sewing machine manual brother xm2701

The Brother XM2701 is a lightweight, full-featured free-arm sewing machine perfect for beginners and everyday sewing. It offers 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in top bobbin system, a built-in LED light, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. It is powered by 120V AC and comes with a variety of feet and accessories. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Stitch Selection 6. Threading the Machine 8. Basic Sewing Techniques 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Accessories Included 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Free-arm sewing machine body, built-in stitch panel, handwheel, bobbin winder, spool pins, accessory storage compartment.

FeatureDescription
27 Built-in StitchesIncludes utility, decorative, and stretch stitches, and a 1-step buttonhole
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasily threads the needle with a simple lever mechanism
Drop-in Top BobbinEasy-to-load, jam-resistant bobbin system with clear cover
Built-in LED LightBrightly illuminates the sewing area
Free ArmConverts for sewing cylindrical items like sleeves and pant legs
6 Sewing Feet IncludedButtonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, narrow hemmer foot, blind stitch foot, zigzag foot
Stitch Selector DialSelects stitch patterns
Stitch Width/Length DialAdjusts the width (max 5mm) and length of stitches
Reverse Sewing LeverHolds to sew in reverse for securing stitches
Power/Speed ControlOn/off switch and foot controller for variable speed

Unpacking & Setup

Unpack all contents and place machine on a stable, flat surface.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and tape from the machine.
  2. Attach the accessory tray to the free arm if detached.
  3. Plug the foot controller into the machine port, then plug the power cord into a 120V AC outlet.
  4. Install the needle and presser foot as described in the First-Time Operation section.

WARNING! Keep hands away from the needle and moving parts during operation. Always turn the power switch OFF when threading or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Before sewing, complete initial setup steps.

  1. Raise the presser foot lever and install the desired presser foot.
  2. Install the needle: Loosen the needle clamp screw, insert the needle with the flat side to the back, and tighten the screw firmly.
  3. Wind the bobbin: Place thread on the spool pin, guide it around the bobbin winder tension disc, and wind onto an empty bobbin.
  4. Thread the upper thread: Follow the numbered threading path on the machine and use the automatic needle threader.
  5. Insert the bobbin: Place the wound bobbin into the bobbin case with the thread turning counterclockwise, then pull the thread under the tension spring.

CAUTION! Ensure the presser foot is raised when threading to allow the thread to seat properly in the tension discs.

Specifications

Controls and Stitch Selection

Access all functions via the front control panel. Stitch Selector Dial: Turn to choose from 27 stitch patterns (numbered 1-27). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts zigzag and decorative stitch width (0-5mm). Stitch Length Dial: Adjusts stitch length (0-4mm); lower numbers for shorter stitches.

Additional Controls: Reverse Sewing Lever, Presser Foot Lever, Handwheel, Bobbin Winder Spindle/Stop, Power Switch, Foot Controller Jack.

To select a stitch: Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position. Turn the Stitch Selector Dial to the desired pattern number. Adjust the width and length dials as needed. Refer to the stitch chart on the machine for recommended settings.

Threading the Machine

Correct threading is essential for proper stitch formation.

  1. Raise the presser foot lever and turn the handwheel to raise the needle to its highest position.
  2. Place the spool of thread on the vertical spool pin.
  3. Follow the numbered threading guide on the machine: Guide the thread through the first thread guide, down the channel, around the tension dial, through the second thread guide, and down to the needle area.
  4. Use the automatic needle threader: Lower the lever on the left side, hook the thread onto the hook, then release the lever to pull the thread through the needle eye.
  5. Pull about 4 inches of thread toward the back of the machine under the presser foot.

Tip: Always thread the machine with the presser foot RAISED and the needle in the HIGHEST position.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for basic straight stitch sewing.

  1. Prepare the fabric: Place fabric under the presser foot, lowering the needle into the fabric at your starting point by turning the handwheel.
  2. Lower the presser foot lever.
  3. Start sewing: Gently press the foot controller to begin. Guide the fabric lightly with your hands; do not push or pull.
  4. Secure stitches: Press and hold the Reverse Sewing Lever at the beginning and end of your seam to backstitch.
  5. Finish: Raise the needle to its highest position, raise the presser foot, and pull the fabric toward the back to remove. Cut threads using the built-in thread cutter.
  6. Buttonhole: Select the buttonhole stitch (#26). Place the button in the buttonhole foot. The machine will automatically sew a perfectly sized buttonhole.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle path. Always watch the needle while sewing.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Turn the power switch OFF and unplug the machine.
  2. Remove the needle plate screws and the needle plate.
  3. Use the small brush provided to remove lint and dust from the feed dogs and bobbin area.
  4. Replace the needle plate and screws.
  5. Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or aerosol sprays.
  6. Oil the machine only as specified in the manual using sewing machine oil (not included).

CAUTION! Never immerse the machine in water. Always unplug before cleaning.

Accessories Included

The following accessories are stored in the accessory compartment:

Warranty & Support

This Brother sewing machine is covered by a 25-year limited warranty. For warranty service, you must present the original sales receipt. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, accident, commercial use, or unauthorized modification. For technical support, replacement parts, or accessory orders, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5525.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Needle breaksIncorrect needle installation, bent needle, wrong needle typeInstall a new needle correctly (flat side back). Ensure needle is not bent. Use the correct needle for the fabric.
Thread bunches under fabric (bird nesting)Incorrect bobbin threading, upper thread not in tension discsRe-thread the bobbin ensuring it turns counterclockwise. Re-thread the upper thread with presser foot UP.
Skipped stitchesBlunt or bent needle, incorrect needle size/fabric matchReplace the needle. Use a ballpoint needle for knits, sharp needle for wovens.
Machine does not runPower cord not connected, foot controller unplugged, power switch OFFCheck all power connections. Ensure the power switch is ON.
Uneven or poor stitch qualityIncorrect tension setting, dirty tension discs, poor quality threadClean lint from tension area. Adjust tension dial (usually 4 for normal sewing). Use good quality thread.
Automatic needle threader not workingNeedle not in highest position, thread not hooked properlyTurn handwheel to raise needle fully. Ensure the thread is seated in the hook of the threader.

Reset: Turn power OFF, unplug for 60 seconds, then restart.

Service: 1-877-888-5525; www.brother-usa.com

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025