Brother SM3701 Reviews: Computerized or Mechanical Sewing Machine?
The Brother SM3701 is a popular model that belongs to the list of the best computerized sewing machines. The Brother Industry is famous for providing only the best products.
It model we will consider today has top technical specifications and meets diverse sewing needs with a wide range of advanced functions. In this review, we not only tell you about the extended features of the machine but also why it is the best choice for you.
We will tell you what is the difference between mechanical and computerized sewing machines, and what functions of Brother SM3701 from the other similar models in this Brother sm3701 reviews.
So let’s start with the technical specifications of the computerized model.
Technical Specifications
The sewing machine is a great choice for people who look for a quality and portable machine. You will be happy you finally picked the great sewing machine with top technical specifications.
- 37 built-in stitches
- Automatic one-step buttonholer
- Wide table
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Bright LED light
- Jam resistant quick set bobbin
- Built-in free arm
- Automatic needle threader
- Weight: 14.65 lbs
- Dimension: 17.3 x 7.8 x 14.2
The sewing machine has an automatic bobbin winding system in addition to the automatic one-step buttonhole. It means that the sewing process will be accelerated in times.
Accessories of the Sewing Machine
The accessories of the sewing machine also should be applied manually because the sewing machine is not a computer. Let’s discover all the accessories you will need to use o certain stages of the sewing process:
- Twin needle;
- Extra spool pin;
- Darning plate;
- Needle set;
- Four bobbins;
- Power cord;
- Screwdriver;
- Operation manual;
- Instructional DVD.
You can store all your accessories in the accessory tray. You can pull it off instead of the free arm, and hide it when you need to sew pant legs.
Presser Feet of the Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine
The presser feet are needed to hold the material during the sewing process. There are different presser feet meant for different purposes, which is why it is important to have a set of presser feet before you start sewing. Let’s look at all the presser feet of the Brother SM3701 sewing machine.
Zigzag Foot
This sewing foot with thread attached is meant for decorative stitches. There are 37 built-in stitches, including the quilting stitches. That is where you will need a zigzag foot. This presser foot gives the needle mobility and freedom of movement.
The presser foot allows using the wider and narrower stitches. You can also apply it to any fabric.
Buttonhole and Button Sewing Foot
The process of making buttonholes is essential if you work with garments. The buttonholes may be needed for jackets, jeans, etc.
The buttonhole foot creates the buttonholes of the exact size of the button you want to sew down. Just place the button in the special section of the presser foot and get the perfect hole.
Accordingly, the buttons sewing foot will sew the button down.
But you are not limited to this number of presser feet. You can buy additional presser feet like walking feet.
Mechanical Sewing Machine vs Computerized Sewing Machine
The sewing machines can be mechanical and computerized. Each type of sewing machine has its pros, cons, and peculiarities.
Some people prefer mechanical machines and some need more features of computerized models. But all machines have their own purpose.
Mechanical Sewing Machine
Mechanical machines are easier to use, but it doesn’t mean they are old or traditional. Brother sewing machines change and progress as well but remain basic and simple with all the innovations of the industry.
Innovative Features
Besides, mechanical machines fo have some automatic features. For example, many Brother Industries mechanical machines have built-in threaders.
Simple Functions
The mechanical machines don’t have many buttons or LCD screens but knobs and dials. They are simple and straightforward. Brother sewing machines have a few functions and are great for simple and monotonous projects.
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Durability
The Brother sewing machines are usually more sturdy and durable. They can work for a long time and cope with heavier projects. Brother sewing machines have metal frames and hardcovers. They may weigh more but they can cope with heavier fabrics.
Price
The smaller amount of stitches and no advanced technologies implied, make the mechanical Brother sewing machines of mechanical type cheaper. The price is the biggest advantage of the affordable sewing machine.
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Computerized Sewing Machine
The computerized Brother sewing machines are considered more advanced because of the big variety of digitized functions. The computerized models also have their advantages and disadvantages.
Choice of Built-in Stitches
The computerized Brother sewing machine can have up to 200 built-in stitches. Although the Brother SM3701 model has only 37 built-in stitches it is a decent amount considering the sewing needs of most sewists.
The number of 37 built-in stitches may be enough especially if you use only basic stitches. However, some people look specifically for the extended number of built-in stitches, and here the computerized machine excels over the mechanical Brother sewing machine.
Computerized Functions
The computerized sewing machines are controlled by the sewing machine, namely, bu the computer. You don’t need to use dials, because all the controls are automized. All you need is to press intuitive buttons and control the speed, and the stitch selection.
You will see the apparent stitch results on the LCD screen, and use it to detect errors.
Automatic features
The computerized machines are great for a complete newbie because they are meant to make the sewing process as easy as possible.
The machine with a computerized system will probably be equipped with an automatic threading system, tension regulation, fabric sensor system, and thread cutter. And all these features can be run with the help of the buttons.
Guides
The computerized type of machine can guide on all the steps of sewing.
Firstly, the sewing machine can suggest the optimal speed, and tension for your project. The machine can analyze the best settings for the type of fabric you use.
Secondly, the machine can offer you different stitches that will suit the material best.
This way you can get the best results without any experience and knowledge of how to combine several stitches.
Price
More advanced sewers know that computerized machines are more expensive. And there is a logical explanation.
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The computer system with software takes much more money to maintain as well as ordinary computers.
As you can see, all the machines have their pros and cons. Overall, both types are good, but the mechanical machines have more user-friendly features. The Brother SM3701 is a computerized machine with lots of features we will review further.
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Features of the Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine
Relying on the computerized nature, the has many functions that make the life of the Brother SM3701 user easier. You will be surprised about the productivity of the machine.
Free Arm Fashion Sewing
The free arm is a handful feature of the Brother SM3701 sewing machine. You can switch the free arm with an accessory tray.
The free arm can be used for many sewing purposes like sewing cuffs or collars. All you need is to pull the free arm out and place the part of clothing that needs to be sewn.
37 Built-in Stitches
The sewing machine has 37 built-in stitches. You can see them all at the front of the sewing machine: their number and looks. There are lots of unique stitches like quilting stitches, and stretch stitches.
You can use the blind stitch for more delicate projects. The blind hem can be helpful if you want to make the seams completely invisible. You will not see the blind hem not from the inside nor from the outside.
The stitches should be chosen with the buttons located near the LCD screen that shows you your choice, and what stitches will be better in a specific situation.
Brother SM3701 sewing machine is a very good basic machine that has a decent selection. Although the SM3701 has fewer stitches than other Brother machines it is still a nice machine compared to the price of similar models.
Maximum Sewing Speed
The Brother SM3701 sewing machine has an average maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute. There are sewing machines and overclockers that allow for much faster speed, but 75o stitches per minute is an optimal speed for this type of sewing machine.
Automatic Needle Threader
Lots of beginners look for the automatic needle threader from the start, because the needle threading process is not always satisfying. But the automatic threader will spare you of your suffering.
The needle threader will thread the needle, and you only need to choose the needle set and the thread.
LED Light
The Brother sewing machine has a bright led light so you will see the sewing area. The LED light is bright enough and you don’t need to place the machine in the illuminated area, and you will also not need to place the additional lamps.
One-Step Buttonhole
There are four and one-step buttonholes. The first type is usually found in mechanical machines because they are not focused on making the sewing process easier. But luckily the Brother SM3701 sewing machine is computerized and is equipped with a one-step buttonhole.
It creates virtually perfect buttonholes with a single pressing of the button.
Design of the Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine
The Brother SM3701 sewing machine has a beautiful floral design. In the sewing machine prevail the white and blue colors. The body of the sewing machine is white. It has a blue insertion with flowers on it. So it will bring a chic atmosphere into your sewing room.
But the sewing machine is not only good looking but also thought out. Brother SM3701 weighs 14.65 lbs. This is considered a lightweight design which gives you the possibility to transport the machine easily.
You may think why do you need to transport the machine meant for home sewing? But many sewists are happy to have the possibility to take the machine to work, or to the sewing meetings. The machine will also not take up much space in your sewing cabinet.
Who Can Use the Sewing Machine?
Some machines seem to be complicated and some easy to use. It mainly depends on the type of sewing machine, however, some unique specifications of the model can also affect the sewing experience. So let’s see what you should be ready for when buying the Brother SM3701 sewing machine.
Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine for Beginners
You don’t need to be a virtuoso seamstress to master a sewing machine from the Brother industries.
Many Brother reviews claim that the sewing machine was easy to master. People who found out how to sew years ago also say that the machine has an intuitive design and is easy to operate.
Facilitating Features
It comes with many handy functions like a top drop-in bobbin, or needle threader so it will become a great first sewing machine.
You can observe the condition of the bobbin thread from the top thanks top drop-in bobbin. The needle threader will also facilitate the job.
Besides, you can sew hands-free or use the foot pedal. It is optional but many sewers prefer hands-free sewing.
Drop the feed dogs and practice the free motion quilting if you wish.
Instructional DVD
Nothing can be better than watching how professionals do their jobs. This statement also applies to the instructional videos provided by the Brother sewing machine.
Take the disc and insert it into the player. Then you will be able to see each sewing process in action. This way beginners learning become easy.
In any case, you can text the online support and ask for more details.
Instruction Manual
Many sewists prefer reading manual to an instructional video. Reading the operation manual can be as effective as watching video.
The manual includes detailed information about the sewing machine, its mechanisms, and its computerized system. You can not be afraid of computerized buttons because all the sewing steps are explained in detail.
You will learn how to start the machine, adjust the length of the stitches and choose them, and stop the machine.
There is also a troubleshooting section and you can always search for the problem you faced.
Accessories Included
Beginners may not know what exact accessories they should have to start sewing. But luckily the Brother sewing machine comes with a full range of accessories including an extra spool pin, darning plate, power cord, and wide table.
Yes, you can buy the extra presser feet from the authorized dealer, but, anyways, you will be already armed with the basic sewing feet.
Brother SM3701 Sewing Machine for Advanced Users
Professional users have probably had experience working with mechanical sewing machines. But what about computerized sewing machines? Read on to find out the benefits of the Brother sewing machine.
Wide Choice of Stitches
Many experienced users want to extend their possibilities range and want to buy a sewing machine with a wider stitch selection. Compared to the few stitches that come with mechanical sewing machines, the Brother SM3701 has more than 37 stitches which are more than enough.
Sewing Possibilities
Working with the Brother SM3701 machine you are not limited to sewing. The model allows us to quilt, and do embroidery because there is a wide choice of decorative seams. The sewing machine can work with more delicate projects, and do the buttonholes in one step.
Controllers
Advanced users will instantly feel the difference between mechanical and computerized sewing machines in respect of controls. Adjusting the speed and tension is much easier because the controls are located together, and all you need to do is press a button.
What Fabrics the Brother SM3701 Machine Can Cope with?
As you know, different sewing machines are designed to cope with different types of fabric. The choice of fabric will be significantly affected by the type of sewing machine you use.
Thick Fabric
Not all sewing machines can handle thicker fabrics like faux leather, denim, or vinyl. There is a specific type of sewing machine for that, namely the heavy-duty machines.
These machines have powerful motors and are sturdy. They are made of metal and are specifically made for heavy fabric.
The SM3701 machine, has on the contrary an exquisite design, that tells us that the machine will unlikely cope with a few layers of denim or leather.
Needles
Don’t forget to change needles according to the type of fabric you sew. There are special needles meant for work with thicker fabric. It can be helpful when you change the fabrics because of the new project.
Threads
The tougher fabric also requires stronger threads. You can buy some in the specialized store.
Cotton
The SM3701 machine is a great sewing machine if you want to sew regular fabrics like cotton. You will be able to sew all the thin material with no worries and missing the seams and stitches. The machine was meant for ordinary fabrics. And what is more, it will do the blind stitch on the most delicate material.
What Projects is Sewing Machine Good For?
The sewing machine will be suitable for literally any creative project. You can insert zippers, make perfect buttonholes, and use the blind hems.
This way, the machine is a perfect tool to make any decorative project you wish. Do you want to make zigzag stitches? – you can do that. Do you need the invisible stitches? – apply them to your pants.
The Brother SM3701 is also a great machine for basic sewing needs and is equipped with basic presser feet.
What is the Price of Brother SM3701?
The sewing machine comes with a whole set of handy features. It has a built-in free arm, an automated needle threader, and a drop-in bobbin. So naturally, the sewing machine will come at a higher price. All computerized machines are more expensive than mechanical sewing machines.
But this is an entry-level model and is not one of the most expensive machines. It costs more than the mechanical Brother analog, but it is cheaper than many computerized machines.
You can overpay in the following cases.
With a full range of user-friendly features and lightweight design, the Brother SM3701 is perfect for both beginners learning to sew and more advanced sewers looking for versatility
Professional sewing
The people who need the sewing machine for work, and earn for living from sewing should better pay attention to the computerized model. The speed of implementation of the project is important in this case. And the computerized model is the best way to save you time.
You do not need to do anything manually. All your responsibilities are to choose the fabric, and the thread and adjust the settings. Then you will observe the work of the machine.
Creative Projects
You should better buy the machine if you want to quilt and imply many decorative stitches. The mechanical machines will never offer you such a stitch diversity as Brother SM3701 does. thanks to video guides you will combine stitches and make new and unique designs.
Routine Job
The computerized machine can remember the stitch patterns and design you used before. So you will be able to use similar stitches over and over without the pre-setting of the sewing machine.
Easy Using
The Brother model is super easy to use and learn. You have all controls gathered in one place, and the helpful video and hard manual.
Final Words
Brother SM3701 is a computerized sewing machine that has many advantages and useful features. It surpasses many mechanical models and will let you create unique designs.
It has an extended range of features and respectively, a higher price. But the sewing machine provides only the stitches of the highest quality. it has a high sewing speed, 37 built-in stitches, and a free arm.
All the simple functions let beginners start their sewing career easily, and professional users enjoy the diversity of easy-to-use features. That is why the model is a good choice for anyone who wants to have a reliable and long-lasting machine.
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