The Brother XM1010 and the Singer 4423 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the major differences between them? Here I will try to answer them as simply as possible.
Table of Contents
Brother XM1010 vs. Singer 4423: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
Brother XM1010 and Singer 4423 are both mechanical sewing machines. The mechanical sewing machine has fewer stitch options than a computerized sewing machine, but it is easier to maintain and costs less.
Brother XM1010 vs. Singer 4423 : Built-in Stitches
The Brother XM1010 has 10 stitches. The Singer 4423 on the other hand comes with 23 built-in stitches. The apparent difference is in the buttonhole styles, where Brother XM1010 comes with 1 4-step buttonhole(s), Singer 4423 has only 1 one-step buttonhole(s).
Weight
The Brother XM1010 weighs approximately 10.8 lbs, while the Singer 4423 sewing machine comes with a weight of 14.5 lbs.
The extra weight can become cumbersome if you don’t have a set location in your home for your sewing machine.
Start/Stop Button
Neither Brother XM1010 sewing machine nor Singer 4423 has a start/stop button. This might not be convenient for a novice to sew effectively.
Speed Control Slider
Neither Brother XM1010 nor Singer 4423 sewing machine has a speed control slider. With a speed control slider, the sewing speed will never go above your selected speed, no matter how hard you press on the pedal.
Automatic Needle Threader
To assist the user, self-threading sewing machines have what is called an automatic needle threader. The Singer 4423 has one while the Brother XM1010 doesn’t.
Drop-in Bobbin
The advantage of easy drop-in, top load bobbins is that you can readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. You do not have to remove the bobbin case to insert a new bobbin, and you do not have to remove the accessory tray from the free arm to change bobbins. Both the Brother XM1010 sewing machine and the Singer 4423 sewing machine come with this user-friendly feature.
Programmable Needle Up/Down
With a programmable needle up/down function, the needle will stop down in the fabric, allowing you to raise the presser foot and adjust the fabric without the fabric moving out of position because the needle will hold the fabric in place. However, unfortunately, these two sewing machines come with this feature.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Brother XM1010 and the Singer 4423. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
Brother XM1010 | Singer 4423 | |
Product Image | ||
Sewing Machine Type | Mechanical | Mechanical |
Stitches | 10 | 23 |
Buttonhole Styles | 1 4-step | 1 one-step |
Start/Stop Button | No | No |
Built-in Memory | No | No |
Programmable Needle Up/Down | No | No |
Monogramming Font | No | No |
Drop Feed | No, Free-motion is possible with darning plate. | Yes |
Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
Working Light | Yes 1 LED | – |
Speed Control Slider | No | No |
Weight | 10.8 lbs | 14.5 lbs |
Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | – | Yes |
Snap-on Presser Foot | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Thread Cutter | No | No |
Automatic Needle Threader | No | Yes |
Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
USB Connectivity | No | No |
Stitch Selection | Dial | Dial |
Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | – | Yes |
Included Feet | Buttonhole foot, Button sewing foot, Zigzag foot, Zipper foot | All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Sewing Foot |
Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | No | No |
Tension | Adjustable with dial | Adjustable With Dial |
Knee Lifter | No | No |
Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Brother XM1010 Video Review
Singer 4423 Video Review
The Verdict
Feature-wise, the Brother XM1010 and the Singer 4423 differ a lot. However, the common factor is the stitch quality. These two machines provide consistent stitches over a variety of fabrics. If you ask me to pick an affordable advanced sewing machine, I will pick any one of these two machines. Since they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion. The decision has to be made on your sewing skill and sewing level.
Q. What are features to look for in a sewing machine?
A. The best features will depend on the type of sewing you plan to do. For a beginner, some features to look for include built-in stitch types, an automatic needle threader, a top drop-in bobbin, and a set of standard presser feet.
Q. Can a regular sewing machine sew vinyl?
A. Yes, with the same modifications listed above for leather.
Q. Can a normal sewing machine sew canvas?
A. Yes, canvas can be sewn on a regular sewing machine.
Q. How do I thread a sewing machine?
To get started with your sewing project, you’ll need to first thread your sewing machine. While your machine’s manual should guide you in the specific sequence for your make and model, the basic process starts by placing the presser foot in the up position.
Next, put your thread spool on the spool holder and bring the thread across the top of the machine, through the thread guide. Insert the thread through the tension mechanism, sliding it between the metal disks before pulling it back upwards. Find the take-up lever and place the thread into the hole. Pull the thread towards the sewing machine needle, using available thread guides as you go.
Finally, bring the needle into an accessible position by adjusting the handwheel. Insert the thread. Your sewing machine should be threaded and ready to go, but it’s always a good idea to make a test run on a sample swatch to check your work.
However, if you sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader, that would save you lots of time.
Q. What type of maintenance do sewing machines need?
A. Today’s sewing machines usually require just a few basic steps to keep them in good working order. While the manual included with your machine will spell out the details, it’s important to regularly remove the throat plate and use a small, soft brush to remove thread, lint, and debris that might have become lodged inside the machine. Your machine may also require oiling to keep everything lubricated and running smoothly.
Q. How much electricity does a sewing machine use
A. A typical home sewing machine may be in the 100-watt range. One estimate for portable sewing machines says that you are paying about 0.013 cents per hour every time. For the day you may be spending about 10 cents.