This Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine with 27 Stitches is probably one of the best value purchases to be made for someone who sews as a hobby or even as a professional seamstress. At just under $100 it’s easily affordable. It’s also a very simple and easy to use machine for someone who is just starting out. Perfect for everyday sewing, it’s lightweight with a full range of user friendly features. It’s also perfect for the professional seamstress who prefers a separate portable machine for basic sewing or transporting.
Rating: 
In This Review (Click Ahead!):
• Quick Stats for Brother XM2701
• Notable Features
• Reviewer Feedback
• Video
• Manual and Warranty
• Brother XM2701 Extras
• Products
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Quick Stats for Brother XM2701(Back To Top)
| Price | Check Price Here ====>  |
| Built-In Stitches: | 27 Built-in stitches; 63 additional stitch functions with stitch width/length feature |
| Button Hole Style(s): | One-Step Auto-Style |
| Bobbin Winding System | Automatic Bobbin Winding System |
| Bobbins: | Brother SA156 |
| Bobbin Type: | Quick-Set™ Drop-In Bobbin |
| Clear Bobbin Cover: | YES – Quickly detect when the thread is running low |
| Pressure Setting: | NO – Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment is automatic |
| Tension Setting: | Manual with the upper tension control dial |
| Built-in Accessory Storage: | YES – the storage is in the flat-bed attachment of the free-arm section on the machine. |
| Large Extension Table: | NO – wide table not included |
| Carry Handle: | NO – There is a grove in the upper middle-back of the machine for easy handling |
| Drop Feed: | Yes (with needle plate cover) for free motion quilting |
| Needle up/down: | NO – Cannot program the needle to stay in the up or down position when sewing is stopped |
| Feed Dogs | 6-Point Feed Dog System |
| Quilting | Built-in Quilting Stitches |
| Embroidery: | YES – You can use decorative stitches or alter stitches width/length function features |
| Free-Arm: | YES |
| LCD Display: | NO |
| Light: | LED Lit Work Area |
| Needle Threading System: | Automatic |
| Snap-on Presser Feet: | 6 – Buttonhole Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Narrow Hemmer Foot, Zipper Foot, Blindstich Foot, Zigzag Foot |
| Knee Lifter | NO |
| Stitch Width: | 5 (mm) using upper dial |
| Stitch Length: | 4 (mm) using upper dial |
| Maximum Sewing Speed: | 800 SPM (Stitches Per Minute) |
| Instruction Manual | Yes – instruction manual in English and Spanish; also includes an instructional DVD |
| Limited Warranty: | 25 year limited warranty |
| Hard Cover: | Optional Carry Case or Cover (see below) |
| Machine Dimensions: | 12.1″ x 5.9.” x 15.3″ |
| Machine Weight: | 12.6 lbs |
Notable Features: (Back To Top)
Stitching Features
27 Built-In Stitches
This machine comes with 27 built-in stitches. And just how many stitches do you need anyway? Well it really depends on what you want to do. If your plan is to do some basic sewing, including simple clothing construction, mending and basic alterations then this machine will do the job. The built-in stitches including blind (invisible) hem, decorative and quilting stitches, are perfect for a wide range of projects.
Stitch Pattern Selection Feature
Stitch selection is as super easy as turning the dial to choose your desired stitch. In order to acces the stretch stitches (15 – 27) set the stitch length dial (upper far right) to SS then select the stretch pattern you want by turning the big dial in either direction. A stretch stitch is what you will use when you are sewing with stretch fabric.
Tip: ● When you use the pattern selection dial to choose a pattern, raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. If the needle is in the down position when you turn the pattern selection dial, the needle, presser foot or fabric may be damaged.
Stitch Width / Length Feature
Depending on the selected stitch, you may need to adjust the stitch length or width feature for best results. Simply turn the dials at the top of the machine. Changing stitch width and length also allows you to slighty alter a particular stitch, giving you even more stitching options.
Additional Features
Automatic Needle Threader
Besides being cute, the XM2701 comes with lots of features like the Automatic Needle Threader. Threading the needle can be done in one quick, simple action. It makes sewing a lot easier on the eyes when you don’t have to squint to search for the little eye of the needle. This is a handy feature and many basic sewing machines do not come equipped with an automatic needle threader.
Thread Cutter
No fumbling for snippers in the middle of a project. The convenient thread cutter is located on the left side of the machine (as you are facing it). Pass the thread through the razor sharp groove and…tadah!!
One-Step Auto-Sized Buttonholer
Just how important are buttonholes to the success of your garment? Would you say very? With the 1-step auto-size buttonhole function you can automatically create a perfect size buttonhole for your buttons. Just place the button on the included presser foot and drop the presser foot lever. The machine will make a perfect size buttonhole every time – it’s that simple! Save time and frustration trying to create an accurate measurement – another great feature.
Jam Resistant Quick-Set™ Drop-In Bobbin
Another handy feature is the Quick-Set™ Drop-in Bobbin System. Just drop the bobbin into the shuttle, pass the thread through the slot and out toward the front. That’s it! You can immediately start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread. Jam resistant means more time for sewing and less time trying to deal with pesky balls of jummbled up thread caused by jams. The bobbin cover is clear so you can quickly detect when the thread is running low. These are just some of the nice little extras that help your sewing go a lot quicker and easier.
Reverse Sewing
You can use reverse sewing for back tacking and reinforcing seams. To sew in reverse, push the reverse sewing lever down as far as possible and hold it in that position while you lightly push the foot controller. To sew forward, release the reverse sewing lever. The machine will then sew forward.
LED- Light Illuminated Workspace
This sewing machine was designed with LED lights to light up your work area so that you can see your creation clearly!
Instructional DVD Included
Instructions are easy to follow with the included DVD to get you started. The instruction manual is in both English and Spanish.
Suggested Products
Reviewer Feedback: (Back To Top)
Likes
Great for Beginners
The instruction manual and included DVD are very easy to follow. It’s very straight forward and easy for a beginner to get started.
Lightweight and Portable
It is easily portable, great as a second machine to carry off to a class or to a friend’s house.
Good Machine for the Price
The machine comes with 27 stitches, an automatic needle threader, a no fuss easy drop-in bobbin plus other great features. That’s a lot of functionality making this machine a great deal for under $100!
Dislikes
LED Light Not Very Bright
Most sewing machines come with a built-in light that shines directly on the sewing area. However this is typically not enough and you will more than likely need additional lighting for the surrounding area. A tabletop craft lamp that includes a magnifying glass would be a great solution.
No Carry Case or Cover
This machine does not come with a protective carry case or cover but Amazon.com has some options you can find here and here.
Bottom Line
The Brother XM2701 Lighweight Sewing machine is a great option for a beginner or an advanced seamstress looking for a second machine for portability. It has a good selection of features and functionality at a very afforable price.
Video: (Back To Top)
The video below will give you some great information on some of the features and functions of the XM2701.
Brother Sewing Machine Instructional Video:
Manual and Warranty: (Back To Top)
Click text below to download the manual. Study it for the correct operation of the various functions of your machine. After you have finished, store it where it can be quickly accessed for future reference.
Manual
- Access manual here
Warranty
- 25-year limited warranty
Brother XM2701 Extras(Back To Top)
Accessories
Accessories are conveniently stored in the accessory box located of the flat-bed attachment. Pull out the attachemnt for free arm sewing.
- Darning plate
- Accessory bag with needle pack
- Twin needle
- Screwdriver
- Extra spool pin
- Bobbins (3)
- Power cord
- Instructional DVD
- Operation manual
6 Included Snap-on Presser feet
- Button Sewing Foot
- Buttonhole Foot
- Blind Stitch Foot
- Zipper Foot
- Zigzag Foot
- Narrow Hem Foot
Products:(Back To Top)
Other Products You Might Be Interested In:
Brother CS6000i 60 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother CS6000i is another moderately priced sewing machine with strong ratings and all the features you need to do basic quilting. After you read our review of the Brother CS6000i, head on over to Amazon to see what other buyers have to say
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Janome DC4030 PR
Janome is one of the most respected names in sewing and their DC4030 PR is an example of why they have earned that respect. It is very highly rated by those who have bought and used the machine and comes dressed up in a pink ribbon to show support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. About the only thing this machine doesn’t do is embroidery. You can read our review for it here and check out the reviews on Amazon.
