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Brother XL2610
A Brother Sewing Machine With the Beginner In Mind
The Brother XL2610 mechanical sewing machine has an attractive price tag for a first sewing machine.
And reviewers are just as attracted by this Brother sewing machine's cheery pink faceplate as they are impressed with the XL2610's under-the-hood workings.
Brother sewing machines have a strong reputation, and you'll find a Brother sewing machine in pretty much every price point, ranging from the value end to the luxury model.
So if you're comparison shopping between brands, be sure that you are comparing the Brother XL 2610 to another beginner sewing machine.
Given the XL2610's free-arm capabilities and range of stitch options and accessories, you might have a hard time believing this model is meant for beginning stitchers.
This Brother machine might be a first sewing machine, but it will be one you'll be tempted to keep for awhile.
A Pretty Pink Package On the XL2610
Most reviewers are first attracted to the XL2610's attractive pink accents and friendly controls for stitch selection, backstitching, and thread tension.
Like most other Brother sewing machines, the Brother XL 2610 features a drop-in bobbin system that makes bobbin threading nearly foolproof.
But while many beginner sewing machines limit their time-saving features in exchange for ease of use, this Brother machine offers a fair number of luxuries to make your starter sewing experience something you can build on.
The Basics of the Brother 2610
The Brother XL2610 offers these basic features:
25 built-in stitches including basic garment construction stitches, decorative stitches, buttonhole stitches, stretch stitches, quilting stitches and a blind hem stitch
Automatic bobbin winder
Built-in thread cutter
Built-in controls for stitch lengths and widths, and thread tension
Manual stitch reinforcement
Drop-in bobbin system
Snap-on presser foot system
This beginner sewing machine weighs in at 11 lbs and features an integrated carrying handle for portability. It measures 11 ½" x 6 ¾" x 15 ½" and ships with an AC power cord, a foot pedal, and sewing notions stored in the machine's free arm.
The Frills
Brother sewing machines offer some extras that go beyond the basic experience--even in a mechanical sewing machine model like the XL2610:
Automatic needle threading system
Automatic buttonholes, created with the 4-step buttonholer
Free-arm sewing capability
Heavy-duty fabric capability
The Drawbacks
This beginner sewing machine is priced for new stitchers who are cost-conscious of their investment.
While Brother sewing machines are known for their quality across the board, this is a starter model, and the plastic construction of the machine isn't meant for extended heavy-duty use or industrial sewing.
The machine can handle heavy fabrics like multiple layers of denim, but some reviewers feel that its lightweight portable size makes the machine prone to shifting when run at full speed.
The XL2610 is a mechanical sewing machine,and needs to be oiled after about 400 hours of use. Frequent users may find the maintenance costs from a servicer offset the value pricing of the machine.
Tying It Up In a Bow
Under the pretty pink bonnet, the Brother XL2610 boasts a beginner's package that's richly-featured yet not intimidating to the novice. It is a solid first sewing machine that's eminently suitable for garment construction, quilting, and crafts, stands up to consistent use, and offers a measure of portability.
