Which machine for which quilter
- Choose the Brother XR3774 if you want the longer documented feature list for quilting: 37 built-in stitches, a wide table for large-scale projects such as quilts, a walking foot and a quilting foot among the listed feet, and a built-in free arm, which Brother describes for sewing cuffs, sleeves and pant legs.[1]
- Choose the Brother XM2701 if a shorter list of stitches and feet suits you. It lists 27 built-in stitches with 63 stitch functions and 6 sewing feet, and it has the same jam-resistant Quick-Set top drop-in bobbin and one-step buttonhole as the Brother XR3774. Its listing does not mention a wide table, a walking foot or a quilting foot.[1][2]
- Sewing Machine Fun, a review blog, says the Brother XR3774 comes with more stitches, presser feet and accessories than the Brother XM2701. Brother's listings agree on the stitch count and the number of bobbins included. MariaSew, a sewing blog, says the Brother XR3774 can handle basic quilting for hobbyists and for quilters who are just starting.[1][2][3]
Brother XR3774
Pick for: a walking foot, quilting foot and wide table in the box
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Brother XM2701
Pick for: a simpler first machine
Paid link
Brother XR3774 and XM2701 side by side
| Attribute | Brother XR3774 Sewing & Quilting Machine | Brother XM2701 Sewing & Quilting Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in stitches[1][2] | 37 built-in stitches | 27 built-in stitches (63 stitch functions) |
| One-step buttonhole[1][2] | Yes, automatic one-step buttonhole | Yes, automatic one-step buttonhole |
| Sewing feet included[1][2][3] | 8 per Brother description; 9 named in its feature list | 6 quick-change sewing feet |
| Walking and quilting feet[1][2] | Walking foot and quilting foot listed; quilt guide listed | Not listed |
| Wide table[1][2] | Included | Not listed |
| Free arm[1][2] | Built-in free arm | Not listed |
| Bobbins included[1][2] | 4 | 3 |
| Darning plate[1][2] | Included | Included |
| Twin needle[1][2] | Included | Included |
| Jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin[1][2] | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic bobbin winding and needle threader[1][2] | Both listed | Both listed |
| Manual language[1][2] | English and Spanish | English and Spanish |
| Warranty[1][2] | 1/2/25 year limited | 25 year limited |
| Weight (as listed, no unit given)[1][2] | 12.3 | 12.6 |
| Dimensions[2][3] | Not listed by Brother | 15.3" x 5.9" x 12.1" |
Where the two entry machines really differ
The clearest documented gap is stitch count. The Brother XR3774 lists 37 built-in stitches, including blind hem, decorative and quilting stitches. The Brother XM2701 lists 27 built-in stitches, which Brother describes as 63 stitch functions. Both list quilting stitches, so for piecing and quilting the difference lies mainly in the number of options.[1][2]
The Brother XR3774 is the only one of the two whose listing names a walking foot, a quilting foot and a quilt guide. Brother also describes its wide table as suited to large-scale projects such as quilts. The Brother XM2701's listing names six feet, covering buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, narrow hemmer, blind stitch and button sewing, and it mentions neither a walking foot nor a wide table.[1][2]
The number of feet with the Brother XR3774 is not consistent across sources. Brother's description gives 8 sewing feet, but the feature list on the same page names 9, and Sewing Machine Fun also says 8. Check the count against the accessories in the box when you buy.[1][3]
Both machines list a darning plate, a twin needle, a screwdriver and a spool pin. Brother's support list of optional quilting feet for the Brother XR3774 includes a foot for quilt piecing with a 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch seam allowance and a spring-action foot for darning, quilting or free-motion embroidery. Brother's support list for the Brother XM2701 shows the same optional feet, so these lists do not separate the two machines. Confirm an optional foot for your exact machine and serial number in the manual or with Brother support.[1][2][4][5]
What the warranty and build details leave open
The Brother XM2701 listing gives a 25 year limited warranty, and the Brother XR3774 listing gives a 1/2/25 year limited warranty. For the Brother XR3774, Brother also mentions free technical phone and online support for the life of the product.[1][2]
Sewing Machine Fun explains that for the Brother XR3774, the 25 year term covers only the chassis, or body of the machine, while more technical parts carry one or two years. Brother's listings give the term without this breakdown, so check the warranty card for the parts you care about.[1][3]
Brother lists the weight of the Brother XR3774 as 12.3 and the Brother XM2701 as 12.6, with no unit given. Sewing Machine Fun also says the Brother XR3774 is not made for prolonged heavy-duty sewing, although it will sew through fabric up to 6mm thick with the right thread and needle. Neither source settles how either machine copes with heavier quilts, so a reader who regularly quilts large projects should check throat space and table options before buying.[1][2][3]
Questions beginner quilters ask about these two machines
Does either machine include a quilt guide?
The Brother XR3774's listing names a Quilt Guide among its feet. The Brother XM2701's listing does not mention one.[1][2]
What is the darning plate for?
Both Brother listings include a darning plate with the Brother XR3774 and the Brother XM2701 without describing its use. Sewing Machine Fun says that on the Brother XR3774 the feed dogs must be covered by the darning plate for free-motion quilting. Check the operation manual of your machine before you start free-motion work.[1][2]
Are bobbins and thread included?
Brother lists 4 bobbins with the Brother XR3774 and 3 with the Brother XM2701. Sewing Machine Fun, reviewing the Brother XR3774, says thread and fabric are not included.[1][2][3]
How is the one-step buttonhole described?
Both Brother listings describe an automatic one-step buttonhole that Brother calls virtually perfect buttonholes. On the Brother XR3774 it is listed among 37 built-in stitches, and on the Brother XM2701 among 27.[1][2]
Where can I read more about quilting machines?
For the wider choice of entry machines, see the beginners guide on Square Verdict. For more quilting machine guides and comparisons, see the Quilting machines section.
What we could not confirm
- Number of sewing feet with the Brother XR3774 Sewing & Quilting Machine: Brother's description says 8, its feature list names 9, and Sewing Machine Fun says 8.
- Weights: Brother gives 12.3 and 12.6 with no unit, and does not list dimensions for the Brother XR3774 Sewing & Quilting Machine.
- Warranty coverage by part: Brother gives the terms but not which parts each covers; Sewing Machine Fun describes the 25 year period as covering only the chassis.
- Darning plate use: both listings name it without describing what it is for.
- Heavier quilts: neither Brother listing gives throat space or maximum quilt size, so suitability for large quilts is not settled by these sources.
Sources
- XR3774 Sewing & Quilting Machine - Wide Table & 37 Stitches | Brother — checked 2026-10-27
- XM2701 Sewing & Quilting Machine - 27 Built-in Stitches | Brother — checked 2026-10-27
- Brother XR3774 Review – Pros, Cons, & Comparisons — checked 2026-10-27
- Brother XR3774 — optional quilting feet (Brother support) — checked 2026-10-27
- Brother XM2701 — optional quilting feet (Brother support) — checked 2026-10-27
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