Whether you’re just beginning to sew or have a lot of experience, Brother makes easy-to-use sewing machines full of helpful features. Here are two models perfect for sewing most kinds of clothing and crafts. Let’s take a look at these two best-sellers to see which one is the best for you.
Brother XM2701 Lightweight, Full-Featured Sewing Machine with 27 Stitches, 1-Step Auto-Size Buttonholer, 6 Sewing Feet, and Instructional DVD
The Brother XM2701 has features that please new and expert sewers alike. It has a built-in needle threader, an LED work-light, one-step buttonhole maker, and a drop-in bobbin. Those benefits alone make it simple to get starting sewing right away. All you’ll need is thread.
If you’re new to sewing, you may appreciate the instructional DVD and free phone support for the life of the machine. You will never have to oil or do maintenance on the machine yourself.
Besides all these helps, the XM2701 comes with 27 pre-programmed stitches and 6 sewing feet. Just turn the dial to select the stitch and pop on the correct foot. You can store accessories in the drawer on the front of the machine.
While the needle threads itself with the touch of a lever, the bobbin also self-winds and is jam-resistant. Even the buttonhole maker adjusts the size of the buttonhole automatically.
The XM2701 lays down neat, even stitches in stretchy fabrics, but works through thick denim or multiple layers of material a little slowly. The only other downside to the XM2701 is that the presser foot lever is located underneath the arm, so it’s a little hard to reach.
More features of the Brother XL2600I sewing machine:
- Brother offers a 25-year limited warranty
- Comes with Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button-fitting foot, Narrow hemmer foot, Zigzag foot, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, screwdriver, extra spool pin, four bobbins, darning plate, English/Spanish instruction manual, and power cord
Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine
While the Brother XL2600I has only 25 pre-programmed stitches rather than 27, it has other features that make it exciting for more advanced sewers. Besides fourteen basic garment stitches, it can also perform four decorative, three heirloom and two quilting stitches. One of the stitches is a cute teddy bear perfect for a children’s project. Just turn the dial to choose the stitch you want.
The XL2600I is a free-arm machine so you have more room to move fabric around the needle. This is a big help for sewing sleeves and hems on pants. The free-arm has a storage drawer for the 5 presser feet, bobbins, and needles that come as accessories with the XL2600I.
If you need to reverse the machine, the large reverse lever is located right on the front. Unfortunately, the XL2600I also has the presser foot lever on the inside instead of the rear of the machine.
This machine also has features similar to the Brother XM2701 likea work-light and an automatic needle threader that is very helpful for persons with vision or mobility challenges. The jam-resistant drop-in bobbin is self-winding, and there is a one-step buttonholer. But this machine also has a thread cutter for when you’re ready to finish a project.
The only downside apparent to this machine is that the motor struggles when sewing thick materials like denim or multiple layers of fabric.
More features of the Brother XL2600I sewing machine:
- Brother offers a 25-year limited warranty
- Comes with Zipper foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button fitting foot, Narrow hemmer foot, accessory pouch with needle set, twin needle, screwdriver, extra spool pin, three bobbins, darning plate, English/Spanish instruction manual, and power cord
Recommendation
Either machine would be excellent for beginners, or even more advanced sewers, who want helpful features like automatic needle threading and one-step buttonhole making. Both machines are great for typical sewing projects and crafts, but not powerful for large projects with denim, leather, or thick fabrics.
If you want the best machine for a beginner and you don’t need a free-arm, get the Brother XM2701. It has an instructional DVD and many user-friendly helps.
If you want a free-arm machine, get the Brother XL2600I. It makes sewing sleeves and pant cuffs much easier.
Click here to purchase Brother XM2701 on Amazon.com!