Brother XM2701 vs GX37: Which Sewing Machine is Better for You?

Are you weighing your options between buying a Brother XM2701 vs GX37? If so, you are not alone in thinking this way. The XM2701 and GX37 are two highly rated models that are sure to pop up when you search for an entry-level Brother sewing machine.

The excellence of either sewing machine cannot be disputed, but when you try to contrast the two, things become a bit tricky.

Well, if you ask me, I would always recommend the Brother GX37 sewing machine for a number good reasons as we shall see shortly in this review.

Do you want to know what distinguishes the Brother XM2701 from the Brother GX37? I’ll be guiding you over it in detail in this article.

Differences between Brother XM2701 vs GX37

Interestingly, both variants of the Brother computerized sewing machine appear to have no discernible differences when simply looking at them. However, if you look closely, you can see that the two devices have quite a few practical and aesthetic differences.

The surprising differences between the brother XM2701 and GX37 are listed below for your interest.

1. Number of built-in stitches

The amount of integrated stitches is the main distinction between GX37 and XM2701. As shown by the model number, the GX37 has 37 built-in stitches, while the XM2701 has only 27.

In addition, the GX37 model is more recent than the XM2701 model. GX37 and XM2701 are two years apart in age.

2. Sewing speed

Brother GX37’s maximum sewing speed is 850 stitches per minute, compared to XM2701’s 800 stitches per minute. Though not a significant difference, there is nonetheless a difference.

3. Stitch width and length

The GX37 can accommodate stitches up to a maximum width and length of 7mm and 5mm, respectively. The XM2701’s stitch length and width are 5mm and 4mm, correspondingly.

Therefore, the Brother GX37 has more customization choices than the XM2701 if you like to experiment with the stitch width and length rather than stick with the predetermined values.

Similarities between Brother XM2701 vs GX37

These two very advanced sewing machines from the Brother brand are truly being compared for similarities.

Both have the same function and accessories. Which are:

1. Free arm.
2. The lever to reverse sewing.
3. Storage for extras.
4. Included Button Sewing Foot, Zipper Foot, Narrow Hemmer Foot, Buttonhole Foot, and Blind Stitch Foot.
5. LED lighting
6. System for automatically threading needles
7. A thread cutter by hand.
8. Fast-setting bobbin.
9. The dial is the stitch selector type.
10. 110v electric current.
11. Manual thread tension adjustment.
12. One buttonhole design.

Advantages of Brother XM2701

Here are a few advantages of the Brother XM2701 sewing and quilting machine that encourage me to buy it repeatedly.

1. Beginner-friendly yet versatile

This device strikes a good balance between simple setup and use and a lot of functionalities you can start using as your skills advance.

2. Easy threading

Even if you’ve never done it before, it won’t take you more than 10 minutes to thread the needle and the bobbin because they are both done automatically.

3. One-step auto-size buttonhole

Since these buttonholes are compatible with buttons of any size, you can pretty much create anything.

4. Lightweight machine

It is lightweight and transportable at 12.6 pounds. Experienced sewers would do well to get this as a secondary machine in addition to their first, stationary, heavy-duty option.

It’s also not that huge, yes. Almost any table will fit it, and moving it to another location is simple when necessary.

5. Very affordable

This machine contains a few automatic features that are uncommon in low-end machines, like automatic needle threading and bobbin winding. Because of these characteristics, the machine offers good value for the money.

Even if you sew only rarely and don’t intend to make it a serious hobby, it will pay for itself with just a few easy tasks. 

6. Quiet

Even portable sewing machines can become loud. And if you live in a small flat, that can be a major problem for your neighbors.

Disadvantages of Brother XM2701

Using the Brother XM2701 quilting machine has come with a few disadvantages, including the following:

1. No automatic needle up/down position

A button would be far more practical than having to crank the hand wheel to raise and lower the needle position. When you want to turn the fabric and keep stitching without losing your stitch, it would be quite helpful.

2. No adjustable speed control

Much while I value high-speed sewing machines, I value customizable speed control even more.

Of course, adjusting the pressure you apply to the pedal will affect speed. However, the sensitivity of pedals varies, making it difficult to rely solely on your judgment.

3. LED light is not bright enough

Although we appreciate that LED lights were added over the work area, they could be a little brighter.

If you only sew sometimes or during the day, it will suffice. However, if you regularly stay up late like I do, you could require additional light.

4. Unusual positioning of the presser foot lever

It requires some hand-eye coordination to reach for it because it’s directly beneath the arm, especially if you’re right-handed.

5. Each of the components appear to be composed of plastic.

Even the zipper foot, which unquestionably needs to be strong. You can’t realistically expect metal or other sturdy materials in this price range and weight range. And as long as it functions and lasts, I don’t mind plastics in general.

6. It won’t handle thick materials well

That should be obvious to sewers who are experienced with a range of sewing machines.

Who would think that a compact, inexpensive sewing machine could cut through leather or denim? Industrial or semi-industrial sewing machines are used for this purpose.

But perhaps you will need this warning if you are new to the sewing world. With regard to stretchy materials, this little treasure won’t disappoint anyone.

7. No case or cover included

Furthermore, this would be a wonderful addition. I don’t mean to imply that it’s important or anything of the sort. Although soft cases aren’t pricey, the hassle of locating the exact model that fits will still exist.

Technical specifications of Brother XM2701

Features	Status
Machine type	Mechanical
Built-in stitches	27
Buttonholes patterns	1
Stitches per minutes	800
Speed control	No
Twin needle	Yes
Programmable needle	No
Bobbin type	Top drop-in
Connectivity	None
Weight	12.6lbs

Advantages of Brother GX37

Here are a few advantages of the Brother GX37 sewing and quilting machine that encourage me to buy it repeatedly.

1. Super easy to set up

Making adjustments to a new machine to suit one’s needs is typically difficult and time-consuming.

However, this won’t be the case with the Brother GX37 because it excels at this characteristic of a simple setup. There is no assembly necessary because the machine is virtually made of one piece.

2. Easy to use

When machines are complicated and frustrating to use, we become frustrated. GX37’s relevant characteristics and simplicity of use make it simple for sewers to utilize.

Among these attributes include a top-load bobbin, being portable and simple to thread.

3. Reverse stitching compatible

The stitches could rip, but the Brother GX37 makes it simple to repair them by doing reverse stitching. This choice enables you to create a layer of stitches. Simply depress the reverse stitch knob to accomplish this.

4. Led light

What would happen if you had to stitch a dark fabric with a dark thread during a pitch-black night? It might annoy you.

The Brother GX37 offers an LED light to help with working on darker materials and provides a clearer, more accurate view of your stitching project to address this issue.

5. Compact and portable

You can easily bring your enthusiasm with you wherever you go because of how light and small it is, avoiding having to spend much time in a large area.

6. Automatic needle threader

Focusing while manually threading the needle might occasionally be difficult. For those with poor vision, the Brother GX37’s automatic needle threader is a benefit.

You aren’t going to lose time attempting to concentrate when threading the needles. Pulling down the lever will make it simple to thread the needle.

7. Good speed

AN average of 850 stitches can be produced per minute using the Brother GX37 sewing machine. Although it may not be the quickest available, this pace can help you complete your stitching projects more quickly.

8. Great for beginners

Brother GX37 is a fantastic choice if you have young children that are eager to start sewing. First of all, because it is small and light, it is very portable and simple to use.

The controls are simple to reach. Additionally, it features printed instructions for threading the machine and winding the bobbin, which is quite helpful for beginners.

Disadvantages of Brother GX37

Using the Brother GX37 quilting machine has come with a few disadvantages, including the following:

• There is no automatic thread cutter.
• There is no start or stop features.
• No large table is provided.
• For light textiles only.
• Bobbin’s handling is challenging.

Technical specifications of Brother GX37

Features	Status
Sewing machine type	Mechanical
Dimensions	12.48 x 16.26 x 7.01 inches
Weight	10.14 lbs.
Voltage	110v
Hook movement	Vertical
Stitching speed	850 stitches per minute
Foot pedal	Yes
Speed control	No
Tension setter	Yes
Number of needle positions	37
Maximum stitch length	5mm
Maximum stitch width	7mm

Brother XM2701 vs GX37: Which One Is Better?

Brother’s XM2701 and GX37 are both mechanical sewing machines that will provide you with a flawless stitching experience.

As a result, based on my honest assessment of both sewing machines, I would always recommend the GX37 type of Brother sewing machine.

I would much like to have more built-in stitch styles, higher feed dogs, and a bit faster stitching pace. The good news is that I might not even need to make a financial commitment to have those built-in functions. In addition, the rating figures for the GX37 model are rising gradually.

However, any of these sewing machines would be the ideal piece of gear to help you succeed with your sewing projects depending on your sewing experience, sewing preferences, and financial constraints.