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- 72-stitch function; free-arm sewing machine for garment construction; decorative sewing and quilting
- Built-in; automatic needle threader for less downtime between spools
- Automatic; 4-step buttonholer for speedy buttonholing and button making operations
- Built-in stretch; blind-hem and decorative stitches; lightweight design and built-in handle for portability
- 25-year limited warranty
2009-11-09
By Lonia (VA)
I got this machine for Xmas last year after reading hundreds of reviews for different machines. I definitely wanted a manual sewing machine (after hearing/reading about lots of problems with the computerized), one could go through some heavy materials- particularly fleece, and wasn't horribly fussy to deal with. In general, it's easy to use and works really well. It's easy to thread normally (I can't figure out the automatic threader). Sometimes, as with most manuals, the needle will skip. You really need to listen for problems with the bobbin and stop as soon as you hear it. Sometimes the bobbin doesn't catch quite right and it gets itself tangled in the casing. If this happens, you'll have to really pull gently to get your project to move up enough to carefully cut the threads out. Not a huge deal, just something to be aware of. The only real complaint I have about it is the underpass under the arm is much too small to do any enormous projects (like a bedspread). If you buy the case with this, as I did, be aware that the case does not snuggly fit the machine and the machine can bounce around and some of the delicate metal parts on the top can bend. This happened once when I put it on the floor of my car to transport it to a friend's house to do some work. The piece bent back easy enough.
2008-08-02
By Laurel (New York, New York)
Though the Brother XL-3510 wasn't my first choice in a machine (purchased out of a limited selection from an online retailer using a "store credit only" return policy, even for defective machines), after a marathon weekend of sewing medieval garb, I have found this to be a solid machine that handles a wide range of projects effectively and efficiently. With a drop in bobbin (SA156 is the Brother part number--same as their sewing/embroidery machines) that is oriented a little too much towards the right handed (I'm a left handed person), it's much easier to manage than the Europro I returned to the online retailer that uses a steel bobbin and bobbin case from the side. Threading is easy as well, though left handed people will have problems for a few times until you get used to the nuances of the threading. There are about 3 or 4 places that I found the machine difficult to manage as a left handed person. Sadly, as strong as Brother is, for both the industrial and home sewing markets, they have forgotten that both left handed and right handed people use the machines!! I really like the way the stitch selector dial works. Just like a shift key on a computer, you just put the outer dial on the red SS1 for the red row of stitches or the green SS2 for the green row of stitches--it's very user friendly. Normal stitches are neither red nor green--for things like straight or zig zag. Everyday stuff like back-stitching is easy (easier than many models) and the machine doen't balk at you when you want to go through a few thicknesses of fabric like pleats. As with any machine, you might have to coax it a little by a tug or two on a stubborn section through the feeders, but I've never known a machine that always could feed anything without a little help now and again. All in all, thie machine passes the test. It works very nicely and should be a great addition to anyone's sewing room. I'm not an expert seamstress, but I've sewn to some degree since I was six and used many many machines along the way. This machine was a good buy--but for the future I will ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT before buying ANY MACHINE--it really DOES MATTER WHO YOU BUY FROM AND WHAT THE RETURN POLICY IS. READ THE RETURN POLICY--EVERY WORD--BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING--THIS IS EXTRA IMPORTANT FOR SEWING MACHINES.
This is a great machine. I didn't buy mine on amazon. I really wish I did.
2008-04-27
By P. Hernandez (Tampa, FL USA)
I'm very happy with this product. Instructions are easy to follow,as easy as 1,2, 3. Even my 9 years old daughter can use it.The machine works great and I'm learning new stitches that I can make now using this amazing sewing machine.I definitively recommend this Brother XL3510 Sewing Machine.
