Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine

How to choose a beginner sewing machine

1. 1The three stitches you will actually use — A first machine only has to sew a straight stitch, a zigzag and a buttonhole well. Those three cover every project in Levels 0 to 2 of The Pattern, and a 170-stitch machine sews them no better than a 20-stitch one. Count the stitches you will use, not the ones printed on the box.
2. 2How the buttonhole is made — A one-step buttonhole sews the whole hole in a single pass once you drop the buttonhole foot; a four-step asks you to turn a dial at each side and stop in the right place. Both produce a working buttonhole, and a four-step is not a reason to reject a machine. It is, though, the feature that most changes how a beginner feels about their first shirt.
3. 3How the bobbin loads — A drop-in bobbin sits under a clear plate where you can see the thread running out; a front-loading bobbin lives in a removable case behind a door. Drop-in is easier to learn, easier to unjam and is what most machines under $250 use. Neither sews better than the other.

The full checklist, and every pick compared

Our read

Written from the manufacturer's listing, the published specs and public owner feedback. We research and analyse — we don't lab-test, and we don't claim to have stitched with this ourselves. Reviewed by the SewingPath team · Hilly Shore Labs · updated October 8, 2026.

What owners say

Paraphrased from the themes that recur across Amazon owner reviews (19,162 ratings on this listing). Consensus, not quotes, and we don't turn it into percentages.

The specs that matter to a beginner

Built-in stitches

27 (63 stitch functions)

Buttonhole

1 one-step auto-size

Maximum speed

800 stitches per minute

Stitch width / length

5 mm / 4 mm

Needle threader

Automatic

Bobbin

Jam-resistant Quick-Set top drop-in

Stitch selection

Dial

Weight

12.6 lb

Warranty

25 year limited

As the manufacturer states them: Brother's XM2701 product page.

In the box, and what you'll still need

• 6 feet: zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, blind stitch, narrow hemmer
• Accessory bag with needle pack and a twin needle
• Bobbins (3)
• Darning plate
• Screwdriver and extra spool pin
• Power cord and operation manual (English and Spanish)

Box contents as listed by Brother's XM2701 product page.

You'll still need

• Thread — an all-purpose polyester thread in a couple of colours to start.
• Fabric Scissors — a pair kept for fabric only.
• Pins & Fabric Clips — to hold layers together before they go under the foot.
• Machine Needles — spare needles in the size your fabric calls for, because a dull or bent needle causes most skipped stitches.
• Bobbins — a few spares. Brother's product page doesn't name the bobbin class, so check your manual before you buy.

Brother XM2701 or Brother CS5055?

They sit close together on price. The XM2701 is a dial machine with 27 stitches, one buttonhole style, a 5 mm stitch width and a top speed of 800 stitches per minute. The CS5055 is computerized: an LCD, 60 stitches, seven one-step buttonhole styles and a 7 mm stitch width, rated to 750 stitches per minute, and it includes seven feet to the XM2701's six. If a dial feels friendlier, the XM2701; if you want room to grow into decorative stitching, the CS5055.

Read our Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine page · $134 when we last checked (this one: $143.14)

Questions buyers ask

Is the Brother XM2701 good for beginners?

It is the machine we would start most beginners on. Brother gives it an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, the two setup steps new sewists most often struggle with, and owners consistently praise how easy it is to learn.

What comes with the Brother XM2701?

Brother lists six feet (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, blind stitch and narrow hemmer), a needle pack, a twin needle, three bobbins, a darning plate, a screwdriver, an extra spool pin and the manual. Thread, fabric scissors and pins are not included.

Can the Brother XM2701 sew denim?

Brother's product page describes the XM2701 for everyday sewing and does not make a heavy-fabric claim for it. For regular denim sewing, a machine sold on thick fabric, such as the Brother ST371HD or a SINGER Heavy Duty, is the safer choice.

The StitchScore, unpacked

Our published method blends owner satisfaction with what the thing gives a maker for the money. No hidden math.

Specifications

Model

XM2701S

Colour

White

Size

XM2701

Dimensions (H × W × D)

15.3 in × 12.1 in × 5.9 in

Weight

12.6 lb

Manufacturer

Brother

Part number

XM2701

First listed

2014

Specs from the manufacturer listing and Amazon's public product data; confirm the current listing before buying.

What the listing specifies

• 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 the 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, 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
• At your side support: The XM2701 sewing machine comes with Brother At your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
• This product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale voids the warranty.

Manufacturer's copy as published on the listing — their claims, not our assessment. Confirm the current listing before you buy.

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