Brother SM3701 37-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine

SM3701 sewing machine was in original box without dents or damage. It came out of the box easily. Instruction booklet was included and easy to follow. Threading and bobbin rewinding was simple. It sews straight and decorative stitches with a turn of the knob. I like this sturdy machine!

This is a small footprint sewing machine that's pretty easy to learn and use, even for beginners. It has much more to offer than basic sewing machines at a lower price than similar machines, but is much more user-friendly than a more elaborate machine, even some of the other Brother machines. It has plenty of stitches to choose from and a bigger top plate that gives you more working space, especially when making a flat object, but you can remove it to use the free-arm, such as for hemming pants or sewing cuffs or curved pieces. I don't find the threader to be efficient, but that may be my old eyes talking. Overall, it's a sweet little machine.

I loved this machine when I got it, it ran very well. I sew a lot, at least two outfits a week , sometimes more. I also recommended it to a friend, and she bought it as well. I bought it in March 2025, and early January 2026 it was so tight that you couldn’t hardly spin the wheel and stitching was slow. I brought it to a repair shop after talking with customer service for brother, the customer service said if it was a warranty problem it would be covered for free within one year. (The reason why I didn’t oil it myself was that the manual said that if you attempted repairs yourself, then it wouldn’t be under warranty) When I spoke to my trusted repair shop (my grandma has gone there for years) It wouldn’t be under warranty to get it oiled. Oiling/maintenance would be $120, and my machine was already two years old as it had sat in a warehouse for a year before I bought it. He said that a machine needs oiling every year, and that it would be normal to have the oil dry up within the two years since manufacture. (he also said in 2020 he had sold a whole pallet of 120+ of these machine machines!) I have had very minor occasional problems with thread, tangling, etc. Mainly because I keep forgetting that this machine is not like others I’ve used and you have to insert the Bobbin wound the opposite way. (Both shown in manual and on a little symbol next to the bobbin casing. I had already figured out how to open the casing (not easy) to clean out dust as the plate cover was not enough to access all of the dust, there was a YouTube video on how to open this specific machine. I did bend the plastic a little bit because I was trying to use a screwdriver, before realizing that the little coin button that is usable for the plate screws is good for popping in the seam to get the little plastic joints apart. There are seven screws that need to be removed to take it apart, and from there (if you’re unsure) you could check a YouTube video on how to oil machines- essentially any metal part that moves against another metal part needs to be oiled. I first did it while manually moving the wheel, then oiled a second time with the machine running (removed needle) My machine works again and saved me 120! I got the zoom spout oiler by nifty notions- it has an extendable straw that helped to get in all the places. I still do really like this machine, I haven’t missed any features, besides wishing there was a sliding tray like my last machine had for storage. There are a lot of accessories that come with it as well, and a few bobbins.

This Brother sewing machine is sturdy and reliable. It’s not exactly compact, but it’s a good size for a solid workspace without being too bulky. The stitch quality is great, and it handles thicker fabrics without issues. Threading it is simple, which makes it beginner-friendly, but it still has the power and precision for more advanced projects. Also a nice option if you’re thinking of gifting a sewing machine to someone starting out. Great value and well-built.

I love this machine. I’m a beginner and it’s easy to use. It is solid built yet lightweight. It comes with a few bobbins so that was nice.

I knew I would be doing a project as soon as it came because sometimes there are issues and you have to send them back and get the replacement. I wasn't going to miss any return windows. I sewed a belly bag and a fabric wallet with several layers and credit card slots. No issues. I'd keep sewing if it wasn't 1am. I am very happy with this. My brother quilting machine is also still going strong. I bought this becuase the black friday sale said it was light weight at 12 pounds and my brother quilting machine is a 19.5 pound boat. But dependable. Well, 12 pounds is still too heavy to be tote-able so this will remain on my sewing table. It's a pleasure to use as is my quilting machine. This can take the 8 presser feet from my brother quilting machine. And, I have a backup if either fails. A+. Glad I bought. At $112 it's well worth it.

Been sewing for a long time, and recently got myself this new sewing machine. And I absolutely love it. It runs so smoothly and is not as loud as my old machine. It’s heavy enough to stay in place, and is a sturdy build. It’s easy to thread needle is a plus. And it fits right into the sewing machine bag for storage, with room to spare. It’s easy to move from one area to another, not extremely heavy. I am pleased with this design and purchase.

I bought this for my nine-year-old granddaughter who is interested in learning to sew. I was a little apprehensive about it because the cost was so low, but the machine functions beautifully. The school where I used to work uses this machine to allow students to sew costumes for drama class. I doubt that it would be powerful enough to sew heavy fabrics like denim, but it sews lighter cottons beautifully. So far it has been very easy to operate, and the instruction manual is well written. Can't comment about the buttonhole function or quilting capabilities yet, but we are planning to sew a Barbie skirt using several of the decorative stitches. to form a border print.

Llegó a tiempo y funciona como yo esperaba 👍

Love this machine! Had to replace the "J" foot to an older style, but that's just preference. Very easy to handle.

I tried a few of the many features. It works perfectly! Already after a longer work I will bring something more concrete.

Excellent