you to boldly sew whichever piece of clothing or project effortlessly.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert this model is an ideal choice. It comes with six sewing feet as well as an instructional DVD.
During our period of assessing the Brother XM2701 sewing machine, there were a number of projects that we managed to get done. It was able to handle some of those items better than others. Yes, there were a few features that could use some updating or doing away with.
However, let us not get into the full analysis as yet. Rather, let us examine closely what the Brother XM2701 sewing machine is about and its available features.
About the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
- 27 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The XM2701 includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER AND DROP-IN TOP BOBBIN: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4 bobbins, instructional DVD, manual and more
- VERSATILE FREE ARM: This free arm sewing machine is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects, and users from beginners to advanced
- 25 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: The XM2701 comes with a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product
According to the manufacturer, and Brother USA website, “The XM2701 is perfect for beginners learning to sew, and for more advanced sewers looking for versatility. Loaded with features, the XM2701 offers 27 built-in stitches, with 63 stitch functions. Included is blind hem, decorative and quilting stitches, with an automatic one-step buttonholer for virtually perfect buttonholes.”
You will find that it also has “six quick-change sewing feet, including a buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, narrow hemmer, blind stitch and button sewing foot.”
It is built to be a no-fuss sewing machine. The Brother XM2701 also has an automatic bobbin winding system, jam-resistant Quick-Set™ top drop-in bobbin and an easy needle threader.
Learning to use the sewing machine is even easier with the accompanied instructional DVD as well as a user manual translated in both English and Spanish.
Features of the XM2701 Sewing Machine

Image Source: Pixabay
This machine is sold on quite a few websites, so there is no worry about locating your first Brother XM2701 sewing machine.
Accessories included in the box, comprising of:
Having all the extra features, especially for a beginner, will get them going quickly. Especially with the use of an instructional DVD to walk them through the process.
It also minimizes the possibility of having to go purchase and extra accessories that you might need because it already comes in the package.
Pros of the Brother XM2701
One of the major benefits of the Brother XM2701 is that built-in needle threader helps simplify the setup process. In addition, you can choose from their many stitching options. The manufacturer also guarantees that this sewing machine is adaptable to various materials, even the annoying stretchy kinds.
Cons of the Brother XM2701
On the flip side, we find that the LED light is not bright. Also, the presser foot lever is located under the arm. Because the sewing machine is cheaply available, for under $100, you can possibly ignore those shortcomings.
To mitigate the lighting issue, you could possibly relocate the sewing machine a properly lit room. Even though, you still cannot possibly change the issue with the presser foot lever. It will have you going underneath the arm to access it.
It makes you wonder what lead to this decision because many other sewing machine models carry the lever at the back. But regardless, the Brother XM2701 has so many other great features this can possibly be ignored.
Reviewing the Brother XM2701 Threading and Bobbin Winding
One of the best assets of the Brother XM2701 sewing machine is the threading system. It only requires that you use a lever, which is located to the side of the machine. Then all you have to do is navigate the thread precisely through the needle.
It is a rather helpful feature for those that typically have a problem threading the needle because of either minor dexterity problems or bad eyesight. Or if you just simply dislike trying to put a thread through a small needle eye. The threading system makes this process so simplistic.
At the time that you are attempting to twist your bobbin, all you have to do is put the upper thread in the suitable position. Then, position the bobbin on the winder. The control is on the right of that area, so you press it and you are off to sewing your first project.
The Brother XM2701 sewing machine will mechanically coil the bobbin for you. In addition, this is a jam-resistant process, when you attempt to drop-in a top bobbin.
As you can see, the process is truly uncomplicated.
Lots of Options on the Brother XM2701
For such a small and affordable machine, this Brother sewing model sure has a lot of options. It truly makes just getting to the sewing process a pleasure. Remember to select the type of stitch you prefer before you start your project also.
With 27 different stitches, this might be quite a quandary. But start with the most basic if you are unsure. There is a dial, which allows you to set the stitch option, by turning it to the right. At the top of that, the machine comes with a chart showing the matching numbers and their respective stitches.
Forgetting to turn on the light on the machine is a common practice, so do not forget to do so.
The LED light is really complementary, even if it is a little bit dimmer than we might like. If you find that you will be going into the wee hours of the night and your room is getting darker, always turn on a brighter light so that you do not strain your eyes.
The machine LED light would not be satisfactory in this instance.
Also, keep in mind that this Brother XM2701 sewing machine comes with six feet options. So, remember to change the feet options as you have a need for them. They are easy to snap on and off.
At the point when you decide to select your different stitches, you will realize that there is some stitch variety has those kinds for more decorative sewing.
There is no problem when it comes to creating a buttonhole. Even though the cost of the machine is low, the manufacturers also included a 1-step auto-size buttonhole maker. It is very reliable and does not leave you guessing on how to manipulate the setting.
Using the Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
There were a number of sewing tasks that we did on the Brother XM2701 machine. All but one, which is a jeans material. So it is uncertain just how the machine would perform when it is faced with handling thick, difficult materials. However, we can say that it works on both thin and stretchy material with practical effortlessness.
It is not a let down if you encounter that you have some difficulty with a thick jeans material, because this machine is not in the category of a heavy duty sewing machine.
However, you will find that many sewing machine users have posted that they were able to do so successfully on their machines. So keep your fingers crossed that you can as well.
Overall, this sewing machine handled the jobs far better than we had hoped.
In terms of being able to carry it around, it was a breeze. We are thankful that you can simply pack it up go. Trying to lug around heavy duty sewing machines is not easy and can be arduous. But the Brother XM2701 took such little effort to transport.
The complementary instructional video is another great asset. It will be particularly useful for setting up the machine for the first time and beginning your first project. A newbie can greatly benefit by going through the videos. But also, a veteran has a lot to gain as well. Sometimes we think we know it all. But it is good to go through the basics and ensure that there are no knowledge gaps in our learning.
The Brother XM2701 makes learning to sew so easy.
As it relates to maintaining the machine, this sewing machine is maintenance-free from a customer perspective. You cannot oil the various parts of this machine. Typically, we see this with many other Brother sewing machines.
However, periodically having the apparatus serviced will be helpful for you in the long run. In doing so, it is better able to manage the various sewing projects that you do. It will also make the machine last longer and you will be better able to recoup your penny’s worth. It is far from being a regrettable buy.
One has to keep in mind that it is a cheaper model that would not have as many features as a more expensive model or make.
For such an inexpensive unit, it has a lot of features. You will not find many other models or brands that gives you as good of a deal. However, if you want more features, then consider the Brother CS6000i sewing machine.
Customer Reviews of the Brother XM2701
Leslie Koppel an Amazon buyer, had this to say about the XM2701 sewing machine. “My 10 year old has taken over this machine. She watched the DVD and set up shop. She is little and figured out how to crop t-shirts to her size. The negative is that she has taken over the dining room table with her fabrics and drops pins on the floor.”
Matt K also gave a glowing review of the Brother XM2701 model, especially as he was a first time user and father of two kids.
“I have never used a sewing machine in my life until I bought this. To put that in perspective, I am 42 years old and a father of 2. When I told my wife I was going to buy a sewing machine, she looked at me like I was nuts. Which, to be fair, might be totally accurate, but I have no regrets about this purchase. I bought this because I hate throwing stuff away: pants that could be hemmed, knees that can be patched, whatever. Clothes are expensive, and sewing by hand is tedious.
This machine comes with a great DVD …Sewing machines are pretty complicated, but the instructional video was very good. I did not know *why* I was threading the thread the places I was, but once I got it done, I sewed my first stitch! I will not say it was the cleanest job in the world, but I hemmed a pair of pants in a totally serviceable manner.”
Look at it this way, you would be hard-pressed to locate a better model for $100 or less, especially for a newbie. It is not difficult to start learning how to use a sewing machine, with this XM2701 model.
Sure, over time you will replace it, as your skills get better. It is worthy of being a keepsake that you can have to carry around, if necessary.
But do not take just our word for it. The customers gave their opinion of this Brother XM2701 sewing machine, which we hope you found useful.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
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