Brother XR3140 is an overall package. It has everything that a sewer wants. It will suit beginners and intermediate sewers equally well.
Brother XR3140 Main Features
- 140 built-in stitches
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Automatic needle threader
- Built-in sewing font
- Programmable needle up/down
- Variable speed control
Brother XR3140 Review
Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : HIGH
XR3140 is an entry level computerized sewing machine recently launched by Brother. The machine has 140 built-in stitches including 8 one-step buttonholes. There is a built-in font with 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming. The machine is equipped with an automatic needle threader which threads the needle for you. The LCD display is of decent size. The white on black display really stands out. You can view all the stitch settings without any trouble. Stitch width and length are set automatically, however you can override them if you want. The maximum stitch width is 7mm and stitch length is 5mm.
Stitches are selected by pressing the buttons. Sewing speed can be controlled without the foot pedal, thanks to the speed control slider and sewing start/stop button. The work area is illuminated by an LED bulb. The 7-point feed system ensures consistent fabric feeding. The top drop-in bobbin is very easy to use. The clear bobbin cover lets you keep an eye on the thread supply as well. The programmable needle up/down key is vital for quilters. The included extra wide table enables you to work on large projects with ease.
Brother XR3140 comes with the same motor seen in other Brother beginner machines like XR9500PRW, HC1850 etc. The motor can deliver 850 stitches/min. The machine has an option to drop feed dogs, so that you can do some free-motion quilting. There is a small storage compartment for storing your accessories. Once you remove the storage compartment, you can access free arm for sewing circular areas.
Brother XR3140 comes with a standard 25 year limited warranty. The machine is definitely a light one, weighing just 11.02 pounds. So you can easily carry it to your sewing class, if you want to. The stitch chart is printed right on the machine for easy reference.
Usability
The overall build quality is very good. It is an easy to use sewing machine. Threading is very easy (the included DVD is very helpful). The stitch quality is very good across a variety of fabrics (something that you expect from a machine placed above Brother HC1850, which on its own has excellent stitch quality). It sews through multiple layers of denim with ease. The variety of stitches are quite good, you can choose from a total of 140 built-in stitches.
Limitations
Not a lot to talk about. But the automatic needle threader may require couple of attempts to get used to.
Is It Worth Buying?
As far as features and stitch quality is concerned, Brother XR3140 ticks all the check boxes. It is also reasonably priced. So it would be a good choice for those looking for a quality sewing machine with excellent features.