Brother XM2701 vs SM1704:
Which Budget Machine Wins?
An honest, in-depth breakdown of stitches, features, performance, and real-world value — so you buy the right machine the first time.
The Brother XM2701 wins for most buyers. It has 27 built-in stitches (vs 17 on the SM1704), 6 presser feet (vs 4), an automatic needle threader, a 1-step buttonhole, and a larger stitch width — all at $32 less than the SM1704. Choose the SM1704 only if ultra-lightweight portability and bare-minimum features are your top priority.
Two Budget Brothers: What Are We Actually Comparing?
If you’ve been Googling entry-level sewing machines for beginners, you’ve probably run into both the Brother XM2701 and the Brother SM1704. They’re both mechanical, both from Brother, and both positioned as affordable first machines. So what’s really different between them — and does it matter?
The short answer: quite a bit, actually. These two machines may look similar in product photos, but they serve meaningfully different users. The XM2701 is the more feature-rich option — more stitches, more presser feet, an automatic needle threader — while the SM1704 is the stripped-down, ultra-portable option designed for absolute simplicity and on-the-go sewing.
This comparison draws on official Brother product specifications, verified Amazon listings, and multiple independent testing reviews to give you the most accurate, E-E-A-T-compliant picture before you spend your money.
Side-by-Side Buy Options
Both machines are available on Amazon. Prices are current as of this writing — click through to confirm the latest deal before buying.
- 27 built-in stitches + 63 stitch functions
- Automatic needle threader
- 1-step auto-size buttonhole
- 6 quick-change presser feet
- 800 SPM max speed
- Free arm for cuffs & sleeves
- LED lit work area
- 25-year limited warranty
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
- 17 built-in stitches (utility & decorative)
- 4-step buttonhole (no auto-threader)
- 4 quick-change presser feet
- Jam-resistant Quick-Set drop-in bobbin
- 10.6 lbs — ultra-lightweight
- Free arm for cuffs & sleeves
- Stitch selection dial
- 25-year limited warranty
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Complete Specification Comparison Table
Every spec that matters, side by side. WIN badges show where one machine outperforms the other.
| Feature | Brother XM2701 | Brother SM1704 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117 WIN | $149 |
| Machine Type | Mechanical TIE | Mechanical |
| Built-in Stitches | 27 stitches WIN | 17 stitches |
| Stitch Functions/Applications | 63 functions WIN | 38 functions |
| Buttonhole Type | 1-step automatic WIN | 4-step manual |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes WIN | No |
| Included Presser Feet | 6 feet WIN | 4 feet |
| Max Stitch Length | 4 mm TIE | 4 mm |
| Max Stitch Width | 5 mm WIN | 5 mm TIE |
| Max Sewing Speed | 800 SPM TIE | ~800 SPM |
| Bobbin System | Drop-in top bobbin TIE | Quick-Set drop-in top |
| Free Arm | Yes TIE | Yes |
| LED Work Light | Yes TIE | Yes |
| Reverse Lever | Yes TIE | Yes |
| Machine Weight | 12.6 lbs | 10.6 lbs WIN |
| Dimensions | 15.3″ W × 12.1″ H × 5.9″ D | 17.3″ W × 7.5″ H × 14″ D |
| Hard Carry Case Included | No (sold separately) | Optional bundle WIN |
| Instructional DVD | Yes TIE | Yes |
| Warranty | 25-yr limited TIE | 25-yr limited |
| Best For | Beginners wanting more features | Ultra-light portability |
Where These Machines Really Diverge
Most comparison articles gloss over the nuances. Here’s what you actually need to know before choosing between these two Brother machines.
1. Stitches: 27 vs 17 — A Big Real-World Gap
Ten more stitches might sound like a marketing number, but it translates to genuinely more project versatility. The XM2701’s 27 built-in stitches include quilting stitches, decorative stitches, and multiple stretch stitch options that the SM1704 simply doesn’t have. According to Brother’s official product page, the XM2701 also supports 63 stitch functions — meaning you can use many stitches in multiple configurations.
The SM1704’s 17 stitches cover the basics — straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, buttonhole, and a few decoratives — but if you ever want to experiment beyond basic garments and repairs, you’ll hit its ceiling quickly.
2. Automatic Needle Threader: Game-Changer vs Manual Threading
This is one of the XM2701’s most underrated advantages. The SM1704 has no automatic needle threader — you thread the needle by hand every time. The XM2701’s built-in needle threader pushes thread through the needle eye automatically, saving time and frustration, especially for older sewists or those with limited eyesight.
“The automatic needle threader is a helpful tool that saves time and helps your eyes. This feature makes threading quick and easy, which really helps beginners or people who don’t see well.” — Expert review via CraftSing.com
3. Buttonhole: 1-Step Automatic vs 4-Step Manual
The XM2701 creates perfectly sized, consistent buttonholes in a single step. The SM1704 requires a 4-step process — meaning you manually adjust the foot position between each of four stages. For a beginner sewing a button-up shirt, this difference alone can make or break the project. The 1-step buttonhole on the XM2701 is, frankly, a major quality-of-life improvement.
4. Presser Feet: 6 vs 4 Included
The XM2701 ships with 6 quick-change presser feet: buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, narrow hemmer, blind stitch, and button sewing foot. The SM1704 includes 4 feet. The narrow hemmer foot (exclusive to the XM2701 bundle) alone is worth the difference for anyone doing garment construction — it creates clean, professional rolled hems without the guesswork.
5. Weight & Portability: SM1704 Has One Genuine Advantage
The SM1704 weighs just 10.6 lbs, compared to the XM2701’s 12.6 lbs. That’s a 2-pound difference. If you’re taking the machine to weekly sewing classes or traveling with it frequently, the SM1704 is genuinely more convenient to carry. Some SM1704 bundles also include a hard plastic carry case, which the XM2701 does not come with by default.
Prices on both machines fluctuate frequently. Click through to lock in the best current deal before it changes.
Real-World Stitching Performance
Specs only tell part of the story. Here’s how both machines actually perform when you put fabric under the foot.
On Lightweight Fabrics (Cotton, Chiffon, Silk)
Both machines handle lightweight fabrics well at this price point. The XM2701’s drop-in bobbin system maintains consistent tension, and multiple independent testers report clean, even stitches on cotton and lightweight knits. The SM1704 performs similarly on light fabrics — its stitch dial and tension control give beginners adequate control without overwhelming them.
According to expert testing documented by CraftSing, both machines “worked well on light to medium fabrics” in real-world evaluations.
On Medium-Weight Fabrics (Denim, Canvas)
The XM2701 can handle occasional denim sewing with the correct needle (size 90/14 or 100/16) and adjusted tension settings. However, independent testing found that thick multi-layer denim can be a challenge — some users report the machine struggling with 4 or more layers. The SM1704 faces similar limitations. Neither machine is designed for regular heavy-duty fabric work.
“The Brother XM2701 produced stitches that were somewhat inconsistent on thick materials, but performs admirably on light to medium-weight fabrics. It will get the job done for most beginner and casual sewing projects.” — Independent testing via TechGearLab
Stitch Quality & Consistency
The XM2701’s wider stitch variety (27 vs 17) means more opportunity for variation, but its straight stitch quality is reliable for garments, repairs, and craft projects. The SM1704’s simpler mechanism and fewer stitch options mean less potential for misconfiguration — it’s harder to mess up, which can actually be valuable for absolute beginners.
Noise & Vibration
Both machines are mechanical and produce similar noise levels — quiet enough for apartment use and shared living spaces. The XM2701 at 800 SPM max is “relatively quiet compared to other entry-level models,” according to VS Reports, making it suitable for use in shared living spaces or evening crafting sessions.
Pros & Cons of Each Machine
Brother XM2701 — Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- 27 built-in stitches — 10 more than SM1704
- Automatic needle threader saves time
- 1-step auto-size buttonhole
- 6 presser feet included vs 4
- Costs $32 LESS than the SM1704
- 800 SPM for fast, comfortable sewing
- LED work light — bright, shadow-free
- Decorative and quilting stitches included
- Beginner-friendly with guided threading system
- Free “At Your Side” lifetime tech support
✗ Cons
- Slightly heavier at 12.6 lbs vs 10.6 lbs
- No hard carry case included
- Not suited for regular heavy-duty fabrics
- Needle threader can need gentle touch
- Limited throat space for king-size quilting
Brother SM1704 — Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at 10.6 lbs
- Simple stitch dial — easy for absolute beginners
- Hard carry case available in bundles
- Jam-resistant Quick-Set bobbin system
- Free arm for cuffs and sleeves
- 25-year limited warranty
- Compact and easy to store
✗ Cons
- Costs $32 MORE than the XM2701
- Only 17 stitches — very limited variety
- No automatic needle threader
- 4-step buttonhole (not automatic)
- Only 4 presser feet
- No decorative or quilting stitches
- You get significantly less for a higher price
Who Should Buy Each Machine?
🧵 Buy the XM2701 if you are…
- A beginner who wants room to grow
- Someone who values an automatic needle threader
- Looking for more stitch variety on a budget
- Planning to sew garments, crafts, or home décor
- Wanting a 1-step buttonhole for cleaner results
- On a tight budget (it’s $32 cheaper)
- Likely to use decorative or quilting stitches
- Sewing most days at home
✈️ Buy the SM1704 if you are…
- Taking a machine to classes weekly
- Traveling frequently with your sewing machine
- Wanting absolute bare-minimum simplicity
- Only ever doing basic repairs and hems
- Happy to thread the needle by hand
- Happy with 17 stitches forever
- Specifically buying a bundle with the carry case
Our Final Verdict: One Clear Winner
This comparison has a more clear-cut outcome than most. The Brother XM2701 wins on almost every measurable dimension: more stitches, more presser feet, an automatic needle threader, a superior 1-step buttonhole — and it does all of this for $32 less than the SM1704.
The SM1704 is not a bad machine. It’s reliable, simple, and lightweight. But at its current pricing, it represents objectively worse value than the XM2701. The only scenario in which the SM1704 makes sense is if portability and absolute minimalism are your non-negotiable priorities, and you’re specifically buying the case bundle version.
For beginners, casual sewists, students, crafters, and anyone who wants a capable everyday machine without spending a fortune — the XM2701 is the clear choice.
Brother XM2701
More stitches, more feet, auto needle threader, 1-step buttonhole — all for $32 less. The obvious choice for virtually every buyer.
View on Amazon — $117 →*Amazon affiliate link
Brother SM1704
Lightest option at 10.6 lbs. Best if you need ultra-portability and prefer absolute simplicity over features.
View on Amazon — $149 →*Amazon affiliate link
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brother XM2701 has 27 built-in stitches (vs 17), 6 presser feet (vs 4), an automatic needle threader, and a 1-step auto-size buttonhole — all at a lower price of $117 vs $149. The SM1704’s only meaningful advantage is being 2 lbs lighter at 10.6 lbs vs 12.6 lbs.
Yes — the XM2701 is widely regarded as one of the best entry-level sewing machines available. It has an automatic needle threader, a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, numbered stitch guides printed directly on the machine, and an instructional DVD included in the box. Brother also offers free lifetime technical support via phone, live chat, and online resources for XM2701 owners.
The XM2701 can handle occasional light-to-medium denim sewing with the correct needle (size 90/14 or 100/16 denim needle) and proper tension adjustment. However, it may struggle with multiple thick denim layers. For regular heavy-duty denim work, a purpose-built heavy-duty machine like the Singer 4423 would be more appropriate.
No. The Brother SM1704 does not include an automatic needle threader. You thread the needle manually by hand every time. This is one of the SM1704’s most significant shortcomings compared to the XM2701, which includes a built-in automatic needle threader.
Both machines use standard Class 15 bobbins, which are widely available and interchangeable between many Brother machines. Brother brand bobbins (SA156) are recommended over generic alternatives for best results.
The Brother XM2701 is the better choice for a child or young sewist. The automatic needle threader reduces frustration and makes setup easier, the 1-step buttonhole produces better results quickly, and the 27 stitches provide more creativity options as skills develop. Its slightly higher weight (12.6 lbs vs 10.6 lbs) is not significant for home use.
Both machines carry a 25-year limited warranty on the chassis casting. Note that the warranty is quite limited in practice — parts and labor coverage is typically 1 year, and electrical components 2 years. Always read the warranty fine print before relying on long-term coverage claims.
The SM1704 is listed as a dealer-exclusive model on the Brother website and has limited availability compared to the XM2701. The XM2701 has a much wider retail distribution. If availability or long-term parts support matters to you, the XM2701 is the safer buy.
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