Brother XL-3750 Convertible 35-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Quilting Table, 7 Presser Feet

The ad said it was lightweight and it is wonderfully so. The quick start guide was easy to follow to get started right away on my projects. It is a diagram-based chart for getting the bobbin and the machine threaded and I breezed through it; however, when I got to the automatic needle threader, I got a bit frustrated figuring out how the mechanicism worked. When I realized I had to look at the needle hole at a left angle and not straight on, I saw how the mechanism worked and it then was so easily to thread the machine I almost cried for joy. I have never had an automatic needle threader before and it is wonderful.I played with the dials on a piece of scrap fabric for a 10 minutes and then started on my projects. I did some light mending and then finished with sewing heavy outdoor fabric and the machine handled it all beautifully. The reverse stitch button is prominent and easy to push and the machine responds quickly. As an aside, the machine comes with lots of gizmos to do all kinds of special sewing projects (embroidery) and also 4 standard needles. For my outdoor heavy fabric, I need to buy the appropriate needle next time (I broke one of the standard needles) but the machine itself soared right through the tough task I put it through. Swapping the work surface from sleeve fitting to a large table top work surface and back to as it is pictured here is a snap. It comes with a cloth carrying case. I bought a plastic case and that was a waste of money because the cloth case is sufficient for this lightweight sewing machine. I am so pleased with this product. You can have a great sewing machine for a reasonable price and store it quickly and easily. No need for a whole room in your home for sewing!

First off, I bought a Brother XL-2600 10 years ago. I do light sewing--curtains, the occasional skirt or apron, throw pillows, jeans mending, lots of alterations, etc. Haven't had a single problem with it, and can do everything from silk to jeans--basic stuff only, though. I took it in for routine cleaning, which I've never done once, and it's taking the repair shop a long time to get to it, so I wanted a value-priced machine to back up my old machine in the meantime. I found the XL-3750 after doing a lot of research and seriously considering the Kenmore 58-stitch, which also gets good reviews.The first XL-3750 I got from Amazon had a broken top-thread tension setting--didn't work no matter what I did. I sent that one back (FREE RETURNS, FOLKS!), and in 2 days got a second XL-3750 (they send a replacement right away, pending your return). Setup took less than 5 minutes, and I was sewing that night.This machine does a lot for a non-computerized machine, and can handle most any fabric. I've even tried some knit sewing on it, and it works. I don't even have to use an ugly zigzag stitch to do knits on it b/c it has some stretch-fabric stitches. (...or you can just go with a straight stitch.)I am very pleased with this machine, although I haven't had it long and might be favorably prejudiced toward it by the quality of my old Brother.This machine is a great value for the novice or intermediate sewist.Good features:--drop-in bobbin--needle threader: what an invention!--comes with lots of foot attachments you'd normally pay a lot for (including quilting bar and rolling foot)--machine cover included--lots of utility and decorative stitches for the price--quick setup--one-step buttonhole maker--terrific value--relatively quiet (compared to older machines)--snap-on feet--pedal responds well to pressure changes, making speed easy to adjustGood Amazon features:--free returns--quick shipping of replacement itemNOTE: I am an Amazon Prime member. Don't know if that makes a difference with the shipping and returns.No complaints thus far. I will update the review if I end up having any.

I got this machine as a step up from my previous machine, which was also a Brother. I like that the accessory feet I bought for the old one are also suitable for this new one. It is very easy to use, so so quiet, lightweight, and has all those fancy stitches to experiment with. Didn't hurt that the price was very right! The directions are okay... not as clear as they could be. But I realized the main con fairly early: the bobbin and bobbin tension.This BOBBIN situation is NUTS. I actually dread changing my bobbin thread because it is a HUGE hassle to get the tension just right, after that. I have to spend anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes getting the bobbin situated (I had the flat thread with loops over it on top of my project). When I first started having issues, I came back here to Amazon and read through the comments to see if anyone else was having the same trouble. I found some good suggestions, such as being certain the thread is in the right place on the tension coil, making sure there's no lint in the bobbin casing, and being sure the thread is unwinding in the right direction. Those solutions, combined with playing with the upper tension on scraps before beginning a project has helped immensely. I am still on the lookout for a local shop that will fix a Brother machine.