Brother XR3774 Full-Featured Sewing and Quilting Machine Honest Review

The Brother XR3774 sewing machine is a highly regarded and affordable mechanical sewing solution, suitable for beginners and those with some sewing experience. Its ease of setup and operation, along with excellent user ratings, make it a popular choice among sewers. This sewing machine is known for its user-friendly design and reasonable price point. While it excels at serving the needs of beginners and novice sewers, individuals seeking advanced features and a wide variety of stitches might find it somewhat limited. Despite this, it remains a valuable addition to the sewing world.

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The Brother XR3774 is part of a family of similar sewing machines, which includes models like the XM3700 and the XM2701. These mid-priced mechanical sewing machines come equipped with unexpected features and functionalities, providing great value for money. The Brother XR3774, introduced in September 2014, primarily caters to beginners looking to master the basics of sewing.

In the initial stages of its introduction to the market, the cost of the Brother XR3774 raised concerns, making it seem impractical compared to similar machines available at a lower price point. However, the manufacturers recognized this issue and made significant price adjustments. With these modifications, the Brother XR3774 offers a compelling combination of features, making it an attractive choice for aspiring sewers.

Key Features of the Brother XR3774 Sewing Machine:

• 37 Built-In Stitches: The machine provides a versatile selection of 37 built-in stitches, offering a range of options for various sewing projects.
• Automatic Needle Threader: An automatic needle threader simplifies the threading process, enhancing the machine’s user-friendliness.
• Auto-Size Buttonholer: The inclusion of an auto-size buttonholer ensures consistent and neatly stitched buttonholes.
• Eight Sewing Feet: The machine comes with eight sewing feet, enabling you to explore different stitches and sewing techniques for versatile applications.
• Jam-Resistant Top Drop-In Bobbin: Featuring a top drop-in bobbin, the Brother XR3774 ensures smooth and reliable sewing, free from bobbin jams.

Sewing and Quilting

Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, XR3774, 37 Built-in Stitches

• Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine.
• 37 unique built-in stitches, including a blind hem, decorative, quilting stitches, and a 1-step buttonhole.
• Automatic needle threader for easy threading.
• Jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin.
• Comprehensive accessory package, including a machine cover, wide table, 8 sewing feet, and instructional DVD.
• Versatile free arm design.
• Intended for sale in the US at 120 volts.

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Usability

1. Versatile Machine: The Brother XR3774 is a sewing machine that’s well-suited for beginners, but it also offers advanced functionality, making it adaptable for a wide range of sewing projects. This versatility is a significant advantage, as beginners can explore different sewing techniques and styles.
2. Easy Setup: Setting up the XR3774 is straightforward and user-friendly. The included instructional materials provide clear guidance, making it easy for users to assemble and operate the machine effectively. This convenience is especially beneficial for those new to sewing.
3. High-Quality Stitches: The XR3774 consistently delivers high-quality stitches. It maintains excellent tension control, ensuring that your stitches are neat and even, regardless of the fabric you’re working with. This stitch quality is crucial for achieving professional-looking results.
4. Quiet Operation: Unlike some sewing machines that can be noisy and disruptive, the XR3774 operates quietly. This feature is particularly valuable for sewers who want to work on projects without disturbing others, such as when sewing while the kids are napping or during quiet evenings.
5. Comfortable Foot Pedal: The machine’s foot pedal is designed for user comfort. It allows you to control the sewing speed easily and accurately, enhancing your overall sewing experience. This level of control is essential for precision sewing and managing different types of fabric.
6. Gentle LED Lighting: The XR3774 features an LED bulb that illuminates your workspace. The lighting is bright enough to help you see your sewing clearly, even when working at night. Importantly, it’s not too harsh on your eyes, ensuring comfortable and productive sewing sessions.

Strengths

• Portability: This sewing machine is highly portable due to its lightweight construction. Weighing only 12.3 pounds, it’s easy to carry and move around, making it an excellent choice for sewing classes or taking to different locations.
• Abundance of Features: The XR3774 offers a wide array of unique features, including 37 built-in stitches, one-step automatic buttonholes, and various sewing feet. These features provide versatility for different sewing projects and styles.
• Precise Tension Control: This sewing machine excels in maintaining proper thread tension, ensuring that your stitches are consistently high-quality and even. Proper tension is crucial for achieving professional-looking results.
• User-Friendly: The XR3774 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It’s an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced sewers, as it’s easy to set up and operate. The included instructional materials provide clear guidance, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Limitation

1. Affordability: The Brother XR3774 is generally considered an affordable sewing machine, making it an attractive option for beginners and those looking to start their sewing journey without a significant financial commitment.
2. Price Variation: While the XR3774 is budget-friendly, it’s crucial to compare prices from various retailers and online stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Prices may vary, and sales or discounts could be available, providing an opportunity to save on your purchase.
3. Evaluate Your Needs: Before making a decision solely based on price, consider your specific sewing needs. Ensure that the features and capabilities of the XR3774 align with the types of projects you plan to undertake. It’s essential to strike a balance between affordability and functionality.
4. Long-Term Perspective: Keep in mind that while price is a significant factor, the durability and longevity of the sewing machine should also be considered. Investing a bit more upfront in a machine that will last longer and meet your evolving needs may be a wise choice in the long run.

Background Of Brother Industries Ltd.

Brother Industries, Ltd., commonly referred to as Brother, is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment company. It was founded on February 17, 1908, by Kanekichi Yasui in Nagoya, Japan. The company originally started as a repair shop for sewing machines.

Here is some background information about Brother:

1. Origins in Sewing Machines: Brother’s journey began as the Yasui Sewing Machine Co. in 1908, and it later became the Brother International Corporation in 1955. The name “Brother” was used to represent the idea of a “brotherhood” of employees working together.
2. Diverse Product Range: While the company initially focused on sewing machines, it has since diversified into various fields, including printers, typewriters, fax machines, label printers, and more. Brother is perhaps best known for its printers and multifunction devices.
3. Global Presence: Brother has a significant global presence, with offices and manufacturing facilities in various countries. It operates in over 40 countries and regions worldwide.
4. Innovation: Over the years, Brother has been recognized for its innovative products. The company has a history of introducing new technologies, such as the introduction of high-speed dot-matrix printers and pioneering developments in sewing and embroidery machines.
5. Environmental Initiatives: Brother is committed to environmental sustainability and has introduced several eco-friendly initiatives. These include producing energy-efficient products and recycling programs for used machines and printer consumables.
6. Corporate Philanthropy: Brother is involved in corporate philanthropy and community engagement. The company supports various charitable causes and initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, health, and the environment.
7. Sewing and Embroidery Machines: Brother remains a prominent player in the sewing and embroidery machine industry. Their products cater to both hobbyists and professional users, offering a wide range of sewing and embroidery options

Feature of Brother XR3774 Full-Featured Sewing and Quilting Machine

What Is in the Box?

Long Term V/s Short Term

Computerized v/s Mechanical Sewing Machine

Benefits Of The Brother XR3774 Sewing Machine

Buttons and Dials On The Machine

• Top Dials: Three dials on the top of the machine manually control tension, stitch length, and stitch width. This is also where you wind the bobbin and place the spool of thread.
• Stitch Selection: On the right side of the machine, stitches and their corresponding numbers are displayed. Stitches can be selected using a dial. The handwheel for manual needle control is also located here.
• Reverse Function: A lever on the front of the machine provides the reverse function, allowing you to lock stitches at the beginning and end of a line.
• Thread Cutter: A manual thread cutter is on the left side of the machine. This machine does not have an automatic thread cutting function.
• Transport Handle: The back of the machine has a handle molded in plastic for easy lifting and transport.

What is a Quick-Set Bobbin?

The Brother XR3774 boasts a convenient quick-set, top drop-in bobbin system. This feature eliminates the need for manually pulling up the bobbin thread when you start sewing; the machine handles it automatically.

One remarkable aspect of Brother bobbins is their jam-resistant design, which is especially beginner-friendly. While this doesn’t guarantee a complete absence of jams, it significantly reduces the likelihood – a reassuring feature for new sewists.

If you’ve ever encountered a sewing machine with a front-load bobbin that tends to jam easily (as shown in the picture for comparison), you’ll appreciate the reliability of a jam-resistant, top-drop bobbin like the one on the Brother XR3774.

Quilting With the Brother XR3774

The Brother XR3774, also known as the Brother XR3774 quilting and sewing machine, offers some quilting-friendly features, but it’s essential to clarify that it’s primarily designed for basic quilting rather than heavy-duty quilting projects. Some of the features that make it suitable for quilting include the inclusion of a detachable wide table that provides a larger workspace and the provision of a quilting foot, walking foot, and quilt guide.

However, it’s important to note that the throat space, the area between the needle and the machine’s body, isn’t particularly spacious. As a result, this machine may have limitations when it comes to handling larger quilting projects. Piecing together substantial quilts isn’t a problem, but adding quilting to a large quilt sandwich can be challenging due to the limited space. Additionally, the relatively small throat space means that many quilt rulers won’t fit comfortably.

Another aspect to consider is that the feed dogs on the Brother XR3774 don’t drop automatically for free-motion quilting. To engage in free-motion quilting, you must use the provided darning plate to cover the feed dogs manually. While this isn’t a major issue, it can become slightly inconvenient if you frequently switch between quilting and standard sewing projects.

Can the Brother XR3774 Do Embroidery or Monogramming?

Yes, we can do embroidery or monoprogramming from machine.

• The Brother XR3774 is primarily a sewing and quilting machine.
• It offers 37 built-in stitches for sewing and quilting projects.
• This machine does not have built-in embroidery functions or monogramming fonts.
• For free-motion embroidery, you can attempt to create your own designs by hooping fabric and moving it like a pen.
• If you’re interested in monogramming, consider other Brother models like the HC1850 with built-in fonts or the Brother SE600, which is a sewing and embroidery combination machine.
• The XR3774 can sew through various fabric types, from thin to heavier materials.
• The machine includes different settings for different fabric types, detailed in the included manual.
• With the right settings, you can sew on fabrics ranging from cotton canvas to delicate and stretchy materials.
• The machine allows for creative sewing projects and beautiful embroidery stitches when used for free-motion embroidery.

Will There Be Enough Light?

The Brother XR3774 is equipped with a helpful LED light that illuminates your workspace, making it an excellent choice for individuals with poor near vision or anyone who needs extra visibility for close-up work. While some reviewers mention that the LED light might not be bright enough for their preferences, I’ve found that Brother’s machine lights are generally adequate for most sewing tasks.

If you require even more illumination, you can easily purchase an auxiliary light, often available for around $10 on platforms like Amazon or even less on Temu. Not having to struggle with threading the needle on your own is a significant advantage, particularly for those who may have difficulty due to age-related near vision issues.

In addition to its utility during the day, the bright LED work light on the Brother XR3774 is a valuable feature when working on your sewing projects, even when you need to be considerate of those around you, such as sewing while the kids are asleep.

Can it handle multiple types of projects?

It’s truly remarkable to see the wide variety of projects that people have completed using this sewing machine. The Brother XR3774 offers an impressive range of capabilities, making it a versatile and capable sewing companion.

This model doesn’t stop at being a 37-stitch sewing machine; it also includes eight different sewing feet right out of the box. These included sewing feet are:

1. Zipper foot
2. Zigzag foot
3. Walking foot
4. Quilting foot
5. Buttonhole foot
6. Blind stitch foot
7. Button sewing foot
8. Narrow hemmer foot

The fact that this machine provides these eight sewing feet as part of the package is incredibly convenient. Coupled with the 37 available stitch patterns, it makes the Brother XR3774 a highly versatile sewing machine.

Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Question

Q1: Is the Brother XR3774 suitable for beginners? A1: Yes, the Brother XR3774 is an excellent sewing machine for beginners. It offers user-friendly features, a straightforward design, and comes with an instructional DVD and manual to help beginners get started.

Q2: How many built-in stitches does the Brother XR3774 have? A2: The Brother XR3774 has 37 built-in stitches, which include utility, decorative, and quilting stitches, providing versatility for various sewing projects.

Q3: Does this machine have an automatic needle threader? A3: Yes, the Brother XR3774 features an automatic needle threader, making it easier to thread the needle without straining your eyes.

Q4: Can I use the Brother XR3774 for quilting? A4: Yes, the Brother XR3774 is suitable for basic quilting. It comes with quilting-specific presser feet, a quilting table, and offers features that are convenient for quilting projects.

Q5: Does it have adjustable stitch length and width? A5: Yes, you can adjust the stitch length and width on the Brother XR3774 to customize your sewing stitches according to your preferences.

Q6: Can I use thicker fabrics with the Brother XR3774? A6: The Brother XR3774 can handle a variety of fabrics, including thicker materials like cotton canvas. It offers different fabric settings in the manual for optimal results.

Q7: Is the Brother XR3774 a quiet sewing machine? A7: The Brother XR3774 is known for being relatively quiet, allowing you to sew without disturbing others in your household.

Q8: Can I transport the Brother XR3774 easily? A8: Yes, the Brother XR3774 is lightweight, making it portable and easy to carry. It’s a great choice for those who need to take it to sewing classes or move it around conveniently.

Q9: Can I use the Brother XR3774 for free-motion embroidery? A9: While it’s primarily a sewing and quilting machine, you can attempt free-motion embroidery with the Brother XR3774 by hooping fabric and moving it manually.

Q10: Is there a warranty for the Brother XR3774? A10: Yes, the Brother XR3774 typically comes with a limited 25-year warranty, providing peace of mind for your purchase.

All Image Credit : Brother