Brother XL3510 72-Stitch Function Free-Arm Sewing Machine

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...Read more

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...Read more

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.