Brother XL-3750 Convertible Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Quilting Features
The Brother XL-3750 Sewing Machine comes with a great assortment of extras that make this a great buy.
First, it is great for quilting if you get the bonus accessory pack (watch for that indication wherever you buy the machine).
Second, it has 35 built in stitches and 73 “stitch functions”.
A stitch function is a variation on a built-in stitch. When comparing stitch counts, look first at built-in stitches and then at how each machine allows variations of those stitches either through reverse patterns, stitch width modifications or stitch length modifications.
Read the rest of the Brother XL-3750 sewing machine review below:
Table of Contents (jump ahead!)
Stitch Count Presser Feet Functionality
Accessories Customer Reviews Pros, Cons & Manual
Stitch Count
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Let’s start by explaining the distinction between “stitches” and “stitch functions”. They are not the same thing. Stitches are the patterns made by the thread while sewing. There are many different kinds of stitches. Some are meant for the straight-forward joining of two pieces of fabric, like a straight stitch. Some are meant to make a decorative hem. Some are meant to be used only as decoration and added flair on projects, like quilts.
A “stitch function” is a moderation of a stitch that allows it to go in a different direction or be of a different width or length. A stitch function still requires the use of a machine’s available stitch pattern, or “built-in stitches”.
The Brother XL3750 makes a point of describing itself as a “73 stitch function machine”. To be clear, it comes with 35 built in stitches (each having multiple stitch functions to get to the count of 73), as follows:
- 1-step automatic buttonhole
- Straight stitch
- Zigzag
- Blind hem
- Shell tuck
- Elastic
- 2 Stretch blind hem stitches (Blind Hem and Shell Tuck)
- Elastic shell tuck
- Double action
- Bridging
- Rampart
- Triangle
- Triple stretch
- Triple zigzag
- Stretch overlock (zigzag)
- Elastic overlock
- Feather
- 2 Arrowhead stitches
- Leaf
- Tree
- Legs
- 2 Stretch Overlock stitches
- Smocking
- 2 Comb stitches
- Fagoting
- Decorative hem
- 5 Decorative stitches
The Brother XL3750 has an extra wide zigzag stitch with a maximum stitch width setting of 7mm. The maximum stitch length is 5mm.
Presser Feet
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Originally, the Brother XL3750 sewing machine came with 4 presser feet:
- General presser foot
- Zipper
- Buttonhole
- Button sewing foot
It now comes with a bonus pack of presser feet at no additional charge that includes:
- Narrow Hemmer
- Blind Stitch
- Walking
- Spring Action Quilting
It is this additional set of accessory feet that make the machine so enticing for beginners interested in quilting. If you are buying online, make sure the listing mentions the quilter reference or something like “bonus pack” or “bonus accessories”.
Functionality
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There are lots of nice features on the Brother XL3750 that are intended to make sewing a breeze. Dial controls for stitch selection, stitch width, and stitch length plus automatic needle threading, are a few.
The work space also converts into an extra wide work area which is beneficial when working on quilts or thick fabrics. Other features that beginners like to have are:
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in bobbin loading
- 1-step auto-sizing buttonholer
- Snap in presser feet
- Automatic bobbin winding system
- See through bobbin area
- Stitch width up to 7mm
- Stitch length up to 5mm
- Accessory storage inside the machine
- Foot control
- Speed up to 800spm
- Dial controlled upper thread tension
- Variable needle positions
- Twin needle sewing (no additional equipment necessary)
- Lit work area
- Free arm sewing
- Reverse sewing lever
Dimensions: H 15.4″ x W 11.4″ x D 6.7″
Weight: 12 pounds
Accessories
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The Brother XL3750 comes with the following sewing accessories:
- Soft carrying case
- 4 bobbins
- 4 needles
- Twin needle pin
- Twin needle
- Darning plate
- Screwdriver
Customer Reviews
“I was given this sewing machine for Mother’s Day and I haven’t stopped sewing/quilting since. It’s simple to thread and it sews smoothly and quietly — like a dream.” – Barbara Boutsikaris
“Really nice looking machine and easy to see all the details. The instructions for this machine are easy to read and understand. Really like the self threading needle…” – Maureen Armstrong
“I know that tension can be a funny thing but this machine is absurd. I get the same wavering loose stitches on ANY setting.” – Anna L. Breininger
Target has 17 reviews for an average rating of 3.5. There are 30 reviews on Amazon. Out of those 47 reviews, 6 customers mentioned having to return their machine for another one due to operating problems, which seems a bit high.
You can read more here: Brother XL3750 Reviews
Average Amazon Rating: 4.1
Pros, Cons & Manual
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Pros: Easy to set up. Converting to the extra wide work table is easy. Automatic threader works well. Lots of added attachments. Cloth carrying case. Lightweight. See-through bobbin area to check on remaining thread. Relatively quiet. Great for quilting. Easy bobbin winding.
Cons: Speed is too fast and foot pedal doesn’t help slow it down. Several people mentioned issues with thread tension to the point of frustration. Cord for the foot pedal is too short. Instructional manual is decent but not thorough enough on some topics. Work light is a bit dim. Presser foot pressure is pre-set, not variable. No drop feed lever.
Manual available online here: Brother XL3750 Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: As of this date, Brother offers a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, a two year warranty on electronic pattern control and selection components (parts only), and a 25 year warranty on shafts and rods on the machine head.
For current pricing information, follow this link:
Features Summary Review:
Tagged with: $100-200 • Brother • brother xl-3750 • carrying case • electric • free-arm • light-weight • portable • quilting • sewing machines for beginners • white • xl3750
Filed under: Reviews
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Hi I asked about a couple of machines on here a while back and thanks to you guys decided on the Brother Xl 3750 (which in my opinion was a great choice for me) I am making a quilt and want to do monnagranming the instruction manual says ” Step 4: Stretch the fabric between embroidery hoops as firmly as possible, with the underside of the fabric on the bottom of the inside hoop.” What is a “embroidery hoop”?
Its a two circular peices of wood that you put a peice of material between and then tighten one hoop to keep the stretched material in place, usually used in cross stitching and embroidery. You can find one at your local craft store usually.