Brother SM3701 37-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine - Versatile

Our review of the Brother SM3701 finds a compact, user-friendly sewing machine that fits both beginners and hobby sewers who need versatility without bulk. The biggest reason to buy is its balance of helpful automation and practical stitch variety: the SM3701 pairs an automatic one-step buttonhole and easy needle threading with 37 built-in stitches, making common tasks like hemming, decorative stitching, and light quilting straightforward. It is light enough to move between projects yet solidly built to handle everyday fabrics and occasional thicker layers.

Key Features

• 37 Built-in stitches: A wide selection including blind hem, decorative, and quilting stitches gives creative options without adding complexity.
• One-step buttonhole: The automatic one-step buttonholer produces consistent, nearly perfect buttonholes with minimal setup.
• Free arm: The built-in free arm makes sewing cuffs, sleeves, and pant legs easier and more precise than a flat-bed machine alone.
• Five quick-change feet: Included buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, blind stitch, and button feet let users switch tasks quickly and get professional-looking finishes.
• Easy threading and bobbin system: The easy needle threader, jam-resistant Quick-Set top drop-in bobbin, and automatic bobbin winder speed setup and reduce frustration.
• Lightweight and portable: The machine is designed for easy transport and storage while still feeling sturdy for daily sewing projects.

Who It's For

The SM3701 is best for beginners and casual sewers who want built-in convenience and a reasonable stitch library without a steep learning curve. Its auto buttonhole, simple threading, and instructional DVD make first projects less intimidating, while 37 stitch options cover hems, decorative work, and basic quilting.

Advanced sewists who need heavy industrial performance, large-scale quilting capacity, or an extensive computerized stitch library should look elsewhere; this model is aimed at home sewing tasks and occasional work with thicker fabrics rather than continuous heavy-duty production.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use threading and a Quick-Set bobbin make setup fast for new users.
• Good value for money with 37 built-in stitches and five quick-change feet included.
• Portable, lightweight design that remains stable for general sewing needs.
• Automatic one-step buttonhole delivers consistently neat buttonholes with little fuss.

Cons

• Not intended for heavy industrial sewing or continuous high-volume use; best for home projects.
• Stitch selection is fixed and not computer-controlled, so advanced customization is limited.

Specifications

Brand	Brother
Built-in stitches	37 unique stitches
Buttonhole	Automatic one-step buttonhole
Sewing feet included	5 quick-change feet (buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, blind stitch, button)
Free arm	Built-in for cuffs and sleeves
Bobbin system	Jam-resistant Quick-Set top drop-in bobbin
Stabilizer included	SA520 water soluble stabilizer roll, lightweight, 3.2 yd

Our Verdict

The Brother SM3701 is a strong value for home sewers who want reliable basics plus creative options; it handles everyday fabrics well, includes useful feet and accessories, and simplifies set up with automatic features. Choose this machine if you want a lightweight, easy-to-use model that covers hemming, decorative work, and occasional quilting without a steep learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this machine handle thick fabrics?
The SM3701 is built for home use and can handle thicker fabrics for occasional projects, though it is not a heavy industrial model.

Is a stabilizer included for embroidery?
Yes, the package includes an SA520 water soluble stabilizer roll (lightweight, 3.2 yd) suitable for embroidery backing or topping.

Are instructional materials provided?
Yes, the machine ships with an instructional DVD and a user manual in English and Spanish to help new users get started.