Customer Reviews

Brother XL5700 57-Stitch Function Free Arm Sewing Machine

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the machine after picking up a more expensive new Singer which was garbage. I was told by Singer customer service that I should have probably bought a more "advanced" machine.They would not take it back and so I said I'll never buy another Singer. Thsi Brother machine is my first. The price was very good at a local big box store. It set up wonderfully and I was sewing in 10 minutes. The machine runs very smoothly and is much quieter than other sewing machines I have owned or used in quilting classes. I quilt around 30 hours per month with my machine, but didn't want to spend $500 or more for a basic sewing machine. I am very happy with the purchase of this XL-5700 for under $200.

This is a great sewing machine for the price. I think the quality and number of functions are great for the part time or occasional user. I would recommend purchasing a cover though. Even though it is very portable, there's no exterior protection or dust cover. It also seems to be much better quality than a comprable singer.

I've never sewed a day in my life, but I always wanted to try so about a year ago I finally went to the local Walmart and bought this. It was the cheapest there (less than a hundred).

It's really easy to use. Never using a sewing machine before, I felt like a pro.

Easy directions to thread the needle, and all those different sewing possibilities. It was great!

Perfect for beginners!

i was looking for a simple, straightforward machine. i tried two singers before it and both had problems and so i ended up with the brother, even though i didn't know anything about the brand. i fell in love with in immediately. i don't understand why other reviews say it is difficult to thread; it has numbers and arrows indicating exactly where the thread should go, plus an automatic needle threader, which is beyond great. i've had this machine for eight months now and it has served me very well (i mostly make clothes). i highly recommend it, especially for a beginner. it has just enough stitch options as well as a one-step buttonhole.

The instructions on this machine leave A LOT to be desired. Admittedly, I'm a new sewer, but my Mom is quite experienced. We both spent over an hour trying to get it threaded the first time! Once you figure it out (forget about the directions!) it's relatively easy. However, the machine doesn't handle heavier fabric well and the thread and stitches quickly get uneven. I just wanted a basic machine to do simple alterations on my son's clothes - now I'm more frustrated than ever.

I love this machine, I've only had one other and it was a very old machine, the kind that fits inside a table, I don't understand the one review that said that it is hard to thread because it was super easy! The bobbin was little tricky but I'm sure it was user error on my part.
I am not an advanced seamstress but I'm beyond beginner. This machine gets a lot of use out of me and has held up very well. I even named it Greta. One day I'd like to get one that has more options, but really I don't need it. I can't imagine what else I'd have to do that this cannot.